How to Identify Your Arch Type with the Wet Foot Test
June 13, 2025
Before molding any custom insole or choosing footwear, there’s one crucial step you shouldn’t skip: identifying your foot arch type. Why? Because knowing whether you have a low, normal, or high arch helps ensure the right fit, proper support, and long-term comfort for your feet.
Enter the Wet Foot Test — a quick, at-home method that reveals your natural arch shape in just a few minutes.
What Is the Wet Foot Test?
The Wet Foot Test is a simple way to analyze your foot’s arch by observing your footprint. When you wet the bottom of your foot and step on a surface, the imprint left behind reveals how your foot distributes weight and pressure.
This quick method helps you determine:
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What type of arch support is best suited for your feet
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Whether you’re flat-footed, neutral, or high-arched
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How to avoid misalignment and discomfort during daily activities or physical exercise
Do the Wet Foot Test at Home — It’s Easier Than You Think!
The best part about the Wet Foot Test is how simple it is. All you need is:
✅ A piece of paper (preferably legal-sized — 8.5” x 14”)
✅ A shallow pan of water
✅ A flat surface
✅ A shallow pan of water
✅ A flat surface
Just wet your foot, step on the paper, and you’ll be able to clearly see your arch shape. This quick, at‑home test gives you a better understanding of your foot type and can help you determine if you might benefit from custom‑fit or supportive insoles.
How to Perform the Wet Foot Test at Home
Step 1: Prepare Your Tools
- A flat, dry surface (brown paper bag, cardboard, or light-colored tile)
- A shallow tray or container of clean water
- A towel (for drying off later)
Step 2: Wet Your Foot
- Dip one foot lightly into the water.
- Ensure the entire sole is evenly wet, but not dripping.
Step 3: Make Your Footprint
- Step onto your chosen surface with firm, even pressure.
- Stand naturally for 1–2 seconds, then step off carefully.
Step 4: Observe the Imprint
- Time to analyze your foot shape using the guide below.
Get Our FREE Wet Foot Test Template!
To make things even more convenient, we’ve created a printable Wet Foot Test Template that’s:
✅ Sized for Legal Paper (8.5” x 14”)
✅ Marked with guides for foot placement
✅ Includes a quick reference chart to interpret your results
Enter your email below, and we’ll send you the FREE Wet Foot Test Template instantly!
✅ Sized for Legal Paper (8.5” x 14”)
✅ Marked with guides for foot placement
✅ Includes a quick reference chart to interpret your results
Enter your email below, and we’ll send you the FREE Wet Foot Test Template instantly!
Foot Arch Types (Based on Your Footprint)
Low Arch / Flat Feet
- The imprint shows almost the entire bottom of your foot
- There’s little to no inward curve
- Pressure is distributed across the full sole
Normal Arch
- There’s a noticeable curve along the inner side of the foot
- Heel and ball of foot are connected by a moderate band
- Pressure is balanced and absorbed efficiently
High Arch
- Only the heel and ball are clearly visible
- The middle of the foot leaves little or no print
- Higher stress on heel and forefoot
📸 Pro Tip: Take a Photo of Your Footprint
Snap a quick pic of your imprint and keep it for future reference. It’ll help you double-check your arch type before shaping your BOUNZE insoles — or even when selecting footwear later on.
