Best Cross Training Shoes For Flat Feet

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best cross training shoes for flat feet are, then we recommend the Asics Gel Kayano 26 as the best pair for men and the Brooks Womens Dyad 10 as the best pair for women

No, having flat feet doesn’t mean you’re terrible at dancing like me. What you should be concerned about is the style of shoe you wear for exercise, and cross training is no exception to this. If you’re looking for the best walking shoes for flat feet then click here. Otherwise keep reading.

I checked out all the advice out there as to what type of shoe you need and what to look for when shopping, so you don’t have to.

The following cross-training shoes are the best for flat feet:

• Brooks Women’s Dyad 10 
• ASICS Men’s Gel-Quantum 180 TR Cross Training Shoes
• Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneakers
• Ryka Women’s Devotion XT Cross Trainers
• New Balance Men’s 608v5 Casual Comfort Cross Training Shoes

Important Factors: Cross Training Shoes for Flat Feet 

A person with flat feet requires greater shoe support because they don’t have the natural foot arch to help with reducing foot stress and distributing body weight evenly.

They can still enjoy cross training without injury, providing they have shoes that offer stable support and are comfortable to wear.

Since cross training combines lots of different disciplines, you need to make sure that the following factors are present so you can enjoy moving between exercise without having to change shoe:

Size

For flat feet, you’ll need wide-fit shoes. This gives your feet a bit of extra room to spread out without feeling tight or squeezed in. 

It’s worth measuring your feet, including the width, as well as the length, especially if you’re buying online. This way, you can be sure the pair of shoes you want will fit you perfectly.

Support

Without the needed support for flat feet comes an increased risk of injury. 

Find shoes that have a low arch built in with lots of cushioning, especially on the insole and around the ankle. A padded tongue is helpful, and with a good lace-up system, you can be sure that your feet are supported fully inside the shoe.

Stability 

Those with flat feet struggle with stability because their knees over-compensate and feet roll in when landing. This makes it more difficult when doing strength-building exercises.

Find cross-training shoes that have built-in stabilizers, as this provides extra foot support and will assist strength as they keep the feet in place. Shoe stability is usually found on the sides of the shoe as well as in the sole to give arch support. 

Comfort & Cushioning

Find a pair of shoes that are comfortable and that you can wear for long periods without wanting to stop and take them off.

Shoes that allow your feet to breathe with lots of airflow will give you maximum comfort while working out and reduce the amount that your feet sweat.

Be sure that the material is soft, and there aren’t any annoying pieces that dig into your foot or ankle that may result in sores or blisters. Always opt for shoes with plenty of padding to provide extra comfort. 

The more cushioning that a shoe has, the greater it will absorb shock when you move or jump. Usually, the foot arch would help with this, which is why it’s very important to find shoes that have this for flat feet so that you can prevent the risk of any injury occurring. 

Durability 

Cross training puts a lot of stress and tension on the feet, and your shoes need to be prepared for this. Make sure your shoes are made from strong, high-quality materials that are built to last and will give you good value for money.

The best cross-training shoes can keep up with repeated use and can withstand different exercises well. Find shoes that have built-in technologies to cope with regular use, and that will maintain their performance after time.

The Top Cross Training Shoes for Flat Feet

Check out five of the best cross-training shoes for flat feet below. They each offer ultimate comfort and support for your flat feet so that you can enjoy painless cross training each time. 

1. Brooks Women’s Dyad 10

These shoes are designed specifically for those who require some extra support for the feet in a neutral platform. This is due to its sole shape, which is ideal for those with flat feet, as well as for orthotic wearers.

They’re available in a range of different sizes and also give you the option of choosing wide and extra-wide fittings. This way, you can ensure the shoes will give your flat feet plenty of room when they’re naturally flat inside.

With the use of moisture-managing mesh material, the shoes provide natural airflow, and your feet will be less sweaty and more comfortable while you’re cross training. 

The dual stability pods in the arch are ideal for flat feet as they ensure your feet are secure and stable while working out. Also, a crash pad is fitted into the heel, which absorbs shock and ensures a smoother workout experience for you and more comfort for your feet.

This combines well with the cushioning in the soles for greater support and comfort, so you can train for longer without pain or discomfort in your feet. 

The padded collars and tongues in the shoes also provide extra support. In addition, the lace-up design is perfect for providing added stability and security for your feet. 

Pros

• Three different color designs. 
• Eco-friendly fabric material. 
• Lightweight, weighing only 10 ounces.
• Available in men’s sizes and unisex colors.
• Large toe box.

Cons

• Sizes run big, so buy half a size bigger.
• Users comment the laces are short.

2. Asics Men’s Gel-Quantum 180 TR Cross Training Shoes 

A stand-out feature on this ASICS pair is the gel technology in the heel and toe area, which provides extra cushioning that absorbs shock and provides maximum comfort. 

I’m impressed with the strategic cushioning in the soles, which promotes a natural arch in the foot and provides better stability for the feet. No matter what cross-training exercise you’re engaging in, these shoes will stabilize your feet and protect them against impact. 

Featuring a Trusstic system technology, the shoes are designed to reduce the weight that you put onto the soles of your feet. This helps you to carry on cross training for longer as your feet feel lightweight and pain is reduced.

Made from a combination of mesh and synthetic leather, the shoes are durable yet lightweight. The material is breathable, so your feet will feel comfortable, and natural airflow will reduce your feet from sweating so much.

The high back of the shoe, along with the lace-up front system, offers support to your ankles as well as keeping your feet snug and secure.

Pros

• High abrasion rubber soles.
• Four different color options.
• Padded tongues. 

Cons

• Customers mention that the toe box can be narrow.
• Shoe sizes seem to run small for some.

3. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneakers 

Made from a flexweave synthetic material, these shoes are breathable and allow good airflow to your feet. This is perfect when working out and will reduce the amount that your feet sweat.

Protection over the toe of the shoes protect your toes while you’re cross training, so you won’t cause damage if you accidentally kick a machine or weight while you’re working out. Also, high abrasion rubber on the outside of the shoe provides durability that will last, so you can use your sneakers for a long time—excellent value for money. 

Great for flat feet, these shoes provide ultimate stability as the soles don’t drop, nor do they have highness in the heels. This helps to keep your feet secure and comfortable.

The shoes are built with a strong foundation as they feature a wide toe box that enables a more comfortable fit and gives you more freedom to move.

Available in twenty different color options, you’ll be spoilt for choice in finding the perfect design that best suits you. Some colors are calm and subtle, whereas some are striking and bold. 

The shoes are also available in half sizes, which is particularly handy as not all shoes come with this luxury.

Pros

• Lace-up system for added security and stability. 
• Solid grip on smoother surfaces. 
• Good ankle support for larger ankles.

Cons

• Sizes run big for some customers.
• Laces are very long and require tucking in once tied up.

4. Ryka Women’s Devotion XT Cross Trainers

These shoes are specially designed for women, best supporting her build, muscle movement and unique foot shape.

They’re available in regular sizes as well as wide sizes, which is great for when you need a bit of extra room for your flat feet.

A unique pivot point on the bottom of the shoe means that you can twist, turn and move easily. This is perfect when engaging in a range of cross-training exercises, promoting free and quick movement in any direction. 

Each pod inside the sole of the shoes responds to movement independently. So, regardless of where you’re going or how you’re moving, your feet are supported with perfect shoe customization. 

Cushioning is located in the prime areas: the heel and the ball of the foot. This ensures your feet are comfortable at all times. Also, the cushioning in the sole of the shoe protects against impact and shock, reducing the risk of injury to your feet or ankles.

The mesh material on the outside of the shoe is breathable, and natural airflow can keep your feet cool and comfortable for longer. 

Pros

• Rubber soles grip surfaces well.
• Lace-up system keeps feet stable and secure. 
• Great for high-impact workouts. 
• Eight colorful designs. 

Cons 

• Users report that the sole is prone to falling apart after continuous use.
• The toe box is narrow for some.
• Sizes run small by half a size, so you may need to grab a larger pair.

5. New Balance Men’s 608v5 Casual Comfort Cross Training Shoes 

These shoes are designed for maximum comfort so that they can be worn for extended periods. 

Their leather material makes them durable and long-lasting, and breathable air holes located all over the shoe ensure your feet get a maximum amount of airflow. Your feet will remain comfortable and free from sweat as you get on with your favorite cross training. 

Cushioned crash pads in the heel of the shoes provide extra support and stability for your feet. The pad will absorb shock and impact, so your feet aren’t pained or tired after working out. 

The shoes are flat without a high drop, which provides extra comfort for those with flat feet. A cushioned insole can be removed as you desire, giving you greater flexibility with how much cushioning you want.

The rubber soles are slip-resistant and will offer you stability on any surface that you’re training on. Also, a rubber toe cap will protect your toes in case of accidental impact.

Regular sizes are available as well as wide and extra-wide options, giving you an enhanced toe box and an excellent solution for those with wide and/or flat feet.

Pros

• Lace-up system for secure fitting.
• Eight different color combinations. 
• Users explain that foot pain was reduced when worn.

Cons

• Sizes run small.
• Some customers mention how they’ve lost support in wet conditions. 

Cross Train Those Flat Feet 

When searching for a pair of cross-training shoes for flat feet, it’s important to find ones that offer stability, support and comfort so you can continue your exercises pain-free.

With this in mind, I’m singling out the Brooks Women’s Dyad 10 for women and the ASICS Men’s Gel-Quantum 180 TR Cross Training Shoes for men.

Both offer excellent levels of support for those flat arches, and you know you’re in good hands with Brooks and ASICS; two of the most revered sports shoe manufacturers on the planet.