Do You Have High Arches? Try This 10-Second Foot Test to Find Out
Most people have no idea what type of feet they have—but knowing your arch type could be the key to solving your foot pain.
If your feet hurt after a long day, if your shoes feel off, or if you’ve ever dealt with heel pain, ankle instability, or calluses, it might not be “just age.” It could be your arches.
As a second-generation shoe fitter who’s helped thousands of dancers and active women, I can tell you:
Foot pain is common, but it’s not normal.
And it often starts with the wrong shoe for your foot type.
Let’s fix that. Starting with a 10-second test you can do at home.
The Wet Footprint Test (aka: The Easiest Way to Learn Your Arch Type)
This simple test can help you identify if you have flat feet, neutral arches, or high arches—and what kind of shoes you should be wearing.
How to Do It:
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Lightly wet the bottom of your foot (don’t soak it—just politely damp).
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Step onto a paper towel, cardboard, or piece of construction paper.
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Look at your footprint.
What Your Footprint Says:
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Full Foot Shape
You likely have flat feet or low arches. -
Heel + Ball with a Skinny Line
That’s a sign of high arches.
The bigger the gap in the middle, the higher the arch.
Important Note:
This isn’t a medical diagnosis—just a DIY clue. Your arch can flatten when fully weight-bearing, so use this as a starting point to better understand your feet.
Why It Matters: High Arches Can Lead to Real Pain
If you have high arches (pes cavus), you may experience:
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Foot, heel, or ankle pain
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Instability or frequent sprains
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Calluses or pressure points
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Tightness or pain across the top of the foot
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Even claw toes from overcompensation
Most shoes aren’t built for high arches—especially not the cute ones.
That’s why so many women end up wearing shoes that don’t support their feet properly, leading to chronic pain or fatigue. And if you're on your feet all day, like dancers, teachers, nurses, or moms? It adds up.
That’s Why I Created Gliss
Gliss Recovery Shoes were designed with high arches in mind.
Inspired by ballet, built for real life—Gliss supports your foot’s natural structure with:
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An arch-hugging anatomical footbed
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A deep heel cup for stability
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Plush, responsive cushioning for shock absorption
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A soft, roomy toe box that lets your forefoot relax
If you’ve ever felt like “no shoes work for me,” you’re not alone. Gliss was made for you.
Know Your Feet. Love Your Feet.
So the next time your shoes feel wrong or your feet ache at the end of the day, remember:
It might not be you. It might be your arches—and the wrong shoe.
- Take the Wet Footprint Test
- Learn your arch type
- And if you discover you have high arches…
Check out Gliss Recovery Shoes
Because your feet deserve better.
Made for dancers. Designed for women. Loved by arches everywhere.
