1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 24 Running Shoes For Flat Feet
2. Saucony Women’s Guide 10 Running Shoe For Flat Feet
3. ASICS GT-2000 6 Men’s Running Shoe For Flat Feet
4. Brooks Men’s Beast ’18 Running Shoe For Flat Feet
5. Saucony Women’s Omni 16 Running Shoe
7. Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 14 Running Shoe
8. Brooks Men’s Ghost 11
9. New Balance Women’s Vongo V2 Running Shoe
10. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 18
11. Nike Women’s Air Zoom Structure 21 Running Shoe
12. Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 18
Running Shoe For Flat Feet Buying Guide & FAQ
There’s more to running than just throwing on any pair of running shoes, but, we’re sure you already know that. It most definitely pays to set off on the right foot and invest in a pair of running shoes that are best suited to runners with flat feet, you’ll thank us in the end. When it comes to choosing the correct pair for you, there are plenty of really good options out there, it just comes down to preference on price, brand, and style. As a general rule of thumb, you should expect to be spending around $100 in the search for the perfect pair of running shoes that will serve you for a long time. For runners that aren’t too concerned about brand and the style of a shoe, you might bag a bargain, but remember, you can’t put a price on your health.
Now that we’ve shared our rundown of the best running shoes for flat feet in the market right now, it’s about time we let you know how we compiled our list and answer any burning questions you might have to make your life easier.
How We Chose Our Selection Of Running Shoes For Flat Feet
We know our stuff when it comes to shoes, so to start with, we take a look at what all of the leading brands have to offer to help us narrow down our search. Once we’ve got our top picks, it’s important to take price into consideration: this doesn’t necessarily mean finding the cheapest options, but those that offer the most value.
Of course, brand and price aren’t nearly enough criteria when it comes to a running pal as important as your shoes, so we trawl through hundreds of reviews so that you don’t have to. Reviews are essential when it comes to assessing the performance of a shoe, because we know there’s a whole lot more to it than brand and price. Which leads us to our next point, it’s imperative that you know which features to look for when you’re buying shoes that will suit you.
Features To Look For In Running Shoes For Flat Feet
Cushioning - The arch of the foot acts as a natural system of absorption for the rest of the body, therefore, ample cushioning in your running shoes is key to comfortable, injury-free runs. Because flat-footed runners are lacking that arch, cushioning becomes a whole lot more important to take the strain off a runner’s ankles, knees and hips. Flat-footed runners need to look for running shoes with adaptable cushioning that not only accommodate the shape of the foot on impact but provides a springboard during toe-off. If cushioning is too hard or too soft, it will wreak havoc with your body, just one of the reasons you need to shop for running shoes tailored to your specific needs.
Support - Support is an essential feature all runners should look for, no matter the shape of their foot. However, runners with flat feet can be prone to overpronation as they run, meaning that the arch of the foot collapses at impact, which may cause the ankle to twist inward or knees to overcompensate. Because of higher risk when it comes to these types of injuries, flat-footed runners should opt for running shoes with additional support in the mid-sole and heel area to ensure your feet are a stable as they can, whilst enjoying the flexibility you’ll need to toe-off nicely.
Toe Box - The toe box refers to all of the upper of a running shoe from the front of the eyelets to the tip of your toe. Toe boxes are often capped with a reinforced fabric that protects your toes as you toe-off and takes on various trails. Ideally, you’ll want a toe box that isn’t too noticeable, allowing your foot to flex naturally both in width and length without pinching or rubbing your toes for optimal comfort.
Fit - It kind of goes without saying, even with all the features, the secret to a great shoe is the overall fit. This can sometimes be down to personal preference, some runners might prefer a glove-like fit, whereas others will favor a more relaxed fit. It’s all about finding the fit that works best for you which is why we included a range of different styles in our guide. Generally, it’s advisable to go with a pair of running shoes that hold your foot in place as you run for maximum support. The better the fit, the more you’ll appreciate the cushioning.
Stability - Stability goes beyond the support a running shoe provides you with. In order to purchase a pair of shoes that will offer stability as well as comfort, it’s important that you also consider the outsole. The traction you’ll need on your sole will depend on the type of terrains you plan on heading out in, so be sure to keep that in mind when you’re making your purchase. If you’re looking for a pair of versatile running shoes that will take you from tarmac to trail, the optimal depth for tread sits between 6-8mm.
Running Shoe For Flat Feet FAQ
Q: How do I know if I’ve got flat feet?
A: You can determine whether or not your feet are flat relatively easily. If you’ve noticed your running shoes are uncomfortable and suspect it’s because of flat feet, you might be able to tell from making standard observations. If you’re still unsure, you can stand on a dry towel when your feet are wet. If your feet leave a full footprint opposed to just heel and toe marks, it’s safe to say you’re flat-footed. If that isn’t quite scientific enough for you, you can also go into your local shoe store to get measurements taken by a professional, this is called gait analysis.
Q: Do flat feet affect running?
A: If you purchase the right shoes, having flat feet shouldn’t significantly affect your running. As with all runners, it’s important that you’re taking precautions to avoid any injuries that might hinder your hobby later down the line. So, it’s essential that you have the correct shoes and support, but once you do, it’s likely that running with flat feet will no longer hinder you.
Q: Can flat feet be cured?
A: There is no ‘cure’ for flat feet, as generally speaking having flat feet certainly isn’t a cause for concern. Of course, having flat feet can be a pain for a runner, but they don’t usually need to be treated. If your flat feet don’t usually cause you any problems or stop you from doing activities, they’re rarely a sign of anything serious. If you’re experiencing more than just a little discomfort during your runs, you might want to see a doctor.
If you do feel like your flat feet need a little TLC you need to mindful of the types of shoes you wear every day, not just for running. Furthermore, you can purchase insoles over the counter for extra support as well as trying various different stretches and exercises. These ‘cures’ won’t change the shape of your feet, simply ease the symptoms. If you find that your flat feet are still causing you problems, you should see a professional.
Q: What exercises can I do to fix my flat feet?
A: As mentioned above, you can’t necessarily fix or cure flat feet, but you can ease any pain, strengthen your feet and accommodate the shape of your foot. Some simple stretches can go a long way. If you try the following exercises 3 times per week, you should see an improvement.
- Toe curls
- Heel raise with toe scrunch
- Calf stretches
If you’re unsure as to what you should be doing, we’d recommend seeing a professional to guide you through in order to avoid any injuries. On top of these three exercises, it is important that you ensure you’re warming up and cooling down when you’re running. Not only will this avoid injury but also ease any discomfort you might experience.
Now that you’re on the way to choosing the perfect pair of running shoes for flat feet, you might think that’s all you need to do. This is absolutely not the case! As with all runners and athletes, it’s vital that you listen to your body and take proper care of it, including your flat feet. Once you’ve purchased your new shoes, remember that it will take time to break them in and adapt to running with the support that your body isn’t necessarily familiar with right away, so give them time. Once you’ve broken your new running shoes in, you might just be surprised at the noticeable difference it’s made to your running technique as you work towards your goal with the support and comfort you need. As always, we hope our guide has helped you to find the perfect footwear so that your hobby is no longer a chore, but a joy.
