The time has when you need the most comfortable shoes for flat feet. To avoid stiffness, soreness, and pain during training (and even after), your flat feet need proper cushioning and support.
If you have flat feet, chances are you’re wearing the wrong type of shoes. Rigid and hard shoes do not provide proper cushioning for your foot to strike the ground. This leads to pain, discomfort, and possible injuries.
Instead, look for proper arch support, soft and flexible cushioning, and a secure footbed. This article talks about the best practices for people with flat feet. What to look for when it comes to buying wide shoes for flat feet.
Basics of Shoes for People with Flat Feet
Not every shoe you come across will fit you perfectly. It all boils down to a few factors that determine the proper shoe fit and size. These factors also determine how your feet feel when you wear new shoes.
Do they need a breaking-in? Are the insoles properly cushioned? And most importantly, is the shoe wide enough for your flat feet?
1. Orthotic insoles
Flat feet need proper cushioning and arch support to prevent injuries and pain. If you have flat feet, chances are your feet roll inwards which causes you more pain while you’re training. This may happen as you walk or run, or do any activity. Orthotic insoles that support your feet but don’t overcorrect your foot position are ideal for people with flat feet.
The most comfortable shoes for people with flat feet include insoles with anatomical arch support. While this stops your flat feet from rolling inwards. It also offers proper foot stability as it strikes the ground.
The firm and stabilizing heel counter prevents overpronation of the feet. While it improves mobility for wide feet.
2. Structured outsoles
Shoes that are good for people with flat feet are also ergonomic. They have outsoles that are more structured but lightweight; shock-absorbent but flexible. The outsoles of wide shoes for flat feet have an ergonomic, rocker design.
The rocker design prevents vibration as your steps become more powerful. It also adds a slight bounce to your step to boost stamina and maintain stability.
3. Wide toe box
The wide toe box is the most crucial element in shoes for flat feet. It offers more depth which prevents soreness and stiffness after you take the shoes off. It also improves how your foot sits inside the shoe for long periods of time.
If you train for longer hours, the wide toe box will come in handy. It will be more than useful because it offers breathability and customized support. If your toes feel constricted, it affects your entire foot. So with ample space in the wide toe box, your feet stay comfortable and friction-less.
Finding The Right Shoe Size That Fits
The best way to make sure your new shoes fit is with the help of your index finger. The worst thing you can do for your flat feet is to buy on a hunch. Unless you’re one of the lucky ones, the shoe never fits!
So what you need to do is slide your right foot in a shoe. Make sure you slide your toes all the way to the front of the shoes. So your toes are touching the toe box.
Take your index finger and place it right behind your right heel.
If your finger slides smoothly between your heel and the shoe, then the shoe fits. If you have to gently apply more pressure to get the finger, go half a size up. If there’s ample space between the right heel and shoe, then go half a size down.
Before You Go
Do you have wide feet and flat feet? There are many shoes that are built specifically for you. They will improve the way you walk, run, and train. And they will drastically elevate how comfortable you feel while doing so.
Buying the most comfortable shoes for people with flat feet isn’t that simple. You won’t find oh-so-many shoes at your disposal. But what makes it all better is some basic know-how.
What features would you benefit most from while buying new shoes for flat feet? When you buy new shoes, spend some time with how they feel. Walk around in them to get a better feel.
So the next time you buy new shoes, make sure you try on different fits and styles to match your comfort levels. And not the other way around.
Author Bio
Megan Hane is an enthusiastic golf expert. She recommends the best products for beginners and professionals. When she’s not out playing golf, she’s learning about the latest technologies that golf club companies have started to develop and use to their advantage. So her articles are all about expanding her own knowledge and, in the process, yours too to perform better on the golf course.
