The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Shoes of 2024 for Flat Feet
By Bach Pham
It's getting towards end of 2024, which means it is time to update my list of favorite shoes for flat feet runners. If you have not checked out my Shakeout about the do's and don'ts to flat feet shoes, check that out first before reading on!
My Favorite Stable Neutral Trainer: Brooks Ghost Max | Full Review
The Ghost Max remains my favorite stable neutral trainer in 2024 (why change what works?). Brooks' first modern max cushion trainer is also one of their most stable. With the combination of a mild rocker design, wide base, light sole flaring and between soft-and-firm sole, the Ghost Max provides a great daily driver that's stable and comfortable. Is it flashy? No, but it is like many Brooks shoes - a well-built, durable trainer. I've also walked a lot of miles in the Ghost Max, making it one of my favorite everyday shoes this year as well.
My Most Comfortable-Fitting Stability Trainer: Saucony Guide 17 | Full Review
The Guide 17 was a major, major revamp of the series, dropping its hollow tech post for a geometric design that feels more stable neutral than fully stability, but it definitely ticks all the boxes for me. The width and density isn't too mushy or soft, offering comfort below but still some firmness for stability. The upper is well-fitting as the previous Guide and breathes well. This is best for flat feet runners who want mild stability, a lighter than average for stability shoe ride, and a versatile option for multiple distances and light workouts.
For narrower feet, visit the Hoka Arahi 7. A similarly structured stability trainer, it has a slightly lower volume that locks down well.My Favorite Premium Stability Trainer: Saucony Hurricane 24 | Review Coming Soon
The Hurricane returns fully revamped. No longer a premium posted stability trainer, it falls in-line with other stability shoes now with a geometry-based design. The shoe is rather bouncy upfront for a stability trainer, but mellows out with miles and becomes a calm, cool (upper runs a touch warm actually but the sentiment is there) trainer that logs miles with ease. The forefoot is massive and provides excellent stability for those who want that forefoot width. I like that I can strap this on and get out the door without thought any day of the week. There is some medial support in the shoe through some firmer density and outsole that's noticeable, but in a good way without irritating my flat feet like posting can.
My Favorite Lightweight/Workout Stability Trainer: Brooks Hyperion GTS 2 | Full Review
The Hyperion GTS 2 comes more refined than the first model with more cushion for longer efforts. It's one of the lightest shoes available in the stability market and really allows you to push the pace more than any of its peers. The guidance is gentle, but noticeable in helping center the runner. The fit is a touch snug, which does help with security for faster work. It is a shoe that runners should try on foot to see if they align well, because it's not the widest platform in the world. If you need a little more width, the Saucony Tempus may be the second option to consider.
My Favorite Forefoot Stability Trainer: Mount to Coast P1 | Full Review
It is a shoe that has grown on me the more miles I've tacked on it post review. It's a very forefoot-oriented stability trainer that has a bit of guidance to help you move forward. It's rearfoot is a little on the clunky side, but for runners who like to be more forward, there's a lot to like here with it's comfortable ride, slightly firmer feel for stability, and relative lightness for longer efforts. If I were to run a marathon today in a stability shoe, this is on my shortlist as a slower runner (the Tempus 2 being a great alternative for slightly faster running).
Honorable Mentions
One of the big surprises this year for me has been the new Altra Experience Form, their new 4mm stability trainer. That little bit of drop is really what elevates the shoe, giving it a little bit of forward movement that their other stability trainers really needed. This is truly a no-frills shoe all-around, but that's kind of a nice thing in a market that keeps trying to do wild things to separate each shoe from another. Sometimes you just want to run, you know?
Additionally, the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 remains a solid plated option that remains one of the few that feels really good on foot. Carbon can sometimes be too irritating, the nylon plate here has never bothered me and the shoe propels nicely. For a longer distance race effort I would definitely consider it as an option.
PAST MONDAY SHAKEOUTS
How Much Taller Can Shoes Get?
The Impact of Footwear on Masters Runners
David's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far
Summer Trail Round Up
Andrea's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far
Matt's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far
How Much Does Doctors of Running Make? Sixth Report
What Happens to Midsoles as They Wear Out?
Do Super Shoes Reduce Muscle Soreness?
Chest Straps vs. Wrist Monitors for Heart Rate
Everything is Becoming Maximalist and Super
Do We Adapt to Shoes, or Do They Adapt to Us
Research on Finding Optimal Shoes and the RUN-CAT
About the 1st MTP and its Role in Running
What is Drop and Why It Doesn't Always Matter
The Science of Sole Width
Challenges with Large Toe Spring
Phases of the Swing Gait
Can Running Shoes Reduce Injuries?
The Best Shoes of 2023 for Highly Specific Reasons
Andrea's Favorite Shoes of 2023
David's Favorite Shoes of 2023
Matt's Favorite Shoes of 2023
My Favorite Flat Feet Shoes of 2023
ChatGPT Reviews a Shoe, Volume 2
How Forefoot Rockers Help Toe Mobility
Running with Backpacks
How Much Does Doctors of Running Make?
Changes We're Excited to See
Why Heel Bevels are Natural
Do Heavier Runners Need Different Shoes?
Shoe Rotations for Different Runners
Strength Training to Prevent Injury - A Case Study
On the Impacts of Different Stacked Shoes
The Importance of Heel Bevels in Shoe Design
Low vs. High Drop Shoes
Why is Proprioception Important to Runners?
Best Running Movie Scenes of All-Time, Part 2
Best Running Movie Scenes of All-Time, Part 1
What a Week at DOR is Like
Reflections on Saucony's Running Economy Study
Sustainable is Only Going to Work if It's Good
A Simple Guide to Footwear and Foot Health
Best Flat Feet Shoes by a Flat Feet Runner
How Long Do Shoes Last?
SHOP | SUPPORT DOR
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Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt: The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist. (Also recommend the Naked belt)
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
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Previous Shakeout: How Much Taller Can Shoes Get?