Image via Complex Original
Running with flat feet can be frustrating, difficult, and downright painful, but it doesn’t have to be. With the proper pair of shoes, it’s possible to alleviate most of the issues that accompany flat-footedness.
Also known as “fallen” or “low” arches, the main problem with this condition is that it affects one of a runner’s most crucial components. Arches act as a natural shock absorber, helping to soften the blow during the foot strike phase. Without the arch’s support, impact is allowed to vibrate through your feet and legs, thus resulting in a higher risk of injury.
More often than not, flat footed runners are also overpronators, which means that the feet roll inward upon foot strike and require a shoe with ample support, but it’s important to note that this isn’t always the case. If you’re unsure, it’s probably best to consult a running specialty store in your area, as they’ll be able to analyze your gait and determine whether you overpronate, underpronate (also known as supination), or have a neutral stride.
With that in mind, we’ve included options for all three types of foot motion, although the majority will be best suited for overpronators.
Mizuno Wave Paradox 2
Best for: Overpronators
Key feature: Wave Plate
Weight: 10.9 oz
Price: $135
Buy it here: Road Runner Sports
There’s no shortage of cushion and support in the Mizuno Wave Paradox 2, as it’s loaded with a responsive Wave band that extends from the heel to the mid-foot and is capped off with the brand’s U4ic shock absorption. The aesthetic is more dad than fad, but you’re buying these to run in anyway, right?
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 15
Best for: Overpronators
Key feature: Progressive Diagonal Rollbar
Weight: 11.1 oz
Price: $120
Buy it here: Running Warehouse
Running Warehouse calls the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 15 a “go-to shoe” thanks to its ideal combination of support and reliability. For flat-footed overpronators, the sneaker’s Progressive Diagonal Rollbar keeps the foot from rolling inward, while its BioMoGo DNA midsole is both comfortable and environmentally friendly.
ASICS Gel-Foundation 12
Best for: Severe overpronators
Key feature: DuoMax Support System
Weight: 12.4 oz
Price: $120
Buy it here: Asics
For those of you with severe overpronation, it’s best to consider a motion control category shoe that will help to correct your stride. Between the Gel-Foundation 12’s DuoMax Support System, Truistic System, and Gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot, it’s equipped enough to get the job done.
Nike LunarGlide 7
Best for: Overpronators
Key feature: Lunarlon cushioning
Weight: 9.1 oz
Price: $125
Buy it here: Nike
Extra support shouldn’t always have to mean extra weight, and Nike’s LunarGlide 7 comes in at just 9.1 oz, making them one of the lightest options around. The build includes some of Nike’s best technologies including Lunarlon cushioning, supportive Flywire, and a combination of Flyknit and engineered mesh for plenty of ventilation.
Saucony Echelon 5
Best for: Neutral runners
Key feature: PowerGrid cushioning
Weight: 11.9 oz
Price: $130
Buy it here: Saucony
Designed specifically for neutral runners with flat feet, the Saucony Echelon 5 can also be fitted with orthotics for customized comfort. It features PowerGrid cushioning, which provides an ideal balance of shock absorption and responsiveness, as well as what the brand calls a Super Rebound Compound Impact Zone. In other words, you’ll hardly even notice as your foot strikes, which is a flat footer’s dream.
New Balance 1260 v5
Best for: Overpronators
Key feature: Post Applied stability post
Weight: 11.4 oz
Price: $150
Buy it here: New Balance
New Balance is a master of its craft, so it’s no surprise that the fifth iteration of the 1260 performance runner is the best yet. Smooth, stable, and most of all, comfortable, the 1260 v5 boasts everything an overpronator needs to get the job done injury-free. N2 Cushioning and N2 Burst take care of impact while a molded Post Applied stability post corrects any inward rolling.
adidas Ultra Boost
Best for: Neutral to underpronators
Key feature: Boost cushioning
Weight: 11.4 oz
Price: $180
Buy it here: adidas
As we mentioned, just because you’re flat-footed doesn’t necessarily mean you’re an overpronator. In rare cases, runners with flat feet may have a neutral motion or underpronate, and the adidas Ultra Boost is an ideal choice for that. Not only is it a high performer, but it’s hands down one of the dopest sneakers of 2015 and available in just about any color you could want.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 22
Best for: Overpronators
Key feature: DuoMax Support System
Weight: 11.2 oz
Price: $160
Buy it here: ASICS
Now on its 22nd version, the ASICS Gel-Kayano is by far the longest running franchise on this list, so you know the brand has been doing something right with this one. It’s ASICS’ top of the line shoe for neutral to moderate overpronators and uses a bevy of tech to keep things in check.
Nike Zoom Odyssey
Best for: Overpronators
Key feature: Zoom Air cushioning
Weight: 10.4 oz
Price: $150
Buy it here: Nike
The Nike Zoom Odyssey released earlier this month, and it’s already earned a reputation as a no-nonsense running sneaker for overpronators. This stability shoe is equipped responsive Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot, but it’s the Dynamic Support platform that really keeps pronation in check.
Brooks Beast 14
Best for: Severe overpronators
Key feature: Progressive Diagonal Rollbar
Weight: 13.9 oz
Price: $150
Buy it here: Brooks
If you have severe overpronation that can't be taken care of by the Adrenaline GTS 15, you may want to consider the Brooks Beast 14. Built for those with the worst cases of pronation, this motion control runner is equipped with Brooks staples like BioMoGo DNA and a Diagonal Rollbar. They’re so good, you’ll forget you even have flat feet once you’re out there pounding the pavement.
