Flat Feet? Podiatrists Recommend These Shoes For Optimal Comfort

Vionic, a brand recommended by three experts we interviewed (Alvarez, Schaeffer, and Sandra Gail Frayna, physical therapist and founder of Hudson Premier Physical Therapy & Sports), make podiatrist-backed shoes for a variety of foot types and needs.

These classic sneakers have supreme arch support and cushioning, and are made with a leather upper and a durable rubber outsole. Each shoe features a podiatrist-designed footbed with three comfort zones: a deep heel cup, forefoot cushioning, and a midsole with unrivaled arch support. These features help the sneaker better contour to your feet, resulting in a more supported, comfortable fit. If the shoes get dirty, all you have to do is wipe them with a dry cloth.

Customers praise this podiatrist-approved shoe for its sleek design and excellent arch support. One Amazon customer writes, “Well-made and super comfortable. Great support. I am an 8.5, and the same size fits perfectly. No rubbing or too-tight areas. Good arch support but is not too high. Quality leather. Not a bright white, if that's what you prefer. Love them!!”

Although many people approve of this podiatrist-recommended pick, some point out that the shoe runs a bit big. Keep this in mind when choosing your size.

This sneaker is a must-buy if you have flat feet and are looking for a great walking shoe. With a breathable, moisture-wicking mesh liner that helps reduce rubbing, and a durable sole for better traction, these shoes check all the boxes. Each pair is made from water-repellent suede or leather, so you can wear these kicks during rain or shine. 

What’s more, every sneaker has a removable podiatrist-developed orthotic designed with an antibacterial top cloth to help minimize foot odor. A thermoplastic heel counter and removable molded insole add extra support and stability. Available in a range of colors and sizes, these may just become your new go-to. 

This shoe is loved by many—it has nearly 800 perfect five-star ratings on its website and over 4,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. “This shoe changed my life,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “It is my second pair. I have plantar fasciitis and flat feet. Before wearing these shoes, I was in a great deal of pain whenever I had to stand for a long time or walk very far. Now, most days, I don't have any pain at all.”

A recommendation from Frayna, this shoe is made with superior cushioning, antimicrobial fabric, and adjustable arch support. It’s available in nine colors, including black, white, and lavender, and has a wide toe box that provides a more roomy fit—this is especially great for those who suffer from swollen feet, bunions, or hammer toes. 

Every pair is constructed with a stretchable mesh upper that molds to your foot’s curves and a cushioned sole that adds some pep to your step. Four different widths are offered: Narrow (A), Standard/Medium (B), Wide (D), and Extra Wide (2E). 

“Very comfortable,” shares one reviewer. “Gives good arch support and helps to alleviate pain in the heel region of the foot.” Another satisfied customer writes, “I am very happy! Have pronation issues and these make walking more stable and are very supportive. They're super comfortable; fit perfectly and they are breathable material. Highly recommend it!” One customer does mention that they wish these also came in a dressier design option so they could be worn to special occasions and events.

Made with the brand's Fresh Foam X cushioning, this shoe has a cloud-like feel that's extremely comfortable for people with flat feet. Midsole mapping is also used in the shoe's design, meaning that wider areas of the sole have more foam, and more narrow areas are designed to be more flexible. These shoes are great if you’re on your feet all day or are simply looking for a comfortable pair of shoes to wear while taking care of errands.

Another highly-rated option, these shoes have 600 perfect five-star ratings. on Amazon “This is my second pair of New Balance Fresh Foam 1080s and I cannot recommend them enough,” one person says. “I put about 420 miles on my first pair and knew I needed the exact same shoe once they were worn out. If you're looking for an everyday trainer, these are your shoes. They have enough cushion and support but not too much. If you have a flat arch and skinny foot these are great for you (I'm speaking from experience). I hope everyone loves their New Balance 1080s as much as I have.”

If you have wide, flat feet and want shoes with a more personalized fit, this shoe is a great pick. It's made from sustainable materials, including sugarcane-based EVA. The brand is all about personalization, and offers 45 custom sizes for this shoe. Designed by industry experts, these shoes are both lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for running or daily wear.

To help you find the right fit, the brand’s website guides you through a series of questions, focused on details such as toe boxes, technical specs, shoe shape, foot issues, preferences you may have, etc.) to help them get a better idea of what shoe may work best for you. Once your answers are in, the site populates a suggestion for you. Although they’re relatively new to the scene and there are no reviews on the company's site, these shoes may just be a game changer for those with wide, flat feet who need something that feels like it was designed for them.

This shoe is a direct recommendation from Frayna, and is the pinnacle of comfort and support. “Known for their maximalist cushioning, this shoe is a great option for flat-footed women looking for extra support and shock absorption,” she says. 

Surprisingly lightweight, this stability shoe is made from recycled materials, with a mesh lining, a compression-molded foam insole, and a built-in meta-rocker that helps make for smoother wear and better forefoot support. Each shoe features an extended heel tab, which helps make it easier to take this shoe on and off, and a durable outsole that can handle wear and tear during outdoor use. One of our favorite parts is the J-Frame, designed to help prevent overpronation while keeping the shoe lightweight and flexible. We also can’t get enough of the brand’s fun colors—choose from options like coastal sky blue and sun-baked coral.

One customer with flat feet writes, “The Ahari model feels like it was made for my feet! They have the right amount of support and cushion but don't feel as stiff as other stability shoes I've tried. I'm officially a Hoka convert now!” Another even went so far as to write these are “the most comfortable and lightest sneakers I've ever had.”

Made with an engineered mesh upper and patented BioMoGo DNA midsole, this shoe is roomy but also secure. “This shoe has a supportive construction and comfortable cushioning,” adds Frayna. “Their GuideRails technology helps keep your feet in proper alignment, making them a great option for those with flat feet.” This technology helps better support knees and hips, too, so it’s a win-win. Even better? These sneakers are available in three widths—Medium (1B), Wide (1B), and Extra Wide (2E)—and have the APMA Seal of Acceptance. 

These beloved running shoes have over 600 5-star reviews, with many noting these sneakers are “stable,” “supportive,” and “comfortable.” “Hands down the most comfortable, supportive shoe I have ever worn,” one customer writes. “I ordered these for post-foot surgery recovery, and they were amazing. I only wish they had more color offerings, as all of the really cute colors are in the other styles.”

If you have flat feet and are in the market for hiking boots, consider this top-rated pick. Ideal for those with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or heel pain ,these shoes have superb arch support and a wide toe box that gives your toes plenty of room to move (this is especially helpful if you also have bunions or hammer toes).

The unique design helps improve posture and alignment, with a gusseted tongue that keeps your ankles and feet clean even during the most intense treks.

These hiking shoes have over 600 5-star reviews, with an average 4.5-star rating. “These are very comfortable, and have plenty of room in my size,” one customer wrote. They have generous heel and toe box room, and the foot bed is so soft and well made I don't even need my custom orthotics in them! These are an excellent all around shoe for urban or trail use, that also looks nice.” Another customer exclaimed these shoes made them feel like they were “walking on clouds” and provided “pure comfort.” Although the majority of the reviews are positive, some customers do point out that the heel material may bother some.

Recommended by Schaeffer, these sandals are great for anyone with flat feet who wants a breathable, style-forward option that they can wear throughout the day without pain or discomfort. The cushioned footbed molds to your feet, and the shoe's suede liner feels soft to the touch. Its longitudinal arch supports keep your feet in place, with a deep heel cup for additional stability.

Even better? These sandals feature transverse arch support, which runs through the center of the foot. A raised footbed edge helps protect your toes during each step.

These bestsellers have a whopping 43,000-plus reviews on Amazon, with an overall 4.5-star rating. One shopper writes, “I've never owned Birkenstocks until now, and boy oh boy do I love them. I have extremely flat feet, and these fit wonderfully. They help to create my nonexistent arch. Thank you, Amazon, for having a killer sale and getting these babies to me for $55 with Prime delivery!” Many reviewers agree that these sandals get the job done, but some do share that the design may feel too bulky, depending on your preferences.

Perfect for when you want to wear something dressier but don’t necessarily want to throw on heels, these flats seamlessly combine design and comfort. Recommended by Alvarez, The Starling features seven layers of cloudlike padding, great arch support, and a roomy, cushioned toe box which makes for a comfier wear. Flats can often feel tight, restrictive, and, well, too flat. These shoes help change this. “It also has a shock-absorbing sole that helps reduce fatigue when walking,” Alvarez says. Available in dozens of colorways, such as cheetah print, black leather, and sapphire crushed velvet, these versatile shoes go with everything. 

With over 32,000 reviews and a 4.7 overall rating, these flats get rave reviews from thousands of customers. People say they offer the perfect amount of cushioning, an eye-catching design, and optimal support. “This is my first pair of Birdies, and it won't be my last,” one happy customer writes. “My feet changed so much with my last pregnancy, and I need more support in my shoes. I was hesitant to try Birdies without trying them on, but I'm so glad I did. They are so comfy and supportive!” Some reviewers do mention that the shoe may feel a touch too big to some.