my foot type

What’s Your Foot Type? 

It might seem strange at first, but getting to know your feet is one of the best and most important things you can do for your overall health. After all, your feet are the foundation of every step you take and have a surprisingly big influence on your body’s posture and alignment. They say we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, but the truth is, our feet are the real heroes.

If you want to show your feet some love for all they do — and prevent ankle, knee, and back pain at the same time — understanding your foot type is a great place to start.

So, what characteristics make your feet unique? Besides size, which we already know can vary greatly from person to person, the most important factor is arch type. You may have heard of “high arches” but that’s just the beginning. In fact, one of the most common misconceptions about orthotic shoe inserts, like the ones we designed at ABEO from 20-plus years of research and data collection, is that only people with high arches need arch support. In reality, we all need arch support to prevent foot fatigue and damage to the muscles and tendons. 

The question isn’t “Do I need arch support?” it’s “What kind of arch support is best for my foot type?” 

If you’re having severe foot pain, it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor. But if you’re simply looking to support overall foot health and feel more comfortable, the best way start learning about your foot type is by doing a Wet Foot Test.

 

Being aware of your arch height helps you identify which type of orthotic footbed is right for you. If you have a medium or high arch, a high-quality “neutral” orthotic will support your arches and overall foot health. If you have extremely high arches or you experience plantar fasciitis, you may want to add a “metatarsal pad,” which provides enhanced arch and ball-of-foot support to redistribute weight and relieve forefoot pain and pressure. If you have flat feet, a “posted heel footbed” will offer extra support for the inside of the foot, preventing over-pronation.

 

 

So whether you have flat feet or seriously high arches, you should give your feet the attention they deserve, and that means upgrading from a flimsy insole to a custom ABEO orthotic, carefully designed to fit your specific foot type and lifestyle. It also means finding sandals, slippers, and dress shoes with built-in orthotics so you can get the support you need even when you’re wearing shoes that don’t accommodate traditional orthotics. 

At ABEO, we create shoes that support your unique foot type at all hours of the day and night, whether you’re hiking 10 miles, heading out to dinner with friends, or walking from the bedroom to the kitchen to make coffee. If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that supporting your feet now with a custom orthotic footbed will safeguard your health and wellness for years to come. So go ahead and get to know your foot type — your future self will thank you!