If you have flat feet, running without the proper shoe support system can lead to injuries. Normally, the foot arch helps absorb the shock of the foot striking the ground while running, but for flat-footed runners, the arches collapse when their feet hit the ground. As a result, flat-footed runners are more likely to get injuries. Choosing the correct shoes can greatly help your form, however, so check out the top 10 running shoes for flat feet.
Flat-Footed Dynamics
When the foot strikes the ground with flat feet and the arch collapses, the ankle twists inward and knee overcompensates while running. Flat-footed runners tend to overpronate, which means the feet roll inwards too much when running. As a result, flat-footed runners need stability features, which help stabilize the feet and prevent extra rolling movements. People with very flat feet who severely overpronate can benefit from motion-control shoes, which restrict extra motion of the feet. Support is also important for flat-footed runners, as their arches do not offer sufficient cushioning.
Motion Control Shoes
Motion control shoes can help runners with extremely flat feet and a high level of overpronation. The best motion control shoes, according to RunningShoeExpert.com, include the Asics Gel Evolution 5, Brooks Addiction 9 and Brooks Beast. Asics Gel Evolution 5 are also helpful for overweight runners, who often overpronate and tend to have low arches. RunningShoesGuru.com recommends Saucony Progrid Stabil CS for a motion-control running shoe that is more flexible than most. RunningShoesGuru.com also recommends the Asics Gel Evolution 4, which is a little bit lighter than the Evolution 5 but offers similar motion-control features.
Stability Shoes
Stability shoes can correct overpronation by limiting excess motion of the foot, helping flat-footed runners move more efficiently. Stability shoes tend to be less bulky than motion-control shoes. The best stability shoes, according to RunningShoesGuru.com, are Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 14, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9, New Balance 1226, Mizuno Wave Inspire 7 and Asics Kayano 17. The Brooks, Mizuno and New Balance shoes also offer lots of support.
Considerations
Shoes with stability or motion control features tend to offer plenty of arch and foot support, as overpronators are usually flat-footed or overweight runners. If you have extremely flat feet, consider adding arch support inserts in your running shoes. Make sure your shoes do not become too tight after you add the inserts, however, as your toes should still have a little wiggle room so you don't get blisters.
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