The best shoes for flat feet in 2027, tested and reviewed

It’s estimated that 20% to 37% of the population has flat feet (pes planus), with factors such as posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, obesity and arthritis contributing to acquired flat feet with age. Whether you’ve been managing the condition your whole life or it’s something you’ve more recently started addressing, you know how frustrating it can be to find the right footwear — and the consequences of wearing the wrong shoes. “In some cases, flat feet can develop or be made worse by shoe choices,” says Milica McDowell, an orthopedic physical therapist. Because of this, it’s essential to find supportive and functional footwear. But finding the best shoes for flat feet is easier said than done.

Quick Overview

Best overall

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

Best walking shoe

Hoka Gaviota 6

Best sandal

Birkenstock Arizona

Best women’s casual shoe

Vionic Winny Sneaker

Best orthopedic

OrthoFeet Coral Stretch Knit Sneaker

See 3 more

You may not need orthopedic shoes (unless your podiatrist recommends them), but some of the most popular and trendy shoes don’t provide the support and stability flat feet need. I should know — as a woman with flat feet, I can attest to the struggle of finding shoes that are both cute and supportive. Luckily, they do exist.

To find the best shoes for flat feet, we first consulted with a panel of experts, including podiatrists, physical therapists and foot surgeons, to learn more about what to look for. We then evaluated over 50 different footwear companies and more than 75 pairs of shoes, paying particular attention to fit, arch support, width and sizes available, prioritizing shoes approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Finally, we tested our top selections to determine whether their claims truly lived up to expectations.

Best overall shoe for flat feet in 2027

Sean Abrams

Materials: Foam midsole, rubber outsole, engineered mesh upper (GuideRails support system) | Level of arch support: Moderate (stability) | Sizes available: Women’s 4-13 with half sizes up to 11.5; Men’s 7-16 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide

Thanks to its multiple width options, unique GuideRails system and durable all-day midsole foam, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is our pick as the best overall shoe for flat feet. Whether you’re running, walking or standing, the shoe provides the right balance of support and stability to keep your feet comfortable and help combat overpronation — a common issue in people with flat feet. However, it’s important to note the difference between dynamic overpronation (where your foot rolls inward and flattens out during movement) and structural flat feet, where the foot naturally has a very low or absent arch even when resting.

After testing nine Brooks running shoes, avid runner and Yahoo contributor Sean Abrams named the Adrenaline GTS 25 the best stability shoe. It stands out for the brand’s proprietary GuideRails technology, which helps keep your foot properly aligned. Abrams said it has “a satisfying locked-in, supported feel without every run feeling like a corrective exercise.”

Just keep in mind that the shoe’s DNA LOFT v3 foam is stable but not particularly responsive or bouncy. That stability is a plus for flat feet, but it won’t be the best shoe for speed runs.

The Adrenaline GTS 26 was released in early November 2026, which means you can now enjoy a nice discount on the GTS 25. We haven’t yet tested the new release, so we can’t attest to its ride, but the specs remain mostly the same, with the main difference being a softer upper.

Pros

• Good for running and walking
• Limits overpronation without feeling overly corrective
• Multiple widths and sizes
• Removable insole
• Roomy toe box and secure heel lockdown

Cons

• Not particularly responsive or bouncy (not ideal for speed runs)
• Heavier than many daily trainers
• Runs a bit warm

More shoes we like for flat feet in 2027

Carolin Lehmann/Yahoo

Materials: Compression-molded EVA midsole, abrasion-resistant rubber outsole, engineered mesh upper | Level of arch support: Moderate-high, stability frame | Sizes available: Women’s 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5; Men’s 7-16 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular, wide, extra-wide

The Hoka Gaviota 6 earned our top walking shoe for flat feet as it helps limit overpronation while also providing max cushion to keep your feet comfortable for hours. The shoe features an enhanced H-Frame, a dense, symmetrical structure embedded in the midsole that prevents overpronation without overcorrecting.

In Yahoo’s roundup of the best Hoka shoes, contributor Carolin Lehmann named the Gaviota 6 the brand’s most supportive everyday shoe. Yahoo Health’s own Senior Health Writer, Holly Pevzner also swears by the Gaviotas, “The only negative about the Gaviotas is that they’ve ruined me for all other sneakers! Usually, your feet feel better once you take off your shoes, but the opposite is true for me. I lace up the Gaviotas, and relief is nearly instant. My walks and hikes feel so much better now that these are my go-tos. I think the combination of the rocker sole and the cushioning is what makes my feet the happiest.”

The shoe’s previous version (the Gaviota 5) was APMA accepted for supporting good foot health. While this version doesn’t carry the acceptance, that’s often simply due to the time and cost of certification, not a change in function or structure that would prevent the shoes from receiving the seal.

Pros

• Multiple colors, sizes and widths available
• Highly cushioned midsole
• Good for overpronators

Cons

• A bit bulky
• May run hot in the summer
• Current version not APMA accepted, although previous version carried the seal

Birkenstock/Janelle Randazza/Yahoo

Materials: Synthetic leather upper, leather insole, cork footbed, EVA foam outsole | Level of arch support: Moderate-high, fixed contour | Sizes available: Women’s 4-12.5 with half sizes up to 12.5; Men’s 6-17.5 with half sizes up to 17.5 | Widths: Regular/wide, medium/narrow

Sneakers generally offer better support for flat feet, but that can feel limiting — especially in the summer. That’s where the Birkenstock Arizona comes in. This sandal has a loyal following thanks to its contoured cork footbed and deep heel cup. For flat feet specifically, those two features are key: the contoured arch supports a fallen arch and spreads weight more evenly across the foot, while the deep heel cup cradles the heel and helps limit the inward roll that comes with flat arches. Just know the support is a fixed contour rather than active correction, so it suits flexible or milder cases better than severe overpronation.

The footbed also molds to your feet over time for a custom, locked-in fit — though that’s a double-edged note, since some people find Birkenstocks stiff out of the box. Yahoo Commerce Editor Janelle Randazza, who overpronates and has worn Arizonas for years, tested them for our best walking sandals roundup. “These do feel firm, so some might think there’s a bit of breaking in, but you won’t get blisters if you get the soft leather or nubuck.” She added, “The soles will mold to your feet, and the comfort will increase” after a few weeks.

While not especially cushiony, Randazza said the Arizona absorbs shock well and goes the distance: “You really can walk miles in them. I took them on a 4-mile walk that alternated between paved streets and fire roads on an 87-degree day. My feet never sweat, and they never fatigued.”

The downsides? They’re not cheap, and they’re not meant to get wet. “Water makes these soles slimy and, in my experience, sometimes they don’t recover,” Randazza warned. She also noted that because the footbed molds to your foot, “the arch did wear down a bit after three weeks … I still feel supported, but the shoes will change over time.”

Pros

• Good arch support and overpronation control
• Molds to your feet over time
• Stable, no-slip footbed
• Wide toe box
• Built to last

Cons

• Not ideal for severe overpronation
• Water can ruin footbed
• Expensive

Vionic

Materials: Leather/denim/linen canvas/raffia upper, mesh, EVA, rubber | Level of arch support: Moderate, removable Vio Motion orthotic footbed | Sizes available: 5–13, with half sizes from 6.5–9.5; wide sizes from 5–12 | Widths: Medium (B), wide (D)

These casual-but-stylish sneaks are genuinely supportive and comfortable. They offer a deep heel cup that keeps feet secure and helps control pronation (important for those of us with flat feet), while the built-in arch support felt natural from the start — no break-in awkwardness.

If you’re looking for true arch support and stability in a casual, everyday shoe, these deliver. I tested the B width in white leather, which fit well, though the toe box felt slightly snug. If you have wider feet, you’ll likely want the D width.

They feel durable, clean up well and should hold up over time. That said, sizing reviews are mixed, so it’s worth double-checking your measurements before ordering. If you prefer highly cushioned, maximalist foam shoes, these may not be the best fit — try Oofos or Hoka instead. (See more Vionic picks in our roundup of the best flats.)

Pros

• APMA accepted
• Removable footbed for custom orthotics
• Deep heel cup and built-in arch support
• Two widths, sizes up to 13
• Looks like a casual sneaker, not an orthopedic shoe

Cons

• Stiff break-in; some report heel rub
• Firm, minimal cushioning
• Half sizes only from 6.5 to 9.5
• Some reports of sole separation

OrthoFeet

Materials: Wool blend upper, foam midsole and rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Orthotic arch support | Sizes available: Women’s 5-12 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide and XX-wide.

Orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to provide support, comfort and pain relief for common foot problems. OrthoFeet is an APMA-accepted company that focuses on orthopedic footwear, orthotic inserts, and socks, which is why its Coral Stretch Knit Sneaker is our top pick for women with flat feet who want an orthopedic shoe.

Part of what makes OrthoFeet shoes so different is how customizable they are, right out of the box. Every pair comes with a removable orthotic insole, arch booster and two fitting spacers for added volume and depth, so you can create the best fit for your needs. For flat feet specifically, the built-in orthotic with anatomical arch support is designed to lift and support the arch to prevent excessive inward rolling, while a firm heel counter and wide sole base help control overpronation.

Aside from those benefits, the Coral Stretch Knit Sneaker has a wide toe box, firm heel counter with extra cushioning and a mild rocker sole design, all of which can help provide more comfort, stability and pain relief.

It’s worth noting that this particular style is only available for women, but the Edgewater (MSRP $119) is a similar shoe designed for men. It comes in sizes 7 to 15, with half sizes up to 11.5, and medium, wide and extra wide widths.

Pros

• Built-in orthotic with anatomical arch support
• Firm heel counter and wide sole base
• Highly customizable
• Wide toe box and mild rocker
• 60-day comfort guarantee

Cons

• Adjustable arch may be too high for some
• Runs differently from standard sizing
• Mixed reviews on durability

Korin Miller/Yahoo

Materials: Recycled mesh upper, dual-density EVA foam, rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Moderate | Sizes available: Women’s 5-12, half sizes 5.5-10.5; men’s 7-15, half sizes 7.5-12.5 | Widths: Regular, wide, extra wide

If you’re looking for a running shoe that won’t weigh you down, the Arahi 8 does a surprisingly effective job. Weighing in at just 7.7 ounces in the women’s version and 9.8 ounces in the men’s, anyone who is trying to manage mild overpronation without feeling like you’re running with bricks tied to your feet is likely to be pleasantly surprised.

The Arahi 8 uses a specialized H-frame that locks in the midsole foam while providing ample gait guidance. Our tester stated that she could feel the shoe correcting her with each step, which she says took a little getting used to, but also let her know that the shoe was doing its job.

The Arahi 8 has generous space in the toe box and midfoot, making it a great choice for people with wide feet or those who just like a little more room. (Hoka also offers the Arahi 8 in wide and extra-wide sizes if you need even more room.) It’s also APMA certified for good foot health.

While the Arahi 8 is high on stability, it’s low on responsiveness. Meaning, there’s no bounciness here. Instead, the shoe provides a very grounded feel. The outsole is very thick, which adds extra height. But if you’ve been craving more stability in your stride, this is a shoe worth looking into.

Hoka released the Arahi 9 in November 2026, so you may be able to find the Arahi 8 on sale.

Pros

• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Three widths in both men’s and women’s
• Light for a stability shoe at 7.7 oz women’s, 9.8 oz men’s
• H-Frame guides the foot without a rigid medial post

Cons

• Hoka rates the stability only “moderate” — likely not enough for severe overpronation
• Runs slightly large, and no narrow width is offered

Addy Ciolek/Saralyn Ward/Steve Swensen/Yahoo

Materials: Synthetic, EVA | Level of arch support: Built-in orthotic | Sizes available: Women’s 5-12, men’s 7-14 | Widths: Medium

After testing 25 pairs of recovery shoes, the Kuru Moment scored higher than several fan-favorite recovery brands for arch support. In fact, both of our testers gave the Moment perfect 5-out-of-5 scores for arch support, and it earned a near-perfect 4.9 out of 5 overall.

One tester who has plantar fasciitis said, “Excellent support. They have a very firm feel compared to other recovery shoes I have tried.” Another tester, who’s hard on her feet, said she looked forward to slipping into these after a run or a long day on her feet.

These slides feature a built-in orthotic insole and a soft footbed for a feel that’s comfy yet responsive. They also bring serious arch support, a contoured sole and a cushioned heel that work together to encourage proper foot alignment and movement with every step, while cutting down on impact through the joints of the lower body. Another perk: an adjustable top strap that lets you dial in a more personalized fit.

The biggest downsides are the lack of half sizes and the online-only availability, meaning you can’t try these on in person to nail down the right size.

Pros

• Built-in orthotic insole and deep, patented heel cup
• Adjustable hook-and-loop strap
• Firm and responsive, unusual for a recovery slide
• HSA/FSA eligible; 91-day returns

Cons

• Medium width only; no half sizes
• No APMA Seal
• Sold online only
• 12 mm drop is high for a recovery slide

Amazon

If the shoes you’re already wearing are relatively new, you may want to check whether their insoles can be removed. If so, adding an orthotic insole, like these PowerStep Pinnacles, may offer the arch support and stability you need for day-to-day wear without needing to replace your shoes prematurely.

What to consider when buying shoes for flat feet

Finding the right pair of shoes depends on your needs, wants, budget and overall preferences. However, if you have flat feet, certain features may be more important to look for. Here are some of the factors to consider:

Arch support: This is easily one of the most important factors. “Good arch support is essential as it helps evenly distribute your body weight across your foot, preventing pressure points and conditions like plantar fasciitis,” says Brent Wells, a chiropractor in Alaska. For people with flat feet, arch support is especially beneficial, he says. “Look for footwear that either comes with built-in support or allows you to use custom orthotics.”

Cushioning: A well-cushioned shoe is not just more comfortable to wear — it’s a crucial part of maintaining good foot health. “Good cushioning absorbs shock and reduces the impact on joints, knees, hips and the lower back,” says Wells. He recommends choosing a shoe with EVA or memory foam insoles and moderate or maximum cushioning.

Stability: Over-pronation is common in flat-footers, so look for a shoe with greater stability, such as a larger, more rigid heel counter and a firmer midsole. McDowell recommends looking for a shoe with pronation control or a small medial post. “This will help lift up the inner arch, helping the foot to work with more neutral biomechanics,” she explains. That said, there’s a caveat: “Someone with a flat arch may still be stable, while a high arch can be rigid and poorly absorb shock. Footwear should support function, not just match a label,” says Bobby Pourziaee, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, founder and medical director of Rodeo Drive Podiatry.

Wide toe box: Shoes that are too tight in the forefoot area can cause various foot problems such as bunions, hammertoes or neuropathy. Choosing a shoe with a wider toe box is critical, particularly for those with flat feet. “An ideal shoe should allow you to wiggle your toes while wearing them,” says McDowell.

Heel features: Finally, pay attention to the height, comfort and stability of the heel. “Make sure that the shoe has a firm heel counter with a deepened heel cup,” says Chirag Patel, a board-certified podiatrist. These features will help with over-pronation and heel pain. “Cushioning [at the heel] is also very important as it will help with shock absorption,” he says.

How we test shoes for flat feet

To find the best shoes for flat feet, we consulted a panel of footwear experts — podiatrists, physical therapists and foot surgeons — for guidance on what to look for in a shoe. After that, we incorporated their recommendations and insights into our own evaluations of more than 75 shoes from popular footwear brands.

During our evaluation, we focused on arch support, stability features, fit, cushioning and materials used. We also considered cost, style and sizes available to determine our top picks. Finally, we prioritized APMA-approved shoes and doctor-recommended brands and we ultimately tested all the shoes we included on this list. 

To keep our list up to date, we test new models as they come out throughout the year and update our picks accordingly.

FAQs

What does it mean to have flat feet?

“Flat feet, also known as pes planus, is a condition where the arches of the feet collapse, resulting in the entire sole coming into complete or near-complete contact with the ground,” explains Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Ankle & Foot Centers of America in Georgia.

What do podiatrists recommend for flat feet?

Podiatrist recommendations vary depending on whether flat feet occur naturally (a low or absent arch with no symptoms or pain) or are acquired in adulthood, often because of conditions like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. If flat feet cause discomfort, podiatrists generally recommend support and stability from orthotics and appropriate shoes. Moderate, contoured arch support is key, along with a firmer, more stable heel counter and a midfoot that resists twisting to keep your feet aligned as you stand and walk. Cushioning also enhances comfort and impact absorption, although excessively soft foam can be counterproductive. If your arch seems to be changing or you have ongoing pain, see a podiatrist, since acquired flat feet usually require evaluation.

How do I know if I have flat feet?

It’s usually fairly obvious to an observer when someone has flat feet, but it can be harder to self-diagnose the condition. There are a few simple ways to tell.

According to Alvarez, one of the easiest ways to determine your arch shape is by doing what’s known as the “wet test.” The wet test is quick and can be done at home with very few materials.

“Wet the soles of your feet and then step onto a piece of paper,” he explains. “If you see a complete footprint without any curve on the inner side, you likely have flat feet.”

Another at-home method is to simply use a mirror, says McDowell. Stand parallel to a mirror with the medial side of your foot (the big toe side) facing the mirror, she explains. Look at the medial side and note whether or not you can see an arch. “The less arch you see, the flatter the foot.”

You can also look at a pair of shoes you wear frequently, says Patel. “Look for uneven wear patterns, such as the inside sole of the shoe being more worn out.”

Are flat feet normal?

Arch shape can be classified in one of three ways: normal (neutral foot), high (cavus foot) and low (flatfoot).

“Flat feet are relatively common and can be considered a normal variation of foot structure,” says Alvarez. “However, they can lead to problems such as foot pain, particularly in the heel and arch, as well as issues with the ankles, knees, hips and lower back due to altered biomechanics.”

Christynne Helfrich, a physical therapist, adds that some people with flat feet don’t experience any issues, while others can develop injuries as a result. “Types of pain can include shin splints, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis as some of the tendons get irritated due to excessive rubbing from improper mechanics,” she says.

Do I need a stability shoe if I have flat feet?

Not necessarily. In fact, Claire Morrow, a physical therapist with Hinge Health, says, “It’s best for people to start with a neutral shoe … unless they have been advised by a podiatrist or physical therapist that they need more support.”

What are the best shoes for flat feet?

The best shoes for flat feet should be comfortable, supportive and offer good stability. “Look for shoes with a firm midsole, a supportive heel counter and enough cushioning to absorb shock,” says Alvarez. As McDowell previously mentioned, a medial post is also beneficial.

Should flat feet have a high arch support?

It’s important to note that “good arch support” isn’t the same thing as “high arch support.” The specific amount of arch support needed may vary from person to person; however, high arch support typically isn’t recommended.

“While flat feet benefit from arch support, it’s important that the support is not too high or rigid, as this can cause discomfort,” says Alvarez. “Arch support should be moderate and conform well to the shape of your foot.”

Are there other ways to support flat feet besides shoes?

Yes, there are exercises that can help strengthen your muscles to support your feet. Physical therapist Palak Shah, points to simple movements like foot doming, heel raises and heel walking. And in fact, “over-reliance on arch supports can weaken intrinsic foot muscles, exacerbating issues,” says Wells, so it’s a good idea to talk to your podiatrist and see whether these exercises are appropriate for you.

Which shoe brand is best for flat feet?

Because foot anatomy varies among individuals and the ideal shoe for any one person is specific to their anatomy, there’s no single brand or shoe that’s inherently best for flat feet. That said, it’s a good idea to start with brands and shoes that have received the APMA’s seal of acceptance for foot health. Most of the shoes highlighted above carry this seal.

Is Brooks or Hoka better for flat feet?

Brooks and Hoka each have shoes that may be appropriate for flat feet. Both brands also have a number of shoes that carry the APMA seal of acceptance for foot health. There’s no specific brand that’s best for flat feet, so your best bet is to try on shoes that offer features beneficial for flat feet, like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 and Hoka Gaviota 6 featured above, to see which shoe feels best to you.

Meet our Experts

• Gregory Alvarez, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Ankle & Foot Centers of America

• Milica McDowell, DPT, an orthopedic physical therapist and associate vice president of education at U.S. Physical Therapy

• Claire Morrow, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, OCS, a physical therapist at Hinge Health

• Chirag Patel, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and CEO of New Horizons Foot and Ankle Associates

• Palak Shah, PT, OCS, cofounder and head of clinical services at Luna, an in-home physical therapy company

• Brent Wells, DC, a chiropractor in Anchorage, Alaska, and founder of Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab

Update, Nov. 12, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for the best shoe for flat feet remains unchanged.

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.