Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Flat Feet – What Exactly Are They?

Flat feet are usually characterized by the absence of an arch on the medial part of the foot. To illustrate better when examining a foot step (in the sand for example) the imprint left will lack the normal curve from the toe (forefoot) area that tapers down and curves back to the outside as it reaches the heel area.

When viewed from the side (inside part of the foot) a normal foot will feature an arch that rises from the forefoot and goes back down the heel. Flat feet lack these arch and actually have most of the foot pressed down against the surface being stepped on.

It is also important to note very low arches also can be grouped under the flat foot category. This is important because people with low arches have the same motion control needs that flat footed people need.

What do Shoes for Flat Feet Do?

Running shoes designed for flat footed people do primarily one thing: They control the excessive rolling of the foot. This tendency to roll the foot too much inwards (hence, collapsing the ankle) is called overpronation.

The natural rolling of the foot towards the inner side of your foot is normal. But flat footed people have a tendency to do it excessively. The lack of an arch or too low an arch means that the foot has to overcompensate rolling in order to reduce shock. A normal foot arch normally gets squeezed to reduce impact.

Shoes for flat feet have support structures that prevent this rolling from getting excessive. A typical motion control running shoe like the one shown below will feature medial posts that prevent the shoe from twisting.

This helps that foot stay in its proper place during the foot strike. There are many different technologies that control motion for overpronated runners and the support structures in the medial part of the shoe is only one of them.

What Kind of Shoes Should I look for?

If you are looking to buy running shoes meant for flat feet then look for the ones that feature:

1) Motion Control
2) For Overpronators
3) Control
4) Support

What are the Recommended Shoes for Flat Feet?

There are a lot of very good shoes out in the market right now. We did a roundup of the best running shoes for flat feet. Check out which the top running shoes are for your unique needs.

Photo Credits:  www.cepolina.com, www.brooksrunning.com