Updated: September 28, 2026
Here’s a fun fact: did you know that roughly 1 in 5 adults has flat feet? Not only is this condition extremely common, but it can also be caused by a wide range of factors. For some people, flat feet are genetic. Other times, it’s the result of a failure to properly develop the arch in childhood, and can even occur later in life as a result of injury, obesity, or general wear-and-tear.
Flat feet can be a nuisance in everyday life, requiring custom or off-the-shelf insoles that provide arch support and stability. But when you hit the hardwood, flat feet can be downright disastrous without the right basketball shoe. Not only can it be very painful and impede your ability to jump and move around the court, but continued strain on flat feet can prompt other medical conditions like arthritis that can lead to further complications down the line. If you’re a parent buying shoes for your kid, this is something you definitely want to keep in mind since the right shoe can keep their feet and joints healthier later in life.
This can be a problem for people with flat feet who love playing basketball because most performance shoes are not designed with flat feet in mind. The balance of cushion, support and fit is geared toward the average foot shape, often with a little (but not too much) arch support. And of course, those orthotics need to fit just right.
On the plus side, there are basketball shoes out there ideal for flat feet. For one thing, people with flat feet are more likely to have wider feet, as well, so searching for basketball shoes made for wide feet can be one way to find more comfortable options. You also want to find a shoe that has plush cushioning to prevent pain. A shank plate or similar extra torsional support can also be beneficial–and of course, you still want the same solid traction that any player looks for to prevent further injury.
We’ve tested a variety of shoes to find the ones that are best for players with flat feet. While everyone’s foot is different, these will at least give you a place to start as you’re trying different shoes to see what works for you. And if you have other issues with your feet, check out our lists of shoes to prevent overpronation or for those with plantar fasciits to find sneakers ideal for those conditions.
