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Table Of Contents
What to Look for in the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
How We Chose the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
Meet the Experts
Meet the Author
Top Walking Shoes for Flat Feet of 2024
Best men’s walking shoe for flat feet
Asics GT-1000 Sneakers
Buy Men’s At Amazon$59.95
Best tennis shoes for walking with flat feet
Naot Women’s Apollo Buzz Sneakers
Buy Now At Amazon$199.95
SPONSORED
Hoka Gaviota 5 Sneakers
Buy Women’s At Zappos$175
New Balance 1906 Sneakers
Buy Now At New Balance$154.99
Best walking shoes for flat feet and plantar fasciitis
OrthoFeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoes
Buy Women’s At Amazon$119.95
Hoka Arahi 6 Sneakers
Buy men’s at zappos$140
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Sneakers
Buy women’s at Amazon$140
Best walking shoes for flat feet and overpronation
Saucony Guide 16 Sneakers
Buy men’s at Amazon$140
Asics Gel Kayano 30 Sneakers
Buy Men’s At Asics$160
New Balance Fuelcell Walker Elite Sneakers
Buy women’s at amazon$139.99
Best shoes for flat feet and standing all day
Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Sneakers
Buy men’s at amazon$130
If you’re part of the flat feet club — whether due to injury or plain-old genetics — understanding the features that go into the best walking shoes for flat feet is essential for preventing pain and avoiding foot problems down the line.
“Fallen arches, another name for flat feet, is a common disorder in which the foot arch hits the ground when standing, either fully or partially,” says Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, a podiatric surgery specialist and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan. “This disorder may develop over time due to weak arches, injury, or health issues such as diabetes, obesity, or arthritis; or it may be congenital, meaning it exists from birth.”
Anatomically speaking, the structure of the foot is the primary distinction between a person with flat feet and someone with a conventional arch. “When standing, a typical arch — the inner portion of the foot — is slightly elevated, which aids in equally transferring body weight throughout the foot. Ligaments and tendons support this arch, preserving its structural integrity,” Dr. Cunha says. “On the other hand, in people with flat feet, the arch collapses and the entire foot comes into contact with the ground.”
Fallen arches often cause overpronation, or when the foot excessively rolls inward during walking or running, which contributes to more strain and pain in the legs, ankles, and feet. That’s just one reason why it’s important for people with flat feet to prioritize quality footwear. “By definition, those with flat feet need increased arch support,” says Dr. Tim Oldani, DPM, FACFAS. That means striking a balance between a shoe with enough support to avoid overpronation and foot pain, according to Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM.
Here, our podiatrists explain exactly what to look for in walking shoes for flat feet, and the best picks to buy whether you’re looking for something that’ll propel you through daily power walks, a sneaker comfortable enough to wear to work every day, or a travel shoe you can stash in your luggage to explore a new city on foot. Many of these options aren’t only podiatrist-approved, but are also personally tested by our writer, who has congenital flat feet. Keep scrolling for the 11 best walking shoes for flat feet.
Best men’s walking shoe for flat feet
Asics GT-1000 Sneakers
Size range: 6 to 17 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Mesh upper
Special features: High heel-to-toe drop, stability to reduce overpronation, extra cushioning
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
Asics Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.4/5 stars
On Sale 40% off
$59.95Buy Men’s At Amazon
$58Buy Women’s At AMazon
If you’re looking for a lightweight and comfortable shoe that’s supportive without being clunky, Dr. Daughtry recommends the Asics GT 1000. “The sock liner gently hugs the foot while the midsole is reinforced with flexible, stabilizing layers to avoid excessive pronation,” she says. These Asics sneakers do just that, thanks to the brand’s Litetruss inner midsole technology. They also have lightweight cushioning and an eight millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which is on the higher end, to help reduce pressure on the calves and Achilles tendons.
What testers say: “This shoe delivers great support, light and comfortable. For someone who has back issues, I never notice them when wearing these shoes. I use them while coaching on the football field, running up and down the field. I also overpronate, and these give me stability and extra cushioning while walking, running, or doing physical activities. I would recommend purchasing these shoes to anyone.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $58
Best tennis shoes for walking with flat feet
Naot Women’s Apollo Buzz Sneakers
Size range: 4 to 12 women’s
Materials: Suede and leather
Special features: Removable footbed with arch support, orthotic-friendly, APMA-accepted
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$199.95Buy Now At Amazon
$199.95Buy Now At Noat
This low-profile women’s tennis shoe from Naot is sleek and supportive enough to wear all day into the night. “This shoe comes with a cork and latex footbed that provides firmer support through the arch and helps absorb shock under the ball of the foot, which can be a problem for those who pronate when walking,” Dr. Oldani says. The footbed is removable, so you can easily pop in your own custom supination insoles — either way, if you’re between sizes, you’ll want to size up to the nearest whole number. If that doesn’t convince you that these are some of the best walking shoes for women with flat feet, the Buzz also has a slip-resistant sole and APMA accepted, which means podiatrists recommend it for promoting good foot health.
What testers say: “These fit well and are attractive in the mottled gray finish with bronzy/coppery band across the foot. I love tie sneakers since my feet are different sizes and I can adjust the fit. The arch support in these feels moderate rather than excellent but sufficient for me, and I require good arch support. The abundant interior padding at the tongue, heel, and top edge is great. The bouncy soles help a lot with overall foot support, for walking or wearing all day long.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $199.95
SPONSORED
Hoka Gaviota 5 Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Recycled materials
Special features: Maximum cushioning, maximum stability to prevent overpronation, available in wide width, APMA-approved
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.8/5 stars
$175Buy Women’s At Zappos
$175Buy Now at Zappos
Dr. Daughtry recommends these plushy Hoka’s for their supportive cushioning, arch support, and wide sizing options. “This particular sneaker has strategically placed rubber around the exterior in the area that experiences the most wear and tear for added durability while offering plush padding internally to cushion the foot,” she says. This APMA-approved Hoka sneaker has maximum shock absorption from EVA foam, even during speedy brisk walks. You’ll also get maximum stability from these cushioned running shoes, as they have a frame that prevents overpronation without overcorrecting your gait.
What testers say: “If you spend eight to 12 hours a day on your feet then you need these. I also have bunions and flat feet and these relieve pain tremendously. I work at a high-volume hospital and I can get through my work day comfortably. I’ve also noticed a little lower back pain relief as well. I was worried about spending so much money and not getting results, but you get what you pay for. These are worth the investment.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $174.95
New Balance 1906 Sneakers
Size range: 4 to 15 men’s; 5.5 to 16.5 women’s
Materials: Leather, suede and mesh upper or synthetic material
Special features: Arch support, midsole and heel cushioning
New Balance Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$154.99Buy Now At New Balance
$154.99Buy Men’s at Nordstrom
$154.99Buy women’s at nordstrom
If you’re looking for some good walking shoes for flat feet that are as comfortable as they are stylish, you can’t go wrong with this New Balance walking shoe. The layered suede and leather upper makes for an eye-catching texture that levels up any outfit, but it’s the sneakers’ smart tech that impressed us most when we tested these. These New Balance shoes boast a Stability Web outsole that provides arch support and helps absorb shock with each step. This sneaker also has a solid amount of heel cushioning that makes a difference for those, like nurses, who need shoes for standing all day.
What testers say: “One of the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever worn. I had this model 1906R on all day and night straight from a festival all the way through a night show and my feet did not hurt and I have flat feet. Easily one of my top favorite shoe purchases.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $154.99
Best walking shoes for flat feet and plantar fasciitis
OrthoFeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoes
Size range: 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Synthetic
Special features: Removable anatomical orthotic insoles for arch support, wide toe box, available in four different widths
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
On Sale 17% off
$119.95Buy Women’s At Amazon
$119.95Buy Women’s At Orthofeet
Plantar fasciitis causes inflammation in the tissues that connect the heel to the toes — and a supportive, cushioned shoe like this OrthoFeet knit sneaker can help alleviate and prevent some of that pain. “This shoe offers a mild rocker within the outer sole to help support the arch with each step. And the design of the shoe also provides some motion control, limiting pronation when walking,” Dr. Oldani says. In addition to the mild rocker and motion control design, these APMA-approved women’s walking shoes for flat feet come with removable orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support as well as an Arch Booster piece that you can pop in the shoe for added arch support. The stretchy knit upper and wide toe box ensure your feet have plenty of room, even when they’re slightly swollen from strolling all day.
What testers say: “I experienced immediate relief of my plantar fasciitis when wearing the Coral Stretch Knit shoes and had more energy throughout the day. Best purchase I’ve made!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $119.95
Hoka Arahi 6 Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Breathable mesh upper
Special features: Extra stability to prevent overpronation, anatomical arch support, good cushioning
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.8/5 stars
Hoka Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.3/5 stars
$140Buy men’s at zappos
$140Buy women’s at zappos
$140Buy Men’s At Hoka
$140Buy Women’s AT Hoka
Hoka quickly became the unofficial #hotgirlwalk shoe for its ample cushioning that cradles your feet. The Arahis come recommended by Dr. Cunha and Dr. Daughtry because they offer the stability that people with flat feet need. “This is a perfect option for flat feet because it is designed to prevent overpronation or the inward turning of the heel, which can lead to the development of plantar fasciitis or other foot ailments,” says Dr. Daughtry. Specifically, this sneaker boasts a J-frame that runs along the inner side of the shoe and wraps around it to “maintain proper sagittal motion and minimize frontal plane motion,” Dr. Cunha adds.
When testing these plantar fasciitis-friendly walking shoes, we especially appreciated the spacious toe box that allows your toes to move freely, plus the deep heel cup and extra cushioning for an excellent ride and control for flat feet. Hoka’s signature EVA foam-cushioned footbed and anatomical arch support hold the plantar fascia and prevent it from collapsing to minimize fatigue and pain, says Dr. Cunha.
What testers say: “I have flat feet and overpronate. These shoes are perfect for my feet. They fit my feet just right and have just the right amount of cushion as well (not too much and not too little) and it doesn’t weigh that much for a stability shoe. My shoe size is normally an 11.5 D (each one of my feet is 10.7 inches long), however, with these I find the 11 to be just the right size for me.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 13 women’s
Materials: Recycled materials
Special features: Extra cushioning, arch support, available in four different widths, APMA-accepted
$140Buy women’s at Amazon
$140Buy men’s at amazon
$140Buy Mens At Brooks
$140Buy Women’s At Brooks
These Brooks sneakers offer structure, arch support, and stability in a lightweight package with enough cushioning for all-day wear. “The responsiveness of these shoes helps propel flat feet forward when walking,” Dr. Cunha says. That’s thanks to generous cushioning that adds pep to your step and relieves pressure off your legs and feet. “Brooks’ proprietary Guiderails technology helps align your feet when your ankles flex inward to minimize excess movement, which provides support for flat feet, knees, and hips,” Dr. Cunha says. And if you need shoes for bunions or simply prefer extra room in the toe box, these sneakers come in four widths including wide and extra-wide. It’s no wonder why Brooks sneakers have been granted the APMA Seal of Approval for promoting good foot health.
What testers say: “Super happy with my Adrenaline GTS 23’s! They were comfortable right from the start. I wear them for outdoor power walking and at-home strength training videos. I struggle with plantar fasciitis, overpronation, and weak ankles. They are very supportive sneakers, with a nice amount of cushion.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Best walking shoes for flat feet and overpronation
Saucony Guide 16 Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 16 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Recycled materials
Special features: Extra stability and cushioning, available in two widths, high heel-to-toe drop
Saucony Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.6/5 stars
$140Buy men’s at Amazon
$140Buy Women’s at amazon
$140Buy Men’s At Saucony
$140Buy WOmen’s At Saucony
The Saucony Guide features a thick foam midsole that makes walking miles effortless. Plus, you’ll get great pronation control with this stability running shoe. “These shoes are ideal for people with flat feet who overpronate, as they are designed with structural posting underneath the arch and a Hollow-Tech ribboned piece that wraps underneath the foot to prevent overpronation and maintain arch stability in people with flat feet,” Dr. Cunha says. This Saucony sneaker helps relieve pressure off the calves and Achilles tendon from it’s substantial eight millimeter heel-to-toe drop. It also comes in a wide width variety, which will give you extra space in the toe box for those who need shoes for wide feet.
What testers say: “I’m a pronator and flat footer and these shoes are something special. Great stability as other brands but its light weight makes the difference vs. other shoes.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Asics Gel Kayano 30 Sneakers
Size range: 6 to 16 men’s; 5 to 13 women’s
Materials: Stretch knit upper
Special features: Extra stability to prevent overpronation, maximum gel cushioning
Asics Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.4/5 stars
$160Buy Men’s At Asics
$160Buy Women’s AT Asics
These sneakers have a new 4D Guidance System that helps prevent overpronation with every step and adapts to your walking patterns over time, Dr. Cunha explains. “They have an increased heel bevel for controlled impact and smoother transitions, a sculpted midsole for more lateral compression, and an energetic medial foam to guide your foot to support your arch from collapsing.”
The Asics Gel Kayano, as its name implies, boasts gel cushioning that softens the blow of every step during long walks, leisurely jogs, or long-distance runs. “Cushioning is a key factor for people with flat feet because the majority of the bottom of the foot is intact with the ground,” says Dr. Daughtry. “Heel strike, midstance, and propulsion can create stress throughout the entire foot, especially when walking or running as the repetitive ‘pounding’ of the foot on the ground reinforces significant stress on the joints, tendons and ligaments.”
What testers say: “I bought these as I am in a marathon build and wanted some extra cushion. Additionally, I am an over-pronator and wanted some support. These shoes are wonderfully cushioned and supportive and make doing long runs much more comfortable. I used to wear a different brand of shoe for long runs and the bottoms of my feet would hurt by the ends of the runs. This hasn’t happened at all since switching to these.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
New Balance Fuelcell Walker Elite Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 16 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Synthetic, engineered mesh and textile upper
Special features: Extra cushioning, gait stabilization, available in three different widths
New Balance Top-Quality Store Badge on Google:4.5/5 stars
$139.99Buy women’s at amazon
$139.99Buy Men’s At New Balance
$139.99Buy Women’s At New Balance
Not many brands can compete with New Balance when it comes to comfortable shoes for men and women, and the Fuelcell Walker Elite is podiatrist-approved for its superior support and cushioning. “This shoe includes an outer sole that controls the pronation of the heel with each heel strike,” says Dr. Oldani. The Walking Strike Path outsole technology is a special outsole feature that helps stabilize your foot as you walk to help prevent your arches from rolling inwards. What’s more, this sneaker has maximum cushioning from New Balance’s FuelCell foam that propels you forward and absorbs shock with each step. We love that this sneaker comes in three different widths, as many people with flat feet will want to consider trying the wide or extra wide varieties for extra room in the toe box.
What testers say: “I ordered these in the extra wide version and they fit perfectly even though my feet are not very wide. Very breathable upper and quite light too. The Fuelcell midsole in the Walker Elite is not as soft as the one in SC Trainer v2 or something like Invincible 3 but is perfectly supportive and responsive for daily walks. The tongue is semi-gusseted, and it’s attached to a layer of mesh from the two sides. There is enough cushioning for your heel but no pinching.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $139.99
Best shoes for flat feet and standing all day
Brooks Addiction Walker 2 Sneakers
Size range: 7 to 15 men’s; 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Leather
Special features: Maximum support, available in four different widths, slip-resistant sole
$130Buy men’s at amazon
$130Buy women’s at amazon
$130Buy Men’s At Brooks
$130Buy Women’s At Brooks
Healthcare workers (and anyone after work shoes for men or women) turn to this Brooks walking shoe to keep their feet pain-free after long days standing or walking. “This shoe offers maximum support and increased shock absorption compared to some running shoes, making it a good choice for those with flat feet,” Dr. Oldani says. The Brooks Addiction Walker is also certified slip-resistant, making them ideal for walking through different terrains, whether that’s a shiny hospital floor or a rain-soaked sidewalk. They offer extra soft cushioning as well as maximum support with the addition of a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar, which is a post in the shoe’s arch that helps you walk more easily and stay in your stride. These come in wide and extra wide versions, so you can choose a wider shoe to accommodate a natural toe splay.
What testers say: “I really like these shoes. The comfort is definitely there after being on my feet for 12 hours. Easy to clean as well. It’s a 10/10 for me. I would recommend these for healthcare workers and students in clinical. I would recommend you size up at least half a size.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
What to Look for in the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
To guarantee the best possible comfort, support, and stability in the best walking shoes for flat feet, look for the following components:
- Arch support: Good arch support is essential because it helps reduce pain by providing your collapsed arches with the necessary reinforcement. “Shoes with integrated arch support can lessen the pressure on the ligaments and tendons in the foot and help with the equal distribution of weight,” Dr. Cunha says. Good arch support can be found in two forms: Either within the actual insole of the shoe, providing maximum contact through the arch, or within the outer sole of the shoe, with a heavier, sturdier outsole that limits your foot from flattening when walking, Dr. Oldani explains.
- Motion control: People with flat feet can benefit from motion control features because they help stabilize the foot and prevent overpronation, which can cause pain and even injury, Dr. Cunha says. “To encourage correct alignment and stop the foot from rolling inward too much, look for shoes with supportive elements like strong heel counters and reinforced midsoles.”
- Wide shoes: A wide-fitting shoe or a wide-width shoe will have the same length as a regular-sized shoe but with a wider toe box and forefoot. Due to the lack of medial arch, most people with flat feet tend to have a wider foot structure, Dr. Daughtry says. Plus, people with flat feet need more space in their shoes’ toe box and midfoot area to allow for the natural splaying of the foot. Choosing shoes with a wider fit will give your toes enough room to spread out, which can help prevent pain, blisters, and common foot problems such as bunions, hammer toes, neuromas, and ingrown toenails.In fact, “most of the problems with our feet — particularly for women and runners — stem because our shoes don’t have a wide enough forefoot,” Dr. Cunha says. To determine whether the forefront is wide enough, Dr. Cunha shares a foolproof trick: “Trace your foot onto a piece of paper at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen; then, place the shoe over the tracing of the foot. If the tracing of the foot is wider than the periphery of the shoe, your shoes are too narrow.”
- Cushioning: Ample cushioning adds comfort and helps reduce fatigue when you’re on your feet for hours. “Cushioning is necessary to reduce impact and make walking comfortable, particularly for people with flat feet who might put more strain on their feet while walking,” Dr. Cunha says. “To lessen the impact on the feet and lower limbs, look for shoes with enough cushioning in the heel and midsole sections.”
- Heel-to-toe drop: Heel-to-toe drop refers to the difference between the height of the shoe’s heel and the area under the ball of the foot. A low heel-to-toe drop is under seven millimeters, while a high drop is generally over seven millimeters, Dr. Oldani says. Both Dr. Oldani and Dr. Cunha recommend a higher heel-to-toe drop for those with flat feet, as it will ease pressure on the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.
- Rigid shank and heel counter: If you can bend your sneaker in half, that’s a tell-tale sign you should look into buying new shoes. The shank, which is a piece in the midsole of the shoe, provides support and stability when you walk. “The shank is the actual structure of the shoe and should be rigid to hold up and support the arch,” Dr. Cunha says. In addition to a stiffer shoe, you’ll also want to look for a rigid heel counter — that means you shouldn’t be able to compress the heel of the shoe. “There should be a good bit of padding called an ankle collar, which is intended to cushion the ankle and the Achilles tendon, and support the heel.”
How We Chose the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
We spoke to three top podiatrists on the features to look for in the best walking shoes for flat feet and asked them to share the go-to shoes they recommend to their patients with flat feet.We also researched countless styles from popular brands, including New Balance, Naot, HOKA, and more, as well as read hundreds of customer reviews to help narrow down our picks. Last but not least, our writer, who has flat feet, tested a few pairs herself and included the ones she recommends for all-day comfort.Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist based in North Carolina. She’s on the executive board of the North Carolina Foot and Ankle Society and of the American Association for Women Podiatrists.
Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a Podiatric Surgery Specialist and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan. Cunha has years of experience as a foot and ankle surgeon, treating issues ranging from minor ailments to full-on reconstructive procedures.
Timothy Oldani, DPM, FACFAS, is a podiatrist based in Missouri and an associate in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. He specializes in treating chronic wounds in people with diabetes.
Meet the Author
April Benshosan is a health journalist and editor who’s interviewed countless doctors and other medical professionals throughout her career. She has congenital flat feet and knows the struggle of finding a quality pair of walking shoes that offer good arch support without feeling invasive or causing pain by the end of the day. She’s super dedicated to arming people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. Her work has been published in both print and digital outlets, including Women’s Health, SHAPE, VeryWell Fit, Health.com, LIVESTRONG.com, and more.
