You may have been told that your flat feet are the cause of your running injuries. A salesperson recommended shoes with arch support, and a professional prescribed "corrective" orthotics. You wonder if your body type condemns you to injury. This concern is understandable when you've been hearing this for years.

• 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
• The shape of your foot is not a modifiable risk factor.

This article debunks one of the biggest myths in running. To choose the right shoes, check out our guide to 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, you have probably had them since childhood. You were born that way. Your body is fully adapted to your foot type because you have been walking, running, and playing with those same feet your whole life.

It is therefore completely unnecessary to have arch support or shoes with anti-pronation control to be safe when running.

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To learn more...

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Episode #1: Prevention and treatment of running injuries.

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Find the episode on YouTube:

Click below to listen to episodes on podcast platforms:

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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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10 mini-tips to understand your pain

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