If you’re on your feet a lot, you know that a good pair of walking shoes is important for comfort. For those with “fallen arches”, the best walking shoes for flat feet are even more important.
While the condition itself is largely painless, it can create problems over time for the ankles and knees due to misalignment of the foot and leg (more detail about this later in this article). That’s why many podiatrists recommend shoes with solid arch support to avoid these problems in the long run.
The irony of spending a lot of time on your feet shopping for shoes that make it more comfortable to spend a lot of time on your feet isn’t lost on us, so we figured we’d do some shopping around for you, and let you know what is the consensus on the best walking shoes for flat feet.
Our top pick for the best walking shoes for flat feet was the mesh, slip-on sock sneakers from Slow Man and it looks like we weren’t alone. Walking in these shoes is like walking on a cloud, and if you’ve got flat feet, that’s a must. They’re perfect for just about every scenario you can think of where you’ll be on your feet for an extended period. Did we mention they’re cute, too?
Here Are The Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet:
Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers – Mesh Slip-On Air — Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet, Women’s
These cute walking shoes are designed to easily slip on and off and feature an air cushion sole for extra spring. They’re flexible, breathable, and lightweight, perfect for a lot of walking. (We’re thinking at the airport or a street fair for instance.)
The air cushion technology built into the soles lessen impact and are perfect for supporting flat feet, They’re also slip-resistant for safety, and are a great shoe for that Zumba class!
Specs
- Mesh Fabric
- Comes In 22 Different Styles and Colors
- Comes In Sizes 5 ½ – 11
Pros
- Very comfortable for walking, including for exercise
- Excellent arch support for flat feet
- Breathable, lightweight fabric
- Sock shoe design makes it easy to take off and on.
- High platform, cushioned sole designed for comfort
Cons
- Some wearers said the shoe wasn’t comfortable for them
- Not made for ankle support
- Some wearers said the mesh fabric was too loose
ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 10 — Best Men’s Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
These rubber-soled shoes provide great arch support for walking and running for long periods, and with their rearfoot GEL cushion, they’re easy on the feet. The cushioned, sockliner insoles are removable to provide comfort and breathability.
Made by ASICS, a leading brand specializing in running shoes (read: shoes made specifically for prolonged arch support.
Specs
- Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber soles
- Available in men’s sizes 8-15
- Comes in 15 different styles and colors
Pros
- Arch supports are great for flat feet and for plantar fasciitis
- Suitable for all widths of feet
- Good quality at a good value
- Sockliner insoles are removable for breathability
Cons
- Some users said the shoes fell apart easily
- Some said the shoes weren’t breathable enough
- Some reported they weren’t comfortable enough
3. Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam
The flexible, rubber soles of the Skechers D’Lites make them super comfortable, but the comfort factor is raised at least ten notches with the air-cooled memory foam insole.
They also feature a padded collar and tongue for great ankle support, and a thick, supportive midsole for superior shock absorption. The 1 ¼ inch heel is cushioned for lots of standing and walking, and the options for wide sizes are a must for many with flat feet.
Specs
- Available in 38 styles and colors
- Materials: Leather and synthetic
- Rubber soles
- Available in sizes 5-11
Pros
- Great arch support for long hours on your feet
- Good walking shoe
- The sole is thick and provides extra height
- Excellent, true-to-size fit
- Comes in lots of stylish colors
- Available in wide sizes
Cons
- Some reported the shoes fell apart too easily with lots of use
- Some said the memory foam insoles made the shoes uncomfortable
- Some reported the shoes ran too small for their size
TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes Casual Mesh-Comfortable Work Sneakers
These faashionable walking shoes are made with a breathable mesh fabric upper and feature resilient, slip-resistant sole for support and safety. They sport a latex arch insert for extra comfort, as well.
The cushioned, supportive curve of the soles of these shoes make them great for flat feet, and will stand up to the longest days on your feet, but are also super flexible right out of the box.
The stretchy elastic mesh upper and loop on the heel makes slipping them off and on super easy without having to deal with laces. Made with environmentally friendly materials, you’ll feel good about buying them, too.
Specs
- Available in sizes 5-13
- Available in 33 colors and styles
- Materials: Fabric mesh, pigskin insole
Pros
- Fashion-forward, comes in lots of cute colors
- Thick, cushioned soles are great for arch support
- Soft, ergonomically formed insoles support the natural form of the foot
- Great for walking, impact-absorbent soles
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Some reported a strong chemical smell when they received the shoes.
- Some reported the soles wore out very quickly with use
- Some said the insole wasn’t comfortable and rubbed with use
5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 10 Running-Shoes
ASICS has always been a popular shoe among runners and walkers, and these Gel-Venture 6 running shoes live up to the reputation. Their famous rearfoot GEL cushioning feature provides superior shock absorption while you walk, and the insole is crafted to support the shape of the foot.
Great for people with flat feet, this shoe provides all the support and cushion you need to put a spring in your step all day long. They even feature a removable sockliner for medical orthotics if needed.
Pros
- Comfortable enough to wear all day without any “breaking in” period
- Features rearfoot GEL cushioning for shock absorption
- Molded insole is great for arch support, a really helpful feature for those with flat feet
- Cushioned soles are perfect for long days on your feet, or vigorous walking, or both
Cons
- Some wearers said they had a sub-par return policy
- Some said these shoes gave them blisters
- Some said the toe box was too narrow for comfort
Specs
- Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber
- Available in 28 colors and styles
- Available in sizes 5-11
