The 10 best trainers for flat feet, with tips from a practising podiatrist

If you choose the wrong pair of trainers, you'll know about it. So, avoid that issue completely and select the best trainers for flat feet to not only alleviate the challenges associated with flat feet, but also enhance overall comfort and performance.

Why is it important to choose the right trainers if you have flat feet?

Flat feet are a common condition where the arches of the feet collapse, which can lead to discomfort and pain and even contribute to long-term foot and joint issues. Usually, the arch of the feet plays an important role in distributing body weight and absorbing shock during activities like walking and running. But, in individuals with flat feet, the arches collapse, causing the entire sole to contact the ground.

Trevor Prior – practising podiatric surgeon and one of Vionic's Innovation Lab members – explains how the right footwear will affect your exercise.

"The most important thing when choosing trainers for flat feet is comfort. You may need to try on a number of pairs until you find trainers that are right for you, providing the right amount of stability and support," he says.

Another tip, he continues, is to buy padded gym socks or insoles suitable for flat feet. "You can also buy orthotic shoe inserts, which will also provide support. You can even buy supportive insoles designed especially for active footwear," Trevor comments. "Make sure you choose the right inserts, with adequate arch support for your arch shape, not just those which cushion your feet."

Many trainer brands nowadays are becoming more acquainted with issues around flat feet causing issues for customers, and have incorporated features such as reinforced arch support, motion control technology, and superior cushioning to accommodate those with unique foot structures and flat arches (New Balance and Nike, we're looking at you). This means a whole host of trainers are labelled as 'the best for flat feet.'

We're delving into the features, technologies and brands that have earned a reputation for excellence in providing the utmost support and comfort to those with this foot condition.

The best trainers for flat feet in 2024

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

How to choose the best trainers for flat feet, with tips from Trevor:

Do flat feet need more or less arch support?

Having adequate arch support in your running shoes helps provide stability, correct alignment, and distribute pressure evenly across the foot.

Trevor points out: "Many people think they have a flat foot when this is rarely the case. A true flat foot exists when the bones of the arch of the foot have collapsed and are flat on the floor."

"When weight is put on the foot, by standing or walking, the bones of the arch lower give the appearance of a flat foot. This motion is known as pronation, and the degree of pronation that occurs varies between individuals," he says. "People with flat feet can be predisposed to straining the tendon on the inside of the ankle (tibialis posterior) as it tries to resist this movement of the arch. With time, the tendon can stretch, tear or rupture, allowing the flat foot to worsen. Injury/trauma to the heel or ankle can result in an abnormal position or arthritis and cause a flat foot."

But what does this actually mean for arch support?

People who suffer with flat feet tend to need additional arch support in their footwear to compensate for the natural lack of arches in their feet. So, opting for footwear designed for flat feet aims to minimise strain, increase comfort and promote foot mechanics.

Trevor recommends that "in order to achieve long-term comfort from flat feet, you may need to add arch support to your trainers, either by way of a supportive insole or orthotic footwear with in-built arch support." He says, "Wearing slippers, sliders or sandals with support at home can also be a real help to people with flat feet as this is often when people aggravate their symptoms as they have no support in bare feet, or when just wearing socks around the house."

What worsens flat feet?

There's not just one cause of flat feet or one thing that can worsen it - it could just be down to your natural foot shape. "However, various factors can aggravate flat feet, such as injury, obesity, arthritis, ageing, genetics and pregnancy," Trevor explains. "The good news is that surgery is rarely needed for flat feet unless caused by something else, such as a tendon tear or bone deformity. Instead, simple stretches and exercises, good footwear and insoles can often be used to help any symptoms."

How common are flat feet?

If you do suffer with flat feet, you're definitely not alone. In fact, Trevor tells us that flat feet "affect around one in three adults and causing symptoms in 10% of people. Usually, both feet are involved, and it is more common in certain ethnicities."

"It is also possible to have a fallen or collapsed arch in just one foot. Whilst this may have just been the way you were born if this is developing over a period of time, then it may be a sign of a problem, and it is worth getting a professional opinion."

Moreover, there are easy ways to see what type of foot you have from home. Trevor runs us through the simplest way to do it. "Look at the shape of your arch when sitting or standing on tiptoes. Then look at your arch when you are standing," he says. "If you have a mobile flat foot, then you will see more motion, and the arch will be lower towards the ground. The closer to the ground, the flatter the foot. If there is not much difference between the two positions and the arch is flat, then you have a stiffer or possibly rigid flat foot."

However, having flat feet, or other foot conditions, say plantar fasciitis, is definitely not something to be too worried about, Trevor assures "flat feet don’t always lead to problems, and you don’t need to change your lifestyle if you have them." Buying a new pair of specialised trainers just might do the trick.

About the expert

Trevor Prior is a podiatric surgeon and one of Vionic's Innovation Lab members. With over 25 years of experience under his belt, Trevor specialises in sports injuries, biomechanics, gait analysis, orthoses and foot surgery. He's had extensive training in the UK, US and Europe and is a member of a number of professional groups including the British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine. In addition to this, Trevor consults as a podiatric surgeon at Homerton University in London and is the director of Premier Podiatry. Throughout his career he's worked with elite and professional athletes in sports like football, rugby, hockey and cricket.

Gemma Lavers is a Fitness Writer for What's The Best, f****rom understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga.

When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.

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