Whether you’re a runner who has flat feet or are shopping for another athlete who does, ensuring that the proper footwear is worn is key to maintaining podiatric health and longevity — that’s where running shoes for flat feet come in.
Suzanne Fuchs, a board-certified podiatrist, explains that “running shoes for flat feet are specifically designed to provide additional support and stability to individuals with flat arches or overpronation.”
Shop TODAY enlisted the help of board-certified podiatrists and our team of shopping editors to learn more about running shoes for flat feet. Our experts also filled us in on their favorite pairs and those they recommend people wear while running to make the most of their workouts (and spare their feet from preventable distress).
Once you start sprinting while wearing one of our front-runners, you’ll be putting your best foot forward... and that’s something we can get behind.
Difference of regular shoes vs. flat feet shoes | Features to look for | Best running shoes for flat feet | Expert-approved flat feet running shoes | How we chose | Meet the experts
What makes running shoes for flat feet different from other running shoes?
“Running shoes for flat feet differ from regular running shoes by providing enhanced arch support, motion control for added reinforcement and stability during movement," explains Miguel Cunha, a surgical podiatrist and the founder of Gotham Footcare.
He goes on to say that they also have a "dense, supportive [and] cushioned midsole to prevent overpronation."
In fact, Bruce Pinker, a New York-based board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, adds that the level of support running shoes for flat feet provide for the medial arch is typically a key distinction to prevent overpronation.
What to look for in running shoes for flat feet
The most important things to look for in running shoes for flat feet are fit, arch support, and cushioning.
- Arch support: The firmer the better when it comes to running shoes for flat feet. “Shoes should provide adequate support for flat arches, which may include firmer midsoles or built-in arch supports to prevent overpronation,” says Fuchs. Pinker adds that many running shoes for flat feet contain extra support for the medial arch via technology such as the Rollbar technology many New Balance shoes offer.
- Fit: When shopping for running shoes for flat feet, ensuring they fit properly is essential. According to Fuchs, running shoes for flat feet should be snug and suppress any unwanted foot movement from occurring while running.
- Direction: Paying attention to the direction of the shoe is also important. “The shoe should be straight-lasted and wide at the midsole,” explains Anne Sharkey, double board-certified podiatrist.
- Cushioning: Although we can’t say that your feet won’t experience any pressure when running in your new shoes (because you’ll be running), limiting the amount of pressure your feet endure is significant, especially for individuals with flat feet. Najwa Javed, a board-certified podiatrist, notes that ample cushioning works to absorb shock and minimize the amount of pressure the feet receive.
Running shoes for flat feet
Women-owned: Ryka Women's Devotion
- Doesn't flare out
- Very cushioning
- Not ideal for pronators
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 15 | Materials: Mesh and rubber
The cushioning technology on this pair is designed for shock absorption and stability. Many shoppers with wide feet and flat feet recommend this pair, but they usually run errands in them instead of running.
If you have a high instep, this is also a great shoe, especially when you add the extra thickness of socks. In general, Ryka fits the feature requirements since it's designed with an an anatomical insole and extra Re-zorb which helps to reduce impact.
Always supportive: Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 22
- Very breathable
- Feel lightweight
- Narrower feel
Sizes: 5 to 11.5 | Colors: 34 | Materials: Synthetic and rubber
Looking for a smooth ride? Opt for this pair from Brooks. The shoe features a series of cushioning technology and a support system to provide stability for many runners.
But if you have flat feet (and even bunions), this shoe is going to provide the padding you need. Whether you're going out for a run or a long walk, Brooks is a reliable brand for over-pronations, ankle pain and serious runners.
Editor-approved kicks: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
- Last a long time
- Great for flat feet
- Require tall socks
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: 19 | Materials: Knit and rubber
Social media video producer Anita Chomenko has flat feet and this pair ran its course (after her third purchase). "I overpronate without correction, so when I was looking for a new pair of running sneakers, I ended up finding the Asics Gel Nimbus. I also look for sneakers with high levels of cushioning and these fit the bill," says Chomenko.
"I have run three half marathons in this pair and they always take me through my whole training journey! I have purchased and repurchased these and wouldn’t hesitate to buy another pair," she raves.
Expert-approved running shoes for flat feet
Best for wide feet: New Balance Women’s W1540 V3 Running Shoe
- Podiatrist-approved
- Limited color options
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Colors: Two | Materials: Mesh, polyurethane, and Ndurance rubber
If you’re looking for running shoes for flat feet that are also wide, look no further than this pair from New Balance that Javed recommends. “The New Balance 1540v3 is designed with a dual-density foam midsole, providing firm support to control excessive pronation and ensuring a more natural stride for those with flat feet.”
Although this pair is only available in two colors, it’s available in widths 2A to 4E so more people can wear them. We can’t forget to mention that these shoes have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance and are made with Rollbar technology.
Best for alignment: Saucony Guide 17
- Has stabilizing technology
- Extra cushioning
- Not available in narrow width
Sizes: 5 to 12 | Colors: 11 | Materials: Mesh, EVA, and rubber
As we covered earlier, aligning your feet while running is pivotal to keeping them healthy and uninjured. The Saucony Guide 17 shoes do just that. These shoes “provide a perfect balance of stability and flexibility, making it an ideal running shoe for individuals with flat feet,” says Cahuna. “Its responsive cushioning, exclusive CenterPath Technology and higher sidewalls for structural support help maintain proper foot alignment.”
These sneakers have a 6-millimeter drop and cushioning all the while contained inside a shell made with at least 20% recycled materials. Regardless of whether you have flat feet that fit regular, wide, and extra wide widths, you can select one (or more) pairs of these shoes available in 11 colors.
Best for men: New Balance Fresh Foam 860v14
- Round toe
- Ventilated outer
- Higher price point
Sizes: 7 to 16 | Colors: Eight | Materials: Synthetic (specific material is not listed)
When it comes to men’s running shoes for flat feet, Cunha recommends this pair from New Balance. “With its innovative Fresh Foam midsole technology, rocker profile and reliable arch support, the New Balance Fresh Foam 860v14 is an excellent choice for individuals with flat feet, ensuring performance with comfort and stability.”
Made with soft cushioning from nearly 3% bio-based product, your feet will experience reduced impact (or shock) with every stride. They’re also easy to lace up and adjust for a secure fit that won’t leave your feet hanging (literally).
Best technology: Hoka Arahi 7
- Feel lightweight
- Ideal for narrow feet
- Toe box not wide enough
Products Specs
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 12 (seasonal and core) | Materials: Recycled polyester and compression-molded EVA
Made with a 5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop and Hoka’s proprietary J-Frame technology, Cunha recommends these running shoes for their advanced features.
In addition to the midsole technology, these shoes are equipped with a flat-knit upper that helps to keep feet in place so you don’t have to worry about them moving out of place while on your jog.
How we chose
To compile our list of the best running shoes for flat feet, Shop TODAY considered the recommendations provided to us by the board-certified podiatrists and ankle surgeons we interviewed. We also included picks recommended by our team of shopping editors at TODAY.
Meet the experts
- Suzanne Fuchs, MD, is a board-certified podiatrist at Luxe Podiatry in Palm Beach, Florida.
- Bruce Pinker, DPM, is a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at the New York-based Progressive Foot Care.
- Anne Sharkey, DPM, is a double board-certified podiatrist at North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute in Austin, Texas.
- Najwa Javed, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist at Silicon Valley Podiatry Group.
- Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a Miguel Cunha, surgical podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare.
