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The best basketball shoes for flat feet
Hitting the courts soon?
Then you need good basketball shoes. While you can generally play basketball regardless of the shoes you have, those with flat feet need special shoes to help them reach the peak of their game.
If you have flat feet, then you might understand how hard sports like basketball can be. This is because people with flat feet can experience a lot of pain when they perform high-intensity activities. For some people, flat feet barely have an effect on their game, but for others, it can affect their stamina, hurt their muscles, and turn basketball into a non-enjoyable experience.
But don’t worry, there are shoes designed to help you out.
In this article, we’re looking at the best basketball shoes for flat feet. Some of the shoes on the list have specific features designed for people with flat feet, while others are regular basketball shoes that people with flat feet claim to make the game easier for them.
On top of that, we’re diving into the features that you need to look out for when buying flat-foot basketball shoes and even some of the causes and fixes for flat feet.
Best overall
Nike Men’s KD 13 Bred Basketball Shoes
Nike Men’s KD 13 Bred Basketball Shoes
You won’t find shoes as comfortable as this when playing basketball with flat feet. Every aspect of this shoe’s design is top-tier, which is why it’s the first entry on our list.
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We always kick off our lists with our favorite choice on the market. And for many basketball players, the KD 13 is one of the best basketball shoes available. But did you know that it’s also one of the best options for people with flat feet as well?
The Nike KD 13 is a mainstay on lists of the “best” basketball shoes and for good reason. These are great all-around shoes that you can wear regardless of the position you play. The engineering and thought that went into these shoes is evident, and if you have flat feet, you might find these to be the most comfortable basketball shoes you’ve ever worn.
When it comes to basketball shoes, comfort is a key factor. And with the KD 13’s, you won’t have to worry about comfort at all. The base of this shoe is very wide. So, when you put it on, it cradles your foot, which is why you can feel very comfortable when wearing these even if you have flat feet.
Additionally, this is one of the rare modern basketball shoes with proper arch support. Again, it may not have the same arch support as running shoes for flat-footed runners, but it still offers more support than most other basketball shoes.
The one downside to these shoes is that this is one of Nike’s more-expensive collections. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more money on top-quality shoes, they are a great option.
Best premium
Nike Mens Lebron 18 Basketball Shoes
Nike Mens Lebron 18 Basketball Shoes
If you want a premium pair of shoes that mix comfort, style, and functionality, this is the right option for you. When shopping for basketball shoes, you can’t go wrong with Lebrons, regardless of the type of feet you have.
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Lebron is arguably this generation’s most popular basketball player. So, you can expect that his own signature Nike shoes perform very well. And in the Lebron collection, we found that the Lebron 18s (the newest models) are the best ones available. If you have flat feet and want to wear Lebrons to your next game, you won’t go wrong with this option.
The second you put on these shoes, you’ll feel the comfort of the upper. While it wraps around the foot, it doesn’t wrap too tightly, which can be dangerous for people with flat feet. Additionally, the shoe has a pretty high heel-toe drop, which is essential when finding shoes for people with flat feet.
And if you’re one for designs, then this is a great option for you. The Lebron 18s come in a range of colors and patterns, making it easier to find the one that perfectly suits your needs. The main complaint with these shoes is that they are wide.
This can feel uncomfortable for some players. But if you have flat feet, this is actually a significant advantage as it allows your feet more room in the shoes. That way, you can really smoke the competition without worrying about damaging your muscles.
Best affordable
PEAK Men’s Streetball Master Basketball Shoes
PEAK Men’s Streetball Master Basketball Shoes
These PEAK shoes are comfortable, stylish, and affordable. If you;’re building your basketball gear on a tight budget, we highly recommend these kicks.
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Not everyone has the freedom and means to buy the most expensive basketball shoes on the market. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. The PEAK Lou Williams Street basketball shoes are the perfect shoe for the casual flat-footed player as they’re affordable, stylish, and very comfortable.
Lou Williams is largely considered an underdog in the NBA, but his skill speaks for itself. These shoes are designed for crafty players that utilize their speed in their playing style. So, if you’ve been having a hard time making hard cuts with your regular basketball shoes, these may be a welcome change.
On top of that, these shoes are designed for the streets. So, these shoes are designed to handle tougher conditions. Additionally, these shoes are very durable and would perform incredibly well on outdoor courts.
With that said, we found that these shoes don’t perform as well when you play indoors. While they are still comfortable, there were definitely some issues when it came to their grip when you play on hardwood.
Best for overpronation
Under Armour Men’s HOVR Havoc 3 Basketball Shoe
Under Armour Men’s HOVR Havoc 3 Basketball Shoe
With these shoes, you won’t have to worry about overpronation as much. They are made with stability in mind, which is a huge plus for people with flat feet who overpronate when on the basketball court.
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Overpronation and flat feet come hand in hand. While not all people with flat feet overpronate, they are much more likely to do so. If you struggle with overpronation (which could be very dangerous), it’s best to find stability shoes. And while it can be hard to find stability shoes specifically for basketball, these Under Armours are about as close as you can get.
We barely had complaints with these shoes. We highly recommend these shoes for flat-footed guards. This is because it provides a lot of stability and grip on the court. So, zooming past your opponents and penetrating the defence would be a breeze with these models.
On top of that, they are the most stable basketball shoes on the market. Since people with flat feet have a harder time balancing when they play basketball, stability shoes are very necessary.
Overpronation can be incredibly dangerous. If you aren’t careful, this could lead to costly and significant injuries. But if you use these shoes on the court, not only will you feel comfortable, but you can reduce the chances of overpronation significantly.
Best for forwards
Nike Mens KD Trey 5 VIII Basketball Shoes
Nike Mens KD Trey 5 VIII Basketball Shoes
You won’t regret going for these KDs. They are by-far the best option for flat-footed forwards on the market and are designed with comfort and performance in mind.
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Posititionless basketball is slowly becoming the norm in the NBA. However, players still have distinct roles on the court that require different skills. And if you play as a forward on the basketball court, you need to find shoes designed to handle the job.
Generally, forwards are taller and heavier than guards. This is to allow them more power inside, give them a rebounding advantage, and more. So, if you play as a flat-footed forward, you need to find basketball shoes that are tough enough for the job.
And if you play as a modern forward, we highly recommend these KD models. This is because the KD Trey 5 is incredibly comfortable and gives your feet a lot of room in the shoe. However, they also offer a lot of grip and stability, which is very important.
The only real downside to these shoes is that it might be harder to utilize your speed with these shoes. But if you play a crafty style of basketball, these shoes might just be what you need to keep yourself comfortable even when playing with flat feet.
Best for jumping
Adidas Men’s Ownthegame Basketball Shoe
Adidas Men’s Ownthegame Basketball Shoe
These Adidas shoes are incredibly comfortable and give your feet a lot of space. So, you can use them to jump just as high as the competition even if you have flat feet!
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Jumping is a big part of the game of basketball. But if you have flat feet, you might have some trouble getting the same elevation as other players.
These Adidas shoes are some of the best for jumping on the market today. On top of that, they have a bunch of features that are ideal for flat-footed players, which is why placing this model on the list was a no-brainer.
These shoes are wider than msot other basketball shoes and have significant arch support. So, your feet will feel very comfortable when wearing them, allowing you to jump higher, run faster, and play better.
With that said, the upper material could be a bit more flexible. These shoes are a bit on the rigid side, so be prepared for a longer break-in process if you opt for these models.
Best ankle support
FitVille Classic High-Top Shoes
FitVille Classic High-Top Shoes
These basketball shoes are wide and incredibly comfortable. So, if you need top-tier ankle support and want your feet to feel free in your shoes, you won’t go wrong with these ones.
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Another major consideration for flat-footed basketball shoes is ankle support. When you have flat feet, you’re more prone to overpronation, which could damage your ankles. So, aside from heel support, you need to find shoes that offer adequate ankle support.
And when doing the research, we found that this FitVille model has the best ankle support available. Once you put these shoes on, you’ll instantly feel the ankle support, which is a huge plus. On top of that, these shoes are wider than a lot of the other choices on the market, so you’ll feel very comfortable in them.
With that said, it’s pretty evident that FitVille’s priority was comfort and not functionality. The one complaint we have with these shoes is that they don’t come with features to actually make playing basketball easier. They are a bit bulky and heavy, which could get in the way.
But if your feet are really hurting whenever you step onto the court, these shoes will instantly make a difference. You won’t have to worry as much about soreness with these shoes, which is a fair trade for the bulkiness.
Best for kids
Under Armour Unisex-Child Pre School Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoe
Under Armour Unisex-Child Pre School Lockdown 5 Basketball Shoe
This is a great basketball shoe for kids, especially if they have flat feet. They are incredibly comfortable and come with a killer design that will instantly turn heads.
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Kids can have flat feet, too. And since it’s best to get people into sports at a young age, it’s important to find basketball shoes for kids that allow them to feel comfortable and confident. These Under Armour shoes do just that, and they also come with a bunch of great features that make it easier for kids with flat feet to enjoy the game of basketball.
These shoes have great heel support and are a bit wider than other basketball shoes. So, comfort isn’t a problem at all. On top of that, they have a vibrant and bright design that will instantly catch a child’s attention.
Another cool feature of these shoes is breathability. Since it has a mesh upper and various other features, kids won’t overheat when playing the game. And since a lot of kids enjoy playing basketball outdoors, this is a huge plus.
With that said, there are some downsides to this model. The biggest one being is that they are only good for kids. If you’re an adult looking for basketball shoes, then you might be better off shopping for other options in the Under Armour collection.
Best for guards
Under Armour Men’s HOVR Havoc 3 Basketball Shoe
Under Armour Men’s HOVR Havoc 3 Basketball Shoe
These are great basketball shoes for flat-footed players ready to play on the street courts. They are comfortable, come in a sleek colorway, and have features designed for outdoor courts.
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Wrapping up this list is a pair of shoes for outdoor play. These are Nike Kyries, which are some of the best shoes available today. They are very comfortable, adapt to your feet, and come with a whole lot of support.
They have a pretty big heel, which means your foot will comfortably rest inside the shoe. It also has a fairly wide toe box for added comfort. And since it comes in a sleek black colorway, you won’t have to worry about it not matching with your uniform and sports gear.
On top of that, these shoes are great for outdoor use. If you enjoy playing basketball on the street courts in your town, this is a great option for you. When you put these on, you’ll instantly feel the comfort and be able to zoom past opponents.
With that said, these aren’t the most durable shoes on the market. We found that it may not be able to handle heavy work for too long, which is expected from a lightweight basketball shoe.
Best for outdoor
Nike Men’s Kyrie Flytrap IV Basketball Shoe
Nike Men’s Kyrie Flytrap IV Basketball Shoe
These are great basketball shoes for flat-footed players ready to play on the street courts. They are comfortable, come in a sleek colorway, and have features designed for outdoor courts.
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Wrapping up this list is a pair of shoes for outdoor play. These are Nike Kyries, which are some of the best shoes available today. They are very comfortable, adapt to your feet, and come with a whole lot of support.
They have a pretty big heel, which means your foot will comfortably rest inside the shoe. It also has a fairly wide toe box for added comfort. And since it comes in a sleek black colorway, you won’t have to worry about it not matching with your uniform and sports gear.
On top of that, these shoes are great for outdoor use. If you enjoy playing basketball on the street courts in your town, this is a great option for you. When you put these on, you’ll instantly feel the comfort and be able to zoom past opponents.
With that said, these aren’t the most durable shoes on the market. We found that it may not be able to handle heavy work for too long, which is expected from a lightweight basketball shoe.
What to look for in good basketball shoes for flat feet
If you have flat feet, you know how hard it can be to play a game of basketball. Even if the game isn’t too intense and competitive, having flat feet can be a huge barricade to unlocking your full potential. Since playing basketball is painful for people with flat feet, you might need special shoes that are designed for your feet. These shoes won’t completely eliminate the hassle of playing with flat feet, but they will definitely make it easier.
A lot of things can cause flat feet. While most babies are born with flat feet, they develop their arches later on. However, some people have it in their genes to not develop a high arch, which results in flat feet. Additionally, things such as pregnancy, injuries, diabetes, and obesity can contribute to the chances of someone developing flat feet.
If you’re one of these people, you can reduce the hassle of playing basketball shoes with your condition with the right shoes. So, let’s take a look at some of the key things you need to look at when finding flat-footed shoes for basketball.
Soles
The first thing you need to look at when choosing basketball shoes for flat-footed people is the soles. Generally, basketball shoes (and sports shoes in general) are made with cushioned soles. These are designed for the average foot shape. So, although cushioning sounds like a good idea, they aren’t the best fit for people with flat feet.
The other two options are stability soles and motion control soles. These are two types of soles that actually fit the bill for people with flat feet. Stability shoes and stability soles are great for people with flat feet who tend to overpronate.
If you have severely flat feet and overpronation, then stability soles may not be enough for you. In these cases, your best option is to go for motion-controlled soles, which can give you the most stability.
Heel-toe drop
The heel-toe drop simply refers to the drop between the heel and toe of your shoe. This is also called the drop, and we found this to be the second-most important aspect of a shoe for flat-footed people.
If you have flat feet, then you need shoes that encourage heel strike. You always want your heel to hit the ground first to reduce the strain on your muscles. So, people with flat feet would greatly benefit from a high heel-toe drop of around 7mm.
With that said, a high drop reduces stability. If you want to have more stability when you play basketball, you may not want that high of a drop. That’s why we recommend that you try the shoes on before buying them, allowing you to figure out whether the drop is right for your feet.
Width
Generally, people with flat feed need wider shoes. This can be a problem with basketball shoes as most of them have a pointed tip. As much as possible, you want to avoid pointy shoes that compress your feet even if you don’t have flat feet.
The wider the shoe is, the more comfortable your feet will be. Remember, when you play sports your feet expand, meaning you need a bit more breathing room in the shoe. This can be pretty hard with basketball shoes, but we made sure that the shoes on this list have a slightly wider toe box than usual to make it easier for you.
Support
When you have flat feet, you need to find shoes that offer enough support. Usually, basketball shoes emphasize ankle support as this area of your body undergoes a lot of stress when playing basketball. However, if you have flat feet, there are other things you need to consider as well.
One of the most important things when looking for flat-footed shoes is heel support. Since people with flat feet don’t have an arch in their feet, they need extra support on the heels for maximum comfort.
Comfort
All of the factors we mentioned above point to one aspect: comfort. When finding basketball shoes, regardless of the shape of your feet, you need to make sure they’re comfortable. This is why we recommend trying the shoes one and jumping, walking, or running in place to see how they feel.
Remember, no one has the same type of feet, even if they lack arches. So, you need to find shoes that are comfortable for your feet, and the only way to do that is by trying them on before buying.
With that said, it can be hard to try on shoes before buying if shopping online. And since the internet has more options and better prices, most people prefer shopping online. When buying shoes online, we still recommend heading to your local shoe store to try out the same or similar model to see how they feel on your feet. From there, you can head back home and place your order if you found them comfortable.
Can I play basketball with flat feet?
Anyone can play basketball. There are some people who may be more geared towards the sport, especially people who are tall and have arches in their feet. But if you have flat feet, that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to the joys of basketball altogether.
In fact, there are quite a few people who don’t just play, but are very good at the sport despite their flat feet. However, the problem is that having flat feet can hurt your muscles if you put them through a lot of stress, which you do when playing basketball.
This is why you need to make sure you have the right shoes when playing the game. That way, you get all the support you need. While this won’t eliminate the problems of playing sports with flat feet, they greatly reduce them. So, before lacing up for the court, make sure you have the right type of shoes, as that will give you a significant edge when you finally start playing.
FAQ
Are Jordans good for flat feet?
Jordans are great shoes for people with flat feet. This is because they have a wide heel and toe box. The only problem is that they are relatively flat and don’t have arch support. However, you can always fix that by getting yourself a set of arch supports that you can place in your shoes that can turn any pair into flat-footed shoes.
Is memory foam good for flat feet?
Yes, memory foam is a great material for people with flat feet. With that said, you need to make sure the memory foam shoes have a deep heel cup. This is to provide you with all the support you need as well as ensure that the shoe is specifically shaped for your feet.
Do basketball shoes have arch support?
Most basketball shoes on the market don’t have arch support. This isn’t a priority for most manufacturers and brands, since many people don’t need arch support when playing sports. That’s why we recommend buying separate arch supports so that you can wear any basketball shoes on the court. But for peak comfort, we recommend buying basketball shoes designed for people with flat feet that have built-in arch support and a wide toe and heel box.
