Source: Bustle; By Lauren Moison, July 23, 2022
A quality pair of walking shoes is essential, especially if you experience discomfort caused by flat feet. To learn about which features to look for when shopping for comfortable shoes, I reached out to Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, a Board-certified podiatrist in North Carolina. According to Dr. Daughtry, the best walking shoes for flat feet and overpronation feature supportive heels and wide, lightweight soles, along with the right amount of arch support for your foot.
What To Look For When Choosing A Pair Of Walking Shoes
In addition to an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis, having flat feet or walking with overpronation can place added stress on your feet, ankles, knees, and spine. To decrease pain and increase support while walking, Dr. Daughtry recommends looking for shoes with “wide soles to accommodate for the entire foot structure, [...] lightweight soles designed to soften steps and alleviate stress on the joints, a firm midsole with arch support, and the ability to add an orthotic to the shoe.” She also recommends shoes with a cushioned, ergonomic sole to soften your steps, absorb impact, and ease foot motion while walking.
Just as there are helpful features to look for, there are also designs to avoid if you have flat feet. Daughtry recommends taking care with footwear marketed as “stability” shoes, “which can be too much arch support for an overpronator,” and recommends staying away from “any shoes that have an “hourglass” sole. So while some arch support can be helpful, for those with flat feet and/or overpronation, too much can be counterproductive.
Finally, you don’t have to sacrifice style when shopping for the best walking shoes for flat feet and overpronation because there are plenty of fun colors and styles to choose from. Whether you prefer sneakers, flats, or sandals, there’s a comfy pair of walking shoes for you.
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