The Best CrossFit Shoes For Flat Feet

Last Updated: September 19th, 2018.

First, the problem. It’s very easy to recognize if you have flat feet, but the impact that this has on your body isn’t always readily recognizable.

Indeed, flat feet cause what is called plantar fasciitis, a pain in the heel that results from the strain of the ligament that supports your arch.

Pes Planus, as flat-footedness is otherwise known, could be caused by an injury or is often inherited from your parents. The lack of that arch support also causes pronation of your ankles, twisting them inward and straining them, as well as your knees, hips, and back.

All of this probably makes you think you can’t possibly participate in a cross training program such as CrossFit at any sort of effective level without significant pain.

However, there are measures that can be taken to account for your lack of arch support and with the right pair of shoes, the right support system, you may be able to CrossFit with the best of them!

I’m here help you purchase the absolute best cross trainers for flat feet on the market and we will walk through the many benefits of each shoe to ensure you are picking the right shoe for your flat feet.

Whether it lies in their advanced technology, unique design, or beefy support; we’ve got it covered.

What follows is a brief guide to the best CrossFit shoes for flat feet out there and what each of them has to offer to you, in no particular order.

Best CrossFit Sneakers For Flat Feet | Comparison Table

Top 5 Best CrossFit Shoes for Flat Feet

Nike Metcon 2 Synthetic Trainers

Breathable, light, and flexible are the names of the game with the Nike Metcon 2.

As expected, Nike provides the coolest, sleekest design.

Integrated with Nike’s best technology for range of motion and support, the Nike Metcon 2, though among the higher retail prices, offers the unique Flywire Technology to lock in your foot and ensure comfort and stability.  

The flat and stable bottom allows for nice controlled, multi-directional movement.

This keeps you supported where you need it, namely around the ankles and under the arch and heel, while allowing for free movement and responsiveness that is vital in today’s strenuous CrossFit workouts (WODs).

These shoes provide a nice lightweight feel without sacrificing Nike’s trademark design and style appeal while at an affordable price.

Click the link below to see why other's have found these to be the best CrossFit trainers for flat feet.​

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Asics GEL-Intensity 3

The Asics GEL-Intensity 3, available for both men and women, is an optimum choice for flat feet due to their new, unique mid-sole support system, inspired by their running collection.  

It provides cushioning, protection, yet remains flexible with their FluidRide and FluidAxis systems.

This emphasis on cushioning and stability offers much needed support for flat feet from the pronation and pain.

In this latest iteration of Asics’ cross training shoe, there is an abundance of new technology which has generated a lightweight, resilient shoe perfect for pushing yourself, and them, to your limits.

Take a look at the latest prices and check the various color schemes as the prices range largely due to the design with the links below.

PUMA Tazon 6 Cross-Training Shoe

More economical than the previous two options, Puma’s latest attempt at creating the best CrossFit shoes for flat feet punches well above its class.

They have a bold look with the classic Puma swooshlike design.

With a strong ‘midfoot saddle’ and EVA cushioning on the heel, there is no doubting the comfort and support that these shoes offer.

A slightly heavier shoe, the Tazon was developed with the transition between CrossFit and day to day life in mind.

These are good shoes to be used with running activities, but probably not the best for outdoor trail running. Sleek, comfy, and stable, these shoes offer the perfect arch support and shock absorption people with flat feet need.

Click the link below and see why we rated them our "Best Value" pick.​

Reebok Crossfit Nano 5 Training Shoe

This lightweight, low-profile design is a shoe that Reebok is proud to introduce as a CrossFit specific shoe while still offering excellent support for those suffering with Plantar Fasciitis.

These shoes offer an anatomical design made for heavy lifting and quick, fast twitch movements (common in CrossFit).

It offers a durable Kevlar-infused upper that gives top notch arch support and protection from injury.

There is plenty of cushioning across the entire length of the foot, distributing the pressure from each step evenly and helping to alleviate the pressure and awkward motion that can be associated with flat feet.

Beyond, the cool technology and features, there are over 30 color schemes and styles to choose from to ensure you can match the style with the comfort. They even have a sleek looking American flag style to best represent your red, white, and blue for when you compete in the CrossFit games.

If you like CrossFit’s top brand, Reebok, then these are your go to shoes!

New Balance Fresh Foam 80v3

For a more aggressive workout routine, New Balance’s effort may be the best cross trainer for your flat feet.

Lightweight, comfortable, EVA midsole support, and a rugged outsole, this shoe is perfect for those of you would really like to test their limits.

With the addition of its QUIX moulded insert and the mesh construction, the New Balance Fresh Foam 80v3 has integrated the best New Balance has to offer in comfort into a stylish, effective CrossFit training shoe.

The cushioning on these shoes is legit and if you like New Balance running shoes, then these are your go to shoes for all your CrossFitting needs.

Merrell Trail Glove 3

**Honorable Mention**

Best for outdoor trail running, this Merrell offering has a minimalist lightweight design.

Although not a specific CrossFit shoe, and built more like a running shoe, we have headlined these shoes as our "Honorable Mention" due to their minimalist design and outdoor running versatility.

Ultra-lightweight, durable, washable, vegan, and breathable, it isn’t the usual suspect for the best cross trainers for flat feet.

Don’t judge a book by its cover, though, as the Trail Glove 3 has an intricate inner sole cushioning system, ideal for the added strain of flat feet, as well as a 4mm compression molded EVA midsole cushion.

This means that the arch of your foot is well cushioned and supported for those long, off-road runs or other CrossFit activities.

If you are a CrossFitter that loves to run, then this might be the shoe for you.

​Conclusion: Picking The Best CrossFit Shoes for Flat Feet

There’s no doubt that having flat feet is a daily struggle, but the right pair of shoes, such as one of our best CrossFit shoes for flat feet listed above, can really help you fight it.

Each one of us is different, which is why the list isn’t a ranking system, but an informative guide; I hope one of the 6 options above proves to have the right support system for your arch’s needs.

The point of all of this is to keep fighting, don’t let your flat feet keep you from staying fit and enjoying whatever intensity cross training activity you want to accomplish!

Address your arches, support them, because science says that it works.

Your flat feet are the result of one specific tendon that isn’t doing its job, so you need to do something for those pesky feet, which will translate into ankle support, and then to the rest of your body.

Before you head to the Box, make sure you have the best shoes to ensure a great workout and keep you from hurting your health long term.

Maybe I’m just optimistic, but as someone who struggles with flat feet, thanks to my father, I know that the right shoe makes all of the difference over time. The right support, changes everything.