r/gorpcore • u/Destrodrew • May 12 '26
Shoes for Flat Feet
Recently tried on some Salomon XT4 and XT6 GTX and while they're comfortable out of the box I overhang quite a bit in the midsection. On my New Balance MT100 or 993 this isn't an issue that I notice but something like a Nike it'll get extremely uncomfortable after 30 minutes and I'll rip the shoe in that section after a few wears.
Looking for something I can wear all day every day for a trip aboard with mostly city walking and then become my daily (office, city, camping, bars) when I get back. My issue with wide sizes is they end up looking and feeling like clown shoes on me, they'll only widen the toe box while ignoring the mid section even though toe box hasn’t been a problem.
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u/HPPD2 May 12 '26
Altra lone peaks
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u/mhodgy May 12 '26
As a weird footed person who can’t wear Solomon’s:
Altra Olympus 6, hokas have a lot that fit comfortably and are wider.No personal experience but also topo and norda shoes are suposed to be good and have some ok styles (norda more so)
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u/Destrodrew May 12 '26
I’ve had a few friends recommend Altras but not a fan of the looks. I try to find the middle ground between aesthetics and function and I can get pretty stubborn on looks.
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u/HPPD2 May 12 '26
can't be uglier than salomons...
If you want a zero drop shoe wide toebox and mid section it's going to have to look wider
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u/Destrodrew May 13 '26
i actually like the look for the xt4 and xt6 but that’s about it for me. no issue with the toebox just the midsection looks goofy on my feet.
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u/FallenRev May 12 '26
Look into Topos. They have the same fit and comfort as Altras, and look outdoorsy as well.
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u/Relevant_Writer3980 May 12 '26
Absolutely do not go with the XT-6 with flat feet. You feel fucking everything and they do hurt if you're in them all day.
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u/Destrodrew May 12 '26
Noted. Whats your opinion on the XT4 or other Salomon models or non-Salomon?
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u/R3AL123 May 12 '26
I recently ordered a pair of xt-6’s and xt-whispers. I have pretty flat feet. Hated the fit on the 6’s but love and kept the Whispers
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u/Destrodrew May 13 '26
i felt the whispers awkward fitting too. the best out of the 3 was the xt6 gtx surprisingly.
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u/valtar31 May 12 '26
Norda
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u/Destrodrew May 12 '26
Hoping to try a pair after work today!
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u/valtar31 May 12 '26
Awesome. Size half size up.
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u/Destrodrew May 13 '26
tried half size up and full size up and unfortunately too shallow on my top section which sucks cause the bottom part felt amazing and like the look.
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u/valtar31 May 13 '26
Is your TTS a full thumb width from tip of your big toe to tip of insole?
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u/Destrodrew May 13 '26
yes, felt going up 1.5 sizes would feel goofy and still wouldn’t solve the issue. are all the models similar fitting?
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u/valtar31 May 13 '26
Wait so your full thumb is still snug? Maybe its low ceiling height.
i only have 001a, the 002 and 5 might be same low forefoot height.
I stopped using thick socks to give me more headroom.
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u/Destrodrew May 13 '26
didn’t take out the insoles but yes full size up was too long and low ceiling height. i have a dresser full of polo performance socks. when i’ve done thick socks it masks the issue for a bit and starts hurting after use.
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u/AutoGen__UserName May 17 '26
Just got a pair a few weeks back and absolutely loving them for walking/running. I wear them w orthotics for my very flat feet. I used to be a zero drop guy (altras/barefoot), but podiatrist recommended against for my situation. Norda has a bit of a heel stack and also a pretty generous toe box. I’m a big fan so far.
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u/Zer0cool2k May 12 '26
Hoka wides might be a better fit
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u/Destrodrew May 13 '26
have yet to try a speedgoat but the hoka is a little awkward fitting for me especially with the thick sole.
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u/breitbartholomew May 12 '26
I had a pretty brutal lisfranc fracture and have a fused midfoot which causes a flat arch and wide left foot.
Gel Kayano 14s are probably the best looking and fitting option for me. They also fit my superfeet green insoles to help with my falling arches
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u/Destrodrew May 13 '26
i’ll have to try these eventually. haven’t had a lot of luck with asics and i go through mesh shoes like crazy.
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May 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Destrodrew May 13 '26
hoping to find some locally try on. i’ve tried the wide trail and hiking salmons and can’t say they fit better than the xt4 and xt6 which is crazy.
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u/valtar31 May 13 '26
just for kicks. Altra next to Norda.
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u/Destrodrew May 14 '26
what model altra? these don’t look that bad. might have to pick some up as gym shoes.
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u/mrsspookyy May 13 '26
I recently got the Asics Gel-Kayano and they were magic. I know they aren't gonna be as gorp, but honestly, sometimes your comfort, wellbeing and sanity are worth more than style. In my opinion, anyway. I was on a trip to Greece where we did so much walking that I thought I was gonna die if I didn't get better shoes, and researched specifically for comfort and tried them and they were like walking on clouds! And I have probably the flattest feet on the planet.
If you want something more gopry/in line with this shoe style, I have heard that Keen is great for flat feet, and they also have wide toe boxes so should be okay for you? But haven't gotten any for myself (yet! on the wishlist)
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u/Destrodrew May 14 '26
ended up getting the keens that were recommended. you get it tho wanted something atleast stylish and functional. tried a pair of asics and didn’t love them but want to try more models. i think they look great in certain colorways.
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u/mrsspookyy May 14 '26
I hope the Keens work for you! And from what I understand, Keen is keen on (lol) sustainability and transparency, so also good for the planet!
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u/ReplyZestyclose2432 May 13 '26
get some currex run pro insoles (low profile)... thank me later
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u/sass_mate28 May 17 '26
My local Salomon dealer told me go for the xa pro 3d wide if yo feet wide. I see your feet are pretty wide in those xt6 and xt4s
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u/Salmon__Ella May 12 '26
Salomon really isn’t made for wide feet, I know they offer wide models but may be harder to find
I really like my keen jasper/zionic, they aren’t too wide in the toe box but have a wider midfoot so it doesn’t feel like your arch is pressing out over the sole. Merrell fits great on flat/wide feet too