I have flat feet...

[KarthVader]

About a year ago I sprained/stretched my MCL and slightly tore my medical meniscus in my left leg during a pick up, tackle football game. No major damage; physical therapy and some pain medication set my left knee and leg straight.

It was suggested to me by my physical therapist to get motion control shoes and to wear inserts to help create an artificial arch.

So, I went to an outdoor sports/running store and I chose a pair of Nike Air Structure Triax 10+. I also purchased SuperFeet inserts. Both products have served me well.

I really like the SuperFeet inserts, as they were better than the inserts the attending physician made for me. But, I am in a dilemma as to what shoe I should buy next. The Nike pair are still in working order, but they are starting to get a bit weak in their motion control abilities.

The reason I chose the Nike pair:

Didn't have 12 different colors on them

Very light shoes, didn't weigh my feet down

They fit very well

So, I was wondering if I could get feed back from the B&B community on other motion control shoes that you liked. Also, if any of the flat footed people could offer their advice or experiences, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Bobtrumpet]

I had inserts professionally added to my shoes while growing up for flat feet, but stopped wearing them in high school. As I got older (and gained weight) I started having foot and leg troubles. I started wearing Alzner inserts and the problems went away within a couple days. They are not cheap (I bought the less expensive ones at $70/pair), but they work for me.

I bought mine at the Good Feet Store (now Foot Efx) here in Dallas.

The Alzner's look like the WalkFit ones advertised on TV, but I don't know if they work the same (I'm planning on ordering a pair to find out).

[RoyalKooparillo]

In general, if you are looking for motion-control shoes (anti-pronating/supinating) the best bet is to check out trail running shoes. Many are designed to stabilize the foot so you won't roll your ankles while on uneven trail surfaces. They do this by flaring out the bottom of the outsole (in an upside-down "v") and by lowering the center of gravity of the shoe. Because of this, many of these shoes won't have as much cushion as asphalt-running shoes. But they will help to keep you from pronating or supinating.

You did well by investing in Superfeet. They are a fantastic invention for those who don't want to spend the several hundred dollars necessary for full custom beds.

Some vendors who sell good trail running shoes: Salomon, Montrail, Merrell, La Sportiva, Vasque, New Balance, Brooks.

If you have an REI or another outdoor gear store around you, they will have examples of these, as will most specialty running shoe stores. Good luck!

FWIW I sold these types of shoes for several years and I've worked with dozens of clients with flat feet. I'm happy to help with any questions you may have. Cheers.

[ScotchDave]

I was just wondering if safety shoes with a metal shank would be suitable?

In my experience they're extremely stiff, except in the toes. Also you can get them with or without ankle support and they look presentable if kept polished.

[Obsessed]

Check out the Brooks Beast for a motion control running shoe.

Also, consider getting some Birkenstock sandals. Don't be put off by the crunchy granola vibe if that isn't your thing; they have great support and were once recommeded to me by a podiatrist. The "Arizona" model is the one you see the most, but there are others. The sandals have a hard cork footbed with a pretty pronounced arch. The cork molds to your feet over time, so you have to break them in for a bit.

Good luck!

[Sliny]

I have custom made inserts (orthotics) for the same problem. My favorite motion control running shoes are Sacony Grid Stabil. The reviews on Runnersworld.com always say they are well suited for orthotics.

[1OldGI]

Asics and Brooks both make good motion control shoes. Runners World magazine does an outstanding annual shoe review that I found very useful for selecting shoes. A ducks feet are much more arched than mine

[SRock]

Nike doesn't make a shoe that is worth a damn for running. They are probably my favorite brand for everything else, but I've never owned a Nike Running shoe that offered everything that I need from a shoe.

I have flat feet as well. Generally I need a Stability shoe.

My current go to are the Asics GT-2130 Stability Shoe. I log about 25 miles a week on them. They are my second pair of the same shoe. Great shoe!

Just my .02