What the Research Says About Arch Support

1. 
   Source 1Knee and back pain

   Foot orthoses reduced knee pain and low back pain in two trials

   Knee pain (179 adults): with arch support inserts, 85% improved at six weeks, against 58% with flat inserts.

   Low back pain (225 adults): custom orthotics cut pain by 1.9 points out of 10 in six weeks, against 0.7 with no treatment.

   Source: BMJ Collins et al., 2008. Foot orthoses and physiotherapy in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome: randomised clinical trial

   Source: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Cambron et al., 2017. Shoe orthotics for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

2. 
   Source 2Flat feet

   Arch support insoles reduced leg fatigue in people with flat feet

   15 women with flat feet walked uphill and downhill with arch support insoles and with flat insoles.

   With arch support, the thigh and shin muscles showed less fatigue.

   Source: Scientific Reports Huang et al., 2025. Arch support insoles reduce fatigue of the lower extremity muscles in people with flatfoot during a walking task

3. 
   Source 3Plantar fasciitis

   Arch support helps ease plantar fasciitis

   Harvard Health: "Proper arch support helps distribute pressure evenly across the foot, reducing strain on the plantar fascia."

   Off-the-shelf or custom arch supports can help. A doctor may suggest custom inserts if pain persists.

   Source: Harvard Health Publishing Plantar fasciitis: Symptoms, causes, and treatments. J. Restivo, reviewed by R. H. Shmerling, MD, 2023

4. 
   Source 4Bunions

   Arch supports are a non-surgical option for bunions

   Stanford Health Care: bunion pads, arch supports or orthotics "can help redistribute your weight while you are walking and take pressure off your big toe."

   Also listed: roomy shoes with a wide toe box, ice, pain relief.

   Source: Stanford Health Care Bunions: Treatments

5. 
   Source 5High arches

   Stanford: arch support improves stability for high arches

   Stanford Health Care, on cavus foot (high arches): "A customized device that you wear inside your shoe can provide support for high arches and improve stability."

   It adds that shoes with good arch and ankle support "can help stabilize your feet."

   Source: Stanford Health Care Cavus Foot

6. 
   Source 6Long hours on your feet

   Harvard: standing all day strains the feet, legs and lower back

   Harvard Health: "Being on your feet all day is not only hard on them, but also on your lower back and legs."

   Its advice: shoes with good arch support, an orthotic insert for more cushioning, and alternating sitting and standing through the day.

   Source: Harvard Health Publishing 8 ways to avoid foot pain, 2022

These summaries are for information only and are not medical advice. If you have persistent foot, knee or back pain, see a doctor or podiatrist.