10 of the comfiest walking shoes for flat feet (2024)

Wide vs. narrow, high vs. low arches, overpronated vs underpronated: We all have different shapes and sizes of feet. And thus, we all require different styles of shoes to accommodate them. One of the most common feet issues is having flat feet.

Flat feet is also known as “pes planus.” It’s something you can either be born with or something that can develop with age, according to Dr. Najwa Javed, board-certified podiatrist at Silicon Valley Podiatry Group. A true “flat foot,” where the entire sole of your foot touches the floor when standing, is congenital. “However, all arches start to collapse as we get older, starting in our late 20s, similar to how your vision changes,” she explains.

So what are the best shoes for people with flat feet? You don't have to settle for those practical but not-so-attractive orthopedic shoes. There are plenty of more stylish options available. Dr. Javed recommends looking for shoes with a stable sole and a heel counter—which is the small plastic insert at the back of the shoe—that's at least one inch high. To help you stroll in style and comfort, we rounded up 10 walking shoes that look good and are a step in the right direction for dealing with arch issues.

1. These podiatrist-approved Hoka shoes

Hoka makes shoes for running, walking, everyday use, and more. They offer a range of styles and support, including neutral and high stability shoes. Popular models like the Bondi 8 boast the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, reviewed by podiatrists to ensure it promotes foot health.

The Bondi 8 shoes feature lighter foams than its predecessor, and the “extended heel geometry” to help you move seamlessly from heel strike to forefoot. They're available in four colorways and both wide and regular widths. The women's whole and half sizes range from 5 to 12, while men's run from whole and half sizes from 7 to 16, and also offer an extra-wide option.

Reviewers rave about the extra cushioning putting a spring in their step, and even negative reviews typically have great things to say about other Hoka shoes, like the Clifton.

• Get the Women's Hoka Bondi 8 Sneaker from Hoka for $165
• Get the Men's Hoka Bondi 8 Sneaker from Hoka for $165

2. These throwback Adidas sneakers

The Adidas Superstar is a true walking classic, sporting the same shell-toed design that it's been known for since it stepped onto the style scene back in the '70s. Dr. Javed suggests this shoe to flat-footed patients thanks to its arch support. It's made of sleek, full-grain leather decorated with Adidas' iconic three-stripe logo. Available in dozens of colors, the sneakers come in a massive range of sizes, too: women's whole and half sizes 5 to 11 and men's whole and half sizes 4 to 19.

This pair has a 4.7-star rating from more than 10,200 reviewers. "This is the only pair of shoes I ever want to bring when I travel and know that I’ll be doing a lot of walking," one person raves. "They're just so comfy!"

• Get the Women's Superstar Shoes from Adidas for $100
• Get the Men's Superstar Shoes from Adidas for $95

3. These top-rated New Balance shoes

New Balance is a shoe haven for people with low arches. One of its best shoes for flat feet is the 1540v3, which has two layers of thick foam for padding and rebound along with a contoured heel bed. There's an option for almost every foot shape, too—you can choose from narrow, standard, wide, extra wide, and even extra-extra wide widths. They come in women's whole and half sizes 5 to 13 and in men's whole and half sizes 7 to 16.

"I have a very low/almost non-existent arch, and these shoes help so much!" one reviewer gushes. "The pain in my hips, knees, and lower back are completely gone since I started wearing these. Best investment I've made in a while."

• Get the Women's 1540v3 from New Balance for $170
• Get the Men's 1540v3 from New Balance for $170

4. These supportive Vionics sneakers

These walking shoes were made for, well, walking. Dr. Javed suggests Vionics sneakers for when you need extra support for long distances on both sidewalks and treadmills. The shoe includes a removable, podiatrist-designed orthotic that's made of flexible EVA—a rubber-like plastic similar to what Crocs are made of—and has a durable rubber outsole. Available in seven colors, they come in women's whole and half sizes 5 to 12.

Of those who own this pair, 87% would recommend them. "They deliver on their promise," one person says. "My foot issues were minimized and my feet no longer hurt when I go walking.”

$130 at Vionics

5. These modern Deckers shoes

Known for creating shoes that mix workout functionality with lounge comfort, Deckers' X-Scape fits the bill for flat-feet sufferers. Receiving high marks from the APMA, it features a lightweight foam midsole and oversized cushion on the bottom, along with a removable ergonomic insole for optimal support. Available in a number of colors, the sneakers come in women's whole and half sizes 6 to 10 and in men's whole and half sizes 8 to 13.

"These shoes are incredibly comfortable and supportive right out of the box," one reviewer raves. "They make you want to get out for a walk.”

• Get the Women's X-Scape SNKOUT Low from Deckers from $180
• Get the Men's X-Scape RDSTR Low from Deckers from $140

6. These lightweight York Athletics walking sneakers

Designed with a springy foam base and breathable mesh upper, these sneakers are designed to contour to your feet as you wear them. They have an internal and external molded heel for stability, as well as a soft foam sock liner that adds even more support. Available in six colors, they come in women's whole and half sizes 5.5 to 14.5 and in men's whole and half sizes 4 to 13.

"York products fit my foot better than other shoes that I've tried," one fan says. "The quality is great, the price reasonable, and the fit is outstanding. I would recommend this shoe to anyone looking for comfortable, stylish footwear."

$155 at York Athletics

Specifically created for those with low arches and flat feet, this Kuru sneaker has molded arch support to help prevent aches and pains. They're made of a knit mesh that allows your toes to breathe and feels more like a sock than a shoe. Plus, they're easy to slide on as you run out the door—no lacing up required. Available in seven colors, it comes in women's whole and half sizes 5 to 12.

Known to fit “even the most finicky of feet,” these sneakers offer “awesome comfort.” One reviewer owns four pairs, and according to another, “It feels like you don't even have shoes on.”

From $115 at Kuru Footwear

8. These supportive Saucony sneakers

For a little extra spring in your step, slip into these well-cushioned Saucony shoes. They have a removable, orthotic-friendly sock liner for added comfort and a mesh toe box for breathability. The sneakers come in regular, wide, and extra wide widths, and in women's whole and half sizes 5 to 12 and in men's whole and half sizes 7 to 15.

A lot of people who’ve bought these sneakers are on their feet all day, and say the Echelon rises to the challenge of support and comfort. "Feels like your favorite old shoe right from the start," one person says. "Like walking on cushions with great support. I use orthotics and replaced the insole with mine and the fit was perfect."

• Get the Women's Echelon 9 from Saucony for $150
• Get the Men's Echelon 9 from Saucony for $150

9. These arch-friendly Skechers shoes

This slip-on shoe from Skechers was developed by a podiatrist using what the brand reports as 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans. Skechers says that the removable insoles—which feature built-in arch support—reduce shock with every step and evenly disperse your weight, while the flexible mesh upper moves with your foot to prevent blisters or chafing. They come in women's whole and half sizes 5 to 10 in both wide and medium widths and in men's whole and half sizes 7 to 16.

"These shoes are the most comfortable I have ever gotten, thanks to the arch fit design," one 5-star reviewer says. "I can wear them anywhere and not worry about my arches killing me."

• Get the Women's GoWalk Arch Fit from Skechers for $90
• Get the Men's GoWalk Arch Fit from Skechers for $100

10. These sleek Brooks running shoes

The latest iteration of the Brooks' Adrenaline support shoe represents over 20 years of iteration. The resulting lightness and softness is boon for anyone who will wear them for running or walking. The cushioning is comfy without feeling too squishy and provides adequate support from toe to heel. Available in over a dozen colors, they come in women’s whole and half sizes 5 to 13 (unfortunately without a 12.5). They come in men's whole and half sizes 7 to 15 (again, without a 14.5).

They carry an APMA Seal of Acceptance, and with over a thousand five-star reviews, these sneakers don't fall flat with customers either. "I LOVE this shoe!!!" one shopper says. “Just the right amount of cushion to let me wear them everywhere."

• Get the Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 from Brooks for $140
• Get the Men's Adrenaline GTS 21 from Brooks for $140

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.