If you suffer from flat feet, or pes planus, shoes can make all the difference between foot pain and an enjoyable walk or run. Selecting shoes that support arches and correct gait patterns to prevent injuries such as bunions, hips and knees.
GGR tested several pairs of shoes designed specifically to support flat feet and found these favorites:
New Balance 1540v3
Podiatrists appreciate this shoe because it features cutting-edge technology designed to support flat feet and relieve foot pain. Equipped with ENCAP and Roll bar midsole technologies, which provide exceptional rear foot movement control and stability during runs of 5K distance or beyond.
This shoe is also an excellent option for people with flat feet, offering extra cushioning and a contoured heel bed to support arch, reduce over-pronation, and keep feet cool and dry. Plus, its flexible outsole allows you to move with ease! Plus, its durable upper made from synthetic/mesh materials keeps feet cool and dry!
Another feature of this shoe is that its wide toe box makes it suitable for those with wider feet. Furthermore, its special midsole combines soft foam and tough polyurethane rim to support your feet when running or walking, as well as various color designs and width options making this an excellent option.
New Balance offers a wide range of shoes designed specifically to support flat feet, including some with removable insoles so you can add custom orthotics if necessary.
Providing unsurpassed comfort and support, the New Balance 1540v3 running shoe provides. Crafted with cutting-edge New Balance technology for mile after mile stability and overpronation reduction. Also boasting an innovative Roll bar midsole providing both medial and lateral support as well as 24% lighter foam than its competitors ACTEVA LITE foam which benefits local jobs and the economy alike! Made in America for added peace of mind
Deckers X-Scape
The Deckers X-Scape sneaker is an ideal option for those suffering from flat feet. Featuring a lightweight foam midsole with an oversized cushion that provides incredible support, as well as a removable ergonomic insole that offers additional cushioning, the X-Scape comes in both men’s and women’s whole and half sizes ranging from 6-13, offering multiple colors and styles.
The X-Scape hybrid shoe offers the best of both running and walking shoes in one. These hybrids utilize the meta-rocker design used by HOKA running shoes, increasing surface area per foot strike to cushion impacts and provide stability, while its plant-based Sorona yarn laminated to GORE-TEX fabric upper keeps your feet cool by wicking away sweat away and keeping sweat at bay.
These shoes are tailored for multiple activities, from hiking and trail running to class 10 rapids. Crafted with water-resistant Nubuck leather upper, breathable mesh lining, and top laces – the X-Scape is lightweight enough for all-day comfort!
Deckers Outdoor’s X Lab line, comprising both Hoka One One and the X-Scape, offers best-in-class dynamic comfort, elevated performance and products made with sustainable materials. Their mission is to deliver best-in-class dynamic comfort, elevated performance and products made with recycled content; in particular, this shoe features an ergonomic removable Contoura insole featuring refined swallow tail heel geometry with meta rocker for enhanced stability as well as natural gum rubber outsole with 30% recycled content – making this shoe suitable for hiking enthusiasts, explorers, travelers – its large cushion will protect from injuries caused by overexertion!
Saucony GuideRails
The Saucony GuideRails running shoe is an ideal option for runners with flat feet who desire comfort and support on all runs. The latest edition offers softened cushioning and an improved guidance frame to guide every step. Furthermore, these updated models provide flexible forefoot flexibility as well as lighter weight than earlier models – ideal for fast runners.
The latest Saucony Guide sneaker has garnered considerable positive feedback from its users. Some notable updates include a single density PWRRUN foam midsole that’s said to be softer than last year’s model and an innovative TPU medial support element which replaces firm feeling posts found in most stability shoes.
Saucony’s FORMFIT technology is a sleek design upgrade that features a comfortable fit that adapts to all foot shapes. This helps prevent injury while providing a customized and supportive feeling. These shoes also boast long-wearing outsoles designed with lugs for efficient movement that make them great for road running.
These lightweight running shoes feature a smooth ride for all kinds of runs. Their supportive heel and deep toe box make these ideal for runners with flat feet. Furthermore, their strong midsole provides solid cushioning beneath your foot; additionally they come with a padded sockliner made from the same material as their upper.
This shoe offers more responsive cushioning and responsive performance for runners of all levels and speeds. Additionally, the American Podiatric Medical Association has recognized it with the Seal of Acceptance; making this an excellent option for those with flat feet.
Vionic Miles
This lightweight pair of Vionic shoes features a sleek aesthetic, making them stylish enough to pair with jeans and a tee. Readers have raved about other Vionic styles’ comfort features – namely their supportive midfoot cage and trusty footbed – while its breathable mesh fabric keeps feet cool during walks, strolls and even long plane flights.
This shoe features an EVA foam midsole designed to absorb impact from walking on hard surfaces, while also being flexible and providing a cloud-like feeling, ideal for people suffering from flat feet who want to avoid pain after spending all day on their feet. Furthermore, midsole mapping has also been implemented into its design; wider areas will have more foam while narrower ones have greater flexibility.
Some reviewers found the shoes to fit true to size and be comfortable for everyday walking, while others felt their toe boxes were slightly snug. Furthermore, critics complained of its traditional lace-up design reducing lateral support.
One major drawback with these sneakers was their arch support, which some users felt wasn’t as strong as desired. Others required additional inserts to provide enough arch support, an expensive add-on.
Some users were disappointed to find their shoes more flexible than expected and struggled to tie their laces securely, yet overall most buyers found these to be very comfortable and convenient; available in multiple colors they make it easy to match casual outfits!
Brooks Ariel
Brooks Beast/Ariel series motion control shoes provide runners who require both high heel drops and lots of stability with an excellent cushioned ride. Constructed with wide soles, straight lasts, and large GuideRails that prevent excess movements such as inward rolling of the foot; yet they still feel cushioned thanks to DNA Loft V3 midsole technology which offers superior energy return; however their sturdy build may limit responsiveness, and these heavyweight shoes tend not to respond immediately when running on uneven terrain.
Though these shoes may no longer be as popular, they remain an excellent choice for many runners with flat feet who require quality walking or running shoes. Mobility and exercise should be accessible to everyone – if these are what suit your needs best then that is totally fine!
The Ariel 20 is the latest installment of this model and boasts numerous improvements that are sure to please its ardent fans. One such improvement is an extended midfoot support platform designed specifically to cater for runners with wide feet. It features a straighter last, which helps flat-footed runners feel more of the midsole cushioning of the shoe. Furthermore, this edition has enhanced asymmetrical stability making this shoe distinct from others models. This shoe comes highly recommended by podiatrists and has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval. When it comes to stability, this one of the best shoes currently available on the market for those with flat feet – although its higher price does limit its appeal.

A trend analyst who specializes in footwear. She writes about fashion trends, styling advice, and the growing demand for iconic sneaker brands.