Best Boat Shoes for Flat Feet

Having Flat feet may be normal for you, and you may not even notice that you have flat feet.

However, if you’re one of those individuals experiencing discomfort and pain, especially in the feet, it could be due to flat feet.

When your feet are described as ‘Flat feet,’ it means your arches are either very low or have completely collapsed, like a bridge that’s lost its curve.

One of the most relieving ways to support flat feet is to wear orthotics insoles or supportive shoes. These can significantly alleviate the discomfort and pain of flat feet, offering hope for a more comfortable stride and a brighter future for your feet.

Many of us love the style of boat shoes or may need them for a purpose. However, as we all know, they are not always the most supportive shoes, especially for flat feet.

So, I would like to help you find the best Boat shoes for flat shoes, so you can also enjoy this lovely lightweight and functional shoe style.



What Are Boat Shoes

Boat shoes were initially created for sailors and deck workers to wear on the deck of a boat to protect them from light weather and, especially, slips and falls. This functional design ensures that boat shoes are not just a fashion statement, but a practical and reliable choice for those with flat feet.

Boat shoes have leather or canvas uppers and light or no lining to provide lightweight and breathable comfort.

Their soles are a non-marking and highly slip-resistant rubber design.

Most boat shoes are oil-treated to be water-resistant and have some decorative detail especially suited to this design.

Boat shoes are worn without socks and are ideal for warmer weather conditions. However, today, boat shoes have become more of a fashion trend than a functional item, making them a versatile and stylish choice for any outfit and occasion.

Here are a few Benefits of Boat shoes in general;

  • Comfortable – Boat shoes today come with many comfort and support features, and they are not just the regular, basic style anymore. Boat shoes may have a cushioned insole with an anatomical shape and arch support ideal for flat feet. Boat shoes come with a comfortable lining and usually have a very lightweight design and relaxed fit.
  • Lightweight – Most boat shoes have lightweight leather or canvas materials and a light rubber outsole. They are flexible and comfortable and will not weigh your feet down. That is why they are especially ideal for cool and hot weather.
  • Protection – Boat shoes were initially designed to protect against the weather and provide slip-resistance on the decks of boats. A good boat shoe will give you ample grip and protect your feet against wetness and UV rays.
  • Fashionable and Functional – Today, Boat shoes are no longer just functional footwear pieces. They are a style and fashion that can be worn with almost any outfit and for many occasions.

Flat Feet

No, I want to get to flat feet and learn how they may affect me.

Flat feet may be hereditary because of age or wear and tear, as well as other reasons.

The arch of your foot is the area between the heel and the balls of your feet, which, when you stand, you can see the inside of, should be slightly elevated.

Many people have a very high arch, while some are low, and others will have a completely flattened arch.

When you stand, and your entire foot’s sole touches the ground, you have flat feet, and the arches of your feet completely collapse.

This is not a huge problem. However, remember that the arches of your feet support your body weight and absorb impact when you stand, walk or run.

When your arches no longer perform these tasks, there is an additional impact on the side of your feet, your heels, and the balls of your feet, which can cause all sorts of pain and complications in how you walk, run, and keep your balance.

If you have flat feet, you cannot do much about it; however, you can support your arches with the right shoes, insoles, and even boat shoes.


Features of a Good Boat Shoe for Flat Feet

You can look at these features to get a Boat shoe that will be comfortable and supportive for your flat feet;
Boat Shoes for Flat Feet

  • Cushioning – I start with cushioning because when your arches no longer absorb impact, you must compensate with good cushioning in your shoes or insole. Especially in the heel area, as this is where most people with flat feet seem to absorb impact. A shoe with a firmer cushioned midsole and soft cushioned insole or footbed is ideal.
  • Arch Support – Because there is a lack of arch support in individuals with flat feet, you will need individual arch support from your boat shoe or insole that supports your arches. A slightly raised midfoot, arch support, or a more anatomically shaped footbed will help provide good support for the arches of your feet.
  • Lining and Insole – A smooth moisture-wicking lining and a lined insole in your boat shoes adds comfort and helps prevent moisture build-up, as these shoes are mostly worn without socks. However, you could also opt for a pair of secret socks with your boat shoes.
  • Fit and Uppers – Boat shoes generally have genuine leather, synthetic leather, or canvas uppers with a more specific style. The fit should be roomy in the toe box with a more snug and supportive heel collar. Oat shoes have a low profile and come in various colors and options depending on the brand and model.
  • Outsole – A good pair of Boat shoes will have a rubber outsole, generally white or non-marking, and a more aggressive tread for slip resistance on wet and dry surfaces.

Reviews: The Best Boat Shoe for Flat Feet for Flat Feet

In our review section, we will look at some top favorite Boat shoe brands and models that are perfect if you have Flat Feet;


1

Two Eyelet Boat Shoe for Flat Feet

  • Sperry is one of the first and top brands in Boat shoes.
  • Their Authentic model has decorative uppers with two eyelets and laces.
  • They are genuine leather with a textile lining and moc toe construction.
  • The boat shoes have a Non-Marking, slip-resistant rubber outsole.
  • It has comfortable cushioning and a shock-absorbing EVA heel cup.
  • More colors are available.

2

Canvas Boat Shoe for Flat Feet

  • The Reef Cushioned Coast sneaker is a canvas boat-style shoe designed for flat feet. It features lightweight and breathable fabric uppers, a supportive footbed with memory foam cushioning, and a durable, lightweight outsole with a slip-resistant tread. This model is available in various colors to suit your style preferences.
  • It features soft fabric uppers that are lightweight and breathable.
  • There is a supportive footbed with memory foam cushioning.
  • The outsole is durable and lightweight, with a slip-resistant tread.
  • More colors are available in this model.

3

Boat Shoe for Flat Feet

  • The Skechers Go Walk Lite boat shoes come in fun and fashionable colors.
  • They have textile uppers with two-tone colors,
  • Inside us is a Goga Max High rebound insole and lightweight 5Gen cushioning.
  • There is a soft, moisture-wicking lining.
  • The outsole is synthetic and slip-resistant.

4

Hemp Boat Shoe for Flat Feet

  • The Sperry Bahama comes in a Hemp option for men and a canvas option for ladies.
  • It has a basic boat shoe style with two eyelets.
  • The sole is synthetic for the ladies and rubber for the gents.
  • There are also a few more colors available.

5

Flat Feet Boat Shoe

  • From Vionic, we also have two stunning leather boat shoe models.
  • They have leather uppers and a comfortable lining.
  • There is a cushioned and supportive podiatrist design footbed.
  • The outsole is durable and slip-resistant rubber.

6

Boat Shoe for Flat Feet

  • Another two superb boat shoe models from Sperry.
  • They both feature a comfortable midsole in EVA and a cushioned footbed.
  • The men’s model is made of leather, while we have textile uppers for the ladies.
  • They have a durable and slip-resistant outsole.
  • More colors and wider width options are available.

Index Table: Top Rated Boat Shoe for Flat Feet

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Sperry® - Two Eyelet Boat Shoe for Flat Feet Original Original
  • Many Colors
  • Wide and Narrow Widths
  • Leather
  • Slip resistant
  • EVA Heel Cup
  • Cushioned
  • Water Resistant
Sperry98.3
2Reef® - Canvas Boat Shoe for Flat Feet Cushion Coast Cushion Coast
  • EVA Sole
  • Canvas Uppers
  • Memory Foam Insole
  • Many Colors Available
Reef98
3Skechers® - Boat Shoe for Flat Feet Go Walk Lite Goa Walk Lite
  • Leather and Textile
  • Goga Max Insole
  • fabric Lining
  • More Colors
  • Three Eyelet
  • Rubber Sole
Skechers97
4Sperry® - Hemp Boat Shoe for Flat Feet Bahama 2 Bahama Core
  • hemp and Canvas Uppers
  • More Colors
  • Rawhide Laces
  • 360 degree Lace-Up
  • Flexible Rubber Sole
  • Lined
  • Three Eyelet
Sperry97.5
5Vionic® - Flat Feet Boat Shoe Mercer Luca Honor Virginia Nude
  • Leather
  • Slip On
  • Cushioned
  • More Colors
Vionic97.5
6Sperry® - Boat Shoe for Flat Feet Leeward Skimmer
  • Leather and Synthetic
  • Cushioned
  • Slip resistant
  • More Colors
  • Width Options
Sperry97.3


About the Author

David Alegeta

A Long Distance Hiker and Hiking Instructor. Recently a Blogger and Consultant for Top Shoe Brands. David is a Writer at Verywell and a Running & Hiking Coach for Teams in Training. He is a running and long-distance hiking coach, avid runner, trainer, nutrition specialist, and health & fitness writer. As a runner for 20+ years. Coached thousands of runners and has run 9 full marathons and countless other Triathlon races. David Studied Sport and Nutrition, MS at the University of Texas Dallas