Is there recommended lacing for feet with high arches?

Feet with high arches require special attention when it comes to choosing the right lacing technique for footwear. Knowing how to adapt the lacing can make a big difference to the comfort and health of your feet. Through this article, we will first explore the essentials of the anatomy of high-arched feet as well as the common problems often encountered by those who suffer from them.

Then, we'll introduce you to the best lacing techniques to relieve excessive pressure and stabilise the foot to prevent potential pain and injury. Finally, we'll share practical tips for improving comfort, stressing the importance of choosing suitable footwear and using specific orthopaedic insoles.

Dive into this fascinating world with us and discover how a well-thought-out lacing can transform your walking and running experience.

Understanding high arched feet

Have you ever felt a throbbing pain in the arch of your foot after a long day of walking or physical activity? If so, you probably have high-arched feet. These feet are characterised by a pronounced curvature between the support of the heel and the metatarsophalangeal joint, which can lead to a variety of discomforts and require special care.

Anatomy of high-arched feet

High-arched feet have a accentuated arch, resulting in excessive pressure on the heel and forefoot. This particular morphology can cause uneven distribution of body weight, increasing the risk of pain and injury. The high arch of the foot often lacks the support needed to effectively absorb shock when walking or running.

Common problems associated with high arches

Having feet with high arches can lead to a number of discomforts. Among the most common are:

• Plantar pain: restricted support areas can cause intense underfoot pain;
• Postural imbalances: poor weight distribution can affect overall body alignment;
• Tendinitis and plantar fasciitis: lack of adequate support can overstrain tendons and ligaments.

Take Sophie, for example, a keen hiker who loves exploring mountain trails. She discovered that after a few hours' walking, her feet were hurting terribly. On consulting a podiatrist, she learned that her pain was due to her particularly high arches. Thanks to a proper adjustment of the lacing and the use of special orthopaedic insoles, Sophie was able to regain her pleasure of walking without pain.

For those of you with feet with a high arch, it's essential to adopt specific techniques to improve your everyday comfort.

The best lacing techniques for high arches

Having feet with high arches can be a real challenge on a daily basis. Fortunately, there are specific lacing techniques that can greatly improve your comfort and stability. Have you ever wondered how to adjust your shoelaces to relieve that constant pressure on your feet? Here are some tips that could transform your walking experience.

Lacing to relieve pressure

For those who feel excessive pressure on the top of the foot, ladder lacing is a particularly effective technique. By alternating horizontal and vertical lace runs, this method distributes tension evenly over the entire surface of the foot, reducing painful pressure points.

The steps to follow are:

• Step 1: pass the lace through the bottom eyelets as usual.
• Step 2: pass each end of the lace directly to the next eyelet on the same side before crossing to the other side.
• Step 3: continue this pattern until you reach the top of the shoe.

Lacing to stabilise the foot

If you need more stability, especially during sporting activities or long walks, opt for locked loop lacing. This technique creates an extra loop near the ankle that helps hold your heel firmly in place, minimising the risk of blisters and other discomforts associated with excessive foot movement inside the shoe.

The steps to follow are:

• Step 1: lace your shoes normally up to the second last eyelet.
• Step 2: instead of crossing the laces directly towards the last eyelets, pass them vertically through these same eyelets to create a loop.
• Step 3: then cross the ends of the laces and pass them through the loops created before tightening firmly and tying as usual.

These techniques aren't just practical; they also embody careful attention to every detail, just as a craftsman attends to his work with precision. By adopting these methods, you could not only improve your comfort but also extend the life of your shoes by reducing the uneven wear caused by a poor fit. So why not give it a try and see for yourself the difference it can make? Your feet will thank you!

Tricks to improve the comfort of high-arched feet

For those of you with high arched feet, comfort can sometimes seem out of reach. However, with a few thoughtful tips, it's possible to turn your shoes into veritable cocoons for your feet. Here are a few practical tips to help you do just that.

Choosing the right shoes

The choice of shoes plays a crucial role in the comfort of high-arched feet. Opt for shoes that offer good arch support and the right arch shape. Shoes with a strong shank can offer the firmness needed for the arch of the foot, thus avoiding pain associated with prolonged support.

Preferably shoes with a well-fitting vamp, covering the forefoot without exerting excessive pressure on the metatarsals. A good pair of shoes should mould perfectly to the shape of the foot while allowing some flexibility.

Use of orthopaedic insoles

The use of orthopaedic insoles can considerably improve your day-to-day comfort. These insoles are designed to offer extra support to the arch of the foot and redistribute the pressure exerted on the foot evenly.

It is essential that these insoles are shaped specifically for your feet to ensure an optimal fit. You can consult a podiatrist who will be able to advise you on the best options available and even make bespoke insoles if necessary.

The right lacing

The right lacing can make all the difference in maximising comfort and stabilising your feet. For feet with high arches, we recommend using step lacing, which reduces pressure on the top of the foot while providing good lateral stability.

Here are the steps to follow:

• Start at the bottom eyelet, then cross the laces to the next eyelet without overtightening;
• Let one eyelet through, which creates a wider loop at the instep and thus relieves pressure on this sensitive area;
• Continue to the top, adjusting each crossing according to your personal feeling to find the perfect balance between support and comfort.

Regular foot care

Don't forget that taking regular care of your feet also contributes to their overall comfort. A daily or weekly massage with a suitable hydrating cream can help relax tense muscles and prevent high arch pain.

Perfectly implementing these tips could transform your daily experience, making every step more enjoyable and less painful. So why not start today? Your feet will thank you!

We recommend these other pages:

• How can lacing help with slippery feet in shoes?
• What lacing to use to minimise pressure on the top of the foot?