The best shoes for flatfeet for 2024, according to podiatrists and testing

Cost: $165 | Materials: EVA foam midsole, rubber outsole and mesh upper | Level of arch support: Neutral arch support | Sizes available: Women's 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5; Men's 7-16 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular and wide

Hoka has a well-earned reputation for being one of the most popular footwear brands out there right now. The company specializes in high-performance running shoes, but it has also gained mass appeal, becoming a favorite among celebrities, style enthusiasts and — most importantly — doctors.

Many of Hoka's shoes have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s coveted APMA Seal of Acceptance, which means they've been found to promote good foot health. For those with flatfeet, the brand's APMA-approved Bondi 8, a highly cushioned, neutral recovery shoe, is our top pick. Neutral shoes are most helpful for individuals who don't overpronate or need added arch support since they’re designed to allow the foot to move naturally through each step.

According to Jerick Sobie, co-owner of Lucky Feet Shoes and a trained pedorthist (a professional with specialized training to modify footwear and use supportive devices to help foot conditions), Hokas are a good choice for those with flatfeet thanks to a few standout features, including their ultra-cushioned midsole and signature "meta-rocker" design. "Rocker bottoms make walking effortless," he says, since the style helps to lightly propel your steps in a forward motion. Research also suggests that rocker-soled shoes may be beneficial for those with Achilles tendinopathy, a condition common in those with flatfeet.

The Bondi 8 is also Hoka's most cushioned shoe. As our testing revealed, the plush EVA midsole not only makes it incredibly comfortable to wear, it can help reduce foot pain. Finally, although it's a neutral shoe, it has an extended heel and wider sole, which provides plenty of stability.

Cost: $69 | Materials: Faux leather upper and orthotic foam insole | Level of arch support: Neutral arch support | Sizes available: 5-12, with half sizes up to 10.5 | Widths: Medium and wide

Sneakers are usually considered the best option for people with flatfeet, but that's not always possible if you need something a bit more business casual for the office. That's where the Aerosoles Homebet ballet flat comes in.

Founded in 1987, Aerosoles is a women's footwear brand known for creating comfortable, practical shoes for everyday use. The Homebet flats are made with comfort in mind, but they're also stylish and versatile.

The flats feature orthotic foam insoles that provide ample cushioning and arch support. The material is lightweight and breathable, too — I've worn them all day without worrying about sweaty feet.

As far as style goes, you can't go wrong with a chic, elegant ballet flat. The Homebet flats have a square-shaped toe box, which testing revealed to be roomier and more comfortable for flatfeet. It also comes in medium and wide widths.

Cost: $235 | Materials: Leather uppers and lining, Vibram outsoles and triple-density insoles | Level of arch support: Neutral arch support | Sizes available: 7-14, with half sizes up to 11.5 | Widths: Medium, wide and extra wide

Wearing sneakers with a suit isn't always appropriate, which is where the Men's Hubbard Free comes in.

Samuel Hubbard may be a newer brand, but it's made a splash in the footwear scene since its launch in 2014. Handcrafted from high-quality materials and designed with comfort in mind, Samuel Hubbard is definitely a luxury choice, but one that's worth the cost.

All of the brand’s shoes have excellent arch support and many are APMA-approved, including the Hubbard Free, also called the Men's Original Un-Sneaker. At first glance, the Hubbard Free looks like your classic Oxford, with smooth leather uppers, a rounded toe and a lace-up closure. But unlike most dress shoes, our tester confirms this one feels more like a walking shoe. It features a roomy toe box, heel-to-toe stability and triple-density, arch-supporting insoles that can be removed for those who use custom orthotics.

The only real downside to these shoes is the price tag. At $235, it doesn't come cheap, but a truly comfortable, high-quality shoe is worth the cost.

Cost: $70 | Materials: EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Neutral arch support | Sizes available: Women's 5-11 with half sizes up to 9.5 | Widths: Medium and wide

The Echo Knit Slip On Sneaker from Ryka is our pick for the best budget sneaker for flatfeet.

Ryka is an athletic footwear brand designed specifically to meet the needs of women. Because the shoes are exclusively crafted for women's feet, they have a wider forefoot and narrower heel to maximize stability. Research suggests that women may be uniquely affected by flatfeet, being more likely to experience pelvic floor dysfunction, pain and fatigue, so choosing shoes specifically designed for women may offer the support you need to ward off foot pain.

Ryka's shoes provide contoured cushioning to suit the weight distribution of women since their hips tend to be wider than men's. This women-specific cushioning maximizes support and comfort.

The Echo Knit is a lightweight, breathable slip-on sneaker that's comfortable for everyday wear and easy to take on and off. It's also APMA approved, so it comes recommended by podiatrists. Best of all, it's under $100.

Cost: $140 | Materials: Foam midsole and rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Stability shoe with medial arch support | Sizes available: Women's 5-12 with half sizes up to 11.5; Men's 7-16 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular and wide

People with flatfeet should choose shoes with "good arch support, stability and cushioning to support the foot and prevent over-pronation,” according to board-certified podiatrist Dr. William Spielfogel.

Saucony's Guide 17 is a heavily cushioned, moderate guidance stability running shoe perfect for mild to moderate overpronators. Unlike neutral shoes, stability shoes are specifically designed to help reduce overpronation, meaning your foot rolls too far inward.

Stability shoes like the Guide 17 feature additional support along the medial, or inner, side to help prevent over-pronation. One of the best things about the Guide 17 is how that support feels. This shoe uses high sidewalls and a wide platform. The result is a stable shoe that feels smooth and natural. The Guide 17 also has far more cushioning, which I can attest makes it super plush and comfortable to wear.

However, it's worth noting that this is best for mild to moderate overpronators. For those who have more serious overpronation, the Saucony Omni might be a better fit.

Cost: $100-$110 depending on color | Materials: Wool blend upper, foam midsole and rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Orthotic arch support | Sizes available: Women's 5-12 with half sizes up to 11.5 | Widths: Narrow, medium, wide and extra wide

Orthopedic shoes are specifically designed to provide support, comfort and pain relief for common foot problems. OrthoFeet is an APMA-approved company that focuses exclusively on orthopedic footwear and orthotic insert. The brand’s Coral Stretch Knit Sneaker is our top pick for women with flatfeet who want an orthopedic shoe.

Part of what makes OrthoFeet shoes so different is how customizable they are, right out of the box. Every pair comes with a removable orthotic insole, arch booster and two fitting spacers so you can adjust the shoe to your needs.

The Coral Stretch Knit Sneaker also has a wide toe box, firm heel counter with extra cushioning and a mild rocker sole design, to help provide more comfort, stability and pain relief.

This particular style is only available for women, but there is a similar shoe for men — the Edgewater.

Cost: $148 | Materials: Leather upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Medial and lateral arch support | Sizes available: Women's 6-11 with half sizes up to 9.5; Men's 8-13 (no half sizes available) | Widths: Regular and wide

Founded in 2022, Klaw may be a relatively young footwear company, but their first (and so far, only) sneaker has already gained massive popularity. The Klaw 528, our pick for the best walking shoe, is an ultra-cushioned walking shoe with a wide toe box, a deep heel cup and strong arch support. The removable insole has both medial and lateral arch support, so it provides impressive stability.

On top of that, the deep, highly cushioned heel cup provides more shock absorption, which can be especially helpful for people with back and knee pain. Research has linked flatfeet with lower back pain, so this sneaker is a good option for those seeking relief.

The Klaw 528 is by far the most comfortable and surprisingly lightweight sneakers I've ever worn. They also channel the popular minimalist ugly-cool style, which has grown on me. They also happen to be waterproof, making them great for rainy days.

They're available for men in white, yellow, gray and black and for women in white, gray, light blue, yellow, white and gray combo, light pink and black.

Cost: $135 | Materials: Leather upper, memory foam and cork midsole, rubber outsole | Level of arch support: Neutral to moderate arch support | Sizes available: 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5 | Widths: Standard only

Sneakers are generally the best option for people with flatfeet, but that can sometimes feel limiting — especially in the summer."For sandals, I recommend those with ankle straps," says Bruce Pinker, MD a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon. He specifically suggests brands like Vionic, Naot and Aetrex.

Sobie also recommends Aetrex, which is why our top pick is the brand's Jillian Braided Quarter Strap Sandal. "Aetrex shoes feature signature arch support, which helps with alignment and reduces issues like plantar fasciitis," Sobie says.

The Jillian Braided Quarter Strap Sandal offers orthopedic features like bunion pockets, which are strategically placed straps to help relieve bunion pressure and pain, a padded heel to prevent blisters or irritation and a metatarsal pod on the bottom of the shoe to help ball-of-foot discomfort.

On top of that, the sandal is super cute, thanks to the braided straps. I've paired mine with sundresses and jeans, and they look (and feel) great either way. This style also comes in 14 different colors (depending on the retailer), including bronze, ivory, rose and gunmetal.