Favorite Shoes and Brands for Flat Feet

Are you among those dealing with flat feet and need help finding shoes? Perhaps you’ve done the “wet test” and you saw most of your arch filled in (If not, visit our friends at Treadlabs orthotics for a guide to trying it). Or maybe, you notice that the insides of your soles get worn out faster than the outer edges? This post has shoe ideas from our reviews and our readers, orthotic and insert recommendations, and some background on what causes flat feet including PTTD.

Image from treadlabs.com

What kind of shoes are most comfortable for flat feet?

According to health.com, up to 30% of people have fallen or low arches known as flat feet. This foot condition surprisingly does not cause pain or problems for some women. But for others, having low or no arches causes aches and pains, swelling, bunions, hammertoes and tendonitis.

Fitflop Rally-flat feet friendly!

The best shoes for flat feet support your arch area; have roomier toe boxes and even a slight heel. These are the kinds of footwear to look for if flat feet are problem for you. Some women also swear by shoes with extra padding and cushioning to make up for the padding their feet naturally lack.

An expert from health.com says “Any shoe that accommodates accessories that reengage the arch are best…shoes that maintain the foot’s form.” They’re a fan of Fitflop sneakers: roomy toe box, good arch support (but not so high that it hurts!), heel control and excellent cushioning.

Specific brands and shoes for flat feet

Spenco Kholo slide

Spenco footwear: Features deep heel cup, good arch support to keep foot aligned and control pronation. Arch support isn’t so aggressive that it pushes into arch uncomfortably. Enjoy a variety of styles from slides to flip-flops to closed toe footwear. Our current favorite is the floral Spenco Kholo featured here!

Brooks Ariel: sneaker for flat feet!

Brooks Ariel sneaker: This particular style by Brooks comes recommended by Barking Dog Facebook followers with flat feet! The Ariel features GuideRails technology that keeps excess pronation under control plus it’s available in sizes up to 13 and three widths.

Taos Trophy 2

Taos Trophy 2 sandal: We’re huge fans of Taos footwear–experts in designing supportive footwear that looks great. The Trophy 2 is a flat-footed customer favorite for its “just-right” arch support and cushioning, adjustable straps and minimalist style.

Oofos Luxe Slide

Oofos sandals and clogs: Heavenly cushion and support for your flat feet! Originally billed as sports recovery footwear, Oofos are gaining in popularity from the flat-footed population–take it from this happy Zappos customer, “These are the most amazing sandals. I am not a runner but have flat feet and these have such great arch support that it is like I am walking on cushions!! Just love love these!”

Keen Rose sandal

Keen Rose Sandal –  Many with flat feet comment that the support in this waterproof Keen sport sandal is spot-on–not too high to aggravate, not too low to allow over-pronation. A wide toe box accommodates bunions. See Kirsten’s review…

Teva Tirra sandal: Lisa writes to us on Facebook “Saw someone mentioned Teva sandals. They are amazing! They have just a little arch support which is perfect for low arches!” Check out the Teva Tirra.

SAS Bliss loafer

SAS Bliss loafer: How about a work-appropriate loafer for flat feet that comes in extended sizes 4-12 and 5 widths? The SAS Bliss loafer is your answer. Take it from a grateful Zappos customer,Can’t say enough good things.

“I have wide, flat, hard to fit feet and was in terrible pain. These shoes have been the answer to my prayers.”

Need more ideas or some community around your flat feet issues? We’re happy to pass along info from barkingdogshoes.com reader Cheryl. She allowed us to share her before/after flat feet photos. And a link to the Flat Feet support group on Facebook.

Orthotics for Flat Feet

Tread Labs semi-custom orthotics

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says orthotics and braces are the most common non-surgical treatments for flat feet. Our readers say they help. Our Facebook reader Lisa, who was born with low arches, writes “I don’t overpronate to the point of (my feet) being flat, but sometimes I let my ankle roll in when standing if not paying attention. I have developed plantar fasciitis in the last few years and have tried lots of orthotics and comfort shoes. Most have arch supports that are too high for me and also cause foot pain. Lately I’ve had success with Tread Labs inserts, which come in different arch heights, and Superfeet BLUE and Flex inserts.”

We’re fans of Tread Labs semi-custom insoles. Answer four simple questions and they’ll match you to the best orthotics for your arch height and foot needs.

Revere Osaka orthotic-friendly mary jane

Need some ideas for shoes that will fit your orthotics? You’ll find plenty on our site, or head over to Zappos’ orthotic-friendly category of sneakers, sandals and casual footwear. Another suggestion is Revere footwear–most of their sandals and shoes feature removable footbeds with extra depth to accommodate an orthotic. See Kirsten’s Revere shoes brand review.

Running and walking shoes that are good for flat feet

Here’s a tip to actually see the stability control in shoes. See the tiny gray triangle right in the middle bottom of the shoe? According to runningshoesguru.com “The main technology found in Stability shoes is a medial post of dual density foam. Footwear producers inject a harder compound of foam right below the medial side of the arch and sometimes extended all the way to the heel. It is easily recognizable as a darker (almost always gray) piece of foam on the inside of the midsole”

“People with a low arch do not have a distinct curve along the inside of the foot…Your foot arch is your natural shock absorption system. Flat feet are a particular concern for runners, as during the running gait the arch is supposed to support on average 3 times their body weight.” The helpful info we found on runningshoesguru.com says the three keys for flat feet in running shoes are stability, support and motion control.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Motion control shoes are a popular recommended style. It can help with the overpronationg – rolling your feet inward as you walk – more common when arches are lower. Consider the Brooks Adrenaline GTS line of motion-control running/walking shoes.

Experts say best shoes for flat feet come with a good heel cup and support in the midsole. Check out our top walking shoe recommendations for supportive options.

Hoka Bondi 7- running/walking shoes for flat feet

A reader recommends Hoka shoes while sharing about her skew foot. “In a relaxed state, I have high arches, but walking, running, standing, I have flat feet…the structure of the bones on main part of my foot curves in. I’ve overpronated my whole life, weak ankles. I’m now wearing very structured custom orthotics…For me, this podiatrist recommended Hoka One One brand athletic shoes, yes they’re bright and bulky, but actually pretty lightweight”.  We love the Hoka Bondi style for great support, room for toes and extra thick cushioning. A podiatrist tells us he recommends Hoka trail running shoes for walking too, because of their cushioning, rocker soles and a design that lets the foot sit deeper in the midsole to help stability.

Another recommended shoe is the Brooks Addiction walker  It supports low arches and promotes stability. Plus it works with orthotics. The Ariel style is another Brooks shoe that readers say works for flat feet.

For some gals a neutral shoe can work but many experts recommend starting with a stability shoe first.

Shoes for PTTD and flat feet

Some people aren’t born with flat feet but they develop posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), particularly women after age 40 (lucky us?). This is the tendon that attaches your calf muscles to the bones of your foot and holds up your arch when you walk. The symptoms of PTTD include pain on the inside of your ankle, it hurts more when you are active, You might also get pain on the outside of your ankle as the collapsed arch causes your ankle to shift outward.

image by orthoinfo.com

Vionic Tide flip flops with enhanced arch support

Readers tell us about their own PTTD and shoes stories. Laura on Facebook wrote, “I have “collapsed” arches because of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. My ligaments are excessively stretchy due to a collagen disorder so they don’t hold my arches up when I bear weight. It’s genetic. I have visible arches as long as I’m not bearing weight…I have prescription orthotics, with a bit of a heel cup. The absolute worst thing is flat shoes. I have Vionic flip flops and a beloved pair of Tevas for sandals. I can get away without an orthotic in a dress shoe for a while. Any heel helps force my foot into a bit of an arch.”

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says PTTD is one of the most common problems of the foot or ankle.  ”An acute injury, such as from a fall, can tear the posterior tibial tendon or cause it to become inflamed. The tendon can also tear due to overuse. For example, people who do high-impact sports, such as basketball, tennis, or soccer, may have tears of the tendon from repetitive use. Once the tendon becomes inflamed or torn, the arch will slowly fall (collapse) over time.” Additional risk factors include obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

LER Magazine, a publication geared toward physical therapists, quotes an orthopaedic surgeon from Loyola University Medical Center in the Chicago area. He is pretty convinced the right footwear may help PTTD symptoms.  “Generally, women’s shoes are not as supportive as men’s,” he said. “Just as many men have flat feet as women do, but they wear better shoes and tend to be less symptomatic.”

Virginia writes to us that she relies on orthotics, and loves shoes from Abeo shoes from Walking Co. for her PTTD.

In addition to supportive shoes, typical treatments for PTTD your doctor may recommend, include anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications, orthotics in your shoes or a type of orthotic that goes over your ankles called AFOS, physical therapy, and strengthening and stretching exercises.  Sometimes surgery is necessary. Per AAOS, “In patients who have tried these treatments without any relief, surgery can be a very effective way to help with the pain and deformity.”

Rheumatoid arthritis and flat feet

Read our guide to shoes for this painful condition that can cause feet.

Bunions and flat feet

image from physioworks.com.au

We found a good explanation of how flat feet contribute to sore legs, shin splints and even bunions from physioworks.com.au. The bones in your foot have to bear your weight differently, more towards the outside of your big toe, which can infocause a bunion.

At barkingdogshoes.com we have an entire section devoted to shoes for bunions. Feel free to browse around. Remember if you brand we recommend doesn’t have a particular style you see on our post, you may benefit from checking out similar styles in that same footwear line.

We hope our guide about best shoes for flat feet has been helpful.

Related Links:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Orthoinfo.com – PTTD information and adult-acquired flat foot guide 
Buzzfeed.com – comfortable sandals for flat feet
Daily Mail – “Can never find shoes that feel comfy? Take our Cinderella test to discover your perfect fit”
Health.com story – shoes for flat feet
Lower Extremity Review Magazine – PTTD article
Physioworks – flat feet guide
RunningShoeGuru.com – flat feet guide