In the Know: Arch Support

There’s no denying the importance of the arch of the foot. It absorbs the physical shock of each step, while also lending flexibility to the foot and driving power to push the foot off the ground. The arch of the foot also helps to maintain even distribution of weight over the bottom of the foot, giving a balanced base.

Fallen arches can cause pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and even the neck. One of the main issues caused by fallen arches is pronation of the foot, which means that the ankle slumps inwards. Without the correct arch support, this can cause further problems, such as bunions. When shopping for footwear with arch support, there are several key features you should look out for.

Good arch support should be structured enough to stabilise the arch of the foot, but not too rigid, as this will cause further pain. If a shoe has arch support, you will see a raised contoured section of the footbed where the arch of the foot sits. This helps to gently raise the arch and restore it to its natural position. It is also important to look out for shoes that have a cushioned insole, as this is vital to helping redistribute the weight across the whole foot. This will help alleviate pain and also provide support. Natural materials, such as leather, are best when it comes to providing arch support. This is because leather can be ‘broken in’ which makes the shoes become more comfortable over time.

Check out our range of arch support footwear, designed to step you into comfort.