( 4) studied the link between comfort and running economy (the amount of oxygen required to run at a certain speed). This advice may seem logical, but among the many recommendations that exist out there, it’s one of the few to be backed with scientific evidence. In the absence of scientific evidence supporting choosing running shoes according to arch type, we recommend selecting comfortable shoes first and foremost. In summary, if you have flat feet, you don’t need to worry about it when choosing your running shoes. There was also no difference in injury rates between different brands of shoes. They conclude as follows:Ĭhoosing running shoes based on the type of arch support did not reduce injuries. In the three studies, the scientists found no statistically significant differences in terms of injuries between the groups of participants. As a control, in the second group, all runners received stability shoes. Runners in the first group received a pair of running shoes that matched their arch type. Then, they assigned each participant randomly to a study group. In these studies, the researchers classified the participants according to their arch type: flat feet (low arch), normal feet (medium arch), and hollow feet (high arch). studied military personnel in various randomized controlled trials ( 3). Which running shoes for flat feet?Ĭurrently, no empirical data is suggesting that choosing your running shoes based on your arch type could reduce the risk of injury. Therefore, while the risk of injury associated with overpronation seems to be real ( 1, 2), nobody has found a cure in the shape of a running shoe. For starters, there’s very little or no scientific evidence backing it up. Indeed, while it’s straightforward and prevalent, there are many problems with this model. We won’t go into details here since, as we’re going to see, it doesn’t matter too much ultimately. You can quickly identify your type of arch with the wet feet test. High arch results in supination → Motion control shoes may be suitable.Medium arch means a regular arch and neutral pronation → Neutral shoes.

Low arch indicates flat feet and overpronation → Stability shoes are recommended.

The height of the arch is commonly used to determine the type of pronation:

The opposite of the flat foot is the hollow foot.

As a result, flat feet have more ground contact, impacting the way foot muscles, tendons, and bones function. We define flat feet as feet with a low and not very pronounced arch.

Best shoes for flat feet