Flat Footed ??

[newstart1]

I am quite flat footed and have been reading about stability running shoes? does anyone know anything about them? Do they work or are they just an exercise to bump up the cost? I have just completed W1 so am not running miles yet but the outside of my feet do ache after my runs. Any information would be good.

[rube1uk]

I'm very flat footed and used to get very achey feet when I ran in my old trainers. I had my gait analysed and now have some rather lovely and comfortable Saucony trainers that don't make my feet ache/sore. They weren't cheap but you can always shop around once you know which trainer suits your feet.

[laj1987 Graduate]

I too am flat footed and got my gait analysed - I wear Nike + Lundar glides which have support in them and are really comfy. Luckily I can buy mine from the junior section for £35 a pair but even from the adult section they are only £70 from Sports Direct. If you go to SD they have a guide beside each shoe which explains if the shoe is recommended for flat footed people or normal people and prices start from about £25.00.

NB Do not work for SD just recommending them because they are cheap.

[RhonaL]

I would recommend getting shoes for overpronators. If you have flat feet your foot will have a tendancy to roll inward as you step onto it. A shoe designed to support your feet will help prevent this roll and probably your ache. I also had knee pain which stopped when I got a pair of more supportive trainers. Mine cost about £65 from Moti online as I could not get to a sports shop for a gait analysis.

[Bella2021]

Hi, I have flat feet too, and I have had orthotics made by a Podiatrist since I was 13. Yes, they cost money, but they last indefinitely, and save the pain from running (or walking) with flat feet; chin splints, foot pain, knee, hip and back pain. I have Saucony Hurricane 4s, but got these sized with my orthotics inside. If you want to run throughout your life, and to save future pain, or developing other issues in your joints, I really recommend you pay the cost of a podiatry assesment and rigid, individually tailored orthotics. Short term financial pain beats long term physical pain. And you won't have to worry so much about which runners you buy. I too tried the Nike Lunar + Glides, and they are super comfortable, but I couldn't stand the pink, and that was the only colour available to me. My Saucony Hurricane 4s are awesome. I don't know where you live, but there are some running shoe shops where they analyse your foot before sizing and before you try on the shoes. I recommend such a shop for you. Remember, once you are running 3-4 times a week, running shoes will wear down and should be replaced every year.

[FluffyPigeon Graduate]

I would advise that you get gait analysis done. I really suffered with my knees after the first few weeks. But I now have a new pair of new balance stability shoes and they have really helped. I have got issues with my feet and have had since I was born, I had club foot in both feet which has left me with fairly limited movement in my ankles. But with the right shoes I have proved that I can run and graduated yesterday!

[newstart1 Graduate]

Thanks to everyone for your comments I really appreciate them. I went into SD yesterday who tested my gait and confirmed that i have a low arch. I haven't bought any new shoes yet as i wanted to do a bit more research on the best shoe. A big well done to Fluffy Pigeon for graduating.