Introduction
Do your feet feel sore, tired, or pressured after walking or running? If yes, high arches may be the reason. High arches mean the middle part of your foot lifts higher than usual instead of resting evenly on the ground. This foot shape can create extra pressure, poor shock absorption, and ongoing discomfort—especially when shoes are laced the wrong way.
Here’s the good news: you don’t always need new shoes or expensive gear. A simple change in how you lace your shoes can dramatically improve comfort, reduce pain, and support your arches better.
You’ll learn:
- Understanding High Arches: Why They Deserve Extra Care
- The best lacing methods for high arches (step-by-step)
- How to lace different types of shoes for maximum comfort
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Extra tools that improve results when combined with proper lacing
A small lacing change can bring big relief—let’s get started.
2. What Are High Arches & Why Do They Need Special Lacing?
High arches, also known as cavus feet, describe a condition where the foot’s arch is unusually elevated above the typical curve. When standing, less of the midfoot touches the ground, shifting body weight mainly to the heel and ball of the foot.
Why High Arches Cause Discomfort
Because weight isn’t evenly distributed, people with high arches often experience:
- Arch-related foot pain
- Pressure on the top of the foot
- Heel and forefoot soreness
- Fatigue after walking or standing
- Shoes feeling tight across the instep
Why Standard Shoe Lacing Fails
Traditional crisscross lacing is designed for average foot shapes. For high arches, this method can:
- Increase pressure on the top of the foot
- Restrict blood flow
- Reduce overall comfort and flexibility
That’s why special lacing techniques for high arches are essential—they relieve pressure, improve fit, and enhance support where your feet need it most.
3. Best Lacing Methods for High Arches (Step-by-Step)
If you’re dealing with arch pain, changing your lacing style is one of the easiest fixes.
Window Lacing (Best Overall Method)
Window lacing creates space over the highest part of your foot, reducing pressure and improving comfort.
How to do it:
- Continue standard lacing only halfway up the shoe.
- Skip one set of eyelets where the pressure feels strongest.
- Continue lacing above the skipped area.
- Adjust tension so the shoe feels secure but not tight.
This method is ideal for daily wear, running, and walking shoes.
Pressure-Relief Adjustment Tip
If your shoes still feel uncomfortable, slightly loosen the laces near the top of the foot. Proper lacing should feel supportive—not restrictive.
Best for:
- Adults and kids
- Everyday shoes
- People with high arches or high insteps
4. Smart Lacing Techniques for High Arches: Tailored Tips for Every Shoe Type
Not all shoes need the same lacing style. Here’s how to adjust based on shoe type:
A) Running Shoes
High arches often lack natural shock absorption, making running uncomfortable.
Best method: Heel-lock or loop lacing
- Prevents foot movement
- Improves stability
- Reduces arch strain during runs
B) Athletic & Training Shoes
For gym workouts or sports, comfort and flexibility matter.
Best method: Straight lacing with moderate tension
- Reduces pressure on the instep
- Allows natural foot movement
C) Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are stiff and supportive but can feel painful with high arches.
Best method:
- Keep ankle area snug
- Loosen lacing across the arch
This improves balance and prevents long-distance discomfort.
D) Dress Shoes
Dress shoes often have less padding and flexibility.
Best method: Gap or straight bar lacing
- Maintains a clean look
- Reduces top-of-foot pressure
- Improves comfort without affecting style
Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Over-tightening laces ❌ Using one lacing style for every shoe ❌ Ignoring pain signals from your feet
Customized lacing is key for long-term comfort.
5. How Proper Lacing Helps Reduce Foot Pain
Correct lacing can significantly improve how your feet feel throughout the day.
Benefits of Proper Lacing
- Relieves pressure on the arch and instep
- Improves blood circulation
- Reduces foot fatigue
- Enhances shoe fit without buying new footwear
Combine Lacing with Insoles
For best results, pair smart lacing with arch-support insoles. This combination provides:
- Better weight distribution
- Improved shock absorption
- Long-lasting comfort for high arches
A simple adjustment at home can make a noticeable difference.
6. Expert Tips for Taming High Insteps and Tricky-to-Fit Feet
If the top of your foot feels squeezed, you likely have a high instep along with high arches.
Best Lacing Techniques for High Insteps
Skip Lacing:
- Leave out one or two eyelets
- Instantly reduces pressure
Straight Bar Lacing:
- Creates a smooth, flat top
- Ideal for dress and casual shoes
Which is better?
- Choose straight bar lacing for style and mild pressure.
- Choose skip lacing for maximum relief
Bonus Tip: Elastic Laces
Elastic laces stretch with movement, making them ideal for:
- High arches
- Kids’ shoes
- Slip-on convenience
7. Bonus Tools That Enhance Comfort
Lacing works even better when combined with the right accessories:
- Arch-support insoles: Improve alignment and reduce strain
- Stretch laces: Adjust automatically with movement
- Tongue pads: Cushion pressure on the instep
- Heat-moldable shoes: Adapt to your unique foot shape
Together, these tools help maximize comfort and support.
8. Conclusion
Learning how to lace shoes for high arches is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce foot pain. With the right lacing method, your shoes can feel more supportive, flexible, and comfortable—without spending extra money.
Whether you wear running shoes, hiking boots, or dress shoes, customized lacing can transform how your feet feel every day.
Try these techniques and discover which one works best for your feet. A small change in your laces can solve big comfort problems.
Have you tried any of these lacing styles? Share your experience and help others find relief.
For more expert guides and premium-quality laces, explore Best Shoelaces—your trusted source for comfort, performance, and style.
9. FAQs
1. Does shoe lacing really reduce foot pain?
Yes, it can! Proper lacing helps spread pressure evenly across your foot, especially if you have high arches. When shoes are too tight in certain areas, they can cause pain in your arches, heels, or toes.
By learning how to lace shoes for high arches, you can create space where needed, improve support under your arch, and reduce overall discomfort. While it’s not a cure, it’s a smart and easy way to feel more comfortable every day.
2. Can I use these techniques for kids with high arches?
Yes, these lacing methods also work for children. In fact, it’s very important to support growing feet early on. Children with high arches might feel fatigued, stumble more often, or mention aching feet.
Using special lacing styles can make their shoes more supportive without needing expensive orthotics. Just make sure their shoes fit well and don’t tie too tight. Always choose laces that are easy to adjust and soft for little feet.
3. What shoes work best for high arches?
If you have high arches, look for shoes with these features:
Built-in arch support
Extra cushioning in the heel and forefoot
A slightly curved sole to support natural foot shape
Flexible material to avoid stiffness
Athletic brands like Brooks, Asics, and New Balance and orthopedic shoe brands offer great options. But no matter which shoes you choose, knowing how to lace shoes for high arches helps make them even more comfortable.
4. Can I use these lacing methods on any type of shoe?
Yes, most of these lacing techniques can be used on many types of shoes—including running shoes, sneakers, hiking boots, school shoes, and even dress shoes.
Each shoe style may need a slight adjustment, but the main idea is the same: remove pressure from the arch area, allow room for your foot shape, and increase overall support.
You can test different styles like window lacing or parallel lacing to find what works best for your shoe type.
5. How do I know if I have high arches?
One easy way to check is the wet foot test:
Step onto a piece of paper with wet feet. If you see a narrow or missing middle part in your footprint, you likely have high arches.
Other signs include:
Foot pain in the arch or heel
Shoes wearing out unevenly
Feeling like your feet are not stable while walking
If you’re unsure, it’s best to visit a foot doctor (podiatrist) who can check your arch type and recommend the right shoes or lacing techniques for high arches.
