How to Pick the Best High Arch Support Inserts for Your Foot Type

At PCSsole, we believe everyone should experience all-day comfort, whether walking, running, working, or simply enjoying life with the right support at every step. That’s why we provide a diverse range of insoles designed to fit different foot types and footwear. From plush, cushioned comfort to firm, stabilizing support, there’s a perfect pair of PCSsole insoles for you.

We also provide insoles in a range of arch heights. Keep reading to discover the best way to choose the ideal insole arch height for your feet.

Feet vary widely in shape and structure. Some have a nearly flat profile from heel to toe, while others have a pronounced arch that lifts between the heel and forefoot. Most people land somewhere in between, and all variations are completely natural.

Yes! Here are three simple methods to determine your arch height:

1. Wet Foot Test

This is the easiest and most common method:

Wet the sole of your foot.

Step onto a piece of paper, a dry sidewalk, or another surface where your footprint will be visible.

Step off and examine the print:

Low arch (flat feet): Most of your foot is visible with little to no curve along the inner edge.

Medium arch (normal arch): A moderate curve appears along the inside of the footprint.

High arch: Only a thin band or no connection appears between the heel and forefoot.

2. Towel Roll Test

Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground.

Place a rolled-up towel under the ball of your foot and press down.

If your arch stays mostly flat against the towel, you likely have flat feet.

If there’s a small gap, you likely have a medium arch.

If your arch lifts high off the towel, you likely have a high arch.

3. Standing Test

Stand barefoot and look at your feet from the front.

If your foot rolls inward and your arch collapses, you may have low arches or flat feet.

If your arch maintains its shape and doesn’t touch the ground much, you likely have a medium to high arch.

This test is meant to be a starting place, particularly if you have never considered the arch height of your feet. It is by no means a scientific comparison, but it does provide a general idea of your arch height in an easy-to-do way.

Once you have a sense of your arch height, the next step is finding the right PCSsole insoles that provide the best support and comfort for your feet. People with high arches tend to benefit most from insoles designed with a high-arch shape, while those with medium or low arches will find their perfect fit with corresponding insole designs. The key is to choose insoles that align with your foot’s natural arch to experience maximum support and relief.

That said, comfort is highly individual. Some people with lower arches appreciate the firm support and shape that high-arch insoles, like PCSsole Universal Arch Support insoles provide. When choosing the right insole for your feet, it’s important to think about the level of support and “presence” you prefer underfoot. High-arch insoles offer a more substantial shape and support, delivering a stronger feeling of stability, while lower-arch insoles provide a gentler, yet still effective, support.

PCSsole insoles available in a variety of arch heights, are designed to fit comfortably in most shoes with removable liners. If you're new to using PCSsole insoles or unsure which arch height will provide the best comfort, starting with a high arch insole like a Universal Arch Support insole or Heavy Duty Comfort Cushioning insole is a great option. For added flexibility, you can also try our Running Flexible Performance insole, which are designed to support all arch heights and feature memory foam cushioning for enhanced comfort.

Keeping your own comfort preferences in mind is most important, but another factor determining which insoles you choose is the type of footwear you will be wearing them in.

No matter your arch height, cushioning preference, or type of footwear, PCSsole insoles can provide that missing puzzle piece of support that perfectly fits in between the contoured shape of your feet and the flat surface inside your shoes.

Need help finding the best PCSsole for you? Take the online insole finder quiz.