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The best shoes for flat feet can be difficult to find, but the truth is that it’s really important to wear the right the right kind of footwear for your feet. Thankfully, there are some stellar options on the market—even ones that merge comfort and fashion, so you don’t have to sacrifice your style.
If you’re one of the 20–30% of Americans with flat feet, meaning that when you stand straight, your arches touch the floor, you might need some more thoughtfully designed shoes. For some people, flat feet are hereditary. Others develop flat feet as a result of pregnancy, aging, obesity, or a health condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Meet the experts: Edgard Nau, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Manhattan Home Podiatric in New York City; Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a podiatrist and foot surgeon with Progressive Foot Care
Whether or not your flat feet cause you pain, we can all agree that wearing the right shoes is vital (some active folks might even need running shoes for flat feet, too!). Slipping your feet into the wrong pair can lead to ankle, knee, hip, back, shoulder, and even neck problems, says Edgard Nau, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Manhattan Home Podiatric in New York City.
So, it’s important to listen to your body and wear the right shoes to truly put your best foot forward. Below, you’ll find the best (and most fashionable) shoes for flat feet—from sandals to heels to booties. And slippers!
Our top picks
1
2
3
Best Sandal for Flat Feet
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Read more
4
5
6
Best Loafer for Flat Feet
Naturalizer Adiline Loafer
Read more
7
Best Slip on Shoe for Flat Feet
Dr. Scholl’s No Chill Sneaker
Read more
8
9
10
1
Best Slippers for Flat Feet
Vionic Gemma Slippers
1
Best Slippers for Flat Feet
Vionic Gemma Slippers
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Soft and supportive
- Comfortable
Cons
- Pricey for a slipper
Even when you’re lounging around the house, your footwear should support your feet. A podiatrist designed these crowd favorites—and we especially love that the footbed is covered with 100% polyester terrycloth and treated with anti-bacterial, odor-resistant finish.
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 5 |
| Closure | Slip on |
2
Best Flip Flop for Flat Feet
FitFlop iQushion Flip Flop
2
Best Flip Flop for Flat Feet
FitFlop iQushion Flip Flop
Pros
- Podiatrist approved
- Available in multiple colors
- Cushioned footbed
Cons
- No half sizes available
Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a podiatrist and foot surgeon with Progressive Foot Care says flip flops should be avoided at all costs, since their support is often lackluster. However, FitFlop is definitely the exception. Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, these sandals have a foam cushioned footbed, a thick sole, and a deep heel cup. And they’re available in multiple colors, so you have a few cute options to choose from.
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 11 |
| Closure | Slip on |
3
Best Sandal for Flat Feet
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
3
Best Sandal for Flat Feet
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Pros
- Comfortable
- Adjustable straps
- Flexible
Cons
- Pricey
Birkenstocks will never go out of style if we have a say! That’s because they’ve mastered the mix of proper arch support and shock absorption through a flexible EVA outsole. And it’s hard to beat the fact that they mold to your feet over time. These also have adjustable straps to easily accommodate wider feet.
| Sizes | 4-4.5-12-12.5 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 4 |
| Closure | Slip on |
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4
Best Flats for Flat Feet
Birdies The Starling
4
Best Flats for Flat Feet
Birdies The Starling
Pros
- Stylish
- Multiple colors and patterns available
- Memory foam cushioning
Cons
- Pricey
While you won’t find ballet flats on this list, Birdies makes adorable flats that people love because of their dual-layer memory foam cushioning nestled inside soft, quilted satin. Nearly 3,000 reviewers have given them a perfect five star rating (and the cheetah faux fur is our favorite pattern).
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 17 |
| Closure | Slip on |
5
Best Stylish Sneaker for Flat Feet
Vionic Simasa Sneaker
Pros
- Podiatrist-designed
- Stylish
- Supportive
Cons
- Limited colors
Vionic’s history in shoe making began with a podiatrist and the end result is effortlessly stylish footwear with orthopedic perks. This lace-up sneaker provides podiatrist-designed orthotic support to bring natural alignment to your foot. This trendy white look can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for every cold-weather outfit.
| Sizes | 5-10 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 7 |
| Closure | Lace up |
6
Best Loafer for Flat Feet
Naturalizer Adiline Loafer
6
Best Loafer for Flat Feet
Naturalizer Adiline Loafer
Pros
- Suitable for wide feet
- Supportive and comfortable
- Inclusive size range
Cons
- Pricey
Flat feet also tend to be longer and wider, Dr. Nau says. This classy loafer has a round toe box to give you lots of room and comes in wide sizes. It has a super supportive base with extra cushioning, making it ideal for neighborhood walks. Plus, they’re stylish yet professional looking, so when it’s time to head into the office, you’ll be ready.
| Sizes | 4-13 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 5 |
| Closure | Slip on |
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7
Best Slip on Shoe for Flat Feet
Dr. Scholl’s No Chill Sneaker
7
Best Slip on Shoe for Flat Feet
Dr. Scholl’s No Chill Sneaker
Pros
- Stylish platform
- Easy slip-on design
- Removable insole
Cons
- Only available in grey and black
Experiencing foot pain after walking for hours on end happens more often to people with flat arches, especially when there’s no padding to soften the impact. Cue these Dr. Scholl’s slip-on sneakers that have a removable cushioned insole and a leveled platform outsole that takes the pressure off the heel. It also has a cute zipper detailing and a perforated design on the upper that’s super stylish.
| Sizes | 6-10 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 2 |
| Closure | Slip on |
8
Best Running Shoe for Flat Feet
Brooks Ariel ’20 Sneakers
8
Best Running Shoe for Flat Feet
Brooks Ariel ’20 Sneakers
Now 22% Off
Pros
- Great for running or walking
- Absorbs impact
- Solid arch support
Cons
- Pricey
Dr. Nau says to look for a running sneaker with good medial arch support and insoles, like the Brooks Ariel ’20 for women. This pair features a cushioned, foam midsole that absorbs impact with each step and stabilizes the foot by keeping it aligned with your body for a natural stride. Plus, it has a large toe box and secure fit for hundreds of miles to come.
| Sizes | 6-13 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 4 |
| Closure | Lace up |
9
Best Bootie for Flat Feet
Dr. Scholl's Amara Bootie
Pros
- Stylish block heel
- Cushioned footbed
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Only available in black and nude
Podiatrists say you want a little elevation—but stick to styles that are 2 1/2 inches or lower. This chic winter bootie is right on target with a 2-inch block heel for proper weight distribution. It feels as good as it looks too, thanks to an extra cushioned footbed and a soft, flexible leather upper.
| Sizes | 6-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 1 |
| Closure | Slip on |
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10
Best Strappy Sandal for Flat Feet
Pikolinos Moraira Sandal
10
Best Strappy Sandal for Flat Feet
Pikolinos Moraira Sandal
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Lightweight and supportive
- Deep heel cup
Cons
- Straps are not adjustable
These sandals are designed with a tiny bit of height to elevate truly any outfit while also being extra supportive at the same time. This pair from Pikolinos features a comfortable footbed, a deep heel cup, and ample arch support. With velcro straps in tow, this also accommodates larger feet. Bonus? It has a lightweight feel.
| Sizes | 4-5-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
| Closure | Strap |
11
Best Wedges for Flat Feet
Vionic Aileen
Pros
- Adds ample height
- Comfortable and supportive
- Stylish
Cons
- Some users report the fit is too wide
Want to go even taller? These platform wedges are still extremely practical for flat feet. You’ve got three inches in the wedge, plus the same deep heel cup and extra contouring that you’d get with Vionic’s Paula block heel. So good!
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
| Closure | Buckle strap |
12
Best Boots for Flat Feet
Timberland Stone Street 6-Inch Waterproof Platform Boot
12
Best Boots for Flat Feet
Timberland Stone Street 6-Inch Waterproof Platform Boot
Pros
- Great for cold weather
- Comfortable and supportive
- Classic style
Cons
- May take time to break in
Timberland’s classic winter boot offers both insulation and support. It’s designed to provide long-term support with an Ortholite footbed, and the PrimaLoft insulation ensures your shoes stay warm and dry through the winter snow.
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 2 |
| Closure | Lace up |
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13
Best Mules for Flat Feet
Soludos Venetian Mule
13
Best Mules for Flat Feet
Soludos Venetian Mule
Pros
- Subtle, short heel
- Stylish
- Padded footbed
Cons
- Pricey
Heels can be comfy, and these mules by Soludos are supportive, too. They have a 1-inch heel, which is comfortable to walk in, as well as a padded footbed for extra comfort. They come in a black or tan, which is perfect to pair with every work outfit.
| Sizes | 5.5-10.5 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 1 |
| Closure | Slip on |
14
best inserts for flat feet
Dropsky Arch Support Sleeves
14
best inserts for flat feet
Dropsky Arch Support Sleeves
Pros
- Transforms existing shoes
- Offers ample support
- Easy to put on
Cons
- Cannot be worn with open-toed shoes
These supportive inserts are a great option for those with flat feet who want to continue to wear the shoes they already have. They come in a compression sleeve-like design with a gel pad for support and comfort. Plus, reviewers with flat feet have great things to say about the product. “I’m so happy with these! My feet are flat [and] the tops of my feet hurt, but not with these! I stand up straighter, my feet do not hurt.”
| Sizes | One size |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
| Closure | Slip on |
How to choose the best shoes for flat feet
Your ideal pair will firmly cup the heel and offer sturdy arch support, says Dr. Pinker. The toe box should provide ample room, and the shank, or middle part of the shoe, should be somewhat flexible—not too rigid, but not too flimsy.
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How we chose the best shoes for flat feet
We consulted Edgard Nau, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Manhattan Home Podiatric in New York City and Bruce Pinker, D.P.M., a podiatrist and foot surgeon with Progressive Foot Care. We also sifted through countless of online reviews and performed our own testing to find the best shoes for flat feet.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Sanah Faroke
Associate Editor
Sanah is the associate editor at Prevention.com focusing on all things commerce within the health and lifestyle space. She scours the internet for the best finds money can buy, and pretends to shop for herself in the process. This Boston University grad loves to sip coffee, read during her commute (without falling over), and binge Gilmore Girls reruns until she’s memorized every line. Follow her on social media as she tackles cooking in the kitchen and see what she’s currently obsessing over.
Shannen Zitz
Assistant Editor
Shannen Zitz is an Assistant Editor at Prevention, where she covers all things lifestyle, wellness, beauty, and relationships. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Prevention, she graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a bachelor's degree in English. If she’s not reading or writing, you can probably find her frequenting the skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or hogging the squat rack at the gym.
