We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (2024)

At some point in your life, I'm sure someone has said to you, "Let's take a walk." And while that can sound like a jarring sentence from a 1970s mobster movie, taking a walk is a great thing. The best, even. It's a simple, effective form of exercise that has numerous health benefits, helps you get from point A to point B, and can even improve your overall mood. Sounds like fun, right?

But if you have flat feet (meaning the arches on the inside of your feet flatten when pressure is applied), you may not love taking a stroll because of the pain you feel in your joints. That's where a good walking shoe comes in. The best walking shoes for overpronation not only prioritize arch support and motion control but also offer the perfect blend of comfort, stability, and even style. They'll help you absorb the shock of every step you take and reestablish the correct weight distribution for each stride. So if you have flat feet, stop suffering and shop the 11 best options below.

best affordable walking shoes for flat feet

New Balance Cross Trainers

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (11)

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (12)Durable and cost-effective
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (13)Absorb impact
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (14)Some buyers say the leather can become brittle

At Esquire, we love the infamous dad shoe, and there's a big reason why: They combine a classic style with modern tech to create a supportive, comfortable option that is one hell of a vibe.

Sizes6.5-18
Colors11
Materials100% Leather

most comfortable walking shoes for flat feet

Asics Gel-Kayano 30 Shoes

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (15)

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (16)Perfect for long walks and runs
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (17)Keep your feet dry and cool
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (18)Some buyers say they can rip easily

If you've ever imagined what it feels like to walk on a cloud (the cartoon type, obviously), then these Gel-Kayano 30 sneakers are as close as you're going to get. They're a match made in heaven for people with pronated feet.

Sizes6-16
Colors22
MaterialsKnit, Rubber

best overall walking shoes for flat feet

Hoka Bondi 8 Sneakers

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (19)

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (20)Rear crash pad
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (21)Symmetrical bed of cushion
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (22)Pricier than other options

These Hoka sneakers are the ultra-cushioned game changer that you need in your life. Even the American Podiatric Medical Association agrees—and those guys know what they're talking about.

Sizes7-16
Colors17
MaterialsRecycled Polyester

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best newly released walking shoes for flat feet

On Cloudrunner2 Shoes

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (23)

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (24)Durable heel clip
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (25)Easy step-in
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (26)Sell out quickly

With more support, more comfort, and more cushion than ever before, On's Cloudrunner2 shoes will absorb the impact of every step you take while keeping your stride in check.

Sizes7-14
Colors3
MaterialsRecycled polyester

smoothest walking shoes for flat feet

Topo Athletic Phantom 3 Sneakers

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (27)

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (28)Raised round toe
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (29)Lace closure and padded collar
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (30)Some buyers say they run small

These sneakers by Topo Atheltic are one step ahead of the rest. The high-traction rubber outsole delivers multidirectional traction, and the removable ortholite foam footbed relieves any pain you might feel.

Sizes7.5-13
Colors4
MaterialsPolyester, Mesh

best classic walking shoes for flat feet

Nike Road Running Shoes

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (31)

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (32)Supportive and comfortable
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (33)Available in regular and extra-wide sizing
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (34)Some buyers say the fit can be tricky

With stability where you need it (so, everywhere) and cushion where you want it, these Nike Road Running Shoes have the comfort you seek and are loyal from the first tie-up.

Sizes6-15
Colors16
MaterialsRubber, Mesh

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best durable walking shoes for flat feet

Ecco Sport Mx Low Shoes

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (35)

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (36)Removable insole
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (37)Long-lasting and easy to pull on and off
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (38)Not the most stylish option

Support and stability are king when it comes to finding a walking shoe for flat feet, but that doesn't mean cushioning should be sacrificed. This Ecco Sport option not only has a socklike construction that follows the natural shape of the foot but also is waterproof, breathable, and made to withstand the elements.

Sizes5-11.5
Colors2
MaterialsSynthetic, Textile

most stylish walking shoes for flat feet

Wolf & Shepherd SupremeKnit Trainers

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (39)

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (40)Shock-absorbing cushion
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (41)Pair well with anything
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (42)Some buyers say they run a little big

You know that song where those guys say they want to walk 5oo miles? Well, this option by Wolf & Shepherd will make you feel the same way. Crafted with uppers woven from premium, breathable cotton and Italian-leather trims, they're sophisticated and stylish and still offer top-notch support.

Sizes6-15
Colors9
MaterialsKnit, Leather

best colorful walking shoes for flat feet

Adidas Dropset 2 Training Shoes

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (43)

Now 10% Off

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (44)Adjustable lacing system
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (45)Airflow window
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (46)Sell out quickly

Although they're made specifically for weight training, these Adidas shoes should not be overlooked. The 6mm midsole drop provides a flat and stable platform and helps properly align your feet, while the dual-density midsole provides comfort and controlled stability. So yeah, you'll want to add them to your cart now.

Sizes4-18
Colors8
MaterialsRecycled Content

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best performance walking shoes for flat feet

Brooks Running Glycerin 21 Shoes

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (47)

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (48)Flexible and breathable knit fabric
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (49)Broad platform that helps cushion your foot
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (50)Limited edition

If you're looking for supreme softness and ultimate comfort, then these Brooks Running shoes are it. They have a new, more streamlined upper that delivers structure and breathability and an extra-plush cushion that will help stabilize your foot.

Sizes7-15
Colors9
MaterialsRecycled Bottles

best everyday walking shoes for flat feet

Allbirds Tree Runners

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (51)

Now 15% Off

Pros
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (52)Machine washable
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (53)Great for warmer weather
Cons
  • We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (54)Some buyers say they can run tight

Known for creating top-quality training shoes, Allbirds doesn't disappoint with its Tree Runners. Striking the perfect balance between support and cushion, they're breathable and responsibly made, and they will help you tread lightly in everything you do.

Sizes8-14
Colors19
MaterialsEucalyptus fiber

How to Pick

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (55)

Material: Although this doesn't have a lot to do with whether your feet are flat or not, you still want to look for materials that are lightweight and breathable, like a knit or mesh fabric. In addition, you also want to take into consideration where you'll be walking—if you live in a place like Seattle or New York, you're probably going to want to make sure your shoes are waterproof.

Support and Stability: By now, I hope that it's pretty obvious when choosing the best shoes for flat feet that support and stability should be prioritized. And if that isn't obvious, that's on me. But once more, for the people in the back—arch support is a must-have for all footwear, no matter what type of foot you have—but it is definitely critical for people with overpronation. However, if a shoe doesn't offer enough support and stability, you can always add extra cushion, and these Fulton insoles should do the trick.

Fit:
When it comes to walking shoes, it's crucial to find a pair that is snug around your foot, has good arch support, and has enough room in the toe box. You want to make sure your feet won't slip and slide in the shoe so that you won't slip and slide down the street, and remember to always try on your shoes with socks—it makes a big difference.

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Why You Can Trust Esquire

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (56)

We're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. Every product in Esquire's roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to walking shoes for flat feet, you can rest assured that we're hand-selecting styles that we've personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We've had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these walking shoes for flat feet are the ones that are simply the best.

We Can’t Fix Your Flat Feet, But These 11 Shoes Will Make Them Feel Better (2024)

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