If you have flat feet, then it can be a serious pain trying to find a great pair of cross-training shoes that fit well. On top of this, a lot of popular cross-training shoes like the Nike Metcon 7 and On Cloud X have slightly more narrow and neutral lasts so they can feel cramped for flatter footed athletes.
Luckily, there are more cross-training shoes on the market than ever so there are a variety of shoe options for those with flat feet. The best part is that we can get even more specific with the best cross-training shoes for flat feet and dial in what styles of activities certain pairs work best for.
In this article, I’m going to discuss five different performance categories where cross-training shoes for flat feet will work best in. This way, I can suggest shoes that fit your specific performance asks, wants, and needs best.
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Best Flat Feet Cross-Training Shoe for CrossFit
When looking into cross-training shoes for flat feet that work for CrossFit I’m specifically looking for two key performance aspects. First, is the fit of the model and the width of the midfoot and toe box to ensure the shoe actually works for those with flatter feet.
Second, I look into the construction features that help make the model a great CrossFit shoe. Does it have the versatility components, upper durability, and stability features needed for tackling CrossFit workouts?
My Top Pick: Reebok Nano X
The Reebok Nano X is a good model for flatter footed athletes and it performs exceptionally well in CrossFit workouts. The Reebok Nano model line is pretty well-known for their slightly wider lasts. If you have a flat foot and need a bit more room in the midfoot and toe box, then the Reebok Nano X is a good model to explore.
For CrossFit specifically, the Reebok Nano X features a durable Flexweave upper construction and additional upper layers covering high-abrasion spots. This model features a split outsole for maneuverability and a high-density midsole for stability, which helps provide them with a nice blend of responsiveness and stability for CrossFit workouts.
- Best For: CrossFit
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 13.9 oz
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Reebok Nano X Review
Reebok Nano X
$130
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Functional Fitness Workouts
- Casual Agility Training
Falls Short
- For Day-to-Day Comfort
- Being Budget-Friendly (depending on sales!)
Runner-Up Options to Explore With Reviews Linked Below
Best Flat Feet Cross-Training Shoe for Lifting
If you’re looking for a great cross-training shoe specifically for lifting and you have flatter feet, then one of the biggest that I like to pay attention to is the shoe’s midfoot and toe box width.
When lifting, we’ll want ample width to splay the toes and grip the floor properly, so I’m looking for a stable shoe with ample width to accommodate a flatter foot’s needs.
My Top Pick: STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer
My second pick for flat feet cross-training shoes and CrossFit is the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer. This model features STR/KE MVMNT’s S2 last which has an anatomical build to it and a width that rivals the Altra Escalante’s width. For flatter footed athletes, this model’s toe box will likely fit like a glove in a good way.
Additionally, the midsole in this model does a great job at providing stability and a high degree of mobility. The Haze Trainer almost feels like a barefoot shoe at times with how mobile its sole construction is, which is a good thing for lifters really trying to feel the ground below them as they lift heavy.
- Best For: Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 11.2 oz
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Review
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer
$150
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Cross-Training Workouts
- Athletic-Focused Sessions
- Shorter Runs (<3 miles)
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Custom Orthotics
Runner-Up Options to Explore With Reviews Linked Below
Best Flat Feet Cross-Training Shoe for Running
If you’re on the market for a new cross-training shoe that can perform well with runs and in the gym, then you’ll want to explore hybrid shoe options as most pure cross-training shoes will fall short for running.
My Top Pick: STR/KE MVMNT Vimana Hybrid Runner
My top pick for flatter-footed individuals that want a great hybrid training shoe is the STR/KE MVMNT Vimana Hybrid Runner. This shoe also features STR/KE MVMNT’s S2 last and provides adequate forefoot and midfoot width. Outside of being a slightly model in general this is also one of the few shoes that I think truly excels as a hybrid training shoe.
This model has a slight bias in its construction for trail running and road running, but it also works well in the gym. The Meta Platform outsole provides a nice stable base to run on and the Cush50 EVA/EPE midsole provides a nice blend of stability and versatility. This shoe is a bit more pricey, but I think it’s worth it for the athlete and lifter that wants a true hybrid training shoe.
- Best For: Hybrid Training, Trail Running, and Road Running
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 11.2 oz
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: STR/KE MVMNT Vimana Hybrid Runner Review
STR/KE MVMNT Vimana Hybrid Runner
$160
Best For
- Trail Runs (Easy to Semi-Technical Terrain)
- Short to Mid-Range Road Runs
- Recreational Training
- Outdoor Workouts
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Highly Technical Trail Runs
Runner-Up Options to Explore With Reviews Linked Below
Best Flat Feet Cross-Training Shoe for HIIT
When tackling HIIT workouts nothing can be more frustrating than dealing with a pair of shoes that are way too tight for your foot’s anatomy. This can make the whole experience uncomfortable and can leave your feet with blisters.
My Top Pick: Reebok Nano X1
The Reebok Nano X1 has a slightly wider last which tends to work well for flatter footed athletes. In HIIT workouts, the Reebok Nano X1 is a better pick compared. to something like the Reebok Nano X as they have very different constructions and levels of stability to them. There are two key reasons why I like the Reebok Nano X1 for HIIT training.
First, the Reebok Nano X1 features Reebok’s Floatride Energy Foam throughout its midsole. This construction feature provides this model with a more responsive and forgiving feeling for longer training sessions. Second, the traditional Reebok Nano X1 model features a lightweight mesh upper construction that tends to breathe well in a variety of settings.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting, HIIT, Agility, and Lighter Runs
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
- Weight: 12.1 oz
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Reebok Nano X1 Review
Reebok Nano X1
$135
Best For
- Class Workouts
- Shorter Runs
- Plyometric Training
- Casual Lifting
Falls Short
- For Maximal Lifting
- For Easy Break-In Periods
- For Rope Climbs
Runner-Up Options to Explore With Reviews Linked Below
Best Flat Feet Cross-Training Shoe for Daily Wear
If you’re looking for a cross-training shoe that also works as a daily driver, then you’ll want a model that is comfortable to wear for longer durations.
Whether you’re standing on your feet all day, running errands, or wearing a model to work, below are some great options to look into. You’ll notice that many of the models already mentioned in this round-up also work as great daily drivers, too.
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| Price | $135 | $160 | $150 | $130 | |
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| Review | Link to Review | Link to Review | Link to Review | Link to Review | |
| Shop | Shop AmazonShop Reebok | Shop STR/KE MVMNT | Shop TWL | Shop RogueShop Reebok |
Is working out with flat feet bad?
No, and it can actually be beneficial to work out with flat feet. Everyone’s foot anatomy is slightly different so the benefit will vary from athlete to athlete. However, if you work out with flat feet, then you can better improve your foot’s musculature which can then carry over to your foot’s intrinsic muscles that help provide it with its structure.
My biggest piece of advice is to listen to your body when it comes to working out with flatter feet and ease into training accordingly. This way you can better scale your workouts so you’re not feeling beat up after them and you can assess if you should spend some extra time training the feet directly.
Why are CrossFit shoes flat?
Not all CrossFit shoes are flat and very few models actually provide a 0mm heel-to-toe drop or fully flat construction. Most models feature heel-to-toe drops that range from 2mm to 8mm. This range is used to provide the shoe with a “best of all worlds” type of feel.
A shoe’s heel-to-toe drop can influence how a shoe fits, feels, and performs. If we raise our heel higher above our toe, then we’ll see mechanical changes at the ankle and foot when working out. The 2mm-8mm heel-to-toe drop range that most CrossFit shoes utilize is to provide the shoes with a lower to the ground feel, but also provide some heel for training purposes.
Do flat feet lifters need arch support?
This question depends on the level of midfoot and arch support you need to train and work out without discomfort. If you have flatter feet that are more rigid in nature, then you may not need a ton of arch support when lifting. Basically, if your feet have adequate musculature and your arch is flatter but strong, then you may not require excessive midfoot support.
For lifters that find their feet collapsing or as though they’re not as stable and balanced when training, then exploring additional arch support could be a really good call. This could be provided through a shoe’s last and construction or additional orthotics designed to provide additional arch support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Do flat feet need stability shoes?
Q:Are NOBULLs good for flat feet?
Q:What type of shoes are good for flat feet?
Takeaway Thoughts
If you have flat feet, then it can be a tedious process trying to find a pair of cross-training shoes that fit your performance needs best. The models featured in this article should all work for flat feet and they each provide their own unique fit and feel in regard to stability and versatility per the demands of your training.
If you have any questions on this round-up and the shoes featured in it, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly).
I personally test every product featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training gear. I buy the gear I test and may earn commissions on sales made through links on my site.
