Shoes for a flat-footed runner??

I'm also flatfooted -I've never seen a runner my age (20) with more screwed up feet. Anyways despite my flat feet I don't do well in the Motion Control shoes that most people will tell you are necessary for your feet. I have orthotics and have done well with: Asics Kayanos, Adidas Supernova Controls, and am trying out the Mizuno Alchemy now but it's alot of stability for me. I think with flat feet orhotics are actually the most important thing, mroeso than shoes. It wasn't until I got a good pair of orhotics that I could run decent mileage and now the shoe isn't as critically important. Other shoes that are supposedly good but I have no experience with are: Nike Durhams, Mizuno Legends, Brooks Addiction. Hope that helps

Everybody's foot is different, even flat feet. But still the most popular motion control shoe is the Brooks Beast. Another good one is the Saucony Stabil MC, you might have to try it in a wide width, because it runs a little narrow as far as motion control shoe go. Good Luck!

Like the others have said, Asics MC+ & Saucony Grib Stabil are good shoes. I wear a size 13 with orthotics and am very flat footed. However, I've recently switched to Nike Structure Triax and have had good luck with the 3 pair so far. Only problem is, their new version is coming out this fall so they'll probably mess them up.

gazellerunner wrote:...I think with flat feet orthotics are actually the most important thing, moreso than shoes. It wasn't until I got a good pair of orthotics that I could run decent mileage and now the shoe isn't as critically important...

I'm with you on the orthotics for flat feet and always run with them regardless of the shoe. Ran for a couple years in Mizuno Wave Alchemy's but generally had knee problems. Asics 2080's and 2090's made things worse. Funny thing is that my knees always felt great after racing in Kennedy XC spikes or Asics DS Racers. Read a Lydiard book shortly after a race where he said that light, flexible shoes are best and the light bulb finally came on. Now I train in (orthotic-laden) DS Racers and pound mileage like never before.

Flat Feet wrote:

Hi there,

I'm quite flat-flooted, and have had moderate success with some shoes and horrible experiences with others. Any shoe recommendations for a fellow that is hopelessly stuck in the flat of foot department?

the trend in shoes and orthotics is going through a change from what was believed when all the motion control shoes were first developed .. the days of straight last shoes are becoming something of the past

Here is an article which may help to confuse you further ..

taken from the article :

The rational behind the use of sports shoes that have motion control features is that they will reduce the total amount of pronation in the foot during the loading phase and may also reduce the velocity of pronation of the foot. It is speculated that the shoes may also reduce the total period that the foot remains in the pronated position. By the same argument, the benefits of limiting excessive foot pronation may contribute to effective control of internal rotation of the tibia and thereby reduce counter-rotatory motion at the knee and lower leg. The anticipated effect of the prescription of motion control shoes is therefore to reduce the risk of running injuries associated with excessive pronation.