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Are you among the 25% of the population with flat feet? It means you don’t have a pronounced arch in your feet.
Infants don’t have arches, which typically develop from age six onwards. Flatfoot is not a serious health issue, but it can be uncomfortable and painful when you don’t have the proper footwear.
The arch of the foot has many functions—it adds a spring to the foot for better balance and absorbs shock while walking, running or jumping. Because flat-footed people don’t have such an arch, they need to compensate by wearing shoes with supportive soles and cushioned insoles.
Raised arch support is another feature that will take the pressure off the archless part of the foot. Shoes with extra support in the middle of the sole will align the foot correctly and prevent twisting your ankles or hurting your knees and hips.
Read on for our list of 10 comfortable and fashionable shoes for flat-footed people for all occasions!
Hoka is a brand that has long targeted people with active lifestyles— runners, mountain climbers and athletes. Comfort is their priority and it shows in every shoe they design. The Bondi 8 is undoubtedly the most attractive in the lineup and the most comfortable.
As with the other Bondis, the Bondi 8 provides maximum comfort with its higher bed of soft cushion that absorbs strong impact from running and other physical movements. The softer and lighter foams compared to earlier Bondis and the memory foam collar (great for ankle support) make these the best shoes for flat feet.
Running enthusiasts need the best running shoes for safety and flat-footed runners need something extra for comfort. This is where the adidas Ultraboost 22 comes in, which boasts a midsole made with BOOST technology that provides endless energy.
It is undoubtedly the best shoes for men with flat feet, with its Linear Energy Push system. You can run on wet and dry grounds with the Continental 5.8 millimeter rubber outsole that provides a great grip. It’s also flexible, which makes it easier to run on uneven terrain. And if you’re picky about aesthetics, there are 26 Ultraboost variations to choose from.
adidas does its part for the environment by using recyclable materials. Half of its high-performance yarn is made of Parley Ocean Plastic, which is upcycled waste from beaches and remote islands.
The Ultraboost may not be ideal for people with wide feet because it’s quite snug, especially in the toes. It’s also not the lightest pair on the market.
The Asics Women’s Gel-Kayano 28 is the perfect marriage of fashion and practicality. There are 14 color combinations to choose from, but more than that, it’s the comfort that has made it a popular Asics model for many years.
The 28th iteration has a different external heel counter with a lower profile for improved rearfoot support. Complement that with the proprietary FF BLAST cushioning in the midsole for maximum comfort, perfect for flat-footed women.
What makes this product the best shoes for women with flat feet is the gender-specific 3D SPACE CONSTRUCTION under the heel that provides maximum stability no matter what you do.
Now for the downside, the heel fit is not perfect—there is a risk of slipping on wet ground. The engineered mesh at the top should make the shoes more breathable, but the shoes still feel too hot on warm days.
Purchase Asics Women’s Gel-Kayano 28
Brooks Beast enthusiasts will find that there are many changes with their 20th model. First, the cushioning was improved with trademarked GuideRails and BioMoGo DNA technologies. GuideRails provides support during heavy activities like running or training, while BioMoGo provides a great midsole cushion. Heavier users will also find comfort in the luxe interior sock liner.
The Beast 20 is quite heavy, but it doesn’t feel that way when you wear it. It also looks better than previous models, with three design options to choose from.
Another change Brooks made in the Beast model is the fit. The engineered mesh should provide breathable comfort, but the structure is now narrower in the toe box. The outsole design is a magnet for debris.
While the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12 is excellent for runners, it’s best used for walking. The Fresh Foam cushion with layered midsole provides top-notch comfort. It’s highly stable, with designers calling the v12 its “most important shoe in the stability category.” These are the best shoes for people with flat feet who are standing all day and for walking long distances.
However, while the double-knit mesh provides breathability, it is not stretchy enough for long-term comfort. It’s great for summer but not ideal for the cold season. It’s not true to size, too and you must opt for at least half a size bigger than your usual shoe size.
The product is quite heavy at 324 grams, but it looks ultra light and slim even with its broad toe cap. There are 13 designs to choose from.
Purchase New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12
Working out requires specialized shoes for comfort and safety, so you must look for the best training shoes. You also need more specialized shoes if you have flat feet.
The Reebok Nano X, designed for the 10th anniversary of the model, was created with comfort and safety in mind during workouts. It provides secure footing through its low-profile stability design and a new collar extends comfort to the ankles.
But what makes this product ideal for flat-footed people is the lightweight EVA foam for maximum cushion. It also has an upgraded Flexweave that provides stability and breathability. The technology stretches the right amount for support and comfort.
The Nano X is versatile—it can be used for running and long-distance walking and its sleek design also makes it great for casual wear.
The shoes are quite heavy at over 400 grams. The toe box may be too wide for some.
For tennis enthusiasts, the best tennis shoes for flat feet should have a responsive design that’s bouncy and full of energy. adidas Barricade Tennis Shoes have a wrap-around tongue design to prevent slippage during a match, which is complemented by the lace closure to prevent too much movement.
Modern adidas shoes are environmentally friendly. The yarn in the upper area is 50% Parley Ocean Plastic and 50% recycled polyester.
The product has a breathable design and is built to last even when you play regular tennis on different surfaces.
Unfortunately, it needs a longer break-in period than other tennis shoes.
Purchase adidas Barricade Tennis Shoes
The new Kevin Durant shoes are gorgeous—you can’t expect anything less from a pair of Nikes KD. There are many fantastic basketball shoes out there, but the Nike KD 15 provides the best support for people with flat feet. The bounciness and responsiveness are achieved through the Air Zoom Strobel. It is complemented with full-length foam that cushions your feet while making that dunk or jump shot.
The shoes are heavy at 357 grams, but the KD 15 is lighter than previous models. Instead of the strap from KD 14, the newer version has a midfoot containment system to prevent slippage. The outsole also has extra rubber for comfort, even when playing on outdoor courts.
If you have wider feet, these may not be the best shoes for you.
There are many wonderful hiking shoes on the market, but if you want the best shoes for flat feet, the Merrell Moab 2 takes the cake. Merrell has always been the go-to brand for hiking shoes because of their amazing grip.
The Moab 2 has trademarked Vibram TC5+ outsole technology that provides traction for rough and rocky terrain. The shoes are waterproof as well. And just like most Merrell products, they are highly durable.
Flat-footed hikers need a special cushion for more comfortable and secure adventures. The Moab 2 provides that with a contoured footbed and reinforced heel.
The shoes are quite heavy at 940 grams, making it difficult to be light and fast on your feet. And unfortunately, they are not ideal for muddy ground.
Nikes are often the go-to brand for comfort shoes. With so many designs on the market, one is considered our favorite for flat feet: the Nike Air Zoom Structure.
Now on its 24th iteration, it continues to provide a great cushion with a smooth heel-to-toe transition. Those with active lifestyles will enjoy this model for the responsive cushion provided by the midsole foam and molded heel.
Whether you prefer running, jumping, training or hiking, the forefoot grooves on these shoes offer excellent flexibility. They also fit perfectly because of the secure laces and comfy tongue. They are highly durable, with eight fantastic designs to choose from.
One of the main complaints against the new Air Zoom Structure is the lack of significant updates from the previous model. The new edition is a bit heavier because of its lumpy forefoot.
Purchase Nike Air Zoom Structure
Related Post: The Best Nike Shoes for Men
Being flat-footed means you don’t have an arch in your feet. When you stand up, the entire sole of the feet is flat on the floor as opposed to the midsole not touching the ground.
Flat feet is a fairly common condition that is not considered serious. But if you feel pain while you walk or work out, consult a specialist or podiatrist to get recommendations for appropriate footwear.
There are no common causes for flat feet. Infants and toddlers are flat-footed because their arches haven’t developed yet. They should develop throughout childhood, but there are just cases where they don’t.
In some cases, arches collapse during adulthood due to injury. This is referred to as fallen arches.
While flat feet are generally easy to deal with, extreme physical activities may cause a flat-footed person to experience discomfort or pain because the impact is felt in the entire sole of the feet.
The arches provide a spring to the step that distributes body weight throughout the feet and legs. Without that spring, it may lead to pain in the ankles, calves, knees, legs, hips and lower back.
Uneven distribution of body weight can also lead to quicker wear and tear on shoes, which is why choosing the best shoes for flat feet is important.
Cushioning is the most vital element to consider when looking for shoes for flat feet. It absorbs the impact when walking, running, jumping and other similar movements.
Here are some other features to look for:
To compensate for the lack of a foot arch, you need shoes with a midsole cushion or a raised arch support. This will take pressure off the middle of your feet.
Always look for shoes with a firmly cushioned insole to provide a spring for all your movements.
You can wear sandals or flip-flops, but they will not be as comfortable to walk or exercise on as closed shoes.
Shoes with heels provide comfort because they relieve the midsole of your foot, where the arch should be. Half an inch will do for casual and dress shoes and a thicker heel sole for rubber shoes.
Lace-up shoes are great because you can control the fit of the shoes.
You are flat-footed when you stand barefoot and the entire sole of your foot touches the ground.
Most people have an arch in the middle of their feet that doesn't touch the ground.
Long-term use of flip-flops may cause flat feet because of the lack of arch support. Wearing flip-flops will cause the plantar fascia—the ligament that connects the heel bone to the toes—to stretch.
When you wear flip flops for long periods or during extreme physical activities, the ligament will eventually collapse and cause fallen arches.
Flat feet can be inherited from parents. But in general, the condition is a lack of arch development with no traceable underlying cause.
For those who don’t have flat feet, long barefoot walks may cause fallen arches. For those who already have flat feet, walking barefoot for extended periods may increase the degree of pronation in feet.
Flat feet cannot be fixed with exercise. However, if you are experiencing pain due to flat feet, exercise may help alleviate the symptoms.
Flat feet is a fairly common condition and it is not something to be afraid of. However, it may lead to aches in the different parts of the body during physical activity.
The appropriate footwear for people with flat feet will prevent this. Our list of the best shoes for flat feet emphasizes the importance of cushions for comfort.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
Keren Dinkin had seven years of work experience in digital marketing and e-commerce before shifting gears and becoming a full-time content writer. She loves words and the power they hold, which explains her passion for writing.This author is writing sponsored content paid for by Pillar4 and not affiliated with Sports Illustrated.