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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.
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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.
Special features: Foam midsole for comfort, stability and cushioning
Materials: Fresh Foam X and mesh
Retailer availability: New Balance, Amazon, Running Warehouse, Zappos, and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I spent a lot of time researching what shoes would be best for me. I am a nurse (12 hour shifts), I have flat feet, wide feet, and plantar fasciitis. So good shoes are extremely important. I have worn inserts in my shoes since I was 12 years old. These are shaped perfectly, a perfect width and toe box size, have all the arch support, are stabilizing, and help with my heel pain as well. They last me through long shifts, and are very easily cleaned. 10/10 will be ordering again whenever I wear these ones out.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Special features: Cushioning, arch support, and molded heel cup
Materials: Faux leather and plastic
Retailer availability: Amazon, Famous Footwear
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Famous Footwear Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.4/5 stars
What testers say: “I have been wearing these shoes for a couple of weeks now and they are amazing. I have a flat foot and it can get really weary and tiresome when I wear normal shoes for a whole day. But I am not feeling that with these shoes. They seem to be doing a good job supporting whatever remains of my arch. I would certainly be exploring more of the products by Dr Scholl’s to see how I can get my leg better supported.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $59.99
Special features: Boost midsole cushioning, Lep 2.0 technology, 10mm midsole drop, upper contains 50% recycled materials
Materials: Mesh, rubber
Retailer availability: Adidas
adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “Best overpronation shoes on the market.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $104
Special features: Contour Comfort footbed, heel-toe drop
Materials: Leather
Retailer availability: Zappos, Amazon, Clarks
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I have flat feet and had an unfortunate injury to my right foot and ankle. I have gone from an 8N to an 8W or 8WW. To further compound the problem, I still wear an 8N on my other foot. I have been tasked with rebuilding my shoe collection to fit my ‘new’ hard to fit feet. When these shoes arrived, #1 I was thrilled with the smell of this supple leather and #2 how stylish the faux tortoiseshell chain looked. I wasn’t able to try them on until later in the evening when my foot was swollen, but even so, they fit like a glove. My only critique is that the heel cap is a bit soft and if I hadn’t had a shoehorn, I might not have been able to get them on. Also, because of my foot, not Clarks’ sizing, I put the right shoe on my shoe stretcher overnight.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $85
Special features: GuideRails technology, 100% DNA Loft cushioning, smooth transitions
Materials: Plastic, EVA foam, rubber
Retailer availability: Brooks, Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, and Fleet Feet
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I have wide feet and plantar fasciitis and it’s hard to find good shoes that fit nice. I’m also in the military and we have to exercise 3 times a week. Thought I’d give these a try and man you can never go wrong with this brand! These shoes fit and feel great! These shoes are great for everyday wear, as well as exercise. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the other brands. Brooks knows its customers and they build their shoes for comfort, quality, and activity.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $113.99
Special features: Breathable engineered mesh, compression-molded foam midsole, J-Frame midsole support, 5 mm heel-toe drop
Materials: Mesh, foam, and rubber
Retailer availability: Hoka, REI, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Fleet Feet
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “After significant trial and error, Hoka’s are the only shoes I will wear. Perfect fit, perfect support, and my feet don’t feel worn out at the end of the day. It’s great knowing I don’t have to guess on my next shoe purchase, I know exactly where to go.
Price upon publish date of this article: $175
Special features: Heel-toe drop, dual-density midsole, molded EVA footbed
Materials: Leather, rubber
Retailer availability: Vionic, Amazon, Famous Footwear, Dillard’s, QVC
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “Comfortable, trendy, lighter weight than I thought but a solid show. Modern yet simple. Great arch support for my plantar fasciitis. Vionics are the best.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Special features: FF Blast cushioning, rearfoot gel technology, OrthoLite X-30 sockliner, and Litetruss technology
Materials: Mesh and rubber
Retailer availability: Asics, Amazon, and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “These shoes are amazingly comfortable for walking and running. I have very low arches…like non-existent…and these are the most comfortable shoes I have found. I walk for hours on my treadmill while working and I never have pain in my feet, shins, or calves. These are awesome for outdoor running as well. Definitely worth the price and I plan to get another pair.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $89.95
Special features: Responsive cushioning, flexible sole, grooves for stability, 10 mm heel-toe drop, molded heel
Materials: Mesh and rubber
Retailer availability: Nike
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “Excellent and so comfortable! Love my new shoes!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $119.97
Special features: Contour+ technology, flexible outsole
Materials: Leather or suede
Retailer availability: Amazon, Nordstrom, Zappos
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I wore these to a banquet and lasted over 5 hours nonstop in these. I don’t normally wear heels due to my flat feet and soreness after 20 minutes in a heel but these felt like I was walking on cotton! I bought the Gold color. Looking for the silver and red now. True to size fit!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $52
Special features: Orthotic insoles, optional Arch Booster, wide toe box, padding, stretchable upper, and plenty of cushioning
Materials: Fabric
Retailer availability: OrthoFeet
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I have worn this shoe since the first day they arrived. They are now my daily shoe over my Skechers arch walk. They are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. I have plantar fasciitis along with flat feet and these shoes solve both problems. My posture has even improved while walking.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $134.95
Special features: 8 mm heel-toe drop, CloudTec cushioning, Speedboard technology
Materials: Recycled content
Retailer availability: On, Nordstrom, Fleet Feet, Zappos, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Foot Locker
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I love them, lightweight, perfect for weight training and cardio. I’m a 9.5 and they fit perfectly!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $139.99
Birdies
Special features: 10 mm heel, seven-layer footbed
Materials: Suede or leather, rubber
Retailer availability: Birdies, Nordstrom
Nordstrom Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I am obsessed with these. They are SO comfortable. I get a ton of compliments on them each time I wear them, and they are great for the office or home. I will for sure be purchasing in more colors!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Special features: SweetFoam cushioned midsole, 15 mm heel-toe drop, and removable insole
Materials: Sugarcane, eucalyptus tree fiber, and recycled polyester
Retailer availability: Allbirds
What testers say: “I work on my feet for most of the day and have tried various different brands to find shoes that were comfortable and didn’t have my feet aching at the end of the day. Allbirds are my favorite! Really comfortable, and it’s great that you can wash them so easily too. A great price too, compared to the other options I’ve tried.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $98
Special features: Arch support, forefoot support, heel cup
Materials: Vegan leather, foam
Retailer availability: Sapogi
What testers say: “I have a pair of the black ones and I wear them every day. After having plantar fasciitis for months, these are literally the only shoes that helped.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $125
What Causes Flat Feet?
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.”
What to Look for in the Best Shoes for Flat Feet
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.
- Arch support: Just as it is for those with high arches, proper arch support is highly important for those with flat feet. “The best shoes for flat feet offer good arch support, which stops your feet from pronating (rolling inwards) as you walk,” says Gavin. Dr. Cunha notes that “shoes with integrated arch support can lessen the pressure on the ligaments and tendons in the foot and help with the equal distribution of weight.”
- Cushioning: “Cushioning is necessary to reduce impact on the feet and lower limbs, and make walking comfortable, particularly for people with flat feet who might put more strain on their feet,” says Dr. Cunha. Yau adds, “Shoes with a deep heel cup and shock absorption are also helpful for providing additional cushioning and support.”
- Rigid shank and heel counter: With flat feet, you need a sole that will move with you, but it shouldn’t be too flimsy, as structure aids in stability. Dr. Cunha explains that the shank, a piece in the shoe’s midsole, “should be rigid to hold up and support the arch,” and the same goes for a rigid heel counter. “There should be a good bit of padding called an ankle collar, which is intended to cushion the ankle and the Achilles tendon, and support the heel,” he adds.
- Heel-toe drop: Completely flat shoes are typically not recommended for flat feet, since they don’t provide the necessary support. Instead, Gavin suggests looking for shoes with “a slight heel can have the effect of decreasing the amount of flattening of the arch during normal standing, walking, or activity.” Look to a substantial heel-to-toe drop that offers support over 7mm. Flats with arch support and a small heel are another option, along with orthotic insoles
- Wide-lasted shoes: Fishkin says that the shape of the shoe itself is very important when you have flat feet. “Wider-lasted shoes are the best option, which means they shouldn’t have an hourglass shape on the bottom,” Fishkin explains. “Instead, they should have a straight-across design underfoot.” Make sure to opt for wide-fitting shoe brands listed above, like Brooks, New Balance, or Naturalizer. “Most of the problems with our feet — particularly for women and runners — stem because our shoes don’t have a wide enough forefoot,” says Dr. Cunha. His trick? “Trace your foot onto a piece of paper at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen; then, place the shoe over the tracing of the foot. If the tracing of the foot is wider than the periphery of the shoe, your shoes are too narrow.”
How We Chose 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.
Meet the Experts
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.
Meet the Author
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.
