Podiatrists Agree: These Walking Sneakers Are *Great* For Flat Feet (2024)

Our fitness editors say Asics' GT-2000 is the absolute best running shoe for flat feet, thanks to its added arch support. It also features three levels of cushioning that provide shock absorption, soft heel strikes, and a rolling motion–for smooth strides. All of these details also make it an ideal walking shoe for low arches.

We also love the heel is loaded with extra shock absorption, which helps reduce the pressure on your joints. Plus, we found that while the midsole is firm in the middle to support our arches, it's still comfortable enough to walk and stand in all day. We just wished the outsole was a bit grippier for those rain day jaunts.

When you need extra support, these are the walking shoes to reach for. We love that these sneakers have a removable insole that has a stiff center for arch support, along with a sturdy heel counter to keep your feet from rolling inward. Even more, the footbed is biomechanical, meaning it features contours that align with most people's feet for added support.

Vionic is a relatively new sneaker brand that was designed by podiatrists, and a couple of our own experts swear by the label. "It has been a go-to shoe for me, and our patients love them," says podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a board-certified foot surgeon in New York City.

This Hoka features the brand's H-frame insole, which has firm sides and a soft center to prevent your feet from rolling inward or side to side. McAllister notes that these walking shoes deliver the stability flat feet need, but still has the brand's signature cushioning that's comfortable enough to wear for hours. Even the American Podiatric Medical Association has given this Hoka shoe its seal of approval.

"Some more flat-footed folks have complained about the 'pokey' arch on the Gaviota 5," said one of our contributors in her testing of the best motion control shoes. "I’m a flat-footed runner, and I haven’t particularly had an issue with it, but you should be aware that others with a similar foot structure have."

Read more: Best Hoka Running Shoes

When you want to walk miles on a treadmill, reach for these sneakers. We love that it has a soft-but-not-plush cushion, so that it's comfortable enough to walk on a tread belt, but still has enough support to keep your feet from rolling inward.

This sneaker features an ergonomic midsole that provides stiff arch support, stabilizes your foot, and guides your heel-to-toe steps for smooth walking. Though take note: our testers note that you'll probably need to size up for the best fit.

"These shoes provide the perfect amount of cushion for your poor knees so you're completely pain-free after you get off and go about your day," WH Associate Fashion and Commerce Editor Lily Woehlner wrote in her testing of the best on running shoes.

Read more: Best Treadmill Walking Shoes

Many supportive shoes tend to have soft and chunky silhouettes that feature a platform height (see: Hokas). However, we love that these Lululemon walking shoes boast a sleek low profile that provides additional stability to flat feet. With streamlined soles that are closer to the ground, people with flat feet are able to find balance much quicker than walking in a plush sneaker.

The main caveat to walking in low profile shoes is that they are better suited for indoor walks on a treadmill. If you were to walk in these sneakers on rocky ground, you’re more likely to feel the edges of every pebble, stone, and stick on the ground.

If you want a walking shoe that's both supporting and convenient, try this on for size. We like that it features two secure hook-and-loop strips that are easy to slip on and off for days when you just want to get out the door. According to Pinker, this Brooks sneak has a diagonal roll bar in the middle of the insole that helps provide arch support, while also keeping your shoot from rolling inward. Also, the responsive cushioning prevents your feet from feeling fatigued on long walks. However, in our testing, we found that the upper is stiffer than most shoes on this list, which might not be great if your feet tend to sweat a lot.

Read more: Best Brooks Running Shoes

Klaw 528

Arch support: When choosing a walking shoe for flat feet, look for an option with ample medial arch support. The medial arch, also referred to as the “inner” arch, goes from underneath the base of the big toe to the heel, along the underside of the foot. “Shoes for flat feet should have a stiff sole underneath the arch of the foot,” says McAllister.

Design: Pinker notes that the design of a supportive walking shoe for flat feet should have a durable upper and an EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) footbed to keep your feet comfortable, but locked in from rolling inward. Also McAllister says that shoes for flat feet should flex only at the forefoot, where it's less likely to cause overpronation.

Stability: “For flat feet, one should look for a walking shoe with a stable heel counter," Pinker says. The heel counter is at the back of a shoe, which cups your foot from the sides and back to keep your heel in place.

Fit: “Proper footwear typically feels right immediately when placed on your foot,” says McAllister. That means it's not too tight, but still enough to let your toes splay.

Both Pinker and McAllister have their own methods for determining whether or not you have flat feet at home. Pinker’s way involves giving yourself “The Wet Test,” while McAllister’s method asks you to take a good look at yourself in the mirror.

Wet Test: “Submerge your feet in water and then walk across a large piece of paper,” says Pinker. Then, take a look at the footprint you’ve just made. If the shape is more of an oval, the foot surgeon says that you probably have a flat foot. However, if your footprint looks more like a skinny question mark, then you’ve got more of a high arch. “Anything found in between those two outlines indicates a normal foot type,” he says.

Mirror Test: Stand in front of a mirror with bare feet. “Lift up your toes. Then drop your toes," says McAllister. "Does your foot flatten and spread out? If so, you might have flat feet."

• Caryn McAllister, PT, DPT, is a podiatrist, physiotherapist, and CEO of High Quality Home Therapy in Stamford, CT.
• Brad Schaeffer, DPM, is a board-certified foot surgeon and podiatrist in New York City.
• Bruce Pinker, DPM, is a board-certified foot surgeon and podiatrist in New York City.

Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis | Best Slippers For Arch Support | Best Walking Shoes | Best Motion Control Shoes | Best Running Shoes For Beginners | Best Running Shoes For Women | Best Stability Running Shoes | Best Long Distance Running Shoes