Do you feel the pain of working all day in uncomfortable work boots because you have flat feet? You are not alone in that at all. Unfortunately, many people face this problem but it does not have to bother you as much as it does. That’s because boot manufacturers and boot-insert manufacturers are very proactive when it comes to battling flat feet and other bothersome foot conditions these days. As a matter of fact, the best work boots for flat feet and the best insoles for flat feet can all but eliminate the end of the day foot pain.
We composed this article to help you find the perfect work boots and insoles to comfort your feet. That will be done through a series of informative reviews highlighting the most formidable models on the market. We will also give you more information on what to look for when buying flat feet soothing footwear products. In the end, you should be able to pick out a pair of work boots and insoles that will comfort even the worst case of flat feet.
Best Work Boots for Flat Feet Comparison Chart
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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CATERPILLAR MEN’S WORK BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
WOLVERINE MEN’S WORK BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
MERRELL MEN’S BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
TIMBERLAND PRO MEN’S DIRECT ATTACH BOOT |
| View On Amazon | |
ORTHOFEET GLACIER GORGE MEN’S FLAT FEET VELCRO BOOTS |
| View On Amazon |
5 Best Work Boots for Flat Feet (Update List 2021)
Here is what we feel are the best buys when it comes to work boots for those that suffer from flat feet.
1- CATERPILLAR MEN’S WORK BOOT
Here is a very well-designed boot from Caterpillar. They are a company that’s known for having an excellent line of work clothing and footwear. These 6” high all-leather work boots from them are well-made and comfortable for those who have flat feet.
How do they help soothe your flat feet during the workday? The magic happens because of all the comfort features that are built into them. These include such features as removable EVA foam inserts with gel and their breathable ERGO foot comfort system. The anatomic design is really great for those with flat feet too.
These Caterpillar work boots even feature 200 grams of thermal insulation, a slip-resistant outsole and they only weigh 1.5 pounds each too.
Pros:
- All-leather 6” high work boot
- Anatomic fit for all-day comfort
- Removable EVA foam insert with gel
- Padded collar/Breathable ERGO comfort system
- 200 grams of thermal insulation/Waterproof
- Weigh 1.5 lbs. per boot
Cons:
- Not a great warm environment work boot
- Need to be treated periodically to stay waterproof
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2- WOLVERINE MEN’S WORK BOOT
If there is a company on our list that knows how to make good work boots inside and out it’s Wolverine. They make some of the most comfortable and most therapeutic work boots you can buy and this nice pair from them is no exception.
These boots from Wolverine may look plain but they are some of the most comfortable work boots you will ever wear and they are really gentle on those with flat feet. Their comfort features include a moisture-managing mesh lining, removable full-cushion footbed, and multi-shock compression pads.
Other nice features on these durable and comfortable 6-inch high leather work boots include their contour welt construction that makes them flexible and the lightweight of only 1.7 pounds per boot.
Pros:
- Premium leather 6” high work boot
- Contour welt construction for flexibility
- Moisture-managing mesh lining
- Removable full-cushion footbed
- Multi-shock compression pads
- Weigh 1.7 lbs. per boot
Cons:
- Not steel toe
- Arch is too high for some
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3- MERRELL MEN’S BOOT
Merrell has been making fine work footwear for many years now. These great boots from them are made sturdy, comfortable and stylish. They are a great 5” leather/textile work boot for people with flat feet to wear to work.
There very best feature that they have for people with flat feet would be their molded-nylon arch and heel shank. This gives the arch and heel support that those with flat feet are naturally lacking in their bone structure. It makes these boots much more comfortable to wear than boot models that don’t have this type of foot support.
Other desirable features on these work boots include their shock-absorbing Vibram soles, removable EVA footbed and breathable mesh lining. They are also a waterproof and stylish work boot model too.
Pros:
- Leather and textile 5” tall work boot
- Shock absorbing Vibram sole
- Waterproof/Stylish
- Removable EVA footbed and breathable mesh lining
- Molded-nylon arch and heel shank
- Weigh 2.1 lbs. per boot
Cons:
- Not protective safety toe
- Not a good cold weather work boot
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4- TIMBERLAND PRO MEN’S DIRECT ATTACH BOOT
Here is yet another great work boot from Timberland. These boots feature all of these company’s usual qualities like durability, good looks, and comfort, but these boots also support the arch too. That makes them great boots for people with flat feet to wear to work.
Their arch support and foot comfort start with what Timberland calls their PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension System. This system is designed to support and cushion your arch, heel and the rest of your foot too. That really lessens the pressure on those that have flat feet.
Other nice features on these 6” tall all-leather work boots include their all-rubber anti-slip outsole and their generous 200-gram Thermolite® insulation. These boots are fairly lightweight too at just 1.6 pounds each.
Pros:
- Leather upper 6” tall work boot
- Nylon shock-diffusion soleplate
- Anti-slip rubber outsole
- Thermolite® insulation
- PRO 24/7 Comfort Suspension System
- Each boot weighs 1.6 lbs.
Cons:
- No safety toe protection
- Not a good warm weather work boot
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5- ORTHOFEET GLACIER GORGE MEN’S FLAT FEET VELCRO BOOTS
Are you looking for a pair of work boots that’s super easy on your flat feet yet still gives you the foot support you crave? Then you will definitely want to take a closer look at these work boots from Orthofeet. These 5” soft leather work boots feel like a slipper but possess many qualities that a good work boot has too.
These are the only boots in our countdown of the best boots for flat feet that are specifically designed to combat foot pain. They not only are engineered to prevent flat foot pain but they help prevent other types of foot pain too.
These Orthofeet boots do this by incorporating several comfort features into them. Included in this are a premium orthotic insole and anatomical arch support for increased flat foot support. They also are lightweight at 1.4 pounds each and have cushioning heel pads too.
Pros:
- 5” tall soft genuine leather work boot
- Premium orthotic insole
- Engineered to prevent flat foot pain
- Anatomical arch support
- Cushioning heel pad
- Each boot weighs 1.6 lbs.
Cons:
- No hardened toe protection
- Not a great outdoor work boot
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Buying Guide – Work Boots for Flat Feet
If you suffer from flat feet you certainly don’t want to settle for purchasing the first boot insert you come across when shopping or when looking online for one. That’s because people with flat feet tend to have special needs like more arch support from any work boot insole they will buy. There are definitely certain boot insert characteristics that make a particular model shoe insole better for those with flat feet.
Here are some of the work boot insert characteristics you need to take a look at if you are buying insoles to help comfort and soothe your aching flat feet:
- Design
There are two key things to concentrate on how your new replacement insoles are designed. They are the following:
-Anatomically correct
It’s no secret that the better your feet conform to a replacement insole the better your feet will be cushioned by that insert and feel. That’s why you need a work boot insole that more closely conforms to the actual shape of your feet. So look for boot insert models that are as close to being anatomically correct as possible.
-Designed by foot specialists (orthotics)
Nobody knows feet and how they respond to treatment and cushioning better than a foot doctor or researcher. Now’s a good time to understand what exactly does a podiatrist does. So if you see inserts that say they are designed by a foot doctor or state they are orthotic in nature you can be pretty sure they were designed by someone who knows feet well.
These two things are by far the most important features to look at when buying any type of replacement insoles for your work boots.
- Arch support
Whenever you hear people talking about flat feet the words “arch support” always come up in that conversation someplace. That’s because people with flat feet have little or no natural arch curvature and that’s why their unsupported feet hurt them after working all day.
So look for a good pair of work boots whose outsole, insole or footbed has some type of arch support built into that work shoe. Be careful to not get a work boot with too high of arch support because this can even make your feet hurt more after a long workday. Locating the best product for your needs, in this case, would mean that you first need to know a few things about arch support.
- Soft or Rigid material
Make sure you know what the material on your footbed is made of so you know if it is a soft or hard footbed material. Softer footbed materials tend to offer more cushioning and less foot support. Harder footbed materials are just the opposite. They offer more support and less shock absorption.
- Shock absorption
Let’s face it; most people’s feet take a beat if they are standing on them for the majority of a workday. This can really irritate your feet from all the beating and banging on them throughout a typical workday. That’s why a pair of work boots that have good shock absorption capability is a real bonus if you have flat feet.
Look for boots that have such characteristics as gel inserts, foam footbeds, and air-cushioned heels and outsoles to help provide excellent shock absorption as you move about during your workday. Such boots are called safety shoes and yes, we have the top models outlined for you.
- Cushioning
We just mentioned shock absorption and well-cushioned work boots will certainly enhance that. But there are other reasons you want some good cushioning inside your work boots too. The main one is that cushioning and padding help your feet fit more snuggly inside your work boots and that generally translates to a work boot being more comfortable the longer it’s worn.
- Heel support
Even though flat feet insoles generally emphasize arch support don’t overlook the importance of heel support when you have flat feet too. That’s because the more your feet are supported overall the better your feet will feel after a long workday.
- Durability/Traction
Just because your new work boots comfort and soothe your flat feet does not mean you can forget about other necessary work boot features that are important. These include such things as durability and traction. So make sure your work boots are built to last and won’t cause problems with slipping and falling as you move about.
- Guarantee
Chances are if your work boot manufacturer was conscientious enough to make comfortable and supportive work boots that mean these boots might cost more too. That’s why it’s always a good idea to get a good warranty or some sort of money-back guarantee when you are buying new work boots to help soothe and comfort your flat feet.
Tips for Buying Work Boots When You are Trying to Comfort Your Flat Feet
Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing a pair of boots that will leave your flat feet feeling good after a long workday.
- Even though pull-on boots are generally nice, we don’t recommend getting them in this case. You won’t benefit from types of work boot models that are extremely lose fitting. Find out about the differences between the various work boot models by visiting our other articles regarding the leading boots on the market.
- The more you move your feet during the workday the more foot stabilizing features you will need to be built into your work boots.
- Consider replacing your regular insoles with top class work boot insoles that are made by a podiatrist or other expert in Orthotics.
- Arch support is important in work boots if you have flat feet, but very high arch support will feel unnatural to you and may make your foot pain worse.
- Avoid buying work boots that do not have anatomically correct or foot forming insoles.
- Consider buying custom-made orthotics for superior fit and foot support.
- Buy work boots that have a mid-size heel that feels comfortable when walking on it. Too small or too big a heel tends to cause discomfort with people that have flat feet.
PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
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SUPERFEET GREEN FULL-LENGTH INSOLE |
| View On Amazon | |
SAMURAI INSOLES INSTANT-RELIEF ORTHOTICS FOR FLAT FEET |
| View On Amazon | |
NAZAROO ORTHOTIC INSOLES FOR FLAT FEET |
| View On Amazon | |
FOOT ORTHOTICS BY ENVELOP – MEN & WOMEN’S SHOE INSERTS |
| View On Amazon | |
SOF SOLE MEN’S AIRR ORTHOTIC SHOE INSOLES |
| View On Amazon |
Reviews of the Top 5 Best Insoles for Flat Feet
Do you want to double up on your flat foot comfort while wearing your work boots? The best way to do that is by adding specially designed comfort insoles to the inside of your work boots. Here are the boot inserts that we like best for doing that.
1- SUPERFEET GREEN FULL-LENGTH INSOLE
Here is a really nice work boot insert from Superfeet that works great on boots that have a little roomier fit for you. Not only do they help prevent flat foot pain after working all day but they comfort your feet in so many other ways too.
These great insoles are absolutely loaded with comfort and support features. The comfort features on them include their high-density foam construction with stabilizer cap, their superior shock-absorbing capability, and their supportive deep heel cup. They even have organic odor control properties built into them.
Their proprietary Superfeet® Biomechanical shape is also a big bonus for those that have flat feet. This characteristic helps provide superior foot stabilization and helps improve foot energy transfer too.
Pros:
- High-density foam w/stabilizer cap
- Superfeet® Biomechanical shape
- Shock absorbing
- Anatomical arch support
- Deep heel cup
- Organic odor control
Cons:
- Minor arch support
- Not great for tight-fitting work boots
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2- SAMURAI INSOLES INSTANT-RELIEF ORTHOTICS FOR FLAT FEET
Those that have used these specially designed insoles for flat feet rave about how good they work. Many claim to no longer feel the foot pain they would normally have after work before they started using them.
How do these replacement insoles help those with flat feet be more comfortable when working? It has everything to do with the many well-designed features on these boot inserts. These include their molded orthotic core, podiatrist-designed arch support and their springy molded inner core which allow these inserts to move with your feet.
Samurai is so confident in this product that they offer a 60-day money-back guarantee on these insoles. That means you can return them no questions asked if you are not satisfied with their performance any time during the first 60 days after purchase.
Pros:
- Molded orthotic core
- Podiatrist Designed Arch Support
- Move with your feet
- The springy molded inner core
- Several sizes to choose from/No cutting to fit
- 60-day comfort guarantee
Cons:
- Does not have high arch support
- Small thickness may lead to durability issues
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3- NAZAROO ORTHOTIC INSOLES FOR FLAT FEET
Here is another very good pair of replacement boot insoles that work very well at soothing the feet of those who suffer from foot ailments such as flat feet. They will go a long way toward making your feet feel better after a long day on the job.
The boot insert from Nazaroo is a true medical-grade orthotic insole. That’s because it has such comfort and support features as good arch support, a deep heel cradle and it’s covered in a cushioning latex pad. This work boot insole even features EVA anti-microbial treated material to help eliminate odor.
As a big bonus, you get with this manufacturer these good boot insoles come with a 100% money-back guarantee. So giving them a test one won’t cost you anything at all if you don’t like them.
Pros:
- Medical grade orthotic inserts
- Good arch support
- Deep heel cradle
- Cushioning latex pad
- Made using EVA anti-microbial treated material
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Is not a thicker style boot insert
- Some don’t like its rigid support system
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4- FOOT ORTHOTICS BY ENVELOP – MEN & WOMEN’S SHOE INSERTS
What’s one of the best ways to get comfort from a reasonably priced set of work boot replacement insoles? Buy ones that are designed by a podiatrist is the answer. That’s exactly what you get when you purchase these good work boot inserts from Envelop.
These soft work boot inserts are loaded with foot soothing properties. They include such things as built-in shock absorption, their anatomically correct shape, and their breathable and antimicrobial fabric.
This is also a very durable work boot insole because it’s made using strong composite fibers. There is a little monetary risk as you are trying them out too because they come with a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
Pros:
- Podiatrist-designed orthotics
- Built-in shock absorption
- Anatomically shaped
- Breathable and antimicrobial fabric
- Made using lightweight composite material for durability
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- May need to be trimmed to fit
- Not for those that like more rigid support
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5- SOF SOLE MEN’S AIRR ORTHOTIC SHOE INSOLES
Here is a very nice pair of work boot insoles from Sof Sole. They are specifically designed with those people with flat feet and who need low arch support. These inserts will definitely help prevent your flat feet from hurting after a long shift at work.
Comfort is the name of the game when you put these replacement insoles in your work boots. They have such nice design features as air-cushioned heels for shock absorption, breathable COOLMAX fabric, and a reinforced nylon arch support plate.
Sof Sole even takes that comfort one step further with the material treatment added to these boot inserts that greatly inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria. These nice work boot inserts also come in several different trims to fit sizes.
Pros:
- Designed for low arches and flat feet
- Air-cushioned heel for shock absorption
- Breathable COOLMAX fabric
- Reinforced nylon arch support plate
- Treatment prevents odor-causing bacteria growth
- Several sizes to choose from
Cons:
- Some trim to fit necessary
- Will not be comfortable in tight-fitting work boots
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Buying Guide – Purchasing Replacement Insoles for Flat Feet
Some work boot manufacturers do a great job of designing boot footbeds that are comfortable and supportive when it comes to flat feet. For every one of those, there is another boot manufacturer that does poorly at this. You don’t want to automatically not consider buying work boots that have a poor quality footbed but you will have to consider replacing the factory boot footbed with an orthotic insert.
If you are looking for a good quality boot insole for flat feet, then these are the characteristics of them that are the most important to consider.
Anatomical design
An anatomical footbed, insole or outsole is one in which it’s shaped very closely to the way your actual feet are. This helps to promote both foot stability and allows your boots to move with your feet as you go about doing your daily tasks on a workday. This is a bonus in any work shoe you buy whether you suffer from flat feet or not.
Arch support
We have stressed over and over again the importance of having arch support in boots or shoes you wear if you suffer from flat feet pain. It’s no less important when you are buying new replacement insoles for your work boot too. So make sure any boot inserts for work boots that you buy have at least a little arch support in them to increase your foot comfort as you work.
Heel support
Heel support in your new work boot inserts is not critical as long as you have heel support in your boot footbed or insole. If you don’t then you may want to consider getting a work boot replacement insole that has at least some heel support. This will help promote foot stability and comfort as you move about at work.
Shock absorption
The flatter your arches are in your feet the more of a beating your feet will take when moving across rough or uneven surfaces. That’s why extra shock absorption material in any insole you buy for your work boots is so important. The more shock absorption capability your work boot insoles have the better.
Cushioning
You also want any shoe inserts you buy for work to not only absorb shocks but to also cushion and comfort your feet. A little extra padding in a boot insole can really help make your flat feet feel better after a long workday. Gel pads, foam material and air pockets that create spring are excellent examples of great foot cushioning features often found in work boot insoles.
Thickness/Durability
Be careful not to buy a boot insert that is too thin also. Thin work boot insoles will tend to wear out faster and lose their cushioning capability sooner too.
Having a work boot insole that is too thick can create some problems too. For one, it may make it hard to get your feet in your work boots in the first place. It may also make those work boots feel tight and uncomfortable as you are working.
Summing Up Are Thoxfughts on Flat Feet Boots and Insoles
It definitely can be a problem working on your feet all day if you have low arches or abnormally flat feet. This can definitely lead to greater foot pain if you do not have the right boots or insoles in them to help alleviate this type of foot pain. That’s why it’s important to have the best work boots for flat feet and the best insoles for flat feet to help you get through your workday foot pain-free.
Anyone of the boots for flat feet that we reviewed here should go a long way to comforting your flat feet while working. Be sure to also take note of what was discussed in our flat feet boot and outsole buying guides. If you combine all of the information you learned in this article you should be able to find the perfect flat feet footwear to comfort and soothe you as you work.