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Updated January 29th, 2024: This guide to the best shoes for flat feet was updated with improved shoe models and additional podiatrist insight on flat feet and what to look for when shopping for the best shoes for flat feet.
Everyone’s foot shape is different, but certain conditions that can be genetically inherited or caused by injury, like flat feet, can make you more prone to pain. That’s why shopping for the best shoes for flat feet is important, so that you can walk, run and go about your life comfortably.
“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,” explains Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, podiatric surgery specialist and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan. “On the other hand, in people with flat feet, the arch collapses and the entire foot comes into contact with the ground.” Flat feet, also called pes planus, “can occur due to genetic factors, age, or injury,” says London-based podiatrist Marion Yau, adding that the condition “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,” Yau notes.
Of course, it’s important to first determine whether you actually have flat feet. If you’re unsure what the condition actually entails, pedorthist Michael Fishkin of Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists gives us a simple explanation. “Flat feet are apparent when you get out of a pool and have no space under the foot where the arch should be, creating a pancake-style imprint on the ground.” No pool? No problem: Just wet the bottom of your foot and step on concrete or a paper towel — you’ll be able to see your foot’s imprint.
Unfortunately, foot pain isn’t the only foot problem you can encounter if you have the collapsed arches congruent with flat feet. “People with flat feet are more likely to suffer from ankle and foot pain, as well as muscle fatigue,” Yau says. “In severe cases, flat feet can lead to the development of bunions and hammertoes.” They can also lead to developing calluses and plantar fasciitis, among other conditions. For these specific foot concerns, you want to make sure that your flat feet-friendly shoes also borrow features from the best shoes for bunions or the best shoes for plantar fasciitis for layers of support.
Thankfully, there are tons of shoes for flat feet out there that are suitable for any style preference or sport, and these can help prevent and manage all of the associated foot problems. To help you find the right shoes for you, we consulted experts and conducted in-depth research into the very best shoes for flat feet on the market right now. Shop the best options below.
There are many different reasons why you might find your feet are flatter than average. “As with many conditions of the foot, the cause can be genetic,” Tony Gavin, podiatrist and clinical director at Davenport House Clinic explains. “If your parents have flat feet, you can often inherit the condition, but some of us just never develop an arch.” Flat feet can also develop over normal wear and tear over a long period time, due to age, injury, or muscle strain, which weakens tendons that shape the arch, causing it to collapse. This can also introduce or increase pain, fatigue, and gait issues. “Injury which causes inflammation of the tendons in the foot can also cause the arch to collapse,” adds Maggie Trevillion, podiatrist and founder of Walk This Way Podiatry and Callen Olive footcare line.
Keep in mind that having flat feet doesn’t necessarily indicate an issue. “Flat feet are generally healthy, normal, and genetic,” says Trevillion. “They are only a problem if they are symptomatic, significant asymmetry is present, and/or they are causing issues more proximally, such as knee, hip or lower back pain.”
Flat feet can lead to a number of conditions, so it’s important to wear the right shoes to help prevent these or alleviate any discomfort you might be dealing with already. These are the guidelines you should follow when shopping for the best shoes for flat feet.
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis, and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
In order to select the best shoes for flat feet, we conducted extensive research into the products currently on the market, and sifted through reviews to make sure we only included high-quality shoes that are actually supportive to real people with flat feet. We spoke to expert podiatrists Marion Yau and Tony Gavin, and pedorthist Michael Fishkin to find out what those with flat feet need to know when buying walking shoes. Learn more about us here.
Marion Yau is an award-winning celebrity podiatrist based in London, UK. She practices at The Harley Street Foot and Nail Clinic, where she specializes in the use of hot and cold laser therapy to treat fungal nail infections. Yau creates educational content on social media as Miss Foot Fixer. You can find her on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a Podiatric Surgery Specialist and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan. Cunha has years of experience as a foot and ankle surgeon, treating issues ranging from minor ailments to full-on reconstructive procedures.
Tony Gavin is a UK-based podiatrist, who is the clinical director at Davenport House Clinic, and founder of Osgo Healthcare, a buying group and support membership for private podiatrists.
Michael Fishkin is a pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, who helps people dealing with foot, back or knee problems.
Maggie Trevillion is a podiatrist based in London and the founder of Walk This Way Podiatry and the Callen Olive footcare line. She began her career in foot health working in the National Healthy Service, the Ministry of Defence, and through private practice. in 2012, she created the Walk This Way Podiatry center to specializes in podiatry and orthotics.
Iris Goldsztajn is a freelance writer and editor based in London, UK. She is currently the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her writing has appeared in publications such as British Vogue, InStyle, Refinery29, Bustle, and many more. As a journalist, Iris covers a range of topics including fashion, beauty and wellness. She is originally from Paris, France, and has lived in Los Angeles and New York City.
Olivia Cigliano is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content on the best-rated footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Olivia received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. As someone with flat feet that are slightly wide, she loves wearing her Asics and New Balance shoes for exceptional comfort and support. She updated this guide to the best shoes for flat feet in January 2024 with updated shoe models and additional insight for what to look for as you shop.
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