Why Your Foot Pain Isn’t Going Away (Even With New Shoes)
You’ve probably heard people say they have flat feet or high arches and maybe you’ve diagnosed yourself, too. But here’s the truth: most people misunderstand what their foot type actually means.
If you’ve tried new shoes, arch supports, or insoles and still deal with daily foot or heel pain, the issue may not be your footwear at all, it could be how your feet are built and how you walk.
Understanding your unique foot type is the first step toward fixing chronic foot pain for good.
Your Foot Type: The Foundation of Every Step
There are two main foot types — flat feet (planus) and high arches (cavus).
But your arch shape is just one piece of the puzzle.
Dr. Po Raval explains that podiatrists also look at two other key factors:
- Twist of the Foot:
- Twisting outward = valgus
- Twisting inward = varus
This twist affects how your weight is distributed and where your pain shows up.
- Gait (the Way You Walk):
Whether your feet roll inward, outward, or you tend to walk on your toes or heels — it all changes which muscles and tendons are under stress.
Ignoring these factors is the biggest reason foot pain lingers even after “trying everything.”
Flat Feet vs. High Arches: How Pain Shows Up
Flat Feet (Planus):
When your arches collapse, the plantar fascia — the thick band under your foot — overstretches and becomes inflamed. This leads to:
- Arch pain
- Heel pain or heel spurs
- Tired, aching feet after long days
High Arches (Cavus):
If your arches are too high, your heel and forefoot bear most of your weight. That causes:
- Tight Achilles tendons
- Pain in the ball of the foot
- Heel or calf pain after walking or running
Sometimes, patients have a mix of both — depending on how the foot twists during movement. That’s why a personalized evaluation is key.
Shoes and Orthotics: What Actually Matters
Forget the marketing labels that say “best for flat feet” or “ideal for high arches.”
According to Dr. Raval, what truly matters is:
- The shoe should not wobble when placed on a flat surface.
- The insole or orthotic should match your foot’s needs.
If you have a twist in your foot, custom orthotics are essential — no store-bought insole can correct that.
If you only have high or low arches (no twist), PowerStep ProTech insoles are one of the best options. They’re supportive, cushioned, and fit both foot types.
Available at Archmaker.net and fulfilled through Amazon for easy ordering.
When to See a Podiatrist
If your pain persists despite changing shoes or insoles, your foot type and gait likely haven’t been fully analyzed. A podiatrist can assess:
✅ Foot arch structure
✅ Valgus/varus twist
✅ Gait alignment
When all three are addressed together — foot type, twist, and gait — chronic foot pain finally disappears.
Final Thoughts
Your feet are the foundation of every step you take.
Stop guessing and start understanding how your foot type shapes your comfort, balance, and performance.
For expert guidance, trusted product recommendations, and custom orthotic insights, visit Archmaker.net.
