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The Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

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Written by Jenna Cartusciello
Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

Struggling to find the best walking shoes for flat feet? If it seems more difficult than discovering shoes for “normal” feet, you’re not alone. Most shoes with arch support cater to people who have medium or high arches. Fortunately, there are a number of shoes, from sneakers to boots to slippers, that cater to low arches. They aren’t always marketed as such, but they are relatively easy to spot when you know what to look for.

First things first: Yes, flat feet need arch support. A 2020 study shows that low to moderate arch support may be beneficial for flat feet, and many podiatrists recommend at least some support for their flat-footed patients. This is because a contoured insole, or a footbed that molds to your feet over time, can improve gait and keep feet aligned. Proper alignment may reduce your risk of foot strain, injury and pain from an inflammatory condition, such as plantar fasciitis. Learn more about other key features of a good shoe for flat feet in our comprehensive guide below.

The Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

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Finding the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

It might seem like a flat foot doesn’t need impressive shoe technology, but it needs just as much love as any other foot! Shoe features like stabilizing side walls, cushioning in the midsole, a wide fit, roomy toe box, heel cupping and stable traction can benefit flat feet tremendously.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

Arch Support

Arch support in a shoe primarily comes from the insole, which has contouring to support the lift of the arch. A footbed with arch support can help flat feet by keeping the foot in alignment on walks or runs and distributing pressure to avoid overworking one part of the foot.

However, there is such a thing as too much arch support, which can lead to over-correcting your alignment if your feet are very flat. For this reason, we recommend searching for a shoe with “natural” or “moderate” arch support. It’s also important to check in with your podiatrist to ensure your shoes have the right level of support.

Heel Cup

High-quality shoes for flat feet also boast heel cupping — that is, a shoe that cradles the heel of your foot as though it’s resting in a cup. This cradling evenly distributes weight over your heel so it doesn’t flatten with every step. As a result, it can alleviate back-of-foot pain from issues such as plantar fasciitis.

Midsole

A well-constructed midsole, or the layer between the footbed and the outsole, can make a big difference in terms of overall comfort while walking. A proper midsole for flat feet includes a balance of cushioning and supportive materials, such as gel, foam and polyurethane. Ideally, the polyurethane strikes a balance between firm and flexible, creating a firm alignment that’s flexible enough to move with the foot as it stretches.

Outsole

Whether you have flat feet, “normal” feet or high arches, your walking shoes should have a durable and grippy outsole. Durable materials to look for include certain polyurethane blends, EVA and rubber — all of which can extend the longevity of a shoe. Good traction on the bottom will also allow you to wear the shoe on various terrains without issue.

Price

Most shoes for flat feet fall anywhere between $30 to $300. Our recommendations fall between $55 and $300. With comfort and durability in mind, here are our recommendations for the best walking shoes for flat feet.

What Are the Different Types of Walking Shoes for Flat Feet?

Sneakers

The majority of our recommendations for walking shoes for flat feet are sneakers. This is because sneakers are designed to withstand hundreds of miles without causing discomfort, thanks to their flexible, mesh uppers, natural arch support and “rocker” style to propel the foot forward.

Boots

Boots are a smart investment for flat feet because they contain contoured footbeds. And if they don’t, they have removable footbeds so you can insert your own orthotics. We made sure to include a few boot recommendations that check one or both of these boxes, as well as a few others like if they’re easy to slip on and off, boast weatherproof materials and/or are durable.

Slippers

Yes, house slippers can make a big difference in terms of overall foot comfort. In fact, the wrong pair of slippers could exacerbate foot pain even if you’ve invested in a good pair of outdoor walking sneakers. As such, we included a few slipper recommendations for flat feet including wide-width options, contoured footbeds and ones with heel cupping features.

1

Best Overall Women’s: Dansko Women’s Pace Walking Shoe

Pros

  • Cushioned heel cup
  • Arch support and stability control
  • Regular and wide widths available

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Runs slightly small
  • Regular width is slightly narrow

What makes the Dansko Women’s Pace Walking Shoe such an overall best pick for flat feet? It has all the qualities that podiatrists look for in reducing general foot pain, such as a heel cup with cushioning and “natural arch technology,” which offers just enough — but not too much — arch support, stability and control of where the foot lands. The grippy outsole makes the shoe durable and long-lasting, and the lightweight insole adds comfort without too much weight. Plus, this shoe comes in regular and wide widths. Plus, it boasts the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.

Keep in mind, a few shoppers found the sole of the shoe to be too squishy. Others believe the shoe runs slightly small and that the regular width is slightly more narrow than normal.

2

Best Overall Men’s: Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe

Pros

  • Moderate arch support
  • Supportive and structured
  • Four widths available

Cons

  • Narrow toe box

If you’re looking for an all-around sneaker that can take you on walks, runs and anything in between, opt for the Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 23. It boasts a cushioned feel with every step, and the support level is medium, or one step above “neutral” — the ideal support level for flat feet. The midsole and outsole offer comfort and stability by balancing support and structure. Plus, the shoe comes in narrow, medium, wide and extra wide widths, which help create a comfortable and custom fit. Last, this shoe boasts the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

A few things to keep in mind: A few shoppers found the toe box to be a bit narrow in the medium width because the tip is tapered.

3

Best Budget for Men and Women: Asics Gel-Contend 8

Pros

  • Internal heel counter keeps heel in place
  • Gel cushioning and foam
  • Wide width available

Cons

  • Not ideal for long runs
  • Runs small
  • Somewhat narrow

Here’s a secret: When searching for a budget sneaker that caters to flat feet, check out the discounted section of Asics. The Gel-Contend 8 costs only $50-60 but has the features of a high-end sneaker. These features include an internal heel counter (a structure that wraps around the heel, keeping it in position), gel cushioning and foam in the midsole to absorb shock and offer neutral arch support. It also has a mesh upper to improve airflow, and the shoe comes in regular and wide widths. Bonus: Asics offers free shipping on all US orders when you sign up for free to be a member.

While this sneaker is great for walking, it isn’t the best for long runs due to a lack of cushion. Like most walking sneakers, this pick runs small. Both men and women shoppers found the standard width to be a little narrow.

4

Best Splurge: MBT M-3000 Lace Up

Pros

  • Concave sole absorbs impact
  • Heel cradle keeps heel in place
  • Neutral contoured sole

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Takes time to get used to rocker
  • Runs slightly small

Though the MBT M-3000 Lace-Up is designed for running, it also offers a comfortable and well-cushioned walking experience, thanks to a concave sole that absorbs impact, a widened foot frame with a gentle heel cradle and a contoured insole to support your arch and guide your foot.

While this is one of our most expensive recommendations, the brand does offer a two-year warranty. It also takes time to get used to the rocking sensation of the shoe. This pick also runs slightly small.

5

Best for Long Walks (Women’s): Hoka Arahi 7

Pros

  • Great stability
  • Moderate arch support
  • Medium and wide widths

Cons

  • May feel slightly narrow
  • Toe box may feel narrow
  • Firm feel before break in

Whether you’re walking through city streets or on a trail, the Hoka Arahi 7 is a great pick for a long journey on foot. It offers great stability because it has a wide base, a sole with very few concave areas and a J-frame to keep the foot in an optimal position. It also has moderate arch support, which is good news for flat feet. Though, it won’t feel like it’s pushing uncomfortably into the middle of your foot. Plus, this shoe comes in medium and wide widths.

Like most Hoka shoes, shoppers say this pair often feels slightly narrow. The toe box may also feel too narrow, and the shoes have a firm feel until they’re broken in.

6

Best for Long Walks (Men’s): Asics Gel Kayano 30

Pros

  • 4D guidance system for stability
  • Footbed designed for flat feet/low arches
  • Medium and wide widths available

Cons

  • Mesh upper may tear from movement of big toes
  • Normal width may feel slightly narrow
  • Toe box may feel narrow

If you have flat feet and plan to walk hundreds of miles in your next pair of shoes, the Asics Gel Kayano 30s are for you. These shoes are designed for running but offer excellent support and stability for walks as well, thanks to a 4D guidance system, lightweight gel cushioning and a wide base with few concave areas. The footbed is also designed for flat feet, low arches and normal arches. The contoured insole offers enough support without pressing into the wrong areas. These shoes are available in medium and wide widths.

The downsides: A few shoppers have complained that the mesh upper is prone to tearing, especially if the nails on your big toes turn upward. Others found the normal width feels slightly narrow, while others thought the toe box could be wider.

7

Best Women’s Slip-on: Orthofeet Kita Hands-Free

Pros

  • Orthotic insoles
  • Slip-on design
  • 60-day wear test

Cons

  • May squeak on certain surfaces
  • Bulky shape

If you love the convenience of not bending over to put on shoes, check out Orthofeet’s Hands-Free Kita. The shoe has a flexible backing that allows you to slip it on without using your hands, and it also has several features that are great for flat feet. Features include orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support, a wide toe box to give toes free movement, a sole with a mild rocker and cushioning to absorb shock. It also comes in wide and extra-wide widths. Plus, you can wear the shoes for 60 days before deciding to return them.

However, a few shoppers found that the shoe squeaks on certain surfaces. Others dislike the bulky shape and find the arch support to be too high. Note that these shoes are not available for sale at other retailers.

8

Best Men’s Slip-on: Orthofeet Yari Hands-Free

Pros

  • Orthotic insole
  • Cushioning to absorb shock
  • Medium to extra-extra wide sizing

Cons

  • May squeak
  • Wide toe box may be too big
  • Somewhat bulky look

The counterpart to the Orthofeet Kita, the Yari, offers many of the same benefits. It has a hands-free design so you can slip it on and off, an orthotic insole, anatomical arch support and decent cushioning to absorb shock. The shoe’s supportive structure also keeps feet in alignment while walking. Unlike the Kita, the Yari also comes in extra-extra wide sizing. Note you have 60 days to try out the shoes at home.

Similar to the Kita, the Yari shoes may squeak on surfaces such as tile. A few customers actually disliked the extra space in the toe box and found that the overall shape is somewhat bulky.

9

Best Wide (Women’s): Ryka Devotion X

Pros

  • Removable, contoured insole
  • Medium, wide and extra-wide widths
  • Shock absorbing

Cons

  • Sole may separate from upper after frequent wear
  • Runs small

A wide-width shoe often has a bulky look that can be unappealing for some shoppers. Fortunately, the Ryka Devotion X still looks sleek. This sneaker comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths, and the removable insole has padding and gentle, anatomical contouring to support the arch. They also have a shock-absorbing layer in addition to a foam midsole and rubber outsole.

However, a few shoppers found the upper mesh part of the shoe starts to separate from the sole after frequent wear. Most customers also found that sizing up by half a size improved the overall fit.

10

Best Wide (Men’s): Orthofeet Tilos Hands-Free

Pros

  • Customizable
  • Cushioned, cupping heel
  • Medium, wide and extra-wide widths

Cons

  • On the pricey side
  • Squeaky
  • May be uncomfortable at first

What makes the Orthofeet Tilos Hands-Free shoes a smart investment? In addition to the medium, wide and extra-wide width options, these shoes are very customizable. Each pair includes orthotic insoles, arch boosters and fitting spacers, all of which can be added or removed from the shoe to create a better fit. This easy-to-slip-on sneaker also has a cushioned, cupping heel, a water repellent exterior and extra depth to accommodate custom orthotics.

These shoes are on the pricey side, and some shoppers note the shoes sometimes squeak. Others found the orthotic insoles uncomfortable at first, but they improve over time.

11

Best Women’s Walking Boot: NAOT Alize Boot

Pros

  • Anatomic cork and latex footbed
  • Grippy, durable outsoles
  • Easy to slip on and off

Cons

  • Expensive
  • On the narrow side
  • Toe box may feel tight

While the NAOT Alize Boot looks like fashionable footwear, it boasts impressive longevity and a high-quality design. These orthotic-friendly shoes come with removable, anatomic cork and latex footbeds, which mold to your feet over time and provide great arch support. They also have grippy outsoles and a zipper enclosure. Note that NAOT covers shipping on orders over $100, an easy threshold to meet given the price of the shoes.

A few downsides to consider: The NAOT Alize Boot is one of our most expensive recommendations. In addition, the shoe’s toe box may feel narrow on a normal-sized foot. It doesn’t come in wide widths.

12

Best Men’s Walking Boot: Dr. Martens 2976 Boot

Pros

  • Footbed molds to feet
  • Cushioned outsole
  • Grippy exterior

Cons

  • Takes time to break in
  • Pricey
  • No wide widths

If you’re looking for a walking boot that withstands the test of time and prevents foot pain for flat feet, check out the Dr. Marten’s 2976 Boot. This classic Chelsea style boot boasts a cushioned leather and textile footbed which molds to your feet over time. It also has a cushioned outsole for added comfort and a durable and grippy exterior, which withstands various terrains and weather. The pull tab on the back makes it easy to slip on and off.

Keep in mind, Dr. Martens take time to break in. They’re also on the pricey side and don’t come in wide widths.

13

Best Women’s Slipper: Bearpaw Retro Maren Bootie

Pros

  • Wool blend footbed
  • Layered EVA midsole to reduce shock
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • No contoured insoles, though they’re orthotic-friendly
  • No half sizes
  • No wide widths

Searching for a cozy boot to wear around the house that won’t contribute to your foot pain? If so, we recommend the stylish Bearpaw Retro Maren Bootie. It has a lush, wool blend footbed, a layered EVA midsole to increase comfort and reduce shock and a lightweight rubber outsole.

While this bootie doesn’t have contoured insoles, you can remove the footbed and add your own orthotics. Note that the shoe doesn’t come in half sizes or wide widths.

14

Best Men’s Slipper: Orthofeet Vito Hand’s Free Slippers

Pros

  • Slip on style
  • Customizable fit
  • Wide and extra-wide width options

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Orthotic insoles may be uncomfortable at first
  • Normal width may feel too wide

The Orthofeet Vito Hand’s Free Slipper is one of those rare shoes you can wear both inside and out. Like other Orthofeet shoes, it features a slip-on construction, orthotic insoles, insertable arch boosters and fitting spacers for a custom fit. These slippers are also available in wide and extra-wide widths. The exterior is water-repellant.

Note that the orthotic insoles can take some time to get used to, and a few customers find the fit of the normal width to be a bit too wide.

People Also Ask

  • Q: What type of shoes are best for flat feet?

    A:Our top pick for women is the Dansko Women's Pace Walking Shoe. Our top pick for men is the Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe.

  • Q: Are Hokas good for people with flat feet?

    A:Many Hoka shoes work well for people with flat feet because they offer natural arch support and keep the foot aligned as you walk or run. We recommend the Hoka Arahi 7.

  • Q: Do flat feet need more arch support?

    A:All feet need some arch support, but flat feet often don’t need as much arch support as “normal” feet and high-arch feet.

  • Q: Are wide shoes better for flat feet?

    A:In general, wide shoes are ideal for flat feet because they give your arches and toes extra room to move in alignment. A shoe that is too narrow may squish the toes and cause the arch to flatten.

  • Q: How much do shoes for flat feet cost?

    A:Shoes for flat feet range between $30 to $300.

Why trust Us

At Us Weekly, we aim to inform readers to make smart purchasing decisions, saving you both time and money. Our editors are obsessed with finding products in a variety of categories from fashion and beauty, to home and fitness.

We try various products, so we can recommend our favorites, and we also summarize feedback and data from other customers. Data, like product reviews and ratings, helps us recommend the best product choices for individual price points and needs.

On top of that, we highlight unique product features for special use cases, ingredients preferences, and more. We strive to make sure you are discovering new products that can make your life easier, while keeping you up to date with the best product choices for types of items you already know and love.

Author photo

By Jenna Cartusciello

Affiliate Commerce Writer Jenna loves recommending great products to her friends and family, so helping the rest of the internet on their quest to find the best stuff makes tremendous sense! Though she mainly writes in-depth buyer’s guides these days, Jenna still enjoys crafting the occasional health article. In her spare time, she loves immersing herself in creative writing. Her favorite authors (for anyone who is willing to geek out with her) include Neil Gaiman, Cheryl Strayed, and Jennifer Egan.

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