Who needs arch supports?
Strictly speaking, arch supports are only beneficial for people who have flexible flat feet. For the flexible flat foot, a moderate arch support prevents the foot from a total medial collapse during mid stance. Interestingly enough, podiatrists prescribe arch support orthotics for nearly everyone, high arches or low arches does not matter. Their goal is to shim the foot into a neutral position, but there is no evidence of any sort suggesting that this is correct. In fact, a neutral foot is on the verge of supination (ankle leaning out). In this position the ankle is severely exposed to rolling out leading to ankle injuries from spraining.
