Having flat feet is no joy ride.
If you don’t find boots with the right arch support, a little discomfort can balloon into something worse: plantar fasciitis.
We don’t want you to go through that kind of trouble, so we’ve stepped in with our own list of best boots for flat feet.
Whether you’re looking for something stylish, rugged, or just a top-notch new boot brand, we’ve selected nothing but the best in every category. So let’s dive in.
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How Did We Come Up With Our List?
Time taken to research: 8 hours
Number of products researched: ~75
This list took some legwork. For each category (hiking, work, etc.), we went to their respective online communities to see what folks were recommending amongst themselves. After all, hikers have much different needs than workmen.
After combining hours of research about what each community needs from their boots, we dove into the specifics on how individual boots can help folks with flat feet. And not only that, we got in contact with a podiatrist to get to the heart of what every boot should have in order to keep your flat feet supported.
7 Best Boots for Flat Feet
Best for Hiking: Merrell Moab 2
There used to be a time when you couldn’t be a serious hiker if you had flat feet. But companies like Merrell have been building smarter, more supportive boots for years. If you’ve got flat feet and you need that extra arch support for long haul hiking, check out the Merrell Moab 2.
Merrell has a reputation in the hiking community as being one of the best boot makers around. And the Moab 2 certainly delivers for anyone who needs extra arch support.
Built out with a high density EVA midsole and a rugged TC5+ Vibram outsole with 5mm rubber lugs, the Merrell Moab 2 blends comfort and performance.
You can remove the insoles if you have custom orthotics, though Merrell ships their hiking boots with their proprietary FIT.ECO footbed, which is contoured to help support your foot where it needs it most.
What I Like
It’s 100% waterproof, and the nylon lining dries quickly—this cuts down on the stink-factor and will keep your feet dry through any terrain.
The Moab 2 is one of the most well-balanced hiking boots, with comfort, safety, support, traction, and a light weight to make it an excellent all-round hiker.
The Vibram rubber lug sole is super durable.
What I Don’t Like
There’s a lot of stitching on this boot, which isn’t necessarily bad, but there’s a lot of places it can start fraying.
What Other Reviewers Say
Even for folks who have their own custom orthotics—the insoles here are easy to remove so you can have room for your own.
The Verdict
There used to be a time when you couldn’t be a serious hiker if you had flat feet. But companies like Merrell have been building smarter, more supportive boots for years.
So if you’ve got flat feet and you need that extra arch support for long haul hiking, check out the Merrell Moab 2.
This waterproof boot balances weight, safety, traction, and comfort better than most other hiking boots, so it’s an excellent all-around hiking boot for a variety of terrains and conditions.
There used to be a time when you couldn’t be a serious hiker if you had flat feet. But companies like Merrell have been building smarter, more supportive boots for years. If you’ve got flat feet and you need that extra arch support for long haul hiking, check out the Merrell Moab 2.
Best for Work: Wolverine Overpass
As a work boot, it has its issues: the main one being that the waterproofing seems to give out after a year of hard wearing. So strictly speaking, something like Red Wing, Whites, or Nicks is what you want if you need a hyper-sturdy boot. But none of those bootmakers have anything like the Overpass, which seems made specifically for men with flat feet.
There are a few key features that make the Wolverine Overpass the best work boot for men with flat feet. First, it has a relatively new technology—the Contour Welt—which means the arch support isn’t just in the insole. The whole boot is built with arch support in mind.
On top of that, the Overpass features a removable OrthoLite cushioned footbed the moulds to your foot. The nylon shank keeps things sturdy and adds another layer of strength and protection.
And speaking of protection, this boot is fully waterproof with an abrasion resistant toe and a Carbonmax upper, which is all fancy talk to say one thing: this boot is rugged.
What I Like
This boot was made with arch support as the #1 priority. From the Contour Welt, to the OrthoLite footbed, to the nylon shank, to the…you get the point.
The sole is dual-compound rubber and PU, so it offers a lot of shock absorption and grip.
Safety features like a composite toe and Carbonmax upper give this boot a ton of durability and strength.
What I Don’t Like
There are a few features like the padded heel and multicolor sole that seem a bit gimmicky.
What Other Reviewers Say
Over 125 reviewers on the Wolverine website give this boot a four out of five. Nearly every reviewer mentions the comfort, though a few folks had issues after a year or so of the waterproofing failing.
The Verdict
If you need a rugged work boot that’s basically relentless in its pursuit of better arch support, the Wolverine Overpass is your go to.
As a work boot, it has its issues: the main one being that the waterproofing seems to give out after a year of hard wearing. So strictly speaking, something like Red Wing, Whites, or Nicks is what you want if you need a hyper-sturdy boot. But none of those bootmakers have anything like the Overpass, which seems made specifically for men with flat feet.
As a work boot, it has its issues: the main one being that the waterproofing seems to give out after a year of hard wearing. So strictly speaking, something like Red Wing, Whites, or Nicks is what you want if you need a hyper-sturdy boot. But none of those bootmakers have anything like the Overpass, which seems made specifically for men with flat feet.
Best Steel Toe: KEEN Flint II Work Boot
If you work on a tough job site and you have flat feet, you’re no stranger to boot-related frustrations. Give the KEEN Flint II a try. It meets all the safety standards you need to get your safety officer off your back, and has a carefully crafted midsole designed to give you as much arch support as possible.
The KEEN Flint II Work Boot is the lightweight steel toe boot you want for a long day at the job site if you’ve got flat feet.
KEEN uses a proprietary midsole that’s higher density than standard EVA foam, so you’re getting even more cushion and sturdy support for your mid-foot. Add their external stability shank into the mix, and we’ve got a winner.
Your safety officer will be well pleased with these boots as they meet the compression and impact safety standards most job sites require.
What I Like
The Flint II uses asymmetrical steel toes for added comfort and protection. The steel toe meets ASTM F2412 and F2413 EH safety standards.
The proprietary midsole is very high density, which helps support your foot more, and also adds some spring into your step.
It features an external stability shank, which adds another layer of security to give your mid-foot as much support as possible.
What I Don’t Like
There’s a lot of extra stitching that doesn’t seem necessary, and it looks more like a hiker than a work boot.
What Other Reviewers Say
Some reviewers suggest there’s an unexpected break in period, so be ready for some possible discomfort in the first few days.
The Verdict
If you work on a tough job site and you have flat feet, you’re no stranger to boot-related frustrations. Give the KEEN Flint II a try.
It meets all the safety standards you need to get your safety officer off your back, and has a carefully crafted midsole designed to give you as much arch support as possible.
It looks a little more like a hiking boot, which might be a bummer if you want that American Heritage leather look, but otherwise, these boots make good company for long work days.
If you work on a tough job site and you have flat feet, you’re no stranger to boot-related frustrations. Give the KEEN Flint II a try. It meets all the safety standards you need to get your safety officer off your back, and has a carefully crafted midsole designed to give you as much arch support as possible.
Best Tactical: Danner Reckoning
If you want a combat boot that’s all about function, you’ll love the versatility of the Danner Reckoning. The Vibram All Terrain sole provides traction across loose sand, gravel, leaves, and snow, so these easily become your go-to beater boot.
The high shaft of a tactical boot is a huge bonus for anyone with flat feet—that extra support in the ankle and calf goes a long way for folks standing all day.
But the best of the best is the Danner Reckoning. We took a close look at these boots in our list of the Best Combat Boots for Men, and found they offer the best balance of safety, comfort, support, and traction.
Beyond that, their fiberglass shank and moulded EVA midsole don’t give way under weight so anyone with flat feet can wear the Danner Reckoning for hours on end.
What I Like
The Vibram All Terrain sole, EVA midsole, and fiberglass shank make for a super supportive arch.
They’re the boot of choice for the US Marine Corps.
The Reckoning is fully waterproof.
What I Don’t Like
They’re a bit heavy, though they’re not uncomfortable.
What Other Reviewers Say
The Danner Reckoning is a well-loved boot. Someone wrote that the Danners are like when you get away from the military’s spring mattresses and switch to a deluxe hybrid mattress and “the world just flips on its axis and blows your mind.”
That review was too good not to share.
The Verdict
There are plenty of great options for combat and tactical boots for guys with flat feet, but none beat out the Danner Reckoning. If you need a durable boot that has safety measures for days and sturdy arch support, this boot is your new go to.
If you want a combat boot that’s all about function, you’ll love the versatility of the Danner Reckoning. The Vibram All Terrain sole provides traction across loose sand, gravel, leaves, and snow, so these easily become your go-to beater boot.
Best Cowboy: Ariat WorkHog
Ariat gave these an apt name. These waterproof work boots are tough. Combine that with Ariat's ATS comfort system, and suddenly working on your feet for 10-12 hours straight is much easier.
If you’re familiar with cowboy boots, you’re familiar with Ariat.
The WorkHog isn’t strictly a cowboy boot—it’s more of a work boot with that classic western style. But we added it to our list because: 1.) We have experience with it, and 2.) Ariat uses the same proprietary ATS insole technology in all their boots.
And let us tell you about that ATS insole—it’s the most comfort you can hope to get from a rugged work boot like this.
The Ariat WorkHog is breathable for a cowboy boot, which you’re going to need if you’re working long days in the hot sun.
What I Like
Ariat’s proprietary ATS insole technology is built to add a lot of cushion and support for the middle of your foot, which is excellent for guys with flat feet.
There are several features on this boot that aid with breathability, but they stay warm with a thick pair of socks in winter.
There are soft toe, carbon toe, and steel toe versions available.
What I Don’t Like
It’s mainly an aesthetic gripe, but we don’t like the orange tabs on the outsole.
What Other Reviewers Say
A common benefit folks mention in the comfort, and we can attest to that.
For the few negative reviews, one concern was with cracking leather after a year. If you punish your boots and get them wet often, consider picking up a leather conditioner to re-up the weatherproofing and keep the leather soft.
The Verdict
The Ariat WorkHog has an appropriate name. This fully waterproof boot is a lot more comfortable than its rugged exterior suggests. And you’re going to have a tough time finding a boot with this western style and comparable arch support.
Ariat gave these an apt name. These waterproof work boots are tough. Combine that with Ariat's ATS comfort system, and suddenly working on your feet for 10-12 hours straight is much easier.
Best for Narrow Flat Feet: Vasque Breeze AT GTX
The Vasque Breeze AT GTX comes in the uncommon B-width, and a huge array of sizes from 7-15. It’s stiff at first, so plan on putting in about 10 miles to break them in. But if you can make it past those first ten, you’ve got yourself a boot that feels custom build for you.
Most folks with flat feet also need wider shoes and boots. But if you’re a non-comformist and have flat and narrow feet, you’ll no doubt have a tougher time finding a great pair of boots.
Well, that’s until now. The Breeze AT GTX (opens in a new tab)” rel=”nofollow noopener” class=”rank-math-link” data-lasso-id=”15302″ data-lasso-name=”Vasque Breeze AT GTX”>Vasque Breeze AT GTX is an excellent boot for folks with flat feet due to its sturdy construction, but the cherry on top is their narrow B-width option.
Support is your top priority if you have flat feet, and a boot that’s too wide can leave just a little too much wiggle room. The Vasque Breeze is an incredible boot in its own right. But if you have narrow and flat feet, it’s the boot.
What I Like
It has a handsome, sturdy look to it with plenty of ankle support.
There are a ton of sizing options, from size 7-15, B, D, and E. For narrow feet, you want the B-width.
It’s lined with Gore-Tex for better insulation and water resistance.
What I Don’t Like
This boot requires a few miles to break in. It’s built stiffer, which is what you want if you have flat feet—but just expect some discomfort when they’re fresh out of the box.
What Other Reviewers Say
Reviewers mention the sturdiness of the boot, including it’s hard toe cap and rigid ankle support. This can be uncomfortable on your first few hikes, so give yourself a few easy hikes to break in the Breeze AT GTX.
The Verdict
Finding a great boot that fits a narrow foot and has a ton of arch support is a lot like finding a needle in a haystack.
Well, here’s the needle.
The Vasque Breeze AT GTX comes in the uncommon B-width, and a huge array of sizes from 7-15. It’s stiff at first, so plan on putting in about 10 miles to break them in. But if you can make it past those first ten, you’ve got yourself a boot that feels custom build for you.
The Vasque Breeze AT GTX comes in the uncommon B-width, and a huge array of sizes from 7-15. It’s stiff at first, so plan on putting in about 10 miles to break them in. But if you can make it past those first ten, you’ve got yourself a boot that feels custom build for you.
Best Casual: Thursday Boot Company Diplomat
The Thursday Boots Diplomat is a one-of-a-kind moc toe. Most comparable boots have a huge toe box that doesn’t work well with a pair of fitted jeans or chinos. Combine a slim design with high quality materials like a Vibram Christy wedge sole, steel shank, and Thursday’s excellent oil-tanned Rugged & Resilient leather, and you’ve got a winner here.
Most moc-toe boots have a lot of arch support, so it’s hard to go wrong. But if you want a moc-toe that isn’t super bulky, check out the Thursday Diplomat.
It has the same American Heritage workwear style you’d expect from a moc-toe, but it’s much slimmer and has a much lower profile. They’re moc-toes you can wear with slim jeans.
Thursday’s leather midsole combined with the classic Vibram Christy sole makes this boot a terrific casual option for guys with flat feet.
What I Like
It’s rare to find a Vibram Christy sole boot under $200.
Moc-toe boots look incredible, but they’re usually huge. The Diplomat really cuts down on the size and makes this a really killer casual boot.
It comes in a variety of nice leathers.
What I Don’t Like
If this boot has a gusseted tongue, it’d be perfect. As of now, you just need to adjust the tongue to make sure you’re covering your instep.
What Other Reviewers Say
With a ton reviews as of writing, the Thursday Diplomat has around a 4.7-star average. People are generally pleased with the short break-in period and high build quality in such an affordable boot.
The Verdict
The Thursday Diplomat takes all the construction quality and durability people love about American Heritage boots and puts it in a slimmer, more stylish package.
The leather insole, combined with a classic Vibram Christy outsole makes for a sturdy, supportive arch that will help a lot if you have flat feet.
The Thursday Boots Diplomat is a one-of-a-kind moc toe. Most comparable boots have a huge toe box that doesn’t work well with a pair of fitted jeans or chinos. Combine a slim design with high quality materials like a Vibram Christy wedge sole, steel shank, and Thursday’s excellent oil-tanned Rugged & Resilient leather, and you’ve got a winner here.
3 Most Common Mistakes Flat-Footed People Make When Shopping for Boots
We got on the phone with podiatrist David Collard DPM MHA, of Instride Foot and Ankle Specialists of Winston Salem, North Carolina.
These are the most common mistakes he sees flat footed folk make when going shoe shopping:
1. Bargain Hunting
It’s not wrong to want to save a few bucks. But if you’ve got flat feet, picking the right boots becomes more of a health-issue. Yes, there are deals and sales, but make sure you pick quality first.
Dr. Collard says that far too many people go straight to the sales rack and try to find something with arch support there. That method is sure to lead to sore feet as cheap boots are often made with cheap materials.
Go with a trusted brand that has a reputation for quality, Collard says, and prioritize construction above all else. If you get a solid, sturdy boot, it’s going to last longer and give you much more comfort in the long run.
As a work boot, it has its issues: the main one being that the waterproofing seems to give out after a year of hard wearing. So strictly speaking, something like Red Wing, Whites, or Nicks is what you want if you need a hyper-sturdy boot. But none of those bootmakers have anything like the Overpass, which seems made specifically for men with flat feet.
2. Shoes That Are Too Flexible
It may go against your intuition, but you shouldn’t look for a boot that’s too flexible. If you have flat feet, you need something that’s going to help you with your arch. A really soft, flexible sneaker isn’t going to cut it.
High density foams and leather midsoles (provided the boot is well-constructed otherwise) will ensure that your foot isn’t given too much freedom to go back to its flat state.
Also, height matters.
One of the big reasons boots are so much better for flat footed people compared to sneakers is that the extra ankle support adds stability throughout your whole foot.
Most boots feature a 6” shaft, though there are many options available with an 8” shaft. Really, the more ankle support, the better.
3. Too Narrow Sizing
Dr. Collard says that if your foot is flat, there’s a good chance it’s also wider than average. If you haven’t already had your foot sized on a Brannock device, go to any shoe store and do so.
An associate should be able to give you an accurate measurement of whether you need the standard D-width, or perhaps something wider like an E or EE.
For many flat footed people, the standard D-width is too narrow. And the crowding gets worse when you add your own custom insoles into the boots.
If you’re rocking a pair of boots that are too tight, your podiatrist or cobbler can stretch your boots for you. Or, you can pick up a boot stretcher and learn how to stretch your leather boots here.
Flat Feet is One Thing, Cold Feet is Another
If you struggle with flat feet, there are plenty of footwear options available for you. The worst thing you can do is wait around—the problem isn’t going to fix itself.
Just remember the three biggest pitfalls of boot shopping for folks with flat feet: bargain hunting, getting boots that aren’t sturdy, and going too narrow in size.
Whether you’re going for a hike, a day of work, or just looking to step out in style, our top boots will give you enough support and comfort so you can spend all day on your feet without the discomfort you’re so used to feeling.
Go ahead and take a load off—you deserve it.
FAQs
Should you wear arch supports if you have flat feet?
Arch supports aren’t always necessary if you pick the right footwear. Flat-bottomed sneakers will require some extra arch support in the form of a custom insole. But well-built boots often have plenty of arch support built in. If you’re on the fence, get a boot with removable insoles, so you can add your own arch support if necessary.
Are Thorogood boots good for flat feet?
Thorogood boots are generally good for flat feet. While the arch support varies from model to model, the brand has a reputation for excellent build quality and materials, and they’re sturdy enough to offer plenty of support for your mid-foot. That said, our favorite work boot for flat feet is the Wolverine Overpass.
How do I get arch support for flat feet?
Getting a good pair of boots will give you arch support, and if you pick a boot with removable insoles, you can always add your own insert. A custom insole is a great way to beef up your arch support if you have flat feet.
