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If you have flat feet, these editor-tested shoes can help make your next steps pain-free. leather loafers women
Diana Kelly Levey is a journalist, editor, content marketing writer, and author with more than 15 years of experience covering topics on health, parenting, pets, and sleep. Aside from Health, her work has appeared in publications like Prevention, Men's Health, Reader's Digest, and many more.
Flat feet, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, affect up to 30% of the general population in some way. The lack of an arch in the foot causes it to strike the ground, which can negatively impact your posture, stability, and alignment. While most people with flat feet experience minimal or no symptoms, for those who do, the pain and discomfort can significantly disrupt daily activities. According to Saylee Tulpule, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist with Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid Atlantic, flat feet can lead to additional foot issues like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and arthritis as well as lower back, hip, and knee pain.
Whether you're born with flat feet or develop this condition over time, choosing the proper footwear is a simple way to alleviate pain and promote mobility. The best shoes for flat feet are designed to alleviate pressure on the midsole and provide support so every step is comfortable and ache-free.
To find the best footwear for flat feet, we tested 73 pairs of shoes and sandals for over 7,000 hours in the Health lab and on the streets. We also consulted a five-foot-and-ankle specialist for their expert advice on choosing shoes for flat feet. Based on our tests, these are our top-rated shoes for flat feet for every style, fit, and activity. In addition, a podiatrist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed this article to ensure accuracy regarding shoe shopping for flat feet.
The Keen Women's Versacore Speed Shoe stands out for its exceptional comfort, stability, and durability across various terrains. Its suitability for a wide range of activities, from hiking to gardening, coupled with minimal wear after extensive use, made this our No. 1 pick.
From day one, we noticed how the extra padding in the heel put a spring in our step and made our joints happy after hours on our feet. These shoes continued to look like new, even after wearing them for days on end.
What we appreciated most about the shoes was the lack of an obtrusive arch support, which allowed our feet to bend and flex naturally. We literally felt like we could walk anywhere in these shoes with no problem.
With built-in arch support, the Aetrex Carly Arch Support Sneakers help align the foot properly, providing comfort and stability and making them orthotic-friendly for those with flat feet. The cushioning is designed to absorb shock and reduce stress on the feet, while the firm midsole offers additional support.
Additionally, the spacious toe box allows for natural foot movement and can accommodate custom orthotics if needed. These shoes fit like a glove and hugged in all the right places. They quickly became a favorite.
We are obsessed with how easy it is to slip on the Kizik Irvine Sneaker and get moving. As an added bonus, the arch support in these shoes provides just enough cushy support without being uncomfortable against flat feet.
The shoes are designed to be able to slip on and off hands-free, so the heel has more structure but maintains flexibility. There’s also a good amount of cushioning around the ankle and tongue of the shoe, which we noticed helped with the flexible hold of the shoe while walking.
If you have plantar fasciitis, we recommend trying the Aetrex Danika Arch Support Sneakers. These shoes are designed with arch support to relieve pressure on the plantar fascia, a key factor in managing the painful condition.
The cushioning is also super plush, making our steps feel softer and easier, especially on the heel and forefoot. The firm midsole offers stability, helping to keep the foot properly aligned and preventing excessive inward rolling, which can aggravate plantar fasciitis.
We also appreciated the extra padding around the heel and tongue, which felt like a total game-changer for comfort.
Looking for shoes that keep your feet feeling solid and supported while minimizing the risk of knee or ankle issues during long walks? Dr. Scholl’s Hannah Sneakers provide excellent motion control, making them a great choice for those with flat feet. The shoe's snug fit, even without laces, helps keep the heel securely in place, preventing any slipping or movement.
We loved how sturdy we felt transitioning from the sidewalk to grass and turf without feeling off balance. The thick, cushioned sole offers great shock absorption, which minimizes the risk of knee or ankle issues during long walks.
If you're on the hunt for a great pair of waterproof shoes that support your flat feet, the FitFlop NEO-D-HYKER is a fantastic choice. These shoes are super durable and incredibly comfortable for long periods, and they come in waterproof leather or suede.
The thick, comfy platform and spacious toe box make them perfect for all-day wear, whether you're hiking or walking in unpredictable weather. They provide excellent ankle support and shock absorption, so you won't feel harsh terrain. Plus, they're waterproof and odor-resistant, so no worries about wet feet or unpleasant smells.
If you're dealing with knee pain, the GDEFY Mighty Walk Athletic Shoes could be a lifesaver. Thanks to GDEFY's VersoShock technology, these shoes offer excellent shock absorption, reducing stress on your joints and knees. This innovative feature helps cushion each step, making walking smoother and more comfortable.
These shoes held up well during our testing, maintaining their shape after miles of walking. We also appreciated the firmness and stability of the midsole and the wideness of the toe box, which gave our toes plenty of room to breathe.
These flats are crafted from high-quality Italian leather, offering a luxurious feel and durability. Plus, the M. Gemi The Danza ballet slippers fit snugly around the heel, which prevents slipping. Also, the spacious toe box allows your toes to spread naturally without feeling constricted. This makes them comfortable for all-day wear, whether you're at work or out and about.
One standout feature is the arch support, which helps distribute pressure across your feet and prevents inward rolling—a big plus if you have flat feet or are prone to plantar fasciitis. These flats are stylish and versatile, perfect for a chic, polished look. However, they are on the pricier side at $250, which might be a consideration depending on your budget.
If you have narrow feet, it can be hard to find a shoe that fits snugly enough to prevent excessive movement, which can lead to blisters and discomfort. The Naturalizer Soul Adore Mary Jane Wedge puts a stylish end to your struggle! The chic design with a high heel/platform is perfect for more formal events while still being super comfy for those of us with flat feet.
The cushioning is lush and soft, offering great shock absorption and reducing joint pain. Although the buckle can be a bit stiff, once they're on, these shoes are durable and comfortable, holding up well even with lots of walking. Plus, we felt the price was quite reasonable for the quality they offer.
Wider feet can often feel cramped and uncomfortable in a shoe that's too narrow. Add flat arches to the mix and you've got a recipe for sore and achy feet. That's why we love the comfortable and spacious fit of the Skechers Arch Fit Arcade - Meet Ya There shoes. Despite not needing to tie the laces, the shoe kept our feet securely in place during extended walks.
These shoes also offer excellent arch support, aligning well with the foot’s arch and providing stability, which is especially beneficial for flat feet or overpronation. We also appreciated their breathability, which kept our feet dry and prevented odor from building up.
We love the Naturalizer Soul Bebe Loafers for their comfort, especially for those of us with wider feet. The shoes fit snugly without being too tight and have ample room in the toe box to prevent blisters. We also noted how the loafers provided impressive arch support for our flat feet, keeping them comfortable even after long periods of walking.
These shoes balance style and practicality, making them ideal for various occasions like going out, work and day walking. The cushioning is squishy and flexible, and they hold up well without significant wear and tear. We also love that they don't hold on to odor, despite wearing them without socks.
Hey power walkers! If you're looking for the ultimate sneakers to keep up with your stride, the Orthofeet Francis No-Tie Sneakers are a game changer. With flat feet, finding shoes that provide enough arch support can be tricky, but these exceeded our expectations. The no-tie feature makes slipping them on a breeze, perfect for those of us who prefer hassle-free footwear.
From day-to-day errands to long walks in the park and even shopping trips to IKEA, these sneakers have got you covered. They come with additional inserts for customizable comfort, ensuring a snug fit without any heel slipping or toe cramping. Plus, the arch support aligns perfectly, taking away the usual pain that comes with flat feet during long walks.
The Taos Z Soul Sneakers come with firm but not hard polyurethane insoles that provide support in the arch and heel areas. The insole's removable feature allows for easy replacement with custom orthotics, making them perfect for people with specific foot conditions like flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
We also love the versatility and stylishness of these sneakers, and we wore them with several outfits - not just our athletic clothes. They fit well and remained comfortable during daily walks, running errands and casual outings. These shoes also feature a wide toe box that comfortably accommodates medium-width feet, preventing blisters and chafing.
Wearing the Under Armour Unisex UA Apparition Shoes felt like walking on a sturdy cloud. The memory foam-like cushioning molded to our feet, providing excellent arch support and keeping us pain-free, even after long periods of walking.
In addition to their superior cushioning, these shoes offer great shock support and stability. They fit perfectly, with plenty of room in the toe box and a snug heel fit. We felt the stylish design and comfortable fit make these shoes worth every penny. During our testing, they held up well with no noticeable wear or tear and didn't retain odors.
We absolutely love the Vionic Alameda Mary Jane Flats for their perfect wide toe box, making them ideal for flat feet! These shoes provide plenty of room for your toes to move and spread out comfortably, while still offering a snug fit in the heel. The arch support aligned perfectly and made us feel stable and supported during long walks.
These flats are not just about comfort but also style. They are perfect for dressy or casual outfits. Plus, they’ve held up beautifully through daily wear, looking as good as new without any odor issues. These shoes truly combine function and fashion, making them a must-have for anyone with flat feet!
We found the arch support from the Vionic Walk Strider Sneakers provided a level of comfort and support that truly stood out. This precise alignment helped keep our feet and ankles stable and comfortable throughout the day, whether we were walking for exercise or running errands. These shoes also prevented foot pain, even after long periods of wear, which is a huge plus.
The Vionic Walk Strider Sneakers also offered excellent shock absorption and stability. The spacious and deep toe box allowed our toes to move freely and prevented discomfort and blisters. Overall, these sneakers combine stylish design with functional support, making them a great choice for anyone with flat feet.
The stretchy knit fabric is lightweight and soft, offering just the right amount of cushion and shock support. These shoes are perfect for long walks and standing for extended periods. The wide toe box provides plenty of room for toes to spread naturally, making them ideal for those with wider feet.
Merrell's Moab Speed 2 : While we were delighted that these shoes are sturdy and lightweight, we were disappointed that the toe box felt too tight, especially for those with wide feet. This tightness caused discomfort and pinching in the toes after wearing the shoes for more than a few hours and limited how long they could be worn comfortably.
During our extensive testing to find the best shoes for flat feet, we spent almost 300 hours testing 73 pairs of shoes, sneakers, and sandals in the Health lab and on the streets. We documented every minute detail about the footwear, from materials and construction to the arch support, toe box, and heel height, and based our final ratings on these important attributes:
When selecting the best shoes for flat feet, keep an eye on the following factors to find the best shoes for you:
Sherri Gordon, CLC, is a writer for Health who has been covering health and social issues for nearly 20 years and has written countless articles with a health focus. Consequently, she is well versed and knowledgeable about a number of health conditions that impact our everyday lives, including foot and ankle issues that interfere with daily activities. Plus, as someone who spends time walking every day, Sherri knows how important it is to find shoes that not only fit comfortably but also do not exacerbate any pain or discomfort you have.
Suzie Glassman is a writer for Health and specializes in parenting, wellness, fitness, mental health, and education. Suzie is also a part-time fitness coach in Denver, CO.
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Raj MA, Tafti D, Kiel J. Pes Planus. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
cream loafers Huang YP, Peng HT, Wang X, Chen ZR, Song CY. The arch support insoles show benefits to people with flatfoot on stance time, cadence, plantar pressure and contact area. PLoS One. 2020;15(8):e0237382. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0237382