7 Best Walking Shoes For Flat Feet in 2024

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 caliper, 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 20’s exceptional support for fallen arches. Its generous cushioning provides heavenly comfort and remarkable support, effectively mitigating localized tension and unwanted stress on our feet. 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 caliper and measured an above-average stack height of 36.5/25.5 mm, serving unlimited cushioning for all-day walking. To substantiate the pillowy sensation, we pressed our durometer into the foam and got a reading 24.8% softer than average, ensuring there was no room for ground feel or 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 centered and effectively mitigates injuries. 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.

The best durable walking shoe for flat feet has a lot of ground to cover. We looked for a well-built shoe with enough support and cushioning to make walking comfortable for people with flat feet. After testing the ASICS Gel Kayano 29 both in the lab and on our feet, we realized that it gave us everything we wanted, and then some!

We found it to be a true marvel, exceeding our already steep expectations every step of the way.

The Kayano line has always provided a ton of support and this one isn’t any different. As we thoroughly tested it on the streets, we found its arch support to be reliable as ever. What really surprised us, though, was the amount of comfort we felt with it. It felt like it gave us the best of both worlds with a one-two punch of support and comfort. We took a deeper look into this by pressing our durometer to its outsole (5 times for improved accuracy), and got a softness of 21.0 HA which shows that it is 23.9% softer than the average walking shoe, showing just how well it pampers feet.

The great thing about the ASICS Gel Kayano 29’s build is that it’s ready to eat miles. We performed extensive testing with it on foot, both on long walks and hard runs. We found that despite all we’ve done with it, its outsole didn’t show any signs of giving in. We measured it with our caliper at 4.1 mm, which is a whole 141.2% thicker than that of the average walking shoe. Combining that with an outsole hardness of 83.5 HC (16.1% harder than the average), it’s definitely one that can take a lot of beatings.

Another supportive feature is its heel counter. We systematically pushed and prodded it, and we gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 on our scale (with 5 as the stiffest). This stiff heel counter translates into a secure fit that’s great for surefooted strides.

While the ASICS Gel Kayano 29’s build lets it eat miles, it can’t handle the heat. We performed our breathability test in it by pumping smoke into its interior. The result: some smoke particles were able to escape but only from the front portion of its upper. As such, we can’t recommend it for those planning to walk in hot and humid locations.

Our all-encompassing testing procedure led us to declare the Brooks Beast GTS 23 as the most exceptional walking shoe for the flat- and wide-footed. Alongside its roomy toebox that afforded us superior comfort, the shoe also guarded our feet against the distress and harm induced by overpronation.

We took the measurement of the widest section of the shoe’s toe box and it equated to 102.2 mm. Being 4.1 mm broader than the other walking shoes we’ve tested, it pleasantly accommodated even the widest footers among us, testers. In terms of underfoot support, Beast GTS 23 didn’t disappoint. With a 25.3 HA midsole hardness, we found that it’s 5.4% firmer than most and boasts an optimal amount to resist the caving in of our arches.

While it’s wide at the front, our heel is well-secured to the point that we are properly aligned. Upon squeezing the shoe’s heel counter, we noticed that it doesn’t easily crumble. Therefore, we gave the heel counter stiffness a perfect 5/5 rating, underscoring its great hold on our ankles.

But there is a catch to all these supportive features and that’s a hefty weight. The shoe came at 12.42 oz (352g), which is 31.4% heavier than others. With that, if you don’t like to feel weighed down, we recommend looking for other options.

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.

Utilizing 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 stabilizing sidewalls and Hoka’s J-Frame technology that ensures our foot motions are aligned and centered. 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 centered, 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.