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You've got high arches, and man do those high heels hurt when you wear them all day. Having high arches is actually considered a deformity, according to "Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics," but luckily it is actually more of an annoyance than anything else. There are several products you can put in your high heel shoes to relieve the pain of high arches, and help you continue to rock your look.
Insoles
Head to your nearest pharmacy, shoe store or mass merchandiser and pick up a pair of insoles to put inside your high heels, flats or other shoes that cause you pain. Full-length insoles that are slightly raised in the middle can give you the most support where your arches are high. Look for the phrase "orthotic insole" on the packaging; this indicates that the item is made to correct your foot problem rather than just to provide additional padding. You can always trim down insoles so they won't peep through open-toed shoes.
Custom-Made Orthotics
High arches that are a chronic problem may require more expensive, custom-made orthotics. For this type of insert, you'll need to see a podiatrist, who can put you in touch with an orthotics specialist. Custom-built orthotic insoles are made especially to fit the contours and measurements of your foot; due to this personalization, they may be more effective than an ordinary store-bought pair.
Arch Brace
An arch brace may be the way to go when you're not getting adequate relief from orthotics. This type of support actually fits around your foot, and is not placed directly into your high heel shoe. The elastic bands of the brace are visible across the type of your foot, so you might want to save this approach until you plan to wear black pantyhose or thicker tights to make the brace less noticeable.
Considerations
It's not the type of news a fashion maven likes to hear, but high arches and high heels are not always the best mix. If you aren't able to control symptoms with insoles, custom orthotics or braces, you really might have to reconsider your footwear. Try fashion boots with better arch support or more sturdy shoes that lend more support and a wider toe box to help you distribute your weight more evenly.
