If you’re reading this article, there’s a good chance that you have flat feet, and you’re looking for the best running shoes to help combat this particular issue.
We are going to reveal all the best running shoes for flat feet from all the top running brands in the world.
But we are also going to challenge one of the assumptions that the running industry tends to sweep under the carpet.
The standard solution for people with flat feet
For the most part, people with flat feet (low arches) have a tendency to overpronate.
To counteract this tendency, most reputable brands have created shoes with arch support technology. These are called ‘stability running shoes’.
The arch support technology basically provides the ‘natural arch’ that flat footed people don’t really have.
In theory, this can help reduce overpronation, increase comfort levels on long runs, and reduce the risk of injury.
Now that we’ve covered some of the basic theory, we can dive into the best shoes for this particular problem.
Asics Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes
Make no mistake. The Kayano 25’s are arguably the best stability running shoes that money can buy.
These are the 3 most important things that you need to know about the Gel-Kayano’s.
1) Medial Support System: This is one of the key stability features in this particular shoe model. The Kayano 25’s provide integrated guidance line technology, which promotes gait efficiency and supports the midfoot with each strike.
2) Premium Gel-Cushioning: Asics have basically built their brand on the power of gel-cushioning technology. It’s one of the main reasons that so many experienced runners choose Asics for marathons and ultra marathons.
3) FlyteFoam Cushioning: All new Asics running shoes are built with a FlyteFoam sole. It provides the same plush cushioning that Asics fans have become accustomed to, but without any extra weight or bulk.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 have achieved legendary status for good reason. They are super comfortable, they are stacked with injury reducing technology, and they have received plenty of good reviews on amazon.
These are the 3 most important things you need to know about the Adrenaline GTS shoes.
1) GuideRails Support System: The goal of the GuideRails support system is to keep you moving forward efficiently. By minimizing excess sideways movement, the Adrenaline 19’s propel you forward naturally. More than anything, the GuideRails tech can help allevaite pressure on your knees.
2) Balanced, Soft Cushioning: Brooks have been perfecting their blend of cushioning and responsiveness for years. With the Adrenaline GTS 19’s, you essentially gain comfort and support, without losing responsiveness.
3) Extremely Positive Reviews: It doesn’t matter if you look at Amazon or Brooks.com. The reviews of the Adrenaline GTS 19 are overwhelmingly positive. This is good news for all the flat footed runners out there.
Saucony Guide ISO 2 Running Shoes
The Saucony Guide ISO 2 Running shoes have been built specifically for people who suffer with overpronation. With a strong lineage (this is the 11th edition of of the Guide), Saucony have essentially taken the shoe from strength to strength with each iteration.
The result is a plush and supportive running shoe that offers premium comfort for long distance runs.
Here are the three things you need to know about the Guide ISO 2’s:
1) PWRFOAM Midsole + EVERUN Topsole: By combining these two cushioning technologies, the Guide ISO 2’s deliver optimal comfort in a sleek package.
2) ISOFIT Design: This helps the shoe adapt to the shape and motion of your foot during each stride. Saucony call this a ‘dynamic support system’.
3) 8MM Offset: This helps distribute your weight more evenly between your heel and your forefoot. In so doing, your body remains in a more balanced and controlled position with each foot strike.
New Balance 860v9 Running Shoes
The New Balance 860v9 running shoes have become hugely popular for good reason. They deliver exceptionally responsive cushioning, together with reliable stability that will support your feet mile after mile after mile.
This is the 9th edition of this particular shoe model from New Balance, and it has become a staple in their product line-up because so many runners trust the comfort and stability that the 860’s offer.
These are the 3 most important things you need to know about the 860v9 running shoes.
1) Medial Support Technology: The medial post joins a supportive upper to help secure your foot whenever pressure is applied.
2) Plush Cushioning: The 860v9’s have a TruFuse midsole, which essentially combines two layers of super comfortable, highly responsive foam.
3) Supportive Midsole: New Balance have packed the stability features of this shoe into the dual density midsole. This is what makes it such a good option for people with flat feet, who suffer with overpronation.
The small problem that no one ever talks about
There’s one small flaw with the standard theory on stability running shoes.
Having flat feet doesn’t automatically mean that you overpronate. You are far more likely to overpronate, but it’s not guaranteed.
For this reason, we need to do a quick analysis of your current running shoes.
Good news alert: This is easy and simple to do. You don’t need to wet your feet or take any pictures. All you need to do is find an old pair of running shoes (preferably a pair that has been ‘retired’ in the last 12 months or so).
You essentially need to assess the following:
If the shoe is worn on the big toe side, there’s a good chance that you’re an overpronator, and stability running shoes could be the answer that you’re looking for.
If the shoe is worn on the pinky toe side, it’s safe to say that you don’t actually overpronate, and neutral shoes will suit you just fine.
What if you just can’t make up your mind?
If you’re still in two minds at this point, it’s worth considering the ASICS GT-2000. This is because the GT-2000 caters for neutral runners and flat footed runners. You can see this, by taking a look at this image from Asics below:
The Asics GT 2000 7 running shoes are very similar to the Gel-Kayano 25’s (mentioned at the beginning of this article).
They have the same gel-cushioning technology that Asics has become famous for, and they are also built with FlyteFoam.
The main difference is that the GT 2000’s cater for neutral runners and stability runners. This is because the stability features aren’t quite as pronounced, so they can be a bit more comfortable for people who are more familiar with neutral shoes.
Long story short, if you can’t make up your mind, the GT 2000’s can potentially put your mind at rest.