A flat foot can lead to very serious problems, especially if you are into sports with a lot of lateral movement like tennis. The good news is most of the major shoe companies today produce shoes designed for people with flat feet. If you have this condition you need shoes that provide optimal stability, motion control, and excellent support.
We made this guide and reviewed some of the best tennis shoes for flat feet women in order to save you some time and help you decide which shoes will fit you the most.
What is a flat foot?
For some people, it is a bit difficult to recognize if their feet are in fact flat or not. So, what exactly is a flat foot? Well, on impact, if you have flat feet, the arch of your foot will collapse and the entire foot makes a contact with the ground.
The foot arch is formed by the metatarsal and tarsal bones held together by ligaments allowing the foot to support the body weight. You can say it’s the shock absorption system of our bodies. If we didn’t have the foot arch, the impact of our own weight would affect our hips, knees, ankles and feet.
The flat foot is usually related to pronation. That means that your ankles and feet roll inward when you are in motion. This can cause serious injuries and problems.
Top Tennis Shoes for Flat Feet Comparison Chart
What are the best shoes for flat feet? (Buyer’s Guide)
Stability and support
Motion control, stability, and good support are the most important factors to remember when buying shoes for flat feet. With flat feet, you need to care about the stability much more.
Motion control
Standard motion controlling shoes have the same tech as stability with the addition of upper construction which is there to safely lock the feet and provide more support. The harder material used also helps to support the arch and to keep it in a proper position.
Some people don’t like a hard and high arch and find it uncomfortable even during the short walks.
Lately, the demand for good shoes for flat feet has increased, and more and more companies are producing it now. This made the opportunity for the top brands in the sports shoe industry to offer a great number of models for flat-footed sportsman and help them achieve maximum performance. Now it is not so hard for the flat-footed sportsman to keep up with the agility and speed of their competitors with the normal arch.
The recent advances in technology made it possible for shoe companies to produce the best ergonomic shoes for flat feet both for male and female. The market is now full of great sports shoes for flat feet.
With that many choices, it’s much easier to find the pair of shoes that will fit your needs the most. Therefore, you should always remember these three things when buying shoes for flat feet;
- Always look for the shoes with high stability. Every brand should have the High Stability Collection and it should be easy to find the shoes that will be most fitting for you.
- Choose the shoes with good motion control and shock absorption feature. Shoes with good motion control usually provide enhanced stability as well.
- Added support. Always look for shoes with added support because flat feet need high support in order to sustain the feet properly.
It’s very important to remember that every person has its own individual needs when it comes to shoes. Therefore, you should look for the elements that we mentioned but you should also do some research on your own when looking for proper shoes for your flat feet.
Grip
Other than the feature important for flat feet, there are some features that tennis shoes should have that are important for both regular arches and flat feet. A good grip is one of the most important of these features. You don’t want your shoes to slip.
The shoes need to have the good amount of tread. This usually depends on the environment and the type of surface that the shoes are made to be used on.
Breathability
Nobody wants the shoes to have a little airflow and to keep the moisture from sweat inside. Especially when it comes to shoes you will practice and play in. this can be very uncomfortable but it can also create bigger problems with feet.
When the shoes are breathable they keep your feet dry and ventilated and therefore, reducing the chance of bacterial problems and fungal infections caused by sweating.
Flexibility
Although the additional support is one of the most important factors to look for, you don’t really want the shoes that feel like wooden boards that you strapped to your feet. The shoes need to be flexible enough so your feet can function as naturally as it’s possible.
Sole
Flat feet need more center support, but they also need a proper shock absorption and impact protection. You want the shoes that have a decent cushioning but with enough support for the fallen arch.
With today technology and materials this kind of shoes are no longer big and bulky, but rather much lower profile than they were just a few years ago.
In order to find the best tennis shoes for flat wide feet , you’ll need to understand some of the more important features of the shoes.
Dynamics of the flat foot
When you have flat feet, your arch collapses every time your foot hits the ground and because of that your knees overcompensate and your ankles twist inward. This is the reason why flat footed sportsmen need extra stability features to help them avoid rolling movement.
The motion control is also one of the features that will help with an extra motion of the feet and it’s very helpful to people whose feet overpronate.
Cushioning
Flat-footed people need shoes with a firmer middle arch cushion to provide them with a stable balance and to prevent stumbling. Also, most of the shoes for flat feet feature an additional cushioning in the heel and forefront, which is very useful for shock absorption.
Proper stability
Stability shoes usually feature denser foam under the arch. These are designed with a few layers of polyurethane in the arch area to give more support and stability to people whose arches collapse while running.
This type of shoes also limits the motion of the foot so you can walk and run more efficiently. Stability shoes are usually a lot less bulky than the motion control ones.
Control of the motion of the foot
This type of shoes has a hard-material bump in the arch area. Motion Control shoes offer a similar solution to the problem as the Stability shoes. With the special construction of the sole and upper, they lock your foot in position and give it a proper support.
They are very helpful to people with overpronation because they are designed to counter it. If you are dealing with this problem than the motion control shoes are a must.
How to choose the best tennis shoes for your feet?
- Ask a doctor. The doctor can tell you how severe is your condition and recommend the best shoes for your flat feet.
- Read the reviews. The user reviews of the shoes can be very helpful because the most of the reviews come from the people who used the product and there are usually pros and cons and user ratings.
- Compare products. Look for the comparison tables online.
- Ask people around you. If you know some people that have the same condition as you have, talk to them and ask for the advice.
Now, most of the tennis shoes for flat feet cost a bit more than regular ones. There are, of course, cheaper alternatives but they will not perform as good as the more expensive ones. In our opinion, it’s better to invest in good shoes than to spend money on doctors to treat the knee, foot or hip problems later.
Top 10 Best Tennis Shoes for Flat Feet Reviewed
If you are looking for women’s tennis shoes or shoes made for plantar fasciitis (heel pain) then check out the other tennis shoe guides on this site.
ADIDAS Men’s Barricade Club Tennis Shoe
This tennis shoe is an excellent choice for persons with flat feet. It offers a proper support for your foot’s arch and many different benefits to a tennis player.
Along the product’s base runs an Adiprene and midsole made of foam, providing you with a complete cushioning and making every step soft and comfortable. There is additional cushioning under the arch of the foot.
The midsole absorbs most of the impact force when your feet hit the ground, removing the additional stress to your knees.
The upper is made of ballistic mesh, allowing the airflow and keeping your foot dry. A special design keeps the foot in optimal position, giving you a better stability and balance while you play tennis.
The outsole will not leave any marks so you don’t have to worry about ruining the court.
Pros
- Solid and very supportive
- All-day-comfort shoes
- Provides excellent lateral support necessary for tennis
- Great durability
Cons
- The insole is a bit thin
ASICS Men’s GEL-Solution Speed 2 Tennis Shoe
This one is among the finest models out there. Asics used only the top materials to make sure you get excellent performance and maximum comfort.
They used a Solyte gel to make the midsole which runs through the entire shoe base. It’s very nicely cushioned and it provides the maximum comfort while you play. The cushioning makes every step soft and as comfortable as possible.
The cushioning and comfort of these shoes keeps all the pain you might feel because of the flat feet at the minimal level. The support for lower arch makes sure that structure of the feet is supported and protected giving you additional comfort.
The outsole is made of synthetic material that provides good grip and therefore eliminates the possibility of slipping on the court.
The collar that goes around the ankle is made out of 2-layer memory foam that goes down to the heel keeping the heel in place. This also gives you more stability while you wear these shoes and eliminates the most of the flat feet symptoms.
Pros
- Excellent foot support
- Great ventilation
- Light but very solid
- Super comfortable
Cons
- They might be too narrow for some people
ASICS Men’s GEL- Game 5/6 Tennis Shoe
This is another great model made by Asics. The upper on these is stitched up midsole board. Because of this the stitches will last for a long time and keep the shoe structure.
To keep them as light as possible, Asics designed the sole to be ultra light but to keep the durability and quality. The sole is most definitely going to keep the structure and provide you with excellent support in the arch. If you are suffering from flat feet, these shoes will minimize the pain in the arch area and other flat feet symptoms.
The shoes feature reinforced toecaps made of resin and rubber in order to absorb any impact. It doesn’t wear out easily and it ensures that your shoes last for a significant amount of time.
To make sure that your toes are comfortable there is a gel cushioning in the front of the shoe. This also helps with shock absorption.
The shoes are very breathable and there is also a removable sock liner helping you keep both of your feet moisture free.
Pros
- Great on the courts
- Very good support and excellent comfort
- Demountable sock liner
- Affordable price
Cons
- They wear out a bit faster than other models
BABOLAT Propulse Men’s Propulse Fury All Court Shoe
These look just amazing while you play tennis and they also provide excellent protection for flat feet that pronate and have a shallow arch. In the toes of the shoes, there is a response system that provides great support for the toes and during acceleration or forward movement.
The localized reinforcement and cushioning provide excellent support while remaining very comfortable. The upper has a shield pattern that prevents damage to the shoe. It also allows the airflow keeping your feet cool and dry.
Another patented feature called Active Flexion Technology alleviates stress from key pressure points in your feet. Nice touch!
These stable, breathable, and very well-cushioned shoes are an excellent choice no matter if you play tennis casually or professionally.
Pros
- Nice looking
- Michelin bottom rubber that gives excellent traction without leaving marks on the court
- Proprietary technologies abound!
- Excellent support
- Very breathable
Cons
- The heel of the shoes tends to move into the Achilles’ tendon area instead of going straight up
ASICS Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe
If the ultimate support and comfort are what you need, the Asics Gel-Resolution 7 is the perfect choice for you. While a number of the external cosmetics, colorways and placement of plastic reinforcements along the exterior are a bit different from one model to the next, the difference between the Resolution 6 and 7 are not massive.
These models have both a women’s and men’s versions. The difference between men’s and women’s version is that the women’s version is a bit slimmer to ensure the tight fit while the men’s version is wider.
The upper is made of synthetic leather and mesh panel making sure your foot stays cool while you play. It is very common that your feet become hot while you are run around the court because of the perspiration that you produce. However, with this shoe, you will have no problem with that because it allows the airflow and therefore removes the moisture.
Additionally, the upper provides great support for your feet and keeps them safe and protected and well-aligned. This feature can prevent injuries to the feet.
There is a fair amount of cushioning in the middle area to support the collapsing arches. This feature is essential for people with flat feet. The additional memory foam layer on the heels keeps your feet comfortable during long hour practice sessions.
Pros
- Ultimate comfort and support
- Very light
- Great value for the price
- Very durable
Cons
- A bit small in toe box
- The insoles are not stellar and an aftermarket insole may serve you better
PRINCE Men’s T22 Tennis Shoe
The T22 is a very popular choice among tennis players because of the excellent breathability and great looks.
The shoe features straps on the front to keep your toes and heel aligned and toecaps for the protection of the toes from the impacts. The midsole provides excellent shock absorption. The fatigue and the pain, that you might experience while running, is completely eliminated with these amazing shoes.
The durable rubber from which the outsole is made gives you excellent traction. It’s very light and very reliable and the company gives a 6-month warranty on the outer sole.
The air mesh on the upper gives you excellent breathability.
For flat footed people, there is gentle arch support which helps you avoid the discomfort and pain.
Pros
- Great looking shoes
- Excellent breathability
- Amazingly comfortable
- Excellent lateral support
Cons
- A bit narrow near the front
ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6 Men’s Tennis Shoes
These Gel Dedicate 6 Men’s Tennis Shoes are made mostly for recreational players, but they are very durable. The price point is low so that in itself makes this shoe attractive, especially since ASICS is an iconic name in this space. The upper is made from perforated synthetic overlays and this enhances support and durability. There is a bit of a thicker reinforcement around the toes to protect against toe-dragging. The GEL technology in the forefoot and midfoot offers superior cushioning and shock-absorption qualities and the EVA midsole and removable EVA sockliner enhance the comfort of the shoe. This is what makes these shoes great for someone with a flatter or pronated foot.
The outsole has the Asics trusstic™ system technology. The idea behind this system is to prevent too much twisting or turning of the shoe. It provides enhanced stability and support.
As expected, the outsole is non-marking.
Pros
- Ultimate cushioning
- Excellent support and stability
- Great durability
- Very comfortable
- Great price
Cons
- A bit stiff for some people
Lotto Men’s Stratosphere Speed Tennis Shoe
![Lotto Men's Stratosphere Speed Tennis Shoe, Aviator/Green [8.5]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51LFxsmldTL.jpg "Lotto Men's Stratosphere Speed Tennis Shoe, Aviator/Green [8.5]")
I know that endorsements from big names don’t always mean much, but if it means anything at all, lots of bigger-name players on the pro circuit have put their names behind this very shoe!
Lotto says this shoe is specifically engineered for more advanced players looking for a speed-oriented performance shoe. Foot breathability and stability were the features that designers focused on in this version.
It features a “ReactiveArch Technology” which is why this model makes it into our top 10 list for flat feet or overpronators. It gives you maximum stability and excellent arch support. This versatile shoe offers a selection of different Ortholite insoles and a Kurim toe cap. The upper is made of microfiber and mesh offering enhanced ventilation and airflow. It’s packed with pro features at a mid-range price. We like that combo!
Pros
- Great support and stability
- Excellent traction and grip
- Very comfortable
- High-quality materials
- Suitable for professional tennis players
Cons
- A bit pricey
NIKE Air Max Cage Tennis Shoes
Air Max Cage is one of the best models of tennis shoes for hard court. The Nike uses a durable XDR outsole to provide great grip and traction without leaving any marks on the court.
The combination of low arch support and Air Max cushioning system makes this shoe very comfortable and supportive. It provides excellent support for the collapsing arch of the foot.
The upper is made of synthetic materials in combination with mesh to allow the airflow and keep your feet dry and healthy. These materials also provide excellent comfort, durability, stability, and flexibility.
There is no need for a break-in period because these shoes are comfortable straight from the box and excellent in supporting flat-footed players.
Pros
- Comfortable straight out of the box
- Very good arch support
- Air Max cushioning system
- Durable and breathable upper
Cons
- The arch support might be too far back
K-Swiss Men’s Bigshot Light 3
Speaking of the tennis shoes that are good for overpronation problem, you can’t get better than K-Swiss Men’s Bigshot Light 3, whether for professionals or casual players. That is not to say this is your absolute best option (notice it’s not near the top of our list?!).
The midsole that goes through the entire length of this shoe keeps your feet aligned while you play tennis. Purchasers did comment on how excellent the arch support was!
It’s made of synthetic leather and fabric (like most tennis shoes) but there is a potential problem. While it’s expected that new and upgraded versions of a shoe (like any other product) would be an improvement over the previous models, this shoe appears to buck that trend. A number of fans of the Bigshot 2 were sorely disappointed with the Light 3 version. It looks like compared to the previous versions (hard to find online), this shoe underperforms. The toe area (which appears to be mesh) is actually not mesh, but a solid rubber material. That’s a cosmetic rip-off and deception when you look at the photos. They tend to be a little be stiff according to several buyers. You could do better for the money.
However, not all is lost! You can still get the women’s version on Amazon for a great price. If you’d like to check out the women’s version, you can get it on Amazon now!
Pros
- Great price
- They look good
- Solid construction
- good brand name
- Extremely good support
Cons
- Toebox might be too narrow for some people
- Stiff
- Cheaper feel than previous versions
- Not great ventilation
Conclusion
We hope that you found our text helpful and that our reviews will help you decide which tennis shoes to buy. If you suffer from flat feet and enjoy playing tennis you will find these shoes very comfortable and protective and the arch support will prevent the injuries and pain.
Make sure that you choose shoes that are most fitting for your feet and make sure they protect you from pain and fatigue, but don’t forget that you also need a good grip and traction on the court. Also, don’t forget how important the cooling system is for your feet to remain healthy.
We found that the ASICS is the leading brand in this field, but all the other models by different companies on our list are very good too. So, invest your money wisely and keep your feet healthy.
