MD Podiatrist Discusses Selecting Running Shoe for Flat Feet

Running with flat feet can be painful—and we’re not just talking about post-workout muscle soreness. Having this foot shape makes you more likely to overpronate, meaning your arches may roll too far inward (toward the ground) when you take a step forward. That can cause a whole mess of problems. “Think of it like a corkscrew: If one part rotates, you’re going to have some sort of abnormal rotation going all the way up,” Dan Michaels, DPM, states. Your ankle might tilt in, then your shin could twist, followed by your knee and even your hips, he says, creating a cascade of issues.

This is where the best running shoes for flat feet come in—certain pairs can help prevent all that rotation. Just know that there are different degrees of flat feet, Dr. Michaels says. You might have more of a mild, flexible flat foot, or you could have a rigid flat foot that severely overpronates. But no matter where you fall on the spectrum or what other foot issues you’re dealing with (bunions, anyone?), choosing the right sneakers can help you get in your miles far more comfortably.