BEST SHOES FOR FLAT FEET IN KANSAS CITY
Flat feet? Get the support you need!
Ever feel like you're caving in on your shoes?
Do you struggle with feeling like your shoes never seem to last very long and you’re constantly feeling pain on the instep of your feet?
Then you very well could be dealing with having flat feet, also known as Fallen Arches. The Running Well Store prides itself on making sure you feel listened to and that you get the information you need. Our team goes above and beyond to help you find the best shoes (and other helpful products) for your flat feet and related pain.
About Flat Feet
Flat Feet, or Fallen Arches, can be identified when the arch on the inside of the foot is flattened and the soles of your feet touch the floor when you walk, run, or stand up in. There are a couple of factors that can contribute to flat feet including injury such as wear and tear due to age as well as the arches not developing properly during childhood. Having flat feet can sometimes be a domino effect of pain or tension in the knee, hip, back, and other areas of the body.
How it happens:
Flat Feet is common and typically a painless condition. Flat Feet is usually due to an abnormality present since birth. However, it can also be caused from broken bones, or stretched and/or torn ligaments. For the individuals who experience discomfort from Flat Feet, there are plenty of options to keep you on your (supported) feet!
The most common causes of Flat Feet are:
- Condition that has been present since birth, this is usually called Flat Feet
- Broken bones
- Stretched or torn tendons
Conditions that develop in adulthood are usually called “Fallen Arches” while individuals who have had the condition since birth are typically referred to as “Flat Feet”.
If you have flat feet and have no pain or joint soreness, there is nothing you need to do. However, if you have pain due to flat feet then you should be wary of excessive amounts of activity without proper footwear or insoles. Unprotected arches can lead to heel or arch pain and sometimes even swelling along the inside of the ankle.
Tips for how to treat Flat Feet/Fallen Arches:
At The Running Well Store, we see plenty of runners, walkers and individuals who work on their feet all day needing good shoes to help with their flat feet! Once you have Flat Feet and try a quality athletic shoe fitted by the GURUs at The Running Well Store, you’ll be amazed at the difference in comfort levels!
The first thing we do when someone comes to us with this condition is to check their shoes. Clients with Flat Feet or Fallen Arches have a different foot structure, so shoes you find at the local mall most likely will not be able to solve the problem. The best shoes for flat feet would be ones that support the foot.
Traditionally, the support mechanism was through “medial posting” or “guide rails,” but all high-end support shoes will guide and support the foot. Additionally, quality support shoes have cushioning in the midsole area that is designed to guide the foot to neutral alignment. Shoe manufacturers categorize the shoes with medial posting into a group called “stability”.
Your athletic shoes can sometimes only take you so far.
We are also aware that you cannot wear your supportive athletic shoes everywhere you go. Some circumstances would require an individual to either wear boots, dress shoes, casual shoes, etc. In this case, you can still utilize orthotic devices. We offer several orthotics that fit comfortably and rest inside whatever shoes you want to place them in. Orthotics offer the support that would be otherwise nonexistent for those with flat feet. When purchasing orthotics, make sure to bring in the shoes that you want to wear them in and try on the orthotics placed within your shoes.
There is a consistent theme to all of our recommendations for injury prevention and correction – stretch and strengthen! There have been cases where people who have Flat Feet also suffer with having a shortened Achilles tendon. To relieve some pain and discomfort from issues with Flat Feet, stretching areas like the Achilles tendon, calves, hamstrings, etc. are going to be beneficial to your overall wellbeing.
If you are having chronic pain due to having Flat Feet, then going to see a physical therapist may be in your future! There is a high probability that your Flat Feet are causing other issues throughout your body and in this case, a physical therapist would be able to help with some of those issues. They would be able to provide stretches, strengthening, and recovery options in order to make yourself feel like you again.
Flat feet products
Stability Shoes
Shoes that work best allow your foot to sink deep into the shoe and have guide rails or are shoes that have a "medial positing". A medial posting is a supportive feature around the midsole area, specifically under the arch of the shoes. In shoes with media posting, there is additional cushioning in the midsole area that is designed to bring the foot into a neutral alignment.
Shop Now
Foam Roller
This is one of the best ways to relieve tightness and soreness all throughout the body. There are hundreds and thousands of informational videos and handouts that work to give precise stretching techniques to attack troubled areas.
Shop Now
Shop Now
Orthotics
As mentioned above we can insert orthotics into a wide variety of shoe styles to meet your needs. Orthotics are a great way to add additional support to your athletics shoes, or if you have other work/dress shoes that are needing additional support.
Recovery Sandals
One of the biggest unknown enemies of soreness and tightness is walking around your house barefoot. Recovery sandals provide arch support and cushioning for all areas of your feet; inside, outside and everything in-between. They are great after a long day of standing and using your legs.
Shop Now
Not sure where to start?
The road to recovery is best run cautiously and patiently.
If you live in the Kansas City area, have flat feet and are seeking premium products to help find relief from your pain, The Running Well Store can help. Schedule a fitting online or simply give your nearest location a call and we’ll provide personalized recommendations to get you back to your fitness goals.
