Best Shoes for Flat Feet

05 Sep 2024

Discover the Perfect Shoes for You

FLAT FEET SOLUTIONS

By Caroline McCulloch, Australian Podiatrist and FRANKIE4's Founder

Discover the Perfect Shoes for You

FLAT FEET SOLUTIONS

By Caroline McCulloch, Australian Podiatrist and FRANKIE4's Founder

“Flat feet” are common and can cause issues. Thankfully, we’ve moved past the days when having flatter feet meant you had to opt for chunky orthotics — and even chunkier shoes.

A solution is here, and it lies within our shoes, providing the perfect balance of support and fashion.

FIRST, LET'S GO BACK TO THE BEGINNINGS

Since launching FRANKIE4 14 years ago with my husband, Al, we’ve been dedicated to revolutionizing women’s footwear with innovative, stylish solutions. It all started in our family-run podiatry clinics in Brisbane, Australia, where our treatment ethos was that the foundations needed to be right before you were prescribed orthotics for heel pain (plantar fasciitis). This meant that finding the right pair of shoes was a critical piece to relieving our patient's pain and providing the best care. The struggle was, we had to find shoes women would actually want to wear and from this frustration, FRANKIE4 was born.

One issue we dealt with a lot was symptomatic 'flat feet'. A foot that has excessive or prolonged pronation (too much, or too fast 'rolling in') can cause significant discomfort without proper support.

Our footwear technology, created from our treatment rooms so many years ago, continues to provide the relief and support women need, here's how ;

UNDERSTANDING FLAT FEET AND THEIR IMPACT

Flat feet, or fallen arches, can lead to a host of issues—pain, fatigue, and even misalignment that affects your knees, hips, and lower back. The right shoes are crucial for helping to manage these symptoms and supporting you in moving through your day without painful feet holding you back.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SHOES FOR FLAT FEET

ARCH SUPPORT

Seek out shoes that provide a level of arch support that is comfortable and wearable. A pair of FRANKIE4 sneakers is a great first step for those looking for a shoe with comfortable support. Arch support helps distribute weight more evenly and works to reduce the strain on your feet.

SHOE TYPE

• Shoes for Light Exercise: For those long walks or simply running errands, choose shoes with targeted cushioning and stability. Our FRANKIE4 sneakers are crafted to deliver just that.

• Casual Shoes: Every-day footwear doesn’t have to be boring. For example, you would never know that even our ballet flat styles are packed full of hidden support and cushioning.

• Work Shoes: Long hours on your feet? Our options for work shoes are designed to provide the support and durability you need to stay comfortable all day.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Fit: A well-fitted shoe prevents cramping and discomfort, that’s why being able to adapt your fit is a huge benefit, especially for women with flat feet. With our Sole Saver Pack®, you can enjoy a custom fit—after all, no two feet are the same, so why should your fit be? This clever pack(which comes with most of our enclosed styles), includes footbed components that can be mix‑and-matched for a narrow, regular, or wide fit.

• Footbed design: For flat feet, extra arch support and targeted cushioning are key. That's where our Sole Hero® Footbed comes in. Built into nearly all our slides, sandals and heels, and adjustable in boots, sneakers and most flats, it cradles the heel and provides arch support to improve alignment. Plus, its two-zone cushioning is designed to prevent pain points.

Read more about our Sole Saver Pack® here, and our Sole Hero® Footbed here.

BEST EVERY-DAY SHOES FOR FLAT FEET

Our FRANKIE4 collection combines everyday and fashion-forward style with serious support. From elegant flats to versatile sneakers, we’ve designed footwear that’s as fashionable as it is functional.

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ARCH SUPPORT IN FRANKIE4 SHOES

After years of testing, we created theSole Hero® Footbed, the core of our technology. Its contoured layers offer the soft support women’s soles need, aiming to alleviate heel, arch, and forefoot pain and provide a healthier foundation with every FRANKIE4 shoe.

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TIPS FOR BUYING SHOES FOR FLAT FEET

GET MEASURED: Accurate sizing is key. Refer to our fit guide for the best advice or head into one of our concept stores where our team of fit-experts can assist you.
THE IMPACT OF TIMING: Feet swell throughout the day, so keep this in mind. Our Sole Saver Pack® offers adjustable comfort as the day progresses.
WALK AROUND: Test for comfort and support by strolling around the store or inside at home. Keep in mind, many of our styles feature expertly balanced heel counters and pressure-relieving foam lining to help negate the need for a break-in period.

FAQs: YOUR QUESTIONS, MY ANSWERS

CAN IMPROPER SHOES WORSEN FLAT FEET SYMPTOMS?

Absolutely. Shoes without proper support can aggravate or acerbate symptoms and increase discomfort.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE FLAT FEET

Flat feet are often marked by a lack of arch when standing. If you’re experiencing foot pain or fatigue too, a professional consultation can offer clarity, but the right, supportive footwear is the essential first step in addressing this. No brainer.

HOW CAN I ALLEVIATE FOOR PAIN FROM FLAT FEET?

Start with the foundation, footwear. FRANKIE4 shoes are designed with our podiatrist-designed technology to provide optimal comfort.

HOW MUCH ARCH SUPPORT DO I NEED?

The arch support you need depends on your foot type and severity of your flat feet. Our FRANKIE4 styles offer the wearer soft, centered support, that is essential for getting through the day in comfort. If pain persists even with great shoes, I recommend consulting a medical professional.

STEP INTO COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE WITH FRANKIE4

Flat feet don’t have to stop you from enjoying stylish shoes. Our footwear offers superior comfort and support, so you can look great and feel confident with every step. Whether for every-day or special occasions, we have the perfect pair for you.

Remember - support should always feel comfortable, never uncomfortable.