Flats are stylish and can certainly be more comfortable than heels, but they are not without their own issues. The problem often lies in the very name of this style of shoe. A completely flat shoe means no support — particularly arch support, which goes a long way when it comes to keeping your feet comfortable and stable.
“Arch support keeps your foot better aligned, which helps support your entire body and makes sure there is good distribution of pressure across your feet,” says Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America. That even distribution matters more than you might think — when weight isn’t spread properly across your foot, it puts extra strain further up the chain, in your muscles, ligaments and joints.
The good news is that there are flats out there that offer that much-needed arch support. To help you find flats that actually do right by your feet, I asked podiatrists what to look for and rounded up the pairs worth adding to your shoe rotation.
The best flats with arch support
Best overall
I have wide feet and zero natural arch — and these square-toe flats from Vivaia keep me comfy all day. The built-in arch support and honeycomb-cushioned insole cradle my feet, while the responsive outsole eases pressure on my knees and back through long days when I’m on my feet for several hours at a time.
Best trendy style
These trendy jelly flats come recommended by Dr. Samantha Landau, a podiatrist and professor at New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University. Though she has not personally tried them, she says they appear to have cushioned support to help keep you comfortable when you wear them; which Cushionaire confirms. The insole is cushioned, with extra padding at the arch.
The on-trend jelly style has a lattice design and a slightly pointy toe that makes them look stylish. One thing to note: They run large, so if you are in between sizes, you should size down, according to the brand.
Best sporty style
“I love this shoe company,” says Landau. “Their built-in arch support is very good and cushioned.” The shoe pairs a quilted denim upper with stretchy elastic gore panels for an easy slip-on fit. Inside, a removable cork memory-foam footbed delivers orthotic-grade arch, according to the brand.
Best splurge
This Mary Jane-style flat comes recommended by Landau and has a smooth leather upper for a polished look and an adjustable strap for a secure fit. A removable cork and latex footbed cushions and supports the arch, while the lightweight, slip-resistant outsole keeps you steady.
Best wide toe box style
Podiatrists have previously recommended Birkenstocks to me as a go-to brand for walking sandals because they offer a supportive, contoured footbed with built-in arch support. These ballet flat-style shoes cradle your arch and heel the way most flats never do, plus have a strap that goes across the top of your foot to keep your foot from sliding around.
How I picked the best flats with arch support
To select the best flats with arch support, I asked experts what to consider while shopping. Here are the things they suggest you prioritize:
- Support: Look for a raised section in the middle of your insole — almost like a mini hill. This will tell you that the shoe has built-in arch support. Additionally, look for a flat that cups your heel to keep your foot in place. This ensures your foot doesn’t move around and helps you stay steady on your feet.
- Limited bendability: Before you buy a pair of flats, consider trying a bend test. Here’s how to do it: Try bending the sole in half. You want it to be able to bend it at the ball of the foot, not at the midfoot, says Landau. Firmness from the midfoot to the heel means the shoe is more supportive, while bending at the ball gives you enough flexibility to be comfortable.
- Heel drop: You want your flats to be, well, flat — but too flat could cause issues. That’s where a heel drop comes in. Heel drop is the height difference between the heel and the forefoot of a shoe; you want the back of the shoe to be slightly more elevated than the front of the shoe. “This matches the foot anatomy more and reduces stress on your feet,” says Landau. “In turn, this will reduce pain and soreness.” That said, finding a decent heel drop in a flat can be difficult. Ideally, a heel drop between 7 and 10 millimeters is ideal — but you won’t find that in most flats. So, the experts I spoke with suggested aiming for 3 millimeters, which should be easier to find.
Frequently asked questions
“Wearing flats that aren’t supportive can lead to pain in the arch, plantar heel, posterior heel and ball of foot,” says Landau. “It can also cause knee, low back and hip pain.” In turn, this can lead to conditions like achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, which are inflammation issues that can cause ongoing pain.
Yes, you can absolutely add insoles to your flats. Many flats do not have arch support and there are plenty of insoles out there that do not take up too much room in sleeker styles of flats, says Landau, who says she often adds her own custom insoles to her flats. Experts have previously recommended Aetrex Women’s Complete Orthotics to us for their streamlined yet supportive fit.
Meet our foot health experts
At NBC Selected, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Gregory Alvarez is a podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America.
- Dr. Samantha Landau is a podiatrist and professor at New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University.
Why trust NBC Selected?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Selected and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about the best wide toe box shoes, sandals with arch support that will get you through the summer and more. For this story, I spoke with podiatrists about what to look for when shopping for flats with arch support.
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