How to Tell If You Have High Arches

Foot pain during running, walking or standing may be a symptom of high arches. This condition---in which the arch of the instep is too high---places excessive stress on the heel and front of the foot. Fortunately, specially designed shoes exist that can help keep you comfortable and safe while running. Perform this simple test to find out if you have high arches.

Things You'll Need

  • Brown paper bag
  • Scissors
  • Bathtub
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a rectangle just larger than your foot out of a brown paper bag. Lay the brown paper rectangle flat on the bathroom floor, just next to the bathtub.

    • 2

      Fill your bathtub with one inch of water and dip your food in the water. Shake off any excess water so your foot is just damp.

    • 3

      Step on the brown paper rectangle with your damp foot. Observe the imprint you have made. The imprint of a normal arch will appear as a wet outline of about half of the foot's midsection. If you only see imprints of the heel and ball of your foot with a thin line along the outside, you have a high arch.