Running/Gym Shoes for Flat Feet.

Hey everyone.
Currently, the shoes I have Nike's but since I have flat feet & I began running again - they've become uncomfortable.
It's hard to walk fast or run with flat feet; I immediately get shin splints after a minute of brisk walking.

Any suggestions for shoes great for flat feet?
(Or if you could recommend insoles!)

Replies

  • trini14
    trini14 Posts: 110 Member
    Well my sister was recently dx with flat feet and she wears orthotics in her shoes.
  • babyblues31
    babyblues31 Posts: 72 Member
    The consensus will probably be to get fitted properly. But I will tell you that I also have flatter feet and I overpronate. I do not currently wear orthotics, but I will swear by the Asics 2160 (rated Editor's Choice in Runner's World). I would wear nothing else. I run 20 miles/week give or take.
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    See a podiatrist. You donb't want to do irrepairable damage to yourself.
  • mistynichole84
    mistynichole84 Posts: 1 Member
    I am flat footed too and always have a hard time doing any exercise with shoes on because I get cramps in the muscle where the "arch" is. But I did the test on runnersworld to pick the best running shoes and the first one listed was Nike Free and I am not on my second pair of them and I LOVE them. They are very light weight and don't squeeze your feet so much that it makes them hard to flatten out. Some of them are pretty ugly, but there are a few designs for the Nike Free Run that are great.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Get fitted at a running store. They will determine how much structure you need in a shoe. I also have flat feet and am prone to shin splints. I am currently wearing Nike Zoom Structure +15 and my shin splints are basically non-existent now. I also liked pairs of Saucony and Brooks. I couldn't decide between the three so picked the prettiest ones LOL.
  • wluck
    wluck Posts: 11 Member
    ASICS Women's GEL-Evolution 6 Running Shoe

    You can get them on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-GEL-Evolution-Running-Graphite-Lightning/dp/B003OYJ17W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335385152&sr=8-2


    I have these for my flat feet and I love them! I like that they come in wide because in addition to flat feet, I also have wide feet.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Get fitted by a specialist at a running store.
  • Just bought a pair of Asics...they feel great! I also have flat, wide feet and I bought a kids size 6.5, which is about the same as a women's 7.5, and they seem to be wider than a typical woman's shoe.
  • suejonestx
    suejonestx Posts: 256 Member
    I'm a flat-footed runner and wear Brooks made for over-pronation AND use orthotics.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    It's not the Brand of shoe that matters here, it's the type of shoe. Whether it's neutral, stability or motion control. All running shoe manufacturers make models that fit into those three categories. If you put yourself in the wrong category of shoe, you may end up injured. That's why you need to get fit at a running specialty store.
  • dpwellman
    dpwellman Posts: 3,271 Member
    Yes: So-called flat footed-ness is indicative of over-pronation (weak arches) and Motion Control / Maximum Support shoes are almost certainly required Asics Gel Evolution, Nike Zoom Equalon are examples.

    But yes, get fitted. For some people shoes are not enough. Motion Control AND inserts are requited.
  • dpwellman
    dpwellman Posts: 3,271 Member
    See a podiatrist. You donb't want to do irrepairable damage to yourself.
    Pedorthist, first
  • mommyami1
    mommyami1 Posts: 154 Member
    I agree with those who have said to get fitted at a running store. They should videotape you on a treadmill and show you exactly what your feet/ankles do when you run. I have fallen arches and uneven legs so I wear custom orthotics, but before I got those I was running, and still run, in Mizuno Wave Alchemy. I switched from a Saucony fan to Mizuno's and found it's a world of difference. With my orthotics, I have reduced injury tremendously. My husband and mom have even made the switch.
  • SPNLuver83
    SPNLuver83 Posts: 2,050 Member
    ASICS Women's GEL-Evolution 6 Running Shoe

    You can get them on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-GEL-Evolution-Running-Graphite-Lightning/dp/B003OYJ17W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1335385152&sr=8-2


    I have these for my flat feet and I love them! I like that they come in wide because in addition to flat feet, I also have wide feet.

    I have flat feet and have these same shoes. I love them! About 2 weeks ago I went to get a new pair cuz mine were worn out and they didn't have my size. The guy at the store swore these Under Armour shoes would be perfect for me so I bought them. Big mistake as my feet have been killin me. I'm going back and hopefully they will accept the return so I can just look around for another pair of these!
  • Thanks for all your inputs. I'm definitely going to see a doctor soon, but to take care of the problem for right now - I bought Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel Arch Supports to wear everyday in not only my running/gym shoes but my Converse & heels as well. So far, they work. I can run without shin splints and they are comfortable.
  • quill16
    quill16 Posts: 373 Member
    I started running in January and I went to a running store because of my flat fett. The best choices were Asics Foundation 10 @ $99(just for flat feet ) Brooks Ariel $129 or Sauconeys$129. I chose the Asics for price and they are great! I now run 5 miles a day without a problem. As it turns out I recently met a runner who does marathons- Boston, New York, and she wears Asics.