Podiatrists Say These Are the Most Supportive Shoes for Flat Feet

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The best shoes for flat feet can be difficult to find, but the truth is that it’s really important to wear the right the right kind of footwear for your feet. Thankfully, there are some stellar options on the market—even ones that merge comfort and fashion, so you don’t have to sacrifice your style.

If you’re one of the 20–30% of Americans with flat feet, meaning that when you stand straight, your arches touch the floor, you might need some more thoughtfully designed shoes. For some people, flat feet are hereditary. Others develop flat feet as a result of pregnancy, aging, obesity, or a health condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Meet the experts: Edgard Nau, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Manhattan Home Podiatric in New York City; Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a podiatrist and foot surgeon with Progressive Foot Care

Whether or not your flat feet cause you pain, we can all agree that wearing the right shoes is vital (some active folks might even need running shoes for flat feet, too!). Slipping your feet into the wrong pair can lead to ankle, knee, hip, back, shoulder, and even neck problems, says Edgard Nau, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Manhattan Home Podiatric in New York City.

So, it’s important to listen to your body and wear the right shoes to truly put your best foot forward. Below, you’ll find the best (and most fashionable) shoes for flat feet—from sandals to heels to booties. And slippers!

Our top picks

Gemma Slippers

Even when you’re lounging around the house, your footwear should support your feet. A podiatrist designed these crowd favorites—and we especially love that the footbed is covered with 100% polyester terrycloth and treated with anti-bacterial, odor-resistant finish.

iQushion Flip Flop

Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a podiatrist and foot surgeon with Progressive Foot Care says flip flops should be avoided at all costs, since their support is often lackluster. However, FitFlop is definitely the exception. Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, these sandals have a foam cushioned footbed, a thick sole, and a deep heel cup. And they’re available in multiple colors, so you have a few cute options to choose from.

Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal

Birkenstocks will never go out of style if we have a say! That’s because they’ve mastered the mix of proper arch support and shock absorption through a flexible EVA outsole. And it’s hard to beat the fact that they mold to your feet over time. These also have adjustable straps to easily accommodate wider feet.

The Starling

While you won’t find ballet flats on this list, Birdies makes adorable flats that people love because of their dual-layer memory foam cushioning nestled inside soft, quilted satin. Nearly 3,000 reviewers have given them a perfect five star rating (and the cheetah faux fur is our favorite pattern).

Simasa Sneaker

Vionic’s history in shoe making began with a podiatrist and the end result is effortlessly stylish footwear with orthopedic perks. This lace-up sneaker provides podiatrist-designed orthotic support to bring natural alignment to your foot. This trendy white look can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for every cold-weather outfit.

Simasa Sneaker

Vionic’s history in shoe making began with a podiatrist and the end result is effortlessly stylish footwear with orthopedic perks. This lace-up sneaker provides podiatrist-designed orthotic support to bring natural alignment to your foot. This trendy white look can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for every cold-weather outfit.

Adiline Loafer

Flat feet also tend to be longer and wider, Dr. Nau says. This classy loafer has a round toe box to give you lots of room and comes in wide sizes. It has a super supportive base with extra cushioning, making it ideal for neighborhood walks. Plus, they’re stylish yet professional looking, so when it’s time to head into the office, you’ll be ready.

No Chill Sneaker

Experiencing foot pain after walking for hours on end happens more often to people with flat arches, especially when there’s no padding to soften the impact. Cue these Dr. Scholl’s slip-on sneakers that have a removable cushioned insole and a leveled platform outsole that takes the pressure off the heel. It also has a cute zipper detailing and a perforated design on the upper that’s super stylish.

Ariel ’20 Sneakers

Dr. Nau says to look for a running sneaker with good medial arch support and insoles, like the Brooks Ariel ’20 for women. This pair features a cushioned, foam midsole that absorbs impact with each step and stabilizes the foot by keeping it aligned with your body for a natural stride. Plus, it has a large toe box and secure fit for hundreds of miles to come.

Amara Bootie

Podiatrists say you want a little elevation—but stick to styles that are 2 1/2 inches or lower. This chic winter bootie is right on target with a 2-inch block heel for proper weight distribution. It feels as good as it looks too, thanks to an extra cushioned footbed and a soft, flexible leather upper.

Moraira Sandal

These sandals are designed with a tiny bit of height to elevate truly any outfit while also being extra supportive at the same time. This pair from Pikolinos features a comfortable footbed, a deep heel cup, and ample arch support. With velcro straps in tow, this also accommodates larger feet. Bonus? It has a lightweight feel.

Aileen

Want to go even taller? These platform wedges are still extremely practical for flat feet. You’ve got three inches in the wedge, plus the same deep heel cup and extra contouring that you’d get with Vionic’s Paula block heel. So good!

Stone Street 6-Inch Waterproof Platform Boot

Timberland’s classic winter boot offers both insulation and support. It’s designed to provide long-term support with an Ortholite footbed, and the PrimaLoft insulation ensures your shoes stay warm and dry through the winter snow.

Cervinia Valley Winter Boot

Timberland’s classic winter boot offers both insulation and support. It’s designed to provide long-term support with an Ortholite footbed, and the PrimaLoft insulation ensures your shoes stay warm and dry through the winter snow.

Venetian Mule

Heels can be comfy, and these mules by Soludos are supportive, too. They have a 1-inch heel, which is comfortable to walk in, as well as a padded footbed for extra comfort. They come in a black or tan, which is perfect to pair with every work outfit.

Arch Support Sleeves

These supportive inserts are a great option for those with flat feet who want to continue to wear the shoes they already have. They come in a compression sleeve-like design with a gel pad for support and comfort. Plus, reviewers with flat feet have great things to say about the product. “I’m so happy with these! My feet are flat [and] the tops of my feet hurt, but not with these! I stand up straighter, my feet do not hurt.”

How to choose the best shoes for flat feet

Your ideal pair will firmly cup the heel and offer sturdy arch support, says Dr. Pinker. The toe box should provide ample room, and the shank, or middle part of the shoe, should be somewhat flexible—not too rigid, but not too flimsy.

How we chose the best shoes for flat feet

We consulted Edgard Nau, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Manhattan Home Podiatric in New York City and Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a podiatrist and foot surgeon with Progressive Foot Care. We also sifted through countless of online reviews and performed our own testing to find the best shoes for flat feet.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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