6 Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet With Support

I am often asked in my specialist running store what the best shoe is for walking for people with flat feet.

Running shoes often provide the perfect solution thanks to the variety of models available and the range of support, control and flexibility that they can provide.

I explain that people with flat feet often need more from their footwear than simply cushioning alone. Because the arch of the foot naturally collapses inward, the foot can roll excessively (overpronation), placing extra strain on the feet, ankles, knees, and hips.

While the foot can be ‘flat’, I am always eager to point out that it’s important to consider the flexibility or function of the foot when walking. A flat, rigid foot will not overpronate or roll inwards as much as a flat, flexible foot. I find that the right running shoe, even when used mainly for walking, can make a big difference in comfort and long-term foot health.

What to Look for

Support

Cushioning

Fit and Width Options

Orthotics

Weight

As its name suggests, the Brooks Beast GTS 26 is a high-level control shoe that’s perfect for heavier users. Available in multiple width fittings, the shoe offers a spacious upper and thicker sockliner, which, when removed, creates space for users’ customer orthotics if required.

Cushioning is Brooks DNA Loft V3, a nitrogen-injected foam material that proves to be comfortable and very durable, making it a great choice for walking and daily use. The DNA Loft V3 used in the Beast does feel a little firmer than that used in other Brooks models, such as the Adrenaline GTS 25 (below), but in this shoe the brand has tuned it perfectly, as it provides a higher level of support and durability for larger/heavier users

Support in the Glycerin GTS 23 is the GuideRail (GTS) system. This extension of the cushioning raises up and around the rear of the shoe and extends along the medial side into and under the arch. These rails create a more cupped rear foot fit to the shoe, which provides great support for those with flat feet.

Control comes from the GTS – GuideRail Technology System. This is the method of control favored by Brooks, and rather than being a medial post to control pronation, the GuideRails are extensions of the midsole cushioning material that extend a little higher around the rear of the shoe on both the medial and lateral sides. These then ‘seat’ the foot within the shoe and provide control both medially and laterally.

The absence of a medial post means that users with flat feet won’t feel the supportive element ‘under’ the arch, rather the GuideRails, ‘around’ the foot, cupping the rearfoot for general stability.

Another option from Brooks, the Adrenaline GTS 25 is one of the brand’s most popular running shoe models. Its versatility as a running shoe also makes it a great choice for walking and general use for those with flat feet.

Available in four widths for both men and women means there will be a size suitable for anyone, and the great combination of cushioning and general ‘all-round’ support feels great from the word go. 

Like the Beast (above), the Adrenaline uses Brooks DNA Loft V3, a nitrogen-injected foam material for cushioning. Here, the foam feels a little softer and more flexible than in the Beast, and as a result, the shoe is lighter and instantly supple around the foot. 

Support and control are also similar to the Beast, only here, the GuideRails don’t extend quite as far forward in the shoe as they do in the Beast. Stability and control are similar, and while the Adrenaline GTS 25 isn’t quite as controlling as the previous generation model for runners, for walking, it proves to be every bit as effective.

The latest version of ASICS’ popular, range-topping, structured cushioned shoe, the Kayano 33, uses a new combination of FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST MAX foams in the midsole. Coming from existing shoes in the brand’s range, both are tried and tested materials which provide control with a smooth, responsive feel.

Thanks to the combination of foams to create the support, it proves to be effective at providing support for flat feet without being intrusive. Most users with flat feet can step into the Kayano and find instant comfort.

The support used is a new FLUIDSUPPORT technology system. The 4D control used in the last couple of generations, with its ‘responsive posting’, has been updated to a system which aims to adapt to the varying biomechanical needs of runners (and importantly walkers!), guiding the foot while allowing a natural foot motion for smooth, efficient transitions throughout the gait cycle.

The Kayano 33 is a higher stack running shoe, and with this comes high levels of cushioning, which, for walking, means all-day comfort and a walking on clouds sensation.

Perhaps the best value running shoe in this line-up, which provides excellent support for walking for those with flat feet.

Totally adequate as a running shoe, the cushioning is more than capable of catering for a wide range of walkers with flat feet. The shoe is also generously roomy in the upper. So spacious is the upper, that in fact many users do not need to opt for the wide version of the Saucony Guide 19.

The Guide 19 utilizes the brand’s centrepath technology. This essentially refers to the overall shape and geometry of the midsole. A slight offset helps keep the foot central and in a neutral position, and along with a straighter last on the medial side of the shoe, and sidewalls on the upper side of the midsole, it helps keep the foot seated centrally within the shoe and contributes to a stable ride. The combination of these features manages to support even the flattest feet and proves excellent for walking.

The Fresh Foam X used in the 860v15 has a dual-density midsole construction, with a firmer section in the rear foot that favours the medial side of the shoe. A softer layer of Fresh Foam X sits atop this, giving the shoe a stack height of 40mm, significantly more than the previous generation model, and among the highest stack shoes here.

As a sneaker for those with flat feet for walking, the 860v15 is an excellent choice.

The Stability Plane, a thin nylon plate that sits between the two layers of foam and runs the length of the shoe on the medial side, provides a dynamic level of control to the shoe, ensuring a variety of uses will find the shoe supportive. It has the effect of increasing stability and keeping the foot neutral all the way to toe off.

The dynamic control and high level of cushioning make the New Balance suitable for those with flat feet, who will also find the slightly more rounded toe-box more accommodating. 

A rocker to the heel and toe also makes walking in the shoe a joy for flat-footed users seeking cushioning and control that a running shoe can offer.

The heel drop is now 10 mm for a more natural running feel, but this proves to be effective for those walkers that may be suffuring with Plantar Fasciitis. 

The support in the Inspire 22 is, as usual, the Wave shape designed for people with overpronation. Changing the inside and outside shapes helps stop the foot arch from collapsing and offers high levels of stability. The anatomical plate shape follows the shape of the foot for smooth weight transfer and many users tell me they find the internal shape of the shoe particularly supportive.

While not everyone will suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, it is perhaps the most common foot injury I encounter on a daily basis! Without doubt, over the last five years (or maybe even more), the Inspire has been the shoe users have gravitated towards, finding its combination of heel drop and support to best comfort they feet.

In short, the best running shoes for walking with flat feet combine stability, cushioning, width options, and durability. Choosing footwear with these features helps reduce strain, improve comfort, and support healthier movement with every step.

The options reviewed here are all high-scoring and high-performing shoes in their own right. For runners, they are excellent choices and for walking, they simply provide exceptional comfort, control, support and cushioning for daily use.