Given that foot shape varies among individuals and certain conditions such as flat feet, which can be hereditary or result from injury, may lead to discomfort. So it is important to find the right shoes for flat feet for comfortable walking, running, and daily activities.
"When standing, a typical arch — the inner portion of the foot — is slightly elevated, which aids in equally transferring body weight throughout the foot. Ligaments and tendons support this arch, preserving its structural integrity."
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, podiatric surgery specialist
"On the other hand, in people with flat feet, the arch collapses and the entire foot comes into contact with the ground. Flat feet is also called pes planus, which can occur due to genetic factors, age, or injury. It can cause overpronation when walking and running. This means that the foot rolls inward with each step. Overpronation can lead to pain in the foot and leg due to the unnatural strain it places on the joints and muscles."
- Marion Yau, London-based podiatrist
Certainly, it's crucial to ascertain whether you truly have flat feet. According to pedorthist Michael Fishkin from Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, a straightforward method involves observing the foot's imprint after stepping out of a pool: if there's no space under the foot where the arch should be, resulting in a pancake-like imprint on the ground, it indicates flat feet. If a pool isn't accessible, wetting the foot's bottom and stepping on concrete or a paper towel can reveal the imprint.
Unfortunately, foot pain isn't the sole foot issue associated with collapsed arches typical of flat feet. According to Yau, individuals with flat feet are prone to experiencing ankle and foot pain, as well as muscle fatigue. In severe instances, flat feet may contribute to the formation of bunions and hammertoes. Additionally, they can lead to the development of calluses and conditions like plantar fasciitis.
To address these specific foot concerns, it's essential to ensure that your shoes are suitable for flat feet. They should also incorporate features found in top-rated shoes for bunions or plantar fasciitis, providing comprehensive support.
Fortunately, a wide array of shoes designed for flat feet is available, catering to various style preferences and athletic activities, aiding in the prevention and management of associated foot issues. To assist you in finding the ideal footwear, we've sought guidance from experts and conducted thorough research to compile a list of the finest shoes for flat feet currently on the market. Explore our curated selection below.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
Yau consistently advocates for these cushioned running shoes for individuals with flat feet, noting that the foam midsole offers both cushioning and arch support. Furthermore, she highlights the engineered mesh upper, which ensures foot stability and arch support, while the outsole's unique pattern enhances traction and stability.
Additionally, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 Shoes stand out for their eco-conscious construction. They incorporates recycled and bio-based materials to minimize environmental impact, which is a feature we admire alongside their exceptional support for flat feet.
- Product: NB Fresh Foam X 860v13
- Price: $140
- Styles & Colors:
- W860B13: Bright lapis with bright mint and starlight
- W860C13: Violet shadow with lilac chalk and silver metallic
- W860W13: White with light aluminum and light gold metallic
- W860K13: Black with white and castlerock
- W860T13: Black with lead and black metallic
- Constructions & Features:
- Structured and breathable engineered mesh upper
- Fresh Foam X midsole foam with approximately 3% bio-based content delivers the most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort. Bio-based content is made from renewable resources to help reduce our carbon footprint.
- Dual density midsole uses two different foams for the ideal combination of comfort and performance.
- Medial post helps control pronation
- Reflective accents
- Received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
- Weight: 243 grams (8.6 oz)
- Internal gusseted tongue for a secure fit
- 10mm heel drop
Adidas Solarglide 6
Crafted with Adidas' exclusive Boost cushioning technology for unparalleled comfort and support, the Solarglide 6 running shoes stand out as ideal stability footwear for runners with flat feet. Featuring Adidas' engineered Lep 2.0 technology, these shoes offer exceptional stability support to guide each stride and prevent overpronation.
With a 10 mm midsole drop ensuring ample arch support and a circular knit upper providing soft security, these Adidas running shoes deliver remarkable comfort and confidence during your runs. Additionally, their construction from partially recycled materials reflects Adidas' commitment to sustainability.
- Product: Solarglide 6
- Price: $104 (original price $130)
- Styles $ Colors:
- GV9152: Cloud White / Lucid Blue / Pulse Mint
- HP7631: Core Black / Cloud White / Grey Two
- HR0468: Non Dyed / Core Black / Court Green
- Constructions & Features:
- Regular fit
- Lace closure
- Circular knit upper
- BOOST midsole
- adidas LEP 2.0
- Weight: 11.4 ounces (size 9)
- Heel drop: 10mm (heel: 36 mm / forefoot: 26 mm)
- Continental™ Rubber outsole
- Upper contains a minimum of 50% recycled content
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
Brooks has solidified its position as one of the top brands for running shoes tailored to support various foot conditions, including wide feet and flat feet. Yau highlights the Adrenaline GTS for its superior cushioning and support, complemented by a distinctive outsole pattern that enhances stability and traction.
Engineered with GuideRails technology to mitigate overpronation and provide holistic support for feet, knees, and hips during runs, these shoes also feature proprietary DNA LOFT cushioning for plush landings. Furthermore, available in four widths, they ensure a better fit for diverse foot shapes.
- Product: Adrenaline GTS 23
- Price: $140
- Styles & Colors:
- Black/Cream/Biscuit
- Oyster/Ebony/Alloy
- Black/Hawaiian Ocean/Green
- Black/White/Silver
- White/Grey/Black
- Oyster/Black/Red Orange
- Constructions & Features:
- 59.87 % Recycled materials in the upper
- Heel-drop: 12mm
- Weight: 10.1oz / 286.3g
- American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance recognized
Hoka Gaviota 5
With Hoka's latest iteration - the Gaviota 5 Shoes, hiking with flat feet can transform from a painful endeavor into an enjoyable activity. These trail running shoes are meticulously crafted to offer stability and prevent overpronation, featuring an innovative H-Frame midsole infused with exceptionally comfortable cushioning. Available in both regular and wide sizing, these exceptional Hoka running shoes boast a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop, providing optimal support for your arches.
Moreover, accredited by the American Podiatric Medical Association, these high-performance shoes ensure reliability. Plus, they're versatile enough for running or casual strolls around town.
- Product: Gaviota 5
- Price: $175
- Styles & Colors:
- Bellwether Blue / Evening Sky
- Solar Flare / Sherbet
- Deep Lagoon / Sherbet
- Bluesteel / Stone Blue
- Limestone / Diva Blue
- Nimbus Cloud / Steel Wool
- Constructions & Features:
- Plush tongue and collar
- Creel jacquard mesh upper
- Soft EVA foam
- Stabilizing H-Frame™ technology
- Early stage MetaRocker™
- Weight: 10.90 oz
- Heel-drop: 6mm
Asics GT-2000 11
The Asics GT-2000 11 shoe caters to individuals with flat feet, delivering both cushioning and arch support to alleviate discomfort and maximize comfort. Engineered with several trademarked features, including Litetruss technology for enhanced stability and overpronation prevention, and FF Blast midsole for additional comfort, this shoe ensures comprehensive support for flat feet.
- Product: GT-2000 11
- Price: $90 (original price $140)
- Styles & Colors:
- 1011B441.404: Island Blue/Indigo Blue
- 1011B441.020: Metropolis/Lime Zest
- 1011B441.409: Deep Ocean/Bright Orange
- 1011B441.010: Black/Glow Yellow
- 1011B441.004: Black/White
- Constructions & Features:
- Heel drop: 8mm
- Weight: 275 g/9.7 oz
- Designed for Neutral/Overpronation
- Jacquard mesh upper offers a supportive and comfortable foothold
- FF BLAST™ technology provides lightweight cushioning and a responsive rebound
- LITETRUSS™ technology improves medial support and midfoot integrity
- AHARPLUS™ heel plug helps improve durability
- Reflective details to improve visibility in low-light settings
- 50% upper material is made with recycled content
- Rearfoot GEL™ technology improves impact absorption and creates a softer feeling
- FLYTEFOAM™ technology helps keep the shoe lightweight
- OrthoLite™ X-30 sockliner provides soft step-in comfort
Nike Structure 25
As previously mentioned, flat feet often coincide with overpronation, requiring supportive shoes tailored to such foot shapes. Nike's Structure 25 sneakers are crafted with overpronators in mind, featuring softer materials in key areas like the heel, collar, and tongue for a secure yet comfortable fit. Enhanced with updated foam underfoot for lightweight support, responsive cushioning, and a flexible fit, these sneakers also boast a molded heel to provide superior foot support, along with an increased heel-toe drop for ample arch support.
- Product: Structure 25
- Price: $140
- Styles & Colors:
- DJ7884-103: White/Pure Platinum/Dusty Cactus/Black
- DJ7884-104: White/Sail/Coconut Milk/Black
- FV3635-171: Sail/Sail/Coconut Milk/Buff Gold
- FQ8770-100: White/Black/Court Purple/Coral Chalk
- DJ7884-101: White/Pure Platinum/Metallic Silver
- DJ7884-102: White/Clear Jade/Jade Ice/Light Smoke Grey
- DJ7884-001: Black/Dark Smoke Grey/White
- Constructions & Features:
- Cinched-down laces
- Molded heel
- Weight: 9.3 oz/263 g (Women's size 8)
- Heel-drop: 10 mm
On Cloud X 3
On specializes in crafting top-tier athletic footwear, excelling particularly in ankle support and comfort. The On Cloud X 3 Shoes, tailored for diverse workout routines, stand out for their lightweight design and incorporation of CloudTec cushioning, enhancing both arch support and ankle stability to mitigate overpronation during activities.
With a focus on mobilizing the appropriate muscles for improved overall physical health, these shoes feature an 8 mm heel-toe drop, providing additional reinforcement for fallen arches.
- Product: Cloud X 3
- Price: $180
- Styles & Colors:
- Fawn | Magnet
- White | Black
- Midnight | Heron
- Rose | Sand
- Black
- Savannah | Frost
- Iron | Fade
- Constructions & Features:
- True to size
- 35% recycled content
- Heel-drop: 8mm
- Weight: 201g
- 3-layer mesh for exceptional breathability and support
- Wider platform for stability, support and confidence
- Speedboard® for explosive take offs in every direction
- Molded heel cap for additional support and confidence
- Star lacing wraps around and holds the foot