If you have flat feet, you better have the right shoes for walking and running. Here’s a guide on how to find the best shoes for fallen arches. The foot isn’t normally flat. It’s actually shaped like an arch if you have normal feet. But if your arches fall then you eventually get problems like plantar fasciitis, dorsal compression syndrome, or midfoot arthritis. That usually means a lot of pain too, and that’s just one of the reasons to find the best shoes for fallen arches if you tend to suffer from this problem. The following shoes, however, can be the right solution you’re looking for:
6 Best Shoes For Fallen Arches Reviews 2022
Brooks Beast 16 Men’s Shoes
Even running on a relatively soft treadmill can be a problem if you have fallen arches. Running on hard asphalt or cement can be even tougher. But that’s not a problem with this aptly named Beast 16, which Brooks made to provide the ultimate comfort and protection for the feet when running or just walking. This Beast comes with the Super DNA technology, which refers to the use of special adaptable material for the midsole. This technology boosts the cushioning properties, even while it enhances the energy return for your strides and support for the feet. The DNA midsole adapts to your speed and the particular size of the feet, so you have the comfortable ride that’s customized to your own particular situation.
Features:
- Designed for flat or medium arches
- Special mesh upper offers protection from elements while keeping things cool inside
- Structured external saddle permits adjustable support
- An external heel counter that stabilizes the foot
- Mesh lining wicks away moisture
- The midsole offers support, cushioning, and terrific energy return
- Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) offers pronation control
- Full-length Segmented Crash Pad helps with the smooth heel to toe transition
- The special outsole is environmentally friendly and provides traction and skid resistance for wet or dry conditions
- Omega Flex Grooves permit more natural foot movement
It’s really a technological beast with its long laundry list of special features designed to boost the support, comfort, and gait efficiency. If you have plantar fasciitis, this may well be the most comfortable pair of all-day shoes you may find in this price range. It’s a bit on the expensive side, but the price is actually reasonable now. There’s now a new Beast 18, but that’s a lot more expensive and the improvements may not be worth the extra expense. With this you really get the full value for your money, and your flat feet will thank you by reducing or eliminating the pain.
- Extremely comfy for a lot of people
- Supportive for fallen arches
- Great fit with lots of width options
- Often recommended by podiatrists
- Reduces pain for those with plantar fasciitis
- Accommodates orthotics
- Maybe a bit pricey
- Finding the right size may not always be easy
ASICS GT-2000 6 Men’s Running Shoe
There are plenty of color schemes to choose from here, and that’s always a good thing even if you’re not overly fashion-conscious. But its looks aren’t really the main reason why you’d want this if you have flat arches. Instead, you have to check out the fantastic support system. It has the Dynamic Duomax technology that boosts both support and stability even while it reduces weight. The FluidRide midsole also offers excellent cushioning with also terrific bounce back capability.
Features:
- Lightweight at 10.5 ounces
- Enhanced gel cushioning for comfort and bounce back, with protective stability and great shock absorption
- Independently placed eyelets spread out the lace tension for better fit and comfort
- Trusstic System tech with the Guidance Line design boosts gain efficiency with midfoot structural integrity
- Widened forefoot reduces irritation and helps with bunions
- Improved toe-spring for the seamless heel to toe transition
If you have flat feet, this shoe is basically designed to suit your needs. The support is fine and very comfortable with proper cushioning. It’s not too heavy on your feet at all. It even has great color options, so you won’t have fashion reasons keeping you from using this with your flat arches. The main drawback is that Asics seems to have quality control issues. Some people have complained about how lightweight materials haven’t lasted all that long. The materials for the upper have easily ripped for a few, and the tread doesn’t endure for them either.
- Great looks
- Fine support
- Terrific fit
- Lightweight
- Very comfy with nice cushioning and breathability
- There’s a chance it may not last very long, especially with daily hard training
Avia Women’s Avi-Union A1439W
It’s important, if you’re a woman, that you get women’s shoes as they have gender-specific features. It’s not always about fashion and feminine color schemes. This particular pair of women’s shoes is a prime example, as you get all-white and all-black options with gray accents. A lot of women love this especially those who have to be on their feet a lot during the day. It doesn’t even seem to need any breaking in, as it’s very comfy right from the get-go. The arch support is also fantastic, and your feet won’t hurt. These shoes can last for more than a year, even with daily use.
Features:
- The upper is made with synthetic leather, with Defender by Scotchgard for resistance to stain and water
- The midsole uses compression-molded EVA foam (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) with soft gel heel unit for shock absorption and great cushioning
- Removable molded EVA sockliner along with breathable mesh lining
- Padded collar and tongue
- Stitched toe cap overlay for durability
- Outsole oil and slip-resistant rubber tread pattern offers fantastic traction
If you’re doing a lot of standing in your work, then having painful feet at the end of the day is a real possibility. That’s especially true if you have flat feet. But this gives you the cushioning and support for your feet to minimize the discomfort you might feel. It’s extremely comfortable, and that’s the general consensus of most customer reviews.
- Very comfortable
- Offers great support
- Minimizes foot pain
- No need for break-in
- Great price
- Fantastic traction
- No overly feminine options like pink (though some women may not care)
- May not last when used for fitness running
FitFlop Women’s Superskate Uberknit Loafers
Who says you have to pick from athletic gear brands to find the appropriate technology for your fallen arches? This pair of shoes is for just going about your work or your chores the whole day. These loafers are for easygoing activities, and they’re meant for you to relax in. What really should impress you is that this as the APMA Seal of Acceptance. That recommendation from the American Podiatric Medical Association is a big deal, and it attests to how this can help keep your feet in good health.
Features:
- Made with leather along with a synthetic sole
- The heel measures 1.5 inches high
- The SupercomFF midsole diffuses pressure and offers cushioning for the whole day
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- The whole upper is made from a single piece of stretchy, lightweight, and breathable nylon-type material
- The mesh footbed and the smooth built-in arch contour offers comfy support
- The sole is lightweight but hard-wearing, with slip-resistant rubber
This is the perfect pair of shoes for lounging around at home, or for going about your business during the day. It’s simply among the most relaxing and comfortable pair of shoes around and it’s not bad to look at either. If your day involves a lot of standing and walking, then get this for your all-day comfort. If you have fallen arches and flat feet, the support this will give you will keep you from feeling too much pain at the end of the day.
- Recommended by podiatrists
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Offers great support
- Fantastic comfort
- Not exactly suitable for workouts
Brooks Ariel 18 Women’s Shoes
It’s easy enough to understand what the Brooks brand is all about when you see that their slogan is “Run Happy”. They focus on providing high-quality running shoes with advanced technologies, and Ariel 18 is a great example. The Ariel 18 is all about providing both protection and comfort. It’s meant for runners, though it also does well for those who are just going about their day. It is lightweight, and it also offers the kind of support you need when you have fallen arches.
Features:
- It uses engineered air mesh for the upper, which makes this very breathable
- The fit is terrific as the toe box is spacious
- The external heel counter enhances stability
- The Super DNA midsole offers 25% more adaptable cushioning than the standard Brooks DNA midsole
- This uses the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) that offers guidance and support to set your body back into its natural motion
The cushioning comfort and support will feel quite outstanding for you, especially when you have fallen arches and flat feet. From the midsole to the upper, it feels like it’s been specifically designed to your fit.
- The rollbar keeps the feet from overpronation
- Extremely comfortable
- Great fit
- The color options are very casual, so they may not suit your work clothes
Saucony Women’s Cohesion 11 Running Shoe
Saucony is a well-known brand, so it gladdens the heart that they haven’t made their shoes expensive just because of name recognition. These come in a variety of colors, and they’re not all “girly” at all. What they do have in common is how they offer proper support if you suffer from fallen arches and flat feet. These are great casual days or even workouts if you do have these problems.
Features:
- The cushion is moderate, right between plush cushioning and firm/responsive.
- The stability of the cushioning is due to the Heel Grid system
- The rubber outsole is quite durable
- It comes with supportive rubber overlays
- Great aesthetics
- Very comfy
- Roomy toe box
- Good fit
- Suitable for both casual days and workouts
- The breathable mesh isn’t for rainy weather
Things to Consider before Buying Shoes for Fallen Arches
It’s best that you read reviews before you pull the trigger and buy a pair of shoes when you have fallen arches. You should read the customer reviews closely too, and pay attention to the following factors:
Support
This is probably the first thing you need to check. The midsole support is crucial when you have fallen arches.
Comfort
The wrong pair of shoes can be very uncomfortable, so you need to balance the support you need with the kind of cushioning that can absorb the impact of the ground when you’re walking or running.
Breathability is part of the comfort factor as well, although mesh for the upper may not be best for wet conditions.
Gait Efficiency
How well can you run or walk with the shoes? The best shoes for you should be able to propel the energy from the heel impact to the roll and toe-off.
Fit
The right size certainly helps, and the width should be correct as well. You’ll want some space in the toe box for the best fit for your feet.
Durability
How long with the shoes last? Poor-quality shoes tend to have materials that wear down easily. The mesh should tear quickly and the sole should be able to handle the wear and tear of daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if I have fallen arches?
Just get your feet wet and then stand where you can see your footprint. If you can see the imprint of your whole feet, then you have flat feet and fallen arches.
What’s overpronation?
This is a condition that’s often associated with fallen arches. The foot and the ankle roll inwards, so the arch collapses and you have flat feet. That’s why you need support that prevents overpronation to begin with.
What’s so bad about having flat feet anyway?
The problem is that this condition can lead to lots of excruciating pain the more steps you take with the wrong pair of shoes. The pain can be in the heel or the ball of the foot. You can get shin splints and Achilles tendonitis. You may also experience pain in the knees and lower back.
Conclusion
Having fallen arches isn’t as trivial as the name of the condition may suggest. You’re in for a world of constant pain, which is why it’s imperative that you get the best shoes for fallen arches. Not only do you reduce the pain, but you’ll also be able to move more naturally with the right shoes.
