1 week Ago By Alexis Mikulski Ruiz
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission. Nearly 1.5 billion people around the globe (including Elvis Costello and Elton John ) suffer from flat feet, a condition in which the arch of the foot is virtually non-existent.
Not only can this make it difficult to walk or stand for long periods, but it can also cause pain in your legs and back. Luckily, there are specially designed shoes out there that can help alleviate these symptoms. At a Glance: The Best Shoes for Flat Feet Our fashion editors searched for the best shoes for flat feet that you can buy online, including running and walking sneakers, sandals, slides, and even loafers.
To decide which kicks were able to make the cut, we kept a couple of things in mind. The first was support. Because flat feet affect the arch of the foot, we looked for options that could help ease walking strain, assist with balance, and absorb the impact of each step.
Next, we focused on cushioning. Proper cushioning is crucial for those with flat feet, as it helps reduce the risk of injury, pain, and chronic fatigue by cradling the areas needed to course correct this issue. Comfort also includes factors like breathability, the weight of the shoe , and the ability to fit both wide and regular-sized feet.
And as always, style was considered. The items listed here were carefully vetted for their color options, silhouettes, and versatility. Shop the best shoes for flat feet online, from brands like Brooks, Hoka, and Birkenstock below.
$200.00 $199.95 For a tried-and-true option, we turn to Brooks , a performance footwear company known for its supportive sneakers that strike an ideal balance of fashion and function.
The brand offers several stylish collaborations with artists (check out their recent Hero Collection here ) and creates versatile shoes for trails, uneven terrain, and pavement. One of our Rolling Stone commerce editors, who has plantar fasciitis (which can be caused by flat feet), mentioned that while wearing Brooks, they’re able to walk between 10,000 and 20,000 steps during a day at a theme park without experiencing foot pain at the end. $140.
00 $139.95 Asics dates back to 1949, giving the brand nearly seven decades to refine its craft. This flexible sneaker not only works as a reliable running shoe, but it’s also casual enough to wear with jeans and a tee for a leisurely stroll around town.
Either way, your feet won’t feel the typical aches and pains associated with flat feet during use. $145.00 $144.
99 The infamous chunky dad sneaker gets a chic color upgrade with these beige New Balance kicks. They’re supportive, have cool, subtle detailing, and are available in men’s sizes eight to 13. $139.
95 $140.00 Although technically designed as a running shoe, I wore my Hoka Mach 6s while walking all 18 holes at Augusta National Golf Course during this year’s Masters, and my feet never tired. The only time I took a break to sit was to scarf down a pimento cheese sandwich; otherwise, these sneakers provided the comfort and support I needed to walk from Amen Corner to Magnolia Lane.
$160.00 $159.95 One of the most common complaints for people with flat feet is experiencing sharp pain that radiates through the heel, making it difficult to walk.
And while there isn’t a magical cure for this issue, these Saucony sneakers provide excellent shock absorption and arch support, offering relief exactly where it’s needed most. $115.00 $115.
00 Sneakers are often the best footwear option for those with flat feet. However, if you’re looking for something more breathable and lightweight, grab these Birkenstock slides instead. This classic summer sandal is designed with special materials that help protect your joints while walking, reducing the pressure felt on your heels and arches.
$79.95 $79.95 Stop flat foot pain before it starts with Oofos’ sports slides .
A favorite brand among those in the plantar fasciitis community, they feature five different colorway options and an adjustable buckle that lets you mold the sandal to your foot shape (which can assist in relieving discomfort). $105.00 When it comes to shoes for flat feet, Kuru is second to none.
The brand is backed by podiatrists, lets you shop by problem area (flat feet versus plantar fasciitis), and has hundreds of different styles to choose from, including boots, slip-ons, and sandals. But these midnight blue slides happen to be one of our favorites. $170.
00 $169.95 $180.00 6% off You might think of this as a “hear me out moment,” but trust me when I say Dr.
Martens are some of the most comfortable pairs of shoes you can own. While they often get a bad rep for taking a while to break in, once you do, you’ll never want to take them off. This particular option is especially great for those with flat feet because it offers the durability needed to support you while standing for hours at events like concerts, yet it’s versatile enough to wear to work as well.
$189.00 When you have flat feet, it can be difficult to find a good pair of dress shoes — they’re often too narrow and made without adequate cushioning. Luckily, the geniuses over at Amberjack found a solution to this problem by creating stylish and supportive dress shoes that allow your feet to lie naturally so you never have to worry about cramping.
$120.00 For comfortable loafers, legacy footwear brand Clark’s is our top pick. The Arlo shoes are slip-resistant, carefully crafted with top-tier leather materials, and only feel (and look) better with each and every wear.
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