Best Running Shoes For Flat Feet
(2023 Update)
If you're a runner with flat feet then this guide is just for you. We take a look at 3 of the best running shoes for flat feet and tell you exactly what you need to look for.
If you suffer from flat feet and have ever tried to run in a lightweight, neutral shoes then you know how uncomfortable the experience can be.
Thankfully, there is an increasing number of “flat feet friendly” running shoes on the market, designed to provide everything you need to make running a joy.
Below, we’ve put together the top 3 best running shoes for flat feet for both women and men.
If you don’t see a shoe on our list that catches your eye, make sure you read the buying guide so you can shop for your perfect pair of shoes – knowing exactly what you should be looking for.
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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 17
Over the years, the Brooks Adrenaline has been one of the most consistent shoes on the market, with each new version taking what was good with the previous version and improving on it.
Those runners with a mild to severe overpronation are going to find this shoe extremely comfortable thanks to the progressional diagonal roll bar – a fancy way of saying that the shoe has triple dual density foam on the medial side.
The result? Your foot will feel locked in and cradled as you go through the midstance phase!
Combine all this with a fairly aggressive medial post and you have a shoe that’s incredibly supportive – perfect for those runners with arch problems and making the Brook Adrenaline GTS one of the best running shoes for flat feet.
Brooks has opted to use their DNA foam technology which gives the shoe a soft ride which doesn’t feel too sloppy.
As with all Brooks shoes, the range of fits available is incredible!
The women’s version is available in widths Narrow – 2A, Medium – B, Wide – D, Extra Wide – 2E while the men’s version is available in Narrow – B, Medium – D, Wide – 2E, Extra Wide – 4E.
Mizuno Wave Inspire 13
Well with the Wave Inspire 13, it seems that Mizuno has been… inspired to design a stability shoe that’s extremely impressive!
The upper has been completely overhauled and now uses a mesh design that makes it a little more flexible and dramatically improves ventilation.
The grip is good thanks to the use of Mizuno X10 blown rubber and throughout the run, you never feel that the Wave Inspire 13 is going to slip.
What I really like about the Wave Inspire 13 is just how well the midsole performs.
The shoe design offers a smooth heel-toe transition thanks to the groove pattern. It’s this sole design that also helps to significantly reduce pronation of the foot.
Finally, the U4iC midsole technology really helps to take the shock out of the footstrike.
Where the Mizuno Wave Inspire 13 really shines for those runners with flat feet is in the use of the U4icX Heel Wedge the locks your foot in while providing much-needed arch support.
New Balance 860V7
As the name might suggest, this is the seventh edition of the 860 and we’re pleased to let you know that the update is fantastic.
The first big change you’ll notice when comparing it to previous shoes is in the way it looks. New Balance has opted to go with a seamless mesh upper that helps the shoe breathe better while also reducing the likelihood of any hot spots forming.
If we’re honest, the previous versions of the 860 didn’t look great but New Balance has really updated this shoe with the new design.
The second big change comes to the midsole.
The 860V7 now comes with TRUFUSE foam cushioning which gives the shoe more of a responsive feel and makes it a little more comfortable in the forefoot.
Personally, I really like the new heel cuff which seems to make the shoe feel more secure and prevents it slipping.
For runners with flat feet, you’re going to get added arch support thanks to the use of a dual density medial post which reduces over-pronation while the T-BEAM technology in the midsole helps further increase the overall stability.
What Makes A Great Running Shoe For Flat Feet?
If you’re a flat footed runner then there are certain things that you need to look for in a shoe.
Motion Control
The number one thing a flat foot friendly running shoe needs is motion control.
When we talk about “motion control” in a running shoe, what we’re talking about is the ability for the shoe to firmly hold the foot in place.
Motion control running shoes typically have a firm heel and a relatively stiff sole – this is done to reduce the amount the foot moves throughout the gait cycle.
As you can imagine, all the extra technology and design needed to assist your foot does come at a price, in this case, it’s added weight.
However, it’s worth a few extra grams to run in a shoe that isn’t going to damage your foot.
In the past, motion control shoes were extremely comfortable and the shoe arch design was too firm.
Thankfully, newer shoes make use of the latest foam cushioning technology to create arch support that’s comfortable to run in.
Good Cushioning
If motion control is the number one must have then good cushioning is a close second.
If you have flat feet, you naturally have less shock absorption in your foot. This makes it critical that you boost the amount of foam under your foot to compensate.
Look for a shoe that provides a good level of cushioning, particularly through the mid-foot and avoid minimalist running shoes like the plague!