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Looking for arch support shoes for flat feet? Take a gander at these comfortable yet cute TFG picks that’ll have your feet singing with happiness!
Good Shoes for Flat Feet
Written By: Jeannie Mark
Table Of Contents
TFG readers ask this question frequently: “What are the best shoes for flat feet?” As someone who suffers from this myself and has been prescribed orthotics for overpronation, I’ve had to muddle through on which shoes work well either for travel or on a daily basis that doesn’t make my feet hurt.
On top of that, for years I wore comfortable but ugly-looking shoes which wounded my fashionista side. It wasn’t until a few years ago that comfort brands finally started producing pretty shoes—hallelujah!
So, rather than have you go through trial and error as I did, we’re excited to share this ultimate guide to choosing the best shoe for flat feet including boots, sneakers, sandals, and much more! However, let’s clear up some common questions first.
How To Tell if You’re Flat Footed
Simply put, having flat feet means you have no visible arch when you stand up. It’s normal to be flat-footed as it’s one of many foot types that people are born with.
Why Are Flat Feet Bad
It definitely isn’t worrisome if you’re someone who doesn’t experience symptoms, and a lot of flat-footed folks don’t! But some do have issues stemming from flat fleet such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, tendonitis, and more. There can also be general pain in the foot, ankle, heel, or leg.
I was diagnosed with overpronation due to a condition called flexible flatfoot, which means my arches have fallen and my ankles slightly roll inwards, so comfortable, supportive shoes are vital for me!
What Are the Most Comfortable Shoes for Flat Feet?
When I scout for travel shoes, I’m always looking for arch, ankle, and heel support, excellent cushion, good grip so I don’t have to worry about surfaces too much, and quality materials that will last a long time so I’m not having to replace shoes frequently.
All of those elements allow me to walk for long periods of time without noticeable discomfort at the end of a long sightseeing day.
Though comfort is #1, the final thing I look for is aesthetics. I still want a cute shoe that’s versatile and can pair with a number of my trip outfits!
Without further ado, check out these best walking shoes for flat feet womens styles that are comfy and pretty enough to wear anywhere!
Best Sandals for Flat Feet
For me, a flat-footed person, I like sandals that have good arch support, cushioning,g and don’t feel restricting as my feet swell in the heat. This is important because I can’t slip in an orthotic so the cushioning has to be there. These highly recommended picks are great!
Naot Kayla Sandal
In a slight wedge style and with more than 30 great colors to choose from, the Naot Kayla is a reader favorite. Its anatomic cork and latex footbed are made out of a comfortable suede that molds to the shape of your feet, and its outsole is also water-resistant, which is a major plus if you plan for a mix of city and light outdoor activities.
One foot sufferer calls this her most comfortable shoes flat feet pick, saying, ‘I have very poor feet with calluses and hammertoes causing painful walking. Naot sandals are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. They provide a pain-free walk and also help my balance. These are amazing!”
This little wedge dresses up beautifully, so you can easily take it from day to evening with just a few wardrobe changes. And if you want to know more about Naoat, take a look at our review on an editor-in-chief favorite, the Naot Sabrina.
Shop: Amazon
Vionic Rest Amber Sandal
A veritable reader fave, the Vionic Rest Amber sandals are beloved for their look and comfort. The cork and synthetic upper and adjustable straps make these feel and fit well and the footbed is designed to help overworked feet.
And of course, the rubber sole is uber helpful when walking on surfaces. But our favorite feature is the pretty metal decorative accents that make this sandal versatile from day to night.
An ardent fan of his brand raves about these and says, “I have several Vionics for my standing job, they helped my plantar fasciitis pain. These are so pretty, super comfortable, and true to size.”
TFG readers are ALWAYS recommending Vionic for comfortable shoes. Whether it’s sandals, sneakers or boots, here are their top picks!
Taos Footwear Gift 2 Sandal
These Taos flat feet sandals are excellent for standing all day, and are described as “feeling like a glove for your foot!” Users can’t get enough of how comfortable they are.
Firstly, the design is cute, with a diagonally cut ruched leather upper (that comes in a ton of colors), and as users explain—hides bunions! But the ergonomic fit of these shoes is also great too, with arch and metatarsal support built into the cushiony soft liner.
One wearer shares, “I was looking for a sandal to use when traveling that had good support and read on a couple of travel sites that highly recommended this brand for all-day walking. I have soooo many foot problems! These sandals are extremely comfortable. Great footbed support including the arches and even some metatarsal support. The leather is extremely soft and supple, which makes the sandals really comfy for wearing all day, They’re also very attractive which makes them versatile for casual wear to dinner with a nice pair of slacks.”
Just note that users say these don’t come in half sizes so fit your feet accordingly!
Shop: Amazon
Blowfish Granola Gladiator Sandals
Channel your inner bohemian with these sandals from Blowfish! Available in several head-turning colors, our readers tell us they love their oh-so-comfy footwear.
Adjustable leather straps and soft microfiber lining offer a secure but relaxed fit, and the anatomically molded PU midsole hugs feet comfortably. And the textured rubber outsole gives good traction. These are awesome to take to a beach or hang by a seaside cafe.
One reviewer says, “Most comfortable shoes I own and I have very narrow and flat feet.” Another one adds, “Surprisingly even though these sandals seem flat they are very comfortable. I bought these for a trip to Hawaii and they were perfect for all the walking. I brought an old pair of sandals as backup but i didn’t have to use them at all. These are now my go to summer sandals.”
Here are comfortable walking sandals that are stylish too!
Best Sneakers for Flat Feet
I am a sneaker fan, through and through! Either I look for ones that have the proper support or ones where I could remove the footbed and add my own orthotic. Check out these lovelies!
Shop: Amazon
Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers
Ecco is another one of my faves, and the Soft 7 are walking sneakers for flat feet that look contemporary and are well-cushioned for everyday or travel. This company prides itself on creating cute, yet supportive shoes.
The Ecco Soft 7 shoe flat feet support comes from an anatomically designed shape built for total comfort and there’s enough width to not pinch. Also, the insole is removable if you want to use your own inserts, and the PU outsole is durable, yet flexible as you walk. Can you tell I LOVE them?
One review says, “I just recently got plantar fasciitis and with all other shoes I have to wear extra arch support and a heel cushion, but when I wear these, I have no pain at all. They feel amazing!”
Read the Ecco shoes review we compiled with love!
Shop: Amazon
adidas Cloudfoam Advantage Cl Sneaker
I wouldn’t have thought of Adidas as a sneaker for flat feet, but these are darn cushiony as reviewers have noted.
It all comes down to the Cloudfoam insert that has two layers of cushioning, while the rubber outsole gives a decent grip on walking surfaces. And this reviewer agrees, saying, “They’re called Cloudfoam for a reason! Super comfy; I feel like I’m walking on clouds with how white and comfy they are!”
As a general comfort shoe, these work great! But do note that some wearers say these fit small, so consider sizing up.
Here are our readers tried and tested recommendations for the best insoles for walking and standing all day!
Shop: Amazon
Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneakers
Our readers rave about their Skechers, and I’m about to do the same! I wore the Flex Appeal sneakers on a trip to Merida, Mexico where the pavement is highly irregular and uneven. I walked for hours around the city center and not once did my feet hurt, which is a problem I encounter having flat feet.
Their secret is the cushioned and air-cooled memory foam sole which offers great arch support and plenty of flexibility for your feet. While these aren’t fashion sneakers, they’re still cute and sleek, pairing well with my weekend getaway outfits, all the way from shorts to a casual dress.
One review says, “These were comfortable right away and I have a lot of foot issues—bunions, hammertoes, etc. I’m always looking for comfortable shoes and have the best luck with Skechers, love these!”
If you want MORE of this brand, check out our post on the best Skechers for all occasions—from boots, sneakers, to sandals!
Shop: Amazon
OLUKAI Pehuea Womens Slip On Sneakers
Drop-in and bliss out with the casual and breathable comfort of the OLUKAI Pehuea Women’s slip on shoes. A casual, summer oriented shoe, dual-density anatomical PU footbed with a chassis and softer top deck offers extra cushioning for immediate step-in comfort and all-day heel stability and arch support, while the soft, microfiber footbed cover lining is moisture-wicking and removable and washable that’s perfect for active walkers, or just busy people with many places to go!
This reviewer is pretty darn happy with her pair, and says, “Love these shoes for the arch support in a lightweight flat. Nice color, too!” Another one agrees, “They are not the cheapest but truly the most comfortable loafers especially if you have to do a lot of waking. Breath well and not heavy. “
Looking for a cute and comfy travel shoe? Find out what our readers vote as the best slip on sneakers for sightseeing days!
Best Athletic Shoes for Flat Feet
I was a big runner for years and it took a lot of fine-tuning to find athletic shoes I could either wear solo or be able to insert orthotics. This collection includes brands I’ve worn to exercise in comfort!
Shop: Amazon
Brooks Women’s Ghost 14 Running Shoe
I used to be a runner and my symptoms from flat feet entailed painful shin splints whenever I went on a run. Once I was prescribed orthotics, I needed to find a shoe that worked for my activity. Enter the Brooks running shoes!
They’re a dream to wear due to the solid rubber sole, roomy toe-box, and great support cushioning. One wearer attests to saying, “I have very flat feet and cannot tolerate high arch support. These are perfect for me! No pain in feet or back when wearing, and I’m on my feet all day! Very sturdy, comfortable and well made. Definitely recommend ”
I can’t disagree; these are seriously the best tennis shoes for flat feet!
Shop: Amazon
New Balance Women’s 574 V2 Essential Sneaker
Besides Saucony, another popular brand I’ve bought before is the New Balance running shoes for flat feet. These are packed with a sturdy upper that’s breathable, a rubber sole allows you to stand on a gym floor without slipping, while the cushioning midsole makes the feet feel solid and supported on the ground.
These even have grooves so you can move intuitively! A fan of these says, “As someone with large feet and several foot issues (bunion and Achilles tendon problem), I have a hard time finding shoes that are comfortable for long periods of time that don’t hurt my Achilles. I just recently bought these and have worn them three times with no problems—comfortable and lots of room. I like that they’re lightweight but also offer pretty decent support.”
Check out reader recommendations for the most comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel!
Best Flats for Flat Feet
Flats aren’t something that works for every traveler and are typically not be the best for long periods of walking. However, during my 11+ years of travel, I always wear flats as my dressy shoe. As long as they have the proper arch support and strong, durable cushioning, it’s something I’ve packed into my suitcase to attend a conference or just for leisure travel. I’ve also worn them sightseeing in urban cities like Milan and Paris!
Shop: Amazon
Vionic Spark Caroll Flat
The Vioni Spark Caroll is a terrific flat feet ballet shoe that’s supportive for gals like me. I also think it’s a classy shoe, with the diamond quilting and patent toe.
They have a removable Orthaheel insole that provides podiatrist-designed support, relief, and stability, and it comes in a medium and wide fit. One wearer shares, “Cute, comfortable, and great support!”
Shop: Zappos
SAS Scenic Ballet Flats
Womens dress shoes for flat feet can be hard to come by, but these SAS flats have a breathable, leather lining and a removable, machine-washable foam footbed designed to cradle the foot for comfort, which can be replaced with your own inserts. These supportive shoes are designed to provide a relaxed fit with a roomy toe-box and polyurethane heel equipped with tiny bubbles to absorb pressure as you walk. They’re also pretty darn cute!
One wearer says, “Lovely dress shoes for wide feet and for those who need to be able to remove the footbed in order to insert an orthotic footbed.”
Shop: Amazon
Cobb Hill Petra Mary Jane Support Ballet Flats
These Cobb Hill Mary jane shoes are made from smooth leather, with a lightweight EVA outsole with TR forefoot pod with decorative side wall stitching that gives you comfort like tiny, supportive pillows. They’re also light, which is great for roaming the streets of a new city, or just everyday life.
Voted by many as the best dress shoes for flat feet womens style, we can see why! One traveler shares, “I ordered my usual size (9.5M) and they fit just right. I have flat feet so I put orthotics in without taking the original insoles out. I need to walk a lot on my job. These shoes are great..”
Shop: Nordstrom
Josef Seibel Pippa Ballet Flat
Though similar looking to the Vionics, the Josef Seibel Pippa is a personal fave. I wore these hitting the pavement in Hong Kong, looking cute and feeling no pain in my feet! They’re very flexible due to being made of leather and elastic, and the rubber heel is designed to move with your foot. Plus they have a cushioned footbed.
A user shares their experience, “I needed a dressy flat that would work for a trip to Italy as an evening dress shoe. This ballet flat was perfect! The colors dress it up and it’s a wonderful neutral. Great cushioning and comfy for longer walks, even on cobblestones.”
Here’s what our readers rated as having the most cute and comfortable ballet flats for travel!
Best Boots for Flat Feet
Shop: Zappos
Propét Women’s Delaney Ankle Boot Bootie
Propet shoes are better walking shoes because they’re designed and manufactured to be your most comfortable walking experience ever. Extra attention is paid to giving your foot support where it is needed, more cushy comfort where it counts and more room where your foot’s moving parts need freedom when walking. These Propet Delaney boots were made for walking in style and comfort!
These boots is made with Scotchgard®-treated suede or leather upper with padded tweed fabric collar while cushioned EVA insole and Nylex lining for year round wear.
One wearer says of these, “Very comfortable and true to size. I have flat feet and are wider through the toes. These fit great. I needed a shoe for when I stand all day and work with kids and didn’t want a heel.”
Shop: Amazon
Vionic Vivien Cecily Womens Ankle Boot
I’m a long-term fan of this brand and first discovered them years ago when I was on the hunt for lovely-looking, supportive shoes.
These Vionic Vivien Cecily ankle boots are superbly crafted with premium leather or print calf hair uppers so they’ll last years (I usually apply some waterproofing spray). This womens boots flat feet comes equipped with THREE-ZONE COMFORT with orthotic Insole and arch support , and a sturdy outsole for walking.
Shop: Amazon
Sorel Emelie III Chelsea Boot
If you have very sensitive feet but worry about sacrificing style, these Orothofeet ankle boots are a dream come true! Waterproof full-grain leather or suede boot features cozy die-cut memory EVA footbed that provides the cushion and comfort for all-day excursions. With molded rubber sole with high traction protects your feet during long walks and will keep you standing tall all day.
One wearer says these are not only pretty to wear but support her feet fully, saying, “They hold up in all conditions and my feet don’t hurt after a day in these boots.”
Find out why our readers vote Sorel as a top travel footwear brand, and take a look at their top picks for sneakers, sandal and boots!
Shop: Amazon
Dr. Martens 2976 Waterproof Chelsea Boot
I adore a classic slip-on boot, and these Dr. Martens ankle booties fit the bill, and they’re also waterproof! Made of leather with a rubber sole, with vegan friendly smooth leather lining which is excellent for traveling when having to wear shoes for long periods of time. Sits on an AirWair sole, which is oil and fat resistant with good abrasion and slip resistance.
A reviewer conveys their experience with these from the get-go, saying, “Super comfortable, I have flat feet and don’t have any pain at the end of the day like I did with other shoes.”
Looking for a perfect black boots? Find out our readers’ picks for the best black ankle boots for travel!
Best Womens Shoes for Flat Feet Comparison Chart
| BRAND | MODEL | FEATURES | REVIEWS | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Best Boots for Flat Feet | ||
|
Propét Women's Delaney Ankle Boot Bootie |
“Very comfortable and true to size. I have flat feet and are wider through the toes. These fit great. I needed a shoe for when I stand all day and work with kids and didn’t want a heel." | Check Price |
|
Vionic Vivien Cecily Womens Ankle Boot |
This womens boots flat feet comes equipped with THREE-ZONE COMFORT with orthotic Insole and arch support , and a sturdy outsole for walking. | Check Price |
|
Sorel Emelie III Chelsea Boot |
“They hold up in all conditions and my feet don’t hurt after a day in these boots.” | Check Price |
|
Dr. Martens 2976 Waterproof Chelsea Boot |
“Super comfortable, I have flat feet and don't have any pain at the end of the day like I did with other shoes.” | Check Price |
| Best Sneakers for Flat Feet | ||
|
Ecco Soft 7 Sneakers |
“I just recently got plantar fasciitis and with all other shoes I have to wear extra arch support and a heel cushion, but when I wear these, I have no pain at all. They feel amazing!” | Check Price |
|
adidas Cloudfoam Advantage Cl Sneaker |
“They're called Cloudfoam for a reason! Super comfy; I feel like I'm walking on clouds with how white and comfy they are!” | Check Price |
|
Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneakers |
“These were comfortable right away and I have a lot of foot issues—bunions, hammer toes, etc. I'm always looking for comfortable shoes and have the best luck with Skechers, love these!” | Check Price |
|
OLUKAI Pehuea Womens Slip On Sneakers |
"Love these shoes for the arch support in a lightweight flat. Nice color, too!" Another one agrees, "They are not the cheapest but truly the most comfortable loafers especially if you have to do a lot of waking. Breath well and not heavy. " | Check Price |
| Best Flats for Flat Feet | ||
|
Vionic Spark Caroll Flat |
“Cute, comfortable and great support!” | Check Price |
|
SAS Scenic Ballet Flats |
“Lovely dress shoes for wide feet and for those who need to be able to remove the footbed in order to insert an orthotic footbed.” | Check Price |
|
Cobb Hill Petra Mary Jane Support Ballet Flats |
"I ordered my usual size (9.5M) and they fit just right. I have flat feet so I put orthotics in without taking the original insoles out. I need to walk a lot on my job. These shoes are great." | Check Price |
|
Josef Seibel Pippa Ballet Flat |
“Bought these shoes for an overseas trip and was very useful for day and night use—could be worn on walking tours and dressed up at night. I have narrow feet and needed to use an insert but that worked well. Can highly recommend.” | Check Price |
| Best Sandals for Flat Feet | ||
|
Naot Kayla Sandal |
‘'I have very poor feet with calluses and hammer toes causing painful walking. Naot sandals are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. They provide a pain-free walk and also help my balance. These are amazing!” | Check Price |
|
Vionic Rest Amber Sandal |
“I have several Vionics for my standing job, they helped my plantar fasciitis pain.These are the prettiest. Comfortable and true to size.” | Check Price |
|
Taos Footwear Gift 2 Sandal |
“I was looking for a sandal to use when traveling that had good support, and read on a couple of travel sites that highly recommended this brand for all day walking. I have soooo many foot problems! These sandals are extremely comfortable. Great footbed support including the arches and even some metatarsal support. The leather is extremely soft and supple, which makes the sandals really comfy for wearing all day, They’re also very attractive which makes them versatile for casual wear to dinner with a nice pair of slacks.” | Check Price |
|
Blowfish Granola Gladiator Sandals |
“Most comfortable shoes I own and I have very narrow and flat feet." | Check Price |
| Best Athletic Shoes for Flat Feet | ||
|
Brooks Women's Ghost 14 Running Shoe |
“I have very flat feet and cannot tolerate high arch support. These are perfect for me! No pain in feet or back when wearing, and I’m on my feet all day! Very sturdy, comfortable and well made. Definitely recommend ” | Check Price |
|
New Balance Women's 574 V2 Essential Sneaker |
“As someone with large feet and several foot issues (bunion and Achilles tendon problem), I have a hard time finding shoes that are comfortable for long periods of time that don't hurt my Achilles. I just recently bought these and have worn them three times with no problems—comfortable and lots of room. I like that they’re lightweight but also offer pretty decent support.” | Check Price |
Packing Womens Shoes Flat Feet Styles for a Trip
Now that you’ve checked out the best walking shoes flat feet picks, it’s time to pack a pair for your next trip! Start by selecting a container such as a shoe bag or a packing cube, then pack according to your type of luggage. See more in the video below.
Watch this video to start learning how to organize with packing cubes!
Whether you have a front loading or top loading backpack, it’s crucial to put your shoes first, at the bottom. If you’re planning to pack shoes in a rolling carry-on, remember that it stands sideways, so it’s important to note how it functions when it is upright.
Most often, your shoes will need to be packed close to the wheels, so that the luggage maintains its balance in transit. This is the secret to packing carry-on only!
What do you think are the best walking shoes flat feet styles for women? Share in the comments!
For more comfortable, travel shoes, please read:
- My Favorite Shoes to Wear When I Fly
- Best Orthopedic Shoes for Women – That Look Good Too!
- Most Comfortable Skechers Shoes for Women: 18 Must-Have Picks
- Best Womens Narrow Shoes for Travel That Are Comfortable and Cute
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What tennis shoes for a flat footed women that in their sixty works in a warehouse that walks a lot half the day the other half stand all day .would the running shoes for what I need.
Hi Pam, to get the best recommendations, if you didn’t see any on this article that would work for you, I would suggest you join our TFG facebook group and post your questionthere: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/
It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and recommendations, especially shoes!
I can’t believe Brooks Adrenaline didn’t even make the cut in this rating. I am 73 years old and have flat feet. I have been wearing Brooks for years and it is the best, most comfortable shoe I have every worn. In my opinion, Brooks should be at the top of the list!
Thanks for sharing your recommendation for comfy shoes with us Merle!
Thanks for this article! Too many articles where the shoes are so unattractive – this one had shoes I’d actually wear 🙂
Aww, thank you!! So glad you liked the post ?