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Having flat feet<\/a> doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re destined for a life of discomfort. With the right shoes, you can reliably walk all day long, run all<\/em> of your errands, or do anything you\u2019d like for hours on end without feeling that tell-tale pain in your arches, heels, or elsewhere.<\/p>\n The key to finding the best walking shoes for flat feet is to look for pairs with good (but not too much) arch support, a stable design, and some flexibility\u2014enough that it bends, but doesn\u2019t fold in half. Below, experts in podiatry and physical therapy share their best tips for shopping for flat foot-friendly walking shoes, plus options that are just begging to be worn on your daily walks<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n You\u2019ll probably need to try on a few pairs to determine what feels best for your feet. But you can get a leg (or foot) up on your search by starting with this list. Our picks include expert-recommended brands like Hoka and Chaco, as well as SELF editor\u2013tested and \u2013approved options.<\/p>\n \n Both Dr. Gremillion and Dr. Piekarska recommend Hoka sneakers<\/a>\u2014the latter describes them as \u201cstable yet comfortable\u201d\u2014and many of the brand\u2019s shoes have won a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA<\/a>) for their foot-friendly designs.<\/p>\n The Arahi 7 is a good option for flat feet because it\u2019s designed to prevent overpronation (a.k.a when your feet and ankles roll inward as you walk, a common problem for people with low arches), which can lead to heel pain, according to Dr. Piekarska. We also like this style for runners with flat feet<\/a>, especially if your feet are on the narrow side.<\/p>\n \u201cI love wearing my Arahi 7s when I\u2019m in a state of mind to get stuff done. They\u2019re certainly comfortable and cushioned, but with a stack that\u2019s a little less voluminous and more responsive than other Hoka models. I feel a more grounded and ready roll,\u201d says one SELF tester. \u201cNot ready to roll, though, are my arches, which are held firmly in place in this stability shoe.\u201d<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 5 to 12 | Widths:<\/strong> Medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 5 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 8.10 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Kuru\u2019s best-selling Atom sneaker features a deep heel cup that hugs the back of your foot and a curved, contoured arch for extra support where you need it most. Our tester was impressed by how firm (yet comfortable) the arch was, noting that it felt great on long walks on hard pavement, with one caveat: \u201cIt feels like its placement is a little too far back in the shoe\u2014the upper end of my arch didn\u2019t get quite the same amount of support as the rest of it.\u201d<\/p>\n For all its sturdiness, the Atom kept our tester\u2019s feet cool and fresh after long periods of wear, thanks to its breathable mesh upper. It\u2019s somewhat lacking in padding, especially in the forefoot, which is why it falls short of our top pick. But if structure takes priority over cushioning for you, the Atom could very well be your personal best overall.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 5 to 12 | Widths:<\/strong> Medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 8 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 10.6 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Ryka\u2019s best-selling (and AMPA-approved) Devotion X shows you don\u2019t have to shell out for the fanciest pair of walking shoes on the market to get good arch support. Its insole has a built-in arch, and its midsole provides additional structure around the middle of the foot. As a fitness-walking-specific shoe, it also doesn\u2019t skimp on comfort: There\u2019s extra padding in the forefoot and heel to help absorb the impact of your steps, and the mesh upper helps keep your feet cool on warmer days.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 6 to 12 | Widths:<\/strong> Medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 10 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 10.75 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Another highly supportive and APMA-approved option from Hoka is the Gaviota 5. With more cushioning than the Arahi, it\u2019s comparable to the 2023 SELF Sneaker Award\u2013winning<\/a> Hoka Bondi\u2014but with a focus on stability over plushness, for folks with flat feet who still love a highly cushioned shoe. The Gaviota\u2019s H-Frame design gently keeps your foot in the correct alignment\u2014a win for overpronators.<\/p>\n This latest version of the Gaviota improves on previous models with a slightly wider fit, increased airflow through the upper, and an even softer feel. Between its plush padding and easy breathability, the Gaviota will keep a spring in your step, even on long days spent running all over town.<\/p>\n \u201cAs someone who overpronates, I can confirm that the Gaviotas are incredibly stabilizing while also providing that walking-on-a-cloud feel I look for in a Hoka,\u201d one SELF tester says. \u201cI also like how breathable they are and the roominess of the toe box\u2014no foot sweat or toe claustrophobia over here.\u201d<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 5 to 12 | Widths:<\/strong> Medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 6 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 9.10 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Nicholas Japs, DPT<\/a>, a physical therapist at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, previously recommended the Brooks Adrenaline GTS for people who deal with plantar fasciitis. It has a larger heel-to-toe drop than other shoes on our list, which helps take more pressure off your heel and will (hopefully) relieve some of the pain that comes with the condition.<\/p>\n Beyond that, it\u2019s a very well-cushioned, supportive sneaker, with two pieces of firm foam on either side to help keep your foot aligned while you\u2019re on the move. One SELF staffer considers the Adrenaline her \u201cworkhorse\u201d sneaker, explaining that she wears her pair for everything but speed training: \u201cI overpronate while I run, and these give me the support I needed to build up my mileage pain-free.\u201d<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 5 to 13 | Widths:<\/strong> Narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 12 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 8.8 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n New Balance<\/p>\n If you\u2019re ready to embrace the dad shoe trend (which is really just an excuse to wear super comfy walking shoes), New Balance<\/a> is a great brand to browse. Designed to provide maximum structure, comfort, and motion control (to prevent rolling), the 1540 V4 can help keep flat feet happy\u2014all while meeting your normcore aspirations.<\/p>\n Bonus: It comes in three widths, so if you often struggle to find a shoe with enough room in the toe box, we highly recommend giving this one a try.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 6 to 13 | Widths:<\/strong> Standard, wide, x-wide | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 4 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n A previous iteration of the GT-1000 won a Sneaker Award last year, wowing our tester with how comfy it felt\u2014even for hours at a time. \u201cThese are very light, breathable, and springy, and mold to your foot effortlessly. My finicky arches loved them,\u201d they said. The GT-1000 13 is even more structured, thanks to some new stability features in the midsole.<\/p>\n This pair of sneaks is ideal for standing all day<\/a>: As SELF has previously reported, it\u2019s important for your footwear to provide enough support (usually in the form of sturdy, stiff insoles) if you\u2019re going to be on your feet for long periods of time. Whether you\u2019re headed to a concert or working a long shift, the GT-1000 13 will help prevent foot fatigue and pain.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 5 to 12 | Widths:<\/strong> Medium | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 8 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 8.30 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Keen\u2019s WK500s have a curved sole, which is more common in running shoes and gives these walking shoes a distinctive, rocker-like shape. The effect? Constant movement. One SELF staffer, who logged serious steps wearing the previous edition (the WK400s) over several years, especially appreciated the curved sole while she was rushing to tackle multiple errands around her neighborhood.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a pretty fast walker as it is, but I feel like I have tiny jetpacks strapped to my feet when I wear these shoes,\u201d she says. \u201cOnce you start moving, they really help you build up and maintain your momentum.\u201d The updated WK500 weighs nearly two ounces less, which adds to that light-on-your-feet feeling.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> 5 to 12 | Widths:<\/strong> Medium | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 11 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 8.96 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Alicia Canzanese, DPM, ATC<\/a>, a board-certified podiatrist, athletic trainer, and former collegiate track athlete, previously recommended the Nike Structure to SELF, noting that it\u2019s a lightweight and supportive stability shoe (meaning it\u2019s designed with support through the arch to prevent pronation). That\u2019s a rare combo to come by, and it\u2019s the main reason why this sneaker is great for walking<\/a> and<\/em> running\u2014it\u2019ll feel sturdy while you stroll, but won\u2019t weigh you down when you pick up the pace.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n And, despite its relatively low weight, it still packs a ton of foam throughout the sole, so you\u2019re sure to stay comfy.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 5 to 12 | Widths:<\/strong> Regular and wide | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 10 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 8.5 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Ask any podiatrist and they\u2019ll tell you that your sandals absolutely must have decent arch support<\/a>\u2014and that you should save your flip-flops<\/a> and slides<\/a> for only the shortest walks. It\u2019s no wonder, then, that Chaco\u2019s strappy Z\/1 Classic has been recommended to us over and over again. Its thick, molded footbed (which you can find in most Chaco models) is approved by the APMA, but it isn\u2019t just a favorite among professionals.<\/p>\n Our senior commerce editor, who has very flat, narrow feet and is a sworn sandal-hater, considers her Chacos some of the most comfortable summer footwear she owns: \u201cI have very low arches that are prone to collapsing, but they feel nicely supported in the Z\/1,\u201d she wrote in her review<\/a>. \u201cThey don\u2019t feel foamy or squishy, but that\u2019s not to say they\u2019re rock-hard, either\u2014the Z\/1\u2019s insole has some give to help absorb the impact of my footsteps, and it\u2019s flexible enough to bend with my foot while I walk.\u201d<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 5 to 12 | Widths:<\/strong> Medium | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 6.35 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 11 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Salomon<\/p>\n Dr. Gremillion points to Salomon as a solid brand for outdoor excursions, and this trail runner is a particularly good choice for flat feet. It\u2019s designed with a sturdy structure that helps keep the foot stable, even on rugged ground. With a moderate amount of cushion, it can help you feel comfy on the move while staying connected to the terrain underfoot.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 5 to 11 | Widths:<\/strong> medium | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 11 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 10.6 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n A reliable pair of clogs<\/a> is perfect for weekend hangs, errands runs, or long shifts on your feet<\/a>. Danskos in particular are great for people with flat feet (or anyone with a passion for \u201cugly\u201d shoes<\/a>), thanks to their APMA-accepted design. The footbed is sturdy, lifted in the arch, and padded with memory foam\u2014it\u2019s also removable, in case you use custom orthotics or OTC inserts. The whole shoe has a structured interior and a rocker bottom, which work together to keep you stable when you\u2019re on the go.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> EU 35 to 43 | Widths:<\/strong> Medium and wide | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> 25.4 millimeters | Weight:<\/strong> 13 ounces<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n Birkenstock<\/p>\n For flat-footed fans of Birkenstock\u2019s widely beloved slides\u2014like the Arizona sandals<\/a> and Boston clogs<\/a>\u2014the Honnef City Sneaker might just be the perfect office shoe. Its iconic removable cork and latex footbed provides foot-hugging support all day long.<\/p>\n \u201cI love wearing these for daytime activities and errands that\u2019ll have me on my feet a lot, but in outfits that I might prefer to not pair with a running-style shoe,\u201d says one SELF tester. \u201cThese look great with a sundress, jeans, or athleisure.\u201d Just be sure to size up, so your toes have enough room to spread out.<\/p>\n Sizes:<\/strong> US 5-5.5 to 10-10.5 | Widths:<\/strong> Narrow to medium | Heel-to-toe drop:<\/strong> N\/A | Weight:<\/strong> N\/A<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n When we talk about the arch of your foot, we mean the area between the ball of your foot and your heel. If you\u2019re not sure what type of arches you have, stand up and check the inner sides of your feet. If they\u2019re flush against the floor, you have low arches, a.k.a. flat feet, Robert Gillanders, PT, DPT, previously told SELF. Knowing your arch type (and taking the factors below into account) will help you find the comfiest, most supportive shoes.<\/p>\n When shopping for shoes, the first thing you should check is the shoe\u2019s arch height, or how much the middle of the insole curves inward and upward. This part of the shoe should match your foot\u2019s shape\u2014with one exception. If you have very low arches or flat feet, you don\u2019t want the inside of your shoe to be entirely flush to the ground, Paulina Piekarska, DPM<\/a>, a foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute St. Vincent\u2019s Medical Center, tells SELF. But if you try on a shoe and feel pressure against your midfoot, that means the shoe\u2019s arch is likely too high for you, Dr. Piekarska says.<\/p>\n Without any arch support, your foot will flatten and roll inward while you walk, which can cause foot pain, ankle pain, and issues with your tendons, she adds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Your foot should feel held and supported by the shoe, which will help you feel comfortable longer. It\u2019ll also take some stress off your knees and lower leg muscles, which tend to work harder to help you walk and maintain balance when you have flat feet, Jared Gremillion, DPM<\/a>, a podiatric surgeon at Holston Medical Group in Bristol, Tennessee, tells SELF. (Wearing supportive shoes can also help prevent plantar fasciitis<\/a>, a condition characterized by stabbing heel pain\u2014ouch.)<\/p>\n Cushioning can also affect a shoe\u2019s stability for people with flat feet, so be wary of designs that feel too soft or cause your feet to sink.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you can fold a shoe in half, it\u2019s not supportive enough, Dr. Gremillion says. Your shoes should be rigid, but still flexible enough to bend with your foot when you\u2019re walking\u2014that\u2019ll give you a nice balance of stability and freedom of movement.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n A shoe\u2019s heel-to-toe drop is measured in millimeters and refers to how tall the sole under the forefoot is compared to the heel. There\u2019s no universally \u201ccorrect\u201d drop\u2014but as Rich Willy, PT, PhD<\/a>, associate professor at the University of Montana and director of the Montana Running Lab<\/a>, previously told SELF, higher drops may relieve pressure from calves and Achilles but may exacerbate hip and knee issues<\/a> (and vice versa with lower drops).<\/p>\n For folks with flat feet, Neyla Lobkova, DPM<\/a>, a surgical podiatrist in New York City, recommends a medium heel-to-toe drop between 7 and 10 millimeters that\u2019ll \u201clift the heel to help place the foot in as close to a neutral position as possible,\u201d she says. \u201cThis can help prevent excessive abnormal forces on the knees and low back while walking.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n To bring you the best walking shoes for flat feet, we first consulted podiatrists and physical therapists who broke down the most important features to look for while shopping. Next, we found solid shoes from top-rated brands\u2014including Hoka, Keen, Brooks, and more\u2014that are comfy and don\u2019t skimp on support. Then we had SELF testers road-test a number of styles before we ultimately landed on the winners.<\/p>\n \n Which brand of shoes is best for flat feet?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When it comes to shoes for flat feet, what matters more than brand is that your shoe has enough arch support, a moderate heel-to-toe drop, and a comfy design. That said, two of our top picks (including our best overall shoe) come from Hoka, and Dr. Lobkova says two of her favorite brands are New Balance and Asics<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Which shoes should I avoid if I have flat feet?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n First up: Steer clear of any shoe that\u2019s uncomfortable or feels like it needs a \u201cbreak-in\u201d period. Minimalist pairs with no heel-to-toe drop and very little cushioning are also a no-go: \u201cIn such a shoe, there is minimal stability in the midsole,\u201d says Dr. Lobkova. \u201cAlso, avoid shoes with flimsy upper materials, since they offer no firmness in the heel counter\u201d (a.k.a. the back of the shoe).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Related:<\/strong><\/p>\nOur top picks<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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Best Overall: Hoka Arahi 7<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nRunner-Up: Kuru Atom<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nBest Budget Pick: Ryka Devotion X<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nBest for Maximum Cushioning: Hoka Gaviota 5<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nBest for Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nBest for Wide Feet: New Balance 1540 v4<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n1540 V4 Running Shoe<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nBest for Standing All Day: Asics GT-1000 13<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nBest for Walking Long Distances: Keen WK500<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nBest for Walking and Running: Nike Structure 25<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n\nBest Sandal: Chaco Z\/1 Classic<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nBest for Trails: Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 Hiking Shoes<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nXA Pro 3D V9 Hiking Shoes<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nBest Clog: Dansko XP 2.0<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nBest for the Office: Birkenstock Honnef City Sneaker<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\nHonnef City Sneaker<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nHow to choose the best walking shoes for flat feet<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n\n\n\n\nHow we tested these shoes<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
FAQs about the best walking shoes for flat feet<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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