If you have flat feet, you’re probably all too familiar with the pain that starts after a long day of walking. Whether you walk for exercise or you just want to feel comfortable on your feet, wearing supportive walking shoes can help cut down on discomfort.
“A flat foot type requires the shoe to be wide enough at the ball of the foot and supportive in the midsole or arch of the foot to limit the collapse of the arch,” Nelya Lobkova, DPM, ABPM Certified Surgical Podiatrist, says. On top of a wide toe box, a good pair of walking shoes for flat feet should also have stability and plenty of traction.
Tested & Approved
We found that the best overall walking shoe for flat feet was the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22. It has the perfect balance between support and cushioning, making it an ideal choice for all types of walking. We also love Saucony Guide 15 for its soft feel that doesn’t compromise on stability.
Our expert tested a dozen pairs of walking shoes at home to ensure they provide enough width, support, and stability for flat feet. Each pair of shoes was tested multiple times, with walks varying in time and intensity. To craft our list of best shoes, we also referenced the American Podiatric Medical Association’s list of shoes that have earned their Seal of Acceptance.
According to our test, here are the best walking shoes for flat feet.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is our best overall pick because it offers structure and stability in a lightweight shoe with enough cushioning for all-day wear.
Best Men’s Overall
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Cushioning
4.5/5
Responsiveness
4.5/5
Lateral Stability
5/5
Fit
4.5/5
Value
4.5/5
Comfortable cushioning
No break-in period needed
Not warm enough for cold weather walks
Our tester noticed that these shoes fit perfectly right out of the box, with no break-in period needed. They earned a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for lateral stability and support, in part due to Brooks’ “GuideRails Technology.” This is the brand’s way of saying that extra cushioning in the shoe’s heel helps minimize excess movement, which provides support for your feet, knees, and hips.
The Adrenaline GTS 22 provided the ideal amount of cushion—not too soft, not too firm—on all the testing walks. As an added bonus, they earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Approval, which recognizes products that promote good foot health.
Testing Notes: “One of the best shoes I tried. Very structured and supportive, yet the upper material is soft and super comfortable. These felt great to wear right out of the box.”
These shoes struck the perfect balance between support, stability, and cushioning, making them very comfortable for both brisk and long walks.Price at time of publication: $140Key Specs:Weight: 10.2 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Firm
For the best overall women’s shoe, our tester loved the Asics Gel Kayano, which felt stable and supportive right out of the box. The fit of the shoe ranked perfectly with a score of 5 out of 5, as it required no break-in time and was comfortable starting on the first test walk.
Best Women’s Overall
Asics Women’s Gel-Kayano 28
Cushioning
4/5
Responsiveness
5/5
Lateral Stability
4/5
Fit
5/5
Value
4/5
Great shock absorption
Comfortable on longer walks
Good for all-terrain walking
May be too narrow for some users
Our tester noted that the combination of stability and cushioning in these shoes was great for long walks. This pair has gel cushioning, which helps minimize shock during impact. She also appreciated the traction on the soles, which was useful during trail walks.
Testing Notes: “I’ve never worn Asics before, and I now understand why they come so highly recommended by runners and walkers. I love how they feel responsive but not super bouncy, and I really do notice the shock absorption the gel cushioning in the heel provides, especially on my longer test walks.”
The breathable upper fabric is structured but not too stiff, and it’s thick enough so you can walk confidently in colder weather. Overall, the Gel Kayano is the ideal shoe for all types of walks.Price at time of publication: $110Key Specs:Weight: 9.1 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Firm
If you prefer a lightweight walking shoe, the Saucony Guide 15 has you covered. It provides adequate stability for flat feet—earning it a 5 out of 5 for lateral stability and support—while weighing in at under 10 ounces. Our tester enjoyed the feel of the extra soft, flexible mesh upper, noting that this shoe would be great for traveling.
Best Lightweight
Saucony Guide 15 Running Shoe
Cushioning
4/5
Responsiveness
3.5/5
Lateral Stability
5/5
Fit
5/5
Value
4.5/5
Soft, flexible upper
Deep footbed
Doesn’t offer as much arch support as other options
Testing Notes: “These shoes are SO soft, with a flexible mesh upper that is not rigid. They’re super comfortable right off the bat. I really liked how lightweight they felt, which is unusual for a stability walking shoe.”
We also love that this pair also features a deeper footbed, which offers support from all angles, not just on the bottom. And, they’re made with vegan materials, including partially recycled materials in the mesh upper. What the Saucony Guide 15 lacks in weight, it makes up for with plenty of stability for flat feet.Price at time of publication: $105Key Specs:Weight: 9.5 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Medium
This classic walker is a solid option on a budget. For maximum support, it uses a combination of podiatrist-designed orthotics, a flexible outsole, and a breathable upper. As far as stability goes, this shoe features a thermoplastic heel counter to provide structure.
Best Men’s Budget
Vionic Classic Walker
Cushioning
3/5
Responsiveness
3/5
Lateral Stability
4/5
Fit
3/5
Value
3.5/5
Podiatrist-developed orthotics
Good traction
Leather can feel stiff
May run small
Our tester also said this shoe had good traction on the outsoles to help prevent slipping. And, we like that these walking shoes were given the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Testing Notes: “I do like that these shoes have an orthotic insert that molds to your feet. I think this is a unique feature I didn’t see in any of the other shoes I tested. They’re not the best shoes I tested, but their more affordable price is appealing if that’s your top priority.”
However, the tester added that these shoes ran small and recommended sizing up one full size. Due to the orthotic insoles, these shoes also require a bit of breaking in before they are perfectly molded to your feet.Price at time of publication: $110Key Specs:Weight: 14.1 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Firm
We like the Vionic Edin shoe for a walking shoe that’s flat feet-friendly. It features a podiatrist-designed orthotic that molds to your feet (after a few wears and some breaking in).
Best Women’s Budget
Vionic Edin Sneaker
Cushioning
3/5
Responsiveness
3/5
Lateral Stability
4.5/5
Fit
3.5/5
Value
4/5
Podiatrist-designed orthotic
Upper isn’t very breathable
Additional support features include a flexible, cushioned outsole and a lightweight upper. It also has a pull tab on the heel, which makes putting the shoe on and taking it off easier.
Testing Notes: “I think these shoes provide adequate stability for walking. Since they have an orthotic, they don’t feel as cushioned as typical running or walking sneakers, but I think once you get used to them they are comfortable and mold to your feet.”
Our tester enjoyed how these shoes felt lightweight, but still very sturdy, giving them a score of 4.5 out of 5 for lateral support and stability. They also found that these shoes run small and recommended sizing up a half size.Price at time of publication: $129Key Specs:Weight: 10 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Firm
The Hoka One One Arahi 6 is super comfortable, making it an excellent choice for longer walks. Our tester preferred wearing these shoes over others on longer walks—3 miles or more.
Best for Long Walks
Hoka One One Arahi 6
Highly reactive
Soft and breathable upper
Some may prefer less cushion and bounce
This lightweight shoe weighs just 9.3 ounces, and our tester rated it 5 out of 5 for lateral stability and support. The Arahi 6 has “J-Frame Technology,” which is the brand’s way of saying that the structure of the shoe works with your natural stride to stabilize your foot without overcorrecting your stride. The pair also earned a perfect score for blister protection, which our tester appreciated on longer walks.
Testing Notes: “Overall this shoe was very comfortable and supportive. I liked how springy, bouncy, and reactive it felt—definitely more so than others I tested.”
Additionally, this shoe is completely vegan and made from partially recycled materials. Our tester appreciated the small details that made this shoe great, including ample room in the toe box, an extended heel pull tab, and good traction on the soles.Price at time of publication: $170Key Specs:Weight: 9.3 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Medium
If you want plush cushioning in your walking shoe, we recommend Saucony’s Triumph 19. Our tester gave this shoe a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for cushioning, adding that these shoes were comfortable right out of the box and didn’t require any break-in period.
Best for Cushion
Saucony Women’s Triumph 19 Running Shoe
Cushioning
5/5
Responsiveness
4/5
Lateral Stability
4.5/5
Fit
5/5
Value
4.5/5
No break-in period
Many color options
Lightweight upper too thin for cold weather walking
To ensure stability for flat feet, the Triumph 19 utilizes “FORMFIT,” which means that the shoe’s structure hugs the foot three dimensionally and stabilizes each stride, according to the brand. We also appreciate that this shoe is accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and that it’s made using some recyclable materials.
Testing Notes: “These shoes are SO comfortable right out of the box. The mesh upper is incredibly soft for a walking/running shoe, which makes it feel lightweight. These are a great option, especially if you like more cushioning.”
However, make note that the shoe’s mesh upper isn’t great for walking in colder weather.Price at time of publication: $150Key Specs:Weight: 10.2 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Medium
Fans of brisk walks and speedwalking will especially enjoy the Asics Gel Kayano 28. This shoe earned a 4.5 out of 5 in the lateral stability and support category, with better than average cushioning.
Best for Brisk Walks
Asics Men’s Gel-Kayano 28
Cushioning
4/5
Responsiveness
4/5
Lateral Stability
4.5/5
Fit
4/5
Value
4/5
Structured, yet soft support
Good traction
Not as much blister protection
The gel supports in the Kayano 28 help stabilize flat feet, ankles, knees, and hips by minimizing shock during impact. However, our tester felt that there wasn’t as much blister protection in this pair, rating the shoes a 3.5 out of 5.
Testing Notes: “I like the responsiveness you get with the gel sole. It doesn’t feel super springy, but you still feel a bit of an effortless ’lift.'”
Of all the shoes he tested, our tester said this pair felt best on brisk walks, and would even be his choice for running. The Gel Kayano also has adequate traction to support you during nature walks on your favorite trails.Price at time of publication: $110Key Specs:Weight: 10.9 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Firm
For all-day wear, we like the Nike Zoom’s structure, its classic look, and its features that help provide maximal comfort and stability.
Best for All Day Wear
Nike Zoom Structure 24
Cushioning
4.5/5
Responsiveness
3/5
Lateral Stability
4/5
Fit
3.5/5
Value
4/5
Minimal and classic design
Soft yet structured upper
Toe box may be too wide for some
The Zoom Structure has a molded heel and under-heel crash pad that creates a seamless heel-to-toe transition with each step. A foam midsole and vertical grooves down the sides of the soles further enhance stability. It all adds up to a comfortable, yet stable shoe you can wear for hours.
Testing Notes: “This shoe was overall a solid option. I liked the wide toe box and its sleek appearance.”
Our tester appreciated the structured yet soft mesh upper to avoid blisters, giving them a high score of 4 out of 5 for blister protection. He felt these shoes were comfortable right out of the box, and said their understated style made for a great everyday option.Price at time of publication: $130Key Specs:Weight: 11 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Medium
Our tester gave the New Balance Fresh Foam 860v12 a perfect 5 out of 5 score for lateral stability and support. This pair also includes a few features that are designed to help provide motion control on your walks.
Best for Motion Control
New Balance Fresh Foam 860v12
Cushioning
4/5
Responsiveness
3.5/5
Lateral Stability
5/5
Fit
4/5
Value
4/5
Firm support
Double knit upper provides additional support
Break-in period required
First, it has a supportive medial post and Ultra Heel for stability within the footbed. Additionally, the lightweight mesh upper is double knit with strategic embroidery to further stabilize your stride.
Testing Notes: “These took one or two walks to break in but afterwards, they were one of my favorites. They feel stable and the cushioning is pretty plush. I also like how they look.”
Our tester did note that these shoes took one to two walks to break in. With a pronounced heel tab, you may be more prone to developing blisters at first.Price at time of publication: $100Key Specs:Weight: 11.4 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Firm
A shoe designed with plantar fasciitis in mind, the Kuru Atom is a solid option if you suffer from heel pain. The structure of the Kuru Atom hugs your heel with every step to keep your natural heel fat pad healthy.
Best for Plantar Fasciitis
Kuru Atom
Cushioning
3.5/5
Responsiveness
2/5
Lateral Stability
3/5
Fit
3/5
Value
3.5/5
Designed to alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms
Lightweight
Stylish
Some may prefer softer cushioning
May run small
These shoes also feature a thick midsole, which provides the ideal conditions to help alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis. Our tester appreciated the soft mesh upper and sleek appearance, noting that this shoe is more stylish than traditional running or walking shoes.
Note that our tester found the Kuru shoes ran a bit small—which is why we gave it a 3 out of 5 for fit—so it might be best to size up by one half size.Price at time of publication: $160Key Specs:Weight: 12.2 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Firm
These shoes are built from the ground up with foot pain and other associated pain in mind. The Quantum trainer is a versatile walking shoe that’s our top choice for wearers with knee pain. The sole does not flatten out the fat pad on your heel, and gradually improves your alignment and posture.
Best for Bad Knees
Kuru Quantum
Cushioning
3/5
Responsiveness
2/5
Lateral Stability
4/5
Fit
3.5/5
Value
3.5/5
Highly structured support
Excellent shock absorption
Helps improve alignment, posture
Break-in period required
May run small
For flat feet, the Kuru Quantum has a thick midsole that delivers cushioning and stability with each step—which is why we gave it a 4 out of 5 for lateral stability and support. It’s also designed to maximize shock absorption, which is important for combating joint pain.
Our tester said this shoe felt more structured and sturdy than the others he tested. Because the sole molds to your feet over time, it does take some breaking in before they feel totally comfortable. We found that it helps to wear them around the house to speed up the process.Price at time of publication: $160Key Specs:Weight: 12.4 ounces | Closure: Lace up | Stability Type: Firm
Compare
How We Tested the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
We selected walking shoes after examining current research about flat feet and interviewing a podiatrist. The podiatrist we spoke to highlighted which walking shoe features benefit flat feet, and also recommended specific brands and shoe models.
Final Verdict
We strongly recommend the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 for walking shoes if you have flat feet. These shoes feel great right out of the box, with no break-in period. The structure offers stability and support to your feet, knees, and hips. Plus, they’ve earned the APMA Seal of Approval.
How We Rated the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best walking shoes for flat feet that we tested. We recommend them without reservation.
Overall, we tested 12 pairs of walking shoes—ten men’s pairs and two women’s pairs. One male tester with flat feet tested all of the men’s shoes on walks at home, and one female tester who’s an avid walker tested all of the women’s shoes. Each pair of shoes was tested on three or more walks, ranging in length from 2.5 to 5 miles. Most walks were done on sidewalks and roads, with a few test walks on trails.
After each walk, our tester rated each shoe for different factors: cushioning, responsiveness, upper comfort, fit, lateral stability and support, blister protection, and value.
One limitation to our testing is that we only had one flat-footed tester. It would have been helpful to utilize multiple testers with flat feet to compare their walking experiences and findings.
What to Look for in Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
Stability
Stability is one of the most important features to look for in a walking shoe if you have flat feet. “Stability shoes offer midfoot stability and support. These shoes are for people who pronate for longer than they should during the normal walking cycle, which are those with flat feet,” Dr. Lobkova says. Shoes with great stability are usually more rigid than neutral shoes—they should be difficult to bend at the midpoint.
Toe Box
People with flat feet will benefit from wearing wider walking shoes, especially shoes with a wide toe box. “A wide toe box minimizes the risk of developing nerve compression in the forefoot (i.e. neuroma symptoms) which can occur with narrow/tight fitted shoes,” Dr. Lobkova says.
Cushioning
In walking shoes, cushioning refers to the padding under the foot that helps reduce the impact of walking on your joints. Dr. Lobkova says that “people with flat feet do not require a high amount of cushioning, nonetheless, cushioning adds comfort and is helpful if there is any pain in the ball of the foot. Typically, I advise considering shoes with reactive or light cushioning features for those with flat feet.”
Traction
Traction is the resistance of a shoe against sliding while being pulled. According to Dr. Lobkova, “adequate traction in the outsole makes for a great outdoor training shoe but also helps maintain muscle control during lateral movement”, which helps promote joint stability. So, more traction on a shoe can offer greater stability for flat feet.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Alex Aldeborgh, MS, RDN, is a fitness enthusiast and avid walker. She walks her dog at least 3 miles each day, so she understands the importance of appropriate footwear to avoid injuries and pain. Her favorite shoe on this list is the Asics Gel Kayano 28 for its responsiveness and traction on trail walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are minimalist shoes good for flat feet?
- Minimalist shoes are designed to mimic barefoot walking and running as much as possible, while still protecting the foot from ground debris. There are varying degrees of minimalist shoes. Barefoot shoes are flexible and have no arch support, minimal cushioning, and very thin soles. Minimalist shoes offer slightly more support, and are considered in between barefoot shoes and traditional shoes. People with flat feet require adequate support and stability in the midfoot and the heel. A shoe with stability will be relatively rigid and not bend easily, which is the opposite of what a minimalist shoe offers. Because of this, Dr. Lobkova says that “people with flat feet should avoid shoes with very flexible soles and minimalist shoes.”
- Can you fix flat feet? If so, how?
- Because flat feet are characterized by a particular bone structure, they can only be permanently corrected by surgical intervention. However, most cases of flat feet are asymptomatic and therefore do not need surgical correction.Check with your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms of flat feet: “pain in the arch or midfoot, protruding bump on the inside of the foot, and tight calf muscles” says Dr. Lobkova.
- What causes flat feet?
- Dr. Lobkova says that flat feet are usually genetic. It all comes down to the alignment and bone structure in your foot, which is passed down from your relatives. “Other causes include injuries, pregnancy which increases laxity in the ligaments of the feet, obesity, and aging,” she adds.
- How can you tell if you have flat feet?
- If you have flat feet, your feet will likely have little to no arch. You may also have flexible flat feet, meaning your feet may seemingly have an arch, but the arch flattens when you are standing or walking. According to Dr. Lobkova, you can determine if you have flat feet at home using dark construction paper and baby powder, “Step into baby or foot powder and walk across a piece of dark construction paper. The outline of the bottom of the foot will have a thin outline on a higher arch, whereas a wider footprint suggests a flat foot type.”
Minimalist shoes are designed to mimic barefoot walking and running as much as possible, while still protecting the foot from ground debris. There are varying degrees of minimalist shoes. Barefoot shoes are flexible and have no arch support, minimal cushioning, and very thin soles. Minimalist shoes offer slightly more support, and are considered in between barefoot shoes and traditional shoes.
Because flat feet are characterized by a particular bone structure, they can only be permanently corrected by surgical intervention. However, most cases of flat feet are asymptomatic and therefore do not need surgical correction.Check with your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms of flat feet: “pain in the arch or midfoot, protruding bump on the inside of the foot, and tight calf muscles” says Dr. Lobkova.
Dr. Lobkova says that flat feet are usually genetic. It all comes down to the alignment and bone structure in your foot, which is passed down from your relatives. “Other causes include injuries, pregnancy which increases laxity in the ligaments of the feet, obesity, and aging,” she adds.
If you have flat feet, your feet will likely have little to no arch. You may also have flexible flat feet, meaning your feet may seemingly have an arch, but the arch flattens when you are standing or walking.
