Best Cross Training Shoes for Flat Feet

The right pair of shoes is the number one priority in your workout accessories shopping list. Aiming, you’ve had a good idea of cross-training routines at the Gym. It involves Functional Movements, Treadmills, Cycling, Rowing, Free-weights, and a whole host of resistance machines too. You can think how much the routine is, and most importantly, your feet doing the most. Thus, if you’re not wearing the correct shoes according to your feet, it’s going to hurt you a lot, and you will develop foot-related injuries. Additionally, you may suffer from new problems related to back, ankle, and knee pain. 

Whether you are Jogging, jumping, Lifting Weights, or doing cardio, it is always important to have support and protection for your feet that will get you through your intense workouts. Having the right shoes with adequate arch support and deep heel cups will help you get over those challenging exercises feeling comfy and properly-supported. To feel your best, in this case, all you need is cross-training shoes.

So, What makes Cross-Training Shoes Different?

They are shoes that get worn for different sports and exercise routines, such as tennis, jogging, and weightlifting. Cross trainers provide stability for your feet and ankles to improve the lateral movements and give the required cushioning for running and resistance training. A cross-training shoe is an athletic or training shoe that gets used for different activities, including running.

The complication caused by Flat Feet

Having flat feet is mostly painless and quite comfortable, although sometimes there is a pain in your feet and body. Some complications caused by Flat feet include;

• Pain shooting up from the foot to the waist.
• Sore or aching feet after a walk or run.
• The bottom region of your foot becomes swollen.
• You find it hard to move your feet smoothly.
• Normal shoes may feel uneven.

Cross Training Sneakers for Flat Feet

In this section, we will be looking at the five best cross-training shoes for flat feet. Remember, flat feet require more stability than regular running shoes. We picked each of the shoes on this list for being stable and adaptable to different cardio forms.

The first thing you notice about the ASICS Gel-Quantum Infinity running shoe is the visible full-length midsole that uses GEL technology. This is a truly revolutionary technology, and you can feel the difference while you run.

The shoes are amazing at reducing the shock of impact while running; the GEL technology at both the front and rear feet helps here. This is the best cross-training shoe for shock absorption.

Features

• The shoes are quite heavy; they may not be ideal for long-distance runs, nor would they be great for sprinting. But as shoes that can get worn while you jog, hike, cycle, or go to the gym, they are excellent.

These training shoes show off a high-tech performance that can get worn for CrossFit workouts, cardio, and lifting sessions. Nano’s tend to be synonymous with the wide toe box, allowing toes to splay fully and grip when performing squats and deadlifts, for example.

If you are used to training in a more traditional running-style shoe, this will take some getting used to in the beginning, but stick with it, and it becomes comfortable.

Features

• Low cut design for fast foot transitions
• Midfoot support cage provides stability for heavy lifting
• Polyurethane NanoShell protects the midsole from abrasion
• Abrasion-resistant rubber outsole allows for training on a variety of surfaces

Brooks’ shoe has super-soft cushioning, using DNA Loft technology to create that amazing cloud-like feeling with every step. The OrthoLite sock liner helps to improve comfort when putting your shoes on. The shoes also have GuideRails which are ideal for reducing pain in your knees.

The Brooks Transcend 6 running shoes are the best cross-training shoes for reducing knee pain while you run. The shoes also benefit from an internal stretch bootie which covers your foot and expands as you run. The mid-foot stability of these shoes is also very impressive.

Features

• The plush feel of an internal stretch bootie surrounds your foot and moves and expands with your stride.
• The DNA LOFT cushioning provides a soft, luxurious feeling underfoot without losing responsiveness or durability.

The redesigned Asics GT-2000 8 feels much smoother than its stiff, less-forgiving predecessor. Asics used lighter density foam for the new shoe; there’s a single, thicker layer of FlyteFoam instead of two layers of foam in the forefoot. The rear half of the shoe uses a slightly higher-density foam slab beneath the FlyteFoam, with a patch of gel cushioning beneath the heel.

The shoe’s responsiveness is impressive; this is the best cross-training shoe for responsiveness, which means that each step will absorb the energy of the ground and redistribute it to your running, giving you that extra energy. This shoe is great for moderate to severe overpronators.

Features

• Guidance Trussic System™ Technology integrates Guidance Line® construction for improved gait efficiency while bringing midfoot structural integrity
• This evolution of the DuoMax system enhances stability and support, with reduced weight and increased platform support.
• Reduces the weight of the sole unit while retaining the structural integrity of the shoe.

Our bottom list pick is Mizuno Women’s wave that offers a new upper with a softer fit and a more wearable look—also equipped with the latest Mizuno Wave technology for an energetic and cushioned yet stable ride.

As the successor to the Wave Inspire 14, the new version is still a running shoe for moderate over-pronators. Mizuno’s Fan Wave technology provides dynamic support right where you need it by tweaking the shape of the brand’s traditional Wave plate and its position in the midsole. The result is a comfortable and natural ride.

Features

• The mesh upper has been engineered to be breathable and durable for high performance.
• It delivers optimal shock attenuation, durability, and a superior ride. 
• Innovatively light, well-cushioned, responsive, and resilient.

Important Criteria to Consider When Choosing Best Cross Training Shoes for Flat Feet

To manage to train injury-free as hard as you want, those with flat feet require stable, supportive, and comfortable shoes. So, to find out a perfect pair of cross-training shoes, take into consideration the following criteria:

Cushioning & Protection

Shoes offering sufficient shock absorption and protection usually base on a solid thick midsole made of special foam material, which differs in all brands. Feeling the safety and freedom of each motion is the best characteristic of the perfect Shoe for cross-training.

Toe Box

The narrow toe box is an issue of some Reebok and Nike models. It causes discomfort, disturbs your training, and most importantly, steals the space required to maintain a proper resistance and natural gait. However, the too-wide toe box is also a problem, as it can cause slipping – a bad thing both for healthy and flat feet.

Durability

The high quality of the materials and technologies in the sneaker is the key to effective CrossFit training. Only the durable one can keep up with repeated, long and regular use – so better pay a little more than usual to get much more than ever.

Removable Insoles

Always! Check if the original insoles are removable or not. Even if they’re high quality and offer a lot of arch support and cushioning, over time, they’re going to lose those qualities, so that you’ll need to replace them with the new orthotics to give a new life to your favorite cross-training shoes.

Stability

Flat feet are a particular concern for trainers with strength-gaining goals. Those with flat feet suffer from destabilization as their knees overcompensate and their foot rolls inward after landing. Thus, to prevent pronation, the cross-training shoes should stabilize the forefoot’s side, arch support, and provide additional support; a padded collar is required. Cross trainers are stable and should be even twice or three times more stable to provide sufficient support, balance to help overpronation.

Support

Flat feet need support. Without good support, there may be a risk of injury. Look for the best workout shoes with a low arch, great lace-up system, good amount of cushioning, a padded tongue, a cushioned insole, and a proven track record of working well for flat-footed people.

Final Thoughts

We would have to say that the Brooks Men’s Transcend 6 Running Shoe is the best cross-training choice. It may not be the best for amazing running scores, but you are using it for cross-training, that should not matter. It will prevent your knees from hurting, should help correct your technique, and is at a very reasonable price.

The truth is that any of the shoes on this list will help you cross-train with flat feet; you need to decide which one is the right Shoe for your specific needs. All the best