You’d think a flat automatically is healthier for your feet and better for walking compared to other styles, but you’d be wrong. In fact, a flat with arch support by definition may be a bit of a misnomer, says Pensacola, Florida podiatrist Grace Torres-Hodges, D.P.M., a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. A true flat will likely not have an arch support, which is why she recommends choosing a “flat” with a half inch of a heel (ideally, a wedge), which will support your foot and your arch.
You also want to look for a heel counter—the firm part of your shoe that wraps around the back and keeps your foot secure—that has some heft. Squeeze it to be sure. A “floppy” flat that has no structure won’t do anything for your comfort, even if you love the style.
Then there’s the toes. “The front part of your foot is vulnerable to being squeezed,” says podiatrist and APMA spokesperson Jan Andersen, D.P.M., of InStride Chapel Hill Foot & Ankle Associates. “A rounder toe box is usually a better option,” she says.
With all those musts in mind, below are seven pairs of flats that will make your arch feel good. Of course, rules are meant to be broken, so we’ll show you how to deal with a loved shoe that lacks in one of these departments. There are ways to get that arch support you need.
Naturalizer Erica
With the perfect half-inch heel, these Mary Jane flats include what the company calls their N5Contour Technology, featuring a contoured footbed that hugs your arches. The outsole prevents slips and slides. But there’s no denying how adorable these are—especially in the bordo (a burgundy) velvet color. Oh la la!
Buy it: $89, nordstrom.com
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Naturalizer Samantha
It’s hard to get past how on-point these sleek black suede/leather D’Orsay slip-ons are. The shoe boasts a one-inch “hidden” wedge heel to keep your feet pitched perfectly. And they’ve got that N5 Contour Technology so your arch is always fully supported. The almond toe has some stretch, too, so it won’t pinch.
Buy it: $89, zappos.com
Vaneli Serene
The quilting and patent leather toe on these puts a nice spin on your classic black ballet flats, but they’re still versatile enough to declare your everyday go-to. The heel is just shy of a half inch, and the padded footbed with arch support is why reviewers call them the best flats around.
Buy it: $105, zappos.com
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Dolce Vita Holli
If you find that your feet actually hurt more in arch supports, you may have what are considered “rigid flat feet,” says says Jeffrey Lehrman, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Crozer-Keystone Health System in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. In that case, a flat that doesn’t boast arch support but still has a small heel, like this one, may be more comfortable for you.
Buy it: $110, zappos.com
Watch a hot doc explain why your feet are peeling:
Earth Anthem
These have a podiatrist-pleasing round toe box to prevent toes from being squished. Plus, the cute metallic beads dress up your standard flat. The footbed adds cushioning, while you’ll feel the arch support in these. Snatch them up in navy or slate suede, a soft black leather, or a pewter leather—you’ll be happy with any of those.
Buy it: $100, zappos.com
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Vionic Caballo Pointy Toe Flat
As Lehrman notes, depending on your foot type, you may need an arched or flat shoe. This sassy number lets you have both options with a removable orthotic insert that has arch support. The heel is also designed to cradle the back part of your foot and offer stability. Plus, it has just a touch of a heel for the slightest lift.
Buy it: $120, nordstrom.com
Born Eden Flat
The super-cute oxfords marry casual and dressy with velvety laces and a suede or patent leather upper. They also have the podiatrist must: a cushioned footbed, as well as a nice short heel. Wear these with your favorite pair of fall jeans or dress it up with tights and a skirt.
Buy it: $100, nordstrom.com
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