You can be a terrific runner, a brilliant tennis player or an avid hiker, but there might be one thing holding you back when you’re on the move.
Flat feet affect more of us than you’d think; about 20-30% of the population are flat-footed because their arches never developed during growth.
Flat feet generally lead to more foot problems than arched feet. Flat-footers are more prone to conditions like plantar fasciitis and ankle problems.
Part of the way we can combat the negative effects of flat feet is by investing in the right style of shoes. So, what kind of shoes are we talking about? Here, the team at Forbes Footwear explain.
Three pillars of support
No matter what style of shoe you’re looking for, you want to make sure that your shoes have these three pillars of support: sole support, arch support and heel support.
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Sole support
When talking about flat feet, look for shoes that have a firm but cushioned sole to provide maximum support. What you’re looking for is a sole that is flexible to a point, but not floppy, as this is a sign of a lack of support.
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Arch support
Arch support is the next key quality. Raised arches take the pressure off the middle of your foot – a common problem for those of us with flat feet. A shoe with arch support can help to properly align your feet, supporting your knees, ankles and posture as you move. You can always buy aftermarket insoles with more arch support than most stock ones, or orthotics are also an option.
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Heel support
Flat-footers often have trouble with shoes that don’t wrap around the heel, like thongs and sandals. Shoes with stiffened enclosed backs (heel counters), or sandals that at least offer heel strapping, are ideal for flat-footed people.
Orthotics
While even these factors might not lead you to a comfortable shoe when you have flat feet, custom made orthotics are another way to improve your foot health. Custom-moulded to your foot, a podiatrist takes an impression of your feet and then creates an orthotic which provides maximum support.
Styles of shoe that are best for flat feet
If you go to shoe stores that cater for your needs then you are not limited by style. Types of shoes that provide support can include:
- Walking / Running shoes
- Business shoes
- Casual Sneakers
- Sandals
- Supportive casual shoes
- Hiking Boots
Find the perfect fit at Forbes Footwear
Don’t let flat feet get in the way of your movement – come in and see the team at Forbes Footwear. Forbes Footwear are Sydney’s specialists in high-quality shoes. Since 1940, we’ve been Sydney’s finest team in shoe retail. The Forbes philosophy is simple: deliver quality products at fair prices and keep customers happy as can be. Browse the range online today, or visit our Hornsby location.