Madscot, when I started, I wore "normal" shoes to ride and my feet hurt. Yes, through the arch too, even though I didn't put the arch of my foot on the pedal. I did buy bike shoes (Specialized Taho, about $70) but I did not buy pedals until the following season. The shoes alone made a HUGE difference for my feet!

The physical therapist types like Knott will have lots of probably even better suggestions, but a very firm, supportive shoe will help a lot, I'm sure!

Karen in Boise