Flats are stylish and can certainly be more comfortable than heels, but they are not without their own issues.The problem often lies in the very name of this style of shoe.
A completely flat shoe means no support — particularly arch support, which goes a long way when it comes to keeping your feet comfortable and stable.“Arch support keeps your foot better aligned, which helps support your entire body and makes sure there is good distribution of pressure across your feet,” says Dr.
Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America.That even distribution matters more than you might think — when weight isn’t spread properly across your foot, it puts extra strain further up the chain, in your muscles, ligaments and joints.The good news is that there are flats out there that offer that much-needed arch support.
To help you find flats that actually do right by your feet, I asked podiatrists what to look for and rounded up the pairs worth adding to your shoe rotation.Selected.Our top picksBest overallVivaia Square-Toe All-Day Standing Flats$undefined$139.00VivaiaLearn moreBest trendy styleCushionaire Siesta Modern Lattice Ballet Flats$39.99$59.99AmazonLearn moreBest splurgeNaot Purini Flats$undefined$199.95ZapposLearn moreThe best flats with arch supportBest overallVivaia Square-Toe All-Day Standing Flats$139.00VivaiaWhat to knowWhat we likeLightweightBreathable upperMachine-washableSomething to noteOn the pricier sideI have wide feet and zero natural arch — and these square-toe flats from Vivaia keep me comfy all day.The built-in arch support and honeycomb-cushioned insole cradle my feet, while the responsive outsole eases pressure on my knees and back through long days when I’m on my feet for several hours at a time.Best trendy styleCushionaire Siesta Modern Lattice Ballet Flats$39.99$59.99AmazonNow 33% off$39.99$69.99TargetNow 43% off$39.99$59.99CushionaireNow 33% offWhat to knowWhat we likeCushioned insoleBreathableSix color opti...