If you have flat feet, you know all too well what a pain shoe-shopping can be. Whether you’re looking for running shoes for flat feet or a nice pair of loafers to wear out on the town, finding comfy, stylish shoes is no easy feat. Thankfully, with some guidelines in mind, salvation awaits.
But first: What are flat feet? “Flat foot is a general term that describes a foot that has an arch that flattens out or collapses (overpronation),” says ankle surgeon and podiatrist Mark J. Mendeszoon, FACFAS, FACPM, who is also a partner at Ohio’s Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, Inc. and owner of Achilles Running Shop.
“This type of foot is typically weak, and the foot bones become very loose and unstable. In order to compensate for a flat foot, the lower leg muscles and tendons work extremely hard to stabilize the foot and ankle, and over time these structures will fatigue, strain, stretch out and even partially tear,” explains Mendeszoon. “Once these structures lose their function, the foot deformity advances — making standing, walking, and even running a painful experience,” he says, adding that many times the foot joints can develop arthritis, too.
Here are some key traits that Mendeszoon says to look for when shopping for sneakers or shoes for flat feet:
Fit: A shoe that fits in length and width, with an arch that provides solid support and cushioning, is key.
Comfort: The footbed should be comfortable, and look for ample room in the toe box for the toes to move freely.
Extras: If you use foot orthotics, the insole should be easily removed and any laces should be long enough to tie the shoes comfortably and properly.
As with any health condition, seeing a trained specialist will provide professional advice that, you know, the internet can’t. Podiatrists (aka doctors of podiatric medicine, or DPM) are the experts in foot and ankle care that can guide you in the right direction. “The best time to see a podiatrist is when a person notices subtle aches and pains that do not go away over a short period of time. A podiatrist can provide simple answers and recommendations to keep your feet healthy before major problems develop,” says Mendeszoon. “Exercises, stretching, physical therapy, orthotics, bracing, shoe recommendations, and even medications can be provided. If these problems fail conservative treatments, then surgical intervention may be necessary.”
We rounded up the best shoes and sneakers for the flat-footed set in our list below. Never run out of comfy and stylish options again!
Runner’s World gives high praises to these running sneakers for those with flat feet, and so do we. The Dyad 11 boasts stability, cushioning, a wide toe box, and comes in several nice colorways.
Support-wise, we’re impressed by the BioMoGo DNA cushioning, which adapts to your stride and foot, which is especially nice while you’re cranking out those fartleks or running up or downhill.
Thanks to the spacious design, these sneakers accommodate extra inserts or orthotics if you need them.
Looking to add some spring in your step? These are the first Altra shoes inspired by and developed with an Altra athlete, Olympian Kara Goucher.
Some impressive specs include the Altra EGO MAX midsole for a bouncy feel, the GuideRail for a bit more medial support as needed, and a design that guides your foot towards better positioning with every stride.
For another great stability sneaker from Altra Running, go for Altra Provision 6 women’s and men’s road running shoes, which are also both Runner’s World picks.
If plush cushioning is speaking your language, opt for the Addiction 14. It’s smartly designed with a lightweight, supportive upper, a roomy forefoot, and the so-called Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) to help your entire body.
It also gives proper arch support, so you can maintain a natural path of motion with every step.
If you have bunions or bunionettes, Sole Bliss’ “Bunion Bed” helps take pressure off your feet while still maintaining a sleek profile. We love this basic black heel for formal and casual occasions alike, and all Sole Bliss’ closed-back shoes have an anatomical arch support mechanism that counters overpronation (that pesky inward rolling of the foot that you want to avoid), and which helps stabilize the foot and is said to stave off the worsening of flat feet.
We’re also swooning for the roomy toe box and the stretch panel (also present in all their shoes) to accommodate the shape of your foot. If you have flat feet, check out their superb line of cushioned boots, too.
We love these lightweight sneakers for those in the service industry like chefs, waiters, and retail workers. As the brand puts it, “Snibbs were made for people who are on their feet all day — created by workers, for workers.”
The company came to be after chef Daniel Shemtob, who spent much of his days on his feet, couldn’t find a work shoe that was both comfortable and stylish. Along with Haik Zadoyan and Dr. Jason Snibbe, an orthopedic surgeon, they collaborated with Ortholite to develop the custom insole, and an incredible shoe was born, 3 years and 35-plus revisions later.
With a slip-on design including an adjustable lace option, these water- and slip-resistant shoes provide long-lasting support for your kicks.
On the market for a ballerina flat that doesn’t leave you yelping in pain at the end of a busy day? This stylish flat is inspired by a classic pointe shoe but has standout specs for your comfort, including a square toe, a longer vamp (the upper front of the shoe) for those with flat or wider feet, and a super-soft, padded insole so you feel like you’re walking on clouds. The ballet flat comes in five colors.
We consider leather sneakers the men’s version of ballet flats, so if you’re looking for a stylish pair of sneakers, these are for you. Crafted by artisans in Bogotá, Colombia, they feature padded collars and removable inserts for extra comfort and are made with high-quality leather.
They look even better with time and the rubber soles provide shock absorption and abrasion resistance. Choose from a variety of colors.
There’s a lot to love about these supportive shoes. First, they offer a metatarsal bump and an arch cookie (foam support that’s helpful for various foot conditions, like high or weak arches and flat feet).
The Australian Merino wool elevates the style enough so they’re suitable for situations where athletic sneakers won’t quite cut it. They’re also machine-washable and odor- and water-resistant.
Fellas, opt for the Men’s Laze, and ladies opt for the Unwind. Both are super soft and provide excellent warmth when lounging around the house.
Their memory foam helps provide support for your feet, and they’re stylish enough to wear to the mailbox so that you don’t feel ridiculous, too.
FYI: “Slippers are good for those who don’t like to go barefoot at home, as they provide comfort and protect the feet from stepping on foreign objects,” says Mendeszoon.“However, slippers should be used for leisure, relaxation, and comfort and not be worn to do chores around the house or if extremely active,” he adds.
(If you’re being active around your home with major chores or moving items around, wear proper sneakers.)
Ready to slip into something oh, so comfy? Samuel Hubbard's shoes come with removable memory foam insoles to cradle your feet with extra support.
Fashioned with high-quality leather, there are a host of stylish designs and types of shoes on offer, from penny loafers to boots. Bonus: The company offers a Trade-Up program that allows you to donate old shoes to someone in need while getting $50 off your next pair of Hubbards.
If you have flat feet, you may find flexible support helpful to prevent straining the arch of your foot, while still allowing for natural movement of your foot.
For those who don’t need custom orthotics, these podiatrist-recommended insoles may prove a welcome addition to your go-to sneakers.
They’re also said to be clinically proven to reduce plantar fascia strain by 34%, have a special coating for odor control, and are made with recycled wine corks.
Perri O. BlumbergPerri is a New York City-born-and-based writer; she holds a bachelor's in psychology from Columbia University and is also a culinary school graduate of the plant-based Natural Gourmet Institute, which is now the Natural Gourmet Center at Institute Of Culinary Education.
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