Best womens running shoes for pronation and flat feet

Choosing the best running shoes takes some trial and error. Whether you’re a neutral runner or a pronator (a.k.a. your foot rolls in when you run), finding sneakers that’ll keep you comfortable through miles and miles requires lacing up and hitting the road for a test run.

But for those with flat feet, picking the right pair means following a few key rules for optimum support. Here’s how to find the best women’s running shoes for flat feet, plus a few top-rated picks available right now.

What does it mean to have flat feet?

If you have flat feet, it means your heel lies at an outward angle, the arches have collapsed, and the forefoot or toes rotate outward, says John G. Kennedy, M.D., chief of foot and ankle surgery at NYU Langone Health. “This reduces the ability of the foot to absorb shock, either with a heel strike or a midfoot strike, resulting in an increased risk of injury.”

Flat feet can also cause instability of the foot bones, which then puts more stress on ligaments, tendons, and muscles, explains Scott Spencer, D.P.M., associate professor at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. “These structures try to stabilize the foot, and as a result, they can get injured or damaged in the process,” he says. “One thing to keep in mind is that having flat feet isn’t necessarily bad. There are many people with flat feet that have no problems at all.”

If you have flat feet and experience discomfort, it might show up in the form of shin splints, pain in the posterior tibial tendon (a.k.a. the tendon behind the shin bone that supports the arch), Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, midfoot arthritis, or ankle or knee joint conditions, according to Kennedy and Spencer.

Those with flat feel will need supportive shoes that help stabilize the feet. Kennedy says to look for sneakers with a well-cushioned arch, a wide toe box, and a strong heel to help hold the foot in place. “The materials in the shoe are extremely important for promoting good foot function and for dealing with the increased forces runners put on their feet,” he says.

How we chose the best shoes for flat feet

We consulted John G. Kennedy, M.D., chief of foot and ankle surgery at NYU Langone Health and Scott Spencer, D.P.M., associate professor at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine,to find the best shoes for flat feet. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the sneakers you should wear for optimum support.

Ready to pick a pair and get moving? Try these top-rated running shoes for people with flat feet.

Our top picks

• 1

  

  Best Overall

  Adrenaline GTS 22 Brooks

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• 2

  

  Best Value Shoes

  Women's Guide 13 Saucony

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• 3

  

  Best Trail Runners

  Stinson ATR 6 Running Shoe HOKA

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• 4

  

  Best Shoes for Overpronation

  Women's Gel-Kayano 28 Running Shoe ASICS

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• 5

  

  Best Connected Shoes

  HOVR Guardian 3 Running Shoe Under Armour

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1

Best Overall

Brooks

Adrenaline GTS 22

2

Best Value Shoes

Saucony

Women's Guide 13

3

Best Trail Runners

HOKA

Stinson ATR 6 Running Shoe

4

Best Shoes for Overpronation

ASICS

Women's Gel-Kayano 28 Running Shoe

5

Best Connected Shoes

Under Armour

HOVR Guardian 3 Running Shoe

6

Best Cushioned Shoes

ON

Women's Cloud Sneakers

7

Best Supportive Shoes

ASICS

GT-2000 9 Mako Shoes

8

Best-Fitting Shoes

Saucony

Women's Ride 15 Running Shoe

9

Best Responsive Shoes

Nike

Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoe

10

Best Shoes for Stability

Brooks

Glycerin 19 Running Shoe

11

Best Lightweight Shoes

Mizuno

Wave Inspire 17

12

Best Breathable Shoes

New Balance

Fresh Foam X Vongo V5 Running Shoe

How to choose the best running shoes for flat feet

• Look for a well-cushioned arch. A padded arch, support under the forefoot, and a strong heel can help hold the foot in place while you run or walk.
• Consider a wide toe box. A wide toe box can be supportive, as most of the push-off comes from the big and second toe, Kennedy says.
• Jog around in any potential shoes before you buy. A shoe or running store with experienced workers is your best bet for finding a shoe that really fits. (Pro tip: It’s best to try shoes on at the end of the day when your legs and feet are swollen.)
• Add an orthotic insert. Kennedy says adding inserts to your running shoes can help keep your stride comfy.
• Try stability shoes. Stability shoes, designed for those who overpronate, also help alleviate the risk of injuries or pain.

Mallory Creveling Deputy Editor, Health & Fitness Mallory Creveling, an ACE-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified run coach, joined the Runner's World and Bicycling team in August 2021.

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