Are there any perks to being flat footed?
Andrew Mccoy
Updated on January 13, 2026
In a 1989 study of more than 300 Army infantry trainees at Fort Benning Ga., those with flat feet had far fewer training injuries than recruits with normal or high insteps. In fact, trainees with high arches suffered twice as many injuries, including sprains and stress fractures, as their flat-footed comrades.
Are flat-footed people at a disadvantage?
The differences were not found even after comparing only the 2 extreme groups, meaning children with very low and children with very high arches. Conclusions: No disadvantages in sport performance originating from flat-footedness were confirmed.Is it better to be flat-footed or arched?
It is quite common for most people to believe they have either a flat foot or high arches, but what does that really mean? Both conditions are not detrimental to your overall leg and foot health, but both can increase the risk of certain injuries or problems in the future.Does flat feet affect anything?
Flatfeet can sometimes contribute to problems in your ankles and knees because the condition can alter the alignment of your legs. If you aren't having pain, no treatment is usually necessary for flatfeet.How does being flat-footed affect you?
Back and leg painBecause flat feet cause your weight to be distributed abnormally, other joints and muscles take responsibility for keeping you upright. As a result, you may experience back and leg pain that can interfere with daily tasks, exercise, and activities you enjoy.