<P> Throughout history flat feet were seen as a sign of low class and poor health, and high arches were seen as high class and full of vigor . Research has shown that the two distinctions are far from the case . The effects of flat feet fall under two categories, which are asymptotic and symptomatic . Individuals with rigid flat feet tend to exhibit symptoms such as foot and knee tendinitis, and are recommended to consider surgical options when managing symptoms . Individuals with flexible flat generally exhibit asymptotic effects in response to their flat feet . </P> <P> In fact, according to AAP news and journal gateway, being flexibly flat - footed does not impede on athletic performance </P> <P> It is generally assumed by running professionals (primarily including some physical trainers, podiatrists, and shoe manufacturers) that a person with flat feet tends to overpronate in the running form . However, some also assert that persons with flat feet may have an underpronating if they are not a neutral gait . With standard running shoes, these professionals claim, a person who overpronates in his or her running form may be more susceptible to shin splints, back problems, and tendonitis in the knee . Running in shoes with extra medial support or using special shoe inserts, orthoses, may help correct one's running form by reducing pronation and may reduce risk of injury . </P> <P> Studies analyzing the correlation between flat feet and physical injury in soldiers have been inconclusive, but none suggests that flat feet are an impediment, at least in soldiers who reached the age of military recruitment without prior foot problems . Instead, in this population, there is a suggestion of more injury in high arched feet . A 2005 study of Royal Australian Air Force recruits that tracked the recruits over the course of their basic training found that neither flat feet nor high arched feet had any impact on physical functioning, injury rates or foot health . If anything, there was a tendency for those with flat feet to have fewer injuries . Another study of 295 Israel Defense Forces recruits found that those with high arches suffered almost four times as many stress fractures as those with the lowest arches . A later study of 449 U.S. Navy special warfare trainees found no significant difference in the incidence of stress fractures among sailors and Marines with different arch heights . </P>

What are the disadvantages of being flat footed