Flats with arch support get podiatrist backing in NBC Selected guide
NBC Selected highlights supportive flats from Vivaia, Cushionaire, Revitalign, Naot and Birkenstock, with podiatrists explaining what to buy.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
3 min read
The hunt for flats with arch support just got a tighter shortlist: NBC Selected highlighted several pairs that aim to look polished while giving feet more structure than a typical bendy ballet flat.
The guide leans on advice from Dr. Gregory Alvarez, a podiatrist at the Ankle and Foot Centers of America, and Dr. Samantha Landau, a podiatrist and professor at New York College of Podiatric Medicine at Touro University. Their big point is simple: a shoe can be cute and still do some work.
Alvarez told NBC Selected that arch support helps keep the foot aligned, supports the body and spreads pressure more evenly across the foot. Without that distribution, NBC Selected reported, extra strain can travel into muscles, ligaments and joints.
What flats have good arch support?
NBC Selected named the Vivaia Square-Toe All-Day Standing Flats its best overall pick. The guide lists them at $139 and notes their lightweight feel, breathable upper and machine-washable design, while flagging that they sit on the pricier side.
For a trendier look, NBC Selected pointed to the Cushionaire Siesta Modern Lattice Ballet Flats, listed at $39.99 on Amazon from a regular $59.99. Landau recommended the jelly-style flats based on their apparent cushioned support, while the brand says the insole includes extra padding at the arch. NBC Selected also notes they run large, so in-between shoppers may want to size down according to the brand.
The sportier pick is the Revitalign Women’s Siesta Serenity Flats, listed at $89.99 on Amazon. Landau told NBC Selected she likes the company and described its built-in arch support as very good and cushioned. The brand says the shoe has a removable cork memory-foam footbed with orthotic-grade arch support.
For a splurge, NBC Selected chose the Naot Purini Flats, listed at $199.95 at Zappos and DSW and $200 at Nordstrom. Landau recommended the Mary Jane-style shoe, which NBC Selected says has an adjustable strap, a leather upper and a removable cork-and-latex footbed.
The guide’s wide-toe-box choice is the Birkenstock Santa Clarita Flats, listed at $139.95 at Birkenstock and Zappos. NBC Selected says podiatrists have previously recommended Birkenstock for supportive, contoured footbeds, and notes that this flat has a strap across the top to help keep the foot from sliding.
How do podiatrists say you should choose supportive flats?
Landau told NBC Selected to look for a raised area in the middle of the insole, the telltale sign of built-in arch support. She also recommends a heel cup, which helps hold the foot in place.
She also suggests trying a quick bend test before buying. According to Landau, a supportive flat should flex at the ball of the foot, while staying firmer from the middle of the foot through the heel.
Heel drop matters too. Landau told NBC Selected that a slight lift at the back of the shoe better matches foot anatomy and can reduce stress, pain and soreness. While she said 7 to 10 millimeters is ideal, NBC Selected reported that experts suggested aiming for 3 millimeters because that is easier to find in flats.
What can happen if flats have no support?
Landau told NBC Selected that unsupportive flats can contribute to pain in the arch, heel and ball of the foot, and may also be linked to knee, lower-back and hip pain. She said those problems can lead to inflammation issues such as Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
Insoles are another option. Landau told NBC Selected that many flats lack arch support, and that slim supportive insoles can fit inside some sleeker styles.
This story draws on original reporting from NBC News.