When buying shoes for flat feet, you should look for extra foot arch support and a model that’s comfortable to wear. The shoe should be professionally fitted, otherwise the benefits of additional support may be negated. It’s also important to choose shoes that are built for the purpose for which you’ll be using them. Everyday shoes don’t need to be as durable as sporting shoes, while running shoes require extra support and stability.
The most important thing to look for when buying shoes for flat feet is the support they provide. Problems caused by flat feet, such as pain in the lower leg, are the result of the foot arch flattening excessively which places extra strain on the joints. In most cases, shoes for people with flat feet will be clearly labeled as having extra arch support or stability. Some manufacturers refer to these types of shoes as having “molded” soles.
Shoes for flat feet must be comfortable to wear for long periods of time. It can be difficult to tell exactly how a particular shoe is going to feel just by trying it on, so it’s essential to get the shoes professionally fitted. Even if a shoe has a large amount of arch support, it may not provide adequate stability to the midsole if it is too large. If it’s too small, the shoe will rub and be uncomfortable, possibly resulting in other problems.
It’s also necessary to decide where and when you’re going to wear the shoes. If the shoes are mainly for everyday activities, then a high level of arch support may not be so important; standard supportive shoes can be a good choice in this instance. Running shoes, however, need to provide a large amount of support and stability to the foot arch because this is a high impact activity with the potential to cause serious injury. Motion control running shoes, which are specifically designed for severe overpronators, are expensive but come with the most built-in support.
Shoes for flat feet aren’t always enough to solve pain issues, especially if you plan on doing a lot of physical fitness activities. If you have severely pronating feet, custom made orthotics, or insoles, may be the best answer. These can be expensive, but provide more support than shoes alone. Orthotics typically are combined with supportive shoes to stabilize the arch and reduce the negative effects of flat feet. Orthotics are not just for athletes; many people with flat feet can benefit from wearing them.
