We Found the 12 Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet After 1,500 Hours of Testing

Best Overall

Keen Women's Versacore Speed Shoe

$130 $78 at Amazon $130 at Zappos $130 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 11.3 ounces | Drop: 14 millimeters | Cushioning: Medium | Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers who want a supportive, all-around shoe that’s versatile for walking, hiking, or casual wear.

Why We Love Them

Our top overall pick, Keen’s Versacore Speed Shoe stands out for its versatility and stellar comfort and support. When we tested this pair, we thought it had the ideal amount of cushioning—not too soft, not too firm. As we walked, we noticed that the padding in the heel provided a springy feel and helped push us forward. Plus, the midsole effectively minimized shock during impact, helping to protect our ankles and knees. 

We were also impressed with the outsole’s grippy traction, which helped us stay steady while on a variety of surfaces. The shoes felt comfortable and supportive during walks around the neighborhood, hikes on trails, and even while gardening. By the end of the testing period, we were pleasantly surprised that we could wear this versatile pair all day long with no pain or discomfort. Plus, the shoe’s breathable mesh upper and anti-odor technology kept our feet feeling cool, fresh, and dry.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon, Keen, Zappos, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• The toe box is very spacious and almost felt too wide at first. However, we got used to the width after a few wears, and it didn’t affect the shoe’s overall comfort or support.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis

Aetrex Danika Arch Support Sneaker

$150 at Amazon $140 at Zappos View on Aetrex.com

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 10 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Cushioning: High | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers who want a well-cushioned, supportive shoe for exercise and casual wear.

Why We Love Them

If you’re flat-footed and prone to plantar fasciitis, Aetrex’s Danika Sneaker is our top pick. It has excellent support and padding, especially in the heel, to help ease foot pain and prevent future flare-ups. During testing, we immediately noticed the pair’s cloud-like cushioning. It felt plush and responsive, providing good shock absorption—another crucial feature for combatting plantar fasciitis. We were able to wear this pair for long periods without any pain.

Despite its extra thick cushioning and ample support, the Danika didn’t cause our feet to overheat when walking in hot weather, thanks to its breathable construction. Plus, the toe box felt spacious, with plenty of room for our toes to spread naturally. We also like the padded tongue and collar, which enhanced the shoe’s overall comfort.

Potential Flaws

• We liked the overall fit of the shoe, but we noticed that our feet slipped slightly in the heel area. However, it didn’t lead to any blisters or chafing.

Best for Motion Control

Dr. Scholl’s Hannah Sneaker

$100 $87 at Amazon $100 at Zappos $75 at Nordstromrack.com

Key Specs

Materials: Microfiber upper, foam midsole, polyurethane outsole | Weight: 8.5 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Cushioning: Medium | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for overpronators who need a walking shoe with good arch support and responsiveness.  

Why We Love Them

Motion control shoes help prevent your feet from rolling inward while you walk, so they’re ideal for people with flat feet who also overpronate. One of our favorite pairs for limiting excess motion is Dr. Scholl’s Hannah Sneaker. These felt extremely stable underfoot during testing, even on grass and paved trails. The thick midsole cushioning features a supportive arch that kept us stable and steady on test walks. 

The shoes felt quite springy and propelled us to the next step, especially when walking on pavement. Plus, the cushioning minimized shock during impact, effectively protecting our ankles and knees. We like the combination of a wide toe box and snug, supportive heel cup that held our feet comfortably in place.

Potential Flaws

• After a long day of wearing these shoes, our feet felt a bit clammy and smelly, so their breathability could be better.
• While we love how comfortable and supportive the shoes felt, we found them to be a bit bulky and not very stylish.

Best Waterproof

FitFlop NEO-D-HYKER Waterproof Leather/Suede Walking Sneakers

$105 $98 at Amazon View on Fitflop.com

Key Specs

Materials: Leather and suede upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 8-10 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters | Cushioning: Medium to high | Our Overall Rating: 4.4/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers who don’t let snow, slush, rain, or mud keep them from walking outdoors.

Why We Love Them

One of our favorites for its stability and traction, FitFlop’s Neo-D-Hyker helps keep you sure-footed on wet terrain. During test walks, we were impressed with the shoe’s reliable stability and shock absorption. As we transitioned between different terrains, our feet felt well-supported, and we barely noticed the difference in surfaces.

This pair features a durable, waterproof upper, making these shoes a great choice for walking in wet or sloppy conditions and hiking on light trails. Plus, the grippy rubber outsole provides excellent traction and adds to the overall stability. We love that they were easy to get on and off, and the fit felt comfortable and secure, with no rubbing or chafing concerns.

Potential Flaws

• Although we liked the shoes’ support and stability, we did find them to be a bit heavy and bulky to move around in quickly.
• These shoes felt very sturdy and firm during testing but weren’t as springy as sneakers.

Best for Knee Pain

GDEFY Women's Mighty Walk Athletic Shoes

$90 at Amazon View on Gravitydefyer.com

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, ethylene vinyl acetate outsole | Weight: 10 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Cushioning: Medium | Our Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers with sensitive knees who want a shoe that will help them get moving. 

Why We Love Them

GDEFY’s Mighty Walk Athletic Shoe is designed specifically for walking, and its responsive cushioning offers great protection for walkers with knee pain. Equipped with the brand’s shock-absorbing technology, the shoe delivered exceptional shock absorption to help combat joint pain on test walks. We appreciated the shoe’s curved outsole, which propelled us forward with a subtle rocking motion. We walked on multiple surfaces and didn’t have issues transitioning.

The shoe’s midsole cushioning felt comfortable and offered impressive stability and support with each step. It also comes with additional removable insoles, so you can customize the level of support. A soft, breathable upper and roomy toe box ensured our feet didn’t feel cramped or overheated. 

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and GDEFY.

Potential Flaws

• The shoe’s arch support and rocker shape take some getting used to. But after the first few wears, we quickly grew accustomed to walking in them.
• With an athletic and somewhat clunky style, this pair is not as versatile for everyday wear as some of the other shoes we tested.

Best Slip-On

Kizik Women's Irvine Sneaker

$99 at Amazon View on Kizik.com

Key Specs

Materials: Canvas upper, foam cushioning, rubber outsole | Weight: 10-12 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Cushioning: Medium | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers who want a pair of stylish, easy-to-wear sneakers they can wear everywhere.

Why We Love Them

If you love the convenience of a slip-on shoe, you’ll appreciate Kizik’s Irvine Sneakers, which feature a convenient step-in design that allows you to easily get them on and off, hands-free.

During test walks, we immediately noticed the shoe’s comfy support and bouncy feel. Even after wearing the shoes for more than eight hours during multiple days, we didn’t feel any foot aches and pains. Plus, the roomy toe box allowed us to comfortably spread and wiggle our toes with no concerns about blisters or chafing.

Despite the ample cushioning and support, the shoes still felt lightweight and flexible. The grippy rubber outsole kept us steady when walking on various surfaces. We also love the shoe’s versatile style, which works well for both fitness and casual wear. By the end of the testing period, these shoes held up remarkably well, and we found ourselves consistently reaching for this comfy, supportive pair.

Also available in men's sizes at Amazon and Kizik.

Potential Flaws

• In testing, we found that the Irvine runs small. We sized up a half-size, and the fit was perfect. 

Best for Fitness Walking

Orthofeet Francis Walking Shoe

$110 at Amazon $95 at Zappos View on Orthofeet.com

Key Specs

Materials: Knit upper, fabric lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 9 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Cushioning: Medium | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for walkers who like slip-on shoes but still need a pair that’s supportive and comfortable enough for long periods of walking or standing. 

Why We Love Them

With reliable stability and arch support, as well as plush foam cushioning, Orthofeet’s Francis Sneakers are a great walking shoe, both for exercise or regular wear. This pair features a curved, ergonomic sole that allowed for smooth, easy strides during our test walks. Plus, the midsole cushioning provided good shock absorption, protecting our feet and knees from impact when walking on various terrains. We also love that the Francis comes with two removable arch inserts so you can customize the level of support and cushioning.

Given the shoe’s ample support, we were afraid it might be too bulky, but it felt lightweight even after long periods of wear. We also liked the roomy toe box, which is ideal for wide feet or those prone to foot issues like bunions, blisters, or hammertoes. They also come in five different widths, so you get a precise fit. What’s more, the Francis features a convenient no-tie lacing system, so you can easily slip them on and off.

Potential Flaws

• When testing this pair, we noticed some rubbing and irritation in the heel area, but it went away after a few wears.
• While we liked the shoe’s no-tie laces, we wish the laces were a bit more stretchy and easier to adjust with the bungee system.

Best With Removable Insoles

Taos Z Soul Sneaker

$115 at Amazon $115 at Zappos View on Taosfootwear.com

Key Specs

Materials: Canvas upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 11 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Low | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want a casual but stylish sneaker that offers firm arch support.

Why We Love Them

If you like having the option of removing your shoe’s insole, check out Taos’ Z-Soul Sneaker. When testing this pair, the insoles felt firm but not too hard and provided excellent support in the heel and arch area. Plus, the insoles can easily be removed if you want to replace them with insoles for flat feet or custom orthotics.

The shoes’ fit was exceptionally comfortable and secure—keeping our feet from sliding and preventing blisters. We found that the toe box offered plenty of room, but the shoe comes in wide sizes for those who might need some extra space. With a durable rubber outsole, the shoes kept us stable on various surfaces, including sidewalks, pavement, grass, and trails, and also provided good ankle support. We also love their casual, versatile style that doesn’t look like a typical athletic shoe.

Potential Flaws

• Although we appreciate the shoes’ firm support, they didn’t feel very responsive. During testing, we found that the sneakers didn’t propel us forward the way curved-sole running shoes would.
• After wearing these shoes all day and walking for long periods, we did feel a little discomfort on the ball of the foot, so it would have been nice to have a little more cushion in that area.

Most Cushioned

Under Armour Unisex UA Apparition Shoes

$110 at Dicks Sporting Goods $110 at Underarmour.com View on Footlocker.com

Key Specs

Materials: Synthetic and leather upper, rubber outsole | Weight: 8.5 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters | Cushioning: High | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those with flat feet looking to invest in a soft, reliable shoe for daily walks and occasional runs. 

Why We Love Them

For a walking shoe that’s packed with soft cushioning, we recommend Under Armour’s Unisex UA Apparition Shoes. They have thick foam padding in the midsole for exceptional support, comfort, and shock absorption. When testing this pair, we felt nimble and light on our feet, thanks to these sneakers' effective impact protection and responsive footbed. Even after wearing them all day, we didn’t notice any foot pain or soreness.

The shoe’s tongue and collar are padded to help prevent blisters and other irritation.  We also liked that the wide toe box offered plenty of room for toes to splay, even when wearing thicker socks. Plus, the shoe provided substantial arch support and fit snugly in the heel for a secure fit.

Potential Flaws

• With leather accents on the upper, these shoes may be too warm and not breathable enough to wear in hot weather.
• When walking in wet conditions, we noticed the shoes felt a bit slippery, so the grip could be improved.

Best for Orthotics

Aetrex Carly Arch Support Sneakers

$130 at Amazon $130 at Zappos View on Aetrex.com

Key Specs

Materials: Knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Weight: 9 ounces | Drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Medium | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want a lightweight shoe that still has ample arch support and cushioning.

Why We Love Them

Aetrex’s Carly Arch Support Sneakers feature a removable insole that offers light cushioning and molds to your feet with comfortable arch support. We love that you can replace the insoles with your own orthotics if you need more customized support. When we first tried this pair on, we were impressed with the glove-like fit—which hugged our feet in all the right places.

During test walks, the Carly provided reliable shock absorption and stability. Even when walking and standing in them for eight hours, we didn’t notice any pain in our feet, ankles, or knees. The combination of stellar arch support and ample padding in the heel area also make these shoes a solid option for those with plantar fasciitis.

Potential Flaws 

• After wearing these shoes for eight hours straight, we noticed that they held onto odor over prolonged wear. However, they’re machine-washable, so it’s easy to get them looking and smelling fresh.

Best for Arch Support

Vionic Walk Strider

$150 at Amazon $150 at Zappos View on Vionicshoes.com

Key Specs

Materials: Leather and mesh upper, rubber outsole | Weight: 8-10 ounces | Drop: 4 millimeters | Cushioning: Medium | Our Overall Rating: 4.6/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who need a comfortable, supportive shoe and prefer a stylish, attractive design.

Why We Love Them

If good arch support is your priority, check out Vionic’s Walk Strider Sneaker. When we first stepped into this pair, we immediately noticed that they had the ideal amount of support right where you need it for flat feet. We also like the durable, grippy rubber outsole, which helped keep us stable and steady on various surfaces.

During test walks, the Walk Strider provided reliable shock absorption and comfort from start to finish. The midsole struck the right balance of cushioning and firmness. Even after walking in them for long periods, our feet didn’t feel tired or achy. We also like that these shoes come in regular or wide widths and feature an attractive, versatile style.

Potential Flaws

• This pair felt a bit stiff and uncomfortable at first, but that went away after several wears.
• We noticed that these sneakers felt a little tight around the middle in the regular width, but we don’t think we would have had that issue with the wide option.

Best for Wide Feet

Vivaia V Prime Sneaker

$145 at Amazon View on Vivaia.com

Key Specs

Materials: Recycled knit upper, rubber outsole | Weight: 8-10 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters | Cushioning: Medium | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for those who want a lightweight but durable shoe and need a spacious toe box.

Why We Love Them

If you have flat and wide feet, it’s especially important that you find a supportive, comfortable walking shoe that has plenty of room in the toe box. We recommend Vivaia’s V Prime Sneakers, which offer a spacious fit and reliable support. During test walks, the shoe’s arch support felt firm and very comfortable, and the secure heel cup kept our feet locked in place. The midsole cushioning was lush but firm for good responsiveness, and the padded tongue and collar gently hugged our feet.

Made with a stretchy, knit fabric upper, these shoes felt lightweight and soft but were still very durable. Even after weeks of wearing them for extended periods, we didn’t notice any wear and tear or odor. Plus, they’re machine-washable and water-repellent—features we didn’t find in many other shoes we tested.

Potential Flaws

• While this pair works well for those with wide feet, it may not be a good option if your feet are narrow. We found that the stretchy nature of the shoe gave us more room than needed in the front of the shoe.
• We noticed that the shoes’ soles felt a bit slippery when they got wet.