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Casual/Sport Golf Shoes for Flat Feet/Overpronators

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h0ss66

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Has anyone come across a casual or spikeless golf shoe that has significant arch support for those with flat feet and that overpronate (i.e. a "posted" arch like certain running shoes)? I've had some luck with adidas as far as standard golf shoes, but I'm looking for a sneaker-type one this time around.
 
Might be cheaper/easier to get a set of custom insoles from a running store and switch them between shoes. While you're there, you can also get a gait analysis and get in some shoes that will be built to deal with any foot issues you've got, so you'll know the feeling you're looking for in terms of long-term foot comfort. While the individual impacts are a bit different, the overall load of walking a round of golf and running aren't that different.

Lastly, as someone who is dealing with the imbalance of having one collapsed arch, consider seeing a podiatrist or physical therapist about some exercises you can do to help restore your fallen arches. Not only is it better for your long-term health, but improved arch support does wonders to control lateral weight transfer ie the golf swing.
 
I have collapsed arches, and the only lightweight shoes I have found that are comfortable without inserts are the Footjoy Project M shoes. Very comfy.
 
I like the Ecco Biom Hybrids for this. They seem to have the best support and I have looked at a lot of shoes for exactly what you are asking about. Insoles are another option.
 
Thanks guys. I appreciate the recommendations. I'll look into insoles but I've never had much luck. I did have my gait checked for my running shoes but I haven't seriously considered insoles, maybe its time.
 
Do you generally where shoes with little to no support? Ie dress shoes

I really like the m projects but I'm also a barefoot guy. I don't have any insoles in my pull on red wings and were NB minimus shoes when I'm not in boots.
 
Best luck with Ecco and FJ. Insole replacement is a good idea as well - Superfeet are good (REI and Eastern Mountain Sports have most styles for you to try in store). The Walking Company has a great one in stores too. Pricey, but was impressive.

I'm sure there are more options, but I've used those.
 
My physical therapist had me get sole's because they are thin and can be heat molded (i had her do mine). I love them in my Brooks Pureflow's.
 
salisboss said:
My physical therapist had me get sole's because they are thin and can be heat molded (i had her do mine). I love them in my Brooks Pureflow's.
Click to expand...

Those are the shoes I run in. Barefoot feel, minimal drop, but plenty of cushioning. I've got a reconstructed ankle, and while I run with a pretty barefoot stride, I like having a little help absorbing impact.

The inserts depend on a few things: If you have some flatness of foot or pronation, then heat-molded inserts will probably work. If your arches are profoundly bad, you may need orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist or orthopaedic specialist. Either way, the default insole (ie, a little piece of foam) probably isn't going to do much good. Trust me, after 11 years in the military, there's no dollar value you can place on a well taken care of pair of feet. I wish I had known that when I was 20.
 
I have pretty flat feet. I think I pronate as well (not sure, get pronate and supinate mixed up), but I know when I buy running shoes, I need a stability shoe. OK, on to golf shoes, if you're the same as me, the best I've found so far is the Adidas Crossflex. Not sure if that's as casual as you're looking for, but I walk every round and they are pretty awesome. If you're looking more toward skate style shoes (Kikkor, Puma Clydes, etc, I haven't had a chance to try any of them on yet.).
 
My daughter has flat feet and has to wear inserts in her shoes. She wears Adidas golf shoes and they work well for her. As mentioned earlier, Ecco's look like they'll work well for her flat feet after she tried some on. I'm holding off buying them for her though as she has played much less golf over the last year than she used to.
 
I forget what theyre called but i have a pair of FJ street shoes that are quite nice, even with flat feet.
 
I have weak arches (as well as plantar fasciitis) and have found that Nike Lunar Control II have plenty of support for me. Without a doubt the most comfortable shoe for walking that I have ever owned - golf or otherwise. With a good stretch routine pre and post round i'm good to go. Highly recommend!
 
Thanks again guys. I ended up picking up a set of motion control insoles for my Adidas Powerband 4.0s. Going to give them a go today and see they feel. The insoles were already working wonders yesterday in my sneakers.
 
Here's some tips for purchasing shoes if you are a pronator or have flat feet

Look for shoes with stiff / firm heel counters and soles that aren't too soft/spongy. (If you have high arched feet look for a softer heel counter and a more cushioned sole).

To Test: Give the back of the shoes a squeeze -- if the are easily pressed together they are probably too soft.

Generally Brookes and New Balance are stiffer than most and suit people who over-pronate ie have flat fee. I always go for NB and choose the most comfortable in the NB selection

This is also very important if you wear corrective orthotics. (& if you have foot problems see a podiatrist that specializes in biomechanics, preferably golf.) The correct shoe will work with the device to give optimal results. If you have firm heel counter it will hold your foot better on the device. If you use a soft heel counter you will lose most of the benefit as you will tend to slide off the device.

2nd tip. To be "almost" guaranteed comfortable shoes

1. Wear the socks you intend to use when your wearing the shoes.
2. Try a half size above and below your normal size as the size will vary from show to shoe. (ie a "10" is an arbitrary number that is an approximate -- it's not inches or centimetres). If you think 3 styles you'd like to try -- you need 9 boxes. You'll soon realize two pairs in the same style don't fit the best. And yes it may well drive the sales assistant crazy :)
3. Using point 2, discard 6 boxes and then choose the pair that fits best.... THEN wear them for 15 minutes before making the decision. Yes 15 minutes! If they stay comfortable during that time they probably will remain so. If they get tight or pinch withing 5 minutes -- probably not a good decision to purchase. If not so comfortable, try the 2nd / 3rd pair... (and how many of you wear them for 30 seconds and then decide to buy and wonder why you get blisters? Especially dress shoes.; )
4. For the Ladies (& 10% of the men) ... DON'T but the shoes because the color matches your outfit! That's the worst reason for buying a pair of athletic shoes. OTOH if they style that you select fits best and they have them in your fav color by all means buy them.

And finally if they are lace up shoes -- most sports shoes are -- don't jam your foot when the laces are still tied, squashing the heel counter, that will destroy the benefit of the stiff heel counters -- undo the laces, just like your mom said:)

I hope that helps :)
 
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