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

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

361 Eleos

While 361 is familiar to basketball shoe consumers, it’s not as well known for running shoes. But the 361 Eleos is a dependable daily running shoe that can pick up the tempo when needed. This neutral cushioned shoe has a fairly standard but comfortable engineered mesh upper that accommodates wider feet. The 36mm stack of supercritical Primo Foam (30mm in the forefoot) underfoot is bouncy and protective. The wide base also adds solid side to side stability to this fun package. And at $145, it’s value priced compared to lots of other shoes on the market.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 6mm, Price: $145

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

Hoka Clifton 9

The Hoka Clifton 9 is the best, most versatile Clifton to date. It’s the same great neutral cushioned shoe with added bounce and elasticity in the midsole and increased durability in the outsole. The upper is, as usual, super comfy and the fit is accommodating. There’s also a wide version for those that need it. Improved arch support will excite flat footers, but some may find it a bit distracting. It’s a great shoe for everyone from beginners to seasoned vets and can handle jogging, easy running, recovery runs, and long runs. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145

Hoka Arahi 7

While the Hoka Arahi 7’s fit could use a little fine tuning, it’s got a great rocker and makes good on its promise of support without feeling monstrous on foot. This one’s for runners who crave stability that won’t bog them down. See the full review.

Fit: True to Size, Drop: 5mm, Price: $145

Nike InfinityRN 4

The Nike InfinityRN 4 is technically a stability shoe. However, the stability features are unobtrusive and won’t affect you if you don’t need the help. The very noticeable arch on previous Infinity Runs is also found on this version though it’s somewhat toned down. If you don’t like a lot of arch support, you should still stay away. But this will be helpful for flat-footers who want ever-present arch support. Overall, the InfinityRN 4 is a highly comfortable daily training shoe that’s ready for lots of miles while also packing a ton of casual appeal. Read the full review.

Fit: Go up a half size, Drop: 9mm, Price: $160