Having flat feet is a fairly common condition that affects roughly between 20-30% of the population. The entire sole of the foot comes into contact (or nearly in contact) with the ground.
Usually, there are no symptoms with this condition, but children can suffer from lower leg pain, ankle or foot problems because of it.
In this article, we will go through the 5 best tennis shoes for flat feet.
Why It’s Important To Wear The Right Tennis Shoes
Having a pair of tennis shoes that suits your feet, will not only make you a better tennis player, but it will reduce your risks of getting injured.
As a tennis player myself, I know all too well that this sport can be grueling and tough on your body.
I sometimes get pain in my left knee, especially if I don’t warm up properly and forget to stretch my hamstrings and thigh muscles.
However, in addition to an effective warm-up, I also switched tennis shoes recently and added an insole. My feet and ankles are much more comfortable, with better support and my knees feel better (although I still get the odd twinge!).
So I wholly recommend choosing a tennis shoe that feels comfortable and has great grip. It won’t transform you into a great tennis player, but your movement will improve and you might win a few more points as a result!
Here are 5 tennis shoes, which tick all the boxes and are suitable if you have flat feet.
1. ASICS Gel-Court Speed Men’s Tennis Shoes
Summary
These shoes weigh under one pound, which is impressive considering all of the support that they offer the foot, making them great for people who have flat feet.
The non-marking soles mean that they can easily be worn on indoor courts without any fear of damaging the floor. The rubber sole provides stability while the mesh top ensures that the foot doesn’t overheat and will stay cool during intense games.
Pros
- Improved toe durability, thanks to the PGuard Toe Protector
- Forefoot and rearfoot gel cushioning to absorb shock and allow the foot to move easily across multiple plains
- Seamless materials reduce any friction or irritation on the foot
- Lower sole weight allows wearers to more easily move their foot without fatigue
Cons
- Tend to be a little snug and uncomfortable to wear at first
- Toe box is a tighter than on other shoes, making it uncomfortable to wear them for long periods of time
- Do not provide a lot of cushioning in addition to the firm support
- These shoes tend to run small, so wearers need to make sure to order a large enough size
2. Asics GEL-Solution Speed 3
Summary
Not only are these incredibly light tennis shoes with impressive gel cushioning to protect the foot from hard impacts, but they offer a very low-profile design, which means that the ankle can freely move.
The midsole is made from Solyte and is a great combination of lightweight design and cushion, allowing wearers to enjoy a fast response on the court without being weighed down or feeling pain in their foot.
Pros
- High-quality gel cushioning system ensures that the front and rear of the foot have plenty of support and reduced shock during impact
- Cushioning around the toes provide support during toe off
- Durable toe protector ensures that the toes aren’t injured during games
- The flexion fit upper of the shoe ensures perfect fit and comfort without lack of support
Cons
- White color tends to yellow quickly
- Tend to overpronate the feet for some wearers
- Incredibly tight toe box makes it difficult for some wearers to fully flex their toes
- Additional padding on the sides and tongue of the shoe make them uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time and heat up the foot
3. Babolat Propulse Fury All Court Tennis Shoe
Summary
At 15.4 ounces, these tennis shoes are heavier than other options, but that extra weight is due to additional padding and support, helping hold the foot in place and preventing slippage.
Additionally, they come with a six-month durability guarantee, which is great news for players who are rough on their shoes.
Thanks to the enhanced cushioning throughout the shoe, tennis players with flat feet get the support that they need to play without pain.
Pros
- Powerbelt straps along the sides of the shoe offer additional support to the arch
- Michelin outsole is incredibly durable and designed to withstand wear on the hardest courts
- Additional heel cushioning helps to prevent heel pain during impact and takeoff
- The low design of the sole allows wearers to feel secure when making fast movements on the court
- Plenty of ventilation helps to prevent overheating
- Hard soles not only offer support, but are designed to withstand wear and tear on the court
Cons
- Tend to suffer from some heel slippage due to the thick padding
- Tend to be heavier than other similar shoes
- Uppers feel a bit bulky
4. Prince Men’s T22 Tennis Shoe
Summary
The narrower design of these shoes offers plenty of support to tennis players who have smaller feet and have trouble finding a shoe that is the right size.
Thanks to the moisture-wicking lining, as well as the extra support around the midfoot, these shoes prevent the foot from rolling during play, as well as from becoming sweaty and uncomfortable.
The low price and the mesh panels to improve breathability make them a clear option for any tennis player looking for new shoes in a smaller and more compact design.
Pros
- Improved midfoot stability due to the wishbone shank
- Incredibly durable outsole made from PRC 1000 that won’t easily tear or rip
- The four-foot wrap helps lock the foot in place and support the arch
- Shock Eraser midsole absorbs shock and impact and disperses it across the foot for comfort
Cons
- Short length makes them uncomfortable for players with longer feet
- Soles tend to wear out after daily use
- Sides of the shoe tend to come up higher for support, but can rub on the foot
- Outsole wears quickly
5. K-Swiss Women’s Bigshot Light 3 Tennis Shoe
Summary
These all-synthetic shoes feature a textile collar lining, as well as a hard sole to ensure plenty of support for players who have flat feet.
They offer plenty of support and a firm surface that will prevent pain during games, but still manage to weigh less than some other popular tennis shoes.
The wide toe base provides space for movement, which is great for players who have bunions or neuromas.
Pros
- Generous cushioning keeps the feet comfortable during long games
- Sticky traction of the sole makes it easy for players to turn and move quickly
- The generous width provides ample room for players who have flat feet
- Increased ankle support and deep heels keep the shoe firmly in place
Cons
- Stiff uppers tend to be a bit uncomfortable and take a while to soften up
- Not ideal for players with narrow feet as it is difficult to cinch the shoes tight enough to stay in place
- Extended sole past the upper makes it difficult for players to slide their foot without tripping
- Thick sole takes a while to break in and can be uncomfortable
That’s them, the best 5 best tennis shoes for flat feet! If you’re on the other side of the spectrum and struggling with wide feet, I listed the best tennis shoes for wide feet in this post.