Do I have flat feet?
Reading time: 4 minutes | Last updated: April 17, 2026
One of the most common questions we hear is this: Do I have flat feet? When something feels off about your feet, it’s worth paying attention. Let’s learn more about flat feet and figure out if that’s the reason your feet tend to hurt.
First things first: What are flat feet?
Flat feet (also known as fallen arches) simply mean that the arch on the inside of your foot is lower than usual, or maybe it’s not even there at all. When you stand, you’ll notice most or all of your foot touching the ground.
Some people are born with flat feet. Others develop them over time. Age, weight changes, pregnancy, or just years of walking in less-than-supportive shoes can all play a role.
Do I have flat feet? 5 signs you might
1 | Your entire foot touches the floor
Try the classic “wet footprint test”. Step out of the shower onto a dry surface and take a look. If you see almost your whole foot, chances are your arch is on the flatter side.
2 | Your feet get tired quite fast
If standing or walking for a while makes your feet feel heavy, achy, or just plain done… your arches may not be giving you the support you need.
3 | You feel pain in your heels or arches
Do you feel a kind of nagging discomfort? It’s often your foot asking for backup.
4 | Your ankles roll inward
Flat feet can cause overpronation (your ankles rolling in), which can throw off your whole alignment.
5 | It starts with your feet, but it’s not just your feet
Knees, hips, even your lower back can join the complaint party. Your feet are your foundation – if they’re off, everything above them feels it.
So... is it a problem?
Here’s our answer: it depends. Great. We’ll explain it a bit further.
If you’re walking around pain-free, that’s wonderful news. Just keep going. But if your feet (or your body) are starting to complain, it’s time to take action.
Your body needs support when you walk. We weren’t designed for endless concrete and long days on your feet while wearing flimsy footwear.
The role of good shoes
Softness alone isn’t enough. In fact, shoes that are too soft often don’t support your foot at all. This can make flat feet (and the complaints that come with them) worse.
What your feet really need is a combination of:
- Support (to guide your foot into the right position)
- Stability (so you’re not wobbling with every step)
- Softness where it counts (because you also want comfort)
What actually helps for flat feet?
If you suspect you have flat feet, here’s how to make your day a whole lot easier:
- Choose supportive shoes: look for shoes with a proper footbed that supports your arch.
- Consider removable insoles: they help support your arches.
- Go for adjustability: feet change throughout the day. Adjustable straps or laces help you get the perfect fit, time after time.
- Don’t wait for pain: the earlier you support your feet, the happier they’ll be long-term.
Final step: Listen to your feet
Flat feet or not, your feet are always giving you signs. If something feels off, don’t ignore it. The right support can make the difference between counting the minutes until you can sit down… and forgetting about your feet altogether.
Do you need online advice about shoe choice?
Contact us through the options below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
