Here’s a fun fact that most people aren’t aware of: almost one-third of the world’s population have what is called ‘overpronation,’ or in layman’s terms, flat feet.
A ‘normal foot’ has a medium to high arch, with an imprint on the ball and the heel of the foot. Flat feet, on the other hand, have a very low arch and a full imprint. Another way to tell if you have flat feet is if all or most of your foot’s arch touches the ground while you walk.
Considering that most shoes are designed for people who have ‘normal feet,’ finding cross-training shoes for flat feet can be a bit of a challenge, which you must be well aware of since reading this article.
We’ll cover the top seven best cross-training shoes for flat feet currently available in 2022, and then we’ll include the top factors you need to look for in a cross-training shoe for flat feet and answer some commonly asked questions that you may have.
We recommend the Reebok Men’s CROSSFIT Nano 2.0 Cross Trainer for its raw quality. For hiking lovers, click here to read reviews for hiking shoes for flat feet.
Best Cross Training Shoes For Flat Feet
1. Reebok Men’s CROSSFIT Nano 2.0 Cross Trainer
Reebook is a company that was founded in the 1890s with the sole purpose of making running shoes for athletes, and they’ve remained true to their original mission ever since.
The Rebook Men’s Crossfit Nano 2.0 Cross Trainer shoes are an excellent example of what quality cross training shoes for those with flat feet are all about.
The Crossfit Nano shoes are very lightweight at an overall weight of just nine ounces and have a low cut design, which together will give you as much mobility as possible. Meanwhile, the breathable mesh lining can help to reduce sweating as well.
Reebok also designed these shoes to be as durable as possible, and as such, these have a RopePro protective wrap for better support and a DuraGrip toe wrap for enhanced durability a swell.
However, one thing to take note of is that these shoes typically run small, so you may need to buy a size higher than you usually would.
Some users have also reported that the white stripes on the outside of the shoes can come off quickly as well, so that’s something to be aware of.
Pros
- Made in the United States so you can feel comfortable purchasing.
- DuraGrip toe cap to help keep you stable.
- A textured outsole that feels nice.
- Very lightweight so no extra strain on the ankles.
- 3-D fuse frame construction so less likely to deteriorate.
Cons
- Runs small in contrast to other cross trainer shoes so you should be sure to order a half size up.
- White stripes can come off easily if scuffed around.
All in all, the Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano shoes are lightweight and durable shoes that can use for anything from rock climbing to running.
They will be a great option as cross training shoes for anyone with flat feet so long as you get a size higher than you would typically get.
2. ASICS Men’s Gel-Craze TR 4 Cross-Trainer Shoe
ASICS was founded in Japan in 1949, where it originated as a small athletic footwear company in a basement.
The company took the name ASICS in 1977, which based on the acronym for a Latin phrase “Anima Sana In Corpore Sano,” which translates to “A Sound Mind In A Sound Body.”
Today, ASICS is well known for making high performance and high-quality athletic shoes, and the Gel Craze TR-4 is certainly no exception.
These shoes feature several essential features, including a durable rubber sole and a Rearfoot Gel Cushioning System designed to absorb much of the shock upon high impact (such as running or landing on your feet on a hard surface after jumping from a higher elevation).
They also feature a Solyte midsole material that is a much lighter weight midsole in contrast to other kinds of shoes made by Asics.
The overall superior cushioning in these shoes means that they can be suitable for running in.
Some users have reported that the removable inserts can become loose after extended use, and the support in the Gel-Craze shoes is slightly less in contrast to other cross-training shoes, so that is something to be aware of as well.
Tips: For a better removable insert, you may see more discussion about shoe inserts for standing all day for more comfortable feet.
Pros
- 100% synthetic so longer lasting.
- Solyte midsole material for comfort.
- Rearfoot GEL cushioning system to keep your feet from feeling pain.
- Good choice for narrow feet, the shoes fit snug instead of losing.
- Rubber sole to keep you from skidding.
Cons
- Removable inserts can become loose after extended use, which means you might have to replace them.
- Slightly less support in contrast to other kinds of cross training shoes and support is important.
Overall, the ASICS Gel-Craze shoes represent a solid option for a cross-training shoe, with excellent cushioning even if overall support sacrificed just a little bit.
3. Nike Men’s Free 5.0
Nike is easily one of the most well-known if not the most well-known manufacturer of sports-related shoes today, so it makes sense that we would have at least one Nike shoe on this list.
The Nike Men’s Free 5.0 is a synthetic made shoe with a synthetic sole. The shaft measures around 2.85 inches from the arch. The upper fabrics of the shoe are also designed to be extra breathable to help keep your feet cool while running.
This shoe is, overall, a bit narrower than other comparable cross-training shoes. That being said, the upper part of the shoe is also designed to be very flexible thanks to the flexible and responsive cushioning system, so you will still be able to move your feet naturally.
Pros
- Very lightweight which can keep your feet from becoming strained, or your ankles from hurting.
- Breathable fabrics to keep your feet from sweating too much.
- Flexible underfoot platform to help with maneuverability.
- Responsive cushioning system for comfort and movement.
Cons
- Much narrower than other cross-training shoes so if you have a wider foot it may pinch.
- Expensive might be more money than you wanted to put into a shoe.
Overall, the Nike Free 5.0 should perform well thanks in large part to the flexible mid-sole and the comfortable fabrics on the top of the shoe.
4. Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Trail Runner
Merrell is another example of a trendy shoe brand, and the Vapor Glove 3 Trail Runner represents the next Merrell entry in their line of cross-training shoes.
These shoes feature a Vibram TC5 outsole with a durable rubber sole for superior stability. The 100% mesh upper on the outside of the shoe means that these shoes are very breathable to help keep your feet cool while running.
Meanwhile, the trail protectant pad on the shoe’s underside will help keep your feet protected and absorb a lot of the shock while running.
That being said, these shoes are also available for a lower price point than many other cross-training shoes currently available on the market.
The primary reason for that is that, as some users have reported, they are not designed for several years of hard, continuous use since several reports of the shoe stitching eventually become loose.
Pros
- Breathable mesh lining to help keep your feet dry and fungus free.
- Trail protected pad for superior underfoot protection so no worries about feeling rocks beneath your feet.
- Rubber sole for superior stability you won’t be skidding or slipping.
- Vibram TC5 outsole.
Cons
- Some users report visible glue streams holding the seams together, which can be unsightly.
- Not designed for several years of use so you’d have to replace more often.
- Tight in the arch, which can lead to strain.
Overall, the Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Trail Runner shoes offer an excellent combination of stability and breathability, but as a long term shoe that you plan on keeping for several years, they may not be the best option.
5. Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training Shoe
The Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training shoe is built out of polyester material, focusing on being as lightweight as possible and an airy and adjustable upper design to help reduce sweating.
With a total sole thickness of 4.7mm, the Vibram XS Trek features outsoles that are designed to provide you with as good of traction as possible. The moisture-wicking Drilex nylon covers the midsoles as well for better comfort and cushioning while running or jumping over hard surfaces.
The zero-drop from the heel to the toe encourages a natural forefront strike as well to help boost forward momentum and additionally reduce the feeling of the impact of running over hard surfaces as well.
These shoes are known for running small, and additionally, and are only machine washable in cold water. The manufacturer also recommends that you only dry these shoes out by air drying.
Pros
- Vibram XS Trek rubber outsole is good for traction.
- Moisture-wicking nylon will cover the midsole to provide better cushioning and comfort.
- Reinforced upper and speed lace allows for as snug of a fit as you want.
- Zero drops from heel to toe encourages forefront strike to help with forwarding momentum.
Cons
- Runs small according to consumers so you may need to order a larger size.
- Machine washable in cold water only, so air dry.
All in all, the Vibram XS Trek shoes provide you with excellent traction and good moisture-wicking abilities. They will fit snugly over your shoes, but remember that air drying these shoes is the only method to dry them out when they become wet.
6. Adidas Men’s Power Perfect III Cross Trainer
Adidas is another big name when it comes to shoes like Nike and Merrell, so it’s only natural to expect a lot from the Adidas Men’s Power Perfect III Cross Trainer shoes. Overall these shoes are very well built and should provide you with many years of good use.
Many athletes and users of these shoes have noted how they are very stable, which makes them a good choice for exercises such as weightlifting or powerlifting.
The elevated heel also should significantly improve ankle mobility, while the high-quality materials and construction processes used in these shoes should again dramatically help with longevity as well.
One thing to note is that several users have reported having to buy shoes that are up from what they usually would. Also, the ring for the strap is built out of plastic, which could be an issue when it comes to over-tightening.
Pros
- Great value for the money paid.
- Very stable, especially for powerlifting and weightlifting exercises.
- Elevated heel improves ankle mobility.
- High-quality materials and construction.
- Grippy outsole provides you with good traction.
Cons
- Runs small so you might need to order a half size or whole size up to get a proper fit.
- Ring for the strap is built out of plastic, which will be an issue with over tightening.
Overall, the Adidas Men’s Power Perfect III cross-training shoes should be an excellent value for the money for you, as you’ll be buying a pair of cross-training shoes that should give you many, many years of good use.
7. New Balance Men’s MX857 Cross-Training Shoe
The New Balance MX857 Cross Training shoes are designed specifically by New Balance for those with flat feet, and to this end, come installed with a lateral TPU support to assist with overpronation.
In addition, these shoes also utilize ROLLBAR technology to help with stability drastically.
At the same time, these shoes are also built out of 100% leather material, with a rubber sole and EVA foam midsole to help give you better traction in wet or slippery conditions.
However, it should also be noted that these shoes are definitely on the pricey end for cross-training shoes (costing over a hundred dollars), and they also run smaller and narrower than several other cross-training shoes, including previous generations of New Balance cross-training shoes.
As a result, some users have reported these shoes feeling a bit more uncomfortable.
Pros
- EVA foam midsole for comfort.
- Non-marking outsole to help keep the shoe looking clean.
- Made out of 100% leather, so you get what you pay for.
- Utilizes ROLLBAR technology for superior technology.
- Designed specifically for flat feet thanks to lateral TPU support.
Cons
- Expensive for cross-training shoes so you might not want to put such an investment into them.
- Runs small according to reviews so you might need to go up a size.
- Narrower than other cross-training shoes (and previous generations of New Balance shoes).
All in all, if you are looking for a pair of shoes designed specifically for flat feet and are willing to pay a much higher price, the New Balance Men’s MX857 Cross Training shoes could be a good way to go.
What To Look Before Buying Cross Training Shoes For Flat Feet
Here are the top qualities and features that you will need to look for in cross training shoes for flat feet:
Fit
The fit of your cross training shoes all comes down to getting shoes that fit well. Some brands of cross-training shoes may run larger or smaller in contrast to other kinds of shoes depending on the brand, so it’s up to you to research if the particular shoe brand you are considering does so.
It’s also up to you to determine if your cross-training shoes will fit comfortably by ideally wearing them before you buy them – most stores that sell shoes will allow you to do this.
Support
One of the challenges of buying any shoe for those with flat feet is buying shoes that offer you plenty of support.
For cross training, elliptical training or workouts or sports, it’s important to buy shoes that can lift your arch naturally up, mostly as if the floor has been raised to the same level of your feet.
It’s also important to buy shoes with lateral support as well because CrossFit training includes several different lateral movements. Sneakers don’t give you that kind of lateral support, which is why cross training shoes will be necessary for that kind of work.
Comfort
Comfort should arguably be the first thing that you look for in any pair of shoes, and especially for the best workout shoes for flat fleet, because if you don’t enjoy wearing your shoes or if they are not comfortable, you’re just not going to wear them, plain and simple.
Features
One of the single most important features to look for in a cross training shoe will be soles that are thick enough to offer you enough support. The outsole material also needs to provide you with a good grip, and traction over slippery surfaces.
Another essential feature to look for is the placement of the flexible zones, also known as flexion points because too much flexing can be incredibly dangerous for a flat foot and result in injury.
Durability
In general, cross-training shoes are designed to be much more durable in contrast to other kinds of shoes, because durability and stability are both key to ensure proper balance and support. A solid heel cup, in particular, will be a good indicator that the shoe is durable.
Stability
Cross training shoes are also designed to be more durable than other kinds of shoes, and for flat feet, they will need to be even more stable in order to ensure proper support and balance.
Again, a solid heel cup is an original feature that you need to look for here. The best cross trainers for flat feet will feature a solid heel cup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Next, we’ll go over some common questions that people have on cross-training shoes:
Q. How Should Your Cross Training Shoes Fit?
A. There is a very quick and easy way to measure your cross-training shoes to know if they will fit well: measure a thumb wide space from the end of the shoe to your longest toe. If it is comfortable, then the shoe fits.
There needs to be enough space at the end of the shoe for your toes to have enough room, such as while rock climbing, weight lifting, or jumping rope.
You should also walk around in your shoes as well before you buy them.
Ultimately, this is the number one way to know if they will fit and be comfortable, but having at least a thumb’s width of space in between the end of your shoe and the end of your toe will be the golden rule to follow to confirm that the shoe does indeed fit.
Q. Can You Use Cross Training Shoes For Weightlifting?
A. In short: yes, you can use cross training shoes for squat weightlifting. You can use virtually any kind of shoe for weight lifting if you think about it. However, cross-training shoes will be better than most other types of shoes, such as tennis shoes, for example.
The reason for this is that cross-training shoes tend to be sturdier in the hill, giving you better support for lifting weights.
That all being said, you will still much better served by getting actual weightlifting shoes for that activity. Cross training shoes can be used, but they may not be the best option.
Q. Can You Use Cross Training Shoes For Running?
A. Cross training shoes are not the best choice of shoes to use for running, just because they usually tend to have less cushioning and are therefore less adept for the task.
Q. How Long Will Cross Training Shoes Last?
A. In general, you can expect cross training shoes to last you for up to a year while still having the same level of quality as they did when they were new, but it all comes down to the level of frequency.
If you use your shoes daily, you may only get six months of good use out of them before you will need replacements.
Q. Do You Need The Same Size of Shoe For Cross Training Shoes As You Use For Other Shoes?
A. It depends, and it all comes down to the brand of shoe that you are buying. Some shoe brands can typically run longer or shorter than other kinds of shoes.
For example, Reebok shoes commonly run small, and they have their buying guide that you can refer to for your research.
Q. What Can You Expect To Pay For Cross Training Shoes?
A. It’s perfectly reasonable to expect to have to pay between $50 to $100 for a high-quality pair of cross-training shoes from a reputable manufacturer.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the info in this article has proven to be a very valuable and informative resource for you on what to look for in a pair of high-quality cross training shoes for your flat feet.
The purpose of this article has not been to tell you exactly what to buy, but rather to provide you with a sample of what is offered and inform you on what you will need to look for to make the right decision.
Related Reviews:
- Martial Arts Shoes Buying Guide
- A Closer Look at Parkour Shoes
- Top 12 CrossFit Shoes For Women of 2022
Additional Resources:
- Cross Training, by WebMD
- What is cross training and why is it important?, by acefitness
- The Runner’s Guide to Cardio Cross-Training, by aaptiv