Abstract: Micro-piles are widely used in geotechnical projects such as foundation reinforcement. The centrifugal model tests are conducted on the micro-pile-reinforced and unreinforced shallow foundations during vertical loading. The deformations of the foundation and soil base are observed and compared for the micro-pile reinforcement effect. The test results show that the micro-piles transfer the vertical loads to the bearing stratum. The micro-piles bear the loads with a proportion of more than 75%. The micro-piles significantly decrease the settlement of shallow foundation and cause the soil deformation to a more uniform distribution. The micro-piles influence the soil deformation within a zone with a 1.5 times the width of the shallow foundation. The depth of the load influence zone decreases if the micro-piles are used. The new findings may provide references for the applications of micro-piles in practice.