Got a fun run coming up? Training for a half or full marathon? Or are you entering a triathlon? Picking the right running shoes for flat feet can be very overwhelming. It isn’t about choosing the most expensive shoes. It’s about choosing a pair that’s comfortable and causes no pain when running.
If you overpronate, the outer edge of your heel hits the ground first. Your foot then rolls inward onto the arch. You might be at a higher risk of getting shin splints, heel spurs, ankle sprains, achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. For those who overpronate, you need maximum support, structured cushioning and stability. The running shoes we’ve unearthed are designed to limit the inward roll, plus bring the foot back to a more neutral stance. But personal preference comes down to whether you want more cushioning and lighter shoes.
The Top Runners for flat feet Reviewed
Product Name
- Duomax technology helps overpronators
- Space TRUSSTIC technology helps with foot strike to toe-off
- GEL technology enhances shock reduction
- FLYTEFOAM technology adds more cushioning in the midsole
Product Name
- DNA LOFT cushioning for midsole
- Stability feature
- Lightweight
- Great for runners with planters fasciitis
Product Name
- Lightweight
- Pull tab for easy on-and-off
- Engineered mesh provides air and comfort
- “Nice colours,” said customer Maria L
- Meta-Rocker design technology
Product Name
- Enerzy foam heel wedge provides a softer landing
- U4ic midsole
- Air mesh upper
- New air mesh upper
Product Name
- Light pair
- Duomax technology decreases overpronation
- Rearfoot GEL feature delivers strong provides shock absorption
- Ortholite insole assists with a soft step-in design
Product Name
- Extra bounce in cloud pod outsole
- Cushion landing
- Swiss engineered
- Zero Gravity EVA midsole
- V-moulded stable heel cap
Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet Reviewed
OUR TOP PICK
The GEL-Kayano 27 running shoes for men and women by ASICS are our top pick for flat feet. The stability helps distribute the impact of running more effectively to minimize pronation. The sole is adaptable to help promote a more natural roll when running. There's flex grooves in the heel that help with impact on the ground to force a softer feeling.
The upper mesh part of Kayano 27s has been redesigned and helps keep the feet cool. ASICS have used new dynamic Duomax technology to aid the foot and add stability for those whose feet roll inward too much (overpronate).
It's tech at another level with space TRUSSTIC that helps the midsole. TRUSSTIC decreases the weight to assist an easier change from foot strike to toe-off. There are also forefoot flex grooves for a softer roll through toe-off.
Gel Kayano 27 owner Kari M said, “They’re a fantastic running shoe, as I run 5-6km 4-5 times a week. I'm an overpronator and these work wonders for that. My knees are very grateful. They are supportive and comfortable without being heavy or bulky. The upper is breathable, keeping my feet cooler.”
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Duomax technology helps overpronators
- Space TRUSSTIC technology helps with foot strike to toe-off
- GEL technology enhances shock reduction
- FLYTEFOAM technology adds more cushioning in the midsole
Cons
- Price
Brand Name | Product Type
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
Brooks makes some of the best running shoes in the world. The Brooks Adrenalin GTS 21 provides DNA LOFT cushioning. This is Brooks’ softest midsole cushioning. It's a mix of EVA foam, rubber, and air and the combo ensures a soft run.
Customer Dana K said, “Possibly the best fitting shoe I’ve had. Great for narrow to medium width feet with secure support for a narrow heel. Will not need supplemental insoles to compensate for narrow feet.”
Eveliene E said, “I’ve purchased this model for over 10 years now and would not do it any different. If you overpronate, this is the shoe for you. The cushioning is perfect, lots of room for the toes and it’s fairly lightweight. I’ve tried a few different brands and models but will always come back to this one. This model is perfect for road and gravel, not so much for actual mountain / trail running.”
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- DNA LOFT cushioning for midsole
- Stability feature
- Lightweight
- Great for runners with planters fasciitis
Cons
- Some customers think the shoes are too big
- Not suitable for mountain or trail running
Brand Name | Product Type
Hoka Arahi 5 Shoe’s - Men’s and Women’s
The Hoka Arahi may sound like a new sushi roll, but the shoes are in a league of their own. The lightweight Arahi’s feature soft cushioning. The Hoka’s are developed with mesh at the heel for midfoot security and mesh at the forefoot. The upper part has ultralight foam.
Hoka’s main feature is a new pull tab for easy on-and-off. The Arahi 5 includes a refined collar shape that stops pressure on the Achilles. Get ready for the run of your life!
Customer Kevin B said, “Decent support for pronating, good quality upper, and good impact protection.”
Another customer Amelia M said, “These are the best, they just are. Got them for my mom, they fit slightly wider so a lot of people like that. True to size, they are like walking on a cloud and great for anyone with foot/knee/shin pain.”
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Lightweight
- Pull tab for easy on-and-off
- Engineered mesh provides air and comfort
- “Nice colours,” said customer Maria L
- Meta-Rocker design technology
Cons
- Mikayla K said, “Will take a bit more breaking in”
Brand Name | Product Type
Saucony Guide 14 Running Shoes (Men and Women)
The Saucony Guide 14 shoes feature PWRRUN foam packs. PWRRUN is springy, durable, flexible and gives a smooth landing.
“The tonal medial TPU guidance frame and 3D-engineered fascia in the upper both help deliver 360 degrees of stability,” writes Saucony.
“The Guide 14 has been streamlined to achieve more comfort with less bulk. Runners will primarily notice this in the enhanced heel fit and a generally lighter feel on foot.”
Customer Daniel J said, “A chronic heel problem did not make it easy. I need good shoes that provide the right support and comfort. I have used with satisfaction the Guide 12 model for the last few years and the Guide 14 is even better. Great comfort and lighter.”
Another customer, Mario L, wrote, “I purchased the Guide 14 Running Shoes for my wife. She just loves them as they are great and comfortable for both running and long walks. Highly recommended and smooth for the feet.”
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- PWRRUN technology
- 3D-engineered fascia in the upper
- Light
- Smooth landing
Cons
- Price
- Some customers complained about the colour
Brand Name | Product Type
Mizuno Wave Inspire 17 Supportive Shoes (Men’s and Women’s)
The new Enerzy foam heel wedge and updated TPU fan-shaped wave plate provide a softer landing and a high energy return. U4ic midsole is light and the cushioned material provides a softer underfoot feel.
Customer Alessandra C said, “They’re great for anyone who needs a stable shoe and has normal arches. The toe was roomy and there is lots of cushioning in the heel.”
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Enerzy foam heel wedge provides a softer landing
- U4ic midsole
- Air mesh upper
- New air mesh upper
Cons
- Price
Brand Name | Product Type
Asics GT-1000 10 Running Shoes (Men’s and Women’s)
The GT-1000® running shoe celebrates its 10th birthday. As the GT-1000 9 provided value with the midsole, the 10 focuses on the upper. This model has been designed to provide more width which makes the shoes more comfortable.
For those who overpronate, the ASICS GT-1000 features a Duomax® support system. This technology helps decrease the foot's pronounced inward roll while assisting with stability.
ASCIS GT-1000 10 customer Nathalie M said, ”Comfort!! I always buy Asics when I need a new pair of running shoes. I have wide feet that are difficult to fit, and I wear orthotics. In Asics in general to date I have never been disappointed, my orthotics fit well inside without lifting the foot too much. They are spacious enough, hold the foot well and are super comfy.”
Another ASICS customer Olivier L said, “Perfect fit. It is an amazing fit. I love these shoes so much. Not only do they look good, they're as soft as clouds.”
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Duomax technology decreases overpronation
- Rearfoot GEL feature delivers strong provides shock absorption
- Ortholite insole assists with a soft step-in design
Cons
- Some customers said they’re too wide
Brand Name | Product Type
On Cloudflyer Running Shoes (Men’s and Women’s)
The Cloudflyer’s are designed for longer runs. They have larger cushion parts and there’s extra bounce in the Cloud pod outsole. There are less inward rotations and a more smooth process from touch-down to toe-off.
The Cloudflyer’s have memory foam midsoles that provide better stability. The Swiss-engineered shoes also feature a Zero Gravity EVA midsole which also provides stability for your feet.
On Cloudflyer customer Marc P said, “Cloudflyer running shoes are the perfect fit, ideal for easy runs of any distance, lots of stability, lightweight and stylish!! Highly recommend them.”
Another customer, Élise D said, “They’re literally running on clouds. I’m a heel runner and these have really great support and cushion. It really feels like all shock is absorbed so it’s much easier on my knees. Love them!”
Price: 0.00$
Pros
- Extra bounce in cloud pod outsole
- Cushion landing
- Swiss engineered
- Zero Gravity EVA midsole
- V-moulded stable heel cap
Cons
- A customer said the shoes hate gravel
- Price
Brand Name | Product Type
BUYING GUIDE: WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN RUNNING SHOES FOR FLAT FEET
Runners with flat feet should look for shoes with proper support. This will help balance their weight and assist the arches of their feet. People should take into account stability, arch support, cushioning, proper fit and comfort.
Stability
Stability helps runners who pronate. Most runners with flat feet overpronate. Shoes with extra stability stop the arch from collapsing.
Arch Support
Arch support adds shock absorption and helps with your balance when moving. Supporting your arches properly is crucial to prevent foot pain.
Cushioning
Cushioning is very important for runners with flat feet. Cushioning absorbs the shock and can stop overpronation. Also, look for shoes with a wide base to roll out the pressure evenly across the foot.
Proper Fit
When there’s a proper fit there is more stability and less likelihood of overpronating. It also prevents injuries like plantar fasciitis, spinal alignment and other hip and knee problems.
Comfort
Comfort is the most important part when buying running shoes. But you need to look for a shoe that’s designed to prevent pronation.
FAQs
Is running good for flat feet?
When you have flat feet, running can be problematic. You may feel aches and pains in your body. Flat feet often cause overpronation and this leads to shin splints, lower back pain or knee tendonitis. Some of the world’s best professional runners have flat feet.
Do flat feet runners need arch support?
People with a high arch should look for more balance or cushion. People with normal arch but moderate pronation should go for stability shoes.
Can insoles fix flat feet?
Fitted insoles can support or raise the arch. This provides relief from chronic muscle strain over time. Insoles can help make your best pair of shoes more comfortable and supportive.
Conclusion
Our top pick was ASICS Gel-Kayano 27, followed by Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21, Hoka Arahi 5, Saucony Guide 14, Mizuno Wave Inspire 17, Asics GT-1000 10 and On Cloudflyer. Time to live your dream, without aches, pains and major injuries.
Share on
