Flat feet, or low arches, mean more of your sole touches the ground. Many runners with flat feet also overpronate, meaning the foot rolls inward on landing.
Not everyone with flat feet needs a stability shoe, but many find a supportive shoe with a stable base more comfortable, especially on longer runs.
A flat or low arch leaves an almost complete footprint.
Every runner is different. Take our 2-minute quiz to find the shoes matched to your injuries, feet, routes and budget.
A broad midsole keeps the foot from rolling in too far.
Stability features if you overpronate
Guide rails or firmer foam on the inner side slow inward roll.
A roomy fit
Flat feet are often wider through the midfoot, so check the fit and consider wide sizes.
Comfort first
If a neutral shoe feels great and you run pain-free, it’s a fine choice.
Shoes to consider
These picks come from the same matching logic as our quiz, for a road runner who wants an everyday trainer. Specs are approximate for recent versions.
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1.Brooks Adrenaline GTS
Stability shoe
37/25 mm stack12 mm dropabout 286 g
One of the most popular stability shoes. Brooks’ guide rails keep your foot on track without the stiff feel of older stability designs.
Low arches tend to collapse inward on landing. Its support helps keep the arch from sagging, easing strain on your feet, shins and knees.
Try the wet foot test: wet your sole and step on paper or a dark tile. If almost the whole foot shows with little curve on the inside, you likely have low arches.
Do flat feet need stability shoes?
Not always. Research suggests comfort is the best guide. Stability shoes are worth trying if your feet roll inward a lot or you get aches in your feet, shins or knees.
Can flat-footed runners use neutral shoes?
Yes, many do. Choose one with a stable base and try it on to make sure it feels steady.