Pes planus, fallen arches, acquired flat foot disorder, or simply flat feet, is a deformity that can be uncomfortable and painful. According to statistics, 20 to 30% of the global population is affected by this problem.
This problem with the arch results into the inability of the feet to support the overall weight of the body, which makes it important for such to be addressed.
If you run and if you have flat feet, it is important that you invest in finding the right running shoes. The human body is designed in such a way that when you are standing, or even when you are running, the feet must be able to absorb impact.
Nonetheless, being flat footed will make the ability of the feet to act as a shock absorber significantly weak. The outcome is that your hips, knees, ankles, and feet will end up with pain even after just a short running session.
For those who are looking for the best running shoes for flat feet, it is very easy to be overwhelmed with the multiplicity of the choices that are available. Nonetheless, this should never be an excuse for you to decide in haste.
With this, keep on reading and we will provide you with insights on how to select the right one for you, as well as five of the best options that are available.
Best Running Shoes For Flat Feet On The Market – A Few Things You Should Know
How exactly would you know if you have a flat feet? This can be done by simply having a look at your arch.
If the arch is flat, which means that the entire feet is in contact on the floor, this means that you have flat feet.
This can also be done through the wet foot test wherein having no visible curves on the print would indicate that your foot is flat.
There are many things that could lead into flat feet. It is common for children who are aged three to five, as this is the time that marks the development of their longitudinal arch.
In addition, flat feet is also a condition that can result from injury, or health problems, which include diabetes, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Surgery is not needed for people who have flat feet. The best and easiest solution is to have the right kind of footwear, which is especially true if you are running.
See to it that your shoes will be able to provide sufficient arch support and cushioning, which will also be helpful in making sure of your comfort.
Most Important Features of Running Shoes For Flat Feet
Support
As it has been earlier mentioned, when you have flat feet, the main problem lies on your arch, which will make it unable to handle the overall weight of your body. Therefore, you should choose running shoes that will be able to support your weight that cannot be handled by your feet.
Review the technical specifications of the shoe that you intend to purchase and make sure that it is going to provide “added support”.
Stability
This is required not only by people who have flat feet, but even by those who have normal feet.
One of the things that can help to improve the stability that can be provided by running shoes would be the use of a dense foam.
The arch should be made from a harder material, which will be tantamount into providing better support for your feet, not only when running, but even when you are just standing.
Motion Control
Motion control shoes are similar to stability shoes. However, the biggest difference is that it is concerned towards correcting your stride, which will enable your feet to land on the ground in a correct position.
These shoes are characterized by being made from a hard material and comfortable upper. The combination of the latter will increase the likelihood that your feet will be locked in a comfortable position.
Cushioning
This is another feature that is important both for normal and flat feet. Different manufacturers have invested in research and development to come up with the best materials that can make their shoes well-cushioned.
With extra cushioning on the feet, it will be able to have excellent ability to absorb shock, which is one thing that your arch cannot naturally provide. With the right cushioning, impact will be minimized when your feet hit the ground.
Pronation
If you have flat foot, you will most probably be suffering from a condition that is known as over pronation.
This means that your feet will be rolling inward, and when your foot gets in contact with the ground, your leg will absorb the shock. With this, you should aim for shoes that can provide excellent stability and motion control.
Other Things To Consider
Aside from those that have been mentioned above, you should also take the following factors into consideration:
Price: There is no doubt that most people will make a decision based on price. At the end of the day, consider running shoes as an investment. Spend if you have to, especially if this is tantamount into enjoying comfort and support.
Feedbacks: To help you make the right decision, another thing that you should do is to consult with online reviews. The insights that have been shared by other people will make it easier to evaluate the possibilities.
Comfort: One of the things that will be indicative of the comfort of running shoes for flat feet will be the materials that are used. From the sole to the upper, it should be made from materials that will provide excellent cushioning and proper ventilation.
Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet – Top Recommendations
1. ASICS GEL Kayano 22 Running Shoe
When you talk about shoes that are abundant with key technologies that differentiate it from all others, this is one that deserves to be mentioned. One of its most notable features is the Dynamic DuoMax Support System, which makes it perfect for people who have over-pronation.
The Impact Guidance System is another feature that should be commended about this model. This is the one that is responsible for promoting the natural gait and stride of the foot, which can lead into better stability and comfort when you are running.
The FluidRide Bounce-back cushioning that is found in this shoe is one more thing that makes it impressive. This provides the shoe with a well-cushioned foot bed. The latter will absorb the impact instead of having it directed on your foot.
Lastly, it is also highly-recommended because of its exceptional durability. This is made possible with the use of premium materials. From the upper to the sole, you can expect nothing but the best from the construction of this footwear. More so, in spite of being made from sturdy materials, it is also worth noting that the shoe is lightweight.
2. ASICS GT-1000 3 Running Shoe
If there is one thing that we like the most about this model, it would be the fact that it is hard to match when it comes to the level of comfort that it can provide. Among others, one of the things that make this possible is the rear foot and forefoot GEL cushioning. You will hardly feel the impact between your feet and the ground when you run.
Looking at the features of this shoe, another reason why it is recommended is that it comes with a plastic shank, which has been asserted by experts to be responsible for making it excellent when it comes to stability.
When evaluating the options for running shoes that are made for people with flat feet, this is also worth considering because it is hard to match when it comes to durability. This is partly because of the ASICS high abrasion rubber, which has been exclusively developed by the company to make this shoe withstand long-term use.
Lastly, it also comes with an internal heel counter, which is one of its smartest design elements. This provides additional support for the feet, allowing the shoe to provide a customized fit.
Our Final Thoughts About Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet
In sum, if you have flat feet, this does not mean that you just have to suffer from pain and discomfort every time that you run. This can be addressed by making sure that you wear the right footwear.
In this case, to be assured of choosing nothing but the best running shoes for flat feet, consider our buying advice above and the choices that we have earlier recommended. you may want to have a look at ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 22 Running Shoe Review since it is our best choice.
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