How often should you replace walking shoes?

According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, athletic shoe replacement depends on a number of factors: the amount of use, signs of wear and tear, and age. The Academy recommends changing your shoes after 300 to 500 miles of walking. If you don't use your walking shoes often, you should replace them once a year. Walking shoes that don't get a lot of use can still wear out.

How do you make sure your walking shoes fit?

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends having your feet properly measured by a professional, either a podiatrist or at a running store . The professional can determine if your feet are neutral, flat, or whether you need extra support on the right or left side. When you put on your shoes, they should feel comfortable and fairly tight, and you should be able to press down a thumb's width at the top of the shoe so that your feet have room to swell as you walk.

How do you clean walking shoes?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can use disinfectant wipes to thoroughly clean over all the surfaces of the shoe—from the top to the soles. You can also use a damp cloth or paper towel and allow shoes to air dry. If you walk every day, it's ideal to have at least two pairs of walking shoes and rotate them, so they can thoroughly air out in between uses.

Is it OK to wear running shoes for walking?

You can wear running shoes for walking. Look for stability shoes with supportive soles and good arch supports. People with flat feet may especially benefit from the extra sole support that running shoes can offer.

Can flat feet make it hard to walk?

Flat feet can make walking more challenging. If you experience any foot pain, your doctor or podiatrist can run a number of tests to determine the mechanics of your feet and make recommendations for relief. These diagnostic tests include an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound to produce images of your feet's soft tissues.

How important is arch support when you have flat feet?

Arch support is of utmost importance for flat feet. You need to make sure your shoes contain supportive arches. Even over-the-counter arch supports can help relieve pain caused by flat feet. Your doctor or podiatrist might also suggest custom arch supports (orthotics) to reduce the risk of symptoms and injuries.

The 6 Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet of 2022

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If you have flat feet, you may experience pain in your feet and also in your knees. Visit a podiatrist so you'll know for sure, as there are a few different types of flatfoot. A podiatrist will examine your feet and use diagnostic testing to better view your feet's mechanics, tendons, and small tissues.

People with flat feet benefit from the right shoes. A supportive insole, arch supports, and a well-fitted shoe can help you experience less pain when you walk.

Here are the best walking shoes for flat feet so you can enjoy physical activity.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoe at Amazon

Best Budget:

Saucony Grid Omni Walker at Amazon

Best for Fitness Walking:

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 Running Shoes at Amazon

Best Lightweight:

Saucony Echelon 7 Running Shoes at Amazon

Best for Women:

Vionic Orthaheel Women's Walking Shoes at Amazon

Best for Men:

Brooks Men's Beast '18 Running Shoes at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Brooks Ghost 11 Women’s Road-Running Shoes Review

If you're looking for serious all-around comfort on your walks, these are the sneakers for you. With a flexible, breathable mesh upper and extra cushioning, these shoes will add comfort to your stride. The Omega Flex Grooves allow for more natural forefoot movement and fluidity, giving you the space you need to move while providing support.

Saucony Men's Grid Omni Walker Running Shoe

Courtesy of Amazon

An excellent choice for those with moderate overpronation, the Saucony Grid Omni Walker is a high-quality but budget-friendly walking shoe. The shoe's insole and midfoot bridge design provide comfortable arch support for flat feet, and the SRC crash pads in the heel give additional comfort and shock absorption.

Whether you want to stroll outside or walk on the treadmill, they're a durable, stable shoe that will give you the support you need. The leather upper is soft and flexible, but it doesn't help with breathability, so the Grid Omni shoes may not be the best choice for hot weather walking.

Courtesy of Amazon

If you're into fitness walking and have flat feet, the Brooks Adrenaline is a great go-to shoe that will give you many miles of comfort and support. The shoe's midsole is designed to promote progressive pronation control, as well as smoother transitions, for a smooth, fluid gait. The insole is removable, so you could always add your own custom inserts or orthotics if you prefer. Brooks Adrenaline shoes are comfortable and supportive right out of the box, with no need for a break-in—period.

Courtesy of Amazon

Another exceptional Saucony walking shoe for flat feet, these stylish shoes are lightweight yet still very supportive and durable. They're athletic and sleek-looking, but they have enough room in the toe box to be suitable for walkers with bunions or other foot issues. Saucony's well-known PowerGrid midsole helps stabilize your foot, absorbs shock, and redistributes pressure for a smooth, responsive stride.

Orthaheel Walker Shoe. Courtesy of Pricegrabber

Designed with female flat feet in mind, the Vionic Walker is a lightweight but supportive shoe and a great value for the money. They're comfortable right out of the box, but there's also room to use your own custom orthotics if you remove the insoles. The combination of the water-resistant leather outsole and the breathable, moisture-wicking mesh lining make these shoes a good pick for any type of weather. They're also a solid choice if you've had issues with plantar fasciitis, bunions, or other foot issues in the past.

Courtesy of Amazon

Brooks Beast running shoes are ideal for men with a high degree of overpronation. Although they're running shoes, they're an excellent choice for men with flat feet who do a lot of walking or spend a lot of time on their feet. They're available in a large range of sizes and widths to accommodate the smallest and biggest feet. Although they're a heavy shoe compared to other lightweight running shoes, wearers appreciate the support, stability, and comfort they offer.

What to Look for in Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

Supportive Soles

For flat feet, you want supportive soles so that the bottom of your feet will not pound into the pavement when you walk. Without good soles, you could experience a number of unwelcomed foot injuries, including painful plantar fasciitis.

You might find simple, supportive, over-the-counter insoles will work for your flat feet. If not, look into orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist, which will better help stabilize and protect your feet while you walk.

Stability

Shoes come in neutral or stability styles. For those with flat feet, searching out stability shoes can help. Because of your flat feet, your arches' ability to absorb shock gets comprised when you walk or run. A stability shoe has sturdy arch supports to help prevent overpronation and promote straightening of the ankles.

Fit

Always try on both shoes before you purchase them. Your feet could differ from each other. If this is the case, you should speak with a podiatrist for a proper fitting of orthotics. Although orthotics might not look or sound appealing, they can help you avoid debilitating injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you replace walking shoes?

According to the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, athletic shoe replacement depends on a number of factors: the amount of use, signs of wear and tear, and age. The Academy recommends changing your shoes after 300 to 500 miles of walking. If you don't use your walking shoes often, you should replace them once a year. Walking shoes that don't get a lot of use can still wear out.
How do you make sure your walking shoes fit?

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine recommends having your feet properly measured by a professional, either a podiatrist or at a running store. The professional can determine if your feet are neutral, flat, or whether you need extra support on the right or left side.
When you put on your shoes, they should feel comfortable and fairly tight, and you should be able to press down a thumb's width at the top of the shoe so that your feet have room to swell as you walk.
How do you clean walking shoes?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can use disinfectant wipes to thoroughly clean over all the surfaces of the shoe—from the top to the soles. You can also use a damp cloth or paper towel and allow shoes to air dry. If you walk every day, it's ideal to have at least two pairs of walking shoes and rotate them, so they can thoroughly air out in between uses.
Is it OK to wear running shoes for walking?

You can wear running shoes for walking. Look for stability shoes with supportive soles and good arch supports. People with flat feet may especially benefit from the extra sole support that running shoes can offer.
Can flat feet make it hard to walk?

Flat feet can make walking more challenging. If you experience any foot pain, your doctor or podiatrist can run a number of tests to determine the mechanics of your feet and make recommendations for relief. These diagnostic tests include an X-ray, MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound to produce images of your feet's soft tissues.
How important is arch support when you have flat feet?

Arch support is of utmost importance for flat feet. You need to make sure your shoes contain supportive arches. Even over-the-counter arch supports can help relieve pain caused by flat feet. Your doctor or podiatrist might also suggest custom arch supports (orthotics) to reduce the risk of symptoms and injuries.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Certified running coach and fitness writer Christine Luff has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort.

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