8 Best Running Shoes For Flat Feet, Per Podiatrists & Testing

As a marathon runner, I've seen firsthand how foot shape can impact your choice in the best running shoes—and that's especially true for those with flat feet or fallen arches.

Research shows approximately 26% of people have flat feet1, which can make them more susceptible to heel pain, fatigue, ankle weakness, and shin splints. Isn't running hard enough?

Whether you want to improve your running cadence or simply need a pair of running sneakers that don't rub against your (non-existent) arches, our guide to the best running shoes for flat feet has you covered.

Podiatrists can’t stop recommending the Brooks Adrenaline. It’s a versatile pick for beginner runners, people with knee pain, and (of course) those with flat feet. Per Sharkey, this supportive shoe has sufficient cushioning for shock absorption and comfort.

While designed for road running, this shoe is also great for treadmill runs—and it’s made for both over- and under-pronators, with a removable insole for those who would prefer to insert your own custom orthotics. We like how the patented GuideRails technology helps your feet maintain proper alignment as you run.

Thanks to the signature Nike React foam, this responsive road running shoe adds a springiness to each step (which podiatrists say is particularly important for runners with flat feet). These shoes are incredibly lightweight (7.5 ounces), but still feel nice and cushiony under your feet.

Great news for people with flat feet: The latest iteration of the Pegasus has a newly designed midfoot and upper, which provides more stability.

The outsole has great traction and security, but the style is still flexible enough to move with your foot. Plus, the mesh upper is allows for plenty of airflow on hot summer days.

I may be biased because these are one of my own personal favorite running shoes—but I have podiatrists on my side, too. Hillary Brenner, DPM, previously told mindbodygreen this neutral, highly cushioned shoe is a great pick for those who need arch support, and holistic podiatrist Robert Kornfeld, DPM, added many of his patients love this shoe as well.

"It has a very comfortable fit, good cushioning but maintains a lightweight profile,” Kornfeld explains. These shoes have a sock-like feel, with a soft collar and flat-knit upper for a more secure fit (a win for flat feet!). 

I can actually feel my body propelling forward when I run in the Saucony Triumph sneakers; they’re some of the bounciest shoes I’ve ever worn (and I’ve worn a lot). 

Another top pick from Sharkey, the APMA-certified Gel Kayano is a favorite among runners who need a little extra cushioning and support (i.e. those with flat feet and overpronation). The rear foot GEL™ cushioning provides great shock absorption, while the FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning adds a responsive rebound to every step. 

The latest Gel Kayano has a redesigned external heel counter for more stability, which Sharkey says is very important in running shoes for flat feet. And, even with the stable, secure fit, these shoes are breathable, comfortable, and very flexible.

This daily trainer is technically a neutral shoe, but it’s extremely supportive and stable. For a running sneaker with a 9 millimeter drop, the Cloudrunner is surprisingly lightweight—which we attribute to the brand’s CloudTec® cushioning and ultralight Zero-Gravity foam. 

With a wider design, these shoes are great for runners with flat feet who are naturally prone to bunions. The brand says these stable, breathable shoes are suitable for runners of any level, but primarily designed for road running. 

Sharkey recommends the Brooks Ariel GTS 23 sneakers for women with flat feet—and it gets rave reviews from both beginners and experienced runners. Available in medium, wide, or extra-wide widths, this stability shoe is designed for a soft ride with minimal impact on your joints.

If you prefer a run that feels more like floating than pounding the pavement, these shoes are for you. And no, you won’t be sacrificing support for comfort.

In fact, these APMA certified shoes feature an extra wide base for enhanced stability and support—and the GuideRails help maintain proper foot alignment for enhanced knee and hit support.

Although the heel drop is slightly lower than what she typically suggests, Sharkey recommended the Hoka Arahi because of its ability to provide stability to runners with flat or fallen arches.

Sharkey says this shoe’s frame cradles the foot in a way that ensures both stability and comfort. Plus, the mesh lining and compression molded EVA foam midsole create a sock-like feel (even during long road runs).

Another recommendation from Brenner, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 is a moderately cushioned stability shoe designed for optimal comfort—and it’s a great pick for all terrains and distances. The brand uses two foams for a dual density midsole that keeps your foot supported and protects your joints from impact as you run. 

Beginners love these shoes for their cloud-like feel, which we attribute to the plus, responsive cushioning. And with four widths available, the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 is a good choice for runners of all foot shapes.

Every foot is unique, which means those sneakers your high-arched friend is raving about are likely not the best running shoes for flat feet. Instead, do yourself a favor and try one of these shoes selected specifically for those with flat feet who are more prone to foot injuries and overpronating.