Having flat feet is very similar to having overpronation when it comes to choosing a new shoe. The goal with flat feet is stability to keep your feet and they rest of your body as neutral and aligned as possible. The characteristic you should look for are high stack/cushion, stability technology like medial post or wide frame, and meta rocker technology to ensure proper foot health.
What Does It Mean to Have Flat Feet?
Flat feet are a very common feature among people everywhere. It is not a problem at all, it is simply a feature that you must nurture. What it means to have flat feet, is for your arches and in-step to be of a lower profile, arch collapse and flexible flat feet are the most common types of flat feet. Flat feet make overpronation more likely due to the misalignment of the ankle and heel. Overpronation is when the ankle collapses inward with each step causing heel pain, ankle pain, knee pain, and even back/neck pain due to the misalignment caused by non-neutral gait. Flat feet are NOT a flaw, they are however, to be cared for in a different manner.
Do Runners with Flat Feet Need Stability Shoes?
Not all flat-footed runners overpronate, it is just a more likely occurrence in those with flat feet. pronation is the movement of the ankle inwards with each step or stride. This acts as the body's natural shock absorption, so a healthy amount is perfectly natural. Overpronation is where you need to take a little more care as the arch and the ankle are collapsing inward a little more than the natural amount. It is important to choose your footwear meticulously. We at Fit2Run like to say "Function over fashion" to put an emphasis on foot health and natural gait.
When choosing a shoe to help with your overpronation, stability shoes are what you should be looking for. This category of footwear have technology in place to help correct that improper gait such as different frames, wider bases, and/or a medial post. To dive deeper into the difference between neutral shoes vs stability shoes, read Neutral vs Stability Shoes Explained.
What to Look for in Running Shoes for Flat Feet
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Stable platform: Having a shoe with structured cushion with a wide base underfoot or something like an h-frame found in the HOKA Gaviota 6 are characteristics of a stable platform in a shoe.
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Comfortable arch feel: Nurturing the arch is important for those with flat feet. Finding a shoe with the right amount of comfort and support in the arch is the most important part for those with flat feet. If there is not a shoe that has enough comfort in the arch, we have an extensive selection of orthotics for all arch types that customize your fit.
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Moderate to max cushioning: Having enough cushion underfoot is a key piece for those looking for shoes that are good for flat feet. The instability that comes with each step comes from the overuse of the body's natural shock absorption system. Having a high stack supplements the need for more shock absorption by providing some space between the foot and the hard ground.
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Secure heel fit: A deep heel cup or padded heel collar in the back of the shoes prevents the heel from sliding, rotating or untoward movement causing any unnatural movement at the front of the foot.
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Smooth ride transition: Most running shoes have built in meta-rocker to provide a smoother transition from step-to-step. This helps prevent any unwarranted stress on the plantar fascia tendon. This unwanted stress causes microtears in the plantar fascia tendon, which leads to inflammation causing the infamous plantar fasciitis.
Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet (2026 Picks)
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Balanced cushioning and reliable stability make this shoe a go-to for those who have flat feet or overpronate. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 have medial post technology which acts as barriers to keep your foot in place. Think bumpers at the bowling alley. 
ASICS Gel-Kayano 33
Plush cushion makes this a comfortable shoe for daily wear, the cushion will absorb a lot of shock that comes with walking and running. This soft cushion is accompanied by a wide based frame keeps the foot in place by providing it more surface area to rest on. Think of using a bit of scaffolding to do work as opposed to a regular ladder. 
HOKA Arahi 8
The HOKA Arahi 8 is often referred to as the stability version of the Clifton. With the same versatile cushion as the HOKA Clifton the Arahi is great for daily training. It includes an h-frame to provide the extra width and support in the base of the shoe. 
Brooks Ghost Max 3
Neutral option with some stability features like padded ankle collar and deep heel cuff with balanced cushioning to provide a smooth ride.
Why Fit Matters More Than Arch Labels
We believe that Fit is the Focus here at Fit2Run. Knowing your arch type is good, and important. But there is more to learn and more to know about your feet the more comfortable you can be. Visit your local Fit2Run to try our brand new, one-of-a-kind Fit Experience. The Fit Experience provides you with 3D models, metrics like arch height, width, instep, etc. as well as first class shoe and orthotic recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of running shoe is best for flat feet?
A. A stability running shoe like the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 or Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 are great to keep your body in alignment and have soft cushion for comfortable shock absorption.
Q. What shoes are best for a herniated disk?
A. Shoes with a high stack, or high cushion shoes like the HOKA Bondi 9 or Brooks Glycerin Max to provide elite shock absorption to prevent jarring impact with every step.
Q. Are On's or HOKA's better for flat feet?
A. Both brands check the boxes of footwear that those with flat feet would need like, high and soft cushion, structured arch support, and wider widths. HOKA have more options that check all the boxes but both have great choices for those with flat feet.
Q. Do flat feed need wide running shoes?
A. For those who are new to running with flat feet it is better to look for a wider width as they will also have a wider base which provides a more stable platform. The ability to splay the toes is always a plus as it reduces the cramping of the toes.
