5 Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet: Our Top Pick


Having flat feet or fallen arch can be a disadvantage for runners. However, this doesn’t that mean you can’t be successful at running.

Because flat feet are a very common medical condition, shoe companies come up with advancements in shoe technology intended to support runners with fallen arches.

In this article, we will take a look at our pick for the top 5 running shoes for flat-footed runners.

If you want to know what a flat foot is, continue reading after the shoe recommendations.

Our Top 5 Pick for the Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Best for Everyday Training

ASICS Gel-Kayano 27

Specifications

  • Support level: Stability
  • Experience type: Max cushion
  • Stack height: 22mm / 12mm
  • Heel-toe drop: 10mm
  • Weight: 315 g/11.1 oz
  • Running Surface: Road
  • Preferred use: Middle to long distance easy runs
  • Technology: Dynamic DuoMax™ Support System + Guidance Line

Pros

  • Incredible stability
  • Super soft and comfortable on the foot
  • Very durable outsoles
  • Improved breathability

Cons

  • It’s heavy
  • Although it has incredible stability, the rear end of the midsole may be too stiff for my liking

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 27 is one of the most popular and sought-after stability training shoes in the shoe market.

ASICS went through 27 years of modifications and improvements to come up with the Gel-Kayano 27.

It has a very soft, very comfortable upper that feels like a delight on your foot. In addition, it has a very soft midsole, thanks to the GEL technology that absorbs the impact of every stride.

When it comes to stability, the Gel-Kayano 27 provides a very stable platform that prevents your foot from overpronating, a very common problem for flat-footed runners. The rear part of the midsole does not flex and twist, plus its heel counter is very stout making it one of the most stable shoes out there.

Because of the perfect mix of stability and comfort, we consider the ASICS Gel-Kayano the best everyday training stability shoes for flat foot runners.

Who are these for?

This shoe is best for overpronated runners looking for a running shoe that could handle their day-to-day training in the mid to long-range.

The Most Versatile

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Color: Grey/Black

Specifications

  • Support level: Stability
  • Running feel: Cushion
  • Stack height: 32mm heel / 20mm forefoot
  • Heel-toe drop: 12mm
  • Weight: 10.4oz / 294.8g
  • Surface: Road
  • Preferred use: Middle to long distance easy runs
  • Technology: Guide Rails

Pros

  • Plush fit
  • Soft yet responsive
  • Cheaper than the Gel-Kayano 27
  • Versatile

Cons

  • The stability it provides is just average
  • 12 mm drop is a bit too high for some
  • Heavy

Unlike the Gel-Kayano 27 which is beneficial only for overpronated runners, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 is a little more versatile.

It uses a revolutionary support technology called Guide Rails which acts as a bumper that nudges your foot back to the midline when it rolls inward or outward but does not interfere with your running if your stride is neutral.

In other words, the Guide Rails support system is there when you need it and not when you don’t, making this shoe beneficial to most types of running gait.

Aside from the support it provides, it also has a super-soft yet still responsive DNA Loft midsole plus BioMogo midsole that cushions your foot in every stride without taking too much of the shoes’ energy return.

Who are these for?

This shoe is perfect for beginners who are still trying to figure out their running gait cycle and making adjustments along the way.

It’s also great for flat-footed runners whose overpronation isn’t too extreme.

Best for All-Types of Training

ASICS Gel-Kayano Lite

Specifications

  • Support level: Stability
  • Experience type: Bouncy
  • Stack height: 23mm/13mm
  • Heel-toe drop: 10mm
  • Weight: 9.9 oz
  • Running Surface: Road
  • Preferred use: Tempo/Easy Day
  • Technology: 3D Space construction

Pros

  • Ecofriendly
  • Lightweight
  • Bouncy/energized feel
  • Soft cushion

Cons

  • There’s only one colorway

ASICS went a step further into sustainability and performance when they released the Gel-Nimbus Lite, the lightweight neutral daily trainer. This time, they did the same in their legendary stability lineup, the Gel-Kayano Lite.

It features great stability, superb Gel cushioning, and incredible plush fit without the excess weight of the Gel-Kayano series.

To remove the excess weight without affecting the amount of stability it provides, ASICS looked the other way to provide the needed stability.

Instead of using the Dynamic DuoMax support system, they used a 3D space construction where they added more foam on the medial side of the midsole to prevent the foot from overpronating without adding extra weight.

The result is a lighter, bouncier, and more eco-friendly stability shoe capable of doing speed workouts without sacrificing its durability.

Who are these for?

This shoe is perfect for overpronated runners looking for an eco-friendly shoe that can be used in all types of running workouts.

Most Balanced

Saucony Guide 14

Specifications

  • Support level: Stability
  • Experience type: Responsive
  • Stack height: (32.5mm / 24.5mm)
  • Heel-toe drop: 8mm
  • Weight: 10.5oz (298g)
  • Running Surface: Road
  • Prefered use: Daily trainer
  • Technology: Tonal medial TPU guidance frame and 3D-engineered fascia

Pros

  • Well-balanced
  • Breathable
  • Low Heel-toe drop

Cons

  • Not a very appealing colorway
  • Very similar to last year’s model which is already cheaper by now

If you’re looking for a shoe that has a balance of stability, cushioning, and responsiveness then the Saucony Guide 14 is the best pick for you.

It’s pretty similar to last year’s model but with a little more breathability and a little bit softer (but still isn’t considered on the soft side).

Who are these for?

I’d recommend this shoe as a daily trainer for anyone that has moderate stability needs and beginners looking for their first running shoes.

Best Cushioned Running Shoe

Brooks Glycerin GTS 19

Specifications

  • Support level: Stability
  • Experience type: Max cushion
  • Stack height: (32.5mm / 24.5mm)
  • Heel-toe drop: 10mm
  • Weight: 10.7oz / 303.3g
  • Running Surface: Road
  • Preferred use: Easy day
  • Technology: DNA Loft Midsole + GuideRails

Pros

  • Super soft
  • Very comfortable on the feet
  • Versatile support system

Cons

  • Not very responsive
  • Heavy

As mentioned earlier, the medial longitudinal arch of the foot plays an important role in shock absorption, and the absence of which increases the impact received by the knee when your foot hits the ground for heel strike.

That being said, a well-cushioned shoe will act as the shock absorber that decreases the impact received by the knee.

The Glycerin 19 is equipped with Brooks’ softest midsole called the DNA Loft and its holistic support system, GuideRails.

Together, the shoe guides the foot to achieve just enough pronation and provides the maximum amount of cushion to absorb the shock.

Who are these for?

This is for runners who want the softest, most comfortable cushioning on the foot. It is also great for easy runs and recovery days.

What is a Flat Foot?

A flat foot, also known as pes planus or fallen arches, is a medical condition that involves the absence of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot that is responsible for shock absorption and propulsion during the gait cycle.

It is a fairly common medical condition that affects 8 percent of the US population ages 21 and older and may or may not produce symptoms.

Because of the importance of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot in shock absorption and propulsion, some runners with flat feet may experience problems such as pain or discomfort while running.

In addition, it also increases the risk of knee injury because of the impact that the knee receives due to the absence of your foot’s anatomical shock absorbers.

The two types of flat foot

A flat foot is categorized into 2 categories.

Supple/Flexible – Supple or flexible flat foot is caused by weakness in the tibialis posterior muscles as well as the intrinsic muscles of the foot. This type of flat foot can be corrected by strengthening the muscles responsible for creating the medial longitudinal arch.

Rigid/Anatomical – A rigid flat foot is be caused by an anatomical defect and cannot be corrected by exercise alone. This type of flat foot can only be treated with surgery, although you don’t need to unless you’re experiencing so much pain and discomfort because of it.

What to look for in a running shoe?

The number one thing to look for in a running shoe is comfort. It doesn’t matter if it has the best technology in supporting your foot if you’re not comfortable in it.

Although choosing the right shoe for the given activity is also important, you must always put the overall comfort above all else.

Secondly, you must choose a running shoe that is right for your running gait cycle. Although flat foot is often associated with overpronation (the foot rolls inwards), it is not always the case. Some flat-footed runners run with a neutral gait. In that case, there’s no need for a stability shoe.

But, for the sake of this article, we will stick with stability shoes because most flat-footed runners overpronate when running.

The Wrap Up

These are my top 5 running shoe recommendations for flat-footed runners.

All these shoes provide a good amount of cushioning and have corrective features that prevent the foot from rolling inwards, a common running gait problem amongst flat-footed runners. These features are necessary for flat foot runners to avoid injury in the long run.

In choosing the right shoe for you, it is important to pick the one that you’re most comfortable with.

Nicho Mauricio

Running wasn't always my favorite sport. I was a CrossFit athlete and I loved every bit of it. But since the pandemic began, I was forced to stay away from the gym and train at home instead. Things got boring. That's when I decided to trail run with my friends. I instantly got hooked. So I started training and researching all things running. As a beginner, I want to buy only the best running gear and do only the best practices. This blog is where I share what I've learned in my journey and my experiences as a runner.

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