7 Best Trainers For Flat Feet in 2025

How we test trainers for flat feet

We test all the trainers that enter our lab in the same way. Our tests are standardised and this, next to buying the trainers with our own money, allows us to be unbiased. Every sneaker is treated the same. Just because canvas is less durable than leather, we don't apply less force when testing its durability! 

We use different machines and tools to test the trainers, from a smoke machine and different 3D-printed casts that direct the smoke into the toebox, to callipers, durometers, force gauges, tyre tread gauges, and so on. This scientific approach results in 20+ data points on each sneaker! This makes trainers easy to compare to the averages and to each other. We also always add details from our field tests, and it's great to see how lab data stacks up against personal experience!

Rigid and flexible flat feet: know the difference 

When it comes to the arch height, we have 3 types: low or flat arches (flat feet), medium arches, and high arches.

However, people can have rigid flat feet or flexible flat feet. Here’s how they are different: 

• In rigid flat feet, the arch is never visible; it’s always flat. In flexible flat feet, the arch is visible when a person is sitting or lying down, and it disappears once the weight is put on the legs (a person stands up). 
• Rigid flat feet can cause pain and may happen in one or both feet. 
• Flexible flat feet are usually painless and usually affect both feet. 

If you’re still not sure, you can do 2 tests to see if you have flexible flat feet: 

1. Stand on your toes. If arches become visible, you have flexible flat feet. 
2. Have someone passively dorsiflex your big toe. If your arch appears, you have flexible flat feet. 

Why is this important? Because pain should not be overlooked and because rigid flat feet often ask for more attention. If you’re experiencing any discomfort or pain, we recommend seeing a specialist first. 

5 features that are good for flat feet 

Trainers for flat feet may be equipped with more than one feature that’s good for flat feet: dual-density midsoles, a base that’s wide and rigid, stiff and padded heel counters, large side walls, and/or structured uppers. 

Features you need may be different from what your flat-footed friend is enjoying. This is because having flat feet is not just about the arches but other things like the strength of your Achilles tendons, the heel drop you’re used to, whether you have any other conditions, and so on.

We’ll cover here all the features that may feel good when you have flat feet and why.

1. Dual-density midsole 

The midsole below the arch may be firmer, but it’s not an obtrusive bump you may expect when you read “trainers for flat feet”. Midsoles can be made of different foams and the firmer one is usually placed under the arch and/or on the medial (inner) side of the heel to help with overpronation.

Overall, softer trainers are more comfortable but they offer less stability. Firmer midsoles are great for that supportive feel and they stabilise the heel. 

2. Wide and stiff base 

A base that’s tall and narrow can be quite unstable. So we look for a wide base that allows for that planted landing.  

When it comes to the flexibility of the sneaker, we can look at the longitudinal flexibility and torsional rigidity. Longitudinal: can you bend the sneaker? Torsional: can you twist the sneaker? And, for flat feet, torsional rigidity is important. It means the sneaker is more stable and that stability feels good. 

This sneaker scored 4/5 on our torsional rigidity test, meaning the platform is rigid (5/5 would be very rigid)

However, some people enjoy longitudinal stiffness as well. This depends on personal preferences. Do you like it when the sneaker bends naturally with your feet? Or do you want something stiffer? 

In both torsional rigidity and longitudinal stiffness, higher numbers indicate a more rigid/stiffer sneaker.

3. Stiff and padded heel counters 

Heel counters can be very soft and sock-like or quite stiff. For obvious reasons, the stiffer they are, the more padding they usually have. We need some soft material so that the heel counter does not dig into our heels and Achilles tendons. 

For those with flat feet, we recommend stiffer and padded heel counters. They lock our feet in better and help stabilise the foot overall. This feels great because it prevents the unnecessary micromovements that flat feet might dislike. 

This is what a very stiff heel counter looks like. We gave it a 5/5 stiffness rating

A heel counter that scored 1/5 on our test (very flexible) 

4. Large side walls 

Side walls are usually midsole extensions that climb up the upper and bring more stability to the foot. They are usually located around the heel because that’s where the most support is needed. 

We don’t have a lab test for this one, they are easy to notice just by looking at the trainers and they are the most noticeable when we try to slide off the platform (lateral stability test). 

5. Structured upper

There are flimsy uppers and then there are sturdy uppers. The latter have more structure thanks to overlays that are not there for decorative reasons only. They are made of dense or stiff materials, like suede, leather, or even plastic. 

These uppers provide more support for the feet and improve the lockdown. With this approach, your feet have little or no room to wobble or slide from one side to another, and that’s exactly what we’re going for when we have flat feet. 

Breathability of trainers for flat feet

As with any other footwear, the breathability of trainers for flat feet depends on the upper material and the design. By design, we mean whether the ventilation holes are real or for decorative purposes only. 

Assessing the breathability on a 1-5 scale, where 1 is the least breathable and 5 the most breathable 

We test the breathability of trainers by pumping smoke into the toebox. Based on how much of that smoke comes out and at which pace, we assign each sneaker a 1-5 rating. 

Then, we look at the upper under the microscope, to get a more in-depth knowledge of what’s happening. 

Trainers that we rated with 1/5 are perfect for cold weather as they trap all the heat inside. Those that scored the highest are as breezy as it gets, so we recommend using them in very hot weather. Everything in between can be worn in spring and autumn, you can simply adjust by changing the socks from thicker to thinner. 

You may also want to look at the tongue thickness if you really prioritise breathability because some trainers have very thick tongues and, although they prevent lace bites, they do make the trainers less breathable. 

Thinner tongues are lighter and more sock-like, if that’s what you’re after. Thicker tongues, though, help with the overall lockdown, especially when combined with overlays that add structure to the upper. We recommend this combo to people with flat feet.

Weight of trainers for flat feet 

Some stabilising technologies that we find in trainers for flat feet may weigh more because it’s just adding to the trainers, not taking out. Trainers with more padding weigh more than those without. 

For context, we can look at the average weights of trainers:

• Average weight of trainers: 13.8 oz or 391g
• Average weight of trainers for flat feet: 14.4 oz or 408g
• Average weight of trainers, excluding those for flat feet: 13.7 oz 388g

Of course, it’s best to look for trainers that are as light as possible, but the weight is the price we pay when we also want more cushioning, thick tongues, thick insoles, and so on. It’s all about the balance! 

Toebox width for flat feet: lab data

Just because you have flat feet does not mean your toes should fight for life in a toebox that’s too tight or too wide. Here’s how to find what works for you: look at the lab data. We get the lab data from our gel moulds. It’s the perfect way to measure the width of the toebox as the gel fills the toebox entirely, we freeze it, and we get a gel mould of each sneaker we test. 

Pouring the gel and freezing it allows us to take measurements of the gel mould. This is super important because we can’t just fit a laser or a calliper into the toebox to take measurements.

Once the gel has set, we measure the width of the toebox in 2 places: at the big toe and where it’s the widest. The big-toe measurement tells us how wide the toebox is. The widest-part measurement tells us how wide shoe is, overall. 

However, knowing both is great because we can conclude how pointy the toebox is. The bigger the difference between the 2 numbers, the more tapered the toebox! 

How expensive are trainers for flat feet 

Trainers for flat feet are £20 more expensive on average than the trainers for medium/high arches. The average price of trainers for flat feet is £130, while those not for flat feet average at £120. 

Keep in mind that MSRP in the table below is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price or how much the sneaker costs once it is released. Many of these are and/or can be heavily discounted! 

Painful flat feet deserve more attention 

If your feet hurt often, even after a shorter walk, this is a sign to schedule an appointment with a specialist, like a podiatrist. It’s important to understand where the pain is coming from and what can be done: diagnosis and rehab. 

In some cases, inserts prescribed by a specalist can help, while in other cases physiotherapy may be needed. It’s best to be proactive and address this sooner rather than later, so that the pain does not become chronic or so that a new injury does not appear.