Specially designed shoes for flat feet can offer the support and stability needed for people with collapsed arches.
About Flat Feet
While some individuals are born with flat feet, in most cases the condition results from wearing poor fitting shoes. People who stand or walk for long periods in footwear that does not provide adequate arch support can experience fully collapsed arches or arches that roll inward. Both can cause foot pain, and in some cases, they can even lead to serious injury to joints in the lower body.
Fortunately, flat feet can be treated by wearing supportive shoes or orthotics. With a growing need for footwear designed to aid those with flat feet, it's not as challenging as it used to be to find shoes with extra support.
Popular Shoes for Flat Feet
People whose arches have fallen are classified as having flat feet. If you suffer with this condition, then it is vital that you pay close attention to the types of shoes you purchase. Experts recommend that individuals with flat feet wear shoes that support the arch, have a firm heel, and offer stability for the entire foot.
Among the most popular shoes for flat feet are:
Sneakers and Athletic Shoes
If you walk or run long distances, then consider buying a stability or motion control shoe for flat feet. Motion control shoes are equipped with additional support and control to keep the ankle straight when moving forward. The shoes are also designed to eliminate foot rolling with built-in technology, such as dual density foam. Footwear manufacturers inject stiff foam right below the medial side of the arch and sometimes extend it all the way to the heel. The specially designed footwear for flat feet does not feature excessive cushioning, which actually increases instability and causes feet to roll inward.
Some of the most popular stability sneakers on the market for men and women are:
- Nike Air Structure Triax
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9
- New Balance 1224
- Mizuno Wave Inspire 5
- Reebok Trinity KFS III
Sandals
If you have flat feet, then at some point in your life you have probably been told to avoid wearing slippers, flip-flops, and sandals because they offer little to no arch support. However, with today's technology there is virtually no shoe that is off limits to those with flat feet. Shoe manufacturers have created sandals that offer proper arch support for people with flat feet.
There are a number of reputable companies that sell sandals with built-in arch support to lift and support collapsed arches. Among the most popular stability sandals for women with flat feet are Orthaheel's Tide Thong Sandals. The stylish sandal comes with built-in orthotics, which helps realign feet to their natural position and encourages better body posture. The Orthaheel technology also relieves the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and excess pronation. Fortunately, all of the fancy technology doesn't compromise the overall look of the sandal. The Tide Thong features a fashionable two-tone mesh upper, colorful trim and comfortable straps.
Shopping Tips
When shopping for shoes for flat feet, pay close attention to the outsole. It's important to inspect the outsole or tread of a new pair of shoes before buying them. If you have flat feet, the outsole of your shoe should rest flat on a level surface and you should not be able to rock the shoe back and forth laterally when you push it from side to side.
In addition, people with flat feet should shop for shoes in the afternoon when feet are slightly swollen. Doing so will allow for a better fit. Also, when trying on new shoes, wear the socks you would normally wear with the particular shoes you are looking to purchase.
Finally, people with fallen arches tend to have wider feet, so it is important to have both of your feet measured by an expert each time you buy new shoes.
