7 Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet

The conclusion we have drawn from our in-depth wear and lab testing of flat feet walking shoes is that Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 puts all the other shoes behind it! We can definitely confirm that the risk of inward rolling in this shoe is practically zero, on account of its superb cushioning and bracing construction.

The sturdy support of this shoe effectively defied the overpronation of our feet. We personally discerned the sternness of the shoe by twisting it using our own strength. Based on our subjective opinion, the torsional rigidity is a 4 out of 5, which really helped keep the rolling of our ankles at bay. Despite this, we had seamless heel-to-toe movements. This is due to its low bend countering force of 17.7N, which means it’s really pliable. In fact, it’s 42% more flexible than average!

We noticed that walking, even on hard surfaces, felt gentle on our feet. We hardly felt any shock from the ground, thanks to the abundant foam at our soles. We cross-checked this in our lab using our calliper, which yielded a stack height of 34.1 mm in the heel and 21.5 mm in the forefoot. The heel is 2.1% higher than the average, while the forefoot is 12.2% lower. Regardless, the 12.6 mm heel-to-toe drop afforded us impact-free rides.

On the downside, the weight of this GTS 23 could see some improvement. At 10.1 oz (286g), it’s 6.8% heavier than average. Thus, we suggest opting for lightweight selections if weight matters the most to you.

Among all the walking shoes we've tested in and out of the lab, we fell head over heels with Brooks Glycerin GTS 21’s exceptional support for fallen arches. Its generous cushioning provides heavenly comfort and remarkable support, effectively mitigating localised tension and unwanted stress. It effortlessly ranks #1 in cushioning for flat-foot walking.

Its visual bulk is undeniable yet it’s our feet that truly enjoyed its plush sensation. We further checked with our calliper and measured an above-average stack height of 37.2/26.5 mm, serving unlimited cushioning for all-day walking. To substantiate the pleasant sensation, we pressed our durometer into the foam and got a balanced 20.9 HA reading, ensuring there was no room for discomfort.

Counterbalancing the softness is the rigid GuideRails system, present in the midsole’s sidewalls for resisting unwanted twists and lateral movements. This keeps us centred and effectively mitigates injuries, evidenced by its 4/5 torsional rigidity in our manual assessment. We felt confident with every stride, thanks to this Brooks’ stable ride.

However, all the cushioning dragged the weight department down by 13.6% vs. the average. If this is a red flag, we suggest sporting a different shoe.

Our on-foot testing with the ASICS Gel Kayano 31 gave us luxurious cushioning and surefootedness like no other. The platform delivers solid support without losing its natural feel. Plus, our lab proves the outsole can cover a lot of ground! Therefore, it’s our best durable walking shoe for flat feet.

The Hybrid ASICSGRIP outsole is ready to gobble up the miles with its fresh look even after extensive testing. Our durometer shows it’s a robust 88.3 HC and measures a thick 4.0 mm, 0.8 mm above average. The rubber is even strategically placed, ready to take on potentially overpronating strides. 

The 31st version continues reliable arch support yet its comfort level blew us away. We’re blessed with a generous 39.3 mm heel, with the PureGEL inserted in the rear for even softer landings. It felt like walking on clouds, especially as the heel makes first contact with the ground. Our durometer further confirms it's a plush 15.6 HA.

The GK 31 delivers a stable ride through its 4D Guidance System, midsole sidewalls, and expansive base. Our calliper reveals a midsole width of 122.1/97.6 mm, reassuring our foot alignment. Thankfully, this shoe retains flexibility, emerging 12.9% more flexible than average in our bend test.

This pair ticks the boxes in durability, comfort, and support. However, it still feels bulky at 10.4 oz (295g). Those seeking lighter shoes should explore further.

Our outdoor testing and lab analysis reveals that the Hoka Gaviota 5 is the best walking shoe for flat and wide feet. It features an accommodating fit infused with subtle stiff elements like the H-Frame to stabilise the ride while ensuring comfort through its delightful cushioning and ventilated mesh upper.

The midsole provides a spacious base that allows for very broad feet. At 125.1/106.6 mm, it’s one of the widest we’ve seen and creates a reassuring sense of security with every stride. The H-Frame also adds rigidity to the midsole to further guide our foot alignment without being too intrusive.

Even the front had generous space for natural toe splaying. From the widest part of the toebox to its 83.1 mm big toe area, we never felt restricted. Adding to the comfort is the breeze that flows in and out freely of the mesh upper, evidenced by its perfect breathability score in the lab.

The cushioning gave our arches much-needed support, which avoided any localised pain. Our durometer confirms a plush 12.9 HA foam, while the second 22.0 HA cushion is firmer to keep our landings in control.

The platform features a low 2.2 mm drop, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Those who need more calf and arch support should find pairs with higher drops.

Based on the test results we gathered, the Hoka Arahi 7 has earned the title of the ultimate lightweight walking shoe for flat feet. Although its weight is slashed, the reinforcing features of this shoe offer gentle support.

Utilising our digital scale, we established that Arahi 7 only weighs 9.4 oz (266g), which indicates a 9.2% drop vs. the average stability shoe. On our walks, the shoe did feel weightless, freeing our feet from a burdening load. 

Arahi 7 has stabilising sidewalls and Hoka’s J-Frame technology that ensures our foot motions are aligned and centred. This aspect manifested in the rigidity of the shoe, which we found to be 64.2% stiffer than the average walking shoe. The substantial base of the shoe also helped us maintain our steadiness. We measured the midsole to be 120.7/97.5 mm in the forefoot and heel, giving us 7.2 mm extra platform widths compared to the average.

The balanced platform ensures comfort through its height and stability through its density. Our durometer confirms its supportive nature, as it emerged 13.7% firmer than average.

The knit upper feels premium to the touch but lacks breathability for warm weather. We recommend using this pair during cooler seasons.

Through actual wear tests and lab analysis, we learned that Brooks Addiction Walker 2 brings immense support and security. From its sturdy construction to its balanced midsole, it inspires confident and balanced strides for countless hours. On top of that, it’s extremely comfy on foot, earning our approval as the best leather walking shoe for flat feet. 

The durability of the all-leather AW2 shoe is undeniable, as our Dremel test barely made a mark on its upper. With a top score of 5/5 for the toebox, it proves resistant to wear and tear. Even underfoot, the outsole proved its robustness measuring 2.9 mm thicker and 11.6% harder than average.

Comfort is further enhanced by its above-average stack, while the balanced foam enhances stability by maintaining its shape even under heavy loads. Our arches felt supported by the 25.9 HA cushion. 

The midfoot features a strategically positioned Extended Progressive Diagonal Bar, providing reliable support right under our arches and reducing excessive movements. Its stiffness, scoring the highest 5/5, keeps us centred, especially during fatigue-induced changes in foot strike.

However, the shoe’s sturdy build comes with added weight. At 13.7 oz (388g), the AW2 is 39.6% heavier than the average walking shoe.

Through exhaustive efforts of testing walking shoes, we found that the outstanding pair for flat footers on a budget is the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0! This walking shoe has supportiveness written all over it, from great cushioning to a wide base. Combined with extra impact protection, its £90 price which is 23.1% lower than average is definitely a superb trade.

With Skechers Arch Fit 2.0, our strides are as steady as can be. We owe this to the base of the shoe which has a wide surface area. We measured the platform to be 114.5 mm wide in the forefoot and 90.9 mm in the heel. Apart from the forefoot being 3.4 mm wider and the heel being almost equal to the average, the combination granted us firm footing, as well as reduced pronation. 

Another factor that controlled our excessive pronation is the shoe’s lack of flexibility. We bent the shoe and we measured the force it exerted to counter the bending to be 23.6N. This means that Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 is 18% stiffer than most walking shoes.

However, its affordability mirrored its quality. We easily damaged the walking shoe’s heel padding and toebox with our Dremel, scoring 1/5 and 2/5 in durability, respectively. While we recommend the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 for thrifty spenders, we do not recommend them to harsh users.