Dr Brad Schaeffer, DPM - Board Certified Foot Surgeon & Podiatrist with the ABFAS
What is Flat Feet and Over-Pronation?
Do you suffer with flat feet or overpronation? This article will teach you how to manage flat feet problems and show you some of the best shoes for flat feet. But before we begin, let's explain the conditions known as flat feet and overpronation.
If you suffer with flat feet, your feet press flat against the ground. Flat feet can also be referred to as Fallen Arches, because you have a low or no arch.
People with flat feet often find that their feet roll inwards (pronate) as they walk or stand. This is because your arches have dropped and your arches determine how you walk. This rolling inwards is known as over-pronation and can lead to the formation of bunions (hallux valgus).
Overpronation is where your foot rolls inwards as you walk so that the outside edge of your heel hits the ground first and then your foot rolls inward onto the arch.
People with normal pronation (i.e. people who do not over-pronate) are able to properly distribute impact across the foot so that no one part is forced to absorb too much strain or pressure. However, problems with heel pronation can lead to plantar fasciitis over time as the arch flattens and breaks down. Read more about finding the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
If you suffer with flat feet, your feet press flat against the ground. Some of the main causes of flat feet are weak arches, strained muscles, arthritis, pregnancy, obesity, diabetes and genetic factors. Although flat feet is not always a painful condition, it is very important to wearcomfortable shoes for flat feet. We'll move on to what shoes are good for flat feet shortly!
Flat feet may be in your genes, however some people develop flat feet later in life. Another key risk factor for flat feet is wearing unsupportive footwear for long periods of time, such as flip flops or slippers.
A lot of people with flat feet problems will not actually experience any pain. The problems usually arise when it comes to finding suitable, comfortable shoes for flat feet and overpronation. Flat feet can also lead to bunions, however fortunately there are comfortable, stylish shoes for women with bunions out there!
There are many cases in which flat feet and overpronation can become painful. Some of the more painful symptoms of flat feet include leg cramps, knee pain, back pain, pain in the arch, ankle, heel or outside of the foot. In some cases, flat feet may lead to a condition known as toe drift which is where the second toe drifts toward the big toe and eventually crosses over and lies on top of the big toe.
If you want to know what shoes to buy for flat feet, there are several factors which you need to consider. While the idea of "shoes for flat feet" may conjure up connotations of orthopaedic-looking shoes, fear not! Stylish shoes for flat feet exist and there are plenty of on-trend footwear options out there. So what shoes are good for flat feet? Flats, heels, trainers, loafers, ballet pumps. They can all be good shoes for flat feet, if you know what you're looking for.
Video: How to Choose Shoes for Flat Feet
Founder and Designer of Sole Bliss, Lisa Kay shares her top tips on how to choose shoes for Flat Feet.
What Features should Flat Feet Shoes have?
Leading podiatrist Dr Brad Schaeffer explains what features flat feet shoes should have: If you are looking for comfortable shoes for flat feet, it is essential that they have arch support. Given that your arches have fallen or are low to the ground, you need to wear flat feet shoes which are designed to cushion and support them. An anatomical arch support will counter over-pronation, which stabilises the foot and prevents the worsening of flat feet.
Women with flat feet tend to need a wide-fit shoe. We recommend looking for wide flat feet shoes where the toe-box is spacious in order to prevent cramping your toes. Sole Bliss shoes are ideal for flat feet as they all offer a deep and wide toe box which can accommodate flat and wide feet.
Look for a well-defined heel cup to keep your foot secure, and opt for shoes that are somewhat flexible to accommodate natural foot movements. By prioritising these features, you can find the perfect footwear to alleviate the challenges posed by flat feet and keep your feet happy and healthy.
When you are looking at what shoes to buy for flat feet, it is also important to consider toe and heel support. If you have flat feet, you are more likely to apply greater force on your toe and heel area, so make sure you look for shoes durability, support and cushioning in these areas too.
When purchasing shoes for flat feet you should also take into account your arch type. There are three main types of arch heights which can determine how much support you need.
Although it might seem difficult to find fashionable shoes for flat feet which provide the comfort and support you need, there are plenty of stylish shoes for flat feet available!
What are the best shoes for Flat Feet:
Podiatrist Dr Brad Schaeffer has selected the best shoes for flat feet and it's Sole Bliss to the rescue! From heels to trainers, sandals to boots, here are our top picks for shoes for flat feet:
Think you can't wear heels if you have flat feet? Think again! Heels for flat feet exist and there are seriously comfy and stylish options available.
If you are looking for heels for flat feet, you need to look for heels which have arch support to protect and support the arched part of your foot, which may have fallen or collapsed.
All Sole Bliss heels for flat feet contain an ingenious anti-pronating arch support. This is a small memory foam pillow present in all closed-back heels which holds your foot in the correct position and prevents your foot from rolling inwards (pronating) as you walk.
The best flat foot shoes are made from durable leather, which is breathable, flexible and will stop your feet from sweating. Sole Bliss shoes all have leather uppers and are fully leather lined to keep your feet cool and comfortable.
The best flat foot shoes also feature a cushioned sole. Our podiatrist-approved signature footbed is luxuriously cushioned and comprised of three layers of high-quality memory foam to protect your entire foot. The Base Layer provides shock absorption against hard surfaces, the Middle Layer contours to the shape of your flat feet, and the Top Layer provides ultra-soft cushioning for sensitive feet.
Prefer a lower heel? No problem! Discover our collection of Kitten Heels for flat feet. If you are looking for low heels, you need to ensure they have the same anatomical arch support which will protect your arch and prevent your foot from rolling inwards as you walk.
Your heels should have a supportive insole with soft cushioning and shock absorption, which counters the shock of walking on hard surfaces.
Again, it is very important to opt for heels which are crafted from soft leather which will protect your feet from sweat and also flex to accommodate your foot shape.
If you have wide feet and flat feet, you should opt for a wide-fitting heel with ample room in the toe-box to prevent toe crowding.
The best trainers for flat feet will have a deep toe-box, a wider fit, and are adjustable to accommodate your foot shape.
There are plenty of running trainers for flat feet out there. However, if you are looking for something a little more stylish, there are options for fashion trainers for flat feet.
You should look for trainers which are leather lined. Leather uppers are more flexible too and will prevent cramping your toes.
Sole Bliss trainers for flat feet are crafted from luxuriously soft leather and are fully leather lined. Our signature footbed is contoured and will accommodate the shape of your flat feet. It is also luxuriously padded with extra cushioning under the heel to provides all the support and comfort your flat feet need.
The toe-box of our flat feet trainers is very wide too. However we disguise this width and depth in order to maintain a flattering fit.
Loafers are a wardrobe staple! And if you have flat feet or fallen arches, you may find that it is difficult to find comfortable loafers for your flat feet.
All flat feet shoes should have arch support, cushioned soles, durable leather uppers and a wide toe-box.
Sole Bliss loafers for flat feet are designed especially for women with flat feet, bunions and other foot conditions. Our superior arch support mechanism prevents your foot from rolling inwards as you walk. This anti-pronation device is found in our closed-back heels too.
Handcrafted in Spain from luxuriously soft leather, these loafers for flat feet feature a full seam-free leather lining too, to prevent rubbing against difficult joints. Your flat feet will benefit from our triple-layer underfoot cushioning system which protects and comforts sensitive feet with low or no arches.
The best flats for flat feet contain an arch support mechanism which protect your fallen arches. While it may be tempting to wear ballerinas, strappy sandals or perfectly flat shoes, you should always look for a shoe with protective arch support.
All Sole Bliss closed-back shoes feature superior arch support. They contain a small memory foam pillow which prevents pronation (the rolling inwards of the foot) and helps with flat feet problems.
6. Best Boots for Flat Feet
When it comes to finding the ideal boots for flat feet, it's crucial to focus on a comfy sole that offers tailored support and shock absorption.
Sole Bliss boots, for example, come with Triple Layer Cushioning and an Anatomically Contoured footbed that adapts to the shape of your sole, delivering a custom support system perfectly suited for flat feet.
Since flat feet tend to be wider due to the natural spreading of the feet, it's advisable for all flat feet shoes to boast a roomier toe box that can comfortably accommodate broader feet.
Flat feet generally do not need to be treated if they do not cause any pain or prevent you from carrying out activities such as exercise and sport. However, if you have severe flat feet problems and your feet are painful, stiff or causing problems with walking, you may need to treat your flat feet.
The best way to treat this condition is often to wear the correct shoes for flat feet. In addition, you can look at insoles or orthotics for flat feet.
There are also foot stretches and strengthening exercises which you can do to treat flat feet problems. If you are suffering with flat feet problems, you should stretch every day.
You can also take painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgery for flat feet is very rare but this is something you can speak to your doctor about. While your flat feet are causing you pain, you should avoid running and high-impact sports, try to maintain a healthy body weight and avoid walking barefoot.
Although it can be difficult to prevent overpronation and the way we walk, there are several things you can do to counter pronation and reduce its effects.
Firstly, you can look for shoes for overpronation. Overpronation shoes (and generally supportive footwear) will hold your feet in the correct position using arch support mechanisms. In Sole Bliss shoes, the superior arch support device counters pronation (the inward rolling of your foot) as you walk and this helps prevent overpronation.
Customers with Flat Feet and Overpronation
For those struggling to find shoes for flat feet, discovering the right product is a game-changer for comfort and relief. Sole Bliss shoes are tailored to tackle the challenges linked to foot conditions like overpronation and flat feet. All closed back heels and flats feature our anti-pronation arch support device to prevent the inwards rolling of the foot.
Rather than just taking our word for it, this flat feet customer review below shares a first-hand experience, showcasing the transformative impact of Sole Bliss shoes.
"I have terribly painful flat feet and bunions and have to wear heels as part of the bridesmaids outfit in a wedding. I’m SO glad I found these shoes because they fit like a dream and feel so soft. I usually end up taking my shoes off the minute I can at weddings and I fully plan on dancing the night away this time!" – Tiffany
If you are looking for the best shoes for flat feet and overpronation, you can view our collection here!
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If you have any questions about finding the best shoes for your feet, please contact our Customer Care team who are highly knowledgeable and here to help!
When it comes to comfort, Lisa Kay knows it all! Lisa has been a Shoe Designer for over 20 years. She has used her own experience dealing with bunions to create Sole Bliss - the shoe brand dedicated to women with bunions, wide feet and sensitive soles. Lisa has worked with Italian and Spanish artisans and the world’s leading podiatrists to create the best shoes for women with bunions and wide feet. Every pair of Sole Bliss shoes contains an award-winning, podiatrist-approved Comfort Technology.
Dr Brad Schaeffer is a Certified Foot Surgeon with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He trained at Hoboken University Medical Center with a 3 Year Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgical Residency.
After residency, Dr Schaeffer has continued training and crafting his skillset in cutting edge surgical techniques and regenerative medicine.
Dr Schaeffer was also discovered for the hit TV show, "My Feet Are Killing Me". He is known for bringing his eye of aesthetic medicine and attention to detail to every patient that he treats.
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