Best Running Shoes For Flat Feet In Australia (2026): A Physiotherapist’s Top Picks

If you have low arches and your feet tend to pronate inwardly when you run, then having the right shoes will definitely help a great deal with providing stability and comfort. At Pivotal Motion, a physiotherapy clinic in Newmarket, Brisbane, we have put together a collection of running shoes to buy on Amazon Australia that provide real support to people with low arches.

Before you dive into the list, do note that even though wearing good running shoes increases your comfort and stability, they cannot identify your foot type or fix flat feet. If you feel pain when running, it would be better to consult a physiotherapist.

Pivotal Motion may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through Amazon links on this page, at no extra cost to you. If you want the short answer, our best overall pick suits most flat-footed runners.

How we chose these running shoes for flat feet

Each one was assessed based on how well it performed when worn by someone with flat feet and how it felt in actual mileage rather than on marketing hype. The top thing we looked for was stability, which is achieved through a broad, sturdy base combined with a midsole designed to counteract overpronation. 

This design allows the feet to be properly supported without being put into an unnatural position. The heel counter and the fit of the back foot received special attention from us so that you would have an appropriately snug heel that aligns your foot in a straight position. We also took into account the anti-twist design of the shoe.

Finding the right running shoe involves striking a balance between cushioning and support, too. You need enough shock absorption for daily runs, but not so much soft foam that you lose stability. Fit and width are crucial, especially as flat feet typically require more room in the forefoot. Flat feet could also influence the shoe’s performance, depending on whether they were flexible or rigid. Some individuals with low arches find neutral shoes to be more comfortable.

The best running shoes for flat feet in Australia at a glance

Prices and ratings shift often on Amazon, so confirm the current figure on each listing before you buy.

AwardModelBest for
Best overallBrooks Adrenaline GTS 25Balanced stability for most flat-footed runners
Best valueASICS GT-2000 13Everyday support at a lower price
Best shock absorptionASICS Gel-Kayano 32Maximum cushioning with structure
Best lightweightHOKA Arahi 8Light, stable daily trainer
Best for wide feetNew Balance 860v14Stability in wide fittings
Best for daily milesSaucony Guide 18Smooth, gently supportive daily trainer

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25: Best overall

For quite some time now, the Adrenaline GTS from Brooks has been one of the key models for stability shoes, and the 25th edition is a great shoe for flat-footed runners. First off, the GuideRail system, located on each side of the shoe heel, supports your foot only when you turn it in too much. As such, you have full support when needed, without unnecessary restriction at any other moment. Secondly, the shoe contains nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning that gives you comfort and control over your run. Furthermore, the heel counter locks down the heel inside the shoe. 

Three men’s and two women’s widths are available, and this shoe is ideal for runners with flat feet or those who overpronate mildly to moderately, offering reliable support without being overly rigid. The catch: this is not the lightest or bounciest trainer on the market. If you want a snappy ride for those high-tempo days, something firmer and faster will feel better. 

Physio verdict: this is a dependable, structured daily trainer that is great at supporting a low-arch foot through the kilometres without over-controlling it. Check the current price and rating for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 on Amazon AU.

ASICS GT-2000 13: Best value

If the Adrenaline is a top choice for many, the GT-2000 13 offers a similar experience but without breaking the bank. ASICS has created this trainer to be a dependable option for daily support, sitting just below the Kayano in terms of both cost and refinement. It provides stability through the 3D Guidance System, which relies on clever shoe design (a wider base and a bevelled heel) that gently guides the foot, avoiding the harshness of a hard medial post. The FF BLAST PLUS foam gives you a soft yet responsive ride, and for those with broader feet, a wider fit is available. This shoe is perfect for flat-footed runners looking for affordable support and also for newcomers who want stability without having to spend a fortune.

Although it does not quite have the same feel as the Kayano, it does offer a good base for flat-footed people. People with wide feet should consider buying the wide edition of this shoe for a better fit. On the other hand, if you are an overpronator and require some control in your shoe, you may need to look into another type of shoe. 

Physio verdict: This shoe would be great as your first stability shoe. Check the live price and rating for the ASICS GT-2000 13 on Amazon AU.

ASICS Gel-Kayano 32: Best shock absorption

When you’re on the hunt for a running shoe that combines a soft landing with solid support, the Kayano 32 by ASICS is definitely one to think about. Known as their top-tier stability trainer, this shoe offers a generous amount of cushioning with its FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam and a rearfoot PureGEL insert, which helps absorb the impact of heel strikes. The innovative 4D Guidance System provides personalised support by adapting to your stride, rather than forcing your foot into a fixed position. With a firm heel counter for added stability, the Kayano 32 is available in standard and wide sizes, and some options even include narrower and extra-wide fits. This makes it an excellent choice for runners with flat feet who want comfort and protection, especially when covering long distances every week.

This is one of the pricier, heavier shoes here, with a built-up feel that won’t suit anyone chasing a light, fast trainer, and the firmer-than-plush foam returns little energy for speed work. 

Physio verdict: plush cushioning with genuine structure, comfortable for longer, easier runs on a low-arch foot. Check the current price and rating for the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 on Amazon AU.

HOKA Arahi 8: Best lightweight

The Arahi 8 is proof that stability shoes can be both supportive and comfortable. In this latest version, HOKA introduces the innovative H-Frame system, a design that features firmer foam that wraps around both sides of the midsole, providing gentle guidance for the foot without relying on a rigid medial wedge. Combined with HOKA’s early-stage Meta-Rocker, this setup gives you a smoother transition from heel to toe. The midsole, created from a softer CMEVA than its predecessor, provides support that feels light and easier on the legs. This shoe is ideal for runners with flat feet who want stability without any added weight, as well as for anyone who has avoided traditional stability shoes because of their stiffness.

However, you must keep in mind the high, soft design. This may limit your contact with the ground. Should you like feeling the stability and grounding offered by a low, firm platform, this shoe may feel slightly too bouncy. These are better suited for running at a constant pace for an extended period of time.

Physio verdict: this shoe offers a light, cushioned experience that gently supports your stride, making it kind to your legs for everyday running. Check the live price and rating for the HOKA Arahi 8 on Amazon AU.

New Balance 860v14: Best for wide feet

New Balance comes out on top when it comes to accommodating wider feet, and their 860v14 model is a great choice for people with broad, low-arch feet. This shoe is a reliable daily trainer, giving you great stability through its Fresh Foam X cushioning and additional support on the inner side of the midsole. It caters to different needs by providing standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes, which finally gives runners who struggle with standard shoes the comfort and space they need. Compared to previous versions, the v14 gives you a slightly more spacious fit, with a snug heel and a soft, cushioned feel. This shoe is particularly well-suited for runners with flat feet who have a tendency for mild to moderate overpronation.

Just keep in mind that width matters more here than usual. The fit is generous, so some people prefer to size down a half-size in the wide option, and getting the fitting wrong will essentially undo the shoe’s main advantage. The support is also a little gentler than the old post-based 860s. 

Physio verdict: a stable, well-cushioned trainer that fits a broad, low-arch foot really well, as long as you pick the right width. Check the current price and rating for the New Balance 860v14 on Amazon AU, and confirm the available widths while you’re there.

Saucony Guide 18: Best for daily miles

For those daily runs where you want to feel free and effortless, the Guide 18 gives you a seamless experience. Saucony has created this shoe with their Center Path design, which relies on the natural shape of the shoe instead of rigid structures. It features raised sidewalls that cradle your foot and a stable, wide base that is complemented by a touch of extra foam on the inner side to naturally guide each step. The PWRRUN cushioning provides comfort, and the secure heel ensures a balanced and subtle ride. The shoe comes in wide and extra-wide sizes, and it’s an excellent choice for flat-footed runners looking for mild, everyday support, as well as for those who are working towards increasing their weekly distance.

The guidance is subtle, though. So, if you’re a strong overpronator who needs firmer, more obvious control, the Adrenaline GTS or the Kayano are more likely to hold you better, especially as the PWRRUN foam isn’t built for speed or big energy return. 

Physio verdict: a smooth, gently supportive daily trainer that is ideal for a flexible, low-arch foot well. Check the live price and rating for the Saucony Guide 18 on Amazon AU.

How to choose the right running shoe for your flat feet

You need to identify your type of flat foot before anything else. If your arch forms when your foot is not bearing weight, but it flattens when you stand, you have a flexible flat foot. In this case, a stability shoe is often the best choice. A rigid flat foot remains flat both on and off the ground. Don’t just guess, though. It’s best to consult a professional before purchasing shoes for this type, as it requires different support. Interestingly, not every runner with flat feet overpronates; many find comfort in neutral shoes. 

When choosing your footwear, think about how your foot moves as you run. For mild to moderate overpronation, options like the Adrenaline GTS or Arahi 8 give you support only when necessary. If you need firmer control, the Kayano 32 or GT-2000 13 give you more structured support.

The GT-2000 13 will be a sensible choice if you are on a budget. If you are looking for a pair that offers comfort during long-distance running, the Kayano 32 will be an excellent choice. If you have wide feet, then you may find the New Balance 860v14 more comfortable because of its wider width. Finally, if you want light and energetic shoes for your day-to-day running routine, the Arahi 8 could suit you perfectly. The best shoe for you is the one that makes you feel most stable and comfortable.

How to fit and transition to a new running shoe safely

A shoe only supports you well if it fits well, so a few basics are worth getting right. Try shoes on later in the day, when your feet are at their largest, and leave about a thumb-width at the end of your longest toe. Check that the heel doesn’t slip while the midfoot feels secure but not tight. Because a flat foot is often broader, resist the urge to size up in length just to gain width. Choose a wide fitting instead, which most shoes here offer.

When using custom orthotics, make sure to fit your shoes with the orthotic inserted. If you need more room, simply remove the shoe’s insole. For any questions about orthotics, consult a physiotherapist. They can provide precise answers rather than leaving you to guess. When you get a new pair of shoes, break them in slowly. Wear them alternately with your old shoes during the first week and gradually increase the time and distance you use them, especially if the level of support changes.

If you find you have trouble with heel or arch pain on a regular basis, you may want to consider consulting a physiotherapist rather than just getting new shoes. If you suffer from recurring foot pain in connection with your running, this is also an indication that you may need some professional help rather than a new pair of shoes. In addition, keep in mind that running shoes must be changed once the midsole has gone flat.

Do stability shoes actually help flat feet?

For many runners suffering from flat feet, supportive footwear gives a sense of comfort and security that keeps them motivated to run regularly. The major considerations to be made when choosing a running shoe include the level of comfort and the fit of the shoe.

While some may choose a shoe just to help prevent injuries, the evidence on whether motion-control or stability shoes achieve this is pretty inconclusive. The level of support needed can differ a lot among individuals. For instance, some runners with flat feet find that neutral shoes work perfectly well, keeping them comfortable and free from injuries. 

Frequently asked questions

Typically a stability or support shoe, characterised by a firm heel counter and a broad base resistant to any pronation or inward rolling of the foot. However, foot types differ. Flat flexible feet may be suited to a stability shoe, but there is also a chance of low-arch feet doing well in neutral shoes.

Yes. Many individuals who have flat feet run at distances of 5k and above quite comfortably, wearing shoes suitable for their feet, and by slowly increasing their mileage. Having flat feet alone does not hinder you from running long distances. If any kind of pain develops due to increased mileage, a physiotherapist should be consulted immediately.

Both are excellent choices for flat feet, and the best choice will depend on what your feet like. The HOKA Arahi 8 provides a lightweight and cushioned guidance system with the help of the H-Frame feature, making it perfect for runners who do not like a firm shoe. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 gives firmer, more structured stability through its GuideRails. Try both if you can and decide from there.

Established stability running shoes include Brooks Adrenaline GTS, ASICS Gel-Kayano and GT-2000, New Balance 860 and Saucony Guide. However, the particular shoe depends on each individual person. A gait analysis is the most appropriate way of identifying the proper shoe for your natural walking pattern.

Many flat-footed individuals are fine wearing just their stability shoes, while some need to use orthotics. This is a matter that should be decided with the help of a physiotherapist and not through assumptions, seeing how it all boils down to the feet themselves and their problems. A quick assessment settles it.

Often, yes. A flat footed person’s feet are wider in the forefoot section, so wearing wide shoes is recommended rather than going one size up in length. If you increase your size in the case of width, you will end up with a shoe that is too big in length.

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Privacy Policy · Contact · Pivotal Motion Education is published by Pivotal Momentum Pty Ltd (ABN 84 640 834 235), in conjunction with Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy, a Brisbane physiotherapy practice in Newmarket. Clinic site: pivotalmotion.physio.