10 Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

Whether you have been running for decades or just joined a run club this year, chances are you have heard the name 'Brooks' among fellow runners. Experts in the GH Institute have tested a handful of Brooks shoes, including the Adrenaline and Ghost series. When we sent the GTS 23 out to consumer testers, a registered nurse gave the pair top scores across the board for support, fit and comfort. They even said they liked the GTS 23 better than their current shoes.

"Felt very supported after many hours of wearing them. I did not feel any arch pain, which I tend to get at the end of my shift," the tester reported. They also noted that the shoes were breathable and that their feet didn't sweat — a big pro if you live in a warmer climate or go on long runs. Note that the mesh front may allow your feet to get a bit wet in the rain. Choose from an impressive 34 colors.

Weight: 9.1 oz | Drop: 12mm

One pro to running is that you can do it almost anywhere and you don't need much equipment to get started. But one thing you absolutely do need is running shoes, and those are not always the most affordable. That's why we recommend the Mizuno Wave for its $90 price tag. They're available in 14 colors and have earned a 4.4-star rating on Amazon with satisfied shoppers giving five-star reviews for stability, comfort and support.

"The cushioning and support provided by these shoes make my running experience a breeze. They fit perfectly and feel like they were custom-made for my feet," said one five-star Amazon review. Other Amazon shoppers say the Rider 26 is a stable, high-quality shoe that doesn't result in blisters and feels lightweight. Note that some shoppers reported that the style can run small, so you may need to size up.

Weight: 8.3 oz | Drop: 12mm

New Balance shoes come in wide sizes in almost every style, so you can find the right fit for your foot shape. Textile experts and testers alike have evaluated a variety of New Balance sneakers, from running shoes to lifestyle options to tennis sneakers. Our pros recommend the 860V13 shoe if you have flat feet. "I have wide feet and flatter feet. I’ve tried so many pairs of shoes and these are the ones I’ll always come back to. They’re 'springy' and definitely allow your foot to spread out," said one Amazon review.

More satisfied Amazon shoppers reported that the shoe is comfortable and versatile enough for walking or running. We also appreciate that you can choose from over a dozen colors, including neutrals that are bound to match your running shorts.

Weight: 7.3 oz | Drop: 10mm

When on sale, Nike shoes can be another budget-friendly running shoe. While the Pegasus 41 is full price right now, it packs in a lot of features your feet will appreciate while out on a run. We've tested a variety of Nike styles over the decades, and one tester logged a total of 42 miles when trying out the Pegasus 41 style! They went on 3- to 5-mile runs on streets and sidewalks and reported that the shoe provided good support.

Unlike some other running shoes on the market, the Pegasus 41 received a perfect score for its stylish appearance. "I like bright-colored running shoes and clothes because it's easy to spot me in a race or on the road," reported our tester. They also found the sneakers to be breathable on a hot day and said the shoes fit their narrow feet well.

While the tester recommended these shoes for daily runs, they weren't super impressed with the foam cushioning and wished the shoes featured more traction. They may not be this tester's go-to race shoe, but they're a versatile pair for short or easy runs and even walking around your neighborhood on rest days.

Weight: 8.8 oz | Drop: 10mm

HOKA girlies will appreciate this top-rated pick for flatter feet — especially if you're training for a longer race like a half or full marathon. "I initially thought the shoes were intimidating due to the stack height, but the dense foam actually makes the shoe more comfortable and 'springy,'" said one tester. You're sure to feel cushioned throughout your run, whether it's a quick out-and-back or a longer 10-mile run.

Note that while testers love the appearance of the Mach X sneaker and found the shoes to be supportive, they are on the expensive side. Then again, the Mach X is also one of the more stable HOKA shoes. In the end, you will get the most out of this pair, but it comes at a higher upfront cost.

Weight: 8 oz | Drop: 5mm

ASICS is another popular running shoe brand that we have tested in our Lab and with consumer testers. The GEL-KAYANO 30 is designed for overpronation, a common problem for individuals with low arches or flat feet. On top of this design feature, the sneakers also have a mesh upper for breathability and gel cushioning in the rear for comfort. Our pros also point out the 4D guidance system technology that is meant to help provide more stability and balance between strides.

One Amazon shopper who has flat feet and overpronates wrote, "As soon as I slipped them on in my living room I could feel the correction in my stride; my weight was naturally transferring to the stable part of my foot and sinking into the cushioning along the middle and outside of the sole, keeping my ankles straight." Other five-star reviews chime in about how comfortable the shoes are if you have plantar fasciitis and that they are wide enough if you have bunions.

Consumer testers awarded ASICS sneakers top marks for cushion, comfort and support but giving lower scores for appearance. Still, ASICS running shoes are more practical than they are attractive. Then again, being comfortable while you walk or run is of utmost importance.

Weight: 9.3 oz | Drop: 10mm

The Brooks Ghost is another tried-and-true sneaker that shoppers keep coming back to time after time. Our experts named a previous model (the Ghost 15) the best running shoe for plantar fasciitis, which is why we are including the updated model here. The Ghost 16 is designed to create a smooth run with a soft midsole and segmented crash pad. We appreciate the comfortable cushioning and breathable upper, plus we like the durable outsole for road running.

Amazon shoppers gave the Ghost 16 a 4.3-star rating on Amazon, praising its comfortable fit ideal for running or walking. "Second pair I've bought, and I'm going for a third one. Comfortable foot bed, good traction and a wide toe box without being ugly," wrote one five-star review. There are few complaints with the Ghost sneaker, but some Amazon reviews do note that they prefer older versions.

If you want to look into the Ghost 15, our testers found the style to be comfortable and gave it top scores for fit and traction. Those with flat feet appreciate the perfect amount of arch support and that the shoes weren't too bulky but still had a nice bounce.

Weight: 8.8 oz | Drop: 12mm

If your ideal place to run is on a trail, whether in your neighborhood woods or on the way up a mountain, our pros recommend investing in a trail running shoe. We've tested multiple Saucony shoes over the years and included an older version of the Peregrine 14 in shopping round-ups for the best running shoes and walking shoes. For everyday trails and casual treks, you'll appreciate the durable outsole that has grippy traction for steeper inclines. Meanwhile, a cushioned footbed means you'll feel comfortable with each step.

Online shopper reviews comment on how lightweight and comfortable the shoe is. One satisfied shopper wore the Peregrine 14 shoe for 5- to 8-mile hikes on rocky terrain. "They have plenty of tread. I’ve experienced no slipping on gravel, and they feel light and bouncy while hiking," they reported. Note that select colors are out of stock in select sizes, so we recommend you buy soon if you have a strong color preference.

Weight: 8.5 oz | Drop: 4mm

While Saucony's Endorphin Pro 4 is the most expensive sneaker on our list, our testers praised its traction, fit and comfort. We recommend this particular style by Saucony for longer races because it's designed with speed in mind. The shoes feature a carbon plate meant to provide smooth transitions as well as a streamlined design that is totally race-ready. One tester even said they liked "how the tongue was attached to the body of the sneaker and wasn't a separate piece."

Other testers found the running shoes to have ample traction, cushioning and breathability. One tester summed up the Endorphin Pro 4 perfectly, saying it "utilizes quality materials and design choices to make intense running as effortless as possible." Sprinting or running long distances can be daunting, but this shoe takes some of the edge off by working with your movements to help you reach your goals.

Weight: 6.5 oz | Drop: 8mm

If you overpronate (i.e., your foot lands on the outside of your heel and then rolls inward), you'll want to look for a running shoe designed with this common tendency in mind. The ASICS GT-2000 12 checks that box off — and then some. Our tester found the shoes provided ample cushioning and traction and were comfortable to wear for 7 hours. They did give slightly lower scores for appearance, but as we mentioned previously when it comes to ASICS sneakers, they can be a bit more practical than fashionable.

That all aside, the GT-2000 12 remains a supportive shoe that features a 3D guidance system to help guide your foot and make you feel more stable while running. "The sole is somewhat bouncy while also feeling cushioned," reported our tester, adding that they like these sneakers more than their current pair. These running shoes are also just shy of $140, which isn't as affordable as our best value pick but is on par with some of the more affordable running shoes on the market.

Weight: 8.2 oz | Drop: 8mm