You may have been told that flat feet cause your running injuries. A salesperson might have recommended shoes with arch support, or a professional might have prescribed "corrective" orthotics. You might wonder if your foot shape means you're destined for injuries. This concern is understandable, given how long this narrative has been around.

• Prospective studies find no link between flat feet and injuries¹
• Your body has been perfectly adapted to your feet since childhood
• Arch supports and anti-pronation shoes do not prevent injuries²
• Your foot's morphology is not a modifiable risk factor

This article debunks one of the biggest running myths. To choose your shoes wisely, consult our guide on running shoes.

What to do about flat feet when running? Absolutely nothing!

There is no scientific evidence that flat feet cause injuries. From Achilles tendinopathy to plantar fasciitis, flat feet are NOT the cause of your aches and pains.

If you have flat feet, it's likely been that way since childhood. You were born with them. Your body is fully adapted to your foot type, as you've walked, run, and played with these same feet your entire life.

Therefore, it is completely unnecessary to have arch support or anti-pronation control shoes to run safely.

To learn more...

Episode #1: Prevention and treatment of running injuries.

Find the episode on YouTube:

Click below to listen to episodes on podcast platforms:

Source

• Cowan DN, Jones BH, Robinson JR. Foot morphologic characteristics and risk of exercise-related injury. Archives of family medicine. 1993 Jul 1;2(7):773-7.
• Ramskov D, Jensen ML, Obling K, Nielsen RO, Parner ET, Rasmussen S. No association between q-angle and foot posture with running-related injuries: a 10 week prospective follow-up study. International journal of sports physical therapy. 2013 Aug;8(4):407.

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