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Are you among the 25 percent of the population with flat feet? If so, you’ll know this means you don’t have a pronounced arch in your feet.
Infants and young children don’t have arches—they typically develop from age six onward. 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 arch-less part of the foot. Shoes with extra support in the middle of the sole can reduce pain caused by flat feet.
Read on for our list of 10 comfortable and fashionable shoes for flat-footed people for all occasions.
Our Picks for the Best Shoes for Flat Feet in 2024:
- Best Shoes for Flat Feet Overall: NoBull RipStop Runner
- Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Kuru Flux
- Best Workout Shoes for Flat Feet: adidas Dropset 2
- Best Minimalist Shoes for Flat Feet:Xero HFS II
- Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: NoBull Trainer+
- Best Running Shoes for Women with Flat Feet: Nike InfinityRN 4
- Best Tennis Shoes for Flat Feet: adidas Barricade Tennis Shoe
- Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet: NoBull Court Trainer
- Best Running Shoes for Men with Flat Feet: Nike InfinityRN 4
- Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet: Allbirds Trail Runners
Best Shoes for Flat Feet Overall: NoBull RipStop Runner
Key features
- Price: $139
- Weight: 292 grams
- Stability running shoe
- Designed to limit movement of your foot in the shoe
- Durable fabric
Nobull’s Ripstop Runners are our pick for the best shoes for flat feet because they are stability running shoes designed to provide motion control. The Ripstop Runners have a medial post which is a firm, dense cushion in the shoe’s midsole to prevent overpronation—i.e., your foot rolling excessively inward when you walk or run. We love how durable these sneakers are and that they can take you from running errands to running (or walking) miles.
Our tester, CrossFit trainer Caroline Lubinsky, took a pair of NoBull Ripstop Runners on a run and felt they lived up the the hype. “They felt supportive and secure during my run,” Lubinsky says.
Pros:
- Shoes include a medial post designed to fight overpronation
- Durable fabric will stand up to wear and tear
- Versatile and can take you from the gym to the trail and running errands
Cons:
- Doesn’t come in wide options
Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Kuru Flux
Key features
- Price: $150
- Weight: 263 grams
- Heel hugging technology
- Easy to slip on and off
- Four colors available
If you struggle with flat feet, you may sometimes deal with discomfort in your heel and arch. We suggest checking out Kuru shoes, which are designed to relieve pain. We picked the Kuru Flux as the best running shoes for flat feet because they are built to provide support and comfort for your feet mile after mile. The Kuru Flux is made with KuruSole, which is a cushioning system that hugs and protects your heel with each step, making them a great pair of gym shoes as well as running shoes. They also include supportive insoles and a wide toe box, which are two important features to look for if you suffer from flat feet.
Pro:
- Arch support in the insole is beneficial for those with flat feet
- Wide fit prevents toes from squishing, causing discomfort
- Heel-hugging design fights overpronation
Con:
- More expensive than some other options on our list
Best Workout Shoes for Flat Feet: adidas Dropset 2
Key features
- Price: $130
- Weight: 336 grams
- Stable platform for lifting weights
- 7 colorway options
Working out in shoes that don’t work for your feet can cause soreness for all the wrong reasons. If you have flat feet, finding a good shoe to exercise in can be difficult, but not impossible. The adidas Dropset 2 is the latest adidas offering in the world of weightlifting shoes, providing a blend of support and breathability that’s perfect for sweaty days in the gym.
These shoes boast a wide fit for adequate toe splay, a TPU sidewall designed to support the heel and midfoot, a 6 millimeter midsole drop (perfect for repping out squats or other leg-day barbell exercises) and an airflow vent in the midsole that allows for unmatched breathability. If you’re into weight lifting and want a shoe that will provide comfort for your flat feet, these are worth checking out.
Pros:
- Supportive and stable for weightlifting
- Midsole vent and mesh upper for breathability
- Traxion outsole for solid grip
Cons:
- Not ideal for running or cardio exercises
- Some reviewers report mesh to lack durability
Best Minimalist Shoes for Flat Feet: Xero HFS II
Key features
- Price: $119
- Weight: 253 grams
- Barefoot, minimalist style shoe
- Lightweight design
- Three colors available
Exercising and running in barefoot minimalist shoes could help strengthen your foot muscles if you suffer from a flat arch, according to health experts. While the American Podiatric Medical Association says more research is needed, runners who use minimalist shoes tout the benefits. The Xero HFS II are our pick for the best minimalist shoes for flat feet because they are barefoot style shoes aimed at enhancing your stride and foot’s flexibility.
The Xero HFS II have a wide toe box allowing your toes to spread out, which is an important feature if you have flat feet. These barefoot shoes also include a zero-drop heel to encourage proper posture.
Our tester, Erin Chancer, wore the Xero HFS II for jogging, lifting and cycling. “Although barefoot shoes are not what I normally wear, I really liked these. They hugged my feet nicely, and I felt secure,” said Chancer. While Chancer said the shoes didn’t require a break-in period, she did note they ran warm.
Pros:
- 5,000-mile sole warranty
- Flexible sole designed to strengthen your foot’s muscles and improve foot flexibility
- The treaded outsole provides added grip for rugged terrain
Cons:
- Barefoot-style shoes might take some getting used to for some people
- Our tester said they ran warm while wearing them
Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: NoBull Trainer+
Key features
- Price: $139-$179
- Weight: Various
- 4 millimeter heel
- Durable carbon rubber outsole
In a few significant ways, the NoBull brand reminds me of Bala Bangles; the shoes are a stylish but sturdy alternative to traditional sportswear, with lots of color variety on a few thoughtful staple pieces. Shoes like these are excellent for the low-impact nature of walking, since higher impact may require a sole with a tad more midsole arch support. Having said that, we wouldn’t endorse these shoes for walking on flat feet if there wasn’t some merit, which comes in the form of padding on the heel and collar, and an anatomical sock liner that conforms to your feet.
The shoe is also highly breathable, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities in the hot summer months. The reinforced heel ensures long-term durability, especially if you’re sticking with walking, although the Trainer+ line can handle plenty of heavier pounding.
Related Post: The 9 Best Walking Shoes
Pros:
- Suede tongue adds comfort while breaking the shoe in
- Rubber outsole and “SuperFabric” upper material have excellent durability
- Dozens of colors and styles available for men and women
Cons:
- Minimal midsole cushioning makes the shoes less versatile for severe flat-footedness
- Narrower toe box means Trainer+ may not be a good option for those with wider feet
Best Running Shoes for Women with Flat Feet:Nike InfinityRN 4
Key features
- Price: $160
- Weight: 281 grams
- Flyknit band provides incredible midfoot support
- Designed to handle all types of running, including long runs, tempo and speed work
Running with flat feet can be painful with the wrong shoes, but that doesn’t mean people with flat feet need to give up running altogether. The Nike Infinity RN4 shoes offer ample underfoot cushioning and high support through the arches to make running in them a comfortable experience for all types of feet. You can think of the Flyknit band as an internal rubber band, stretching around the middle of your foot, supporting the arch and midfoot for a snug and comfortable fit.
Other elements of the shoe improve its running performance, including the responsive ReactX foam in the soles, additional rubber in the outsole (providing more traction and increased durability) and a wider toe box compared to previous models. One reviewer commented, “These are incredible. Perfect for my arch pronation.”
Related Post: The Best Running Shoes for Women
Pros:
- Built for everyday wear, walking and running
- Little to no break-in required
- Suitable for short-, middle- and long-distance running
- Available in bright, bold colors including the Bloom Run Collection
Cons:
- Reviewers recommend sizing up a half size
- Not great for those on a budget
Best Tennis Shoes for Flat Feet: adidas Barricade Tennis Shoes
Key features
- Price: $160
- Weight: 402 grams
- Partly made from recycled materials
- Bouncy midsole
- Responsive
For tennis enthusiasts, the best tennis shoes for flat feet should have a responsive design that’s bouncy and full of energy. The 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 percent Parley Ocean Plastic and 50 percent 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.
Related Post: The Best adidas Running Shoes
Pros:
- Responsive design perfect for tennis
- Wrap-around tongue design for a perfect fit
- Breathable
- Durable
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- Break-in takes time
Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet: NoBull Court Trainer
Key features
- Price: $139
- Weight: 274 grams
- Carbon rubber outsole ideal for court sports
- Designed to absorb impact as you jump, stop and pivot
- Four colors
If you have flat feet, it’s important to look for a shoe that’s supportive and stabilizing, especially as you run, jump and dribble down the basketball court. NoBull Court Trainers are our pick for the best basketball shoes for flat feet thanks to their wide toe box and built-in stability to keep your foot secure in your shoe as you stop and start. We also like the added cushioning designed to protect your feet by absorbing the force of high-impact moves. Another plus? The NoBull Court Trainers are very durable and have a water-repellent coating, making them a greatoutdoor basketball shoe.
These basketball shoes have earned an average of 4.5/5 stars from more than 300 reviews on the NoBull website. “I’ve played basketball most my life and always used a popular shoe for the court. I decided to try the Court Trainers for rec league, and so far, I love them,” wrote one customer.
Pros:
- Durable and can handle intense workouts
- Cushioning absorbed impact during high-intensity exercises
- Supportive and stabilizing design
Cons:
- Does not come in wide options, so may not be suitable for all athletes
Best Running Shoes for Men with Flat Feet: Nike InfinityRN 4
Key features
- Price: $160
- Weight: 12.4 ounces (Men’s size 10)
- Super high cushioning
- High support
- Eight colors, plus custom options
If you’re looking for a running shoe that provides stability and comfort, check out the Nike InfinityRN 4, the best Nike shoes for flat feet. They are our pick for the best running shoes for men with flat feet because they provide a high level of support and cushioning. The InfinityRN are made with ReactX Foam which, Nike says, provides a smoother run by softening the impact your feet make with the ground. An internal Flyknit band, which acts like a rubber band around your foot, plus wider toe box, help keep your foot stabilized—an important factor if you have flat feet.
Related Post: The Best Nike Shoes for Men
Our tester, personal trainer Dylan Van Dyune, gave these sneakers his stamp of approval during his marathon training. "The first time I went out for a jog in the Nike InfinityRN 4s, I was pleasantly surprised. Unlike other shoes that can take quite a bit of time to break in, this shoe was phenomenal right out of the box. This shoe is unbelievably comfortable," saidVan Dyune.
Check out our InfinityRN 4 Review for more information on these running shoes.
Pros:
- Rubber outsole helps with traction
- Water-repellent liner
- Soft foam collar
Cons:
- Runs small, Nike recommends sizing up
Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet: Allbirds Trail Runners
Key features
- Price: $140
- Weight: 11.9 ounces
- Stabilizing support
- Rugged outsole
- Five colorways
Allbirds Trail Runners are our pick for the best hiking shoes for flat feet because they offers support and traction, making them the perfect combination to tackle any trail. Allbirds designed these shoes to withstand even the toughest terrain. The outsole has added grip and a sock-like collar blocks mud, dirt and pebbles from getting into your shoe. We love the water-resistant finish so you don’t have to worry if the trail is soggy. Plus, these shoes have been tested for their durability, comfort and performance by 100 runners for over 2,000 miles on all types of trails. The Trail Runner also provides stabilizing midsole support, which is important if you have flat feet.
On the Allbirds website, several reviewers said these shoes held up to rugged terrain. “Best shoes I have gotten from Allbirds so far! They are comfortable, have great grip for outdoor running, and give me traction and stability,” wrote one user. However, several reviewers commented that the shoes ran slightly small or uncomfortably rubbed against their heel.
Pros:
- Rubber outsole helps with traction
- Tear-resistant mudguard
- Collar blocks debris
Cons:
- Some reviewers said the heel rubbed uncomfortably
What Does It Mean to Have Flat Feet?
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.
What Issues Can Flat Feet Cause?
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.
What to Look for When Choosing a Shoe for Flat Feet
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:
Arch support
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.
Sole support
Always look for shoes with a firmly cushioned insole to provide a spring for all your movements.
Closed shoes
You can wear sandals or flip-flops, but they will not be as comfortable to walk or exercise on as closed shoes.
Heeled 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
Lace-up shoes are great because you can control the fit of the shoes.
Shoes for Flat Feet FAQs
How can you tell if you have flat feet?
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.
Do flip-flops cause flat feet?
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.
Are flat feet genetic?
Flat feet can be inherited from parents. But in general, the condition is a lack of arch development with no traceable underlying cause.
Is walking barefoot good for flat feet?
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.
Can you fix flat feet with exercise?
Flat feet cannot be fixed with exercise. However, if you are experiencing pain due to flat feet, exercise may help alleviate the symptoms.
Final Thoughts
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.
