Article: Best Women's Shoes for Flat Feet UK 2023

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Sep 28, 2022

Best Women's Shoes for Flat Feet UK 2023

Flat feet or overpronation is a condition that affects many people around the world, and if you have it, shopping for comfortable heels can be difficult.

Thankfully, many shoe designers cater for people with flat feet, so you don’t need to wear unattractive orthopaedic-looking shoes if you suffer from this condition.

Browse our top picks for comfortable women's shoes for flat feet below:

Best Shoes for Women with Flat Feet 2023

Here are our top picks for shoes for flat feet in 2023 by type and style:

Best Smart Flat Shoes for Flat Feet

Winner: Extra Wide Fit Flat Shoes

Pros:

Hidden stretch panel in the toe box.
True to size.
Fits up to EEE toe width.
Cushioned and arch supported insole.
Leather upper.
Non-slip sole.

Click here to check the price

Best Court Shoes for Flat Feet

Winner: Extra Wide Fit Court Shoes

Pros:

Cushioned and arch supported insole.
Large size.
Soft leather.
Stylish and comfortable.
Non-slip sole.

Click here to check the price

Best Trainers for Flat Feet

Winner: Extra Wide Fit Trainers

Pros:

Extra wide fit.
Perfect for swollen feet.
Cushioned arch.
Supportive insole.
Fully lined toe box (no seams).
Wider toe box.
Laces to adjust forefoot width.

Click here to check the price

Best Boots for Flat Feet 2022

Winner: Extra Wide Fit Boots

Pros:

Cushioned and arch supported insole.
Inside zip.
Leather upper kid leather lining.
Synthetic stretch toe lining.
Non-slip sole.

Click here to check the price

Best High Heels for Flat Feet 2022

Winner: Emily II Black Leather High Heels

Pros:

Luxuriously soft shoe.
Perfect for standing all day.
3.5 inch heel
Lamb leather upper and lining
Cushioned and arch supported insole
Non-slip sole
Handmade in Portugal by master shoemakers
Available in a range of colours

Click here to check the price

Best Strappy Sandals for Flat Feet 2022

Winner: Selena High Heel Shoes

Pros:

Ultimate comfortable occasion shoe
3.5 inch heel
Pointed toe with a vamp that comes high up
Lamb leather upper and lining
Cushioned and arch supported insole
Non-slip sole
Handmade in Portugal by master shoemakers
Available in a range of colours

Click here to check the price

Best Ballet Flats for Flat Feet

Winner: Charlotte Flat Leather Shoe

Pros:

Excellent comfort, with a wide fit that can be worn all day (and night!)
1 cm hidden heel for comfort
Leather upper and lining
Cushioned and arch supported insole
Non-slip sole
Handmade in Portugal by master shoemakers
Available in a range of colours

Click here to check the price

What Are the Symptoms of Flat Feet / Overpronation?

If you suffer from overpronation, the medical term for flat feet, you will have low arches or none. Your feet may turn inwards when you walk or stand to compensate for the lack of arches, and as such, the outside edge of your foot hits the ground first when you walk.

People with flat feet do not distribute their body weight evenly when walking. This can lead to painful conditions, such as pressure points, bunions, and plantar fasciitis. While it is not always a serious condition, people with overpronation must wear comfortable shoes to avoid problems in later life.

Shop shoes for plantar fasciitis

Shop shoes for bunions

What Causes Flat Feet?

You may be born with flat feet or develop them later in life. For some people, it is down to genetics; for others, it could be down to pregnancy, obesity, arthritis, diabetes, or a muscle injury. Wearing unsupportive footwear such as flip-flops and slippers can weaken delicate foot arches and cause flat feet. If you develop any of the symptoms listed below, you should always wear comfortable shoes for flat feet to avoid worsening your condition.

Common Flat Feet Symptoms

As overpronation is not always painful, you could have flat feet and not even know about it, but there are certain things to look out for, including:

Persistent leg cramps
Knee pain
Ankle pain
Foot arch pain
Heel pain
Back pain
Bunions

Another symptom of overpronation is ‘toe drift’, whereby the second toe gradually grows over the big toe until it eventually sits on top. If you experience any of the above, you should consult medical advice.

Flat Feet Shoes – What to Look Out For

Comfortable shoes for flat feet incorporate various features for optimal arch support. These include:

Wide fitting
Spacious toe boxes
Multi-point support

The idea of flat feet shoes is to cushion fallen (or missing) arches and create a shock-absorbing barrier, so your feet can support your body weight as you go about your daily missions.

Shoes with anatomical arch support can counter overpronation and prevent your condition from worsening. If you like to participate in sports, invest in a pair of flat feet trainers with this type of support.

Most footwear brands offer wide-fit collections which are ideal for women with flat feet. They are not only wider than regular shoes, but they have roomy toe boxes to prevent cramping and bunion formation. If you haven’t tried them already, give them a go, a few additional millimetres can make all the difference when you have flat feet. But don’t neglect your heels!

People with flat feet put a lot of pressure on their heels when walking and running, which can lead to long-term problems. When buying flat feet shoes, look out for those with additional cushioning in the heels, and never compromise on quality.

Flat feet shoes are typically more expensive than regular shoes on the high street, but they are designed to last longer. This is because people with flat feet wear their shoes down faster. When shopping for this type of shoe, it is worth investing in the best you can afford, especially if you are on your feet all day. Your feet will thank you for it, and so will your back.

Flat feet shoes made from quality leather will allow your feet to breathe and typically have more stretch than synthetic shoes, so look for leather options wherever possible.

Is There a Cure for Flat Feet?

There is no ‘cure’ for flat feet, and they generally do not need any treatment, but if yours are causing pain or problems, wearing the correct shoes can help.

If you cannot find comfortable flat feet shoes, you could try orthotic insoles or foot arch supports in shoes you already have at home. They may take some getting used to, but with continuous wear, they can considerably improve the symptoms of flat feet and relieve the pain caused by this common condition.

In addition to footwear, foot stretches and ankle strengthening exercises can help treat flat feet. And if the pain gets too much, you can speak to your doctor about taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Being active, maintaining healthy body weight, and avoiding high-impact sports can help ease the aches and pains associated with overpronation, as can walking barefoot wherever possible.

Is Overpronation Preventable?

As overpronation is often genetic, it is not always preventable, but there are many things you can do to reduce its effects.

Wearing the correct shoes for overpronation is the perfect place to start, and by supporting your feet in the right position, you can prevent your condition from worsening. Choose footwear or insoles that include arch cushioning to give your flat feet the support they need. Exercise your calves, ankles, and feet as often as possible to strengthen your muscles, and ditch wearing shoes when you are at home.

Thankfully, flat feet shoes are more fashionable than ever, so there’s no need to settle for old-fashioned orthopaedic shoes with this condition. Order those gorgeous high heels you have been looking at for months, just make sure they are wide fit and offer enhanced arch support.

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