What are the best shoes designed for flat feet?
What are the shoes designed for flat feet? If you’ve got flat feet, picking the right shoes isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your feet, ankles, knees, and even your back from pain and injury. I’ve seen plenty of patients at WeTreatFeet Podiatry (across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and DC) who came in with chronic foot pain, only to realize their shoes weren’t giving their flat feet the support they needed.
What to Look For
When I talk to patients about shoe choices, I always stress three things: good arch support, a stable midfoot, and a wide toe box. Shoes that are too flexible or have no arch support can actually make things worse, leading to overpronation and more stress on your joints. You want something that feels solid, not like you’re walking on a marshmallow.
Top Podiatrist-Recommended Shoes
Here are a few of the best shoes I recommend for flat feet, based on my own experience and what I hear from other foot specialists:
- Brooks Addiction Walker – This one’s a classic for flat feet. It has motion control and structured support, which helps keep your feet from rolling inward too much.
- New Balance 847v4 – With Rollbar technology, it stabilizes your rearfoot and gives you a solid base. I’ve had several patients tell me this shoe made a big difference in their comfort during long walks.
- Vionic Walker Classic – These have a podiatrist-designed orthotic footbed and a deep heel cup, which keeps your heel in place and supports your arch.
- Asics GT-2000 – Known for dynamic arch support and GEL® heel cushioning, these are great for walking or running if you need extra shock absorption.
- Hoka Gaviota 5 – Max cushioning with a J-Frame™ support system. I’ve noticed a lot of patients with flat feet love the stability and softness of Hoka shoes.
Other Great Options
- Aetrex Carly Arch Support Sneakers – Built-in arch support and orthotic-friendly, these are a favorite for patients who want something stylish and supportive.
- Vionic Alameda Mary Jane Flat – Wide toe box, supportive arch, and comfortable for all-day wear.
- Dr. Scholl’s Hannah Sneaker – Motion control and a snug fit, which helps keep your heel in place.
Practical Tips
- Always try shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are a bit swollen.
- Bring your own orthotics if you use them, and make sure there’s room in the shoe.
- Do the “twist test”—hold the shoe at the heel and toe and try to twist it. If it bends easily, it probably doesn’t have enough support for flat feet.
Diabetic Shoes?
Diabetic shoes are designed to have an offloading insert to protect the feet from abnormal pressures that can be due to foot shape, structure, prior surgery, injury, or amputation. Special inserts made from a material called plastizote are used to cushion the foot. Protection from friction and blisters are essential. Diabetic shoes designed for flat feet are an essential portion of a comprehensive diabetic foot management plan. If you have not had a comprehensive diabetic foot exam, click here to schedule an appointment. We have doctors who specialize in this type of foot problems and can help to reduce your risk of an amputation or diabetic foot ulcer.
If you’re still not sure what to choose, come see us at WeTreatFeet Podiatry. We’ll take a look at your feet, talk about your lifestyle, and help you find the right fit. After all, healthy feet start with the right shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best shoes designed for flat feet recommended by foot specialists?
A: Podiatrist-recommended shoes for flat feet include models like the Brooks Addiction Walker, New Balance 847v4, Vionic Walker Classic, Asics GT-2000, and Hoka Gaviota 5. These shoes provide the stability, arch support, and comfort needed to protect your feet and joints.
Q: What should I look for in shoes if I have flat feet?
A: Look for shoes with good arch support, a stable midfoot, and a wide toe box. Avoid shoes that are too flexible or lack arch support, as they can lead to overpronation and joint stress.
Q: Are there specific shoes for people with both flat feet and diabetes?
A: Yes, diabetic shoes are specially designed to protect feet from abnormal pressures, friction, and blisters. They often include offloading inserts and are an essential part of a comprehensive diabetic foot management plan.
Q: How do I know if a shoe has enough support for flat feet?
A: Try the “twist test”—hold the shoe at the heel and toe and twist it. If it bends easily, it probably doesn’t have enough support. Also, try shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are swollen, and bring your orthotics if you use them.
Q: Can I use orthotics with these shoes?
A: Many podiatrist-recommended shoes, like the Aetrex Carly Arch Support Sneakers and Vionic Alameda Mary Jane Flat, are orthotic-friendly and can accommodate custom inserts.
Q: Where can I get help choosing the right shoes for my flat feet?
A: If you’re unsure, come see us at WeTreatFeet Podiatry. We’ll evaluate your feet, discuss your lifestyle, and help you find the perfect fit for healthy, pain-free feet.
For more information or to schedule a diabetic foot exam, call WeTreatFeet Podiatry at 410-363-4343. This is not medical advice and everyone should consult a doctor before making such a choice.
