Best Shoes for Flat Feet

The first dynamically adaptable shoes for ideal arch support for flat feet.
What are Flat Feet?
What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet, or “fallen arches” occur when the foot’s arches are less rounded, causing most or all of the soles of the feet to touch the floor.

While some people with flat feet have no symptoms, this condition can lead to over-pronation—or the over-rotation of the ankle inward—resulting in poor alignment of the joints and pain in the ankles, knees, hips, and back.

Arches that are very low or even touch the floor do best with a little extra boost. Good shoes for flat feet provide the shock absorbing cushion and spring your feet need to help maintain alignment and stay pain free.

One way to address the symptoms of flat feet is through exercises and stretches, which can help strengthen the muscles and improve foot posture. In the video below, we’ll demonstrate how to do a toe extension and arch stretch to relieve pain and discomfort associated with flat feet.

Man wearing KURU QUANTUM fitness shoes for flat feet.
Most Common Causes & Risk Factors
Most Common Causes & Risk Factors for Developing Flat Feet

Learn more about flat feet causes and risk factors, as well as takeaways to help determine the best treatment option.

While flat feet are perfectly normal in babies and young children, our arches are designed to take their full shape by about age six. For many adults, flat feet mean their arches didn’t fully develop, or that they were caused by an injury or other medical condition.

  • Overstretched or Injured Tendons, Ligaments or Muscles
    Wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels: The pressure of tight shoes or high heels can cause the toes to curl and even dislocate.
    Overstretched or Injured Tendons, Ligaments or Muscles
  • Stress Fractures
  • Medical Conditions such as Arthritis, Cerebral Palsy, or Muscular Dystrophy
  • Nerve pain or Numbness
  • Genetic Predisposition
Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms & Diagnosis

As with any medical condition, it is always best to make an appointment with your doctor to get a formal assessment and diagnosis of flat feet.

That said, there are a few common symptoms people experience when suffering from flat feet that might help you know when it’s time to visit the doctor.

  • Pain or swelling in the soles of your feet.
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Less stamina in the feet
  • Difficulty or discomfort when standing on your toes
  • Knee, hip, and back pain

Your doctor will be able to provide the best pathway forward for treating your unique case. For a few tips on conservative treatments you can try at home, check out our Flat Feet Treatment section below.

Facts and Stats

Facts and Stats

We take a look at some facts and stats you might not have known about flat feet. Read on to find out more!

  • About 25% of the US population—or about 60 million people—have flat feet.
  • Most people are born with flat feet and arches develop throughout early childhood.
  • Flat feet in adults can stem from a genetic predisposition, injury, or medical condition, such as arthritis, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy.
  • Another common term for flat feet is “fallen arches.”
  • Flat feet are often associated with over-pronation, or an excessive rolling “in” at the ankle.
Treatment

Treatment

Find out how to treat flat feet, a common problem for many people. Here are a few treatment, tips, including footwear recommendations and exercises for self treatment.

Since flat feet need a little extra love—especially flat-footed runners or those walking long distances—we want to give it to them!

Those with flat feet often tend to struggle with plantar fasciitis, have a shorter Achilles tendon, and have an increased tendency to over-pronate, or roll “in” from the ankle a bit too far.

Pairing exercises for flat feet with stretching the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia and wearing high-quality, supportive footwear can help offset painful symptoms of flat feet.

Tips for Treating Flat Feet:
  • Stretch the Achilles tendon consistently.
  • Roll out the plantar fascia on a lacrosse ball.
  • Wear high-quality footwear with cushioned arch support.
  • Practice exercises for flat feet.
  • See a physical therapist if needed

KURU footwear offers some of the best shoes for flat feet and standing all day. Our trifecta of technology combines our KURUCLOUD base layer of dense EVA foam, our patented KURUSOLE plate that hugs and supports the heel, and our polyurethane ULTIMATE INSOLES that feature a plantar fascia bridge to offer arch support and comfort you can feel all day long.

FAQs
FAQs
  • How do I know if I have flat feet?

    Though your doctor or podiatrist can give you an official diagnosis through a gait analysis, you can perform a simple test at home to start.

    Get your bare foot wet and step on a dry piece of paper—preferably one that can absorb a bit of water. You likely have a very low arch or flat foot if you see most or all of the sole of the foot imprinted on the paper.

  • How do I know which shoe to buy for flat feet?

    The best shoes for flat feet—for men and women alike—offer extra shock-absorbing cushion, a roomy toe box, and high-quality arch support.

    Whether you’re looking for running shoes for flat feet, work shoes, stability shoes, or dress shoes, KURU offers plenty of shoes for people with flat feet that can help alleviate symptoms and provide Pain Relief Beyond Belief.

  • How do I treat plantar fasciitis?

    Plantar Fasciitis can be a symptom of flat feet. Most people can recover from plantar fasciitis with at-home treatments and proper footwear.

    Resting, elevating and icing your heels can speed up healing at the beginning. Wearing shoes with high-quality arch support and shock-absorbing cushion can then support plantar fascia and aid in recovery.

    For long-term maintenance, consistently rolling out your feet on a lacrosse ball, stretching your Achilles tendon, and wearing proper footwear can help keep symptoms at bay.

  • I just received a pair of your shoes and my feet are sore/hurt after wearing them. Why is that?

    Some customers experience tenderness when they first start wearing a new pair of KURUs. That’s ok! Your body may need time to adjust to the new levels of anatomical support you experience with our patented KURUSOLE technology. Our shoes are also designed to mold to your unique foot shape, which takes a bit of a break-in period.

    To help mitigate this, we suggest you follow our break-in procedure, including wearing your KURUs for a couple hours per day around the house in the first couple of weeks as they break in and form to your foot.

  • Are your shoes considered orthopedic shoes?

    Due to the anatomical shape of the KURUSOLE, custom orthotics with a rounded heel fit best inside our shoes. If the
    underside of the custom orthotic (the part that sits on the footbed) is squared off, then it may not fit into our deep heel cup—which is rounded like your foot.

    That said, many of our customers tell us the KURUSOLE technology offers better support and stability than they expected, and that they don’t need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.

Treatment
Trending Articles
Three Layers of Support
Three Layers of Support

At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.

Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.

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KURUSOLE

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KURUCLOUD

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ULTIMATE INSOLE

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KURUSOLE

Our KURUSOLE helps your foot leverage its natural cushioning system: the heel’s fat pad. Featuring patented technology, KURUSOLE cups and provides stability to the heel while allowing it to dynamically flex with each step for long-lasting support.

Fine, We’ll Tell You Our Secret

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Why Others Love KURU

Why Others Love KURU

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Great for flat feet! Been wearing Kuru’s for 2 years now. I am a dog walker and very active. I walk 4 miles almost every day. I have flat feet and I have to be very careful to keep my hips in alignment because I have scoliosis and my Kuru’s are just perfect! I have to replace them every year which is absolutely fine with me! They are a great price point and I get so much use out them within a year I would replace them more often if I needed to! After about a week my foot molds into the sole of the shoe and the support and feel is amazing! Customer for life. Thank you Kuru!”

AMYBKB

Expectations exceeded! I have very flat feet and planter fasciitis, my feet would hurt so bad after eight hours on them. I did a lot of research and decided to try these, so you could say I was very skeptical. After wearing the Atom for one week, I love these shoes ! My feet feel great after work and I’m going to buy another pair soon. Thank you Kuru Team!”

Ryan E

So pleased. I have flat feet, a bunyon, and need lots of toe room. These shoes hit my foot arch just perfectly and make it possible to do the work I need to without constant foot pain ! Absolutely love them!”

 

Mickey07

Huge Blessing. I have flat feet, and as I have gotten older I have started experiencing major discomfort. I have tried different brands of shoes, and none of them have helped. I saw the ad for Kuru shoes in an online search. They are very comfortable, and the longer I wear them – the better they feel. Thanks so much for a great product. Looking forward to future purchases.”

Preacher1983

Best sneaker ever. I have arthritis in my feet/ankles. Also have flat feet and over pronate which are a big issue with some of the arch support in most shoes. I saw these and thought I would give them a try especially with the wonderful return policy. I’ve had them for 2 weeks and followed the directions about length of wearing each day, etc. They are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I now wear them all day completely free of pain. I walk every day and can’t believe how good my feet feel. Absolutely the best and I am so glad I took the chance and bought them. And one thing that really makes these sneakers work for me is the way the heel is made…it’s also supportive and just makes wearing these a real pleasure.”

Patricia S.

Recommended Shoes for Flat Feet

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