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Flat Feet in Adults: When Do You Need Treatment?

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Michigan. Last updated April 2026.

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More Podiatrist-Recommended Flat Feet Essentials

PowerStep Pinnacle Insole

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles, Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Made in USA Orthotic Insoles, Arch Support Inserts with Moderate Pronation, #1 Podiatrist Recommended (M 14-15)
  • The Pinnacle Full length insoles for men & women provide maximum cushioning, from high activity to moderate support. The PowerStep arch support shape provides stability to the foot and ankle, helping to relieve foot pain.
  • When you spend all day on your feet, every step counts. PowerStep insoles are a podiatrist-recommended orthotic to help relieve & prevent foot pain related to athletes, runners, Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs & other common foot, ankle & knee injuries
  • The Pinnacle plantar fasciitis insoles offer superior heel cushioning and arch support. The dual-layer cushioning is designed to reduce stress and fatigue, while PowerStep premium arch support is designed for plantar fasciitis relief.
  • The PowerStep Pinnacle arch support inserts for men & women can be worn in a variety of shoe types such as; athletic, walking, running, work & some casual shoes. Orthotic Inserts are ordered by shoe size, no trimming required.
  • Made in the USA & backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PowerStep orthotic inserts for men & women are designed for shoes where the factory insole can be removed. HSA & FSA Eligible

Top orthotic for flat feet — lifts the collapsed arch and controls pronation.

Stability Running Shoe

New Balance Mens Fresh Foam X 860 V14
  • Fresh Foam X midsole delivers our most cushioned Fresh Foam experience for incredible comfort
  • Durable rubber outsole
  • Lightweight synthetic material
  • 8 mm drop; due to variances created during the development and manufacturing processes, all references to 8 mm drop are approximate
  • Adjustable lace closure for a secure fit

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 — designed for overpronators with flat feet.

Supportive Stability Shoe

Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Supportive Running & Walking Shoe
  • THIS MEN’S SHOE IS FOR: The Adrenaline GTS 25 is perfect for runners and walkers seeking reliable support and a smooth ride. Featuring holistic GuideRails for Go-To Support and soft, dynamic premium nitrogen-infused DNA LOFT v3 cushioning, it delivers distraction-free comfort mile after mile. This Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and has been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Predecessor: Adrenaline GTS 24.
  • GUIDERAILS HOLISTIC SUPPORT SYSTEM: Our innovative technology - known as “GTS” for “Go-To Support” - supports your body in its natural motion path while keeping excess movement in check.
  • SOFT & DYNAMIC CUSHIONING: Even more premium nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning delivers lightweight softness, and feel-good comfort mile after mile.
  • TRUSTED FIT: The breathable engineered mesh upper and flat-knit collar offer a secure, comfortable fit, providing both structure and flexibility to accommodate natural movement during active use.
  • SMOOTH TRANSITIONS: The specially designed outsole and midsole work together to promote seamless transitions, ensuring comfort and support for every step, so you can stay active longer.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 — gold-standard stability shoe for flat feet.

As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.

Flat Feet Reconstruction 2 - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

Painful flat feet in adults can signal posterior tibial tendon dysfunction — a progressive condition that needs early intervention to avoid surgery. Balance Foot & Ankle evaluates adult flatfoot with weight-bearing imaging and custom orthotic prescriptions. Catching PTTD at stage 1-2 makes the difference between a brace and a reconstruction.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

In Our Clinic

In our clinic, the flat-footed patient who actually needs intervention is the one whose arch is collapsing progressively in adulthood — not the person who was born flat-footed and has been running 5Ks pain-free for 20 years. We evaluate for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) with single-heel-rise testing, check for the “too many toes” sign from behind, and get weight-bearing X-rays. Early PTTD responds well to a custom orthotic with a medial heel skive + short course of boot immobilization. Stage 2+ PTTD is a different conversation — we discuss tendon transfers and calcaneal osteotomy candidates.

Watch: Dr. Tom explains

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Podiatrist-recommended products

As an Amazon Associate, Dr. Tom earns from qualifying purchases.

PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotics

Arch support specifically engineered for flexible adult flat feet.

View on Amazon →
Aircast AirSport Ankle Brace

Medial ankle support for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.

View on Amazon →
Podiatrist Heel Cups with Gel Cushion

Heel cushioning for overpronating flat-footed patients.

View on Amazon →
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel

Topical relief for arch and ankle pain from flat feet.

View on Amazon →

Ready to solve this? Book today.

Same-week appointments · Howell & Bloomfield Hills · 4.9★ (1,123+ reviews)

☎ (810) 206-1402Book Online →

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Flat Feet Treatment Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.

Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Recommended Products for Flat Feet
Products personally used and recommended by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. All available on Amazon.
Structured arch support that provides the structure flat feet are missing.
Best for: All shoe types
Dynamic arch support designed for runners with flat or low arches.
Best for: Running, high-impact sports
These products work best with professional treatment. Book an appointment with Dr. Tom for a personalized treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do flat feet need to be treated?
Not always. If flat feet cause no pain or functional problems, treatment may not be needed. However, if you experience arch pain, heel pain, knee pain, or fatigue from standing, supportive insoles or custom orthotics can provide significant relief.
What is the best insole for flat feet?
Dr. Tom recommends PowerStep Pinnacle insoles for most patients with flat feet. For runners, CURREX RunPro insoles provide dynamic arch support designed for high-impact activity. Custom 3D-printed orthotics are recommended for severe cases.
Medical References
  1. Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
  2. Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
  3. Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
  4. Heel Pain (APMA)
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.

Recommended Products from Dr. Tom

Balance Foot & Ankle surgeons are affiliated with Trinity Health Michigan, Corewell Health, and Henry Ford Health — three of Michigan’s largest health systems.
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