Studies have shown that about 26% of people suffer from flat feet, which makes them more susceptible to heel pain, fatigue, ankle weakness, and tibial pain. Isn’t running hard enough?
Whether you’re looking to improve your running cadence or just need a pair of running shoes that won’t rub against your (non-existent) arches, our guide to the best running shoes for flat feet has you covered.
Adrenaline GTS 23 by Brooks
Podiatrists continue to recommend Brooks Adrenaline. It’s a versatile option for beginner runners, people with knee pain, and (of course) flat feet. According to Sharkey, this supportive shoe is cushioned enough to absorb impact and provide comfort.
Designed for road running, this shoe is also great for treadmill running – it’s suitable for people with over- and under-pronation and comes with a removable insole for those who prefer to insert their own custom-made corrective insole.
Added bonus: It has received the APMA Seal of Approval, which means that podiatrists agree that it is beneficial for foot health. In addition, it is made from recyclable materials, such as repurposed plastic water bottles.
Nike Pegasus
Thanks to the signature Nike React foam, this responsive road running shoe adds elasticity to every step (podiatrist says this is especially important for runners with flat feet). These shoes are very lightweight (7.5 ounces) but still feel comfortable and cushioned underfoot.
Good news for those with flat feet: the latest version of the Pegasus features a newly designed midfoot and upper that provides greater stability.
The outsole has excellent grip and safety, but the style is still flexible enough to move with your feet. In addition, the mesh upper provides plenty of air circulation on hot summer days.
Saucony Triumph
This neutral, high-cushioning shoe is an excellent choice for people who need arch support, while holistic podiatrist Dr. Robert Kornfeld also adds that many of his patients also love the shoe.
“The shoes are very comfortable to wear and cushion well, but they’re lightweight,” Kornfeld explains. These shoes feel like socks to wear, with a soft collar and a flat-knit upper for more comfort (a boon for flat feet!). ）。
“When I run in my Saucony Triumph sneakers, I can really feel my body pushing forward; It’s one of the most stretchy shoes I’ve ever worn (I’ve worn it many times). ”
Gel Kayano 31 by Asics
Another of Sharkey’s go-to products is the APMA-certified Gel Kayano, which is loved by runners who need extra cushioning and support (such as flat feet and foot varus). REAR FOOT GEL™ CUSHIONING PROVIDES EXCELLENT SHOCK ABSORPTION, WHILE FF BLAST™ PLUS CUSHIONING ADDS RESPONSIVE RESILIENCE TO EVERY STEP.
The latest Gel Kayano has redesigned the external heel stabilizer for improved stability, which Sharkey says is very important for flat-foot running shoes. And, even with a stable, secure fit, these shoes are breathable, comfortable, and very flexible.
Additional bonus: At least 50% of the upper is made from recycled materials, and the shoe has reflective details to improve visibility during night or early morning runs.
On Cloudrunner
Technically, this daily training shoe is a unisex shoe, but it has excellent support and stability. The Cloudrunner is surprisingly light for a running sneaker with a drop of 9mm – we think that’s thanks to the brand’s CloudTec® cushioning technology and ultra-light Zero-Gravity foam.
These shoes have a wider design, making them ideal for flat foot runners who are naturally prone to hallux valgus. The brand says these stable, breathable shoes are suitable for runners of any level, but are primarily designed for road running.
Ariel GTS 23 by Brooks
Sharkey recommends the Brooks Ariel GTS 23 sneakers to women with flat feet, which are popular with beginners and experienced runners alike. Available in medium, wide, and extra-wide widths, this stability shoe is designed to keep you comfortable while running with minimal impact on your joints.
If you prefer the feeling of running on a floating run rather than running on the road, then these shoes are perfect for you. And you don’t sacrifice support for comfort.
In fact, these APMA-certified shoes have extra-wide soles for enhanced stability and support, while GuideRails help maintain proper foot alignment for enhanced knee and impact support.
Hoka Arahi 7
Despite the heel height being a bit lower than she usually recommends, Sharkey recommends Hoka Arahi because of its ability to provide stability for runners with flat or collapsed arches.
According to Sharkey, the shoe rack supports the foot in a way that guarantees both stability and comfort. Plus, the mesh lining and compression-molded EVA foam midsole create a sock-like feel (even when running long distances).
As a runner, I really appreciate the little details that make Arahi shoes stand out from the rest: the elongated heel tab makes it easy to put on and take off, the surprisingly soft tongue makes your feet feel soft, and the enhanced midsole support is perfect for flat-footed people.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
Another of Brenner’s recommendations is the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13, a moderately cushioned stability shoe designed for optimal comfort and a great choice for all terrains and distances. The brand uses two types of foam to create a dual-density midsole that provides support for your feet and protects your joints from impact while running.
Beginners love these shoes because they have a cloud-like feel, and we think that’s thanks to their excellent responsive cushioning properties. Available in four widths, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 is a good choice for all foot runners.
We also like that the brand uses 50% or more recycled materials in the uppers and that it uses at least 3% bio-based materials or 5% recycled materials for the rest of the shoes.
