If You Have Flat Feet, You Need These Podiatrist-Approved Walking Shoes

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If you have flat feet, finding the right pair of walking shoes that are comfy and supportive is essential. In fact, walking in shoes that don’t properly support your low arches can quickly lead to foot pain, fatigue, and even injury—which is where the best walking shoes for flat feet come in.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, flat feet can result from a variety of causes—including genetics, pregnancy, conditions like pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis, and even Achilles’ tendon injuries. “Many people with flat feet suffer from various foot ailments such as bunions, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis,” notes Elizabeth Daughtry, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in North Carolina. “Those with flat feet can also have to deal with knee, hip, and back issues as well over time if overall alignment is not addressed and maintained early in life.”

Meet the Experts: Elizabeth Daughtry, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in North Carolina; Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Texas.

So, what kind of walking shoes are best to prevent these issues? According to podiatrists, the key feature you should look for is stability. “Those with flat feet are going to feel most comfortable in a stability shoe or a motion control shoe,” says Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Texas. “Stability is important for those with flat feet, especially those with flexible flat feet as without it they may suffer from overpronation [the inward rolling of the foot] which can lead to a variety of issues like plantar fasciitis and bunion development,” adds Daughtry.

Thankfully, there are plenty of options for comfy, stylish walking shoes that will properly support your flat feet. To help you narrow down the right pair for your needs, we rounded up all the top-rated, podiatrist-approved picks right here.

Ready for comfort and stability in every step? Ahead, check out our top walking shoes for flat feet.

Arahi 7

Hoka shoes are one of the most popular (and podiatrist-approved!) picks for walking shoes, and the Arahi 7—which Sharkey specifically recommends for flat feet—are no exception. These stability sneakers boast the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), meaning they’re recognized for promoting good foot health. These shoes deliver stability and support with its J-frame technology in the midsole, which is designed to prevent overpronation, while still offering lightweight, balanced cushioning.

“I have flat feet and have struggled finding shoes that get me through the day without pain in my feet and legs. These shoes are amazing and I am more energetic at work because of them!” wrote one reviewer on the Hoka website.

Devotion X Walking Shoe

Designed for high-performance fitness walking, Ryka’s Devotion X also have the APMA Seal of Acceptance—and they come in at an affordable price point of under $100. These comfy, supportive shoes deliver stability and responsive cushioning, featuring a built-up cushion in the midfoot, a durable rubber sole, and a breathable mesh upper and padded heel.

“I was able to maintain 4-6 miles distance every day without needing to take a break due to foot pain...I am in love with this purchase,” wrote one satisfied reviewer. “These are wonderful walking shoes and also work really well for exercising. I recommend them for anyone looking for a more supportive shoe. I have flat feet and these have worked very nicely for me.”

Guide 16 Sneaker

These top-rated, affordable sneakers from Saucony “offer structure and stability and help prevent overpronation which is ideal for flat feet,” says Daughtry. Its structured cushioning with a comfy foam midsole allows these shoes to cradle and contour to your feet and transition seamlessly from heel to toe while you’re walking. And though stability shoes are typically heavier, these sneakers are lightweight (under 8 0z!) for the ultimate comfort.

“At my podiatrist’s recommendation, I was on a quest to find comfortable, supportive shoes with stability control for my severe flat feet,” shared one shopper. “I found these and fell in love. They are light and feel springy when I walk. They are breathable....The change in my feet is night and day. No more pain when I walk!”

Gel-Kayano 30

Sharkey recommends these popular stability shoes from Asics, which are specifically designed for overpronation (as well as neutral pronation) to help prevent flat feet from rolling inward. With cloud-like maximum cushioning, these sneakers keep the foot stable for a more supportive and balanced stride, thanks to its 4D guidance system, external back heel counter, and high heel-to-toe drop of 10 mm.

Shoppers rave that they’re truly great for overpronaters with flat arches. “Most comfortable and supportive sneakers I’ve worn,” said one reviewer. “I have very wide flat feet so I need very supportive shoes, especially since I’m on my feet a lot. These sneakers were great for long walks, as well as runs! They’re very supportive and comfortable—I got them in the wide width and they’re perfect.”

Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker

Another pick that’s approved by Sharkey, these sleek, stylish platform sneakers from Vionic offer max cushioning that’s balanced with support and stability. They’re designed with a flexible, lightweight midsole that provides high rebound technology, and reviewers say they provide excellent arch support for flat feet. Plus, the brand “offers integrated orthotics and the ability to accommodate a custom orthotic [if] the built-in arch support is not enough,” notes Sharkey.

“I have extremely flat feet...When I was in these shoes I can go for longer hours without pain. They are light as a feather,” wrote one shopper on the Vionic website. “Right out of the box and onto my feet, they laced up and felt comfortable immediately.”

Adrenaline GTS 23

Daughtry likes these Brooks running shoes as they offer both structure and stability, helping to prevent overpronation for flat feet. Designed for both walking and everyday runs, these comfy shoes (which also have the APMA Seal of Acceptance!) feature plush cushioning for the ideal balance of softness and support and a high heel-to-drop of 12 mm, which allows for more cushioning to absorb the impact of heel strikes. Bonus: They come in a wide range of colors as well as multiple width options.

“I have no arches in my feet, they are very flat, causing all my joints to hurt. Most shoes I try cause half my toes to go numb as the nerves and things get pushed around incorrectly,” said one Amazon reviewer. “Brooks GTS are the only shoes with the needed motion control and foot shape to correct my over pronation. They are like magic! Soon as I put them on and stand up I realize there is no joint pain...I can walk a long while with no pain!”

Cloudnova

These On Cloud shoes are “supportive and cushioned” for flat feet, says Sharkey. They feature the brand’s plush CloudTec cushioning, which absorbs impact for comfort in every step. The lightweight mesh upper and padded heel hug your feet for a comfortable, supportive fit, while the inner sock and lace-up design allow for easy on and off. Plus, they have a high heel-to-toe drop of 14 mm to help prevent overpronation.

“They fit perfectly right out of the box and felt great at the gym today. They offered tons of support for my flat feet and skinny ankles,” said one Nordstrom customer. “Nice and roomy in the toe box, I have pretty narrow feet and they felt great on the width too. Would definitely recommend!”

928 V3

Comfy and functional as they are stylish, these trendy New Balance sneakers—another pick recommended by Sharkey for flat feet—offer great motion control with its Rollbar stability technology, which helps reduce rear foot movement. Designed with a sleek leather upper, these shoes feature a cushioned midsole with a removable foam footbed, which absorbs impact with every step. They’re also available in a range of width options.

“This is the ONLY shoe I can wear because of my foot problems. I have flat feet and extreme pronation which require an orthotic worn inside this shoe,” said an Amazon shopper. “The roll bar, large toe space, and light weight of this shoe all meet my mobility needs. I don't know what I would do without it.”

Go Walk Joy Sneaker

Also one of our top picks for the best walking shoes for women and the best shoes for walking on concrete, these best-selling Skechers sneakers have a laceless, slip-on design that makes them easy to take on and off. Not only that, they’re also super lightweight with a breathable mesh upper while still providing supportive, responsive cushioning to help your feet stay comfortable while walking.

These popular sneakers boast over 64,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, with many of them raving that they’re great for flat feet. “I have THE flattest flat feet in the world...I had actually gotten used to just being in pain all day,” shared one reviewer. “Then I found it. I swear, I’ve never owned such a comfortable, supportive work-approved creation in my WHOLE life...These shoes have honestly changed my life. I wear them everywhere I go.”

Verra Sandal

If you’re looking for a comfy walking sandal that will accommodate flat feet, look no further than Teva’s Verra. Designed with a nylon shank that provide lightweight stability, these sandals also feature a supportive, contoured EVA foam midsole, with a cushioned Shoc Pad in the heel that absorb impact with every step. Plus, the quick-drying straps and hook-and-loop closure allow for easy adjustability and a snug fit.

It’s no surprise they’ve earned a 4.5 star rating from over 4,000 Amazon shoppers, many of whom say that they’re great for flat feet. “I have foot pain (flat feet) so I try to get the comfiest, most supportive footwear. These sandals fit that bill perfectly. Super cushiony soles and the straps do not dig in,” wrote one reviewer.

Gaviota 5

Another great, APMA-approved Hoka pick that’s great for flat arches, the Gaviota 5 sneaker offers great stability while still providing cushioned comfort. In fact, these popular shoes feature the super-plush, maximum foam cushioning that Hoka is known for, but are also designed with a stabilizing H-Frame, along with a breathable upper and a padded tongue and collar for the ultimate comfort.

“Wow! I’m honestly amazed...Less pain, way more comfort. I have flat feet and needed a shoe with more cushion, that I could stand in for long hours,” said one reviewer. “I have worn these shoes to football games, tailgates, and events where I had to be on my feet for hours. Normally I would wake up the next day with aching feet, but with these shoes my feet were ready to go the next day…No pain at all!”

Addiction Walker 2

These Brooks walking shoes will help your flat feet go the distance for long hours of standing or walking, thanks to the excellent cushioning and maximum support for your low arches. They’re designed with the brand’s Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB®), which provides a sturdy density post at the medial arch to allow for pronation control. And did we mention they also have the APMA Seal of Acceptance and come in multiple width options?

“I have flat feet so most shoes end up hurting my feet. Then I found the Brooks walking shoes. My feet never felt so comfortable and I am able to walk long distances,” wrote one Zappos shopper.

Coral Stretch Knit

If you have flat feet that are also wide—or have conditions like bunions and hammertoes—it can be especially hard to find shoes with a good fit. That’s where these APMA-approved shoes come in: Not only do they come in wide and extra wide options, they’re also designed with a roomy toe box as well as a flexible knit upper, providing a comfy fit for wide feet and helping to reduce pressure on bunions and hammertoes. Plus, they come with orthotic insoles that provide anatomical arch support.

“I have short wide feet with bad arches and weak ankles. The arch support was perfectly in place...No pinching or pain. Just perfect support and comfort,” said one Amazon shopper. “Finally! Shoes that are comfortable on my bunions and flat feet right out of the box!” another wrote.

How to choose the best walking shoes for flat feet

✔️ Look for stability and motion control. Astability shoe or a motion control shoe is best for flat feet, according to Sharkey. “In general, those with flat feet should look for a more stable midsole and ones that offer additional stability,” adds Daughtry. “Motion control shoes are very supportive sneakers with additional stability features such as medial post or guide rails that help prevent the foot from rolling inward or overpronation.”

✔️ Opt for a higher heel-to-toe drop. “Heel-to-toe drop refers to the measurement, usually measured in millimeters, of the difference in the heel and forefoot thickness,” says Daughtry. She recommends a higher drop of between 7-14 mm, as it “decreases the inward movement of the heel” and “offers additional cushioning to the heel area and relieves pressure on the tendon and the plantar fascial insertion.”

✔️ Look for good cushioning. “In general, those with flat feet will tend to want more cushioning to assist with shock absorption, especially if having foot, ankle, knees, or hip pain,” notes Daughtry. She advises looking for a shoe with a foam midsole, which will offer additional cushioning while you’re walking.

✔️ Find a wide toe box. Generally, a roomy, flexible toe box is best for a comfy, pain-free fit for flat feet. Daughtry recommends looking for toe boxes made of mesh material, “which will allow for adequate air circulation and ability to stretch to accommodate any foot deformities,” she says.

Do flat feet need arch support?

Shoe insoles are great for adding additional arch support to your go-to pair, but should you use them if you have flat feet? “Depending on the shoe, you may or may not need additional arch support,” says Sharkey. “If wearing a supportive athletic shoe specific to foot type, an orthotic may not be needed. Alternatively, if the shoes do not offer adequate support, an orthotic can be beneficial.”

If you do need orthotic insoles to add more arch support to your shoe, Daughtry says that the ideal choice for flat feet is custom molded molded orthotics instead of pre-made, off-the-shelf insoles. “These pre-set arches can be too painful for those with flat feet as a more rigid or build up arch can strike and stress the middle of the arch inappropriately, causing issues,” she explains.

How we chose the best walking shoes for flat feet

We consulted experts Elizabeth Daughtry, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in North Carolina, and Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Texas.
Additionally, we sifted through tons of online reviews, ratings, and product specs to narrow down the best walking shoes for flat feet.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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