Do you have a realistic perspective on life, keeping both feet on the ground? We are not discussing metaphorical situations, although having a sensible mindset is certainly beneficial. Specifically, we are referring to your physical well-being and exercise.
If you have flat feet, it may be difficult for you to find suitable running shoes. According to a study, less than 30% of over 800 people surveyed had flat feet, whereas the majority had high arches or a neutral foot type. While running with flat feet is only slightly more prone to injuries, it is still important to consider factors such as comfort and support when selecting the most suitable running shoe for you.
“[Runners with] flat feet typically lack an arch or curve in the middle of their feet,” says Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America. “Instead, they are completely flat from heel to toe. As a result, flat feet tend to roll inward more than what is considered healthy or normal.”
Best running shoes to buy if you have flat feet
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
The Adrenaline GTS 22 by Brooks is strongly recommended. Out of the four experts consulted, three experts, including certified personal trainer and director of Your Future Fitness Andrew Blakey, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marc Matarazzo, and former professional runner and CMO of athletic laundry detergent company Nonaste, Bill Reifsnyder, highlighted this running shoe as an excellent choice for individuals with flat feet.
According to Matarazzo, these shoes are advertised as beneficial for runners who have low arches as they provide arch support and reduce over-pronation. The cushioning in the midsole, known as “BioMoGo DNA” and “DNA Loft,” is patented by the brand. These cushioning technologies enhance the shoe’s softness and support for a comfortable and balanced experience while in motion.
According to Blakey, their technology assists in guiding you during your stride and providing support to your arches while running. The shoe design highlights the “Progressive Diagonal Rollbar” midsole, which is advertised as effective for controlling pronation, making it well-suited for individuals with flat feet.
Reifnsyder says that if ample cushioning, flexibility, and great support is what you seek, then the Adrenaline is an excellent option.
At Amazon and Zappos below, you can find these in over two dozen different color designs, widths ranging from narrow to extra wide, and both men’s and women’s sizes.
Save on footwear by shopping these shoes below, which were originally priced at $140. Men’s styles on Amazon start at $107, while women’s styles start at $110.
Asics Gel-Kayano 28
The Gel-Kayano 28 running shoe by Asics is a popular choice for runners with flat feet. It has garnered over 3,000 reviews and maintains a rating of 4.5 out of five stars. These shoes are known for their comfort, thanks to features such as gel cushioning in the rear, a patented “DuoMax” support system for better platform stability, and a mesh upper that allows for breathability.
“This shoe is specifically designed to help people who have low arches or overpronate when they run,” says Blakey. “This shoe is created with flat footed people in mind!”
This running shoe is indeed targeted at runners whose feet have a greater tendency to roll inward, in contrast to individuals with neutral or under-pronated feet. To substantiate this, the shoe incorporates a cushioned design.
You can find these running shoes in both men’s and women’s sizes on Amazon. Out of the 18 different colors available, several are currently on sale. Therefore, if you are searching for a cost-effective pair of running shoes, we have you covered with the options provided below.
Get a discount of nearly 50% on the original selling price and find both men’s and women’s styles available, with prices starting at approximately $90 per pair.
Adidas Ultraboost 22
“These shoes.. feature lightweight cushioning and an adaptive fit,” Alvarez says. “The rubber outsole provides excellent grip on any surface, while the supportive midsole helps keep your gait consistent.”
We included the Adidas Ultraboost on our list because it combines a responsive “Boost” cushioning with a soft and flexible textile upper, resulting in improved comfort. Additionally, this shoe is designed to be durable and provide good traction, making it a reliable choice for comfortable, stable, and energized running.
We acknowledge the fact that the upper of this running shoe is made using a high-performance yarn, which is composed of repurposed ocean plastic waste and recycled polyester.
If you are looking to keep your expenses low but still want to buy a long-lasting and comfortable pair of running shoes, consider browsing through the diverse range of color options available on Amazon. Additionally, there are opportunities to save money on select styles available in both men’s and women’s sizes. The prices for these shoes start at $84 per pair.
Hoka Arahi 6
Maclean Wright, an avid runner in Salt Lake City, who runs an average of 1,200 miles per year on both roads and trails, has faced difficulties in finding comfortable shoes for his flat feet. However, he now highly recommends Hoka running shoes. Specifically, for his road runs, he favors the Arahi 6, a stability shoe, due to its lightweight design. Although stability shoes are typically heavier due to the materials required to enhance structure, this particular model is the lightest among the options weighing 7.6 ounces. Maclean elaborates, stating that when he used narrower performance sneakers, he frequently rolled his ankles. However, the stability shoe’s wider design provides greater stability, preventing ankle injuries.
Although the shoe does not offer as much structure as a motion control shoe, it has Hoka’s J-Frame technology that provides mild support throughout the shoe. This feature makes it suitable for a wide range of runners. In addition to being a stability shoe, Wright also appreciates the wide toe box and comfortable cushioned sole for his long runs.
Xero Shoes HFS
There isn’t a single shoe that suits all runners with flat feet. While some runners opt for shoes that are loaded with stability features or cushioning, others prefer a minimalist approach, arguing that a lack of support can actually strengthen the muscles in the foot, which can be beneficial for those with collapsed arches.
When considering the text, the Xero HFS is perfect for runners who are beginning their barefoot journey. Unlike many barefoot shoes that prioritize a natural feel over protection, these shoes have a five-millimeter rubber sole that provides defense against rocks. Additionally, they come with a 3.5-millimeter removable insole for added cushioning when desired, and less bulkiness when not needed. Moreover, these shoes are extremely lightweight and breathable, making them an excellent choice for runs in hot weather.
If you regularly experience injuries or extreme overpronation when running in traditional shoes, it may be advisable to consult a podiatrist before transitioning to barefoot shoes as research on their effectiveness is limited and personal preference may be influenced by individual symptoms.
Saucony Tempus
Saucony has incorporated the impressive features of its high-performance shoes, such as the Endorphin Speed, into a stability shoe, despite most speed-oriented running shoes offering neutral support. This shoe includes springy PWRRUN PB foam and a FORMFIT design for optimal energy return and a secure fit. Additionally, Saucony has included a stiffer piece of PWRRUN foam along the medial side of the shoe to provide stability and prevent foot collapse during running. Therefore, if you have flat feet and desire to increase your speed while maintaining support, this shoe is a great choice.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 18
The Mizuno Wave Inspire 18 is a suitable choice for runners who have extreme overpronation due to its rigidity. It features a plastic wave plate in the midsole, which adds structure and offers a firm surface. The firm heel counter, along with moderate padding on the sides, helps in preventing excessive movement. Not only does the midsole enhance stability, but the snug upper and gusseted tongue also provide a glove-like fit.
The shoe also has a unique feature called the heel drop, which refers to the difference in height between the heel and the toe. Compared to other shoes on this list, the heel drop of 12 millimeters is significantly higher. However, the elevated heel provides an advantage by alleviating strain on the Achilles tendon. This can be particularly beneficial for runners who have mobility issues or limited flexibility in their calf muscles.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II
When running on trails, stability is crucial, more so than when running on paved roads, because each step can be problematic due to roots, rocks, and uneven ground. Even runners who do not have a tendency to overpronate can easily roll an ankle. To prevent this, it is essential to wear a highly stable and supportive offroad shoe like the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II.
These technical trail runners have various features that offer additional stability. The heel is constructed with extra fabric (TPU Transkinetic EVO) to secure the joint in place, and there is a shank positioned between the insole and outsole to increase rigidity compared to regular trail runners. La Sportiva utilizes Frixion XF 2.0 X-Axis rubber on the outsole, along with 4.5-millimeter lugs, to provide excellent traction. Additionally, a rock plate is included to protect your feet from sharp objects on the ground. If you have wide feet, it is recommended to choose a larger size to ensure a proper fit, as the toe box is relatively narrow and may not accommodate broader feet.
