As SELF has previously reported, flat feet—a.k.a. arches that are nearly or completely flush with the floor when you’re standing—can be genetic, or you can develop them later in life.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation at the insertion of the plantar fascia as well as pain along the arch of the foot.” Spector ...

The team measured the height of each participant’s arch and took CT scans of their right feet. They also created rigid models that were compared to the measured motion of the bones in the foot.

Neutral A neutral arch is considered the ideal type, Lockwood says. Neutral arches are not too high and or low, Graves says, adding that people with this arch type tend to have fewer foot issues.

Nearly 1.5 billion people around the globe (including Elvis Costello and Elton John) suffer from flat feet, a condition in which the arch of the foot is virtually non-existent.

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is one of the most highly rated hiking boots available today, and because of its superior construction, it’s also ideal for hikers suffering from plantar fasciitis ...

They have a pretty substantial heel-to-toe drop of 10 millimeters, which reduces pressure on the arch of the foot (where anyone with plantar fasciitis feels it most).