By Paul Freary
Flat feet, or fallen arches, CAN cause overpronation, leading to discomfort and potential injuries when running.
BUT it is important to consider the flexibility of your feet as well as the function of the foot and its shape. With 26 bones and 33 joints in each foot, it’s safe to say, there is a lot going on down there!
For the purpose of this feature, we are looking exclusively at supportive shoes for runners with flat feet. These are shoes that help control pronation as well as provide general support and cushioning for the feet.
Finding the right running shoes is essential for providing support, stability, and comfort.
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What to Look For in Running Shoes for Flat Feet
1. Fit
The right size and fit are the most important things to consider. Shoes should provide a snug, supportive feel without being too tight, to allow natural foot movement.
2. Roomier Toe Box
Runners with flat feet also tend to have slightly wider feet. A wider toe box ensures comfort and prevents unnecessary pressure on the forefoot, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
3. Support, Stability, Control
Shoes with built-in arch support to help maintain foot alignment, keep the foot in a neutral position and reduce strain on the arches are most suitable.
Stability shoes help control overpronation by offering midsoles with supportive structures and features.
4. Cushioning
Adequate cushioning helps to absorb shock and reduces the impact on the joints, which is especially important for runners with flat feet who may experience increased stress on their lower limbs.
With these considerations and features in mind, here are our choice of The 6 Best Supportive Running Shoes for Flat-Footed Runners
Top Supportive Running Shoes for Flat Feet
1. Brooks Beast GTS 24 - (also available as a Women’s model called Ariel GTS 24)
Also Available at -
Zappos ; Brooks
Check out the Brooks Ariel Shoe Here (Women's Version)
GuideRails works effectively for a wide range of foot types and offers a dynamic level of support that I find works very well for a wide range of runners.
The shoe is generally a little broader in the upper and base, so accommodates flat feet very well. It’s also available in both wide and extra-wide fittings for both men and women.
The Beast is a tried and tested model and is perhaps the original ‘max-support’ type running shoe. It’s a great choice for heavier runners too, thanks to its high build quality and general durability.
2. Saucony Hurricane 24
The Hurricane 24 has a broad footprint throughout the length of the shoe as well as a straighter rearfoot on the medial side. These features provide a very stable platform.
A roomy fit helps accommodate flatter feet with ease and the shoe feels very stable from the off.
Although the shoe looks incredibly high stacked, it is in fact ‘only’ 38mm in the heel of the shoe. The illusion of an even higher stack comes from the higher sidewalls. The foot sits within these sidewalls and similar to the support provided by the GuideRails in Brooks Beast GTS 24 (above), the foot sits centrally within the shoe and remains more stable.
With great cushioning and support, the shoe still manages to feel very light on the foot making it a good choice the running at varying speeds.
3. HOKA Gaviotia 5
The Gaviota is HOKA’S most supportive shoe, so for fans of the brand, this model is a natural choice. The lower drop heel is also found to keep the foot well balanced and so keep pressure off the knees. This may be a consideration for those who also suffer from knee issues.
The fit of the shoe is roomy in the toe box and generally a little wider than many of the brand’s models and with good, soft cushioning and general all-round stability it’s a good choice for those with flat feet.
4. New Balance – Fresh Foam X 860v14
Also Available at -
Zappos ; New Balance
The dual layer of cushioning spreads across the whole width of the base of the shoe meaning flatter wider feet remain placed perfectly on the support.
The stability plane also runs the full width of the rear of the foot to provide additional support and with a broad base and width fittings available, the 860 can accommodate flatter feet as well as keep them supported.
The 860 is very effective in controlling pronation and for those with flatter feet, it makes an excellent choice for both runners of all abilities as well as for those who simply want a comfortable shoe for general day-to-day use.
5. Brooks Glycerin GTS 22
In the same way, the Brooks Beast GTS provides support the Glycerin GTS uses the GuideRails to control the foot and keep it centred and neutral within the shoe.
The Glycerin GTS 22 is essentially the more premium of the two models, but in my opinion, it’s certainly worth the extra money.
The DNA Tuned material offers perhaps the plushest and best cushioning of a running shoe on the market today and the dual-cell construction allows the shoe to feel both cushioned and highly responsive.
6. ASICS – Gel Kayano 32
Also Available at -
Zappos
What Makes it a Good Choice?
Long recognised as the top-of-the-range ASICS running shoe model, the Kayano excels in both cushioning and support. The latest version is a roomy fit in the standard width version but is also available in width fittings.
The cushioning is excellent and the new model feels soft and welcoming straight from the box.
The wider base of the new Kayano contributes a lot to the overall stability of the shoe and this helps make it a great choice for those with flat feet and requiring support. It’s a versatile model and works well for any pace running as well as daily use.
I am looking for a sneaker with an extra wide toe box, that is light and has good support and cushioning
Hi Mina, you can have a look at some of the styles in the post about wide running shoes – findmyfootwear.com/best-wide-running-shoes-wide-toe-box-and-extra-wide-width-sizes/
I am looking for sneakers, or running shoes, that have a wide toe box and where the widest part of the shoe is at the end of the little toe, not the base of the little toe. Altra makes shoes that allow the big toe to go straight down the shoe, but the other side of the shoe cuts in too quickly. Most manufacturers seem to think the shoe (and presumably the foot), should be shaped like the prow of a boat, coming to a point at the front.
Does anyone know of shoes that are shaped more like a fan, than a boat?
Tim – go check out Altra Running shoes (https://www.altrarunning.com/). The shoes are foot-shaped and may help your problem.
Noel
Mina – alot of brands do have models with wide options that are worth trying but you will need to ask. It may also be worth checking out Altra running shoes that are foot-shaped and often have more room in the forefoot.