Objective To establish a three-dimensional finite element model of foot with different arch shapes, to investigate the distribution of plantar pressure and foot bone stress under high, normal and low arch shapes, and to reveal the influence of arch shapes on foot biomechanical properties. Methods Foot morphology data and bone morphology data were collected by 3D foot scanning and CT scanning, and 3D finite element models of foot with three different arch shapes were established. A load of 0.5 times human body weight was applied to the models to simulate the state of human bipedal standing. Comparing the calculated plantar contact area with the measured results, the relative error values are less than 10%, which proves the validity of the finite element model. Results The simulation results showed that the peak value of plantar pressure in the three types of arches was located in the hind foot region, and the heel pressure of high and low arches was higher than that of normal arches. Compared with normal feet, high arched feet showed a significant increase in stress in the hind foot area, the peak value of soft tissue was 299.45% higher, and the peak value of bone was 93.19% higher. For low arch foot, the plantar contact area increased by 13.28% and calcaneal stress increased by 98.09%. At the same time, the internal stress of foot bone was analyzed by finite element simulation, and the peak stress of foot bone of the three foot types were located at the talus, which were 9.903MPa, 19.921 MPa and 36.308 MPa, respectively. Conclusion The results of this study support the association between abnormal arch morphology, foot pain and foot disease, and provide a basis and direction for the design of orthopedic insole and arch support structures for abnormal feet.