The Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet in 2024
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Flat feet, also known as “collapsed arches” may not be a bother when going about your daily life—but when you’re running and your feet are acting as your body’s shock absorption, proper cushioning and support is essential. Running with flat feet can cause pain and injury if you’re not wearing proper supportive footwear. If you don’t have naturally high arches, you’ll lose a lot of shock absorption with each step. A supportive shoe can make all the difference, providing you with an extra support system to keep your legs and feet safe and healthy.
In this 2024 guide, we’ll tell you what to look for in the best running shoes for flat feet, and share our best picks for various styles of running. Whether you’re looking for maximum cushion, support, trail running shoes or running shoes that fit your budget, we’ve got you covered with our top picks.
Our Picks for the Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet in 2024:
- Best Overall Running Shoes for Flat Feet: adidas Ultraboost 1.0
- Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Flat Feet: New Balance FuelCell Propel v4
- Best Supportive Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Hoka Rincon 3
- Best Running Shoes for Men with Flat Feet: adidas 4DFWD 2 Running Shoes
- Best Running Shoes for Women with Flat Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
- Best Budget Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Brooks Launch 9 Running Shoes
- Best Trail Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Nobull Gore-Tex Trail Runner
- Best Nike running shoes for Flat Feet: Nike Air Zoom Structure
Best Overall Running Shoes for Flat Feet: adidas Ultraboost 1.0
adidas
Key features:
- Price: $190
- Support: Neutral/stable
- Colors: 16 colorways
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
The adidas Ultraboost 1.0 is designed for maximum comfort and performance to take your running game to the next level. Whether you’re hitting the track for sprints, jogging on your treadmill or running the streets for long-distance training runs, these shoes will keep you comfortable and supported.
The Boost midsole is designed for maximum energy return, and the supportive upper is designed to provide stability while keeping your foot comfortable. The Ultraboost 1.0 also has a PrimeKnit textile upper that helps support the foot and is made from 50 percent recycled material.
These make a great daily trainer, and are stylish to wear around all day long.
Pros:
- Boost midsole cushioning provides support and cushioning to keep you comfortable on long runs
- Fitcounter molded heel enhances the fit to prevent excessive movement or slippage
- Continental Rubber outsole provides traction
Cons:
- Pricey
Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Flat Feet: New Balance FuelCell Propel v4
New Balance
Key features:
- Price: $109.99
- Support: Neutral/stable
- Colors: Six colorways
- Weight: 10.7 ounces
For the most comfortable run, you’ll want a shoe that provides adequate cushioning designed for flat feet, and the New Balance FuelCell Propel v4 has a thick FuelCell midsole that is springy and responsive.
This foam cushioning technology is specifically designed to provide maximum shock absorption in areas of the foot that receive direct contact with the ground. These shoes also feature a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) plate, a rigid device that provides extra stability and support, which can be beneficial for flat-footed individuals.
The upper is engineered to enhance performance and comfort, and it is made of a combination of synthetic materials and mesh to balance support and breathability.
Pros:
- No-sew upper construction creates a sleek and seamless appearance
- Midsole is springy and responsive
- Standard and wide sizes available
Cons:
- No heel tab for easy on and off
Best Supportive Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Hoka Rincon 3
Hoka
Key features:
- Price: $125
- Support: Neutral
- Colors: 11 colorways
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
If you want a shoe that supports your flat feet, provides stability and doesn’t come with a heavy weight, the Hoka Rincon 3 is the ideal choice for you.
They are one of the lightest shoes on our list, while still providing plenty of soft cushioning to keep you comfortable during road running. A compression-molded EVA midsole is designed to provide adequate cushioning with the lowest possible weight, something not often seen in running shoes.
The vented mesh upper allows your foot to breathe, without sacrificing any stability.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight, while still providing mid-foot support and cushioning
- Upper is breathable and keeps you cool
Cons:
- Some users found the shoes run a little on the narrow side.
Best Running Shoes for Men with Flat Feet: adidas 4DFWD 2 Running Shoes
adidas
Key features:
- Price: $200 (some colorways on sale)
- Support: Neutral/stable
- Colors: 13 colorways
- Weight: 12.17 ounces
For the men out there who need a cushioned midsole and flexible upper, the adidas 4DFWD 2 Running Shoes are designed to provide support and cushioning for sizes up to 14, and there are 13 color options to choose from. The 3D-printed lattice design of the 4D midsole provides ample support for those with flat feet and helps absorb impact.
Related Post: How To Find the Best Men’s Running Shoes
The PrimeKnit upper is flexible and adapts to your movement so you don’t feel restricted during a long run or sprinting drills. The outsole is made with high-quality Continental Rubber that provides traction on wet and dry surfaces and prevents slips.
The reviewers on the adidas website state that these shoes fit true to size, but several mention sizing up due to the shoes feeling narrow and issues with blisters.
Pros:
- Continental Rubber outsole provides traction on wet and dry surfaces
- Breathable upper
Cons:
- Midsole drop of 11 millimeters may be too much for some
Best Running Shoes for Women with Flat Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13
New Balance
Key features:
- Price: $139.99
- Support: Neutral/stable
- Colors: 10 colorways
- Weight: 8.6 ounces
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 is our pick for the best running shoe for women with flat feet. We love the fact that these shoes are designed with the everyday runner in mind, with a cushioned midsole and a breathable upper.
These shoes have a medial post for extra support in the midfoot to help stabilize and prevent overpronation, keeping your foot and ankle safe and secure.
New Balance uses their Fresh Foam to provide the maximum comfort and cushioning with each step, making these a great choice for women with flat feet. Just know that if you have wide feet, these may be a bit too narrow.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Gusseted tongue for a secure fit
- Ideal for those who want a high, 10-millimeter drop
Cons:
- No wide size options
Best Budget Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Brooks Launch 9 Running Shoes
Brooks
Key features:
- Price: $110
- Support: Neutral
- Colors: 12 colorways
- Weight: 8.2 ounces
Brooks has made a name for itself as a company that specializes in running shoes, so you can rest assured that any of its shoes will provide a high-quality running experience.
At only $110, the Brooks Launch 9 running shoes are the best choice for flat-footed runners on a budget.
Designed to provide a lightweight, yet supportive run, the Launch 8 prioritizes speed without sacrificing support and comfort. BioMoGo DNA cushioning provides midsole support that adapts to your stride, keeping the joints in your leg padded and comfortable, and the rubber outsole helps your feet grip the pavement.
Pros:
- Very lightweight shoe designed for speed
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- The light design may not provide enough cushion for larger individuals, or those looking for maximum support. These are designed for speed, not duration
Best Trail Running Shoes for Flat Feet: NoBull Gore-Tex Trail Runner
NoBull
Key features:
- Price: $199
- Support: Neutral/stable
- Colors: One colorway
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
While most of the running shoes on our list are designed for running the roads and tracks, you may want to hit the trails, in which case you’ll want to use special running shoes designed with extra traction.
The Gore-Tex Trail Runner by NoBull has extra cushioning around the midsole to provide a comfortable ride and is specifically designed for training outside in all weather conditions. The outsole has a triangular lug pattern, to provide multidirectional traction, including wet, slippery trails.
For wet and rainy days, this trail runner has a 100 percent Gore-Tex waterproof upper with yarn that is woven into a grid structure for support and flexibility. The forefoot area is also flexible, so the shoe is responsive and adaptive to uneven terrain.
Pros:
- Waterproof upper is durable and flexible
- Padded collar for a secure fit
- Anatomical insole supports the heel and provides a custom fit
Cons:
- Only one color option available
Best Nike Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Nike Air Zoom Structure
Nike
Key features:
- Price: $130
- Support: Neutral
- Colors: Eight colorways
- Weight: 11 ounces
Nike is one of the most recognizable brands on the planet because of their high-quality women's and men's running shoes, and many runners love the style and sleek design Nike is known for.
The Air Zoom Structure is one of Nike’s most cushioned shoes, designed to provide support and a secure fit for runners with flat feet. It has a Zoom Air unit is designed to provide maximum energy return, while a foam midsole keeps your foot properly cushioned as you run.
These aren’t the lightest shoes, but for those who want extra support and stability during runs, and love to wear Nike’s, the Air Zoom Structure is an excellent choice.
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Pros:
- Extra padding and support to keep your midfoot protected and stabilized
- Eight colorways to choose from
Cons:
- These aren’t the lightest shoes, so they may not be the best choice for speed training
What Does It Mean to Have “Flat Feet”?
Your feet are supposed to have an arch that provides shock absorption and cushioning for the rest of your body. After all, your feet are the first point of impact, and if you have zero shock absorption, you’ll feel each step more throughout the rest of your leg.
Those with collapsed arches tend to have very small arches, if not completely flat. If you stand barefoot, look at the inner portion of your feet.
If there’s no gap between the middle of your inner foot and the ground, you may have flat feet. Now, you may be able to flex the muscles in your feet and create an arch, but if it’s not naturally there, you have collapsed arches. That being said, be sure to follow up with a podiatrist to be certain.
This shouldn’t cause many issues in your daily life, but according to one study, running with flat feet can cause pain in your ankles, hips and knees, and increase the risk of plantar fasciitis. Flat feet may also change your running technique as flat feet are more likely to turn inwards, or over-pronate.
If your feet over-pronate, you’ll wear out the inner part of your shoes faster and may experience more pain from running as your form breaks down.
How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for Your Flat Feet
When choosing running shoes, consider how flat your feet are. Do you have a tiny arch or none at all?
You may also want to do a gait analysis at your local running store and have your running form analyzed, or visit your podiatrist. Flat feet may turn inward too much as there’s no arch to support them, which is called overpronation. Some running shoes have extra arch support to prevent this and keep your feet and ankles from collapsing in.
What We Looked for In the Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet
When building our list, we considered support, cushion and budget. Those with low arches, or moderately flat feet, may not want or need a huge arch in their foot.
On the other hand, those with completely flat feet may need extra support, and the most cushioning possible.
Finally, we know that running shoes aren’t always cheap, so we tried to find an option that could fit any budget.
FAQs
Is running good for flat feet?
With the proper footwear, running with flat feet can be very safe, enjoyable and beneficial to your health. Running without proper support for flat feet increases the risk of injury and chronic pain, but the right footwear should all but eliminate any issues.
How do you fix flat feet when running?
While physical therapists may be able to help correct flat feet, the fastest solution is to choose a running shoe that offers extra support. Many runners have flat feet, and shoe manufacturers make shoes specially designed to offer arch support and correct poor form.
Final Thoughts
Running with flat feet can be a literal pain, but it doesn’t have to be. The shoes in our guide will keep your feet cushioned and secure, allowing you to safely enjoy your runs without unnecessary pain in your legs and feet.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
