Your Handy Guide to Excellent Running Shoes for Flat Feet
It is reported that roughly 20-25 percent of individuals have flat feet. This is a condition that is described as a low arch that is visible on the foot’s instep. Wearing the wrong pair of shoes can result in pain and fatigue or worse, injury.
Men and women who overpronate should always wear the best running shoes for flat feet especially if they often partake in regular energetic or athletic activities. A good pair of running shoes can help decrease the chances that users get injured and at the same time, give them plenty of comfort and support.
More Flat Feet Awareness
The arch, which is located on the foot’s inside part, is responsible for absorbing shock. It also aids in dispersing the weight of the body down the ankles, feet, and knees as soon as the foot hits the ground. The arch allows bodies to sustain a proper posture and it also facilitates correct pronation.
Pronation is described as the rolling of the foot from the heel to the toe whenever the body moves. This forward rolling movement can usually be seen in people with normal arches whenever they stand straight.
People with flat feet have lower arches and whenever they are standing in place, most if not all of the foot’s surface area comes into contact with the ground surface. Whenever flatfooted people move, their low arch collapses each time it hits the ground, and this force can be harmful to the body.
Furthermore, people with flat feet do not pronate in a proper manner, and they tend to roll their feet inwards whenever they run. Because of this, the ankle coils inward to take on the pressure. This kind of walking can lead to back conditions, tendonitis and shin splints.
However, you need not worry since running shoes made expressly for flat footed individuals are readily available.
Some Running Shoe Considerations for Flatfooted Individuals
If you are a flat footed runner, you have to keep in mind that a great shoe for your kind of feet gives priority to gait and shape. For more information about their condition, flatfooted athletes should talk to their doctors or physical therapists to find out the kind of running gait they have and the quantity of pronation that happens whenever they move.
To confirm what your doctor tells you, you can check out your running shoe’s sole after a number of uses. People who overpronate have shoes that display significant wear on the internal parts of the sole.
Flat footed runners must check out shoes that are snug, but at the same time, comfortable. Purchasing shoes with a broader width might be more comfortable when doing regular activities like walking, but a spacious room means the foot will tend to rotate more over the course of a run. This can lead to injury sooner rather than later if not taken care of.
Prior to buying the best running shoes for flat feet, you should also take into consideration the amount of wear and tear they will acquire within the first 12 months. Quality running shoes are capable of lasting 300-500 miles, but this will also be based on the running style and ground surfaces used for running.
Examples of Shoes for Flat Feet
People with flat feet require their shoes to contain additional support systems. Usually, any footwear that says it has extra support—particularly arch support—is more recommendable compared to a shoe that does not have that feature. There are two kinds of shoes designed with flat feet in mind, and they are the following:
- Stability control
Stability control refers to a system that merges support, durability and cushioning. This kind of shoe has well-thought-out cushioning, and aids in restricting unnecessary foot movement, offering the runner stable impacts when he lands. The technology that is added in stability control shoes is always visible.
The shoe features a supplemental foam composite located down the length of the instep which is always a different color compared to the shoe’s primary color. This is the section of the footwear that assists the runner to ensure a steady, firm gait and make sure the runner pronates forward as opposed to inward.
- Motion control
This kind of shoe provides flatfooted runners with a motion control build and provides lots of cushioning in the form of foam or another kind of padding. This feature is usually located down the length of the foot’s arch.
Motion control shoes limit the foot even more than standard running shoes and their purpose is to minimize the dangers resulting from the foot rolling inwards. They are meant to contain the foot securely in place whenever the body moves.
However, they do have a drawback—they are on the hefty side compared to other kinds of shoes. The added weight is, however, required since it enhances the quality of its wearer’s runs.
Running Shoe Maintenance Tips
If you are a regular runner, you now know that maintenance and care are needed if you want your running shoes to be in tiptop condition at all times. The best running shoes for flat feet need proper tending too, to allow for extended service and help protect your feet during your routines.
Shoes take a beating because it holds the weight of your body, especially during energetic activities. That is why if you do not want your running shoes to succumb to early wear and tear, you have to provide them with the care and maintenance they need.
- Only use them for your running or training routines
While plenty of running shoes are now given great designs so that you can wear them to the gym and into the street, if you want your running shoes to last, you should only wear them during your routines. Yes, these shoes are very comfortable, but even constant walking can wear the cushioning down.
Preserving your shoes will boost the number of times that you can wear them before having to replace them with a new pair. Furthermore, it will help make your runs more comfortable and safe for an extended length of time.
- Remember to take them on and off properly
Do not rush taking the shoes on and off. The frequent, abrupt stretching of the laces and shoe tongue due to such movements can slacken their fit and eventually lead to damage on the shoes. So remember to take your time taking them on and off.
- Invest in a few pairs of great running shoes and switch them each time
To lengthen the lifespan of your running shoes, you must switch them out every time you do your running or fitness routines. The unused pair will be provided with ample time to dry out and decompress between routines.
This is even more crucial during winter or wet weather conditions, so if you maintain a strict running schedule, you should have a few more pairs on hand and change shoes with each routine. Furthermore, allowing shoes to dry out completely will lower your chances of acquiring athlete’s foot.
- Make sure to clean them correctly
It is essential that your shoes be clean and dry at all times. Shoe experts recommend that you must not clean your pair of shoes in the washing machine or dry them in a dryer. Machine-washing can damage the shoe’s materials.
As soon as you get home from a wet, muddy run, make sure that you rinse your shoes well and make use of a light brush to remove the dirt. Use a towel to dry the shoes and fill them with paper towels or newspaper to allow them to dry completely before using them again.
- Know the right time to buy new shoes
In due time, even the best running shoes for flat feet will succumb to wear and tear. Usually, running shoes last 300-400 miles, however, this does not apply to all runners. The extent of wear that the shoe experiences will be based on the surface the runner most often runs on and the running style he or she uses.
If you are the type to run on tracks, trails, and roads instead of treadmills, then your shoes will need a to be replaced sooner. The part that you always have to check for signs of wear is the midsole. Inspect the midsole after a number of uses and see whether it has indications of wear.
Keep these suggestions in mind and your beloved pair of shoes and partner in running will last much, much longer than you expect.
Image |
Product |
Price |
Rating |
| ASICS Women’s Gel Kayano 22 Running Shoe | $$ | 4.2/5 | |
| Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 16 | $$ | 4.4/5 | |
| Saucony Women’s Guide 9 Running Shoe | $ | 4.3/5 | |
| Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 12 Running Shoe | $$ | 4.5/5 | |
| adidas Performance Men’s Supernova Sequence 9 Running Shoe | $$ | 4.4/5 | |
| ASICS Men’s GEL-Super J33 Running Shoe | $ | 4.0/5 | |
| Hoka One One W Gaviota Running Sneaker Shoe | $$$ | 4.4/5 | |
| PUMA Men’s Cell KOU Running Shoe,Black/Steel Gray/Blazing Yellow | $ | 4.7/5 | |
| Reebok Women’s R Crossfit Nano 5.0 Training Shoe | $ | 4.3/5 | |
| Nike Mens Metcon 2 Synthetic Black/White Trainers | $$ | 4.5/5 |
5 Suggested Running Shoes for Flat Feet
We have explained some essential information about flat feet, now it’s time to discuss some of the best running shoes designed for overpronators. The best running shoes for flat feet feature all factors required to accommodate the needs of flat footed runners. Read below and remember the pair that you think will fit your preferences best.
ASICS Women’s GEL-Kayano 22 Running Shoe
The ASICS GEL-Kayano 22 were provided with revamped features; they are now more responsive, and despite those wonderful upgrades, are still able to sustain the stability factor that the line is known for. They have the FluidFit feature which makes the shoe fit your foot securely and solidly even during runs and other energetic movements.
This steady fit is offered by a seamless upper part combined with an improved External Heel Clutching System. The shoe is more flexible this time around, which leads to a more favorable forefoot strike.
This model was also provided with cushioning that readily accommodates the needs of a female runner, which is indeed an added plus.
If you want lots of stability that can aid in bettering slight to medium overpronation of flat feet, this pair of running shoes will be ready to handle your requirements. These shoes are recommended for all kinds of runners as well.
Pros
- Has improved External Heel Clutching System
- More responsive and supple
- Has adaptable and stretchable mesh in upper segment which covers feet solidly
- Has striking and fashionable design
- Midsole is quite durable even after lots of usage
- Can accommodate slim feet
- Has great fusion of padding and stability
Cons
- Inner fabric in heel area was not that durable since it broke down after a few uses
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 16
The Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 16 is a constant favorite among runners and fitness enthusiasts due to its construction and design. It is the company’s bestselling pair. This time around, this new model was given a stylish new appearance, yet it still retained that consistent and smooth ride many runners appreciated and loved.
The shoes now include deeper V-grooves located along their soles which serve to take in and distribute impact by folding inwards. Their full-length segmented crash pads provide a steady and seamless heel to toe transition while their BioMoGo DNA midsoles offers padding to provide runners with a comfy ride even on rougher surfaces.
The GTS 16 also features a mesh upper section which feels comfortable and allows feet to be cool and dry at all times. The tongue lace lock helps secure laces in position while the double eyelets let runners modify the pull on the heel to find the proper fit.
Pros
- Offers lots of needed stability, cushioning and support to minimize medium to slight overpronation
- Smoother heel to toe transition
- Provides sufficient flex for lots of natural movement
- Comfy and plush interiors
- Provides excellent traction for safer runs in any kind of weather
- Has better durability
Cons
- Thick socks on this pair are not recommended for hot weather runs
- Shoes are not built for speed
- A bit more expensive compared to other simliar products
Saucony Women’s Guide 9 Running Shoe
For a stability shoe, The Saucony Guide 9 for ladies is pretty comfortable. One of the setbacks of stability shoes was their required rigidity, which can put off users. But then companies like Saucony started making designs to curb this problem, and thus, the Guide lineup was born.
Now flat footed folks do not have to tolerate stiff shoes since they can have a pair that will accommodate their comfort needs.
This model makes use of Flexfilm, which is a material exclusive to the company. It was a replacement for the standard overlays, and offers a less hefty and more breathable upper unit. For additional comfort, the shoe still retains its RUNDRY collar.
The midsole was provided an upgrade too, in the form of EVERUN. You will discover that the sock liner has a 3 mm layer of EVERUN beneath it. This has since replaced the previous PowerGrid midsole.
It also comes with a new outsole called the Tri-Flex which offers more durability and serves to work in conjunction with the EVERUN material and aid in distributing weight upon impact.
Pros
- Older, heavier overlays were replaced with lighter, sleek-looking ones
- Brand new sole unit technology provides smooth and steady rides
- New midsole technology provides even more responsiveness and padding
- Has consistent stability feature
- More lightweight compared to earlier running shoes
Cons
- Stiff due to it being a stability shoe
- Price higher compared to other similar running shoes
Mizuno Men’s Wave Inspire 12 Running Shoe
The men’s version of the Wave Inspire 12 from Mizuno features an upgraded fit. It is now capable of covering the foot decently compared to the previous shoe. It has a softer and more accommodating feel too, which is great for feet with wider foot shapes.
While it did display the usual stiffness that is a trademark of a stability shoe, it did provide a softer initial feet and heel strike. Again, this is an improvement from the older version.
It now provides a firmer ride with a more natural feel. The mixture of cushioning that has improved responsiveness and secure fit makes for better and safer runs for people with over pronating feet. This is also a lightweight pair of shoes that does not sacrifice support. It can support flat feet like no other.
Pros
- AIRmesh fabric provides more breathability and comfort
- Stitched overlays provide secure and snug fit
- Ortholite sock liner offers extra cushioning, moisture-wicking and anti-microbial properties
- U4ic material provides durability, responsiveness and shock absorption
- Wave technology and Smooth Ride setup further accommodate flat feet needs
Cons
- A little narrow in the forefoot
- More expensive compared to other running shoes
Adidas Men’s Supernova Sequence 9 Running Shoe
The Supernova Sequence 9 from Adidas now provides excellent cushioning. It has a full-length EVA STABLEFRAME which provides loads of support without too much rigidity. It has a midsole composed of the company’s well-known boost technology, which offers unprecedented energy-returning qualities.
Its TORSION system underneath the arch can provide support to the foot as it transitions from heel to toe. It has an engineered mesh upper unit which lets the feet stay dry and have a cooler temperature. The side overlays, meanwhile, provide extra support. The shoes are dependable enough to be used on any kind of terrain, whether dry or wet, craggy or smooth.
Pros
- Responsive and quick-acting
- Durable boost midsole
- Dependable outsole that can adapt to any kind of terrain
- Gives great support and flex
Cons
- Upper section showed indications of wear after a few uses
- Has hefty feel
Conclusion
Prior to making shoe-buying decisions, runners must know the kind of foot they have, their running style and the extent of wear that the running shoes will acquire in the long run.
People are unique in their feet arches and running gait, so it is crucial that buyers look for a pair that will suit their feet perfectly. The best running shoes for flat feet will last long for lots of runs and will cater to the needs of overpronating feet.