High Arch & Overpronation

Shoes and orthotics are only effective against overpronation that is occuring due to mechanical deficiencies below the ankle. If you have a high arch, you are not pronating because of your foot. Your arch is actually too rigid and would normally need very minimal support if not no support at all. Your overpronation may be coming from above the ankle (leg length discrepence, hip alignment/tilt, splayed feet, etc.). Shoes will not correct the overpronation if it is coming from above the ankle.

Think about it this way - would you rather immobilize your leg so you can run a little now, or work on correcting the problem so you can be pain free (or freer anyway) in the long run?

That's basically the choice I faced with Achilles issues. I had started in the old Brooks Beast because I was almost 200 pounds, and even got orthotics at one point. It was all a disaster until I stopped for a while, did the appropriate rehab, flexibility and strengthening, and started running with lighter neutral shows and barefoot running. It's gotten me off my heels and into a quicker, lighter stride, much more efficient.

Shoe store people still insist I need stability or motion control shoes, but I really don't.

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Asics makes a model called the Phoenix, which has a pronation control post; yet has a highly built-up arch, which bothers most with normal arches. Maybe this model will work for you.

This is a highly unusual situation though. Ordinarily high-arched feet suffer from too little pronation, resulting in excessive shock being passed up through the legs. That situation is addressed by shoes with soft, cushy midsoles, with little if any pronation control (pronation, unless excessive, absorbs shock).

Thanks for the input. I really appreciate it.

I think I have a long, slow road with a lot of core work ahead of me. I'm a bio-mechanical mess, so I hope the strength/flexibility work will help pull it all together.

I saw my primary care doctor (also certified in sports medicine) and talked about a plan. Apparently HS flag football, collegiate rugby and a return to flag FB this past year have all done a number on my nearly 40-year old body. Along with the old back/neck injuries, I have knock-knees, hyperflexible joints and mild scoliosis, so my hips are out of whack (which he thinks is leading to the leg-length discrepancy he sees) and contributing to the SI Joint Dysfunction and relate sciatic issues. I'm a true mess.

He suggested a return to PT exercises, pilates, and looking at some cushiony stability shoes as I do only minimal short, slow runs until the core strength is there to hold it all together. I'll definitely look at the Phoenix as I continue shopping for shoes.

Thanks again!

If you get standing pelvis xrays you can determine if you leg length problem is structural or function. You have to factor in any pelvic obliquity and there are rules for measuring and doing this. There are also contraindications. Find a chiro who knows how to do this and will take a standing xray. Measuring with a measuring tape is worthless. It is likely an anatomical short leg will cause a scoliosis but has to be 7mm or more difference. It is unlikely a shoe will fix your issues because of your arch presentation, any oronation is likely due to problems above the ankle.

That said, if you change your foot strike your pronation would be inconsequential and it would might help your back if your back pain isn't because of a short leg.

Precious Roy wrote:

Shoes and orthotics are only effective against overpronation that is occuring due to mechanical deficiencies below the ankle. If you have a high arch, you are not pronating because of your foot. Your arch is actually too rigid and would normally need very minimal support if not no support at all. Your overpronation may be coming from above the ankle (leg length discrepence, hip alignment/tilt, splayed feet, etc.). Shoes will not correct the overpronation if it is coming from above the ankle.

Arch height, rigidity and function isn't nearly the only variable in pronation. Do some research on rearfoot/forefoot varus and valgus. Also do some research on "subtle cavus foot"

Thanks again. I've been looking up a lot of terms and have some good questions to ask at my next appointment.

One thing I learned in all of this research is that it seems I may have Morton's Foot on my right side. I always just thought it odd that my 2nd and 3rd toe were longer, but it seems as thought that could be playing a role in the biomechanical issues on that side. When I bend my toes, the big toe metatarsal head sits distinctly lower than those of the 2nd & 3rd toes. I'm not sure I've ever actually taken my socks off while at the doctor, PT or any shoe-fitting/gait analysis appointments for it to be noticed.

Thanks again for all of suggestions.

I have the same kind of feet although I'm a pretty big person:

6'2" 185, 5% bodyfat. My feet size are 12.5 and my arches are ridiculously high.

All my problems stopped once I started running in shoes without thick heels. The closer to barefoot I got the better.

Now the only problems I have is my muscles are sore from so much fast running!

Check out information on valgus forefoot or subtle cavus foot...I've been dealing with similar issues.

There is pretty much 0 chance of a motion control shoe "overcorrecting" pronation.

At last someone with exactly the same issues. I'm a hockey player, ex gymnast and just don't road run. stick to treadmill and Don't play on grass. (artificial turf only). I gave had knee surgery, have orthotics and have numerous professionals recommending one shoe over another. I found asics netburner super to be best to date, but want to qualify I also have orthotics, I buy new shoes every 6 months (play games 3x week) and bought the black ones (the white ones didn't seem to last long). I'm like you, I'll about try most recommendations, but never really have 100 percent satisfaction. work on lengthening (not just strengthening) leg muscles. flexibility is a key and believe it or not hydration (by way of water). poor posture (brought on by something anatomically miss-aligning) really affects sciatic nerve. rule out hydration, stretching, then work on shoe... Hope helps :-)

At last someone with exactly the same issues. I'm a hockey player, ex gymnast and just don't road run. stick to treadmill and Don't play on grass. (artificial turf only). Ive had knee surgery, have orthotics and have numerous professionals recommending one shoe over another. some suggest more surgery... eeek. I found asics netburner super to be best to date, but want to qualify I also have orthotics, I buy new shoes every 6 months (play games 3x week) and bought the black ones (the white ones didn't seem to last long? ) because I really can tell when they are worn out - even when they still look new! . I'm like you, I'll about try most recommendations, but never really have 100 percent satisfaction. work on lengthening (not just strengthening) leg muscles. when things go wrong those pesky limbs recompensate and coupled with doing the right thing_working out more_ we forget that being stronger can exacerbate a condition too. flexibility is a key and believe it or not hydration (by way of water). poor posture (brought on by something anatomically miss-aligning) really affects sciatic nerve. rule out hydration, stretching, then work on shoe... Hope helps :-)

superfeet insoles are the way to go

an orthotic in a neutral shoe may be the best bet. just guessing but the pronation might be starting in the underpronated or (some call it) the supinated position and you pronate into a neutral position. This may be whyrigid support shoes feel clunky and do nothing to slow the movement. you may have to just get an orthotic with a high arch that will take pressure off ball of foot and keeps the foot in an underpronated position. this can cause other problems, but may be best option. As for shoes, NB makes a SL-2 last for wide feet and high instep.