- Alan Martin
Updated:
Menu
Running can take a toll on your feet, even more so if you suffer from flat feet. Flat feet, also known as Pes Planus, is a condition in which the entire sole of your foot is constantly touching the floor when you stand. Normally, there should be some space in between. While many people do not experience symptoms, if you feel pain in the heel or arch area, those are signs of flat feet. When you begin to look for running shoes for high arches, this will help keep the pain you feel on your runs to a minimum. These shoes will keep you running and doing what you love. Below are some of the best running shoes for flat feet.
This is one of the best stability shoes known for its lightweight and responsive ride. This shoe is made to reduce overpronation without it feeling bad or intrusive. The shoe is even made with a newly reconstructed mesh upper that allows your feet to breathe and feel more flexible.
This is Hoka One One’s stability shoe that gets rid of those stiff and harsh rides. The heavily cushioned midsole brings the best kind of softness to a flat-footed runner. No longer will you feel that pain in your knees since the softness of the shoe supplies great energy return to ensure that you keep moving forward on your run.
The Saucony Guide 13’s will make any person feel supported when they run, especially if you have flat feet. Unlike most stability shoes, this shoe uses a hard foam underneath the arch to help lower overpronation. This shoe has a PWRRUN foam that has been updated to improve shock absorption, become softer, and gives you a little more bounce as well. Plus, it makes the durability of these shoes that much better!
These shoes are made for any person that enjoys running long distances, trains daily, or when you want your feet to recover from a rough day before. The cushioning from the Guide 13 protects your feet and legs from impact, and the new upper is great for your feet, whether they are wide or narrow.
There has not been much change from the previous Wave Inspire versions when talking about the midsole of this new model. The outsole of these shoes is made out of blown rubber. Inside the midsole, you will find a double fan wave which is basically the medial post that supplies the stability. The forefoot is what makes these shoes stand out. You will notice that your toes are able to be both flexible and bouncy.
While this shoe offers a lot in both flexibility and protection for your feet, it does come at a price, and that price is stiffness. Even though there is flexibility in the forefoot while you run, the overall experience you will have is a stiff one. You will be able to push the pace with this shoe but the energy return is not great. The Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 is definitely a firm ride.
SEE ALSO: Mizuno Wave Inspire 17
This model builds from its earlier versions. The Asics GT-2000 9 has a redesigned footbed to improve the step-in feel when you run. You will also find that this shoe is lighter and softer than any of the previous shoes made in this line. To make things better, the upper of this shoe is made more breathable and durable, so you have comfort no matter how far you run.
Asics is pretty consistent on how they make their running shoes. It has a traditional feel and decent stability to go along with a protective run for miles. Along with its updated mesh upper, you will get a secure fit and your feet with the ability to breathe.
The Bedlam 3 is an everyday running shoe that you will find comfortable, stable, and bouncy. The midsole is made with high responsive foam to give them that bouncy feel when you run. They offer stability if you are a flat-footed runner. They have integrated guide rails that will help your foot go to the right gait. They also protect your ankles and knees.
These shoes are more on the lighter side, and while it may be hard to tell the difference between this shoe and its training counterpart, you will find that the Brooks Bedlam 3 will provide a stable ride for you and your daily long runs.
The new and improved Fresh Foam Vongo V4 is updated to be a more comfortable and breathable shoe. It is a shoe that should be able to hold your foot firmly in place. It has a fresh foam midsole to help support your flat feet, and the design makes these shoes look sleek and feel lighter than most.
This shoe hits a sweet spot between feeling comfortable on your run while being balanced. Usually, you will run into string issues when a shoe has a thin tongue, but this model comes with nice-sized laces that have some stretch. The Vongo V4’s combine a low drop, good cushion, and varus angled midsole to offer solid stability on your run.
Asics have been some of the best-selling shoes for some time now. The Gel-Kayano 27 offers high stability and exceptional cushioning. Some of the new updates for this shoe include an external heel counter, deeper flex grooves in the rubber outsole’s forefoot, and an upper that is made to be much more breathable.
If you like running shoes that will give you both a stable and smooth long-distance run, you will like the ASICS Gel-Kayano 27’s. Even though they are heavier shoes, you will still notice that they are very flexible. This model is still considered one of the best on the market when it comes to running shoes.
If you enjoy soft running shoes that will support flat feet, this is the model shoe for you. The Fresh Foam 860v11 is best for runners who do not like to change up their pace too much on their run. It is also designed to help people who have fatigue in the final miles of their long run.
This new model brings a bit more comfort and motion control to your runs thanks to a stable underfoot, making sure that your foot does not move a lot when you are running. The outsole is made to withstand difficult terrain and get great traction when you are out running.
This motion control shoe is very well cushioned and offers great support in the medial post of the shoe. The upper is made in a way that lowers the weight of the shoe while making it really nice to look at. Now the shoe is no longer restrictive and allows them to be more snug on your feet, preventing any pain you may feel.
The Adrenaline GTS 20 brings natural stability and cushioning when you’re on your run. You will not have to worry about constantly replacing them as they will last you quite some time. The upper offers a soft but also secure run for those that wear it. If comfortability and support are the two biggest things you look for in shoes, these may be the ones for you.
SEE ALSO: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21
This is one of the more unique running shoes out there. The tongue of this shoe is huge, while it is asymmetric along with a small insole. The shoe also contains a harness that is internal for arch support. It will support you with cushioning and motion control as you are out on your run. The Provision 4’s best attributes are their arch supports, which is great if you have flat feet and the issues that come with them.
Not only do these shoes offer great support if you overpronate, but they also are some of those more comfortable running shoes you can find. They are light on your feet and have a great cushion that will make your run even more energetic. You can wear these for either short or long runs, along with everyday training. The Altra Provision 4 is a nice investment.
There are a few things to look for when you consider buying shoes. The first thing you need to look at whether your flat feet are genetic or from a muscle weakness. If they are from the latter, you can rehabilitate your flat feet back to normal.
First, you are going to want shoes that have a good amount of cushion in them. These are great if you have high arches or your feet are rough and shift weight to the outside when you run. The next thing to look for is shoe stability. Stability shoes are good if you find yourself constantly overpronating or if you have an arch that wants to collapse. Motion-control shoes could be a great solution as well. These kinds of shoes are for severe pronation issues where you constantly feel pain.
In the end, the thing you are looking for the most is comfortability. So when you think it is time to buy yourself a pair, you should go to a place with a very knowledgeable staff. It is imperative that you try the shoes out before you buy them. Try your shoes on earlier in the day when your feet are not swollen. If you follow this guidance, you should be able to find shoes that not only help with your flat feet but enhance your running experience as well.
A good running shoe will reduce the amount of pain you feel when you are out on your run. Having flat feet will cause overpronation, which is when your ankle bends inward as your ankle hits the ground. Not all flat-footed people suffer from this, but you will feel pain from your foot, hip, knee, back, and ankle if you do. All of this can cause stress on your body. To avoid this, running shoes with both stability and firm midsoles will help keep your arch from collapsing. This means your shoe is your support as you run. If your running shoe is not supporting your feet, then it has no value to you at all.
Genetics is the primary cause of flat feet. There are some things you can do to help it. Physical therapy is an option to help with flat feet. Arch supports, stretching exercises, and supportive shoes all can help. Weight loss is a great way to take pressure off your feet to alleviate any pain.
Flat feet have shallow arches or none at all. There is usually a gap between the inner part of your feet and the floor when you stand. These arches are meant to help distribute weight throughout your body. Some people experience no symptoms with flat feet, while others can show severe symptoms. These symptoms will show up around your ankles or knees.
Not necessarily, no. It is suggested that you only wear your orthotics while you walk or stand. You are more likely to be standing or walking than running. When it comes to running, you should really focus on the shoe. A good running shoe can be more beneficial to you than a bad running shoe with orthotics in them.
Run Trails is an independent website created by trail running enthusiasts. The views expressed on this site may come from individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Run Trails or any other organization.
