If you've got flat feet, you've probably been told you need "supportive" shoes without anyone explaining what that actually means. Around a quarter of people have flat feet, so if your arches sit low or your feet roll inward when you run, you're in good company.
The good news is that the right pair of shoes can make running feel a whole lot more comfortable, and you don't need a sports science degree to choose well.
Here's what to look for, and the shoes worth trying in 2026.
First, what flat feet actually mean for your running
Flat feet, or fallen arches, means most of the sole of your foot makes contact with the ground. On its own that's not a problem. What matters for running is what your foot does when it lands.
Many runners with flat feet overpronate, which is when the foot rolls inward more than usual after it hits the ground. A bit of pronation is normal and healthy. Too much can send strain up through the ankle, knee and hip, and over time that's where discomfort or niggles can creep in.
One important thing to know upfront: not all flat feet are the same. Some people have flexible flat feet, where the arch appears when the foot is off the ground. Others have rigid flat feet, where the arch stays flat throughout. These need different amounts of support, which is part of why one runner's perfect shoe is another runner's nightmare.
If you're dealing with pain, recurring injuries, or you're not sure how much you overpronate, it's worth getting a gait analysis at a running shop or seeing a podiatrist. A shoe can support your stride, but it can't diagnose you, and a professional can tell you exactly what your feet are doing.
What to look for in a shoe for flat feet
A few features tend to make a real difference:
Stability or support, not neutral. Stability shoes are built to gently guide your foot and reduce excess inward roll. This usually comes from a firmer section on the inside of the shoe, supportive sidewalls, or a guidance system built into the midsole.
A wide, stable base. A broader platform underfoot is simply more stable, which helps keep your foot centred as you land.
A structured heel. A firmer, well-padded heel counter holds your foot in place and stops it sliding around.
Enough cushioning. Low arches don't absorb shock as well as higher ones, so decent cushioning helps protect your joints over the miles.
A roomy fit. Flat feet tend to be a little wider and spread under load, so a generous toe box and the option of wide fittings can save you a lot of discomfort.
One thing worth saying: a supportive shoe works best alongside a strong body. Building strength in your hips, glutes and feet does more for your running long term than relying on the shoe to do all the work.
The shoes worth trying in 2026
These are the models that consistently come up as strong choices for flat feet and overpronation. As always, the best shoe is the one that feels right on your feet, so treat this as a shortlist to try rather than a ranking.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
The safest all-rounder, and the one to reach for if you're unsure where you sit on the overpronation spectrum. Its GuideRails support system gently keeps your feet centred without feeling like it's forcing them, and the cushioning is soft without being mushy. It comes in wide and extra-wide fittings, which makes it a friendly choice for broader flat feet. Best for mild to moderate overpronators and anyone buying their first stability shoe.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32
A long-standing favourite for flat feet, now on its 32nd edition. It feels a touch firmer underfoot, which is exactly what gives it that locked-in, supported feel on the inside of the foot. The 4D Guidance System adapts as you land, and the wider base adds stability. The one watch-out is the toe box, which runs a little narrow, so if you have wide feet you may want to try before you buy.
Saucony Guide 18
The pick for flat-footed runners who want support without feeling slowed down. It's noticeably lighter and livelier than most stability shoes, using an external guidance frame rather than a firm internal post, so you get stability without a dead, corrective feel. Great for mild overpronators who like to mix in faster running. Severe overpronators will likely want something more structured.
Hoka Arahi 8
A lightweight stability shoe with a distinctive rocker shape that rolls you forward through each stride. The support comes from varying foam densities rather than a hard post, which makes it feel smooth, and the generous toe box suits feet that spread out. It's a particularly good shout if you're managing plantar fasciitis alongside flat feet, or coming from low-drop shoes. The rocker feel takes a few runs to get used to.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
The plushest option here for runners who want a cushion-first feel without giving up support. The Fresh Foam X midsole feels genuinely soft underfoot, and a wider platform with built-in sidewalls guides your stride without restricting it. It runs a little narrower in standard width, so flat-footed runners with wide feet should size up or look at the wide fitting.
Saucony Hurricane 25
A maximum-cushion stability shoe for runners who want the most protection underfoot, especially on longer runs. It has a tall, leg-saving stack and high sidewalls that cradle your foot and keep it centred. The broad footprint feels stable from the very first step, and the roomy fit accommodates flatter feet comfortably.
Do you need running insoles?
Many podiatrists recommend a supportive insole for added arch support if you have flat feet, sometimes alongside a stability shoe. If you've been advised to use orthotics, look for shoes with a removable insole so there's room to swap them in. If you're not sure whether you need them, that's another good question for a professional.
The bottom line
Flat feet don't doom you to injury or discomfort, but buying the wrong category of shoe can certainly cause it. Focus on stability over neutral, a wide and structured base, and a fit that gives your feet room to move. Try a few pairs, ideally at a running shop where you can test them properly, and pay attention to how each one feels rather than the badge on the side.
And remember, the shoe is only one part of the picture! Pair the right footwear with consistent strength work and sensible training, and your flat feet will be the last thing on your mind.