If you are struggling to find football boots that can accommodate your foot shape, you may want to find the best football boots for flat feet.
Having the right boots can make a huge difference to a player's game, with certain ranges specifically designed for those that require a little additional comfort. FFT has been dedicating itself to categorising designs to make boot shopping easier for you. If you're simply looking for the best football boots out right now, the best football boots for defenders, the best football boots for midfielders and even the best football boots for strikers, be sure to check out our other reviews.
But here you'll find the best football boots for flat feet...
The quicklist
I always enjoy playing in the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite, with the gripknit upper offering an exceptional feeling on the ball. It's the flexible soleplate and stud configuration which really helps my flat feet, however, creating the best option available right now.
Puma has upgrade the Future Ultimate once more, and the latest model is its best yet. They have plenty of width while still providing great lockdown through the technology implemented, whole the soleplate ensures that players with flat feet won't experience any issues.
Everyone wants a football boot that is handcrafted and constructed with premium materials, so it's fortunate that Mizuno has done exactly that with the Morelia II Made in Japan. The boots do come on the pricey side, but they provide a playing experience unlike any other.
New Balance has upgraded a boot from a leather upper to synthetic, but the feel remains largely the same while they're considerably lighter. The stretchy material in the middle of the boot helps add extra space if needed, while the low-profile design alleviates any foot pressure.
Coming in at under £100, these boots feature a decent-quality leather and plenty of space and comfort to help players with flat feet. I enjoyed playing in these, and have found them surprisingly durable through training and games.
Natural leather boots are always going to provide that little bit of extra room, but when they're inspired by the Copa Mundial it's inevitable. The plush leather will conform to the shape of your foot brilliantly, limiting any impacts on flat feet.
Best overall
My favourite feature on the Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite that makes them so good for players with flat feet is the flexible soleplate that can cushion impacts a lot better and move in line with the foot. This is helped through the low-recess heel containing plenty of padding as well, which provides both extra padding for the achilles and ensures some extra comfortability.
Plus, I love the voluminous shape the boot provides towards the forefoot. The Nike Phantom GX 2 Elite - one of the best Nike football boots - limits the pressure of flat arches by providing extra room through the midfoot, also making them a sound option for those wide feet.
When it comes to the upper, it's pretty difficult to beat them, too. The gripknit upper with high tenacity yarns make the upper soft and pliable, while the 3D texturing truly provides a grip level that is unmatched on the market. Underfoot, I found the Cyclone 360-degree soleplate placed less strain on my flat feet thanks to the enhanced rotational movement. When coupled with the flexible soleplate, I had absolutely no problems whatsoever during practice and games.
Best for wide feet
Puma's Fusionfit 3 technology sees the Future 8 Ultimate incorporate multiple layers on the upper, all of which adapt to a player's foot in a way that is similar to leather, though with more structure. 3D Fuzionpods are found underneath the upper to help provide a custom fit as well, while also giving more cushioning for touches on the ball.
These boots are a major upgrade on the previous Puma Future 7 Ultimate, especially when it comes to the pwrtape, a feature that is designed to help with lockdown. On the latest model the technology provides better lockdown while reducing pressure on the top of the foot, an issue I previously struggled with that also harmed their standing among the best football boots for wide feet. Now that's no longer the case, I can certainly get more on board with them.
There's plenty of space throughout that makes them one of the best football boots for wide feet, too, with the comfortable soleplate and lower profile help making them suitable for flat-footed players.
Best quality
Handcrafted in Japan, the quality on the Mizuno Morelia II Made in Japan is simply unmatched. Offering a blend of tradition, premium materials and top-tier performance, they are a boot I feel extremely comfortable playing in almost immediately.
Constructed with a low-profile design, the Mizuno Morelia II still has plenty of stability in the soleplate and good levels of flex to ensure that flat feet aren't harmed during long sessions or games, with extra cushioning making each impact that little bit more manageable.
Micro-taffeta is used to help prevent the premium leather from overstretching on the upper, ensuring a glove-like fit at all times that naturally limits the pressure players with flat feet feel. What I love is that it's still able to compete with the best lightweight football boots, with Mizuno refusing to sacrifice agility or stability with the Morelia II.
Best tech
New Balance moved away from the leather upper it used on the 442 V2 Pro to a synthetic one for the elite version of the boot, and it's a move that has certainly paid off. The soft microfibre upper feels great on the ball, while the quilted debossing still provides a leather-like feel without the added weight.
Hypoknit ensures that a more custom fit is achieved in the boot, with the material used in the lace area to stretch and alleviate any pressure in the midfoot. I found this feature particularly key, making things a lot more comfortable at all times. It is probably worth going a half-size up in these boots, because New Balance can fit on the smaller side.
New Balance's offering of a wide-footed variation of the 442 V2 Elite makes these an even better option for players with flat feet, with the extra space eliminating any awkward pressures you might feel during games.
Best value for money
Players seeking a suitable option for flat feet while still being one of the best football boots under £100 need look no further than the Kipsta Viralto IV Premium Leather. The soft leather upper perfectly moulds to the shape of your foot to provide that luxury feeling for a fraction of the price, while also providing plenty of space to limit any uncomfortable pressure flat-footed players can experience from narrower boots.
I love that these have good durability for their price, too, with Kipsta claiming the Viralto IV lasts for at least 95 wears. I'm still some way of reaching that total, but the way things are going it certainly looks a justified amount - especially when it comes to the best leather football boots.
The soleplate provides good traction, ensuring stability and quick changes of direction, while there's still plenty of cushioning in the insole which adds extra comfort and reduces pressure on the feet. They are ideal for players who prioritise comfort, touch, and a classic leather feel without breaking the bank.
Best for traditionalists
A sleek homage to the Adidas Copa Mundial, the Copa Icon 2 blends classic aesthetics with modern functionality to create one of the most comfortable football boots - and undoubtedly a decent pair for those with flat feet.
On top, the premium leather provides a cushioned touch on the ball while the material also ensures that they conform to the shape of each player's foot. I found they loosen up a little over time to make them even more suitable for players with flat feet, but the structure is decent enough straight out of the box. Thanks to their comfort, I had no issues while wearing these for long periods of time, either.
While the Copa Icon 2 excels in durability and style, it may not suit players seeking high-tech innovations. Nevertheless, its craftsmanship and nostalgic appeal make it a solid choice for those who prioritise touch and feel, while accommodating all foot shapes. Overall, the Copa Icon 2 is a reliable, stylish option for players at any level.
How we test football boots for flat feet
Here at FourFourTwo, our boot testing procedure is all about getting boots on our feet and personally trying them out in kickabouts, training sessions and matches. Our writers test each pair over a number of weeks, in various playing conditions, in order to get a proper idea of what they're like on a football pitch.
This is the best way to find out if boots are better suited for firmer or softer ground, what level of traction they offer and how else they're geared towards improving a player's game. We're passionate about football boots and regularly attend launch events and Q&As to get as much information as possible from manufacturers and designers before we begin.
All of our reviews are honest (despite working with brands, nobody can "buy" a good review from us) and we always have real footballers in mind when giving recommendations.
How to choose the best football boots
With the football boot market a minefield of jargon championing the latest tech, we've tried to cut through as much of the marketing speak as possible to provide you with honest, solid reviews. We'll try to provide you with enough information so that you can make an informed decision, but, ultimately, it is up to you what you choose.
Preferences can depend on the fit, feel, look and what suits your game the best. There are a range of different factors that need to be considered when choosing, though...
Leather or synthetic
When it comes to flat feet, leather options are generally safer. That's because they offer slightly more support across your entire foot than the lightweight, minimalist designs often seen on synthetic boots, ensuring your flat feet don't become an issue.
Plus, the leather is more likely to conform to the shape of your foot, helping to eliminate any issues you might have with your lack of arch. This means you are less likely to get injured.
Synthetic options can work well, however - it just depends on the shape of the boot and what support is offered through the soleplate. Skechers, for example, is a brand synonymous with comfort in the everyday shoe market, and have managed to transfer that expertise into their football boots.
Styling
There are a number of great options available on the market, but that doesn't necessarily mean every boot is suitable for players with flat feet. It's best, therefore, to focus on the correct fit and feel first, before worrying about the aesthetic you're preferring.
Indeed, brands release multiple colourways of each boot these days, meaning you're never short of options with whatever style of football boot you choose.
Getting the right fit
We'd always recommend trying a pair on before buying if you have flat feet, otherwise you risking spending a lot of money on something that doesn't even work with your foot type. Finding out how they fit in person is much better than trying to guess online, especially when the market is littered with so many options that could see you make the completely wrong decision.
Sizing often varies between brands, too, with Adidas UK 8 football boots differing to what a UK 8 from Nike fits like. Before parting with your hard-earned money, it's always wise to try every pair on in person.
