Best Tennis Shoes for Flat Feet

Flat feet can cause a lot of pain on your feet mainly if you are involved in high-impact activities that could aggravate your condition such as tennis. 

A report by Baltimore Orthopedists reveals that there are more people with flat feet than you think “about 30% of people have a flat foot” the statement discloses.

If your flat feet are painful, the podiatrist may suggest using over the counter orthotic devices, or customized orthotic supports molded to the contours of your feet.

In this review, we will show you the best tennis shoes for flat feet to help you participate in tennis with more comfort and confidence.

Summary of our top picks

If you're entirely new to tennis, you’ll need a pair of shoe that provides ample support and cushions your gait with luxurious protection. The Adidas Men’s Barricade Club is our recommendation. This footwear is one of the most sought-after tennis shoes from the world's leading supplier of athletic footwear

The Adidas Men’s Barricade Club topped our list of best tennis footwear with cushioned support and stability for the elite-level player with a wide fit.

The shoe that took the first runner-up place in this list is the ASICS Women’s Gel Challenger 10 the best tennis shoes for women with Planter Fasciitis flat feet.

This footwear combines stability and control, and unlike most bulky and clunky shoes in this category, the ASICS Women’s Gel Challenger 10 features a Personal Heel Fit for superior comfort and performance.

ASICS Women's Gel Challenger 10 is the best shoe that offers sufficient arch control for women with “fallen arches” who tend to overpronate.  You can use ASICS Women’s Gel Challenger 10 for daily training.

On the other hand, Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 sneakers took the third position.

This footwear is also our all-around value shoe that features excellent support, plush cushioning and is more responsive than most tennis sneakers. The stability is fantastic, and the heel-to-toe shifts are smooth.

This motion control running shoe is designed with the flat-footed person in mind to give severe overpronators the most amount of support footwear can provide.

Now:

What you need is the most suitable tennis footwear to support flat feet for both men and women. Let’s dive straight into some best shoe that will help your flat feet in 2018.

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1. Adidas Men's Barricade Club Tennis Shoe

Adidas Men's Barricade Club footwear is one of the most sought-after tennis shoes from the world’s leading supplier of athletic footwear. The name alone gives you confidence that our #1 top pick for the flat feet player will offer you impressive performance.  

The Barricade Club features a supportive Torsion System midfoot boasting a reputation of premium stable shoes that offer support and stability which is excellent news for the aggressive wide flat feet man.

The combination of a robust midfoot shank and Adiprene material placed under the heel offers extra cushioning to secure lateral movements in the court for a more secure feel.

The Barricade is lightweight with exemptional stability for a sideline to sideline movement at the same time averting heel spillage. The footwear also protects sharp moves to the player.

The Barricade is renowned for its durability. This Adidas tennis footwear can hold up well especially on hard courts after hours of persistent friction.

The Barricade features a rubber outsole that offers traction for explosive steps in the court secure movements inside the court.

Foot Support and Stability

This footwear features a low-to-the-ground forefoot locking in your foot securely on the ground for elite-level support and stability.

Comfort

The breathable mesh in the uppers flex and move with your feet emphasizing support for a more supple feel while the rigid toe guard translates to more protection.

Durability

The rubber sole holds up against wear and tear of hard courts offering you with durability attribute.

Traction

The Barricade provides a high level of grip that helps the player to rapidly accelerate towards the ball for much smoother and more controlled powerful steps.

Pros

• Impressive lateral stability
• Very durable
• Super Grip
• Excellent traction
• Spacious toe box

Cons

• We wish they were available in more colors
• Length fits slightly long for some – forcing some to order half size smaller
• The toe box feels too broad for some customers

2. ASICS Women's Gel Challenger 10 Tennis Shoe

The ASICS Women’s Gel Challenger 10 took the first runner-up position in best tennis footwear for flat feet.

The ASICS women’s tennis footwear features a new redesigned upper with Personal Heel Fit collar that highlights midfoot support for improved stability.

ASICS has improved the uppers in the Gel Challenger 10.

This product features an Extended Flexion Fit and a synthetic leather midfoot brace that makes the Gel Challenger 10 a stable shoe appropriate for women with fallen arches looking for tennis footwear with stylish design and overall good construction.

The Gel challenger 10 has a Solyte Midsole material a notable feature that makes this footwear lightweight than the standard ASICS EVA and spEVA that provides enhanced cushioning and better durability.

The Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning systems are designed to offer you with unlimited shock absorption on impact for better foot transitions through the gait cycle.

The synthetic leather and mesh uppers add to the lightweight, airy feel.

What makes this tennis shoe a favorite among low arched flat feet players is the pGuard toe protector and the cushioning technologies that allow the foot to move on multiple planes 

Cushion

The Gel Challenger 10’s Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel system helps to attenuate shock on impact and toe-off phases for a plush feel.

Weight

The Trusstic system technology reduces the overall weight of the sole unit and the total weight of the Gel Challenger 10 while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.

Comfort fit

The Gel Challenger 10 features a two-layer memory form P.H.F (Personal Heel Fit) in the collar that molds to the foot of the player’s heel for a more personalized fit.

Pros

• Offers a personalized fit
• Unmatched comfort
• Lightweight
• Very durable
• Affordable compared to other available options
• Plenty of arch support
• Good heel support

Cons

• Stiff for some users though with great fit

3. Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Men’s Tour Tennis Shoes

The Rodger Federer inspired Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 features the qualities of its predecessor like the Adaptive Fit Lacing System and the low-to-the-ground feel. The major upgrade with this version is the newly designed seamless uppers that fashions to your foot shape for more support.

Numerous fans of the Zoom Vapor 9.5 rave about the comfort that this footwear offers.

The shoe features a zoom air unit in the heel that offers a low-profile responsive cushioning suitable for the more advanced tennis player with low arches and wide feet.

The Vapor 9.5 is designed with the flat-footed person in mind to give severe overpronators the most amount of support footwear can provide.

The Adaptive Fit technology set this shoe apart from its competitors. The technology provides a customized fit with sharp- looking aesthetics.

The Vapor 9.5 notably features TPU midfoot shaft for lateral support and stability which allows the player to move aggressively across the court with speed and confidence. The Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 provides a superior level of security.

The cushioning is soft in the heel while the sole features lightweight design that most advanced players appreciate.

Nike's signature XDR rubber compound on the outsole improves the overall traction of the Vapor 9.5 for total control even when sliding across the hard tennis court.

Foot Support and Stability

This shoe features a “slipper-like” feel with a level of stability that allows the players to move around the hard courts in full confidence.

Comfort

The Vapor 9.5 plush cushioning surrounds your feet while the seamless upper offers a soft, lighter feel.

Cost and Value

The Vapor 9.5 features superior construction and technologies that make it the most supportive, most comfortable and all-around value tennis footwear.

Pros

• Superior level of support
• Impressive Comfort
• Fantastic traction
• Great durability
• Adaptive fit limits break-in time
• Lightweight
• Fits snugly

Cons

• A top-dollar shoe with high quality and comfort

4. ASICS Gel-Dedicate 5 Men's Tennis Shoe

The ASICS footwear is a common brand with most armature tennis players. The Gel-Dedicate 5 is a high-quality and high-performance shoe that features plush cushioning underfoot mechanism and ample stability.

This product features an industry standard EVA foam midsole that provides improved responsiveness from its predecessor. This footwear provides adequate comfort perfect for neutral and overpronation feet and an overall great choice for the average level tennis player.

The unique element - Rearfoot Gel cushioning system – placed at the rear foot of the sole aids in shock absorption during heel strikes and offers sufficient cushioning.

Additionally, the standard EVA in the midsole is exceptionally durable and helps retain the Gel-Game Point cushion.

The Gel-Dedicate 5 features a Trusstic System Technology that reduces the overall weight of the sole unit at the same time retaining the structural integrity of this footwear for a smooth movement of the foot.

This tennis footwear features a tightly woven breathable mesh upper that offers excellent ventilation for overall structural support. Moreover, the sock liner is smooth to the touch reducing potential irritation while the toe and heel cap offer added protection to the foot.

Just like the Adidas Barricade, the Gel-Dedicate 5 is exceptionally durable even after heavy use. The shoe features high abrasion rubber placed on the outsole.

Comfort

The EVA molded midsole controls the foot’s balance providing comfort and absorbing shock. The cushioning is also lightweight making the tennis player at ease in the hard court.

Responsiveness

Tennis players hail this Gel-Game Point as a responsive shoe in comparison to other tennis footwear brands for flat feet.

Support

Tennis is a high impact game that requires a lot of movement. Your feet need extra support, and the Gel-Dedicate 5 provides the help you need sufficiently.

The shoe features tough materials that protection to the tennis player for that extra support.

Pros

• Wider toe box
• Provides tenacious traction
• Flexible with a secure fit
• Detachable sock liner
• Good stability
• Lightweight
• Adequately comfortable

Cons

• Size runs small or large for some wear – may have to order half a size larger

5. Prince Little Kid/Big Kid T22 Tennis Shoe

If you’ve been looking around for the best tennis footwear for your teenager for 2018 fall sports, the Prince T22 kids’ footwear will offer you the best support and cushion for your low arched child.

The T22 tennis shoe is crafted using a breathable blend of synthetic mesh upper that makes this footwear a durable product for heavy users.  

The T22 features a PU sock liner which acts as a barrier between the foot and the insole to offer your young tennis trainer with light cushioning in the court. The sock liner also wicks away any sweat and acts as a preventive measure against blisters.

The TPU forefoot straps help to take pressure off your forefoot and secure loose and stretched out shoes from slipping off and improve the fit for better ankle support in lateral movements.

The T22 also features a midfoot shank a supportive structure between the insole and outsole that plays a vital role in stabilizing the lateral midfoot and transfers the weight to the forefoot for better stability. 

Comfort

The well-cushioned PU sock liner offers light cushioning for superior comfort and confident player.

Foot Support and Stability

The T22 features TPU forefoot straps that provide a secure fit and improved stability.

Traction

Moms are concerned about the safety of their children. The T22 kid's tennis footwear PRC1000 outsole feature that promises powerful grip on the court.

Pros

• Good price to buy
• Very comfortable
• Durable
• Fantastic support
• Superb grip

Cons

• Fit runs small – may need to get a half size bigger

6. Motion Control Babolat Men`s Propulse Fury All Court Tennis Shoes

Babolat is probably a new name to most people but not among elite players in tennis like Rafael Nadal. This footwear is are designed to withstand the professional game at the highest level.

Propulse Fury All Court men’s tennis footwear features a dramatically redesigned high-performance upper materials and an inbuilt propulsion system that helps provide support during foot stepping motions preferred by men with flat feet and bunions.

The S-Shield, Pro-Shield and Soft Shield technologies incorporated in this footwear help to improve the fit and feel to offer comfort and a more natural fit.

This product with Active Flexion technology tackles critical pressure points in the foot to relieve strain.

The Ortholite memory shape insole and the Kompressor heel cushioning provide excellent shock attenuation while the new Michelin rubber offers better durability and traction for players who want to go for every shot without holding back.

The Propulse Fury All Court shoes are available in two colors for both men and women designed to give you a competitive edge on the court.

Comfort

The improved cushioning on the Propulse Fury All Court underfoot offers a high level of satisfaction while the medium-height arch support provides added cushioning. The ventilation is relatively average and the toe box broader than the SFX model to offer extra comfort.

Foot Support and Stability

Propulse Fury All Court offers a sturdy, stable base. The TPU cage wraps up the feet and locks them securely during aggressive lateral cuts for total protection and when moving and changing directions at top speeds.

Durability

The outsole holds up pretty well in this product even after heavy use in hard courts.

Pros

• Impressive support
• Excellent motion control for overpronators
• Superb cushion
• Fits more securely
• Ample arch support
• Reasonable pricing for a professional grade footwear

Cons

• Some players have reported heel seepage though this does not affect the overall performance of the shoe
• Traction is good but slipping may occur for aggressive court play – might be an excellent choice for players who like to slide during hard court play

7. New Balance WC1005 Stability Tennis Shoe

The New Balance WC1005 are notorious for their stability benefits, lightweight and low profile features with an out-of-the-box comfort.

You can’t help but notice the comfort and the super lightweight feel reinforced by the high impact absorbing design perfect for women who need arch support and stand on their feet all day.

This product derives stability features from the S-Curve stability technology designed for cutting movements to provide lateral forefoot, midfoot and medial heel support for positive moves across the court.

The shoe features Acteva a highly versatile performance form articulated to deliver support without compromising weight and flexibility.

The Ndurance rubber compound guarantees a maximum of one-year durability for the aggressive player and heavy usage in the courts.

Comfort

Many expert reviews pointed out the slipper-like feel and out-of-the-box fit. The New Balance WC1005 offers superior comfort, a plush feel and is very flexible.

Moreover, the mesh keeps you cool and while the padded collars offer added comfort.

Arch support

 The New Balance WC1005 designed for the low to medium arched women also works well to support high arches for increased comfort.

The cushioning in the New Balance WC1005 is pillowy molding to the shape of your foot to offer extra arch support.

Ventilation

The New Balance WC1005 feature breathable uppers that help in air circulation keeping you fresh in the course of your training.

Pros

• Outstanding arch support
• Tremendous pillow-comfort
• Good mid-rise ankle support
• Roomy toe box – great for people with bunions
• Great fit and look
• Lightweight
• Breathable construction

Cons

• Some players noted the sole wear fast, but you can take advantage of the durability guarantee feature
• Leaves a lot of room in the forefoot minimizing stability for aggressive moves

A study to compare motion control footwear done by Luxembourg Institute of Health as reported by Reuters indicated that people with flat feet and whose feet overpronate may want to invest in motion control footwear to minimize the risk of injuries.

If you are flat-footed and enjoy playing tennis, there’s no need to worry if you have the right footwear.

Tennis requires a lot of lateral movements which can be a burden to women and men with "fallen arches."

The seven shoes that we have featured here will help alleviate the adverse effects of flat-footedness and give you top performance.

Structurally supportive footwear should have a right amount of cushioning, support and have a proven track record of comfort for flat-footed people.

Most people with flat feet may not experience a severe problem. However, if they are actively involved in high impact sports, they may suffer; foot pain, knee pain, back pain, and Achilles Tendinitis.

How Do You Tell If You Have Flat Feet?

It’s easy to tell if you have flat feet. A person with “fallen arches” has a footprint that looks like a stretched-out pancake.

The second test you can use to tell if you have “fallen arches” is doing a shoe evaluation. Flat feet causes the shoe upper to lean inward over the sole – there’s more wear in the insole especially around the heel area.

The third test you can perform to tell if you have flat feet is the tip-toe test.

Standing on tip-toes like a ballerina should reveal a little arch. If the dome is visible, it means you have flexible flat feet.

If an arch does not appear, it means you have rigid flat feet that may require further medical tests to examine your bones and tendons.

According to VeryWellHealth, “flexible flat feet typically have fewer complications."

Not all foot pain is related to flat feet. There are many causes of pain in the feet such as arthritis, Plantar Fasciitis, gout, injury to the nerves, diabetes, bone/tendon/ligament inflammation.

High-impact sports require a lot of lateral movements. Regrettably, flat feet condition may have undesirable effects on your stability, control, and motion.

Additionally, high impact sports will overburden you’re “fallen arches” causing severe pain to the feet.

Benefits of Wearing Supportive Shoes for Flat Feet

Though you may not be a Roger Federer or a Serena Williams you can enjoy a few hours in the court.

Tennis is a favorite pastime game for most of us that offer all-body exercise benefits.

If you suffer "fallen arches" condition that limits your participation in tennis since you're at high risk of injury.

Another possible problem that you could be facing if you’re flat-footed is overpronation where your feet roll inwards too much.

You'll need supportive footwear for high impact activities such as tennis. Below are some key benefits of wearing supportive shoe.

• Helps to maintain healthy feet and the general wellbeing of your body
• Improves the movement of your feet for a more natural gait
• Enhances the body posture to avert pressure on the back, hips, ankles, and knees
• Avert injury when walking, running or training
• Absorbs force to the pounds of weight for every mile you walk
• Corrects some foot problems
• Prevents foot injuries

Do you see how beneficial supportive footwear can be?

Flat foot is a unique characteristic, therefore, investing in quality footwear will help avert foot injury and make your tennis more pleasant.

Next:

You’ll need to be on the look-out on which shoes can offer you maximum benefits for your flat feet.

Unfortunately, there're tons of information in the market on different shoes for different people with low arches, wide feet, overpronation, and flat feet.

3 Key Features to Lookout For in Flat Feet Footwear

What are the key features to look out for before purchasing tennis shoes for flat feet?

Stability

If your feet roll inwards a little “overpronate” when walking or running as most flatfooted people do, you need a shoe with stability technologies.

Motion Control

Motion control shoe focuses on enhancing stability for severe overpronation. The primary technology in motion control shoes is a medial post of dual density foam.

Cushion

Your feet take in a lot of body pressure every minute you are standing, walking, running or training.

Your body weight puts pressure on your flat feet causing foot pain. Well-Cushioned footwear will absorb shock on every stride you take.

These are the three key features to keep in mind before purchasing a tennis shoe: Stability, Cushion, and Motion Control.

We are going to look at the best tennis shoes to purchase for flat feet in 2018.

But before we do that, let’s have a look at the comparison table of the seven top footwear guaranteed to offer you with maximum support and comfort.