Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet (2024): 8 Pairs for Overpronation and Low Arches

If you have flat feet, you’re not alone. Around 30% of adults¹ can empathize with your situation, as it’s estimated that about that many have flat feet themselves. While you might not think anything of it, having flat feet can make you more likely to experience pain and negatively affect your walking gait.

You can’t physically reverse flat feet—you’re either born with them or develop a condition called fallen arches², which basically means you’ve acquired flat feet at some point in your life. But you can better support your feet, and reduce your risk of pain and injury, by wearing the proper footwear, especially when exercising. But what exactly is the proper footwear?

In short, the best walking shoes for flat feet have extra padding for shock absorption, very specific arch support, and heel stability, according to Brad Schaeffer, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) and owner of Central Park SOLE. There are many companies that make sneakers that promise all of these things, but not all of them actually do them. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of our top choices based on testing, research, and Dr. Brad’s advice.

The GGR team consists of professionals such as personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and CrossFit-L1 trainers, and we like to walk the talk. Research is a big part of what we do, but so is testing. We don’t just make recommendations based on things we see online. In addition to looking at the features and specs of dozens of sneakers, we’ve tested almost 70 of them ourselves. We also tapped into experts, like Dr. Brad, to get sound scientific advice to help make the best recommendations for you.

Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet in 2024 

• Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet Overall: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 
• Best Budget Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam 860v12
• Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: ASICS Gel-Kayano
• Best Men’s Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: Brooks Addiction Walker 2
• Best Lightweight Walking Shoe for Flat Feet: Saucony Guide 15
• Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet and Overpronation: ASICS Gel-Cumulus 26
• Best Walking Shoes for Wide Flat Feet: Altra Provision 8
• Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum 2

Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet Overall: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 

Good for: Anyone looking for cushioning, arch support, and a little extra stability

Best Overall

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Brooks supportive road running shoe
• 15 colorways
• Four widths available
• Sizes: 7-15

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4 widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide and Extra Wide
• American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for products that promote good foot health
• Brooks Run Happy Guarantee: Try for 90 days and return for no cost if you are not satisfied
• Numerous colorways

Cons

• Heavy shoe compared to counterparts at 10.2 oz
• Less durable than previous Adrenaline models according to customer reviews
• Customers report fit is narrower than previous models
• Users experiencing discomfort and even blisters around the heel

Bottom Line

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is a supportive shoe that has mixed reviews on comfort. Additionally, many users have had issues with the durability of the shoe, with parts failing within weeks of use.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS are marketed as road-running shoes, but they have a lot to offer walkers with flat feet, too. If you have flat feet, you need more stability, plus some cushioning and arch support. These shoes fall in the mid-range for both of these features. They’re made for comfort more than speed, and have a roomy toe box that doesn’t crush wide feet.

The midsole is made of Brooks’ DNA Loft cushioning that’s soft but not so squishy that you feel like you’re unstable. The foam reacts to your foot structure and stride to help you keep your balance and ensure a smooth transition from heel to toe.

Brooks shoes also have a patented feature called GuideRails. These provide additional support by helping you maintain your natural stride while preventing excess movement. Those with flat feet tend to overpronate, so these sneakers can help keep that in check without forcibly correcting your movements. 

They also come in four widths: narrow, medium, wide, and extra-wide. While those with flat feet tend to also have a wider foot, that’s not always the case. These sneakers give you options to help you get a better fit without shelling out the extra cash for a custom shoe.

Best Budget Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13

Good for: Those who want to save money by buying an older (but still great) sneaker

Best Budget

New Balance 860v13 Running Shoes

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Stability running shoes
• Medial post to combat overpronation
• Designed for people with flat feet/collapsing arches
• Medium cushioning
• 16 available colorways
• Blown rubber outsole

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Medial support post is noticeable, but not intrusive
• Cradles the ankle joint
• Provides stability against overpronation
• Budget-friendly as far as stability shoes go (around $140 rather than around $160-170)
• Many colorways available
• Narrow, wide, and extra wide sizing available

Cons

• Not great for neutral runners
• Medial support post may take some getting used to

Bottom Line

The New Balance 860v13 running shoes are a good option for people who need medial support to prevent overpronation and need narrow or wide sizing.

New Balance came out with a new version of the popular 860s (version 13), which means the version 12s are now marked way down. The biggest difference between the two versions is the foam in the midsole—it’s softer in the v13s, but it’s still nothing to scoff at in the v12s. New Balance uses the same Fresh Foam, which is designed to react to and support your foot without adding a bunch of extra weight.

There’s a medial post in the heel counter that helps control pronation, and a squishy-yet-supportive rubber outsole that helps with rebound and stability. We didn’t test this particular shoe, but we did try the 880s, which have a similar midsole.

According to GGR tester Caroline Lubinsky, they felt durable and well-cushioned, yet still had a lot of support. If you’re into a more minimalist style, she says you likely won’t like the look of these shoes. But they offer the extra support and stability for flat feet, so you might have to prioritize function over fashion here.

Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: ASICS Gel-Kayano 

Good for: Women looking for extra cushioning and more support in the rear foot

Best Women

Asics Gel-Kayano 28

GGR Score: 3.85

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Product Highlights

• Neutral support road running shoe 
• Asics maximum cushion running shoe 
• 22 colorways: 9 for men and 13 for women

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Larger size range than competitors
• Also available in wide version
• Gender-specific 3D space construction
• Lots of color options

Cons

• Customers complained about blisters
• Users said fit is narrower than previous versions
• Wide version has limited colorways
• Relatively big 10 mm heel drop

Bottom Line

The GEL-Kayano 28 has been updated to be lighter and more supportive than previous iterations. Most customers like the updates, but some found the shoe too narrow and experienced blisters.

Asics are no longer a dad shoe. The brand has upped its game and now has so many stylish options that are suitable for all types of feet and striking patterns. The Gel-Kayanos are one of the brand’s most popular options, and rightfully so. 

There have been many iterations of this particular shoe, but the latest model—the 29s—have maximum cushioning with extra stability. Yet, despite the extra cushioning, they’re lighter than the previous models, so you won’t feel like your feet are being weighed down.

RELATED: Best walking shoes for seniors

This pair is designed for neutral to overpronation, so for those with flat feet, low arches, and/or neutral arches. A low-profile heel counter and extra rear foot support help keep your foot in place, while foam cushioning in the midsole offers shock absorption and stability. 

There’s an extra stability feature on the inside of the midsole that offers more motion control—it keeps your foot from rolling too far inward, which can ultimately cause foot pain.

Asics prioritizes sustainability, too. A minimum of 50% of the mesh upper is made with recycled materials, and the company uses a specialized dying process that reduces water usage and carbon emissions by 33% and 45%, respectively.

Best Men’s Walking Shoes for Flat Feet: Brooks Addiction Walker 2

Good for: Men who want a classic style that’s strictly for walking

Best Men

Brooks Addiction Walker 2

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Walking shoes 
• PDAC code-compliant shoes, diabetic shoes
• Slip-resistant

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in 4 widths: Narrow (1B), Medium (1D), Wide (2E), Extra Wide (4E)
• Slip-resistant
• Also available in suede and with velcro straps instead of laces
• 90-day trial and return period
• Available in large range of sizes

Cons

• Heavy
• Customers complain that they are noisy and squeaky
• Users say the shoes feel narrower and tighter than previous versions

Bottom Line

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2 is a shoe that has many positive reviews for comfort. Customers did complain that the shoes were too noisy.

The Brooks Addiction Walker 2s are designed solely for walking (as you might have inferred from the name), and are our choice for the best walking shoes for men with flat feet. They have the brand’s signature soft DNA foam cushioning in the midsole (Brooks categorizes these as maximum cushioning) and extra support that Brooks calls an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB).

Essentially these two features work together to respond to movement, weight, and speed, and provide support and absorb impact when needed. The extra support system also helps you maintain your natural strike pattern while mitigating some of the overpronation that can come with flat feet. 

They also have a specialized outsole that’s very slip-resistant. These are similar in style to anti-slip work shoes. There are no standout colorways or patterns, just your traditional all-black or all-white.

The Addiction Walker 2s comes in four widths—narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide. The wide widths are likely the best option for those with flat feet, but it really depends on your foot shape and structure. Many people with flat feet need a wide toe box, but some don’t.

Best Lightweight Walking Shoe for Flat Feet: Saucony Guide 15

Good for: Those looking for an uber-lightweight shoe with plenty of cushion

Best Lightweight

Saucony Guide 15

GGR Score: 4.4

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Product Highlights

• Saucony’s patented PWRRUN structured cushioning is lightweight and contoured to hug the foot
• HOLLOW-TECH features provide stability and stride guidance
• FORMFIT technology provides contact and support at key points along the foot
• PWRRUN+ cushioned sockliner
• American Podiatric Medical Association-certified (AMPA)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cushioned yet lightweight
• Well-suited for long runs
• AMPA-certified
• Responsive
• Supportive and secure fit

Cons

• Absorbs water
• Traction in wet ground is reportedly poor

Bottom Line

Saucony’s Guide 15 is a lightweight and supportive sneaker which is particularly well-suited for long runs.

All the shoes that made our list are on the lighter-weight side, but the Saucony Guide 15s are uber light. The men’s version weighs just 9.5 ounces, while the women’s shoe comes in at just 8.2 ounces. There are no sacrifices when it comes to features, though.

While you’re not going to get a fully personalized feel unless you opt for custom orthotics, Saucony tried to make these sneakers as adaptable as possible. Underfoot contouring hugs your foot and allows you to sink further into the footbed, while still providing the support and stability you’ll need for flat feet. 

The brand recently upgraded the foam that’s in the midsole, so you’ll get more cushion even with less bulk. The sockliner is also cushioned, which adds an extra layer of comfort and protection. There’s also more flexibility in the forefront so the shoe doesn’t hinder your natural walking stride.

They come in regular and wide width versions, which have more room in the toe box so you won’t get any cramping. Like the HOKAs, the Saucony Guide 15s have a seal of approval from the APMA, which means they’re beneficial to your foot health and can actually provide value when worn consistently.

Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet and Overpronation: Asics Gel-Cumulus 26

Good for: Those who tend to roll their feet while walking or running

Best for Overpronation

Asics Gel-Cumulus 26

GGR Score: 4.33

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Product Highlights

• Neutral running shoe
• Lightweight gel cushioning
• Made with sustainable materials
• Sizes 6-16

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Multiple widths
• Gel cushioning
• Little to no break-in time
• Durable

Cons

• Slightly pricey
• Our testers aren't the biggest fan of the outsole

Bottom Line

The Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 is a great neutral running shoe for those looking for an everyday trainer for shorter treks. One frequent runner says they start to compress during longer runs.

Frequent runner and friend of GGR Ben says the Asics Gel-Cumulus 26 are good for anyone with “minor overpronation issues” due to the PureGEL tech in the heel. “It can help create a more shock-absorbing heel strike during landings, allowing you to comfortably transition to toe-offs,” Ben says.

Rob Davis, another frequent runner and husband of GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, says he tends to overpronate and agrees with Ben’s take. “These feel stable but not overly so,” Rob says. For those reasons, we awarded it a 4 out of 5 on stability.

For those who don’t know, overpronation is when your foot rolls inward and causes the arch to flatten. This can result in strained muscles or soreness, both of which can affect your next run and overall foot health.

While Ben hasn’t worn these on a post-rain run yet, he says his experience doesn’t give him too much confidence. “The tread pattern can sometimes lose grip on slippery surfaces like a painted median line on the road,” he says. “Comparing the outsole to last year’s model, I don’t think Asics has nailed the wet weather traction just yet.” We gave it a 3.5 out of 5 when it came to the outsole.

The inside of the shoe, however, is a different story. “Very comfortable, almost rivaling my beloved HOKAs,” Rob says. “No break-in time, and I really like how they feel.” The hobby marathoner gave them a 5 out of 5 on adjustability and ergonomics.

Best Walking Shoes for Wide Flat Feet: Altra Provision 8

Good for: Flat-footed individuals with larger feet

Best for Wide Feet

Altra Provision 8

GGR Score: 4.45

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Product Highlights

• Road running and walking shoe
• Roomy toe box
• Breathable engineered mesh upper
• Altra EGO midsole
• 0 mm heel-to-toe drop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Engineered mesh upper
• Molded heel collar
• Very stable

Cons

• Design is a little plain
• Not suited for trail running

Bottom Line

The Altra Provision 8 running shoes provide a great amount of stability and cushioning for road running or walking. While they are supportive, the rubber tread is suited best for the road; you probably won’t want to take these on trails.

Certified personal trainer and GGR Performance Editor Anthony O’Reilly wears a size 15 shoe, and he says the Altra Provision 8 are one of the most stable options for those with flat and wide feet like himself. “These things feel like walking on a cloud,” Anthony says. “They’re ridiculously stable.”

The Provision 8s have no heel-to-toe drop and as Anthony notes feel very cushioned. These are the shoes Anthony takes on his infamous 20-mile walks through the streets of New York City. “My feet don’t hurt at the end of the day,” he says.

The stability is largely due to the guardrails and InnerFlex midsole, which also provides some flexibility for sudden turns. It also has a roomy toe box and has been endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Do you know those bumpers bowling alley employees sometimes put up for less experienced bowlers? Altra’s GuideRail sort of serves the same purpose, providing a stopgap to prevent your feet from overpronating. Anthony says his only major callout with these shoes is the laces need to double-,nay triple-laced to stay tight.

“Almost every other time I’ve put them on, they’ve somehow become untied in a matter of seconds,” Anthony says. “These are the only shoes these have happened to me with.”

Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Quantum 2.0

Good for: Anyone who suffers from plantar fasciitis

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• 8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Wide design
• Plenty of cushioning in the midfoot
• Available in men’s and women’s colorways

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supportive heel cushion
• Wide design and toe box
• Available in both men's and women's colorways
• 8.5 mm heel to toe drop

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulkier and heavier than many other shoes
• 8.5 mm may feel unusual to those used to minimalist shoes

Bottom Line

The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.

If you have plantar fasciitis, or pain right above the ball of your feet, the Kuru Quantum 2.0 are our pick to alleviate your discomfort. Kuru is a company that designs their shoes to hug your heels, rather than keeping them flat as you see with other shoes.

They claim this alleviates much of the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, and while none of our testers have that condition we can attest that they’re quite comfortable.

“I like these shoes a lot,” says certified personal trainer and GGR Senior Editor Erin Chancer. “They’re much wider than I’m used to but very stable and comfortable. I need a lot of arch support and found that the shoes were right in the sweet spot and kept me comfortable while I ran errands downtown and took my dog for a walk in the park.”

These shoes are specifically designed for walking, so we wouldn’t recommend taking a jog in them.

On durability, we give them a 4.5 out of 5. “I live in Tom’s, so they feel slightly heavier than I’m used to but are sturdy with ample cushioning,” Erin says.

Read more in our expert-tested Kuru Quantum 2.0 review.

Other Walking Shoes for Flat Feet We Researched

Nike Zoom Structure 24

The Nike Zoom Structure 24s got high ratings in our testing, but GGR head of content and certified personal trainer Kate Meier said they’re pretty narrow and would likely take a lot of breaking in if you have wider feet. You could always go up a half size for some extra room, but we think there are better options out there for flat feet.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3

Nicole tested these shoes and said they’re unlike any other she’s ever tried. They’re springy and cushioned, even more so than HOKAs. But they’re also $250, which is a lot for a pair of walking sneakers. If you have the budget and don’t mind spending the money, you’ll probably love them, but there are other options out there that we just think are more practical.

Skechers Go Walk Speed Walker

Skechers are well-known for comfort, and the brand has an entire line dedicated just to walking. These shoes have extra cushioning and a removable insole that helps with arch support. We haven’t gotten around to testing them yet, but they’re on our radar.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

Our decision-making process was two-fold. We combined our own research and firsthand experience testing more than 70 pairs of sneakers with expert advice from Brad Schaffer, DPM, a podiatrist, board-certified foot surgeon, and star of the show “My Feet are Killing Me” on TLC. 

First, we narrowed our pool of sneakers to only those that received high ratings in various testing categories like construction, stability, durability, ergonomics, and overall value. For testing, these shoes were taken on long walks and runs on pavement and through rougher terrain over a period of several weeks.

RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Beginners

Once we had the list of sneakers we liked, we considered specific factors—like extra cushioning, arch support, fit, and stability—that people with flat feet need. We narrowed down the list even further to only those that hit the mark here.

We also added some sneakers that we haven’t been able to test yet. We looked at shoe construction, features, and customer feedback to get a sense of how people with flat feet felt wearing the shoes. We excluded any pairs with major complaints (or that we thought were just too expensive for the average person) to come up with this final list.

Benefits of Walking Shoes Designed for Flat Feet

The biomechanics of your foot make a huge difference in how you feel. Flat feet, scientifically referred to as pes planus⁴, means that the arches of your feet make more contact with the ground. On its own, this doesn’t cause any symptoms or discomfort, but it can change the biomechanics of your legs and spine, which can ultimately increase your risk of developing pain or experiencing an injury.

Walking shoes designed for flat feet help combat this by providing extra cushioning and arch support. This not only gives you a more natural strike pattern, it also helps absorb shock and impact that can cause irritation and damage. Orthotic insoles⁵ also have a similar effect, but a good pair of shoes is the foundation for maintaining your foot health and staying pain-free.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

All feet are different, but there are some common things you should look for when choosing the best walking shoes for flat feet. These include arch support, ample cushioning, stability, and balance transfer. It’s also vital to make sure your shoes actually fit well.

Arch Support

“Arch support is probably the most critical feature that affects comfort and can help prevent a myriad of issues. Arch supports are designed to relieve, and often prevent, pain. [They also] ensure that the arch of the foot is properly supported and can absorb that pain-inducing pounding that happens when walking, running, or doing other activities.” says Dr. Brad. He adds that this isn’t restricted only to those with flat feet—it’s common in people with high arches and neutral feet, too.

RELATED: Best Running Shoes for High Arches

Ample Cushioning

Cushioning and extra padding absorb shock and help prevent tissue irritation and damage, according to Dr. Brad. You want to choose supportive shoes that have an ample amount of cushioning—some type of foam or padded midsole is best—but still offer stability. 

Stability and Balance Transfer

Stability and balance transfer are other considerations. “Shoes should provide a good balance transfer for one’s gait. [This is] the movement from when one’s heel strikes the ground until the toe off, propelling forward at the end of one’s step,” says Dr. Brad. Those with flat feet lean toward overpronation, so stability shoes that support the arches and provide more support in the midsole and heel will be helpful.

The Right Fit

It may seem obvious, but you want to make sure your sneakers fit properly, both length and width. “Ill-fitting and constricting shoes cause a lot of the problems I see in my practice including bunions, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, blisters, and more,” says Dr. Brad, adding that, “You don’t want your heel or foot slipping around.” This includes making sure there’s enough room in the forefoot and toe box.

RELATED: Training Shoes Guide

FAQs About Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

References

1. Pita-Fernandez, S, Gonzalez-Martin, C, Alonso-Tajes, F, et al. Flat foot in a random population and its impact on quality of life and functionality. J Clin Diagn Res. 2017;11(4):LC22-LC27. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2017/24362.9697

2. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Adult acquired flatfoot. 2021.

3. UCLA Health. Coping with the changes your feet undergo as you age. 2018.

4. StatPearls. Pes planus. 2022.

5. Chen, YC, Lou, SZ, Huang, CY, Su, FC. Effects of foot orthoses on gait patterns of flat feet patients. Clin Biomech (Bristol, Avon). 2010;25(3):265-270. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2009.11.007

Lindsay Boyers, CN

Lindsay Boyers is a functional nutritionist, writer, and editor with over a decade of experience in online media. She's written 14 books and hundreds of articles on fitness, wellness, nutrition, and lifestyle. Lindsay holds certifications in holistic nutrition, functional nutrition, and professional food safety, as well as a B.S. in food in nutrition.

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