Arch Type Test (Wet Footprint)
Find out whether you have low, normal or high arches in two minutes using the classic wet-footprint method and a simple measurement.
Wet the sole of one foot, step onto a paper bag or dark cardboard, then step off and look at the print. Measure the narrowest width of the middle band (the part between heel and ball) and the widest width of the ball area in the same units. Enter both below to estimate your arch type.
Your estimated arch type will appear here.
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Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment from a licensed podiatrist or physician. If you have diabetes, an infection, severe pain, numbness, or a wound that will not heal, seek professional care promptly.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the wet footprint test accurate?
- It is a useful screening method, not a diagnosis. It correlates with arch height but cannot assess how your arch behaves under load when you walk. A podiatrist can confirm with a gait assessment.
- What arch type do I have if there is almost no middle band?
- A very thin or absent middle band points to a high (cavus) arch, which concentrates pressure on the heel and ball of the foot.
- Does arch type decide my running shoes?
- It is one factor. Modern evidence shows comfort and how your foot moves matter as much as arch height, so use this as a starting point, not a rule.
About this tool
This test runs entirely in your browser; nothing is uploaded or stored. It estimates arch type from the ratio of your print's middle band to its ball width — a wider middle band means a lower arch. Use it as a screening guide. For pain, persistent flat feet in one foot, or before buying orthotics, see a podiatrist.