Having flatfeet can make it difficult to find the right footwear, making shoe shopping an exercise in patience. “Flatfeet, also known as pes planus, is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, resulting in the entire sole coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground,” says Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatry specialist at Ankle & Foot Centers of America in Georgia.Flatfeet is fairly common, with one study suggesting that as many as 26% of adults are flat-footed. But having flatfeet poses challenges other people don’t have to face. Choose the wrong shoes, and you can be left dealing with foot pain or other issues due to poor support. .”In some cases, flatfeet can develop or be made worse by shoe choices,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, an orthopedic physical therapist. Essentially, it’s crucial to find the right footwear when you have flatfeet.Here’s where things get complicated. Some popular shoes don’t provide the level of support the people with flatfeet need, making it tricky to find the right footwear. I should know — as a woman with flatfeet, I can attest to the struggle of finding shoes that are both cute and supportive.But quality — and stylish — shoes for flatfeet do exist. To find them, we consulted with podiatrists, physical therapists and foot surgeons to learn about important factors to consider in these shoes. From there, we assessed more than 75 pairs of shoes and tested ones that offered superior fit and arch support, with a wide range of sizes and widths. These are our favorites, based on expert input and rigorous testing.Table of contentsThe best overall shoe for flatfeetHokaCost: $165 | Materials: EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole and mesh upper | Level of arch support: Neutral arch support | Sizes available: Women’s 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5; Men’s 7-16 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular and wide Hoka has a well-earned reputation for being one of the most popular footwear brands out there right now. The company specializes in high-performance running shoes, but it has also gained mass appeal, becoming a favorite among celebrities, style enthusiasts and — most importantly — doctors. Many of Hoka’s shoes have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s coveted APMA Seal of Acceptance, which means they’ve been found to promote good foot health. For those with flatfeet, the brand’s APMA-approved Bondi 8, a highly cushioned, neutral recovery shoe, is our top pick. Neutral shoes are most helpful for individuals who don’t over-pronate or need added arch support since they’re designedto allow the foot to move naturally through each step. According to Jerick Sobie, co-owner of Lucky Feet Shoes and a trained pedorthist (a professional with specialized training to modify footwear and use supportive devices to help foot conditions), Hokas are a good choice for those with flatfeet thanks to a few standout features, including their ultra-cushioned midsole and signature “meta-rocker” design. “Rocker bottoms make walking effortless,” he says, since the style helps to lightly propel your steps in a forward motion. Research also suggests that rocker-soled shoes may be beneficial for those with Achilles tendinopathy, a condition common in those with flatfeet. The Bondi 8 is also Hoka’s most cushioned shoe. As our testing revealed, the plush, EVA midsole not only makes it incredibly comfortable to wear, it can help reduce foot pain. Finally, although it’s a neutral shoe, it has an extended heel and wider sole which works to provide plenty of stability. ProsAPMA approvedMultiple colors, sizes and widths availableHighly cushioned midsoleConsHeavier than most running shoesMay be too narrow for some$165 at HokaMore shoes for flatfeet we likeAerosolesCost: $69 | Materials: Faux leather upper and orthotic foam insole | Level of arch support: Neutral arch support | Sizes available: 5-12, with half sizes up to 10.5 | Widths: Medium and wide Sneakers are usually considered the best option for people with flatfeet, but that’s not always possible if you need something a bit more business casual for the office. That’s where the Aerosoles Homebet ballet flat comes in. Founded in 1987, Aerosoles is a women’s footwear brand known for creating comfortable, practical shoes for everyday use. The Homebet flats are made with comfort in mind, but they’re also stylish and versatile. The flats feature orthotic foam insoles that provide ample cushioning and arch support. The material is lightweight and breathable too — I’ve worn them all day without worrying about sweaty feet. As far as style goes, you can’t go wrong with a chic, elegant ballet flat. The Homebet flats have a square shaped toe box, which testing revealed be roomier and more comfortable for flatfeet. It also comes in medium and wide widths. ProsAffordable price pointComfortable and stylish everyday shoeOffers orthotic arch support$69 at AerosolesSamuel HubbardCost: $235 | Materials: Leather uppers and lining, Vibram outsoles and triple-density insoles | Level of arch support: Neutral arch support | Sizes available: 7-14, with half sizes up to 11.5 | Widths: Medium, wide and extra wide Wearing sneakers with a suit isn’t always appropriate, which is where the Men’s Hubbard Free comes in. Samuel Hubbard may be a newer brand, but it’s managed to make a splash in the footwear scene since its launch in 2014. Handcrafted from high-quality materials and designed with comfort in mind, Samuel Hubbard is definitely a luxury choice, but one that’s worth the cost. All of the brand’s shoes have excellent arch support and many are APMA approved, including the Hubbard Free, also called the Men’s Original Un-Sneaker. At first glance, the Hubbard Free looks like your classic Oxford, with smooth leather uppers, a rounded toe and a lace-up closure. But unlike most dress shoes, our tester confirms this one feels more like a walking shoe. It features a roomy toe box, heel-to-toe stability and triple-density, arch supporting insoles that can be removed for those who use custom orthotics. The only real downside to these shoes is the price tag. At $235, it doesn’t come cheap, but a truly comfortable, high-quality shoe is worth the cost. ProsAPMA approvedAvailable in multiple sizes and widthsProvides good stabilityConsExpensiveNot water resistant$235 at Samuel HubbardRykaCost: $70 | Materials: EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Neutral arch support | Sizes available: Women’s 5-11 with half sizes up to 9.5 | Widths: Medium and wide The Echo Knit Slip On Sneaker from Ryka is our pick for the best budget sneaker for flatfeet. Ryka is an athletic footwear brand designed specifically with the needs of women in mind. Because the shoes are exclusively crafted for women’s feet, they have a wider forefoot and narrower heel to maximize stability. Studies suggest that women may be more likely to have flatfeet than men, so choosing shoes specifically designed for women may offer the support you need to ward off foot pain. Ryka’s shoes provide contoured cushioning to suit the weight distribution of women, since women’s hips tend to be wider than men’s. This women-specific cushioning maximizes support and comfort. The Echo Knit is a lightweight, breathable slip-on sneaker that’s comfortable for everyday wear and easy to take on and off. It’s also APMA approved, so it comes recommended by podiatrists. Best of all, it’s under $100. ProsAPMA approvedLightweight and breathableRoomy toe boxConsNot much traction on wet surfacesShoes are only designed for women$70 at RykaSauconyCost: $140 | Materials: Foam midsole and rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Stability shoe with medial arch support | Sizes available: Women’s 5-12 with half sizes up to 11.5; Men’s 7-16 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular and wide People with flatfeet should choose shoes with “good arch support, stability and cushioning to support the foot and prevent over-pronation,” according to board-certified podiatrist Dr. William Spielfogel. Saucony’s Guide 17 is a heavily cushioned, moderate guidance stability running shoe that’s perfect for mild to moderate overpronators. Stability shoes, contrary to neutral shoes, are specifically designed to help reduce over-pronation, which means that your foot rolls too far inward. Stability shoes like the Guide 17 feature additional support along the medial, or inner, side to help prevent over-pronation. One of the best things about the Guide 17 is how that support feels. This shoe uses high sidewalls and a wide platform. The result is a stability shoe that feels smooth and natural. The Guide 17 also has far more cushioning, which I can attest makes it super plush and comfortable to wear. However, it’s worth noting that this is best for mild to moderate overpronators. For those who have more serious over-pronation, the Saucony Omni might be a better fit. ProsRoomy toe boxMultiple colors availableProvides lightweight and comfortable stabilityConsMay not have enough stability for severe overpronators$140 at SauconyOrthoFeetCost: $100-$110 depending on color | Materials: Wool blend upper, foam midsole and rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Orthotic arch support | Sizes available: Women’s 5-12 with half sizes up to 11.5 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide and extra wide Orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to provide support, comfort and pain relief for common foot problems. OrthoFeet is an APMA-approved company that focuses exclusively on orthopedic footwear and orthotic insert. The brand’s Coral Stretch Knit Sneaker is our top pick for women with flatfeet who want an orthopedic shoe. Part of what makes OrthoFeet shoes so different is how customizable they are, right out of the box. Every pair comes with a removable orthotic insole, arch booster and two fitting spacers so you can adjust the shoe to your needs. The Coral Stretch Knit Sneaker also has a wide toe box, firm heel counter with extra cushioning and a mild rocker sole design, to help provide more comfort, stability and pain relief. This particular style is only available for women, but there is a similar shoe for men — the Edgewater. ProsRemovable orthotic insoleAvailable in four different widths$100 at OrthoFeetKlaw FootwearCost: $148 | Materials: Leather upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Medial and lateral arch support | Sizes available: Women’s 6-11 with half sizes up to 9.5; Men’s 8-13 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Regular and wide Founded in 2022, Klaw may be a relatively young footwear company, but their first (and so far, only) sneaker has already gained massive popularity. The Klaw 528, our pick for the best walking shoe, is an ultra-cushioned walking shoe with a wide toe box, a deep heel cup and strong arch support. The removable insole has both medial and lateral arch support, so it provides impressive stability. On top of that, the deep, highly cushioned heel cup provides more shock absorption, which can be especially helpful for people with back and knee pain. Research has linked flatfeet with lower back pain, so this sneaker is a good option for those seeking relief. The Klaw 528 is by far the most comfortable and surprisingly lightweight sneakers I’ve ever worn. They also channel the popular minimalist ugly-cool style, which has grown on me. They also happen to be waterproof, making them great for rainy days. They’re available for men in white, yellow, gray and black and for women in white, gray, light blue, yellow, white and gray combo, light pink and black. ProsAPMA approvedRemovable insoleDeep, cushioned heel cupWaterproofConsPolarizing styleMay be too wide for those with narrow feetHigh demand means many sizes and colors are wait-listed$148 at Klaw FootwearAetrexCost: $135 | Materials: Leather upper, memory foam and cork midsole, rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Neutral to moderate arch support | Sizes available: 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5 | Widths: Standard only Sneakers are generally the best option for people with flatfeet, but that can sometimes feel limiting — especially in the summer.”For sandals, I recommend those with ankle straps,” says Bruce Pinker, MD a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon. He specifically suggests brands like Vionic, Naot and Aetrex. Sobie also recommends Aetrex, which is why our top pick is the brand’s Jillian Braided Quarter Strap Sandal. “Aetrex shoes feature signature arch support, which helps with alignment and reduces issues like plantar fasciitis,” Sobie says. The Jillian Braided Quarter Strap Sandal offers orthopedic features like bunion pockets, which are strategically placed straps to help relieve bunion pressure and pain, a padded heel to prevent blisters or irritation and a metatarsal pod on the bottom of the shoe to help ball-of-foot discomfort. On top of that, the sandal is super cute thanks to the braided straps. I’ve paired mine with sundresses and jeans, and they look (and feel) great either way. This style also comes in 14 different colors (depending on the retailer) including bronze, ivory, rose and gunmetal. ProsAdjustable strapsBuilt-in arch supportDesigned to alleviate foot painConsOnly comes in standard widthExpensive$135 at AetrexWhat to consider when buying shoes for flatfeetFinding the right pair of shoes is a personal endeavor, so it will depend on your needs, wants, budget and overall preferences. However, if you have flatfeet, certain features may be more important to look for.Arch support: Brent Wells, a chiropractic physician says that for people with flatfeet, arch support is especially beneficial. “Look for footwear that either comes with built-in support or allows you to use custom orthotics,” he suggests.Cushioning: “Good cushioning absorbs shock and reduces the impact on joints, knees, hips and the lower back,” says Wells. He recommends choosing a shoe with foam insoles and moderate or maximum cushioning.Stability: Over-pronation is commonly seen in flatfooters, so look for a shoe with more stability, such as a larger and more rigid heel and a firmer midsole. McDowell recommends looking for a shoe with pronation control, which should help lift the arch and prevent the foot from rolling inward with each step.Wide toe box: Shoes that are too tight in the forefoot can cause various foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes or neuropathy. Choosing a shoe with a wider toe box is critical, particularly for those with flatfeet. “An ideal shoe should allow you to wiggle your toes while wearing them,” McDowell says.Heel features: Finally, pay attention to the height, comfort and stability of the heel. “Make sure that the shoe has a firm heel counter with a deepened heel cup,” says Chirag Patel, a board-certified podiatrist. These features will help with over-pronation and heel pain, and cushioning can help reduce impact.How we chose the best shoes for flatfeetIn order to find the best shoes for flatfeet, we consulted with a panel of footwear experts — podiatrists, physical therapists and orthopedic foot surgeons — for guidance on what to look for in a shoe. After that, we took their recommendations and insight into our own evaluations of more than 75 different shoes from popular footwear brands.During our evaluation, we focused on arch support, stability features, fit, cushioning and materials used. We also considered cost, style and sizes available to determine our top picks. Finally, we prioritized APMA-approved shoes and doctor-recommended brands, ultimately testing all of the shoes we included on this list.FAQsHow do I know if I have flatfeet?According to Alvarez, one of the easiest ways to determine your arch shape is by doing what’s known as the “wet test.” It’s very easy to do at home, just wet the bottom of your foot and step on a piece of paper. “If you see a complete footprint without any curve on the inner side, you likely have flatfeet,” says Alvarez.Another at-home method is to just check yourself out in the mirror, says McDowell. Stand parallel to a mirror with the big toe side of your foot facing the mirror, she explains. Look at your foot and note whether you can see an arch. “The less arch you see, the flatter the foot.”You can also look at a pair of shoes you wear frequently, says Dr. Patel. “Look for uneven wear patterns such as the inside sole of the shoe being more worn out.”Are flatfeet normal?Arch shape can be classified in one of three ways: normal (neutral foot), high (cavus foot) and low (flatfoot).”Flatfeet are relatively common and can be considered a normal variation of foot structure,” says Alvarez. “However, they can lead to problems such as foot pain, particularly in the heel and arch, as well as issues with the ankles, knees, hips and lower back due to altered biomechanics.”Christynne Helfrich, a physical therapist, adds that some people with flatfeet don’t experience any issues while others can develop injuries, particularly over time and with age. “Types of pain can include shin splints, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis as some of the tendons get irritated due to excessive rubbing from improper mechanics,” she says.What are the best shoes for flatfeet?The best shoes for flatfeet should be comfortable, supportive and offer good stability and arch support. “Look for shoes with a firm midsole, a supportive heel counter and enough cushioning to absorb shock,” says Alvarez.Should flatfeet have a high arch support?It’s important to note that “good arch support” isn’t the same thing as “high arch support.” The specific amount of arch support needed may vary by person, however, high arch support typically isn’t recommended.Spielfogel explains that arches that are too high can overcorrect the problem and result in additional pain or injury. He recommends those with flatfeet look for shoes with moderate arch support and stability.Meet Our ExpertsDr. Gregoy Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatry specialist with the Ankle & Foot Centers of AmericaDr. Milica McDowell, DPT, an orthopedic physical therapist and VP of operations at Gait HappensJerick Sobie, board-certified pedorthist and co-owner of Lucky Feet ShoesDr. William Spielfogel, board-certified podiatrist and chief of the Department of Podiatry and Orthopedic Surgeon at Lenox Hill HospitalDr. Paul J. Carroll, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeonDr. Bruce Pinker, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeonDr. Brent Wells, an Anchorage chiropractor and founder of Better Health Chiropractic & Physical RehabDr. Chirag Patel, board-certified podiatrist and CEO of New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates, PLLCChristynne Helfrich, PT, DPT, OCS, a physical therapist at Hinge Health
The best shoes for flatfeet for 2024, according to podiatris…
