The Best Types of Shoes for Fallen Arches
Flat feet are not ideal, but they are a prevalent condition many people find to live with. Characterized by having no arch in the feet, flat feet, also known as fallen arches, affect approximately 30% of people. While some are born with the condition, others can transition to flat feet due to aging and external factors like injury, pregnancy, strained muscles, and diabetes.
For some people, flat feet aren’t a huge problem, while others will experience pain and discomfort throughout their life. Luckily, some shoes can help people with flat feet! If you’ve been looking for shoes that actually support your flat feet, you’ve come to the right place.
Two of the Best Shoes for Fallen Arches
Wondering where to look for new shoes? Here are a few well-reviewed shoes for flat feet to get you started. Be sure to always try on your shoes before giving them the green light!
Best Clogs: Taos Woolderness 2 Clogs
Beautiful, soft, and supportive, Taos wool clogs are the indoor/outdoor shoes that you’ve been waiting for. These slippers are constructed with a removable polyurethane footbed that cushions and supports your flat feet and provides shock absorption so that your feet don’t get as tired after walking. With a rubber sole, they can be worn indoors and outside so you can enjoy comfort and stability wherever you go.
Best Running Shoes: ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes
If you’re a runner with flat feet, you must invest in quality sneakers that support you. These synthetic and mesh sneakers by ASICS have a lightweight midsole made of FlyteFoam that provides excellent cushioning and arch support with the help of organic nanofibers. They are designed with a Dynamic DuoMax Support System, which provides extra stability and control when you are running.
Why Is It Important to Have Supportive Shoes for Flat Feet?
It’s just as important to have arch supports in your shoes if you have flat feet as if you have high arches. Shoes with an entirely flat insole can actually worsen your condition, while shoes with supportive insoles correct over-pronation and place your foot into proper alignment. Here are some problems that can occur from wearing flat shoes:
- Pain in the heel, arch, or ankle
- Tired feet
- Swollen feet
- Bunions
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis
- Hammertoes
- Shin splints
- Blisters
- Plantar fasciitis
- Pain in joints and spine
While this is a long list, it doesn’t begin to cover all the issues that can occur due to wearing the wrong type of shoes for your flat feet.
What Shoes Are Good for Flat Feet?
If you have flat feet, it is important to find shoes that are stylish and support your feet. You can find sneakers, clogs, and even low heels that are made for flat feet if you know where to look. Ballet flats, flip-flops, and other shoes that are completely flat should be avoided.
In general, shoes with a wider fit and a rounded toe box tend to be better for people with flat feet. Whichever shoes you decide on, make sure that they are strong and durable without too much flexibility.
Flimsy shoes won’t provide the stability you need, and you can wind up getting injured. Be sure to keep all of these tips in mind when purchasing shoes. It is essential to find the most comfortable footwear your foot needs to have the most optimal experience.
