The 15 Best Shoes for Flat Feet, According to Top Podiatrists (2024)

What Causes Flat Feet?

What to Look for in the Best Shoes for Flat Feet

How We Chose the Best Shoes for Flat Feet

Meet the Experts

Meet the Author

Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 Shoes

Size range: Men’s 7 to 16 standard and wide; women’s 5 to 13 standard, wide and X-wide
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

Yau always recommends these cushioned running shoes to patients with flat feet, saying the foam midsole “provides cushioning and arch support.” The expert adds that this shoe “has an engineered mesh top that keeps the foot secure and provides support to the arch of the foot. The outsole also has a unique pattern that provides traction and stability.” Aside from great support for flat feet, we love that New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 Shoes are made using both recycled and bio-based materials to help reduce New Balance’s environmental impact.

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

Best Men’s Dress Shoes for Flat Feet

Dr. Scholl’s Sync Up Oxford Ultimate Flex Oxford Shoes

Size range: 8 to 13, medium and wide
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

On Sale 37% off

Having flat feet doesn’t mean you’re confined to wearing only sneakers for the rest of your life: There are tons of comfortable men’s shoes on the market to support your foot shape while still looking elegant. These men’s oxfords from Dr. Scholl’s are engineered with a ton of flat foot-friendly features that make them extra comfortable, including a molded heel cup, arch support, and lightweight cushioning. They’re one of the best oxford shoes for men, and we love that they come in medium and wide sizes and in three colorways.

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

Best Running Shoes for Overpronation

Adidas Solarglide 6 Running Shoes

Size range: Men’s 6.5 to 15; women’s 5 to 12
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

On Sale 20% off

Designed with Adidas’ proprietary Boost cushioning for comfort and support, Solarglide 6 running shoes are ideal stability running shoes for flat-footed runners. adidas’ engineered Lep 2.0 technology provides optimal stability support to guide each stride and prevent overpronation. They feature a 10 mm midsole drop, which aids in ample arch support, along with a circular knit upper for soft security in your stance as you propel forward. As such, these Adidas running shoes feel super comfortable and are sure to help you feel confident during your run. Plus, they’re made from part recycled content.

What testers say: “Best overpronation shoes on the market.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $104

Best Women’s Dress Shoes for Flat Feet

Clarks Sarafyna Iris Black Leather Shoes

Size range: 5 to 11, medium and wide
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

Thankfully, these days there are a ton of beautiful, comfortable women’s sneakers with flat feet who want to look stylish. But if you need a non-sneaker option, Clarks’ Sarafyna Iris Black Leather Shoes are a top pick for loafers for women; they feature a tortoiseshell chain across the upper for a stylish touch, and pair beautifully with jeans or a pantsuit. As for their functionality, these come in wide sizes — as many people with flat feet also need shoes for wide feet — and feature the Clarks’ Contour Comfort footbed, which helps to stabilize the arch, providing support and helping to avoid overpronation. Last but not least, opting for a slight heel like this one is always recommended for those with collapsed arches.

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

Best Running Shoes for Wide Flat Feet

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Shoes

Size range: Men’s 7 to 15, narrow, medium, wide, extra wide; women’s 5 to 13 narrow, medium, wide, extra wide
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

Brooks has positioned itself as one of the all-time best brands for running shoes designed to support various foot conditions, including the best shoes for wide feet and flat feet — and Yau is a seasoned fan. “The Adrenaline GTS offers maximum cushioning and support while the unique outsole pattern helps provide stability and traction,” she says. “The shoe is also lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for people with flat feet.” These are designed with GuideRails technology to prevent overpronation and support your feet, knees, and hips as you run, plus proprietary DNA LOFT cushioning for soft landings with every step. They also come in four widths to better accommodate every foot shape.

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

Best Hiking Shoes for Flat Feet

Hoka Gaviota 5 Shoes

Size range: Men’s 7 to 15, regular and wide; women’s 5 to 12, regular and wide
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

If you have the wrong shoes for flat feet, hiking can be a painful experience. But with Hoka’s updated Gaviota 5 Shoes, it can be the pleasurable activity it’s supposed to be. Thetrail running shoes shoesare specially engineered to provide stability and prevent overpronation without overcorrecting, with a newly designed H-Frame midsole padded with ultra comfortable cushioning. These exceptional Hoka running shoes also come in regular and wide sizing, and feature a 5 mm heel-toe drop to better support your arches. Plus they’re accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association, so you know you’re getting a high-performance product here. By the way, you can definitely wear these for running or walking around town, too.

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

Best Women’s Sandals for Flat Feet

Vionic Jamie Flatform Lug Sandal

Size range: 5 to 11
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

Available in black or tan, these Vionic Jamie Flatform Lug shoes are the ultimate sandals for flat feet for all your summer outing needs. They support those with collapsed arches thanks to their slight heel-to-toe drop, as well as the dual-density midsole and molded EVA footbed, which provide amazing arch support, cushioning, stability and flexibility — all of which are primordial when shopping for shoes for flat feet or essential comfortable walking sandals that still bring style.

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

Best Arch Support Shoes for Flat Feet

Asics GT-2000 11 Shoes

Size range: Men’s 6 to 17; women’s 5 to 12.5, narrow, regular, and wide
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

On Sale 36% off

Asics’ GT-200 11 shoe “is designed specifically for people with flat feet, providing cushioning and arch support to help relieve pain and ensure maximum comfort,” says Yau, who also loves the outsole for the stability and traction it provides. The GT-2000 is engineered with a number of trademarked features that work together to ensure you get the support you need. For flat feet, the Litetruss technology improves stability and helps prevent overpronation, while the FF blast midsole provides added comfort, among other fantastic features.

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

Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet and Overpronation

Nike Structure 25 Shoes

Size range: Men’s 6 to 15
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

On Sale 20% off

As aforementioned, flat feet and overpronation often go hand in hand. In order to prevent your foot from falling too far inwards while you’re walking, you need supportive shoes that are designed for those with foot shapes like yours —and Nike had overpronators in mind when making these Structure 25 sneakers. They’ve been improved with softer materials in the heel, collar, and tongue for a secure yet plush fit, and an updated foam underfoot doubles-down on lightweight support. Along with responsive cushioning, a flexible fit, and a molded heel to better support your foot, Nike’s increased the heel-toe drop for ample arch support.

What testers say: “Excellent and so comfortable! Love my new shoes!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $119.97

Best High Heels for Flat Feet

Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandals

Size range: 4 to 12, regular and wide
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

On Sale 8% off

There’s often a misconception that if you have flat feet, you can only wear functional-looking orthopedic women’s shoes, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. As long as the shoes you go for offer arch support, cushioning, and other supportive features, you can totally wear a pair of heeled sandals like these, for example. The Naturalizer Joy Dress Sandals come with Naturalizer’s Contour+ technology, which molds to the natural shape of your foot for comfort, and feature a wide block heel and square toe to accommodate your whole fit without pinching wide profiles or causing discomfort.

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

Best Men’s Orthopedic Shoes for Flat Feet

OrthoFeet Yari Hands-Free Shoes

Size range: 7 to 14 standard, wide, extra wide
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

On Sale 13% off

Orthopedic shoes are a fantastic solution for those who suffer from conditions associated with flat feet, especially if you’re walking or standing for long periods of time. These comfortable shoes for men and orthopedic shoes for women from OrthoFeet feature orthotic soles with removable arch support, which can help alleviate any pain you’re experiencing; a wide toe box to help accommodate the shape of your foot,especially if you have swelling or bunions for example; and a stretchable upper. They’re incredibly comfortable to walk in, and can help you deal with issues such as plantar fasciitis, hammertoes or knee pain, among many other things.

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

Best Gym Shoes for Flat Feet

On Cloud X 3 Shoes

Size range: Men’s 7 to 14; women’s 5 to 11
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

On only creates high-performing athletic shoes, and they do it extremely well in terms of ankle support and comfort. These On Cloud X 3 Shoes, which are designed as workout shoes for various types of exercise, are lightweight and made with CloudTec cushioning for arch support and ankle stability, helping to prevent overpronation as you move. That’s what the brand aims to do — help you to mobilize the right muscles so that your movements become more supportive to your overall physical health. Last but not least, these have an 8 mm heel-toe drop, which helps to further support fallen arches.

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

Best Women’s Flat Shoes for Flat Feet

Birdies The Vesper Shoes

Size range: 5 to 12
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

Birdies are specialists in creating comfortable women’s dress shoes and flats. These feature a 10 mm heel, a heel cookie, and what the brand calls “seven layers of cloud-like comfort” in the footbed, making them a great pair of arch support shoes for women with flat feet. Because the material is naturally stretchy and super comfy, these are perfect for those with collapsed arches who need a wider-fitting shoe. Also, their silhouette is so simple that they can be styled with pretty much any outfit you can think up.

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

Best Shoes for Flat Feet for Standing All Day

Allbirds Tree Runners Shoes

Size range: Men’s 4.5 to 14; women’s 5 to 12.5
Special features: SweetFoam cushioned midsole, 15 mm heel-toe drop, and removable insole
Materials: Sugarcane, eucalyptus tree fiber, and recycled polyester
Retailer availability: Allbirds

Nurses, waitstaff and other professionals who need shoes for standing all day will thank their lucky stars for Allbirds’ Tree Runners. Available in a ton of stylish colorways to suit every preference, these sneakers are ideal shoes flat feet thanks to the cushioned midsole, which provides a great deal of arch support, plus the 15 mm heel-toe drop. You can also remove the insole to replace it with your own orthotics if you like, though many people find they don’t need to since the Allbirds are already so comfy. And another reason to love these? They’re made using sustainable materials and ethical practices for a healthier planet and happier communities.

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

Best Shoes for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis

Sapogi Casual Sneakers

Size range: Men’s 4.5 to 14; women’s 5 to 12.5
Special features: Arch support, forefoot support, heel cup
Materials: Vegan leather, foam
Retailer availability: Sapogi

These Sapogi Casual Sneakers are another Yau-recommended pair of shoes for flat feet. Unfortunately, people with flat feet are prone to developing other common foot problems, and these are also specially designed walking shoes for plantar fasciitis — in fact, the brand is so sure that these will help alleviate heel pain that they only carry one style of shoe, which is available in a men’s and a women’s version. “I love Sapogi shoes,” says Yau. “They have a built-in insole that can support the arch, and a deep and wide toe box that can accommodate a larger forefoot area that’s usually associated with people with flat feet.” On top of that, these look every bit like a top pair of cool white sneakers for women and men, and can easily be styled with your everyday clothes.

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