Tips for Buying Sneakers for Flat Feet

7 Tips for Buying Sneakers for Flat Feet

The statistics show that about 20% to 30% of the general adult population has flat feet, making shoe manufacturers focus on creating shoes with strong arch support. Sneakers are an excellent choice for people with flat feet who lead an active lifestyle. With an abundance of various models, though, finding the right sneakers for you might be a real challenge. If you’re struggling with choosing sneakers that don’t cause foot pains, here are a few tips to help you out.

1. Look for sneakers with raised insoles

Sneakers with raised insoles provide an artificial foot rest and support to the middle-foot, preventing foot pain and any other complications people with flat feet experience. Check out the materials the insoles are made of and try to invest in quality not quantity.

2. Choose arch support that offers normal foot curve

Each model of sneakers has its own arch support. Since your foot arches have completely or partially collapsed, you need a great level of arch support. When it comes to buying sneakers for flat feet, look for a model that offers natural foot curve.

3. Put on socks when trying on sneakers

Not only does wearing socks help make the try-on process easier, it helps you choose the right size that you’ll be able to wear any season. Make sure your socks aren’t too thick or thin.

4. Know your foot sizes

Many people with flat feet have different foot sizes. If you’re one of them, aim to purchase sneakers in accordance with the size of your larger foot. When you have different foot sizes, wearing sneakers with the size of your smaller foot can cause chronic foot pain and some other foot problems.

5. Leave the space between sneakers and your big toes

Even a great arch support won’t provide the comfort level your flat feet crave if your sneakers are very tight. Since sneakers tend to become bigger in size over some time, people buy tighter sneakers believing they will stretch in a few days. This is actually true about cheap models. If you invest in the high-quality shoes, it’s best to leave the space between sneakers and your big toes.

6. Don’t buy sneakers if you see redness after trying them on

It’s important to wear sneakers you’re going to buy for at least 2 to 5 minutes to figure out if they won’t cause foot pain. The wrong size will make your feet become red and it’s a warning sign you chose the wrong model.

7. Don’t try on sneakers while sitting

Many shoe sellers provide their buyers with chairs and benches for trying on the shoes. While it’s highly convenient, you may end up choosing the wrong size. Always stand when you measure your size as this is the most effective way to determine your real foot size.

Although it’s difficult to find the right sneakers for flat feet, once you do it, you’ll feel an enormous difference – especially if you regularly suffer from foot pain.