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This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Cord Reel
Laying on my bed in Stockholm’s Story Hotel, I stared at my feet high above me, resting against the funky wallpaper—this was day one of my first solo trip and my feet were already in such excruciating pain that I couldn’t bear the thought of standing up.
Throughout my travels, this routine became par for course until a podiatrist told me what I already knew, but didn’t realize was a condition: I have flat feet. While the common condition inflicts about 18 million American adults and can go unnoticed, for some, it can cause pain with every step, especially when tendons gets inflamed or tear.
“For anyone who has symptomatic flat feet, the more they walk without proper support, the greater the chances for potential foot issues,” says Justin Hill, a certified pedorthist with Hanger Clinic in Albuquerque. “For many travelers, these issues are worse when on a trip because they are more active than when they are at home. This is further compounded by wearing unsupportive shoes, such as slip-ons or flip-flops.”
Ignoring the importance of solid footwear and continuing to pound the pavement everywhere I went, I ended up being diagnosed with posterior tibial tendinitis—an extreme case of what can go wrong without proper shoes. While I immediately pictured a future confined to clogs and clunky orthotic wear, the more I talked to others, the more I discovered there are a wide variety of supportive shoes for us flat footers, as long as we know what qualities to look for.
Here’s what New York University’s Dr. Louis Iannuzzi, who is on the Pedorthic Footcare Association Board of Directors, and other experts have to say about finding the best shoes for travelers with flat feet.
In general, a low arch doesn’t necessarily mean you’re symptomatically flat footed, so first consult with a professional, as everyone’s feet are different, Iannuzzi says.
“If the shoe is not fitting properly, it doesn’t matter how good it is,” Hill adds, saying structural support and fit should be top priorities. “I suggest going somewhere that will measure your feet with a Brannock device. Feet do slowly change over time and people are [often] wearing the wrong size because they just continue to get the same size they have always gotten.”
One at-home (or in-store) test for support is to try twisting the shoe. “I tell my patients if they can wring their shoe like a washcloth, they aren’t getting any support,” Hill says. The only bendable part should be the ball of the foot. “Any side-to-side bending is a clear indication of lack of support, which could contribute to eventual discomfort or pain.”
He also cautions that built-in arch support can be hit or miss. “The challenge is that often a more rigid ‘off-the shelf’ support will not match an individual’s arch,” he adds. “In these cases, a custom orthosis molded to the individual’s arch would be recommended.”
The best shoe materials can vary. “A person with plantar fasciitis most often benefits from a firmer material like cork or plastics like polypropylene,” Hill says. “Conversely, a person with diabetes would benefit from a softer material, like a plastazote-based support.”
Finally, new shoes may be shiny, but they should be worn in, Hill says: “Typically you would want to have at least one to two weeks of regular wear on your shoes before you take them on an extended trip.”
With all that in mind, here are some of the best shoes to consider for those in need of extra support.
When I first started running, I went to my local Fleet Feet, where employees studied and measured my feet before pointing me to Brooks—which is the top recommended brand as soon as I say the words “flat feet,” followed by New Balance. Most models of both pass the test of being flexible enough in the ball area, but so sturdy that you can’t fold them up in the mid to rear. Other athletic shoe brands known for their support: Saucony, Asics, and Hoka.
Just how foot-healthy are the Brooks Dyad 11? They earned the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, after a committee of podiatrists tested them out. And it’s no surprise. While Brooks are all designed based on support, this pair has extra stability, thanks to Dual Arch Pods that provide ultimate support, and a wider footbed since flat-footed folks tend to need extra room.
The latest in New Balance’s Fresh Foam series ups the game with both stability and comfort. Since flat footers tend to overpronate, this shoe is engineered with a medial post—a device in the midsole that’s firmer than the rest of the sole—to keep feet aligned.
After both my physical therapist and orthopedic doctor suggested Hokas a few months back, I went back to my local Fleet Feet where they scanned my foot (which is indeed so flat I naturally overpronate) and pointed me toward Clifton, a popular entry-level shoe from the brand known for its oversized soles. Immediately, it hit just the right combo of being both soft and light, yet so supportive. The latest version weighs even less and has an extra 3 mm in stack height. Designed for walking and everyday runs, the vegan shoe made of recycled materials has balanced cushioning and neutral stability, providing just enough give for flexibility on any adventure you choose.
The stabilized running shoe is specifically designed for flat-footers and those with low arches. While it's lighter than its predecessors, the latest model is energized with a Litetruss technology, which stabilizes the foot by providing more medial support, helping guide the foot to a more effective gait.
While it might not be the most stability-focused shoe in Saucony's line (that would be the Guide 16), the folks at Fleet Feet find this to be a solid pick for the arch-deficient because it's one of the most cushioned shoes out there, yet still has ample stability and a secure heel to keep you heading in the right direction. Plus the new lacing helps reign in the fit so it feels like the shoe was customized for your foot.
“Walking shoes should have a comfortable fit and minimize energy expenditure and impact" when you're taking a step, Iannuzzi says, suggesting that you look for styles with rigid soles, toe spring, medial reinforced arch support, and shock-attenuation materials in the sole. Brands like Propét, Mt. Emey, Rockport, Saucony, Brooks, and New Balance fit the bill.
Despite its long history, Birkenstocks just launched its first closed-toe shoe modeled off the original arch support system, showcased in the unisex Honnef boot. Available in both low and high styles, the lace-up style keeps things secure while the four-part insole has moisture-wicking microfiber, supportive cork and jute layers, and added shock absorption and cushioning.
Oofos may be known for its sandals, but its same strategies for comfort are applied to this walking shoe. The sole’s design is made to cut back on stressors on the ankles, as well as knees and other joints. Plus, the four-way stretch fabric is unbelievably comfy, and the shoes are machine washable.
Quickly becoming a favorite among the running set for its light yet sturdy comfort, On’s Cloudaway is its ultimate all-day travel shoe that has a closed midsole made to last, paired with a super light mesh upper and a durable outsole, both made partially with recycled content.
Flip-flops get widely criticized for their lack of support—but there are beach-friendly shoes that offer protection. “Generally some sort of built-in arch is preferable,” Hill says. "[Plus,] sandals that have a back strap keep the foot in place better than a generic flip-flop.” Birkenstock, Teva, Keen, Naot, Propét, and Sole fit the mold.
The legendary support of Birkenstocks, which originated in the 1930s, holds up to this day. Not only does the design support arch health, but its deep footbed also helps hold feet in place. “That’s the top of the line,” Ianuzzi says. Though best known for its cork and latex cores, this waterproof EVA twist provides a more flip-flop-like profile to blend in with other beachgoers.
It’s hard to believe these sleek slip-ons are water-resistant, making them the perfect pool or beach companion. But what really impresses is the Aetrex Cobra Orthotic System, which has arch support to both stabilize and align the foot, as well as relieve pain and plantar fasciitis. The contoured rear of the footbed adds a supportive cradling, while the EVA foam keeps it comfy.
This pool-friendly pair is made of premium vegetable tan leather and organic hemp straps. Hidden in its design is a slight boost of support—its raised inner arches and cupped heel ease the pressure just enough for those with low arches.
Give yourself a boost with these wedges that have a cushioned sole that will conform to your feet to cradle you on any surface. The quick-drying straps mean you can seamlessly go from sand to streets without missing a beat. The earth-friendly slide contains Repreve polyester, recycled plastic webbing, and a peppermint-based antimicrobial—plus, it can be recycled through the company's TevaForever program.
“This area gets a little tricky as, by design, dress shoes are typically fashion-forward and not great for your feet,” Hill says, adding to opt for little to no heel. But that doesn’t mean all the fun of dressing up should be stripped away. “Most people with flat feet can still wear pretty much any shoe without much consequence for a short period of time,” he adds. For weddings and other special events, it’s okay to bring fashionable shoes; just get back into your more supportive shoes as soon as you can, he says.
Here’s what Vionic does best—take the patented footbed they’re known for and apply it to styles that don’t disclose your foot problems. These strappy sandals are accentuated with metallic details to add a bit of a shine to a sandal that’s ready for both date nights and destination weddings. The lightweight midsole absorbs stress to keep you dancing all night long.
Not all flat feet are created equal—and these Orthofeet shoes acknowledge that with an arch booster that's adjustable so that it can be moved to exactly where you need that lift. Add to that an insole with heel pain relief, a wider toebox, and upgraded cushioning, and it's pretty much like wearing sneakers in dress shoe form.
While flats are never ideal for flat feet, these vegan velvet smoking slippers—inspired by Venetian gondoliers—integrate Birdies’ seven-layer comfort for those special occasions. The shock-absorbing insoles are reinforced in the arch and heel and made of quilted satin and leather for ultimate coziness. Just how sure are they? Birdies offers a 30-day fit guarantee with free shipping and returns.
City boots can be one of the hardest shoes to find since they tend to squeeze the foot. Iannuzzi says to look for “adequate room for the forefoot ball to accommodate splay and at least one thumb-width between the longest toe and the end of the shoe to prevent the jamming of the joints.”
Billing themselves as the “most supportive shoes ever,” this savvy oiled nubuck boot with a 2" heel provides an orthopedic feel with a stylish look. This pair offers the brand's highest level of arch support, plus the waterproof zipper on the insides make it easy to slip on and off.
Another popular brand among foot specialists: Dansko. Natural arch technology is built into its removable EVA footbeds, allowing flexibility for those with custom orthotics. While Dansko is known for its professional clogs, many designed for medical staffers on their feet all day, the brand also offers walking shoes and boots. This any-occasion suede design even offers odor control to keep you fresh and clean, no matter how far your day takes you.
The built-in arch support in this Kuru ankle boot molds to your feet to provide just the kind of support they're craving. Available in three neutral colors for a simple everyday look no matter where you're headed, the weather-resistant leather and rubber outsole will wick away any moisture.
Buckle, zipper, laces—this boot has it all. The comfort comes in the insole, which is made of cork and latex, but wrapped in microfiber and leather to mold to the foot shape. The hand-sewn construction gives it strength where it needs it most, but also provides flexibility of movement.
Adventures in the woods, where surfaces tend to be unpredictable and uneven, require an extra dose of support, especially around the ankles.
Best known for its ultra warm jackets, Canada Goose also has a footwear line, including the Journey Boot, inspired by classic hiking boots made for the Alps’ harshest conditions—and the midsole’s cushion is underlined by a stabilizer for ultimate arch support and comfort. The waterproof Italian shoe is classified on Canada Goose’s thermal experience index of “versatile” in warmth in the 5 to 32 degree Fahrenheit range.
The dependability that comes with Merrell’s high-performing outdoor wear is merged with Gore-Tex’s gold standard of waterproofness in this simple yet powerful hiking boot. At 16.36 oz. per shoe, it’s a hearty design, which equals stability throughout. The Kinetic Fit-blend contoured footbed strengthens the heel and a molded nylon shank adds arch support, while Vibram traction on the soles prevents slipping on slick surfaces, eliminating any flat-footed hiker’s worries.
With high foot protection and stable foot support, this Salomon hiking boot offers solid ankle and calf protection. The entire structure of the shoe is built to target sensitive areas and wrap around the foot where it needs support most. Built for backpackers, the ADV-C 4D Chassis helps lessen muscle strain and fatigue to tackle even the roughest terrains.
That stability necessary to navigate ever-changing surfaces often makes boots rigid and painful—but somehow Keen has managed to make these hikers completely comfy. So much so that these boots come with a 30-day trial to guarantee they're a perfect fit. But the most feel-good aspect of these shoes is that they're sourced ethically with water-repellent materials and are PFAS-free with eco-friendly anti-odor technology.
Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published by Condé Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
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