Did you know that having flat feet is a characteristic commonly found in many people?
Someone is described as having a flat foot when the inside arch of the foot touches the floor in a standing position.
If you have flat feet, rest assured, this shouldn’t limit you in your running, daily activities, or playing your favourite sport.
Yes, this also applies to running, especially if you make a point of getting the right pair of shoes.
This guide will highlight the best running shoes for flat feet.
Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5
Clear the path for the Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5, an incredibly versatile shoe and suitable for people with flat feet. From road to trail, this shoe is sure to provide good grip with it’s 4 mm lugs on the outsole.
The dual-layer mesh on the upper part allows it to be breathable on all your runs, but also provides some durability. You will feel like you are flying as this is also the lightest shoe on our list, weighing 218g and 266g for womens and mens models respectively.
It also has an oversized EVA midsole which not only provides support, but cushioning at the same time. The only downside may be that the colours are bright and might not suit those who are looking for something more neutral.
PROS
- Appropriate for all surfaces
- Breathable and durable
- Provides great grip with 4mm lugs
- Light (218g/266g)
CONS
- Bright colours might not suit everyone
New Balance 860v9
Get ready to hit the road with New Balance’s 860v9 shoe, perfect for those with flat feet. The midsole has TrueFuse technology which allows for good stability while still maintaining a cushion aspect.
The blown rubber outsole allows enough grip for different road running conditions.
The upper shoe is made of mesh which allows the shoe to be lighter and more breathable.
However, this feature also means that the mesh is a little less sturdy and can wear out more quickly. They may also be less suitable for people who run in colder temperatures.
Despite the fact that it may not be as durable and as suitable for all temperatures, this shoe is the best value for your money and will keep you running comfortably.
PROS
- Midfoot is stable and comfortable
- Light (272g/327g) and breathable
- Good road grip
CONS
- Mesh material on top of shoe can wear out quicker and may not be suitable for colder temperature
Brooks Dyad 10
Brooks designed these shoes to cater to people with flat feet as they have a broader fit. This also allows those who wear orthotics, which can often be the case for people with flat feet, to comfortably wear these shoes.
The midfoot portion of this shoe has dual stability which provides better stabilization. This feature is good for people who are seeking more support, but might not be suitable for those who are looking for more flexibility.
The upper part of the shoe allows for good breathability as Brooks has made it of air mesh.
Even though these have a rubber outsole, they are mostly designed for road running and may not be suitable when the conditions are more slippery.
PROS
- Can be worn with orthotics
- Good breathability
- Good stabilization at the midfoot
CONS
- Specific to road running, may be more slippery on wet surfaces
- Less flexibility
Asics Mens GT-3000 5
Asics designed the Asics Mens GT-3000 5 to provide more grip due to the tough abrasion rubber used on the soles. This rubber is placed where the heavier points of contact are and this also allows the shoe to be more durable.
This model is also very breathable due to the mesh material which has an underlay, thus ensuring more sturdiness.
The Dynamic Duomax technology on the inside portion of the foot provides extra support for the flat foot, which may cause more discomfort for those not wanting a stiff feeling. However, the padding in both the heel and forefoot compensate for the stiffer mid portion.
PROS
- Increased durability
- Great level of arch support
- Breathable
- Extra comfort at the heel and forefoot
CONS
- Increased stiffness of the midfoot may cause discomfort in some people
Saucony Peregrine 8 Trail
Make way for the Saucony peregrine 8, perfect for trail runners and suitable if you have flat feet.
The midsole provides support, but is also shock absorbant which helps to dissipate the impact on trail runs. The intense lug system, on the outsole is sure to provide more traction on uneven or slippery surfaces.
There is also a protective plate on the forefoot which protects against sharp objects, but some report it is less protective as this one doesn’t also include a rock plate at the midfoot.
As for staying dry, this shoe is equipped with RUNDRY lining which keep the moisture away.
PROS
- Good for trail running
- Support and comfort of midfoot
- Protective against sharp objects
- Keeps feet dry
CONS
- Slightly less protection at the midfoot (no rock plate)
Finding The Best Running Shoes For Flat Feet
So you’re ready to buy new shoes, but you don’t know where to start. Listed below are a few tips to help guide your next purchase.
1. Comfort
This one seems obvious, but you would be surprised how many sacrifice comfort for a more expensive or better looking shoe.
Make sure you put both shoes on in the store and run around with them. The shoe should respect the anatomy of your foot.
If it’s too tight or too loose this can lead to ingrown nails, blisters and bruised toenails which will quickly ruin your running experience.
You should be able to move your toes inside the shoe without the foot sliding freely from front to back.
2. Weight
This one is straight forward. If the shoe already feels heavy in your hand, chances are this will also weigh you down on your run. The lighter the shoe, the better the runner!
3. Flexibility
Ideally, you want the shoe to have a maximum flexibility to allow for natural movement of the foot when you’re out on your run.
Take the shoe and try to twist it from left to right on itself. If it doesn’t move at all, it will feel like you’re running with a stiff cast and it won’t allow your foot to move freely.
4. Running Surface
It’s important to determine what kind of runner you are before purchasing your new shoes.
Are you more of a trail or road runner, or are you a hybrid? If you’re more of a trail runner, you might need a shoe than can provide more grip and that has a waterproof material.
These features are not as important if you only plan on running on the street or indoors.
The most important takeaway here is to make sure the shoe is comfortable for your own foot.
Try on different pairs and run around in them before you make your decision. Try to also shop for your shoes in the afternoon or in the evening as our feet swell up throughout the day.
That being said, let’s have a look at five different shoe models that are suitable for runners with flat feet.
Verdict
All the shoes in this review are suitable for runners with flat feet and cover a range of different styles and features.
The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 5 was the top pic for this review as it is the lightest and the most versatile. From trail to road runs, this shoe has got you covered.
The only downside is that the colour choice is not very extensive, which is a minor detail that doesn’t affect the quality.
When you choose your next pair of shoes, it’s important to take into account your own comfort as well as your specific running conditions to choose a pair that is adapted to your needs.
