You might have flat feet if the inner side of your feet are flat when you stand on the ground. If you have flat feet and are fond of playing basketball, it’s critical for you to get basketball shoes designed for flat feet. Flat-footed players need special shoes that support their arch and prevent the ankle from overpronating. Ignoring this issue can result in severe and even career-ending injuries!
Fortunately, I’ve reviewed more than 47 basketball shoes over 9 years of my career as a basketball coach and listed the best 10 basketball shoes for flat feet in this article!
Why Are the Right Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet Important?
Getting the right basketball shoes for flat feet dramatically impacts your performance.
They have extended support for your ankle, a firmer base to protect your arch, and a customized insole for total comfort.
I’ve seen several players get injured by different means such as a twisted ankle, an extended joint, or even a torn ligament, all because of inappropriate shoes.
Getting the right shoes that cater to your needs will not only prevent these issues but also boost your performance on the court.
The likes of Kobe Bryant and LeBron “King” James have aced the sport while having flat feet, and nothing is stopping you from performing as well as them!
So, dive right into our guide of which basketball shoes are best for your flat feet. If you’re in a hurry, choose from one of our top picks. But if you’re into the nitty gritty, read our in-depth guide!
ShoeGuide’s Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – Top Picks
Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Flat Feet – Adidas Men’s Own The Game 2.0
Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet and Overpronation – Jordan 36
Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support and Flat Feet – Nike Sports Shoes AIRMAX Impact 4
Best Basketball Shoes for Narrow Flat Feet – Nike Men’s KD15
Best Nike Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – Nike Zoom Freak 4
Best Under Armour Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – Under Armour Curry 10
Best Women’s Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – Nike Women’s Court Vision Mid Sneaker
Best Youth Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – Adidas Unisex-Child Cross Em Up 5
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – PEAK High Top Men’s Basketball Shoes Lou Williams
Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards With Flat Feet – PUMA Men’s Uproar Spectra Basketball Sneakers Shoe
Best Basketball Shoes for Wide Flat Feet – Adidas Men’s Own The Game 2.0 Basketball Shoe
The Adidas Men’s Own The Game 2.0 is the first variant on our list, and rightfully so! It’s the go-to pick for flat-footed players due to its comfortable design and unmatched heel support. It’s made from a very pliable material that supports your arch and improves overall traction.
This shoe is my top pick for the best basketball shoes for flat feet on a budget as well.
Unique Features
- Dual material mesh for added comfort.
- External heel to secure the arch.
- Made with recycled content.
Pros
- Dual material mesh for added comfort
- Unparalleled traction due to specially designed rubber sole
- External counter to support the heel
- Environmentally-friendly
- Crafty design looks appealing to the eye
Cons
- Limited variation in colors
What People are Saying About It
One customer with narrow feet with minimal arches reported that “it’s usually almost impossible for me to get the right shoes, but the Adidas Men’s Own the Game shoes that I’ve been using for about 2 months are working pretty nicely.”
Honorable Mention
If this shoe is not your style or it doesn’t fit the bill for some reason, here are a couple more options you can choose from:
ASHION Men’s Basketball Shoes Anti Slip
Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet and Overpronation – Jordan 36
I’ve seen basketballers with overpronation find trouble selecting shoes. Overpronation can be tough to deal with, but not if you have the latest Jordan 36s. This pair is built to prevent any added stress on your ankle, and the elevated heel along with the comfy insole allows it to achieve this feat.
Unique Features
- Padded ankles.
- Thicker insole for proper support.
- Modern treads for excellent grip.
Pros
- Extra ankle support via added padding
- Latest treads enable enhanced traction
- Crafty design looks appealing to the eye
- Unisex design for both men and women of all ages
- Thicker rubber sole accounts for an increased arch support
Cons
- Slightly on the expensive side
- May come off as too flashy for some players in terms of bold design
What People are Saying About It
It’s been noted by some buyers that these shoes are “different from the usual ones in supporting the ankle.” One customer said they felt they could exert better force “without putting too much pressure on my feet while playing.”
Honorable Mention
Although the Jordan 36 is one of my personal favorites, here are two equally good options:
ASHION Men’s Basketball Shoes Arch Support
Sytanbo Men’s Fashion Basketball Sports Shoes
Best Basketball Shoes for Ankle Support and Flat Feet – Nike Sports Shoes AIRMAX Impact 4
The Nike AIRMAX Impact 4 has set the bar high when it comes to providing super comfy shoes with an affordable price tag. This pair has a molded midsole that is perfect for flat-footed players. The improved traction also enhances on-court performance.
Unique Features
- Pressure-proof Max Air cushioning.
- Herringbone pattern on the sole.
- Rubber wraps on the sides.
Pros
- Extra ankle support via added padding
- Latest treads enable enhanced traction
- Crafty design looks appealing to the eye
- Unisex design for players of all ages
- Thicker rubber sole accounts for an increased arch support
Cons
- Some might find the design dull
What People are Saying About It
Players with flat feet are likely familiar with the experience of trying many pairs of shoes in search of the right fit. We found a customer online who said that “I’ve tried four pairs of shoes already in search of a good fit, and the AIRMAX Impact 4 were the best of the lot.”
Honorable Mention
Nike creates some of the best basketball shoes for any category, but these two shoes deserve a shoutout as well:
MEBAMY Men’s High Top Basketball Shoes
Nike Men’s Kyrie Infinity Black
Best Basketball Shoes for Narrow Flat Feet – Nike Men’s KD15
The KD15s are among the favorites for flat-footed basketballers. Built with modern tech, they contain extended ankle support and a perforated top for comfort and ventilation. If you have narrow flat feet, these will suit you best.
Unique Features
- Perforated toe and mid-panel.
- Light Iron Ore-colored leather.
- A leather Swoosh.
Pros
- Perforated mid-panel and toe enable excellent ventilation
- Thicker rubber sole accounts for increased arch support
- Siren Red leather design looks appealing to the eye, especially for the Bulls fans
- Durable and can withstand massive impact force while keeping the heel safe
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Slightly on the expensive side
What People are Saying About It
Pain in your feet is a sign that your shoes aren’t accommodating your feet correctly. A buyer who mentioned usually feeling pain in their feet and ankles after a couple hours of regular play said “the DK15 shoes are perfect and did away with that.”
Honorable Mention
I personally had a hard time choosing between these options, so if you’re looking for something other than Nike, check these out:
Sanearde Men’s Fashion Basketball Shoes
PEAK High Top Men’s Basketball Shoes Lou Williams Streetball Master
Best Nike Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – Nike Zoom Freak 4
Nike has launched a ton of shoes catering to flat-footed basketballers, and the Zoom Freak 4 model truly stands out from the rest overall. It has the best price point in regard to the features it packs. Uniquely engineered soles, top-tier ankle guards, and medicated arch support make it a winner.
Unique Features
- Certified medical insole.
- Added padding and elevated heel to protect your ankle.
- Ventilated material to prevent moisture accumulation.
Pros
- 2 Zoom Air units to protect your arch
- Plenty of colors and variants available for you to choose from
- Unique rubber sole for perfect traction
- Added support for the ankle via the elevated heel and extra padding
- Arch support from the medicated insole makes it super comfy
Cons
- May not be as durable as some of the options
What People are Saying About It
A satisfied customer wrote in a review that “these shoes are a perfect fit for me,” in addition to having a design they loved.
Honorable Mention
The Zoom Freak 4 is currently the latest model, but if you’re looking for something else from Nike, here are two excellent options as well:
Nike Men’s Giannis Immortality
Best Under Armour Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – Curry 10
The Curry 10’s are Under Armour’s latest launch and they’ve taken the market by storm, simply because of the sheer comfort they bring to the table. If you’re into Under Armor shoes, play basketball, love Curry, and have flat feet, these are perfect for you.
Unique Features
- Made of recycled material.
- UA WARP technology for comfort.
- Half-bootie upper lining for the best fit.
Pros
- UA WARP upper technology makes it extremely comfortable for flat-footed players
- Crafty design looks appealing to the eye
- Unisex design for both men and women of all ages
- UA Flow cushioning technology accounts for an increased arch support
- TPE-blend sockliner to protect your ankle
Cons
- The design may be too mundane for some younger players
What People are Saying About It
One Curry fan admitted that although their bias lead them to choose this particular shoe, wearing it for a few months “convinced me I made exactly the right choice. The shoes look classy and provide good sole support.”
Honorable Mention
If you’re a Curry fan, there’s no other shoe except the UA Curry series, but if you’re looking for a change, here’s what’s best:
Under Armour Unisex-Adult Lockdown 6
Best Women’s Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – Nike Women’s Court Vision Mid Sneaker
The Nike Women’s Court Vision Mid Sneaker is the best shoe out there for all flat-footed female basketballers. It’s designed with a lightweight material that comforts your foot while also ensuring proper ventilation and arch support.
Unique Features
- Molded midsole cushions.
- Retro elements in the trim design make it an old-school classic.
- Ventilated top material.
Pros
- Rubber cupsole adds durability
- Molded midsole cushions to support your arch and make the gameplay smoother than ever
- Lightweight build for better mobility and less stress on your ankle
- Rubber outsole with traditional lacing
- Full high top for better support
Cons
- Only a couple of variants available in terms of the color combination
- May not be as durable as some other options in the list
What People are Saying About It
The struggle to find well-fitting shoes for flat feet is quite real, as one buyer mentioned online. However, these shoes “fit me to a T despite my flat feet.”
Honorable Mention
I’ve never seen any female basketballer with flat feet regret buying the Nike Women’s Court Vision Mid Sneaker. But if you’re looking for another design, here are two top picks worth mentioning:
Nike Women’s Modern, Classic Basketball Shoe
Best Youth Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – Adidas Unisex-Child Cross Em Up 5
Finding the ideal shoes for flat-footed kids is important as they’re in their developmental stages and you can’t afford injuries at this point. The Adidas Cross Em Up 5 are market leaders when it comes to comfort and ankle support in kids’ basketball shoes. These are my go-to’s for recommendations for flat-footed kids.
Unique Features
- Traction strips to increase friction.
- A vast array of colors to pick from.
- Padded heel for shock resistance.
Pros
- Soft cushioning for unmatched comfort
- Affordable with high-quality build
- Thicker rubber sole accounts for increased arch support
- Enhanced traction for reducing the chances of slips
- Quirky designs that are ideal for kids
Cons
- Not very durable
- The insoles aren’t glued down
What People are Saying About It
Parents know that the real shoe test is the test of time. In a review, a parent who’d bought these shoes for their kid said that “even after months of continuous wear, there aren’t any signs that the shoes are any less comfortable.”
Honorable Mention
If your kid doesn’t like the shoe, I’ve got two fabulous choices for them as well. Check these two shoes out:
Under Armour Unisex-Child Pre School Lockdown 6
ASHION Kids Basketball Shoes Youth Mid-Top Sneakers
Best Outdoor Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet – PEAK High Top Men’s Basketball Shoes Lou Williams
The PEAK High Top is a futuristic shoe that catches everyone’s attention with its unique design. It is targeted for outdoor games, making it one of the most durable shoes we have on the list—especially for its affordable price.
Unique Features
- Medicated sole made of ethylene-vinyl acetate.
- High-performance rubber which is anti-slip and wear-resistant.
- Peak STA stabilization module.
Pros
- Elevated ankle padding for better cushioning
- RB Upgraded rubber accounts for increased arch support
- Supports your ankle and boosts performance
- Peak STA Stabilization Module improves fatigue resistance
- Improved comfort and rebound
Cons
- Feels a little heavy on the foot
- Limited colors available
What People are Saying About It
Another parent of a basketball player stated that these shoes provided “the necessary comfort and support” for their child’s feet, “even after long hours of play.”
Honorable Mention
I’ve played a lot of outdoor basketball using PEAK shoes, and they left me surprised every time. So here’s one more PEAK shoe and a Puma shoe that are excellent for outdoor basketball:
PEAK Men’s Flash Basketball Shoes
Best Basketball Shoes for Point Guards With Flat Feet – PUMA Men’s Uproar Spectra
Point guards need shoes with better traction and shock resistance more than any other basketball player. But if you have flat feet, finding the right shoe can be a challenge, as you need the right combination of lightness and cushioning. The PUMA Men’s Uproar Spectra fits perfectly in this category.
Unique Features
- Uproar HYBRID court silhouette.
- Dynamic lacing system.
- PUMA side foamstrip styling.
Pros
- Durable and can withstand massive impact force while keeping the heel safe
- Features Uproar Spectra
- The Dynamic Lacing System saves on time
- PUMA Side Foamstrip for added arch support
- Thicker rubber sole accounts for an increased arch support
Cons
- Size can be tight so choose one number higher than usual.
- The designs could be a lot better
- Limited colors available
What People are Saying About It
A helpful reviewer suggested adding a sports insole for additional comfort. However, they also made it clear that “the shoe is well-built and comfortable enough on its own, particularly for its price point.”
Honorable Mention
As a point guard myself, I understand your foot requirements and which shoes would suit your feet the best. Here are two other basketball shoes for point guards with flat feet that deserve light:
PEAK Men’s Flash Basketball Shoes Lou Williams Underground
ASHION Men’s Basketball Shoes Anti Slip
What to Consider When Choosing Your Basketball Shoes: Buying Guide
Picking the right shoes goes a long way if you’re a flat-footed player. Getting a pair that complements you and allows you to achieve your full potential without injury is imperative. In that regard, here are four of the most crucial aspects you need to consider before you get a pair.
Note: I’ve already taken into account these and many more factors while making the aforementioned list.
1. Ankle Support on Your Shoes
Your ankle joint is vulnerable to injury, and the chances increase if you have flat feet. For that reason, you need to get a shoe that’ll be just tight enough around your ankle to support it while maintaining proper mobility.
You can check this by wearing a pair of shoes and doing a couple of stretches. A shoe with good support will have stable support while allowing your feet to move naturally when you stretch.
Shoes with poor ankle support are rigid and tight on your ankles when you stretch and move around. In that case, it’s best to avoid a shoe with poor ankle support to avoid injuries and discomfort.
2. High Traction
Slipping on the court is the last thing a basketballer wants. Traction is perhaps the most crucial aspect of your shoe when it comes to performance.
The bottoms of your shoes must have proper seam lines and a material that grasps onto surfaces with heaps of friction.
You can test the shoe friction with some quick drills such as pivots (starts and stops) or bigelow (jump, stop and control). If you feel a strong grip and control over the ground, you have solid traction and sole.
A good sole of a basketball shoe is made of rubber and is generally flat. Thicker and denser rubber soles last longer on outdoor surfaces. Most basketball shoes have a herringbone pattern on their soles, which improves stability and traction.
3. Proper Fit and Comfort
The most distinct aspect of a flat-footed basketballer’s shoe is the enhanced comfort it offers to the sole.
The shoe you’re going for must wrap around your foot perfectly while supporting your arch and giving it a much-needed lift. Wearing it and walking for a couple of minutes will help you determine the fit.
4. Cover Material
The cover of any great basketball shoe needs to be super airy to allow proper ventilation. Your feet need a breather to enable the escape of moisture and prevent the possibility of infection.
Testing this is a tough one. However, you’ll get the feel of it when you wear it. The amount of air you feel on your foot while wearing the shoe is what you need to focus on.
FAQs
Q. Can You Play Basketball If You Have Flat Feet?
Flat feet are a commonly known condition that affects almost 2 out of 10 children in the United States. It’s a condition in which your foot lacks arches.
However, having flat feet doesn’t have to be an obstacle in playing basketball if you put in continuous effort and training. With the right basketball shoes and orthotics, you can enjoy playing your favorite sport like anyone else.
Q. What Brand of Shoes are Best for Flat Feet?
Nike is considered an overall winner when it comes to producing the best basketball shoes for flat feet. However, Adidas and Under Armour are not far behind. Ensure that the shoes you buy have ankle or sole support and high traction, since that’ll help you play comfortably with flat feet. The final decision often boils down to your favorite player, as users usually go for shoes their idols wear.
Q. Does Flat Feet Affect Sports?
Flat feet are usually asymptomatic and not considered a problem. However, in some cases, flat feet can lead to overpronation of the foot, which can severely affect your performance in sports.
The muscles, ligaments, and tendons undergo tremendous strain and pressure, leading to heel pain, muscle spasms, and ankle weakness. Flat feet make it difficult to achieve the high degree of balance, speed, and flexibility most sports require.
Q. Which Famous Basketball Players are Flat-Footed?
Some famous basketball players with flat feet are Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Wayne Durant, Dwayne Wade, and Lebron James.
The dedication and continuous efforts of many basketball players with flat feet have enabled them to attain their goals and contributed to their rising careers.
Wrapping Up
Having flat feet shouldn’t be a wall between you and your performance. You’ve seen how some of the world’s greats have aced the sport while having flat feet, and that shows how this isn’t an issue with the right mindset and basketball shoes.
Being a seasoned basketball coach, I’ve summed up my expertise in this article about the best basketball shoes for flat feet. So, pick the one that suits you best, and have a great game!
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