The 10 Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet (for Sightseeing, Hot Girl Walks & Everything In Between)

• What We Like: arch support, padded heel
• What We Don’t Like: reviewers say heel needs to be worn in
• Weight: not listed

 No closet is complete without a pair of white sneakers. These have a padded arch and high arch support to offer your feet lift for when you’re walking. Reviewers mention that the heel is a little stiff and needs some breaking in, but the positives clearly outweigh the negatives. “[They’re] super cute and comfortable shoes with soles that feel like a cloud,” says one customer.  “Only qualm is that there are a couple hard parts around the ankle that need to be broken in and caused some discomfort the first time wearing.”

• What We Like: unique design, lightweight
• What We Don’t Like: heel lacks padding
• Weight: not listed

Athletic sneakers are always a great option for a day filled with walking, or to wear to work before switching into heels. These sneakers have a rubber wrap on the side to help increase stability during physical activity. Your feet will also be getting an arch lift because of the cushioned midsole providing extra support in the center. “They are super versatile,” raves one Nike customer. “I went from the gym to the zoo in them and they were perfect in both instances. At the gym, the shoe is stable and comfortable. At the zoo, I walked a couple miles without any pain or hot spots. Highly recommend and will be buying a second pair!”

• What We Like: EVA insole, chunky sole
• What We Don’t Like: only available in two colors
• Weight: 8.4 ounces

Thanks to New Balance’s chunky look and sporty-yet-casual vibes, the brand has made a comeback recently. These sneakers have an EVA insole for comfort and support and the mesh upper offers great ventilation for breathability. "I love New Balance in general, but the Fresh Foam sneakers are just such a great everyday training shoe. They are my workhorse running sneakers," says fashion editor Abby Hepworth. We are also obsessed with the sole because of the cool bubble design and chunkiness. "I find they run about a half size small, so you may want to go up half a size from your usual for maximum comfort," mentions Hepworth.

• What We Like: rubber outsole, durable through rough weather
• What We Don’t Like: heel comes a little high
• Weight: 7.7 ounces

For flat feet, Dr. Blitz recommends HOKA shoes. This model is available in regular and wide size options and a sturdy rubber outsole for stability. The midsole is well padded and lifted for that arch support you’ll need. “These sneakers give my bunions plenty of room to breathe while still giving a little pressure for some support,” says commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. “Plus, the sole has a great bounce, which I love for walking.”

• What We Like: orthotic insole, arch booster
• What We Don’t Like: look a little dated
• Weight: 6.56 ounces

 Sneakers aren’t for everyone, and if you’re planning on doing a lot of walking, these sandals have everything you need to keep your feet comfortable and supported. “These sandals are well cushioned and attractive,” one customer says. “The velcro straps allow a perfect fit. As someone with multiple foot problems, the pure comfort and support is much appreciated." The leather upper has foam padding while the orthotic insole has an arch booster for even more support. They’re available in three colors.

• What We Like: dressy design, arch support
• What We Don’t Like: expensive
• Weight: not listed

If we know we’re going to be doing a lot of walking, heels are almost never our first choice. But sometimes, we need a practical yet dressy heel for an event that may require a bit of cardio to get there (we’re looking at you, city dwellers). “I wore these for a wedding over the summer and we had to park far away from the venue,” says PureWow commerce editor Olivia Dubyak. “Luckily the anatomical arch support and padded footbed made these a breeze to walk anywhere in.” In addition to the great arch support, it also has a wider toe box (our bunions are grateful) and 6 millimeters extra of footbed padding.

• What We Like: removable insole, waterproof
• What We Don’t Like: white outsole will dirty easily
• Weight: 8.85 ounces

 If you have flat feet, not every bulky hiking shoe is going to be right for you. Because hiking shoes and boots typically have a very sturdy, non-flexible design, having enough arch support and cushion is key. These Merrell hiking shoes are a great option for long hikes because the insole is padded for arch support and it’s removable, so you can add an arch booster insert underneath if you want a little extra. “I instantly felt the support beneath my feet and there was no break-in period for these shoes,” says one Nordstrom customer.

• What We Like: added support, absorbs impact
• What We Don’t Like: heavy
• Weight: 10.7 ounces

Need lots of support? Look no futher. “I love my Ariels—they are the best shoe I’ve ever come across for the maximum support,” raves one customer. “I have plantar fasciitis and these shoes are wonderful! Brooks shoes are the only shoes I like…My podiatrist introduced them to me years ago and I have worn them since.”  Plus, if you have overpronation, the sturdiness and aforementioned support will help align your feet and help avoid any injuries while walking. 

• What We Like: padded insoles, chunky design
• What We Don’t Like: only available in one color
• Weight: not listed

We love the look of a chunky dad shoe for casual wear. But these ones aren’t just a cool design; they’re made to support and cradle your foot, even when you’re wearing them for long periods of time. The brand uses lightweight foams and gel technology inserts to support your arch, heel and ball of your foot during extended wear. Plus, customers say the shoe holds up wonderfully. “Asics knocked it out of the park with this shoe,” says one customer. “They fit and feel great on feet, perfect mix of comfort and stability so you can wear these all day no problem.”

• What We Like: lightweight, breathable
• What We Don’t Like: dirty easily
• Weight: not listed

The materials of this shoe are sustainably made and they’re available in tons of colorways. According to commerce editor Olivia Dubyak, the outsoles and mesh can be a little tough to clean, so it’s probably best to avoid hiking or nature adventures in these shoes. The midsoles are padded and cushioned making them super comfortable to walk in over long periods of time, too. “These are my favorite walking shoes when I need something super light to wear. The materials are flexible without feeling flimsy and the lightweight design makes them easy to wear all day long,” says Dubyak.