Cursed with flat feet and just worried that you’re nearing your next sprained ankle? Do your best to minimize the risks by wearing one of the best basketball shoes for flat feet listed below.
Top 3 Picks
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Ultimate Buyers Guide for Flat-Footed Basketball Players
Whilst how good you are at basketball will largely depend on the amount of practise that you put in, the equipment that you use can have a huge effect as well. By investing in the best training gear, you are committing to becoming the best player that you can possibly be. This is true for everything from your at-home hoop to the shoes you wear whilst playing.
If you are flat-footed, you will need to find shoes that combine the designs an features known to be effective on the basketball court with maximum support and balance for those with unbalanced and weaker ankles.
Below, we have reviewed some of the best basketball shoes available through the lens of someone with flat feet. The options you will find offer top-tier performance without compromising on support, cushioning and stability.
Basketball shoes can vary greatly in price and you should try to decide on a rough budget before carrying out your research. As a fan with a passion for the game, it can be easy to get carried away if you haven’t decided on how much you want to spend in advance.
Whilst reading the below, consider these factors to help you decide which pair of shoes is right for you:
- Are the shoes within your budget? If not, check out some of the more affordable options listed.
- What are you looking to get from your shoes? For example, if balance and stability is of the most importance (because you are particularly at risk of rolling/spraining your ankles), you will want a pair that offers greater support and grip.
- Do you have any design dealbreakers? If you only want a pair of basketball shoes that look like Jordans, you will want to focus your attention on shoes that match that criteria.
There are countless other important questions to ask yourself before purchasing, most of which will be more personal to you and your particular situation. Remember, paying through the nose for a pair of shoes doesn’t guarantee quality but buying the cheapest pair does guarantee low-quality.
Tables of Contents
Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet
- Nike Air Force 1
- Adidas D.O.N Issue #1
- Under Armour Curry 5
- Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Focus
- Adidas Harden Vol. 4
- Zoom Devosion
- Under Armour Women’s Jet
- Nike Precision Lii
- Adidas Performance Mens Crazy Bounce
- Nike LeBron Soldier 13 SFG
Review Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sources
The 10 Best Basketball Shoes for Flat Feet
1. Nike Air Force 1
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Nike Air Force 1 is a popular shoe available in low, mid, and high-top options. They are versatile and can be worn on and off-the-court as a fashion statement. The shoe is made from high-quality leather with rubber soles. They are also available in many colors and sizes! The perforations on the toe part of the sneakers make them breathable for endless practicing and game-play.
Support & Cushioning
The high-top model of the Nike Air Force 1 is one of the best basketball shoes for flat feet because the ankle strap and extra cushioning around the ankle provides comfort and structure (just what you need if you are already standing slightly off-balance naturally).
Traction
Great support and cushioning is great for people with flat feet in any shoe, but what specifically makes these shoes (and the others listed below) perfect for basketball? The combination of support and traction.
On these shoes, the outsole is made from rubber, providing great traction for quick movements. The outsole also has a unique circular design anchored by a pivot point designed for basketball players to turn quickly and make their shot from any point on the court. It also has the famous air-cushioned sole unit making this shoe one of the most popular in basketball and in Nike’s lineup.
Positives
- Adaptable shoes which garner attention on and off the court.
- Breathable holes on the toe helps minimise sweat build up.
- Strong ankle strap keeps them firmly in place (important for flat feet players).
- Strong traction from the outside rubber sole with anchored pivot point.
Negatives
- As you might have guessed, Air Force 1’s don’t come at the lowest price (and nor should they). Some might consider them an expensive option (although you certainly get what you pay for here).
2. Adidas D.O.N Issue #1
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Adidas D.O.N Issue #1 is an affordable basketball shoe that provides excellent performance at its price. It is a low top style. The shoe features the iconic three-stripe pattern of Adidas and come in many colors. It has a high tongue and slim silhouette. Wearing these shoes will allow you to channel Donovan Mitchell on the basketball court.
Support & Cushioning
The D.O.N has a flexible sole using bounce cushioning to add more spring to your shooting, dribbling and movements. The insole support is also excellent for flat-footed players.
Traction
The shoe has a rubber outsole with a herringbone tread for traction. The pattern is small and close together. If you prefer a tread that has more space, then you may want to go with a different shoe option.
Positives
- More affordable price makes these a great option for beginners and/or those on a tighter budget.
- Bounce cushioning keeps you moving quick and your ankles supported.
- Herringbone tread and rubber outsole offers a great grip on the court (also vital for minimizing the risk of slipping/falling over).
- Adidas is a highly respected brand in the basketball and wider sports community.
Negatives
- Not the best option for those looking for a tread design with more space/who aren’t fans of the herringbone tread.
3. Under Armour Curry 5
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Under Armour Curry 5 will allow any flat-footed individual to channel Stephen Curry’s shooting stardom.
Support & Cushioning
The full-knit construction stretches to fit around your foot perfectly, so you feel supported. This shoe has special support that Under Armour calls Anafoam, a mixture of foam and a special stretch textile. The Anafoam provides support to the forefoot’s lateral wall and around the heel. The shoe also uses ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) cushioning in the midsole. The material is plastic but is as durable as rubber. All-in-all, these technologies and designs make them perfect for flat footed players.
Traction
The rubber sole provides good traction. The square tread also provides the wearer a great grip for pivoting on the basketball court. Finally, the shoe is incredibly lightweight, so it won’t slow you down during the game.
Positives
- Supportive design and fit (which is good for weaker ankle and foot joints/tendons/muscles).
- Uses state-of-the-art technology like their Anafoam support to provide greater comfort and support for the foot and ankle. Great for fast-paced games and players.
- Great traction and grip offered by the rubber sole and square tread.
- Lightweight option for players wanting speed without compromising on accuracy.
Negatives
- Made from plastic so not great for those looking for rubber options (although, in our experience, plastic used in this way can be just as durable).
4. Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Focus
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Nike Men’s Kobe Mamba Focus is durable for basketball, and the low-top style works well off-the-court, too in terms of style and comfort.
Support & Cushioning
The midsole on the shoe is responsive to keep you agile during a game of hoops. While the shoe feels minimal as you are wearing it, it really does provide the support needed for flat-footed players.
Traction
The outsole on the Kobe Mamba Focus is high-quality and durable. Overall, the shoe materials are sleek, lightweight and look premium at a budget-friendly cost.
Positives
- Durable and high-quality materials.
- Great on and off court options.
- Great for quick and agile play.
- Budget friendly.
Negatives
- We struggled to find the shoe in a wider range of sizes (although it is possible you can find them now online!).
5. Adidas Harden Vol. 4
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
These shoes are great all-around sneakers. Like James Harden’s reputation, wearing them could very well up your shooting and guard game (even if just helping your confidence!).
Support & Cushioning
Instead of the boost cushioning featured in the rest of the line, the Adidas Harden Vol. 4 uses Lightstrike cushioning. This proprietary cushioning technology reduces the shoe’s weight and increases the responsiveness to your movements while still providing the much desired support that flat-footed players will need to keep them standing. The mesh layer is an additional feature that helps with breathability and ventilation.
Traction
The rubber sole and mid-foot lockdown band both provide good traction and support during your games. All things considered, they are great shoes at an affordable price!
Positives
- Great all-rounders for social and competitive play.
- They use advanced Lightstike cushioning technology to provide additional support and responsiveness whilst making them lighter.
- A mesh layer keeps the shoes breathable and well ventilated.
- Mid-foot lockdown band and rubber sole for added traction and grip.
- Quality leather materials.
Negatives
- Statement colors have been used in the shoe design so they are only really an option if you are a fan of them.
6. Zoom Devosion
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Nike Zoom Devosion provides excellent ankle support with its high-top while looking stylish enough to walk off-the-court or gym floor after winning a game.
Support & Cushioning
These shoes give flat-footed players the support that they need for multi-directional movement during most basketball games. The shoe uses layered textiles, including mesh for breathability, to support your foot. The Phylon midsole provides extra cushion and support too. Phylon is made of compressed EVA foam pellets, also making it durable and lightweight.
Traction
There is an internal heel counter, a plastic structure of the shoe that wraps around your foot’s heel, to help keep your heel in position while running during the game. This could be a real game changer for those who suffer from flat feet and the off-balanced stance that comes with them. The shoe’s rubber outsole uses a hexagonal tread mixed with a herringbone pattern on the outer edges to increase agility on the court. The shoe can run big, so if you want a snug fit, then consider sizing down.
Positives
- Styling high-top style.
- High-quality layered textile design makes them durable, breathable and reliable.
- Phylon midsole offers added support and comfort but is made from from light-weight EVA foam pellets.
Negatives
- The shoes can run big so, if looking for a tighter and more secure fit, consider ordering a size smaller.
7. Under Armour Women’s Jet Basketball Shoe
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Under Armour Women’s basketball shoe is sharp looking and provides outstanding support to ensure female players perform at the top of their game whilst minimizing the risk of injury.
Support & Cushioning
This affordable basketball shoe is ultra-lightweight. The high-top construction provides good ankle support too. The product mixes perforated leather and textiles such as mesh for breathability and ventilation. The internal heel counter and EVA sock liner also gives cushion and support to the wearer.
Traction
The rubber outsole and horizontal tread offers good traction for lateral movement. The shoe comes in black, white, and gray. It also has a sleek and straightforward design which will be appealing to a broader range of players of all ages.
Positives
- Sharp and sleek design.
- Perfect for female basketball players looking for a highly supporting and sturdy shoe.
- A light weight, high-performance option.
- EVA shock lining provides great cushioning.
- Horizontal tread is perfect for fast lateral movements.
Negatives
- Designed specifically for female players so if you are male and looking to try them out, you are out of luck.
8. Nike Precision Iii
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Nike Precision Iii is an affordable basketball shoe while also being lightweight and responsive (light weight and quick on the feet). Nike is also a highly respected brand as you might have guessed given their countless celebrity and NBA star endorsements.
Support & Cushioning
The padded collar and mid-top design offers additional cushion and support for your ankles. The extra eyelets allow for lacing up high if you want to wear it this way to secure them in place even more securely.
Traction
The multi-directional tread allows for traction no matter how you move on the court. A great feature for versatile and fast-moving players. The two pivot points on the ball of the foot and sole help with rotational movements during a game allowing you to sink baskets quickly and efficiently.
Positives
- From the esteemed Nike brand – a highly respected brand in the basketball world.
- Affordable option considering the quality offered by this brand.
- Mid-top design for added cushion and support.
- Lace them up normally or high depending on your preferred style.
- Multi-directional tread.
Negatives
We couldn’t find any negatives or cons. This shoe is a great all-rounder and is suitable for a huge variety of players.
9. Adidas Performance Mens Crazy Bounce
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Adidas Performance Mens Crazy Bounce is an excellent pair of shoes for flat-footed people because of its ample ankle and arch support.
Support & Cushioning
The thermoplastic polyurethane plate in the midsole provides stabilization and security. Adidas BOUNCE technology installs cushioned pods strategically in the collar and midsole to give comfort and support. The padded collar and tongue ensure comfort at every step.
Traction
The rubber outsole and horizontal zig-zag tread pattern provide good traction at an affordable price. Overall, the shoe does a great job at reducing impact, shock and providing comfort.
Positives
- Thermoplastic polyurethane plate in the midsole offers stability and security.
- BOUNCE technology creates maximum support and additional support for flat-footed players.
- Zig-zag tread helps with grip on the court/gym floor and helps reduce impact/shock.
- Effective mesh material for great ventilation and air flow.
Negatives
- Only larger sizes available so for younger players, this shoe will not be the best option.
10. Nike LeBron Soldier 13 SFG
*Details last updated on 2023-05-30
The Nike LeBron Soldier 13 SFG does not compromise on its construction. Below we examine what makes these shoes such a great option for flat feet basketball players and fans.
Support & Cushioning
The Nike LeBron Soldier 13 SFG uses compressed air units in the midsole foam to add a bounce to your jumps when attempting three-pointers. These shoes are not fussy, and the laceless construction simplifies putting on the shoe ahead of your basketball game. The high-top also provides cushion and support for your ankle.
Traction
The rubber outsole is unusually thick in an era of reducing weight on basketball shoes. This ensures good traction, and comes in as one of the best basketball shoes for flat feet. The thicker design makes is perfect for those that prefer the more classic look, feel and style of play.
Positives
- Strong, sturdy construction.
- Compressed air units add a bounce to your jumps and steps.
- Laceless design makes them easy to slip on and off.
- High-top design offers more support to weaker ankles.
- Thicker design offers fantastic traction and grip.
Negatives
- Thicker design can add weight to the shoe.
Review Criteria
To help you find the best basketball shoes for you and your flat feet, we used a select few review criteria. With these decided, each shoe we reviewed could be measured against the same criteria offering a more detailed, thorough and useful summary of each one.
Support & Cushioning
The first and most important thing to consider as a flatfooted player buying basketball shoes is what kind of support and cushioning that they offer. Great support from your shoes will help minimize the risk of you slipping, falling over and potentially spraining your ankle (a common injury that flatfooted players suffer from).
Traction
Next is the traction and grip offered by the shoes. As you will know if you’ve ever played competitively, in order to move quickly and efficiently on the court/gym floor you will need shoes with a strong grip/effective tread. It might not seem like a big deal but having effective traction from your shoes can have a huge effect on your game.
Design
We also considered the style and design of the shoes on this list. You will find options offering a number of different styles including low, mid and high-tops.
Price
An obvious thing to consider when buying a new pair of basketball shoes is the price. The shoes featured on this list fit into a number of different price brackets. We have tried to include an option for all players no matter how much they are looking to spend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do flat-feet basketball shoes help?
Flat-feet friendly basketball shoes have been made with built in arch support and are produced by some of the top brands around. They are designed to provide maximum support and comfort on and off the court.
In a game where quick and accurate movements are so vital, it is no surprise that the biggest and best brands have invested heavily in designing and testing shoes suitable for players with flat feet. If they didn’t and some of the top players with flat feet were to suffer an injury wearing their shoes, they could lose significant amounts of money, reputation and sales. Many shoes have been ergonomically designed to combat the effects of flat footedness.
Can you play basketball with flat feet?
The short answer is yes, you can. Without proper preparation though, you might be at a greater risk of rolling/twisting your ankle and/or falling over. If you partner the right basketball shoes with an effective training plan (that focuses on developing your balance and footwork), you should be able to play happily without an increased risk of injury.
Are high tops good for flat feet?
High tops can be a great option for those with flat feet! The added stability and balance offered by high tops is what makes them more suitable for those already off-balance due to their lack of sole arches.
Should I wear insoles whilst playing basketball if I have flat feet?
It could be a good idea to wear interior insoles whilst playing basketball if you have flat feet. You should seek advice from a licensed doctor (or, if possible, a podiatrist) to find the right insoles for you. Interior insoles can help provide you with more support and balance, adding to the effectiveness of the shoes mentioned above.
Sources
Mayo Clinic, Flatfeet, Accessed on 26th December 2020.
Encyclopedia, Basketball Shoes, Accessed on 27th December 2020.
American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, Basketball Shoes & Injuries, Accessed on 27th December 2020.
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