Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet

adidas Evo SL

Between its high-but-not-max stack height and its unbelievably reasonable $150 price tag, adidas is set to rewrite the super trainer playbook with the Evo SL. Rather than proving its performance chops via a jacked up midsole and a jacked up price to match, the Evo SL takes the best from models like the Adios Pro Evo 1 and the Adios Pro 3 to make one of the most exciting, versatile, and value-packed trainers to date.

The Evo SL features a high-performing and durable Continental Rubber outsole, a simple, but very effective engineered mesh upper (whose only flaw was a slippy tongue), a small midfoot shank, and a lively, full-length Lightstrike Pro midsole. Much of the setup mirrors that of the Adios Pro 3 (minus that shoe’s carbon rods). But the Evo SL adopts its rocker geometry from the exceptional Pro Evo 1, placing the rocker point farther back. The result is a shoe that’s bouncy yet stable, great at daily running, and also makes going fast feel easy. Despite its lack of a stiffening element like a plate or rods, the Evo SL has an elite toe-off that competes with shoes well above its price point, making it a perfectly viable (and affordable) option for those looking to go carbonless on race day.

We’d recommend going with your typical adidas size with regard to length (often a half size down from your size in other brands), and the forefoot room makes the Evo SL one of the more wide foot friendly adidas models. However, those who need more space at the rearfoot may need to try it on, as the Evo SL narrows at the heel. See the full review.

Fits: Typical adidas, Drop: 6.5mm, Price: $150

New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6

New Balance once again brings its singular approach to the max-cushion category with the plushly stacked, ultra-protective, yet surprisingly stable Fresh Foam X More v6. Made to soak up miles, it’s an approachable update with a slightly less squishy and more consistently smooth and controlled ride.

The Pros are clear: Fresh Foam X remains one of the top-performing midsole foams in the category; it’s good for new runners and longtime athletes looking for a comfortable ride; and the overall package is the gold standard for max-cushion daily trainers. The Cons are unsurprising in that this isn’t a shoe meant for anything other than easy cruising, and the New Balance aesthetic may not be for everyone. But in a market full of super foams and max-cushion behemoths, New Balance reminds everyone why it’s king of the high-stack shoes with the phenomenal Fresh Foam X More v6. It’s a great shoe for new runners needing a training partner that can help them develop both physical and mental fortitude. And veteran runners will appreciate the More v6 for its comfort and cruisy nature on those easy and long-run days when discipline needs to overcome a lack of motivation. It’s also a rare max-stack shoe in that it’s stable enough to further function as a walking shoe.

All in all, the $155 price may well be a bit of a steal, and the true-to-size, standard fit is even wide-foot friendly. There are also additional Wide and X-Wide options in both men’s and women’s sizing. For more details on the New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6, read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 4mm, Price: $155

Asics Superblast 2

The Asics Superblast 2 is an all around improvement from last year’s cult classic. It’s versatile enough to handle anything a runner needs to do including easy runs, tempo runs, speed work, and race days.

It’s wide and flat foot friendly with an accommodating engineered woven mesh upper that molds to your feet. The traction, stability, durability, and breathability are all top notch. And the great upper sits on top of a soft yet bouncy FF Turbo+/FF Blast Plus Eco midsole that delivers a fantastic ride. The Superblast 2 doesn’t have any glaring negatives (a rare occurrence in the shoe reviewing business). It’s one of the best shoes on the market. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 8mm, Price: $200

Mizuno Wave Rider 29

The Mizuno Wave Rider 29 and its supercritical midsole deliver the best all-around Wave Rider in an already illustrious history, continuing Mizuno’s recent hot streak.

Its Cons are found in its sort of generic aesthetic and the fact that it may not be able to take everyone through long-distance or speedy miles. But the Wave Rider 29 is a viable option for a large cross section of runners and non-runners alike, and its Pros are indeed closely connected to how widely approachable this shoe is. Thanks to a TPU WAVE plate and a nitrogen-infused, entirely EVA version of ENERZY NXT midsole foam, its balanced and supportive ride (short of full-on stability) offers a different type of versatility. The midsole foam is great for new runners and for those who simply want a moderate amount of cushioning with some impact protection and without the trending marshmallowy underfoot feel of many modern running shoes. The Wave Rider 29 also doubles as a great walking or working shoe—just firm enough to keep the feet grounded and just soft enough to keep your body feeling good throughout a long day on your feet. Add to all that an accommodating, true-to-size standard fit as well as wide versions in both men’s and women’s sizing, and the Wave Rider 29 further becomes a great choice for those with wide and/or flat feet who need a thoughtful platform underfoot.

The Wave Rider 29 is a reasonably priced, durable daily trainer with a firm-ish yet protective midsole that’s best used for soaking up miles on easy or recovery runs. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 10mm, Price: $150

Reebok Floatzig 2

The Reebok FloatZig 2 gets a new midsole foam and ascends to a new level even as the price drops from $130 to $120. Pros are as follows: it’s a top-of-the-line budget trainer; the SuperFloat+ midsole foam is a big upgrade; it has a smooth ride for easy runs; and it sports an awesome, vintage 90s Reebok aesthetic. Cons include: trick-or-treat traction and not being ideal for speedy or long-distance runs. The Reebok FloatZig 2 fits true-to-size and has a very accommodating but secure fit that should work for narrow, average, and even wide-footers. It’s a shoe that’s best used for daily miles at an easy or recovery pace, jogging, or general use. Our reviewers would like to further point out that it’s also useful for looking good. So. The Reebok FloatZig 2 ultimately packs a better midsole, improved upper/fit, and weighs less than its predecessor—and it does all of that for $10 less. In the budget market for quality running shoes, the FloatZig 2 is the only $120 option that truly maximizes value. For more details, read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $120

adidas Ultraboost 5X

It’s a return to everything that made the Ultraboost iconic in the first place. The adidas Ultraboost 5X channels true Ultraboost ethos with a combo of running performance and casual appeal. It’s the best Ultraboost since the Ultraboost 19. It easily transitions from being a solid running shoe to a great looking casual shoe. When the Ultraboost line is at its best, as it is here, it’s equal parts casual banger and capable performer. Read the full performance review.

Fits: Typical adidas, Drop: 10mm, Price: $180

Topo Cyclone 3

The Topo Cyclone 3 is positioned to compete with shoes like the New Balance Rebel ($140) and Brooks Hyperion($140). With its Pebax Powered midsole and exceptionally lightweight build, it has a super quick feel with bouncy, responsive cushioning – albeit, in modest quantities (28mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot, to be exact). It’s primed for fast workouts on the track and uptempo runs.

The amount of range one can get out of the Topo Cyclone 3 is going to depend on the runner. While our bigger, taller tester found it best to stick to shorter/faster stuff that didn’t much exceed 6-8 miles due to the amount of cushioning available, our smaller tester was able to comfortably take the Cyclone 3 out for efforts topping the 90-minute mark. Our testers also had mixed experiences when it came to the traction: one found the Cyclone 3 was best kept to dry surfaces while the other had solid grip in rainy conditions. They agreed, however, that treading through snow and ice is best left to other shoes.

Universally praised was Topo’s phenomenally-executed fit, which allows plenty of room in the forefoot without sacrificing an ounce of lockdown. Despite being a rather flexible shoe, there is also enough support to feel secure while taking corners at top-speed. It’s a fantastically minimal but comfortable shoe that wastes nothing and has nothing extra.

While $150 is in the general ballpark for a shoe like this, it’d be much easier to sing the praises of its value proposition if priced closer to $140. But if you’re willing to chance whether the wet traction works for you, and the anatomical fit is the thing you’ve been missing most in other speedy trainers, it could very well be worth the few extra dollars. Read the full performance review.

Fits: True to size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $150

On Cloudmonster 2

The On Cloudmonster 2 is a max cushioned shoe that’s firmer than On’s other max cushion shoe, the squishier Cloudeclipse. That slight tweak in squishiness makes the Cloudmonster 2 more stable and creates a smooth ride. It also makes it perfect for standing all day or doing lots of walking.

The upper is comfortable and accommodating with great aesthetics and high quality craftsmanship. The outsole grips in all conditions but the outsole can pick up good-sized rocks. There’s also a premium to be paid for the On brand. Whether that’s worth it for this very good shoe is up to you. Read the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $180