10 Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet, According to Experts

Finding the perfect pair of running shoes is no easy, well, feat. Each and every runner has their own unique needs and preferences, which means sometimes it can feel like a true Goldilocks situation—some sneakers are overly cushioned, others are too minimalist, and you’re on the hunt for that just right balance. And for people with flat feet, that quest can feel even more challenging, given that support is extra crucial. Here’s what you need to know about choosing running shoes for flat feet, along with some of the best options available, according to podiatrists and physical therapists.

How do I know if I have flat feet?

It basically just refers to the height of your arch (that area between the ball of your foot and your heel): If it’s nearly flush with the ground or presses into the floor when you stand, that means you have flat feet. Another way to check is to wet the bottoms of your feet and step onto a piece of blank paper, then see if the inner curve of your footprint fills in. (However, these methods aren’t definitive ways to diagnose flat feet or any related issues, so it’s also a good idea to check with a professional, like a podiatrist or physical therapist, to be sure.)

For some people, flat feet may be generic. Others may have “fallen arches” due to muscle weakness, injury, pregnancy, or simply aging.

Why does all this matter? Runners with flat feet may be more likely to overpronate (when the foot rolls inward) while they log miles since “their arch is not functionally optimal and not strong enough to maintain its own form,” Morgan Busko, MD, sports medicine physician at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, tells SELF. This can place extra stress on the muscles, ligaments, and joints of the foot, ankle, shin, and even hip and knee, Dr. Busko adds, and lead to pain when walking or running.

How to choose the best running shoes for flat feet

For runners who experience discomfort with overpronation, stability and motion-control sneakers may be able to offer some relief, as they’re designed to keep your foot in proper alignment. The main difference between them is that “stability shoes will have a little bit more cushion and a little bit more give, where a motion-control shoe is more rigid and a little more firm in the midsole,” Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, a multi-board-certified podiatrist who specializes in sports medicine, tells SELF. These styles usually have a wide toe box area, a comfortable heel counter (a piece of more rigid material that maintains the shape of the shoe around the back of your foot and your Achilles tendon), and excellent support in the midsole to keep arches from collapsing. He adds that investing in a pair of comfortable insoles or custom orthotics can also add more arch support to any shoe.

That said, “not everybody has the same type of flat-foot problem,” says Dr. Mendeszoon, which is why he advises getting personally fitted by an expert at a local specialty running store, if that’s accessible. “A true specialist will take [those needs] into consideration when fitting someone for a shoe to help with flat feet,” he says. There are also varying schools of thought regarding stability shoes—not all experts and physical therapists believe they’re necessary. Ultimately, picking the right shoe comes down to finding what’s comfortable, eases any aches you typically feel from running, and fits your training style. You can check out the complete SELF running shoe guide for additional info on how to find your ideal sneaker.

With all that in mind, we curated a list of the best running shoes for flat feet for you to consider. These picks are based on insight from podiatrists, physical therapists, SELF staffers, and SELF Sneaker Awards testers.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Amazon1BrooksAdrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoe$140 AMAZON $140 DICK’S $140 ZAPPOS $140 BROOKSThere’s a reason the Brooks Adrenaline has been a favorite stability shoe within the running community for many years: It offers a beautiful balance of support and cushion, without feeling too clunky. It comes highly recommended by Dr. Mendeszoon—plus it has a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA), which recognizes products that promote good foot health.It’s also a top choice of NASM-certified personal trainer and SLT Tread instructor Rani Vance. “They are the most supportive and lightweight shoes that I’ve run in,” she previously told SELF. “They put my ankle into the best position during my run.”
Asics2AsicsGel-Kayano 30 Running Shoes$160 ASICS $160 ZAPPOS $180 REIAnother popular stability running shoe, the Asics Gel-Kayano is a great choice for flat-footed runners. “Asics is renowned for its support and cushioning, and [this shoe] is no exception. It offers ample arch support for flat-footed individuals, promoting a smooth and comfortable ride,” Taylor Kuhlmann, DPT, CSCS, a physical therapist based in Kansas, tells SELF. The newest model features an updated, adaptive guidance system, which combines an external heel counter with an energetic foam midsole to help nudge your foot into the best position with each stride. This design isn’t meant to restrict movement, but rather adjust to your body to provide support through pronation changes over the course of a run.

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Zappos3BrooksAddiction GTS 15$140 ZAPPOS ~~$140~~ $105 DICK’SThe Brooks Addiction is one of Dr. Mendeszoon’s favorite motion-control shoes. It features the brand’s “Guide Rails” technology, which can help minimize excess movement, even if a runner’s form gets sloppy due to fatigue. This model features plenty of room in the forefoot—a major bonus for Dr. Mendeszoon—plus plenty of plush cushioning for a comfy ride. It also comes in four different width options (narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide) so you can find the perfect fit. And, like the Adrenaline, this Brooks sneaker comes with an APMA seal of acceptance.
Amazon4SauconyGuide 16 Sneaker~~$140~~ $93 AMAZON ~~$140~~ $99 ZAPPOSMultiple experts we chatted with recommend this shoe for runners with flat feet. “It provides good stability while still being cushioned,” says Dr. Kuhlmann, who notes that the shoe’s foam feels responsive and durable. A guidance frame made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a super-sturdy material, provides extra support. The shoe is also designed to seamlessly and comfortably contour to your foot for a personalized fit.