The 8 Best Running Shoes For Flat Feet, According to a Podiatrist
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Athletes and long-distance runners can attest: shopping for a new pair of running shoes can feel like a daunting task, especially if you're someone with flat feet who requires a unique kind of arch support or cushioning. Not every foot is created the same, and there's a variety of components to consider when shopping for the best running shoes. What makes one pair of shoes more supportive than another? Should a sneaker's insoles or outsoles factor into what style you purchase? Are some sneaker silhouettes better for runners with flat feet than others?
With so many unanswered questions, we turned to podiatrist Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, to get her expertise and recommendations on the best running shoes for flat feet — including what sneaker brands are best for shopping out these curated styles.
What to Consider When Shopping For the Best Running Shoes For Flat Feet
According to Dr. Daughtry, shopping for a running shoe with "proper alignment and balance" is key to limiting the potential for injuries and ensuring the most comfortable fit for runners with flat feet.
"The biggest concern for a runner with flat feet is overpronation, or the fact that their feet roll excessively inward during stride. Overpronation reduces the foot's ability to absorb shock and alters the function of muscles and tendons across the foot and ankle, which can lead to a multitude of painful conditions and injuries," Dr. Daughtry tells PS.
She also notes that because not all flat feet are the same, what works for one runner might not work for another. Some foot structures are "more rigid" while others are more flexible. "In general, a flat foot typically is wide on stance from the flattening of the arch and overpronation, so the availability of a wide width is important. Some people prefer a more rigid stable shoe, and support is important to avoid injury or foot pain, but others have a flatter foot that is irritated by excessive arch support."
Where to Shop the Best Running Shoes For Flat Feet
While there's no universal solution for runners with flat feet, there are a couple things you can look for when shopping for your next style. "Adequate cushioning, especially to the mid-foot area, is especially important for shock absorption. Outer soles should be durable and insoles should have the ability to be removed to add additional arch support as needed. A firm but cushioned insole is best in general," Dr. Daughtry explains.
With all this information in mind, we curated a guide to the best running shoes for flat feet, with styles that take Dr. Daughtry's expert recommendations into account — and we even included a few of her favorite selections. Our top picks come from brands like Nike, Saucony, Brooks, and more. Keep reading to shop our picks and get ready to transform your running game for the better.
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Best Trail-Running Shoes For Flat Feet
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 ($150)
From road running to exploring the trails, the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 is designed for all your outdoor adventures. It has an ultra-responsive ReactX foam midsole, offering stability on uneven terrains and softness that helps propel you on concrete roads. The durable sneaker's strategically placed engineered mesh protects your feet from the elements while maintaining breathability. This sneaker also has Flywire technology, which helps to secure your mid-foot with the laces.
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Best Supportive Running Shoes For Flat Feet
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 ($116)
According to Dr. Daughtry, this supportive shoe is one of the best running sneakers for flat feet because it's available in wide and extra-wide sizes. It's even earned the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting good foot health. "Offering a cushioned, stable feel with a wide-sole design, the Adrenaline also has extra stability in the arch (from the Brooks GuideRails support system), but with lightweight rubber [and] EVA foam midsole that gives a soft underfoot for the feet with good durability," Dr. Daughtry explains.
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Best Cushioned Running Shoes For Flat Feet
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 ($110, originally $140)
If you're worried about injury, this New Balance sneaker doubles as a great "stability-oriented trainer" thanks to its advanced midsole technology. Because runners with flat feet are more prone to overpronation, or rolling their foot, this shoe is fitted with ample cushioning to ensure full protection for even the most high-speed runs. "The Fresh Foam X has a soft EVA-based cushioning foam and a firmer layer of foam, which offers a medial post along the inside edge of the sole to support the foot and prevent the foot from rolling too far inward during stride," Dr. Daughtry says.
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Best Stable Running Shoes For Flat Feet
Saucony Triumph 21 ($100)
If you're struggling to find a shoe that's well-cushioned with a sturdy, medium-feel firmness, Dr. Daughtry calls this Saucony sneaker a "great option," saying: "The midsole has Saucony's Pwrrun+ foam, a thermoplastic polyurethane bead foam that is bouncy yet durable. With generous padding around the ankle and a flat-knit mesh upper, the Triumph also offers a secure wrap around the back of the foot and plenty of space in the toe box."
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Best Running Shoes For Flat Feet
Asics Gel-Kayano 30 ($100)
According to Dr. Daughtry, balance is key when it comes to finding the best running shoes for flat feet, which is what makes these Asics sneakers such a great buy. Fitted with an external back-heel counter, these shoes are designed with stability in mind. The taller silhouette provides more cushioned support around the ankle, ensuring a comfortable fit that's built to withstand rougher terrains, so you won't have to worry about rolling your foot as easily. Similar to other Asics sneakers, this style is also equipped with the brand's signature Rearfoot PureGel so you can anticipate a softer landing with each stride.
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Best Road Running Shoes For Flat Feet
On Cloudsurfer ($160)
Firm yet cushioned insoles are best for runners with flat feet, making these road-running shoes perfect for anyone who's in the market for something with more neutral support. The style features On's signature CloudTec Phase, which is designed to provide a softer landing and better shock absorption. You can wear these on rugged terrain or just on a jog around your neighborhood. Best of all, these shoes are engineered with a breathable mesh upper that ensures plenty of air flow.
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Best Jogging Shoes For Flat Feet
Naot Adonis ($160)
For light jogs or fast-walking exercises, Dr. Daughtry recommends these knit sneakers from Naot, which are more lightweight in feel and design compared to other running shoes. "Offering Naot's signature anatomic latex and cork
removable foot bed, these shoes feature a 1.25-inch rubber and foam sole, which is very lightweight and durable." The sneakers are also fitted with a higher heel counter, which is designed to provide more support around the ankle and limit the potential for injury.
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Best Stylish Running Shoes For Flat Feet
Hoka Arahi 7 ($145)
As far as the best running shoes for flat feet go, few are more coveted — or stylish, for that matter — than these Hoka running sneakers. Unlike other styles, these athletic shoes come equipped with a compression molded midsole, which is designed to conform to your foot's gait cycle and provide more stability in each stride. The sneakers also have a removable insole, which aligns with Dr. Daughtry's recommendations.
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Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on POPSUGAR Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.