If you work in a job that requires you to stand up all day, you are likely to get flat feet. However, in some cases, flat feet could be inborn, but there are also times when it’s the nature of your work that causes your feet to become flat due to the excessive force and/or weight you carry or if you often walk around.
Therefore, choosing the right kind of work shoe, as well as insoles, is very crucial if you work in this kind of situation. Taking care of your feet will help reduce your overall fatigue and lead to better work productivity, improved focus, and overall safety.
Why you should buy a Work Boot for Flat Feet
So, why should you buy a specific work boot that’s suited for flat feet? Here are the reasons:
Flat feet need arch support
Since their muscles can’t work hard anymore due to the strain and gravity of walking around and standing too often, they will need arch support. A flat-footed person will need boots that have sufficient arch support in terms of the design of the shank and contouring.
A good pair of insoles should also do the trick. Most work boots for flat feet have removable insoles so that you can choose a pair that works for your needs – especially if you even have other medical conditions for your feet (and your orthopedic doctor requires you to wear specific insoles).
Most work boots are shock-absorbing
If you get a pair of work boots, chances are, they are meant for shock absorption and other harsh jobsite conditions. Shock absorption is important to keep flat feet comfortable throughout the day. After all – no one likes a pair of fatigued feet at the end of the day – especially when under stressful work conditions.
Flat feet need comfort
Because flat-footed individuals get their feet hurt due to excessively pressing their foot on the ground – especially if the ground is hard such as concrete or rocky – they need all the comfort they can get. Having cushioning insoles and easy-wear mechanisms in a pair of work boots will help with comfort.
Best Work Boots for Flat Feet
Here are our top picks for the best work boots for flat feet:
Cat Footwear Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe
Made with a 6-inch shaft-to-arch measurement and 1-1/4-inch heel, the Cat Footwear Men’s Second Shift Steel Toe is a rugged safety boot that’s suitable for flat feet due to its 0.75-inch platform. It has an oil-resistant outsole that’s great for industrial work for easy clean-up.
With an ASTM F2413-18-compliant steel toe for work safety, as well as an EHP (Electrical Hazard Protection) for up to 600 volts, it has a slip-resistant outsole as well for added stability in the workplace. Aside from that, the Climasphere insole gives flat-footed people comfort.
Likewise, the work shoes are made with a steel shank and Goodyear Welt Construction for long-term wearing, on-site debris, and durability.
Dr. Martens Winch Steel Toe Boots
Made with a moisture-wicking lining, the Dr. Martens Winch Steel Toe Boots are for light to medium-duty work, such as gardening, as well as some on-site jobs due to its slip-resistant outsole. Aside from that, you can easily bend with its flexible PVC material that can keep you comfortable.
Meeting ASTM F2892-11 EH standards for electrical charge, the boots also have a contoured insole with sufficient cushioning and can be removed – making it suitable for folks with flat feet. It has a steel toe for work safety and it also offers a generous amount of ankle support. If you’re flat-footed and also have wide feet, these boots will work well for you.
Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss
The Timberland PRO Men’s Pit Boss work boots have a 6-inch shaft and a 1.25-inch heel measurement. It is suitable for tough work conditions due to its oil-resistant properties and non-slip outsole for traction. Aside from that, it is also abrasion-resistant for work debris.
Featuring a Nylon Shock-Diffusion Plate to keep the wearer stable, the soft-toed design will give you comfort all day plus the steel toe will conform to your safety standards at work – perfect for construction sites and dangerous jobs.
With Nubuck leather upper for durability and a Goodyear Welt Construction, the boots will last a long time with proper cleaning. The boots also have a roomy toe box.
WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass Boot
When it comes to the rugged design, the WOLVERINE Men’s Overpass Boot is good for flat-footed people with its removable ortholite cushioned footbed that makes walking around and running around the jobsite comfortable. With a 5-inch shaft measurement, it bears a flexible welt construction.
Featuring a composite toe that conforms to ASTM F2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH standards, it is also resistant to chemicals, oil, abrasion, and slipping – making it suitable in dangerous jobs with toxic hazards. What’s more, the boots are made with waterproof leather – making them easy to clean.
With a lightweight rubber outsole, you get sufficient traction and shock absorption, which will protect you from common workplace hazards.
KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh
As a waterproof work boot, the KEEN Utility Men’s Pittsburgh has a 6-inch shaft measurement with left and right asymmetrical steel toes for safety on the jobsite. With a 12-inch boot opening, it has lace hooks made of metal and can be locked for safety and hassle-free wearing around the jobsite.
Likewise, the boots also have a compression-molded midsole made of PU and EVA featuring dual-density, which is a great feature to keep flat-footed workers comfortable all day. It uses KEEN Key-Tech technology and torsion stability to minimize impact.
The medium-duty design makes it suitable for working at a construction site, landscaping, masonry, and for those in the maintenance industry.
Wolverine Men’s W04821 Buccaneer
Featuring a removable footbed that has full cushioning for those with flat feet, the Wolverine Men’s W04821 Buccaneer has a waterproof outer design for harsh weather and work conditions. It has a contour welt construction as well for durability and it has an outsole that’s resistant to many kinds of extremities.
This would be a great work boot for those working with toxic chemicals or in the oil industry due to its resistance to such elements. What’s more, it has a moisture-wicking lining (wave mesh) to keep you comfortable for an all-day shift. If you work on road constructions, this is a good non-slip boot that can take up to 100-degree weather.
Georgia Giant Work Boot
Featuring an EVA midsole for comfort, the Georgia Giant Work Boot appeals to flat-footed wearers as well due to the covered and cushioned insole for all-day comfort. With a 6-inch shaft height, it has unlined quarters as well, which adds to its comfort factor. The boots also have a lightweight outsole, as well as a moisture-wicking lining.
To keep your feet protected from splashes in an oil industry-related job, it has a bumper guard as well. It also has a steel shank for additional arch support – perfect for all-day standing and walking around the jobsite. With a full-leather construction, the boots will last many years given the right cleaning and care.
Cat Footwear Diagnostic Boot
Made with waterproof construction, the Cat Footwear Men’s Diagnostic Boot has a steel toe and insulation that’s suitable for various weather conditions. It also has antiqued lace hardware that will stand up to years of abuse and rugged jobsite work.
With Thinsulate insulation of 200 grams, it has gel on its removable EVA foam insert, making it flat-foot-friendly. What’s more, it has ASTM F2413-11 I/75 C/75 Steel Toe and ASTM F2413-05 1/75 EH Electrical Hazard Protection, making it jobsite-ready.
To add comfort to your feet, the boots also have nylon mesh lining aside from the EVA insert. The material is also relatively easy to clean from jobsite debris and spills.
Carhartt CMF6371 Construction Shoe
Yet another flexible work boot to consider for flat-footed people would be the Carhartt Men’s CMF6371 Construction Shoe, which has a 10-inch boot opening and 1.5-inch heel. If you need a non-steel toe (composite) that conforms to ASTM F2413-18 standards then this boot is for you.
The boots are waterproof and suitable for rainy and humid conditions while keeping your feet dry and comfortable without sacrificing breathability. It is also designed with a PU foam cushion to help flat-footed wearers feel comfortable and less fatigued at the end of the day.
The oil-tanned leather upper also makes the boots rugged and stylish. It also has good arch support for all-day work.
Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion
Built with a rugged design, the Timberland PRO Men’s Hyperion has alloy safety toes that will help you stay comfortable and protected on the jobsite. It has anti-fatigue technology and a waterproof membrane that’s suitable for all kinds of weather. For flat-footed wearers, it has EVA midsoles that won’t feel bulky.
With a 10.5-inch boot opening and 6-inch shaft height, the boots also have shock absorption to help you be flexible at work. The shank is made with composite fiberglass, which will greatly support your arch for all-day walking and other tasks.
Aside from those with flat feet, if you have Hallux Rigidus and similar conditions then these boots will provide sufficient support.
Best Insoles for Flat Feet
We’ve talked about work boots above, which are suitable for those with flat feet syndrome due to the nature of your work. However, what other safety requirements are needed for jobsites for flat feet?
A safety requirement for flat feet is the insole that you can put inside your work boots or shoes. Since you need to stand up all day and walk on hard flooring, you will need more than just arch support but also a comfortable insole that will cushion your feet for long hours of working.
Using insoles will help add both arch support and a comfortable feeling so that you can be less fatigued at the end of the day. If you want additional comfort for your work boots, worry not – here are recommendations for the best insoles for flat feet:
Superfeet BLACK DMP Orthotic Insoles
With a high volume and low profile design, the Superfeet BLACK DMP Orthotic Insoles are suitable for those who suffer from flat feet. That’s because the insoles have a comfortable memory foam construction that conforms to your feet to reduce fatigue.
Aside from that, it has a heel cup that keeps your feet supported for all-day standing and walking. You can easily fit the insoles into your chosen work boots that have removable insoles inside. We also like the stabilizer cap at the back to keep it from moving out of place.
For hot weather, there’s also an organic odor control at the bottom, which eliminates bacteria and your feet smell fresh. Using its DMP or Dynamic Molding Process, it becomes tailored to the user in terms of fitting and contouring.
A durable bottom layer plus a PU middle layer with foam keeps the wearer comfortable without losing shape and contouring to keep your flat feet symptoms at bay.
Conclusion
As a whole, work boots for flat feet, combined with a suitable pair of insoles, will help keep your feet comfortable for all-day work on the jobsite. Standing up for long hours without breaks is tough but when the situation calls for it, you’ll need comfy shoes and insoles to support your arch.
