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Best shoes for flat feet in 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Flatfoot, or Pes planus, is a condition that occurs when the midfoot arch collapses during walking. In turn, this deformity of the foot can cause an increased risk of injuries like tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, arthritis and metatarsal pain, to name a few. Flatfoot can either develop during childhood or may be the result of an injury or wear and tear. In wear and tear, the tendon that runs along the inside of the ankle becomes weakened. Risk factors for flatfoot include diabetes, obesity, aging, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy and foot or ankle injuries.
The best shoes for flat feet are those that provide arch support. Foot insoles and foot inserts can also be beneficial to those with flatfoot. The best flat-foot shoes can be hard to find if you’re not sure what to look for. Wearing certain running shoes can help provide support to the overall foot and reduce the burden on the arch of those with foot conditions like flatfoot. However, it may help to consult a podiatrist if supportive shoes do not fully help reduce any pain or discomfort.
Overview of shoes for flat feet
People with flat feet need shoes that support their arch since they have a collapsed arch. Shoes that focus on providing proper arch support can help reduce the risk of such individuals injuring themselves while walking and working out.
How we chose the best shoes for flat feet
When choosing the best shoes for flat feet, information from current research, tips from podiatrists, as well as consumer reviews were used. Also, any foot health certifications and consistent top-rated status on shoe sites were taken into account.
Top shoes for flat feet
- Best for men’s walking shoes: Orthofoot® Lava Stretch Knit
- Best for women’s walking shoes: Orthofoot® Coral Stretch Knit Sneakers
- Best for women’s everyday shoe: Alegria® Duette Shoe
- Best for men’s everyday shoe: Dansko® Wynn Brown Distressed Loafer
- Best for women’s dress shoe: Vionic Willa Slip On Flat
- Best for men’s dress shoe: Docker’s Gordon Leather Oxford Dress Shoe
- Best for house shoe: Kuru Draft
Best for men’s walking shoe: Orthofoot® Lava Stretch Knit
- Approved by podiatrists for foot health
- Soft padded interior
- Premium orthotic and arch support insole
About Orthofoot® Lava Stretch Knit
If you have flat feet and are looking for a comfortable walking shoe, then the Lava Stretch Knit by Orthofoot® may be right for you. With a premium orthotic insole and customizable and removable arch support, you can make the shoe fit just right for you. A soft, padded interior helps support sensitive feet and reduce irritation. Meanwhile, the DryPlex™ anti-odor fabric and PolyU™ foam help reduce odor, while the breathable knit helps increase comfort. And with an APMA seal of approval and a 60-day Comfort Guarantee, you can be confident in the quality of the Lava Stretch Knit by Orthofoot®.
Why we like it
- APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) seal of approval
- Includes removable fitting spacers to customize fit
- Removable arch support
What to consider
- Around $110
- Some consumers complain of shoe being too wide
- Some consumers complain the shoes wear quickly if used regularly
Best for women’s walking shoes: Orthofoot® Coral Stretch Knit Sneakers
- APMA seal of approval
- Removable fitting spacers included for a snug fit
- Premium orthotic insoles and arch support
About Orthofoot® Coral Stretch Knit Sneakers
For a comfortable walking shoe for flat feet, choose the premium and customizable arch support of Orthofoot® Coral Stretch Knit sneakers. An antimicrobial fabric and foam reduce odor in your insoles, while a soft padded interior provides comfort for even the most sensitive feet. A wide toe box helps make room for those with bunions or hammertoes, while a rubber outsole provides stability and grip. Removable arch support lets you add your own orthotics if needed or use the arch support provided, depending on your foot health needs. So, if you want a shoe you can trust with a 60-day comfort guarantee and an APMA seal of approval, choose Orthofoot® Coral Stretch Knit sneakers.
Why we like it
- Cushioning sole with a mild rocker
- Removable arch support
- Soft padded interior for ultimate comfort
What to consider
- Around $110
- Some consumers complain of shoe being too wide
- Some consumers complain of soles wearing quickly with regular use
Best for women’s everyday shoe: Alegria® Duette Fudge Shoe
About Alegria® Duette Fudge Shoe
For casual style and comfort, any female with flatfeet should try the Alegria® Duette Shoe. This stylish shoe with a vegan leather upper and lightweight, slip-resistant outsole is perfect for work or running daily errands. The removable footbed allows you to try your own orthotics if needed, while the padded collar provides comfort to your ankle for long-day wear. And with 25+ styles to choose from, you can be sure to find a design that fits your fashion preference. Finally, the APMA seal of approval lets you know this Duette Fudge shoe by Alegria® is reliable for foot health.
Why we like it
- APMA accepted
- Consumers report comfort when standing on feet for long periods
- Over 25 different designs to choose from for versatility
What to consider
- $90 price tag
- Some consumers complain of narrow toe box
- Some consumers complain shoes are sized too small
Best for men’s everyday shoe: Dansko® Wynn Brown Distressed Loafer
About Dansko® Wynn Brown Distressed Loafer
For versatile wear from work to play, the Dansko® Wynn Brown Distressed Loafer provides style and comfort for those with flatfoot or other foot conditions. A removable triple-density EVA footbed provides premium arch support and shock absorption for supportive wear. Not to mention that a tuckboard with a riveted shank provides ultimate stability for long-day support. Leather linings and slip-resistant outsoles provide interior relief and exterior traction for all-day safety and comfort. With an APMA seal of acceptance, you can be sure the Dansko® Wynn Brown Distressed Loafer is a healthy addition to your footwear collection.
Why we like it
- Removable footbed for customizable arch support
- Leather linings for long-day comfort
- All leather for easy wipe clean
What to consider
- $140 price tag
- Some consumers complain of narrow fit
- Some consumers complain of uncomfortable break-in period
Best for women’s dress shoe: Vionic Willa Slip On Flat
About Vionic Willa Slip On Flat
If you need a dress shoe for all-day flatfoot support, you have found it in the Vionic Willa Slip On Flat. This stylish shoe with leather or suede uppers and a durable rubber outsole is designed for long-day wear. And the Vio-Motion Technology is made to provide ultimate arch support. With Vionic built-in orthotics, this shoe is built to help with heel pain. With an APMA seal of acceptance, this dress shoe is one of a short list approved by podiatrists for your foot health.
Why we like it
- Built-in orthotic
- Over 30 design options
- Luxury design and premium arch support
What to consider
- Around $130
- Some consumers feel the shoes run narrow
- Some consumers complain the heel is too wide
Best for men’s dress shoe: Docker’s Gordon Leather Oxford Shoes
- All-Motion Comfort™ insole for arch support
- Lace up closure for secure fit
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
About Dockers Gordon Leather Oxford Shoes
For dressy style from day to night with ultimate flatfoot support, you should check out Dockers Gordon Leather Oxford shoes. The All-Motion Comfort™ cushioned insole with both arch support and heel gel pad for ultimate wear. A padded collar helps provide comfortable wear without causing painful blistering. Meanwhile, a lace-up closure and softly waxed upper provides sophisticated luxury styling. With a flexible outsole for durability and rubber outsole with ultimate traction on both hard and slippery surfaces, you can wear these shoes in a variety of settings and weather conditions. Finally, with APMA acceptance for foot health, the Dockers Gordon Leather Oxford shoe is the ideal, budget-friendly dress shoe option with premium foot support features.
Why we like it
- Cushioned insole and arch support
- Heel gel pad for comfort
- APMA accepted
What to consider
- Around $50-75 price tag depending on where you purchase it
- Some consumers feel the shoe sizes run small
- Some consumers complain of stiff design that is difficult to break in
Best for house shoe: Kuru Draft
About Kuru Draft
If you’re looking for a comfy shoe to wear around the house while still supporting your flatfoot, then Kuru Draft may be right for you. This simple slip-on backless design and durable rubber insole make it easy to put on when racing out the door to grab the mail or run errands. Meanwhile, the patented KURUSOLE technology helps support your arches and heels to provide comfort throughout the day. With a roomy toe box and sturdy insoles, you don’t have to worry about pain and friction in this cozy house shoe. Not to mention that this house shoe style comes in both men’s and women’s styles, so everyone can enjoy this versatile slipper-style shoe.
Why we like it
- Patented KURUSOLE heel support technology
- Indoor-outdoor outsole durability
- Dual-density foam insole for cushioning support
What to consider
- Around $135 price tag
- Some consumers feel the shoe sizing runs small
- Some consumers complain the weight of the shoe is heavy
How to choose a shoe for flat feet
When choosing a shoe for a flat foot, you should consider arch support and adequate shockproof cushioning and should always remember to make sure the shoe fits your budget.
- Arch support: The primary factor in choosing a shoe for flatfoot is to pick one that has proper arch support to make up for the fact that the muscles in the feet are weakened and unable to provide such support naturally. Arch support with flatfoot is necessary to reduce the risk of foot injury over time.
- Shockproof cushioning: Cushioning that absorbs shock resistance when walking on hard surfaces is vital to help reduce pain in your feet while walking.
- Budget: Choose a shoe that fits within your current budget since flatfeet is a chronic condition that you will likely need to buy supportive footwear for years to come.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top shoes for flat feet. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best shoes for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
Are Hokas good for people with flat feet?
Hokas are supportive shoes that many consumers report are comfortable for when you are on your feet for a long time. However, there are mixed reviews about its ability to provide pain relief to those suffering from foot health conditions. In addition, these shoes are at a higher price point of around $150 a pair, so they may not be a practical purchase for most consumers.
Do you need arch support for flat feet?
Research shows that arch support can provide a reduction in pressure on the feet of those with flatfoot as well as provide stability. Therefore, arch support is a must for those with flatfeet.
Can flat feet be corrected?
Typically, physical therapy is the primary method for helping to reduce pain in those with flatfoot by helping to strengthen the weak muscles and tendons. Arch supports are also a way to help reduce pain on a daily basis for those with flatfoot. Surgery to repair the bones and tendons causing flatfoot is typically only reserved for those that have severe cases of flatfoot that cause pain even after nonsurgical treatments.
References
Huang, Y.P., Peng, H.T., Wang, X., Chen, Z.R., and Song, C.Y. (August 2020) “The arch support insoles show benefits to people with flatfoot on stance time, cadence, plantar pressure and contact area.” PLoS One, 15(8):e0237382. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237382. PMID: 32817709; PMCID: PMC7446821. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32817709/
Mayo Clinic (updated August 16, 2022) “Flatfeet.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flatfeet/symptoms-causes/syc-20372604
Cleveland Clinic (last reviewed March 2, 2019) “Adult Acquired Flatfoot.” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15961-adult-acquired-flatfoot
Cho, Y.J., Lee, D.W., Shin, H.S., Hwang, Y.B., Lee, D.O., Kim, D.Y., and Lee, D.Y. (June 2022) “Change of In-Shoe Plantar Pressure According to Types of Shoes (Flat Shoes, Running Shoes, and High Heels).” Clin Orthop Surg.,14(2):281-288. doi: 10.4055/cios20260. Epub 2022 May 13. PMID: 35685969; PMCID: PMC9152888. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35685969/
