Understanding shoe last, or the actual shape of the sole of the shoe is vital for folks with flat feet. If you have high arches or even normal arches, your footprint naturally makes a noticeable curve to the inside when you walk or run. This isn't the case for those with flat feet, who don't have a defined arch when they move. It's important that shoes for flat feet accommodate this by using a wider mid-foot and toe-box design. This allows your arch and toes to comfortably splay out for stability as you walk or run. FAQs About the Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet Arch support is not all you need! Depending on whether you're a heel-, midfoot-, or forefoot-striker when you run, you'll need supportive cushioning in different parts of your shoe. Make sure the shoe you select has support where you need it. It should also have a drop (the difference in height between the heel and toe areas) that you're comfortable with. Drop can impact stability and speed, and over time, high-drop shoes can have ill effects on the Achilles tendon. Shoe Last Many shoes for flat feet have extra cushioning for support and comfort. However, the adidas Ultraboost 22 goes above and beyond to give your foot a snug but comfortable fit while you’re running. The BOOST midsole is adidas' patented design that is meant to return more energy to your running power with every step. If you have wide feet or issues with hammer toes or metatarsalgia, which causes the ball of your foot to become inflamed, look for shoes with a wider toe box. The outsole has been decently durable as it has extensive rubber coverage. After 30 miles (and wearing these every day to work) there is some mild outsole abrasion at my normal posterior lateral left heel. There has been a slight increase in wear at the central forefoot (exposed midsole), but it has not affected the ride. The rubber does give excellent traction on smooth surfaces. I have had no trouble with dry or wet road conditions. The Echelon 9 grips extremely well on smooth indoor surfaces and I have had no trouble in clinic or teaching. It does fine on smooth trails, but I would not use it for more aggressive ones as it is a road shoe.

We also like how ASICS has customized the Gel-Kayano 28 to work with the differences in gait between men and women. While it may be a pricier option, its performance, durability, and classic design make it our top choice for runners with flat feet. What We Like Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor:Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup As you can see from the image above, EVERUN is an additional layer of cushioning material that lives close to the foot, providing a more immediate cushioning. According to Saucony it provides an 83% energy return and it does not break down with usage. Running Shoes Buying GuidesWhether your foot is naturally wide or needs extra room to allow for swelling during a long run, finding a good running shoe is key to keeping wide feet happy and healthy. BUY: Saucony Men's Echelon 8 Best Running Shoes for Women with Flat Feet - New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13 Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer EVERUN is the newest Saucony technology and it’s slowly but surely being incorporated in all new premium Saucony running shoes. BUY: New Balance Fresh Foam 860v13 Best Running Shoes for Men with Flat Feet - New Balance Men's Fresh Foam 1080v11

Despite the wide and roomy fit of the Saucony Echelon 8, I found that the shoes still provided a secure fit during my runs. The lacing area allowed for a snug closure, and the padded heel cup helped my feet to stay in place during the gait cycle. If your feet feel cramped or you regularly get blisters, bunions, corns, or calluses — or if your toes or feet feel like they’re falling asleep — your current shoes might be too tight.BUY: Brooks Launch 8 Running Shoes Best Cushioning Running Shoes for Flat Feet - Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 Additionally, the outsole of this model is pretty wide, creating a feeling of stability during the gait cycle. I greatly enjoyed this feature during all of my runs in the Echelons. They made my feet feel very secure when hitting the ground, with no unwanted wobbling in the shoes. Echelon 8 required no break-in period Rigid flat feet are less common and are usually the result of genetic or anatomical differences. They generally require more involved treatments such as surgery or bracing. Shoe Type Asics makes good running shoes for all foot types. For wide feet, the Asics GT-2000 10, which comes in 2E and 4E widths, is a solid choice.

Several brands sell running shoes in both standard and wide widths. That said, these brands often have a variety of wide shoes available for runners: Powergrid+ is the evolution of Powergrid, which in turn is the evolution of the original Progrid technology. Because it’s made for a smooth ride, the Arahi 6 is a solid choice whether you want a daily runner or a shoe that can take you through marathon training. Some updated features to this version include an extended pull tab at the heel, additional cushion on the tongue for added comfort, and a mesh upper to enhance breathability. Pros: good fit for feet that need slightly more room than standard shoes provide, available in a lot of colors, ultra-cushioned lightweight ride With a spacious toe box and wide mid-foot and forefoot, the Echelon is designed to give a comfy ride to wide feed. Plus, it has plenty of room for a full-length orthotic shoe insert.It doesn't matter how well a shoe fits your arches if it's too narrow it won't be comfortable for walking and running. And while many running shoes do come with wide size options, it's even better to find a pair that doesn't require special sizing to work with your feet. The Saucony's Men's Echelon 8 offers neutral arch support with a wider sole. Its wider toe box encourages a natural gait, and the ample cushioning keeps you comfortable through even the longest runs. The Echelon 8 also has a removable insole, which is great if you'd prefer to use custom orthotic insoles for flat feet in your running shoes. The upper of this Saucony model is perforated and very breathable. It allows air to pass over the foot during running. My feet remained fresh and ventilated at all times. The upper of this shoe also felt comfortable and did not cause any chafing. Supportive external heel counter

It is such a drastic change according to Saucony that once a model gets the “ISO” treatment, the numbering starts from 1. For example after the Triumph 12, there is the Triumph ISO and after that one the ISO 2. The shoes are quite roomy (more on this in the next section) with a generous, wide cut. For me, this worked well since my feet are on the wider side of average and I find many running shoes to be too narrow. However, this fit may not work for those whose feet run on the narrow side. Orthotic-friendly design If you have rigid flat feet, you'll probably want a motion control shoe, which helps normalize your gait and prevent the overpronation that you're, well, prone to. Arch Support

BUY: Saucony Endorphin Shift 2 What Should You Consider When Selecting the Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet? Orthotics that slide into your shoes take up room and may require a different shoe size — even if you remove the existing insoles.