Feet are used for walking and facilitate people’s lives. But when there is a problem with the feet, it not only no longer facilitates people’s lives, but also brings more burden and pain to them. This article will provide some advice and popular science for people with flat feet, recommending the best shoes for flat feet, hoping that these can help everyone.
What Are Flat Feet? (And Why They Demand the Right Shoes)
Simply put, flat feet refer to the absence of a distinct arch on the sole of the foot. When you step barefoot on a beach or wetland, the normal arch of your foot leaves a “crescent shaped” gap, while the footprint of a flat foot is almost complete – meaning that your sole is almost completely in contact with the ground.
The arch of the foot acts like a spring to help cushion pressure, and flat feet lack this cushioning. When walking or standing for a long time, the soles of the feet, calves, and even the waist may feel sore.
If the shoes are too soft and flat (such as flip flops or thin soled canvas shoes), the unsupported soles of the feet will further collapse, and even cause problems such as foot inflammation and thumb eversion.
A pair of shoes suitable for flat feet, the key is not “softness” but “stability” – it requires arch support to compensate for the lack of natural curvature. Wide toe tips to avoid squeezing the toes, and shoes with moderately thick soles to share foot pressure.
How to Know If You Have Flat Feet: Simple Self-Tests
Firstly, stand barefoot, find a hard floor (do not step on the carpet), naturally spread your feet shoulder width apart, and stand relaxed (do not intentionally straighten your toes).
Afterwards, turn to the mirror and ask your family to help take a picture of the inside of your foot with their phone (or turn to the floor mirror), focusing on whether your arch is touching the ground.
- Normal arch: There will be a clear “gap” between the soles of the feet and the ground, like a small arch bridge.
- Flat feet: The arch of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground, with little or no gaps.
The Ultimate Guide to Shoes for Flat Feet: What Works & What Doesn’t
If you have flat feet, don’t just look at appearance when choosing shoes. Shoe structure is more important than brand. Many people think that soft shoes with a “poop like feeling” are comfortable, but for flat feet, shoes that are too soft are actually like stepping on mud – the soles of the feet do not support, the more tired you walk, and may even cause the arch of the foot to collapse more severely. The shoes that are truly suitable for flat feet must meet three key points: supporting the arch, stabilizing the foot shape, and sharing pressure.
Let’s talk about sports shoes first. When running or walking with flat feet, it is easy for the soles of the feet to invert (commonly known as the “inner eight character”), so it is necessary to choose a style with reinforced design in the middle of the sole. For example, some running shoes have a hard material protruding from the middle of the sole, like an arch bridge, to support the arch of the foot, so that the sole will not collapse inward Don’t choose “dad shoes” with too thick soles. Although they are soft and elastic, they are prone to sprains and can be dangerous for flat feet.
Special reminder to avoid two types of “pit shoes”: one is completely flat ballet shoes or canvas shoes, whose soles are as thin as paper, and after walking for a long time, the soles of the feet will directly hit the ground, which can easily cause plantar fasciitis; Another type is thick soled sponge cake shoes or soft soled slippers. If the sole is too thick or too soft, it will make it difficult for the foot to find the point of force, and the toes will unconsciously grab the ground while walking, which will actually increase fatigue.
Flat Feet Shoe Essentials: Your Path to All-Day Comfort
Choosing the right shoes is like finding suitable glasses for nearsighted people with flat feet – supporting them in place immediately reduces the burden on the body. Flat feet are not a defect, they are just a reminder from your body that you need to pay more attention to the health of your feet. Paired with the right shoes and simple foot muscle training (such as using your toes to grab a towel), you can completely get rid of soreness and walk with confidence.
Want more tips? Read this.
Got questions? contact us