If you have flat feet, it is possible that you have difficulty participating in sports and other physical activities that require heavy use of your lower extremities: this is mainly because your body relies on your feet for proper posture and weight bearing. So if your feet cannot bear your weight as they ideally should, it could translate to pain and stiffness across your lower limbs.
Flat feet are very common, which is why lots of shoe manufacturers have made it their goal to help people with this minor problem. These days, it’s easy to find shoes that are designed for flat-footed people, but choosing the best one isn’t quite as simple.
If you are trying to find the best athletic shoes for flat feet this comprehensive buying guide should help you narrow down your options.
Top 10 Athletic Shoes for Flat Feet Chart
| Picture | Name | Material | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. New Balance Men's M990V4 Running Shoe | Pigskin Suede and Mesh | $$$$ | 4.6 |
| 2. Nike Metcon 2 Cross Training Shoes 819899-400 | Synthetic and Mesh | $$ | 4.6 |
| 3. Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men's Therapeutic Diabetic Double Depth Shoe Leather-and-Mesh Lace | Leather and Mesh | $$$$ | 4.5 |
| 4. Reebok Women's R Crossfit Lifter 2.0 Training Shoe | Synthetic | $$$ | 4.5 |
| 5. Reebok Women's Jet Dashride Running Shoe | Fabric and Synthetic | $$ | 4.4 |
| 6. Vionic Men's Contest Active Lace Up Shoe | Synthetic | $$$ | 4.3 |
| 7. Vionic Women's Action Emerald Lace up | Mesh, Rubber, and Synthetic | $ | 4.2 |
| 8. ASICS Men's Gel-Super J33 2 Running Shoe | Synthetic | $$ | 4.1 |
| 9. Vionic Men's Orthaheel Technology Walker | Full Grain Leather and Mesh | $$ | 3.8 |
| 10. Orthaheel Vionic by Orthaheel Women's Dr. Weil Rhythm Walking Shoe | Synthetic | $$ | 3.8 |
Main Considerations When Buying Shoes for Flat Feet
Although flat feet are characterized by fallen arches, people experience this common foot issue to varying degrees. So it is safe to say that the same pair of athletic shoes may not work well for all individuals with this problem. Determining which pair will be the best athletic shoes for flat feet depend on your preferences when it comes to considering these factors.
- Cushioning. Athletic shoes for flat feet rely on cushioning to help even out the distribution of weight. With added cushions and padding, these shoes can reduce the pressure that may be causing pain and discomfort to the feet and lower extremities. As a general rule, athletic shoes designed for people with flat feet should have an exaggerated upward curve on the inner side of the insoles to replicate the arches of a typical foot. However because fallen arches can vary in degree from person to person, you may have to get a feel for the curve of the padding first to find the best fit for you.
- Breathability. Shoes designed for flat feet are almost always bulkier than typical shoes because they need to provide extra support. So it is common to find athletic shoes for fallen arches that are very warm and uncomfortable as time wears on. If you are particularly sensitive to this type of discomfort, it would be wise to choose an option that’s made from premium, lightweight, and breathable material for more comfortable usage.
- Sport-Specific. Much like any other shoes, athletic shoes for flat feet also come in sport specific designs. If you plan to use your shoes for running, it’s important that you select a shoe that’s specifically designed for that activity to help further reduce any discomfort you might feel during the sport.
Because athletic shoes for flat feet may not come in certain sport-specific designs, buying insoles for flat feet can be a more practical option. For example, if you cannot find golf shoes for people with flat feet, you can purchase typical golf shoes one size bigger, and then fit them with flat foot insoles instead.
Top 3 Best Athletic Shoes for Flat Feet Reviews
1. New Balance Men’s M990V4 Running Shoe
With its breathable mesh upper and shock-absorbent rubber soles, the New Balance 990V4 Running Shoe has become a premium choice as the best athletic shoes for flat feet. This superior sports shoe is designed and manufactured by New Balance – a top notch brand in the athletics and sporting industry.
What truly sets the New Balance 990V4 Running Shoe apart from other products in the niche is its outstanding support. The shoe features a sturdy insole that comfortably adjusts the fallen arches to distribute weight more evenly during physical activities like running and walking.
Although it is not the most affordable option on the list, the New Balance 990V4 Running Shoe proves to be a worthy investment for flat footed people who want to be able to experience and participate in sports with a premium athletic shoe that eliminates flat footed discomfort.
2. Nike Metcon 2 Cross Training Shoes
Not to be outdone, Nike has also released an ideal shoe for people with flat feet. The Metcon 2 Cross Training Shoe features superior insole support which gently pushes against the arches during physically demanding activities: this means that the shoes provide extra support only during those effortful moments, which makes it ideal for lifting and calisthenics.
The Metcon 2 comes in variants for both men and women and features a very stylish design characteristic of the Nike brand. The only issue that some people have with the shoe is that support may be limited for people with more severe cases of fallen arches.
3. Dr. Comfort Performance-X Men’s Double Depth
Although only available for men, Dr. Comfort Men’s Performance X Athletic Shoes is highly praised as one of the best shoes for people with flat feet. This particular design was specifically intended for people with diabetes, but it works just as well for fallen arches. The insole support evens out weight distribution and reduces bearing on the arch to prevent pain and stiffness.
The main feature that users particularly enjoy with Dr. Comfort Men’s Performance X Athletic Shoes is the comfortable fit. The shoe features an extra depth design which makes the entire inside feel roomy while still providing the necessary support: this makes it an ideal shoe for daily use as well as for physical activities like running.
