Let's just all agree that we are always on a hunt for comfortable shoes. Despite the fact that our sneakerhead brain has made us collect different practical/impractical, cool, iconic, limited edition kicks, we all have a fair share of versatile pairs that keep us moving with ease and are a no-brainer for our everyday ensemble. A piece of common knowledge about shoes remains that different activities and occasions need different kinds, like running, trekking/hiking, and every day, and they need to be even more thoughtfully chosen if you experience some specific concerns and conditions. The most common one among those is flat feet, which could cause serious pain, chafing, and bunions if you don't invest in a good pair that addresses the concern. Here is our complete guide on everything you need to take into account if you have flat feet, along with the seven best pairs for the same.
No More Tears: 7 Best Shoes For Flat Feet To Kick The Pain Away
How To Know If You Have Flat Feet
Flat feet happen when arches don't develop on the bottom of your feet during childhood. This condition can also develop later in life with an injury or age-related wear and tear.
To check if you have flat feet, stand up straight and ask someone to check the arch. If it is there, you don't have flat feet; if it's not, then you do. Another very simple method to check if you have flat feet is to attempt to make a footprint.
What To Look For While Buying Flat Feet Friendly Shoes
1. Always choose shoes that have extra support in the middle, ie the arch area.
2. Pick shoes that enclose your heel, so that the sole and your foot move together, and you will have no amount of discomfort.
3. Ensure that the heel of your shoes is slightly raised, so that it alleviates and divides pressure from mid-sole.
4. Try to invest in pairs that have removable insoles so there can be room for custom orthotic inserts.
5. Avoid shoes with a narrow and pointed front, this is a good rule in general, but is all the more important for folks who have flat feet.
With this understanding, let's look at the best eight pairs available in the market.
Hoka Women's ARAHI 6 Purple Running Shoes
â‚ą12999
Hoka is known for its high-comfort shoes and lightweight materials, and this Arahi 6 Purple Running Shoe is a popular choice among individuals with flat feet. They are designed in a way that prevents over-pronation (the stress on the arches that causes flattening of the feet) and come with recycled mesh lining, ortholite sockliner, J-frame midsole support, and a CMEVA midsole. Their extra cushioning and meta-rocker support will help you move with ease and provide strong support, and they are a great pair for your long strolls and brisk morning walks.
Glycerin GTS 20 - Wide Women's Road Running Shoes
â‚ą14999
The Glycerin GTS 20 by Brooks is a great option for someone looking for running shoes and is especially great in terms of versatility, breathability, and comfort. They are very lightweight, with supremely soft DNA LOFT v3, and keep one's stride in check. Their underfoot support is incredible and is very roomy in the front, keeping your flat feet assisted in all the right places.
GT-2000 12 Lite Show
â‚ą12999
Asics produces some of the most high-quality shoes and other apparel, and this GT-2000 12 Lite is a solid choice for flat feet. They are stable trainers with smoother heel-to-toe transitions, along with an updated midsole that has FB Blast technology. This feature is also responsible for an energised toe-off, with cloud-like softness underfoot. They also have an elevated heel, which helps with a silky smooth transition from foot strike to toe-off, while also preventing over-pronation.
We also would highly recommend the GT-400 12 Lite Show, which is a great pick within the same price range.
Adrenaline GTS 22 - Women's Road Running Shoes
â‚ą7499
Another gem of Brooks, the Adrenaline GTS 22 is considered the best running shoe for flat feet. They are highly durable, comfortable, and supportive, with an in-built arch that eliminates over-pronation. It also has a GuideRails support system that provides extra cushioning to keep your feet in a neutral position while you run.
Ultraboost Light Shoes
â‚ą18999
Remember when we said that good shoes for flat feet include removable insoles, well these just have that. This one is a great staple pair, that is lightweight, with comfortable cushioning, and is an adaptive fit. The removable rubber insole has an great grip, and a very supportive midsole, that directly solves the arch issue of flat feet. Its stability and grippy traction is one of the best and comes in more than 12 colours.
Women'S Ride 16-Black/White-7 | Saucony
â‚ą12990
It is an ideal running shoe for folks who have flat feet and have just begun running. Their main USP is two Gilly straps, one of which extends down to the mid-sole, and the other one wraps around all the way to near the rear. This feature provides overall stability, much more than any neutral shoe, and makes them perfect for running and jogging.
Solarglide 4 ST Shoes
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Adidas Solarglide ST 4 has a Solar Propulsion Rail that guides the foot and controls the over-pronation. Its regular width in the front gives the foot plenty of room to move around and the BOOST cushioning technology offers a comfortable, and responsive stride. We love it for stability and comfort, and the heel-to-toe drop is perfect for treks and mini-hikes.
FAQs
Do flat feet have any benefits?
Well, other than being able to absorb shock better and having a slight edge in swimming, there are no proven advantages to having flat feet, but they should be no cause of concern as well if you don't experience any pain or discomfort.
What should one refrain from if they have flat feet?
Nothing, but if you feel minor pain, you can skip high-intensity workouts and activities, as they will further aggravate the pain.
Can you correct flat feet?
There are many surgeries that can be done to develop an arch, plus physical therapies also significantly help with mobility and flexibility.
