Shoes for flat feet are specifically designed to support those with flattened arches. They often feature specially made insoles and similar adjustments to make life easier for those with flat feet, who regularly deal with pain daily.
Of course, not all shoes for flat feet are the same. We reviewed the best shoes for flat feet to help you choose the correct option.
Rankings
1. Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe
These gender-neutral shoes feature lightweight mesh for extra breathability and a durable leather overlay for stability. The EVA sockliner provides soft comfort, which can be extremely helpful if you’re already experiencing foot pain.
The Charged Cushioning midsole utilizes compression-molded foam to extra responsiveness. For these reasons, it’s our #1 pick.
2. ASICS GT-2000 7 Women’s Running Shoes
For a slightly more feminine option, these shoes by ASICS are an excellent choice. They provide a cushioning system to alleviate pressure and absorb impacts.
Plus, the SpevaFoam midsole material improves bounce back, reducing fatigue and significantly reducing pain for those with flat arches.
3. Clark’s Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-flop
Just because you have flat feet doesn’t mean you’re stuck with only wearing running shoes. These flip-flops by Clark’s feature an EVA footbed, making them a comfortable option for those with flat feet.
Their cushion soft comfort technology prevents fatigue and achy feet.
4. Crocs Women’s Serena Flat Sandal
These extra-wide sandals are a comfortable choice for many customers. They feature a minimal look and lightweight design to prevent fatigue.
The flexible Matlite straps are long-lasting and soft, ensuring a secure fit, which is vital to reducing foot pain due to flat arches.
5. New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Cross Trainer
With a memory insole, these shoes adapt to your foot, providing comfort and support where you need it the most. The rubber sole prevents fatigue and helps absorb shock, which is often the cause of foot pain and discomfort.
Plus, there are tons of design options available.
6. ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 7 Running Shoes
A stabilizing heel counter encourages your foot to stay in its natural line of motion, which prevents foot pain and discomfort. The fabric lining wicks away moisture and keeps your feet nice and fresh.
They come with a breathable mesh and synthetic leather for durability and stability.
7. Clarks Women’s CloudSteppers Sillian Paz Slip-On Loafer
For casual and around-the-house wear, these shoes are the right choice. They’re slip-on and provide an ortholite footbed to keep your feet comfortable.
They are very soft and stable, reducing foot pain from your usual activities around your home.
8. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoes
This shoe’s unique Guiderail Support System focuses on preventing foot pain as well as knee and leg pain, keeping unnecessary movement in check.
They are soft and protective, with quite a bit of cushion to keep your feet supported.
9. JOOMRA Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes
These shoes come with a removable insole to help support your arches and can accommodate outside inserts.
The thick topline prevents your shoe from falling off, and a reflective liner increases your visibility at night.
10. New Balance Women’s 680v6 Cushioning Running Shoes
For extra cushioning, these shoes are a solid choice. They provide plenty of support and comfort for running as well as everyday life.
They are lightweight and feature a breathable mesh to keep your feet cool and dry.
How We Ranked
Choosing a pair of shoes for your flat feet is all about comfort and support. The right shoes will provide enough cushioning to keep your feet comfortable while also providing a great deal of help. Too much cushioning and your ankles and feet will ache from the exertion. Too little cushioning, and you probably won’t find yourself pain-free at the end of the day. We ranked the ASICS GT-2000 7 Women’s Running Shoes as number one mainly because it reached this cushioning vs. support balance very well. They’re comfortable, but don’t have so much cushioning that your feet are going to struggle.
On top of the amount of cushioning and support, we also stayed on the look-out for compression-molded insoles. These insoles mold to your feet as you wear the shoes, providing you with personalized comfort and support. Because your average shoe is made with a normally-arched foot in mind, choosing an option with a flexible insole can be vital for those with flat feet. We included many footwear options with moldable insoles in our reviews, including the New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Cross Trainer.
On top of moldable insoles, many companies also produce shoes with unique insole designs. Some of these designs work wondrously well for some people but can cause others significant amounts of pain. It all depends on the particular shape of your feet and isn’t something you’ll know until you try. The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoes are an excellent example of this.
Of course, just like with any shoe, there are some extra features we looked for as well. Not all of these relate directly to having flat feet but are essential for comfort and the longevity of your shoes. These features include things like breathable mesh, durable materials, reflective stripes, sturdy outsole, and style options. While these things don’t have a direct effect on how much your feet hurt at the end of the day, they aren’t features you should have to compromise on just to get shoes that won’t make your feet ache. Because of this, we took each pair of shoe’s extra features into account when ranking them.
An essential but often overlooked feature is the ability to remove the insoles. If you can’t remove a shoe’s insole, you can’t add customized support or orthopedic insoles into your shoes. For those with flat feet, this can mean the difference between getting arthritis and being pain-free at the end of the day. If you rely on inserts or think you might need one shortly, you must select a pair of shoes with a removable insole, like the JOOMRA Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes.
Benefits
Shoes for flat feet can accommodate orthopedic inserts. Inserts and specially-made boots are significant ways that flat arches are treated. Even in people without diagnostic flat feet, who may only have slightly flattened arches, orthopedic inserts of some sort are usually recommended. In total, about 14.2% of people need some kind of inserts to be pain-free (1).
However, not all shoes can accommodate these inserts. In many cases, you must remove the insole, which is not possible in many different shoes. Getting a shoe that is supportive of flat feet often means the insole is removable, making them compatible with many different inserts.
Many of the shoes we reviewed can accommodate these inserts.
Shoes for flat feet can prevent unnecessary contact and force when performing everyday activities. When those with flat arches do daily activities, they often end up using different parts of their feet when compared with those with normal arches (2). This is often what causes pain for those with flat feet – parts of their feet that are designed to handle much force are used more heavily than they should be.
One study that examined the differences in foot contact and the force exerted on different parts of their feet between those with flat feet and those with healthy feet. Those with flat feet used their medial midfoot far more during nearly every movement task when compared to those with normal arches. This part of your foot is not designed for substantial contact or pressure. Therefore, when those with flat feet naturally use it more, it can cause significant pain and swelling.
Plus, our legs aren’t made for this differing movement either, causing leg pain and even knee problems.
Shoes made for flat feet can alleviate this problem by supporting your foot where it needs it the most, resulting in more natural movements and posturing. This takes some of the pressure off of your medial midfoot and can relieve some of the stress and pain you feel at the end of the day.
Shoes for flat feet can be an alternative to surgery. Surgery is helpful in a few critical instances of flat feet. There are quite a few different surgical interventions that are sometimes used today to relieve the symptoms of flat feet, especially in children.
However, there is little evidence that surgery helps the majority of patients (3). In some circumstances, surgery might not help at all or cause new problems – as is the case when the growth plate on children’s feet are affected. Adults usually have a much lower rate of negative consequences to surgery because their feet are done growing, and therefore you don’t have to worry about the growth plates. Still, surgery is considered by many doctors to be a worst-case scenario, since it is not shown to be helpful in all cases.
Shoes for flat feet can provide an inexpensive and accessible alternative to surgery. Changing your footwear is extremely easy to do and very reasonable. Most shoes for flat feet do not cost any more than your average footwear. Plus, almost anyone can go out and purchase a pair of shoes or order one from the internet.
Shoes have a surprisingly significant impact on the pain and other symptoms associated with flat feet, especially if you wear them around your home as well as out and about. Perhaps most importantly, shoes can reduce the pain to the point that surgery is not necessary.
Of course, there is also no limit on the amount of time you can use shoes, which is the case with some treatments for flat feet. You can use shoes for flat feet for the rest of your life, and you will likely not suffer from any negative consequences.
Shoes for flat feet can reduce energy use while walking and standing. Compared to those without flat feet, people with flat feet have higher levels are fatigue from everyday walking and standing. This can potentially wholly cut off those with flat feet from some job areas, such as nursing and factory work, which require lots of standing and walking. For those with extreme flat feet, even going on a walk can be much more useful than it needs to be.
One study measured the resting, walking, and final recovery heart rates, blood pressures, and walking oxygen consumption of 20 people with flat feet (4). During the first stage of testing, subjects walked on a treadmill in their bare feet. During phase two of the test, they were provided with arch supports and walked on the treadmill again.
There were considerable differences in their heart rates, blood pressures, and walking oxygen consumption between these two stages. When wearing supports, subjects spend far less energy than they do otherwise, their heart rates are lower, and they report less fatigue afterward.
Therefore, arch supports can be beneficial at reducing fatigue in users with flat feet. Arch supports can come in the form of a well-developed insole in your shoe, or a specially made insert you put in a pair of shoes. Either way, getting shoes for flat feet is essential. You can take advantage of their well-crafted insoles, or take out their removable insole to use your own.
Shoes for flat feet can reduce your lower let pain and improve your general foot health. While flat feet are mostly a problem because they can cause needless suffering, they can also cause long-term leg and feet problems, like arthritis. Of course, these problems are only going to cause more pain in the long run. Because of that, it is essential to take care of your flat feet, even if they aren’t causing you extreme amounts of pain currently.
One study was performed on 47 Royal Australian Air Force recruits who had flat feet. It followed them as they completed their 10-week basic training course. Some recruits were given special shoe inserts to help counteract the problems caused by their flat feet. Then, each recruit was tracked based on pain measurements, amount of injury, foot health, and quality of life (5).
At the end of the trial, those who had the inserts reported less low leg pain and better general foot health. Plus, none of the recruits wearing the inserts were injured during their training period.
As this study showed, the correct foot support can decrease your pain by quite a bit and improve your feet’s overall health far into the future. You can achieve this support by investing in a good pair of shoes for flat feet, or selecting a pair of shoes with a removable insole so you can use specially made inserts.
Side Effects
Shoes for flat feet don’t work for everyone. Not every pair of shoes is going to have the same effect on everyone who purchases them. Sometimes, you’ll strike gold and discover a shoe that leaves you completely pain-free. Other times, a pair of shoes will leave you in more pain than you were before.
This is because each pair of shoes has a unique design, and not all flat feet are the same. This is great because it means there is likely a pair of shoes out there that will work correctly for you. However, it also means that you may have to try a couple of different pairs before you find one you like. It often isn’t possible to figure out which shoe is right for you until you wear it for a week or two. Be sure to give each pair of shoes plenty of time to be worn in before you decide whether or not it’s working for you.
Furthermore, not all flat feet are equally as severe. Some people have only slightly flattened arches, which can cause pain but is easily corrected with a pair of shoes. Other people have stiff, flat feet with hardly an arch at all. For some, surgery is the only way they will be pain-free.
You should work closely with your doctor if you have serious flat feet. While surgery is getting rarer and rarer as we make better shoe inserts, it is still necessary in some cases (3).
Shoes for flat feet can be more expensive than regular tennis shoes. While many shoes for flat feet are not costly, they absolutely can be. Many regularly-prized shoes can work well for those with flattened arches. However, if you’ve tried these shoes and are still experiencing pain, you’ll likely need a pair of shoes with a little more oomph. Shoes specifically tailored for flat feet can be more expensive than others.
Of course, even if you stick with run-of-the-mill shoes that happen to work well for flattened arches, it might take several shoe purchases for you to find one that works well. If every pair of shoes is around $60, this can get expensive quite quickly. You usually have to wear each pair of shoes for a week or two before you’ll know if they’re working, so returns are often not possible.
Furthermore, if you have significantly flattened arches, you may find yourself needing specially made inserts as well. In this case, it is still important to purchase a pair of shoes for flat feet, even though you’ll be using a different insert. While the insole is very important for those with flattened arches, the whole shoe is vital as well. Buying a cheap pair of shoes and outfitting them with an insert isn’t going to help much. Furthermore, many regular pairs of shoes do not come with removable insoles, making it impossible to use inserts in them.
If you’re one of those that need inserts, you can expect to spend quite a bit of money on your inserts and shoes for flattened arches.
However, this is a small price to pay to be pain-free and improve your overall foot health!
Recommended Usage
Preferably, you should wear your shoes as much as possible. Even if you’re just walking around the house, wearing shoes that properly support your feet can reduce pain and prevent side effects often associated with flat feet, like bunions and arthritis. Many people purchase two pairs of shoes – one for around the house and one for when they’re out and about. The shoes you wear around your home can be simple slip-ons that you take on and off as you get up and down. If you have a job where you often have to get dressed up, you may want to purchase a nicer pair of shoes for your flat feet as well.
While wearing shoes all the time might seem impossible at first, it is easy to make it a habit. Just keep shoes near the couch or wherever you usually sit down and slip them on whenever you get up. Soon, you won’t have to worry about remembering to put your shoes on because it’ll be a habit. Plus, once your feet start to feel better, you’ll realize just how much of a difference slipping on your shoes for a quick run to the fridge can make. If you have hardwood floors or tile in your home, this is especially important, since these flooring types don’t provide much comfort or support to those with flat feet.
If you have inserts you wear with your shoes, you can either switch them out between all your different pairs or purchase multiple sets. If you only use one pair of shoes rarely, you might be able to get away with not using your inserts at all in those shoes. Many people don’t bother with putting their inserts in their house shoes but slip on their everyday shoes if they begin doing anything that requires a lot of standing, like washing the dishes.
FAQ
Do shoes for flat feet work? Yes and no. All shoes for flat feet are made differently, just like not every pair of flat feet are the same. Odds are, there is a pair of shoes out there for your feet that will minimize your pain and prevent future health problems. With that said, not every pair of shoes for flat feet is going to work for you. Some will work a little bit, but not eliminate your pain. Others might make your pain worse. You will probably have to try a couple of different shoes before you find the perfect pair for you.
What are the most comfortable shoes for flat feet? Out of all of the shoes we looked at, the Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe were the best. Despite the name, these shoes are really gender-neutral, so women could comfortably wear them as well. They provide a balance of cushioning and flexibility, which makes them suitable for most people with flat feet. The lightweight mesh provides complete breathability, so your feet won’t get needlessly hot. The durable leather also works to add extra stability and lock in your midfoot.
EVA sockliner provides plenty of comfort and the charged cushioning midsole uses compression to gently adapt the insole to your feet, providing personalized support where you need it most.
What are the best shoes for flat, wide feet? The Crocs Women’s Serena Flat Sandal is designed for extra-wide feet. These shoes are particularly suitable as house shoes. They’re designed to be slipped on-and-off as necessary, making them an excellent option to leave next to the couch or chair for whenever you get up. Wear them when you’re washing dishes or taking the dog out for a quick stroll.
What are the best work shoes for flat feet? It depends on the sort of work you are doing. Many of the shoes we reviewed, including the Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe, come in multiple colors and designs, including white. They are suitable for many different workplaces and are probably your best option. You will likely need to try a few different pairs before you find the best one for you, as everyone’s feet are slightly different.
For work boots, your best bet might be to get an insert, as there aren’t many high-quality work boots for flat feet out there.
Are Skechers shoes good for flat feet? Some of their shoes are designed to accommodate those with flat feet. While these shoes didn’t make our top ten list, they aren’t necessarily bad by any means – they just weren’t high-quality enough to make our list. They might work for you, or they might not. To honestly know, you’ll have to try them.
With that said, you might want to invest in one of the top-rated shoes we mentioned instead. Many of those have better customer reviews and extra features. Plus, you won’t be paying for the Sketchers name brand.
Can flat feet be corrected with shoes? Shoes for flat feet don’t precisely correct flattened arches. When you take the shoe off, your feet will still be flat. However, they provide support and cushioning to help ease the pain and discomfort that often comes along with flat feet. They can also help prevent some of the side effects of flat feet that often hit later in life, like arthritis. Of course, for them to help, you do have to wear them. The more you wear them, the better your feet will feel.
This often means purchasing more than one pair of shoes. Most people have a pair of house shoes they wear when doing housework and another pair of shoes for everyday use.
For complete correction, surgery is often required. However, there are some side effects of surgery, and it is not always wholly successful. Because of this, surgery is becoming less and less frequent, especially in children. Instead, many people opt for shoes for flat feet or inserts.
Can shoes for flat feet prevent problems that flat feet cause? On top of pain and discomfort, flat feet can also cause some other issues. For example, as we discussed in the benefits section, flat feet can cause fatigue when doing simple, everyday activities. Those with flat feet have to use more energy to move around when compared to those with standard feet. This in itself can be a problem, especially if you have a job that requires you to be on your feet.
Furthermore, flat feet can also cause some more severe health problems, like arthritis, inflammation, bunions, and other similar issues. Wearing shoes for flat feet as much as possible can prevent these issues from occurring, and might even help if they have already developed. We recommend wearing shoes, even in places where you usually wouldn’t, like around the house. The more you wear the correct shoes, the less likely you are to develop these problems.
Is walking barefoot good for flat feet? This depends on what you’re doing and where you are. While running barefoot as shoes to reduce pronation in runners, which is often a problem for those with flat feet, you would not want to run on the pavement with bare feet (6). Without proper foot support, walking on hard surfaces can cause problems. This includes hard places outside, like pavement, as well as inside, like on hardwood floors.
Furthermore, precisely how your feet are formed matters. For some people with flat feet, walking barefoot causes pain and messes with their tendons. However, others have no problem walking barefoot and may even find it more comfortable than wearing traditional shoes. For these people, a minimalist shoe might be a great option. For these people, we particularly recommend the JOOMRA Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes.
What brand of shoes has the best arch support? Arch support is vital for flat feet. However, because your arch is flattened, you shouldn’t necessarily jump to purchase a shoe with tons of arch support. After all, your arch is not developed like the average foot. Most shoes are designed to accommodate the average, normal arch, not a flattened one. Because of this, it is vital to choose a shoe with arch support tailored to your feet.
The best way to do this is to select a shoe with a compression molded insole. These shoes will adapt to your feet, giving you personalized support no matter how your arch is formed. Many of the shoes in our top five list come with these types of insoles.
Are memory foam shoes good for flat feet? Yes, most memory shoes are quite suitable for flat feet. They provide excellent arch support and personalized comfort. Because your average shoe is designed for those with normal arches, it can be difficult for those with flat feet to find a shoe that works for them. However, memory foam goes a long way to get rid of this problem, since the shoe adapts to your arch as you wear it.
Of course, memory foam shoes aren’t necessarily always the best choice. Some are a little too squishy, which can be a big problem for those with flat feet. People with flat feet need a lot of support, which isn’t always found in shoes with memory foam. It is essential to look at the big picture when choosing a shoe, not just hone-in on whether it has memory foam or not.
We reviewed a few different shoes above that have memory foam and enough support. If you want a pair of shoes with memory foam, we recommend one of those.
What are the best shoes for restaurant workers with flat feet? Many of the shoes we reviewed come in white and other neutral colors, making them appropriate for restaurant workers. The exact correct shoe for you depends on the particular design of your feet. You may have to try a couple of different pairs of shoes to find the best option for your feet.
We particularly recommend the Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 8 Running Shoe. However, all the shoes we included in our reviews section are quite good and suitable for those with flat feet.
Recap
Shoes for flat feet are vital if you have flattened arches. They can prevent unnecessary pain and discomfort often associated with flat feet, as well as future problems like arthritis and tendonitis. Luckily, shoes for flat feet aren’t any more expensive than regular shoes in most cases.
For FitBug’s #1 recommended shoes for flat feet, click here.