Can you play basketball if you have flat feet?
Yes, you can. About 25 percent of the population has a low arch, which leads to some degree of flatness in the feet. We live in a time where sufficient research has been done to make nothing impossible for those with flat feel; including basketball.
There are now basketball shoes made specifically for people with flat feet, although since most basketball shoes have rigid mid-soles and removable insoles, they are generally comfortable for people with flat feet.
However, there can still be problems with normal basketball shoes, depending on the gradient of your arch, and the width of your feet. Most basketball shoes and even basketball shoes for flat feet are made for people with feet that are narrow from the front. In addition, people who have naturally wider feet, some foot deformities, or bunions may have problems with normal basketball shoes; even if the midsole support of the basketball shoes overcomes the problem of flat feet.
So, if you have wider toes along with flat feet than you may have problems finding the right pair.
The right pair of shoe can make your dreams come true. Ask Cinderella, if you don’t believe us! The right basketball shoes can help you tackle your mobility issues, avoid pain and allow you to give your best performance on any court, leading you to the game progress you desire.
The wrong pair will lead you to make the wrong steps (literally) and possibly cause injuries. A shoe that doesn’t support you enough to walk properly will be a hindrance in your game and will prevent you from performing your best
Don’t let missteps cause problems in your life. The injuries that can be caused by falls are serious and take ages to recover. Having flat feet doesn’t mean you don’t get to do physically active sports, it just means you need to use the right kind of sports equipment to give your feet the perfect support, balance, and comfort. With either one of these missing, your movement and your game are going to become sub-par.
Before purchasing any basketball shoes read our Buyer’s Guide on what to look for when you are looking for the best basketball shoes for flat feet available, but in case you just want a few recommendations of our picks for flat feet friendly basketball shoes, you can simply scroll down the article to get the list.
So what are the best basketball shoes for flat feet available in the market?
Whether you are looking to buying from a well-known shoe store in your area or ordering them online, it is a good idea to go through a list of the best basketball shoes for flat feet, analyzing their features, reading the good and the bad reviews to eventually evaluate what works best for you. Since that is a lot of work, we’ve managed to create a comparison table for you so you can get the basketball shoes that fit your budget and your requirements:
Nike Air Jordan is an amazing shoe which will help you to stand out on the playground with both performance and style. Nike never fails to impress its customer with extraordinary designs that balance comfort and color. This is one of the best basketball shoes for flat feet because of the stability, balance, and support that are offered by its design.
”Click-here-to-read-more” If you are concerned about balance and stability on the court, then it is hard to find a better option than Nike Air Jordan XXXII. Previous XXXI lacked in offering its wearer the kind of comfort one expects in the price range but this model does the trick. XXXII is made by Flyknit material which means that these shoes will mold effectively. This means that it will not leave space to avoid internal slippage. Another biggest advantage is support. It will support your feet especially if you have flat feet. It will make you feel as if you never had flat feet before. Not only that, but it will also provide traction as well as amazing cushioning. What kind of cushioning do you expect from a shoe? Basically, what you want is that when you apply pressure to your shoes, you will feel as if springs are compressing. This is a good thing because that means that springs are in action and working perfectly and you are able to leap up and get down without causing damage to your foot muscles. ”LESS”Stability and Balance
Support
Cushion
Buyer’s Review
Many people were pretty much satisfied with the shoe. Overall, people were appreciating the comfort of the shoe.
Few people encountered size problem. They feel as if what they order size is different and doesn’t fit. Another problem people face is moisture. Because of the lack of ventilation in the design, some people do not find it comfortable to wear for long hours.
- Provides good ankle support as well as protection
- Contains best traction pattern
- Available in many colors
- Provides flexibility
- Lightweight
- Heat and moisture can make your feet uncomfortable while playing
- Lack of ventilation
Air Overplay IX doesn’t only look amazing but also provides many features which will aid flat footed individuals who are looking for a good basketball shoe. The Air Overplay IX is one of the most stylish and comfortable shoes, available in either dark black or wolf grey. This lightweight model allows the arch and ankle support needed to perform better at basketball, especially if you have flat feet. ”Click-here-to-read-more” Air overplay IX provides amazing support which feels great. Not to forget, it provides arch and ankle support, which is why it makes its way in our list. Not only that, it uses Nike Air technology as an encapsulated heel. Air Overplay IX technology comes with exceptional support. It is capable of supporting your feet for hours and even has ventilation which means you don’t need to change your shoes frequently. This means that it will provide you comfort throughout the game. It is necessary that shoes should have ventilation holes so that air can pass through. It is very important because it will have an impact on your foot. Air overplay IX is made up of breathable material. In other words, if you are playing on a wet field or grass then say thanks to the breathable material, it will provide your feet protection. That means your socks won’t get wet easily, and that is a very good thing especially during the game. Not to forget that the shoe is lightweight to increase your efficiency throughout the game. Another point to be noted is that they come with perfect size which means that it will surely fit, as long as you choose the right size. ”LESS”Support
Ventilation
Lightweight
Buyers Review
Many buyers appreciated quality. They also feel that the price was reasonable. Buyers also love the style of the shoes and very few or none complained about the size. The shoes proved to be comfortable especially for flat feet people. There were few buyers who also recommended other shoes such as Adidas, Puma and many more. The sole padding’s thin layer can be removed and you can add your own custom orthotics to get maximum comfort.
- You can insert custom orthotics
- Breathable midfoot support
- Pure rubber outsole
- Very hard to find
- Expensive
Are you looking for good basketball shoes for flat feet but don’t have enough budget for a high-end brand? Then say hello to Champion Overtime. You won’t believe that just for 30$ you will be getting many features that are needed in a good pair of shoes. This is suitable for flat feet because of the comfort it provides to the ankles and mid arches of the feet. ”Click-here-to-read-more” It might not have sophisticated technology that you can find in Nike but yet it still provides comfort. You must be thinking that the quality will be low then you are wrong. It provides maximum comfort as well as solid stability too. That’s not all, Champion also provides ventilation as well. Thanks to the padded insoles as well as a mesh lining, ventilation is possible to avoid moisture. Champion also provides freedom of movement and fair stretch too. This will help people who are suffering from flat feet problems. You can also add your own custom-molded foot pad as well. ”LESS”Comfort
Ventilation
Support
Buyer’s Review
The buyer reviews were somewhere between good and bad. Many buyers appreciated the quality of boots. The most loving part was that they last long. If you use your shoes roughly then you won’t get a better option than this shoe. Some people found that it irritates the skin. To protect the skin, people need to wear socks. Few buyers even didn’t like the design.
- Provides amazing features
- Easily available
- Very affordable
- Wearing of socks is necessary to protect your feet
- It can irritate your skin if you have sensitive skin
- Not as durable as it seems
Asics Gel-spotted basketball shoes are one of the oldest shoes available in the market. The appearance is a bit chunky with a retro exterior. This pair of shoe was first launched in 1992. It is still available today with some advancement. This is a classic choice for people with flat feet who are looking for shoes for athletics, because of its ankle support. ”Click-here-to-read-more” Not only that look sturdy but at the same time, they are comfortable. The padded tongue and the collar went through redesigning to make sure that you get enough protection on the ground. Don’t just assume that they are very old so therefore they are a good choice. Asics Gel-spotted also provides amazing support for ankles. It proves to provide a high amount of support to flat feet. If you are looking for high support, then don’t get thick insoles because the tongue padding itself is very thought which means not enough room will be left. The best part of this shoe is the soft microfiber lining as well as the high-quality cushion insole. They will make you feel as if you are wearing really comfortable socks. In other words, it will make you forget that you have flat feet. ”LESS”Comfortable
Support
Cushion
Buyer’s Review
The buyer’s review was mostly positive. Most customers were happy because of its cushiony ankle. The cushiony ankle helps the people, who have flat feet, and make their game effective. Few buyers complain that it was too narrow. The remaining were happy with it because it was comfortable as well as supportive.
- High-quality cushion
- There is a chance that the shoes might not fit
- Lack of space for toes
The reason behind the popularity of AND1 Downtown is because they are lightweight. They are very easy to put on as well as take-off too. Don’t like eclectic colors then no need to worry, AND1 Downtown comes in black-white color pattern. ”Click-here-to-read-more” Unfortunately, they don’t provide extraordinary support for the ankles instead there is a strap that can help your flat feet by supporting it. Upper Construction The amazing part of AND1 Downtown is the upper construction, It is soft and not to forget breathable which means that it has a great ventilation system. Thanks to the amazing ventilation system, you can play for hours without worrying about the moisture. ”LESS”Support
Buyer’s Review
The buyer reviews were mostly positive. The best thing they found is that it provides excellent support, especially to people with flat feet. Few people complain that it doesn’t fit and few also mention that quality wasn’t good enough.
- You can add your own custom foot-padding
- They are quite tight, warm and cozy
- Have a turbulent past
While designing Zoom Evidence, Nike designers didn’t leave any chance for criticism. They didn’t want to compromise the performance so that’s why they strip off the bulk as well as the weight from Zoom Evidence, leaving behind a lightweight shoe that focuses on comfort. They also added a cushion which is very responsive so far. ”Click-here-to-read-more” The design is pretty much clean and simple and because of that, it makes Zoom Evidence suitable for everyday wear and also for competitive play as well. It also comes in several colors including Silver, polarized blue, black, white and bright crimson. Thanks to the Pylon midsole, Zoom Evidence offers a responsive and stable feel. That’s not all, it also helps in sudden movements and also absorbs the impact from landing. It also supports flat feet too. The main feature of this shoe is the amazing high-top collar that fits around the ankle which provides the support to your feet. Another amazing part is the heel pad which reduces the chances of slippage. The flywire cables also provide anatomical support which shoots up your performance at court. ”LESS”Design
Performance
Support
Buyer’s Review
The reviews range from good to neutral. What was noticeable is that they were very comfortable and many people love that part. Besides that, some people also love style. However, some people were upset with the sizes and felt that the right sizes did not give them enough support.
- Foam heel pad which helps cushion the heel
- Provides stable ride
- Pure rubber sole
- The quality isn’t good as expected
Another amazing light-weighted shoe that is guaranteed to provide you complete comfort because of its molded foam heel as well as high-quality toe cap. These shoes will wrap around Achilles tendon and ankles to ensure support and stability. ”Click-here-to-read-more” You might think that material is cheap but don’t let the look change your mind, after all never judge a book by its cover. The synthetic leather is durable and also pleasant to wear. The cushion not only absorbs impact but also give enough response while playing. It also gives a boost in your game and you can play hours without changing your shoes. If you have flat feet then don’t worry, Torch Fade are designed in such a way that it will keep your ankles from rolling. Not only that, it will provide you the stability guaranteed to win your heart. ”LESS”Material
Cushion
Stability
Buyer’s Reviews
Most reviews were positive. Buyers love the design and they were very comfortable as well. They even fit properly too. The issue was that sometimes it doesn’t fit. Few buyers think that it was cheaply made.
- 100% pure leather
- Extreme durable
- It sometimes lacks room for wide feet people
This shoe is another good model for flat-footed people who have a passion for basketball. It has an outstanding cushion that helps the heel as well as ankles. Thanks to the elastic technology that brings back the energy. Now when you will jump, you will feel as if you are bouncing all over. ”Click-here-to-read-more” The court provides excellent friction that can be worn both indoors and outdoors too. If you are the type of player with a thing for high bounces then it’s your lucky day. The reason is that the TPU plate on the midfoot will decrease the chances of slipping so that you can bounce high as often as you desire. In order to provide ultimate support, the laces of the shoe have boot construction claps. It will cover from the ankle to the heel and will provide stability. It is specially designed for flat feet people to make their game effective. ”LESS”Friction
Support & Stability
Buyer’s Review
The ratings range from good to not so good, which means it is a person to person experience. Many buyers love the shoes because of the extra cushioning as well as strong support too. Some also appreciated the performance too. Few people complained that they are very tight while the others didn’t like the quality of shoes.
- Available in many colors
- Excellent traction
- Cushioning
- Heavy shoes
Do you know why Team Drive 4 is on this list? Because of its ClutchFit technology, full-length Micro G foam layers and lastly charged cushioning. Another feature is the CFD which is one of the best features that people look for in sports footwear. Why is this good for flat footed people looking for basketball shoes? Read on below to find out: ”Click-here-to-read-more” The reason why it is praiseworthy is that it is because it first appeared on the market. Not only it is durable and dense but it is also responsive too. One of the best features is the court control and grip. The herringbone traction pattern is made from 100% rubber and the external heel counter gives you extra support on the court. There is also 3D shank that is wrapped up around sidewalls. It should help you by giving extra stability. ”LESS”Micro G Foam Layers
Control & Grip
3D Shank
Buyer’s Review
Many people love these shoes. They love the quality and it also fits perfectly. They also reported that it was comfortable and gives great support as well. Few complained that the shoe-lace strap breaks easily while other few experiences sweating after an hour, due to its ventilation.
- The upper textile is very light in weight
- The lace loops are durable
- Good ventilation system
- Comfortable
- The 3D shank didn’t provide much stability
Last but not least, Kobe Mamba is also considered as one of the best shoes for people with flat feet. If you are a court player than you will surely adore it because of its comfort, durability as well as ankle supports. Not to forget that these shoes are pretty stylish and will look more gorgeous in your jeans or shorts. ”Click-here-to-read-more” Colors There are many varieties in color. The most popular color choices are the black, red and University Red/Bright Crimson/Anthracite/Black. Fly-weave technology is the next-generation technology. It allows them to be more supportive and also breathable. The TPU yarn also improves durability as well as stability. One of the reasons for making Kobe Mamba is the quick directional changes. This allows Kobe to Mamba more natural movement on the playground. The combination of Flyweave and Lunarlon midsole provides Kobe Mamba instincts. The inner slipping was decreased. The reason is the internal bootie constriction. The internal bootie constriction assures of one-to-one fit and at the same moment, it also makes your feet comfortable. ”LESS”Fly-weave Technology
Quick Directional Changes
Inner Slipping
Buyer’s Review
The reviews are pretty much mixed. The positive reviews appreciated the support. The moderate reviews reported that they are very narrow. A couple of the buyers also complain about the insoles were very think. The lowest rating reported that they got too much tight and they never feel comfortable as well.
There is no such thing as a perfect pair of shoe for everybody, but that doesn’t mean that there can’t be a perfect shoe for you. There are many shoes out there which will amaze you. Every shoe has its advantages as well as disadvantages too. If we go through the list, they have many unique features but in the end, it is your decision. Mostly you find that they have exceptional stability and support which will help you during your game especially if you have flat feet.
- Make your movement natural
- Responsive and stable
- Multidirectional grip
- Sometimes it gets too tight
Best Basketball Shoes For Flat Feet Buyer’s Guide
In case you or someone close to you have flat feet, it is still possible to play basketball as long as you have appropriate basketball shoes that provide you the exactly the kind of support and comfort that you require.
The right type of shoes will help give you the proper arch shape and the comfort, stability, and flexibility that any good basketball player needs to perform their best on the court.
There are, however, some tips that you need to know to get you the best basketball shoes for you.
People with flat feet have low or no arch and therefore they need support to balance the weight of their body on their legs. This allows stable movement and even helps in flexibility. A good shoe does this for flat feet. It will help prevent muscle strain and ligament damage while allowing you the flexibility that you need to do your moves at court.
When you are choosing Basketball shoes…
When you are looking for shoes, you must first wear it. Check the insides if there is a support for the arch. A raised midsole can sometimes help, but you need to see if, on wearing the shoe, you get support on retaining the arch? Do you feel like it will help you move with more stability? Is the sole of the shoe good for support on the court, or do you feel like it can cause you to slip in case you lose stability?
Ideally, a shoe needs to have a design that allows you to keep your feet in a high arch posture without causing much strain. Your heels should also be kept slightly raised as they will help you pivot your feet while playing so you can avoid giving excess strain to your legs.
There are several shoe options provided by major manufacturers of shoes and you have to pick the one which suits you best. There are shoes for flat foot players that are lightweight and offer arch support. There are also shoes for flat feet that are designed to strengthen and support the arches of players who play basketball often all year.
Players who also have wide feet can get wide-fit basketball shoes from the market, which have more space in their front design for their toes. Some shoes are for people with very flat feet and give them support and flexibility for movements during the game.
A Note on Running Shoes: There is a slight difference in running shoes for flat feet and basketball shoes for flat feet. Since there is a lot of running involved in basketball, it will be easy to assume that running shoes will work just fine for basketball players. This is a common misconception and is untrue. Running shoes mostly have a narrow sole and this does not give the player support to pivot, jump, and leap, apart from other movements involved in the game. To explain more simply, running shoes are simply meant for running forward, and not anything else. Basketball involves a lot of other types of moves too, such as dribble and jumping, which is why it is a good idea to get basketball shoes especially if you have flat feet since your arches need more support than those people who have normal feet.
What are the kinds of basketball shoes for flat feet available?
According to the shape of your feet and the kind of restriction you feel in your movement, it is necessary to see the sort of shoes you need. Mostly, the basketball shoes for flat feet that are available in the market are a combination of both stability and motion control shoes; but the kind of shoes you need to focus on depends on various factors such as:
- The shape and size of your feet
- The midsole and the arch of the feet
- The type of player you are: Do you need more control or more balance?
The types of shoes available are:
- Motion Control Shoes: These are for people with very flat feet or extremely fallen arches. Motion control shoes help restrict improper movement, and hence injuries caused by them during fast movement. The heels of these shoes are stiff and hard, with a very strong arch.
- Stability shoes are the ones that provide balance and support to the foot arch and are those people who have feet with slightly bent arches.
