:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shp-hoka-shoes-for-flat-feet-tout-d8488d183ff24cdb829deccd9e896636.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "Podiatrists Agree: These Are the Only Hoka Shoes People with Flat Feet Should Buy")
People with flat feet already know that they need to worry about a little more than silhouette and colorway when shopping for the best sneakers. “Flat feet, or pes planus, occur when the arch of the foot collapses, causing the entire sole to touch the ground when standing,” explains podiatrist Savannah Santiago, D.P.M. While some people are born with flat feet due to genetics, others develop pes planus from injuries, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, and even pregnancy, she adds. Luckily, one of the foremost shoe purveyors around, Hoka, has lots of expert-backed options for all types of walkers and runners with flat feet.
When searching for the best Hoke shoes for flat feet, Dr. Santiago says it’s most important to prioritize arch support, stability, and cushioning — all while looking out for materials like EVA or polyurethane, which provide unmatched support.
With this methodology in mind, Team Shape tested dozens of Hoka shoes to find the best models for flat feet. We tested these options running, walking, lifting, errand-ing, and consulted with podiatrists to ensure that our top selects are in line with expert standards.
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Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Regular, Wide | Stack Height: 34 mm/29 mm | Drop: 5 mm | Weight: 8.10 oz.
One of our favorite Hoka stability shoes earned the top spot thanks to its signature J-Frame midsole support that prevents your feet from moving from side to side and overpronating as you step. Plus, zonal rubber provides firm yet still responsive support as the miles wear on (an essential feature for those with flat feet). Despite all this built-in technology, they remain sleek and speedy, so you can rock these babies at the gym, on the run, or at work. Stated plainly, this shoe is a dream for those with flat feet.
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Impressive energy return
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Speedy everyday trainers
Sizes: 5-11 | Width: Regular, Wide | Stack Height: 35 mm /30 mm| Drop: 5.00 mm | Weight: 6.70 oz.
We couldn’t just sit here and let only the men enjoy the joys of wearing a pair of Mach 6s. For the same reasons above, these remain at the top of our list for recommending to people with flat feet.
“I truly felt like I could run fast and was more nimble on my feet,” wrote one tester with flat feet, “The shoes have such great bounce and an almost “forget-they’re-there” feel!” She also noted that she remained blister-free throughout testing these sneakers, even though she was prone to them. They also required zero break-in time — meaning you can take these from the package to your hot girl walk. No problem.
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Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Regular, Wide | Stack Height: 38mm/33mm | Drop: 5.00 mm | Weight: 8.60 oz
If you’re always logging miles on your desk treadmill or heading outside to collect your mileage, you need a good pair of walking shoes in your arsenal. We love the Skyflows because they’ve earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. Outfitted with squishy EV foam, every step feels cushioned and responsive.
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Soft, stabilizing cushioning for those who overpronate
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Ideal for runners and walkers
Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Regular, Wide | Stack Height: 34 mm/28 mm | Drop: 6.00 mm | Weight: 9.10 oz.
Those who overpronate need a shoe that’s stabilizing and sturdy, which is why we love the Gaviota 5s. This cushioned running shoe keeps the heel in place as you walk or run, and feels comfy from the jump thanks to its soft yet structured H-Frame design. One of our testers who overpronates found this shoe to be “solid all around,” and reviewers seem to agree with many folks declaring these are the “most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn in their life.”
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Sizes: 5-12 | Width: Regular, Wide | Stack Height: 36 mm/27 mm| Drop: 4.00 mm | Weight: 8.90 oz.
Supportive, stabilizing shoes are key for those with plantar fasciitis, and the Hoka Bondi 8s deliver both in spades. Another shoe with The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, the Bondi features cloud-like cushioning and a memory foam collar that hugs the ankle for extra steadiness as you walk or run. While no shoe can banish plantar fasciitis for good, plenty of reviewers say that the Bondis gave them a more effortless, comfortable ride — and that’s the most we can ask a shoe to do.
What to Know About the Best Hoka Shoes for Flat Feet
- Stack height: “Stack height refers to the thickness of the shoe’s sole, measured from the heel to the forefoot,” explains Dr. Santiago. How many inches of foam there are between your foot and the floor can affect how cushioned and stable your steps feel. “For flat feet, moderate stack height is often ideal. A low to moderate stack allows for better ground contact and control, reducing the risk of instability,” adds Dr. Santiago.
- Toe drop: This refers to the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot of the shoes. “A higher drop (10–12mm) encourages heel striking, while a lower drop (0–6mm) promotes midfoot or forefoot striking,” Dr. Santiago says. “People with flat feet often benefit from a moderate toe drop (6–10mm), as it helps with shock absorption and promotes a smoother gait.”
- Rocker: If you pick up your sneaker and see that the bottom is curved like the lower part of an oval, you have a sneaker with rocker. “This design helps guide the foot through the gait cycle while walking or running,” says Derek Roach, owner of Flow Feet Orthopedic Shoes, an orthopedic and comfort shoe company. “A rocker sole can have curvature at the heel (heel rocker), toe (front rocker), or both (full rocker bottom).” Those with flat feet may benefit from a front rocker, which will help you build momentum as you take step after step.
- Stability: When it comes to shoes, stability refers to your footwear’s ability to prevent your foot from moving unnaturally. “If the foot rolls too far inward (overpronates) or rolls too far outward (supinates), stability features in a shoe can help guide the foot to a more neutral position for better lower body alignment and reducing strain on the foot, ankle, knees, and lower back joints,” explains Roach. Firm arch support, ankle-stabilizing technology, and a supportive midsole are stability features that are key for those with flat feet.
- Arch support: “People with flat feet should look for medium to firm arch support that lifts and supports the arch without feeling too stiff or uncomfortable,” says Roach. “The contoured design orthotic insoles will have the appropriate arch support and a deep heel cup to stabilize the heel.” You can also consider adding orthotic insoles made of EVA foam or gel materials to strike a balance between support and cushioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What Hoka shoes are the best for flat feet?
Our overall pick for those with flat feet is the Arahi 7. Built with J-Frame midsole support that keeps your foot and zonal cushioning for comfort, this shoe strikes the perfect balance of comfort and structure.
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Are Hoka shoes or Brooks better for flat feet?
Hokas and Brooks both offer great options for those with flat feet. We love the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 for its durability and built-in arch support, but some folks may prefer Hoka options listed above.
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What kind of shoes are best for flat feet?
Again, this is subjective, but Hoka shoes are a great option because the brand offers a robust range of shoes that offer various levels of cushioning and stability. We always keep an eye out for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, an honor given to products that actively promote foot health. The APMA asks podiatrists to test these shoes personally before awarding this seal, so it’s a great way to separate the good shoes from the great — particularly for those with flat feet.
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Which is better for flat feet, Clifton or Bondi?
Our testers preferred the Bondi, which has earned The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance and (among other stand-out features) offers a memory foam collar that keeps your heel in place stride after stride.
Why Trust Shape
Kells McPhillips is a health and wellness writer living in Los Angeles. Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Well+Good, Shape, Fortune, Runner’s World, Outside, Yoga Journal, and others. For this article, the Shape team tested every pair of Hoka shoes listed, and Kells interviewed the following experts:
- Derek Roach, owner of Flow Feet Orthopedic Shoes, an orthopedic and comfort shoe company
- Savannah Santiago, D.P.M., a podiatrist from San Diego, California. She has a degree from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), where she double majored in biochemistry and Spanish language and culture.