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6 Best Supportive Running Shoes for Flat Footed Runners

Last Updated: February 28, 2025

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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Training for Marathon

Running Shoes for Flat Feet

1. Brooks Beast GTS 24 - (also available as a Women’s model called Ariel GTS 24)
2. Saucony Hurricane 24
3. HOKA Gaviotia 5
4. New Balance – Fresh Foam X 860v14
5. Brooks Glycerin GTS 22
6. ASICS – Gel Kayano 31

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 

 runners at the city race

Top Supportive Running Shoes for Flat Feet

1. Brooks Beast GTS 24 - (also available as a Women’s model called Ariel GTS 24)

Brooks Beast 24 Side View
Check Price on Amazon

Also Available at -
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Brooks 

Check out the Brooks Ariel Shoe Here (Women's Version)

  • Best for : Maximum Support
  • Support Type : Maximum Support
  • Cushion : High-level cushioned, max-level support
  • Weight : Men’s 351g / 12.4oz Women’s 314g/ 11.1oz
  • Stack Height : 36mm / 24mm
  • Drop :12mm 
  • APMA approved
  • Suggested Retail Price : $160
  • Shoe Rating : 8.5/10
Technical Features

DNA Loft v3 Nitrogen-Infused Foam

DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam is a super-critical foam injected with nitrogen during the manufacturing process. The result, as seen on other models in the brand’s range such as the Ghost 16, is a softer, lighter and more responsive foam.

Brooks Beast 24 Midsole

DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused foam is a super-critical foam injected with nitrogen during the manufacturing process. The result, as seen on other models in the brand’s range such as the Ghost 16, is a softer, lighter and more responsive foam.

Nitrogen-infused foam is also much more durable than CM-EVA-based materials and provides a consistent level of responsive cushioning throughout its lifespan.

GuideRails

GuideRails as found on other ‘GTS’ models such as the Adrenaline GTS and Glycerin GTS provide the support here. Now preferred over medial posts, the rails work similarly to the rails at a bowling alley. Should your ball veer off to the left or right, the rails help keep it in the lane. It’s the same here; the rails help keep the foot central within the cushioning.

Brooks Beast 24 Guide Rails

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.

Brooks Beast 24 Collar 1

This is the 20th edition of this shoe in the Brooks line. They used to both be called the Beast (because it is a solid shoe) but the women’s version is now called the Ariel. I have watched this shoe stay very much the same since its inception and it remains a broad, stable shoe that has support all around a very solid heel that cups the foot and keep the runner/walker in place.

What Makes it a Good Choice?

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.

Brooks Beast 24 Upper

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

Saucony Hurricane 24 Side 2
Check Price on Amazon

Also Available at -
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Saucony

  • Best for : Plush comfort, daily training, support and cushioning
  • Support : Stability
  • Cushion : Max cushioning
  • Weight : Men 302g (10.6oz) Women 279g (9.8oz)
  • Stack Height : 38mm/32mm 
  • Stack Height : 38mm/32mm 
  • Drop : 6mm 
  • Suggested Retail Price : $160
  • Shoe Rating : 9/10
Technical Features

PWRRUNPB

PWRRUN PB is the brand’s ‘fast’ and responsive foam cushioning material and is used to make up the majority of the midsole in this model.

Previously used in the Endorphin Pro 3 as well as the massively popular
Endorphin Speed 4, PWRRUN PB is light and gives a soft and springy feel under the foot.

In the Hurricane 24, PWRRUN PB makes up around 80% of the midsole stack of 38mm, so there’s no shortage of cushioning!

Saucony Hurricane 24 Collar

PWRRUN

Making up the remainder of the cushioning and adding stability to the shoe, PWRRUN is a slightly firmer midsole foam. Found in the brand’s models such as the Guide 18, PWRRUN foam still has good cushioning properties and proves to be a very durable material. 

Saucony Hurricane 24 Heel Side 2

Centrepath Tech

The new Centrepath Tech is Saucony’s new method of adding stability to a shoe without the need for traditional medial posts.

Used in both the Guide 18 and Hurricane 24, Centrepath Tech combines a broader base and higher sidewalls of the midsole to provide support and control.

What Makes it a Good Choice?

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.

Saucony Hurricane 24 Toe Box

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

HOKA Gaviota 5
Check Price on Zappos

Also Available at -
Amazon ; HOKA ; Holabird Sports

  • Best for : Those that prefer a slightly lower heel drop
  • Support : Stability
  • Cushion : Maximum cushioning
  • Weight : Men’s 310g / 10.9oz Women’s 251g / 8.8oz
  • Stack Height : Men’s 36mm / Women’s 34mm
  • Drop : 6mm 
  • Suggested Retail Price : $175
  • Shoe Rating : 8.5/10
Technical Features

H Frame Support

With a deep 36mm of cushioning, the Gaviota features a 6mm drop into the forefoot. This is a little more than many of the brand’s models which sit at the 4 or 5mm height but still falls into the ‘low drop’ category.

Gaviota 5 Upper

Previous generations of the Gaviota featured a J-shaped frame that was shared with the Arahi, the brand’s other support model. The latest version of the Gaviota is now making use of a H-shaped frame. Imagine if you will, a firmer, H-shaped framework sitting along both the medial and lateral edges of the shoe’s cushioning. Held together in the midfoot by the cross-section of the ‘H’.

Gaviota 5 Stack Height

The firmer H-frame sits around the new, softer EVA cushioning and essentially provides stabilisation for the foot sitting in the centre of the cushioning.

Metarocker

A familiar MetaRocker forms the midsole geometry and helps the deep stack of cushioning roll smoothly along the road, complementing the stability nicely for a natural ride.

What Makes it a Good Choice?

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.

Gaviota 5 Collar

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

New Balance 860v14 Side 1
Check Price on Amazon

Also Available at -
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; New Balance

  • Best for : Those seeking mild levels of support
  • Support : Stability
  • Cushion : Mid-level cushioning and support shoe
  • Weight : Men 307g (10.8oz) Women 250g (8.8oz)
  • Stack Height : 29mm/21mm 
  • Drop : 8mm 
  • Suggested Retail Price : $140
  • Shoe Rating : 8 /10
Technical Features

Fresh Foam X Cushioning

Fresh Foam X is the proprietary foam cushioning material from New Balance. The 860v14 uses this foam in the full length of the shoe. The drop of the midsole is now reduced by 2mm, down to 8mm compared to the 10mm drop of the previous version.

At the same time, the overall stack of cushioning is increased by 2mm, so we have a deeper stack with a lower drop, resulting in a softer feeling and more cushioned shoe.

New Balance 860v14 Heel Side

Stability Plane

Support in the 860v14 comes from the stability plane rather than the medial posting used previously.

The stability plane is a thin plastic plate that runs the full length of the shoe on the medial side and across the width of the shoe in the heel area.

The plane is sandwiched by two layers of Fresh Foam X cushioning, with the bottom layer being a little firmer density than the top layer. The firmer foam layer is also a little thicker on the medial side of the shoe resulting in a ‘wedge’ running the length of the shoe to help
control over-pronation.

New Balance 860v14 Collar

Rocker Profile

The deeper cushioning facilitates a more rockered shape from heel to toe resulting in a smooth-running feel.

What Makes it a Good Choice?

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.

New Balance 860v14 Toe Box

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

Brooks Glycerin GTS 22
Check Price on Amazon

Also Available at -
Zappos ; Holabird Sports ; Brooks

  • Best for : Daily training for those requiring support and control
  • Support : Support type shoe
  • Cushion : High-stack cushioned
  • Weight : Men’s 303g / 10.7oz Women’s 269g/ 9.5oz
  • Stack Height : 38mm / 28mm 
  • Drop : 10mm
  • Suggested Retail Price : $165
  • Shoe Rating : 9/10
Technical Features

DNA Tuned

DNA Tuned is Brooks’ latest method of creating a nitrogen-infused foam, here with dual-cell technology. The use of different sizes of cells within the same midsole allows for the material to offer different characteristics in different parts of the shoe.

Glycerin 22 GTS

In the rear of the midsoles, the cells are larger and provide a soft, more cushioned feel on impact.

In the forefoot of the midsole, small cells are used and provide a more responsive and propulsive feel to the toe-off.

Glycerin 22 GTS Toe Box

The translucent nature of the material allows the different densities of the foam to be seen. The softer material sits ‘within’ the midsole and, as Brooks has used different colours to call out the different areas of cushioning, you can see this within the midsole.

GuideRails

The support in the GTS 22 comes from the brand’s GuideRail system. These ‘rails’ are extended areas of the midsole that raise up around both the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. In doing this, they provide a ‘cup’ in which the heel sits. Should the foot roll inwards, the GuideRails will keep it central within the shoe.

Glycerin GTS 22 Heel Stack
What Makes it a Good Choice?

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.

Glycerin GTS 22 Top View

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 31

Best ASICS_Gel Kayano 31
Check Price on Amazon

Also Available at -
Zappos ; Holabird Sports

  • Best for : Max cushioning, mild support
  • Support : Mild to moderate stability
  • Cushion : Moderate cushioning
  • Weight : Men 305g (10.7oz) Women 266g (9.3oz)
  • Stack Height : 39mm/29mm 
  • Drop : 10mm
  • Suggested Retail Price : $165
  • Shoe Rating : 8.5/10
Technical Features

4D Guidance System

Removing the need for a traditional medial post, the 4D system replaces a firmer posting under the arch of the foot with a more resilient and responsive piece of foam.

Instead of a firmer post simply preventing the arch from pronating inwards, the 4D system aims to react with the arch and ‘rebound’ it back into a neutral position.

ASICS Kayano 31 side heel

Pure-Gel Cushioning

Replacing the brand’s exposed Gel cushioning, Pure-Gel is a lighter Gel pad enclosed within the midsole. Pure-Gel is a thin layer of material sitting in the rearfoot of the midsole.

ASICS Kayano 31 collar

FF Blast Plus Eco Foam

FF Blast Plus Eco foam is the brand’s softest yet. It is also a 20% bio-based material.

What Makes it a Good Choice?

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.

ASICS Kayano 31 toe box

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.

young couple jogging in park at morning. health and fitness

Author

  • Paul Freary
    Paul Freary

    Paul has a lifetime of running experience. As an athlete, he competed at the international level and has some pretty impressive PR’s. He lives in Lancashire in the UK and writes for several leading publications including Athletics Weekly.

    View all posts

Comments

  1. Mina L. Potts says

    September 21, 2017 at 4:46 am

    I am looking for a sneaker with an extra wide toe box, that is light and has good support and cushioning

    Reply
    • Danny says

      September 28, 2017 at 5:28 pm

      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/

      Reply
  2. Tim says

    October 4, 2017 at 11:13 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Noel says

      June 1, 2023 at 1:13 pm

      Tim – go check out Altra Running shoes (https://www.altrarunning.com/). The shoes are foot-shaped and may help your problem.

      Noel

      Reply
  3. Richard Noel Paine says

    June 1, 2023 at 1:11 pm

    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.

    Reply

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