Understanding Your Arch Type

The difference between comfort & calamity can come down to a few millimetres.

The construction and quality of the shoe are still the biggest factors in overall comfort. However, if your feet are screaming by lunch time knowing your arch type might just be the game changer you’ve been looking for.

At The Comfort Co. we believe wellness begins from the ground up, and knowing that arch type could be your first step to living better.

Once you’re an arch type aficionado it’s easy to make simple adjustments and walk on a dream daily.

Why your foot arch matters

Your foot arch doesn’t get as much credit as it deserves. It’s not just a delicate curve, it’s an evolutionary marvel designed to:

• Absorb the shock of your steps (1.5–4x your body weight with every step!)⁵
• Distribute weight and pressure evenly
• Keep you balanced and aligned

We wrote a blog going into detail about everything Arch Support here if you’d like more details. Considering just how much work your arches do day-to-day (especially if you’re getting 10,000 steps a day) having any of these aspects wrong can lead to a flow on effect that can be felt over the rest of your body.

Not absorbing shock properly leads to sore feet, not distributing weight and pressure increases risk of injury and if your balance and alignment are off it’s a slippery slope to sore knees, hips and even back! Needless to say, it’s pretty important to get right.

Most feet fall into three main arch types: low, neutral, or high.⁶ Knowing where you stand (literally) is the first step toward all-day comfort.

How to find out what kind of arch type you have

Not sure what your arch type is? Here are a few ways to find out, including a pretty simple one at home.

Podiatrist visit

If you suffer from foot pain (or knee, hip or back you can’t put your finger on) your first stop should always be a podiatrist. They’ll be able to give you the full picture with what’s happening with your feet. As well as deep diving things like the biomechanics of how you walk and non-structural related foot issues (bunion, hammertoe etc.)

From here they can give you information about your foot, and recommend the perfect pair of shoes for you (that will almost certainly be available at The Comfort Co.)

Aetrex Scan

If you have no acute current concerns about your foot health then without a doubt the best way to learn everything about your foot is through an Aetrex scan. In a matter of minutes, these technological wonders scan your feet and are able to not only tell you your perfect foot size, but also your arch type, the volume of your foot, the pressure on different areas, and more.

These scanners can be found at The Comfort Co shops and also at many of our partners.

The Wet Test

If you simply have to know what type of arch you have RIGHT NOW then you can do the wet test very simply at home.

• Wet the bottom of your foot, either by stepping in a shallow pan of water or lightly misting it with a spray bottle.
• Step firmly onto a piece of cardboard or a brown paper bag.
• Step off and look at your footprint.

• Low arches (flat feet): You’ll see almost the entire footprint, with little to no curve on the inside.
• Neutral arches: There will be a distinct curve along the inside, about halfway filled in.
• High arches: You’ll see a thin band connecting your heel and forefoot, or in some cases, almost no connection at all.

Arch Types

Now that we know how to find out which Arch Type you are, let’s get into what this means for you.

1. Low arches (flat feet)

Arguably the most famous (thanks to the saying “flat footed”), yet least prevalent Arch Type (it affects 15% of the population). Flat feet can cause you a whole cacophony of issues due to misalignment caused by overpronation. These are arches that could most benefit from intervention.

Common issues:

• Overpronation, where your foot rolls inward too much²
• This misalignment can contribute to plantar fasciitis, knee pain, hip strain, and lower back discomfort¹

What to look for:

• Shoes with firm arch support and stability features that guide your foot into proper alignment
• Removable insoles that let you insert custom orthotics if needed

Our Aetrex range is designed by podiatrists to provide biomechanical support that helps control pronation and ease strain. A lower cost option is anything from the Scholl Orthaheel or a great pair of insoles.

2. Neutral arches

If you have Neutral Arches, lucky you! Well not THAT lucky, 60% of the population are blessed to have arches like yours. These arches are naturally brilliant at shock absorption and will generally mean you’re aligned in the way you walk. That being said, it’s never a bad idea to look into Arch Support, as this can save you many issues down the road.

Common issues:

• Generally fewer problems, though standing long hours on hard surfaces can still cause fatigue.

What to look for:

• Most shoes will work well, but aim for balanced cushioning and gentle support that keeps your feet aligned without overcorrecting.

All shoes available on The Comfort Co. have a great level of Arch Support that will work wonders for your purpose. Just look for a pair you’ll want to wear regularly. Because as we always say “if you’re not wearing them, they’re not doing you any good”.

3. High arches

If you roll your ankle regularly, chances are you have high arches. This is because high arches tend to underpronate (roll outwards) naturally.³ You’re not alone, 20% of the population have high arches.

This type of arch also loses a lot of shock absorption as it’s unable to flex quite so much. If you get sore feet, this may well be why.

Common issues:

• Underpronation (supination), where your foot rolls outward
• More stress on the heel and ball of the foot
• Increased risk of ankle sprains, metatarsalgia (ball-of-foot pain)⁴, and even stress fractures

What to look for:

• Shoes with ample cushioning to soften impact
• Flexible materials that move with your foot, plus gentle support to cradle the arch without pushing it higher

Revere styles offer adjustable features so you can customise the fit to your needs and our Mia Vita range is renowned for its cushioning. If you want to get active, Vitasole is the one for you. We’ve specialised our cushioning to provide the relief you need in your forefoot.

Why it matters long-term

Your feet are the underrated workhorse in your body. They cop a lot of impact, day after day, with everything you do. Knowing your arch type isn’t just about preventing blisters or short-term foot pain, it’s about supporting your entire body from the ground up. Properly aligned feet can improve your posture, reduce joint strain, and keep you moving comfortably for years to come.

If you’re lost, don’t worry. At The Comfort Co., our trained team is on standby to help you identify your arch type and recommend the best shoes from our curated brands to match your needs. Come see us in-store or explore our range online. Let’s build that comfort from the ground up!