The Best Workout Shoes for Flat Feet

Comments (7)
Print

Athletes with flat feet need special support when choosing workout shoes. Our expert explains how to pick a shoe that makes exercise pain-free for your feet.

By Betsey Stephens

Question: "I have flat feet and need shoes that will get me through a step class pain-free. What works best?"

Answer: Try cross-training or court (tennis) shoes, which are made to accommodate side-to-side movements, rather than running shoes, which are meant for forward motion, says Stephen Pribut, DPM, president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine. You'll also want to make sure you find a shoe with plenty of support: When shopping, place the toe of the shoe on the floor with the heel pointing toward the ceiling. Press straight down on the heel. If the shoe bends in the center, it won't provide enough support, he says.

Originally published in Fitness magazine, March 2006.

What do you think of this story? Leave a Comment.

Related Links

SAVE EVEN MORE! Say "Yes" to Fitness® Magazine today and get a second year for HALF PRICE – 2 full years (20 issues) for just $15. You also get our new Fitness Band and Total Body Express Band Workout ABSOLUTELY FREE! (U.S. orders only)

First Name:

Last Name:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip Code:

Email Address:

100% Money-Back Guarantee: You must be pleased, or you may cancel any time during the life of your subscription and receive a refund on any unserved issues – no questions asked. Fitness® Magazine is currently published 10 times annually – subject to change without notice. Double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. E-mail address required to access your account and member benefits online. We will not share your e-mail address with anyone. Click here to view our privacy policy.

What do you think? Review this story! >

malassis02 wrote:

http://www.chanel-coach.com/ coach purses;http://www.auggbootssale.com/ cheap ugg boots;http://www.monclerjacketus.com/ Moncler Jackets;http://www.slendertoneabbelts.com/ ab belt;http://www.tiffanyandcos.com/ tiffany and co;http://www.jersey-sport.com/ discount jerseys sale;http://www.tide-blog.com/ ed hardy;

3/23/2011 10:33:11 AM Report Abuse

malassis02 wrote:

http://www.clouboutinsales.com/ christian louboutin sale;http://www.vibramfivefingerz.com/ five finger shoes;http://www.louboutinsshoes.com/ louboutin sale;http://www.brandjeansonline.com/ true religion outlet;http://www.lagunabeachjeansonline.com/ Laguna Beach Jeans;http://www.lagunabeachjeanssales.com/ Laguna Beach Jeans;http://www.flatironsales.com/ flat iron;

3/23/2011 10:32:39 AM Report Abuse

malassis02 wrote:

http://www.dedhardy.com/ Ed Hardy Australia;http://www.embtshoes.com/ mbt shoes clearance ;http://www.woodenbeadshop.com/ prayer beads;http://www.eshopfashions.com/ chi hair straightener;http://www.mbttshoes.com/ mbt zapatos;http://www.mbtvshoes.com/ mbt shoes clearance;http://www.vibramfivefingern.com/ five fingers shoes;

3/23/2011 10:32:06 AM Report Abuse

deriki wrote:

what is the verdict on the sketchers shapeups??

4/13/2010 05:22:57 PM Report Abuse

deeder5 wrote:

http://www.walkingshoesonline.com/mbt_shoes are a great shoe. Just got a pair of the optimize in white. I've been having a lot of soreness in my heels since my pregnancy. I put these shoes on 3 hrs ago & my feet feel great. Hardly no pain in my heels.

3/29/2010 03:40:55 PM Report Abuse