Let’s not let anything stop us….
Which would be the best shoes for me? Since I’m flat-footed. So many questions arise in our minds. Will the shoe cause pain, while walking or running? Will that pressure affect my knees and my ankles?
Will, the base of my foot, be sore and in pain with the pressure on the contact points? Will the arch support be good enough for my feet? Does any brand understand the needs and the requirements for flat feet comfort? Lets look at The 5 Best Shoes for Flat Feet in this article.
Unfortunately, none of the above questions are easy to answer. The answer to which shoes are the best for flat feet depends on the foot’s specific anatomy.
Generally, the best way to judge the same is by understanding that there are two types of flat feet. The first type is “anatomically” flat feet, which means these people never naturally develop arches on their feet. The second type is called “Collapsed arches“; these are a result of muscle weakness.
The specific kind of shoes you pick for yourself will depend on which of the above two are you. The above is very important for you to pick out, which are the most relevant features you are looking for in the shoes you pick.
To give you an easy understanding of why we need to understand our foot anatomy, let me explain the two. People with collapsed arches mostly benefit from extra or added arch support in a pair of shoes, as it helps the muscles get stronger with time.
On the contrary, people with anatomically flat feet do not have arches, which is something a shoe cannot fix; it can only help provide comfort and support for the user.
Low arch support, contact, bad heel, and toe support are a few things to keep in mind while buying your best shoes for flat feet.
People with anatomically flat feet typically do not benefit from shoes with high arch support; hence low or no arch support would be better. However, for people with collapsed arches, excellent arch support is crucial for strengthening their muscles. So that they can return to their natural shape.
In their case if they buy shoes with low or no arches, it can prove detrimental. Hence arch support is crucial in making sure you pick the correct footwear, basis your foot anatomy.
People with flat feet mostly should concentrate on getting shoes whose midsole makes complete contact with the feet. If in case the midsole doesn’t make full and proper contact with the entire foot, there is always a risk that the uppers of the shoe will be bearing part of the foot’s weight.
People with flat feet should concentrate on getting shoes that have more “straight last,” “Last,” Which means the mold that dictates the shape of the shoe should be straighter near the arches compared to the regular ones, which usually taper at the arches which are “hourglass-shaped”. Hence bad contact would be a grave issue.
Flat-footed people tend to notice that their shoes usually wear off at the heels and toe areas since the foot is structured in that manner, forcing them to put extra pressure at the heels and toes to compensate for their lack of arches.
This means that the shoes they buy need additional support and should be more durable in those areas. That, in turn, means the best shoes for flat feet will generally be heavier, bulkier and thicker than other regular shoes, to ensure the support and durability needed.
The Best Shoes for Flat Feet Reviews
So, let’s look at which are the best Shoes for Flat Feet which will ensure we have comfortable and HAPPY FEET.
New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo V4 Review
The New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo v4 is an excellent bet for those looking for a greatly cushioned support system with lighter stability. These super chic, bold, attractive shoes come with plush comfort and cushioning and are in a league of their own. They make you feel like you are running or walking in the clouds.
It has three essential proprietary features that make it stand out.
- Its athletic shoe is made with synthetic/mesh upper, which offers effortless wear and style along with excellent flexibility and breathability.
- Its fresh Foam midsole cushioning provides excellent stability, cushioning, and support.
- It has a TruFuse midsole that provides cushioning across all points of the feet, it also has a dual-density, which ensures foot stability. It has a very comfortable footbed, which is excellent for all kind’s surfaces.
- Its Endurance outsole provides superior durability in all high wear areas, which helps you ensure you get your money’s worth. It has decent tread and traction.
New balance as a company has always ensured that they produce very well designed functional and stylish shoes. They also state that these shoes provide medial stability, making it an excellent choice for the average runner with flat feet.
Cushioning is a significant factor here. People who need a lot of cushioning for their feet can genuinely enjoy these shoes.
Since people with flat feet don’t have arches, the sole of the foot comes into contact with the footbed while on the move, causing a lot of discomfort.
They know that a good pair of shoes can make a genuinely exhilarating run into a grueling and painful one. The shoes you pick will make or break your foot experience.
All-in-all these New Balance Fresh Foam shoes come with many benefits to help ensure great comfort to the user, with all the essential benefits for people with flat feet. They produce some of the best shoes for flat feet.
ASICS Gel-Venture 6 & the Gel-Kayano series Review
ASICS as a footwear brand has always been popular amongst those with flat feet. There are two lines, which are their top sellers, The Gel-Venture line, and The Gel-Kayano Series of shoes.
The Gel-Venture 6 offers superior cushioning and excellent stability, which eliminates the pain associated with flat feet. They come with a midsole containing packets of gel, which ensures even distribution of force along the base of the foot.
It also comes with a sockliner that can be removed; hence it allows you to place custom orthotics if needed.
It also has a rubber outsole that is very durable and has extra thickness near the heel and toes. The shoe has low arches; hence it may not be the best option for those with higher arches and need more support.
These lower arches make it a popular seller since it is beneficial for those with anatomically flat feet, who need extra stability.
Another one from ASICS is the Gel-Kayano series, which is a favorite among the best shoes for flat feet runners.
This series comes fully equipped with the trademark cushioning and comfort that ASICS always portrays. It also comes with a line midsole that helps ensure proper foot alignment during every step.
It has a roomy toe box for maximum balance and stability. These two options come in sizes for both men and women.
People with flat feet look at footwear very differently, and ASICS has always been able to ensure they meet their customers’ needs, with their very well designed and executed shoes.
Mizuno Women's Wave Inspire 16 Review
The Mizuno Wave features a midsole and heel with plate impact absorption, which helps ensure the impact at every step is reduced, and your stride is made a comfortable one.
The company also quotes that the U4icX midsole provides a softer, more cushiony feeling and transition between the initial impact and the lift-off of each step. This is said to be a unique feature in all Wave series shoes.
Many people with flat feet find that shoes that the manufacturers have designed for stability are also uncomfortable, especially while running. Footwear, such as the Mizuna Wave Inspire 16 aims to strike a balance between support and comfort.
They come with an approximately low-top from arch. Their premium sockliner increases comfort and cushioning. The new engineered mesh upper ensures it is soft, breathable, and well fitted.
These shoes are a big winner as they help reduce stress on the feet by providing an unbelievably stable walk along with great support and structure.
Brooks Women's Ghost 11 Review
The Brooks brand has an extensive line of trainers; however, their best-selling line is the Ghost. These are known for cross-training activities and for being the best shoes for flat feet runners.
The brooks come with very roomy interiors, which are great for runners with flat feet. This extra space helps with ensuring firm support of the underfoot during walking and running.
They also come with the much loved BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning, which never fails to disappoint. It ensures an adaptive and well-cushioned walk or run. These beauties come with a flexible, breathable mesh upper and extra cushioning.
They also come with Omega Flex Grooves that allow more natural forefoot fluidity and movement, ensuring you have the space and support you need. It provides good support for both collapsed arches and anatomically flat feet.
The bread and butter for brooks come from the Ghost line, hence if you are looking for a fantastic all-rounder pair of sneakers, which will tick all your boxes, this is a must buy. They also come in a wide range of colors and sizes for both men and women.
Skechers Cessnock Shoe Review
These Skechers Cessnocks are great if you are looking for a lightweight option to ensure your needs are well met when it comes to your feet. Their shaft measures approximately low-top from the arch, which ensures it’s suitable for people with anatomically flat feet.
It comes with a charged cushioning midsole, which uses compression molded foam for better durability, better responsiveness, optimal cushioning, and energy return.
The top body comes with a lightweight mesh that delivers complete breathability. It also has an Eva sockliner that ensures a soft step-in comfort to its users.
This Cessnock shoe also has additionally durable leather overlays that lock in your midfoot for extra stability. Lastly, it comes with a solid rubber outsole to ensure it covers high-impact zones for fantastic durability.
It is much lighter weight compared to other sneakers that provide similar features for flat foot people.
These shoes are the best shoes for flat feet runners and walkers who need a balance of style, durability, flexibility, cushioning, and a lightweight pair of shoes. They come in options for both men and women.
Conclusion:
According to my research and understanding, my ranking is as follows,
- Top Pick: New Balance Fresh Foam
“Athletic and foamed cushioning that will add comfort to your stride.”
- Best Value: ASICS Gel-Venture 6 & the Gel-Kayano series
“Trademark cushioning and well designed.”
- Best Minimalist: Mizuno Women’s Wave Inspire 16 Road Running
“Reduces stress for an unbelievably stable walk.”
- Best Lightweight: Skechers Cessnock shoe
“Chic-looking with great responsiveness.”
- Best for Motion Control: Brooks Women’s Ghost 11
“They are the best-selling roomy and well-cushioned sneakers.”
So finally, after looking at all of the above how do you decide which is the best pair of shoes for flat feet? Well, like I mentioned earlier, the correct answer always depends very heavily on the specifics of the individual’s feet, as each of us are so uniquely created.
One of the most essential features which everyone should put at the top of their list while picking a pair of shoes for flat feet is that you choose a pair of shoes which has good contact and should have a full touch at all points of the foot to ensure comfort while walking or running, which has the least pressure on your foot.
Secondly, it is essential to know what kind of flat feet you have, whether you have anatomically flat feet or collapsed arches. This, will determine what type of Arch support you need. It is essential that before you get into buying yourself a pair of expensive and good shoes, you need to know the exact specifics of your feet.
You are someone who understands flat feet. Hence I’m sure this article on “The 3 Best Shoes for Collapsed Arches” will surely interest you.
I hope you have a clear picture in your mind at the end of this article as to which shoes are going to make a difference for you…
Please note that I have not been able to try and test all of these products. The information is purely research-based and feedback based.
Happy Feet, Happy Journeys, Happy Us..