Why You Need Ballet Flats with Arch Support

closeup of a woman placing a gel arch support insert into a black flat shoe

Get Comfortable Arch Support for Flats with Foot Petals®

One of fashion’s favorite shoe trends, ballet flats are supposed to be a comfy alternative to wearing heels or pumps. Without arch support, these flat shoes can wreak havoc on your feet, causing pain like plantar fasciitis and fatigue.

With Foot Petals® arch support for ballet flats, you can wear your loafers, mules, Mary Janes, and more without having tired, achy feet. Find out how Foot Petals shoe inserts make flats more comfortable plus tips for buying the best ballet flats with arch support.

How can I make my ballet flats more comfortable?

Wearing thin, flat shoes with petite toe boxes that constrict your feet is a recipe for disaster. Not to mention all the sliding forward with your heels slipping out, causing rubbing and blisters. If you find yourself kicking off your shoes once you get in the car or suffering all the day just to put your feet up, then you need a better way to wear flats.

closeup of a woman placing a gel arch support insert into a black ballet flat

The 2-in-1 Gel Ball of Foot & Arch Support Cushion by Foot Petals is the key to the most comfortable ballet flats with arch support. Slim and discreet, they cushion the balls of the feet and add flexible arch support that adapts to your foot shape, absorbing shock and distributing weight to relieve pain and fatigue.

Foot Petals 2-in-1 arch support shoe inserts for ballet flats use our patented gel technology to take pressure off your feet with long lasting cushioning that never goes flat. They also help keep your feet from sliding forward to reduce burning ball of foot pain. Use them in all your shoes for arch support in flats, heels, boots, slip-ons, and more.

an open tube of red lipstick and pink heels with gel shoe inserts inside

Need some new outfit ideas for flats, too? Check out these 6 Comfy, Stylish Ways to Wear Ballet Flats on the Foot Petals Blog.

Why You Need Arch Support in Flats

One reason why your feet hurt in ballet flats is because of the lack of arch support. According to podiatrists, ballet flats can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis and ankle pain when they don’t have enough support and cushioning to absorb shock.

Most ballet flats are flimsy with little to no padding or support, making them not too far from walking barefoot. Wearing flats without arch support puts more pressure on the feet, affecting alignment that leads to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, and lower back.

Women with flat feet or low arches are especially prone to foot and back pain while wearing ballet flats because their feet need more support. Arch support inserts for flats, mules, or other flat shoes make it easier to wear them all day and protect your foot health.

close up of a woman’s feet wearing light pink alligator skin flat shoes

Can I add arch support to flats?

Yes, you can add arch support to flats using Foot Petals shoe inserts and insoles for flat shoes. Since many ballet flats do not have removeable insoles, Foot Petals stick-in shoe cushions are the best and most discreet way to make your ballet flats more supportive.

Our 2-in-1 gel arch support insoles and arch booster cushions go right inside your shoes so you can feel great walking in flats immediately. For podiatrist-approved arch support, try our ¾ orthotic insoles designed to prevent and relieve foot pain from plantar fasciitis.

A woman holding a black Mary Jane shoe with a Foot Petals ¾ orthotic insole inside

Tips for Buying Supportive Ballet Flats

You can add arch support to flats or buy women’s ballet flats with arch support already built-in. Whether you’re buying new shoes (when aren’t we?) or you want to add support to your current pairs, here are our expert tips for the perfect fit:

  • Buy the right size. Ballet flats are only comfortable and supportive when you buy the right size shoe. If you have wide feet or bunions, look for wide fit ballet flats with larger toe boxes to avoid toes getting scrunched.
  • Try a small heel. Flats with a slight heel, such as a half-inch or one inch heel, can help take some pressure off the arch. You can add some lift to your current flats with an under heel cushion.
  • Choose comfy, breathable materials. Soft, flexible, and breathable materials like leather or knit help prevent sweaty feet and give flats a more natural feel. For ballet flats with awkward seams, use spot cushions to reduce irritation.
  • Look for structure. Before buying, see if the flat can easily bend in half or twist. Ballet flats that lack structure are a sign of zero support and need an insert like the ball of foot and arch support cushion to be comfortable.
  • Check the tread. Ballet flats often have smooth or slightly ribbed tread that may not be enough to prevent slipping on smooth floors. Add no-slip grips to the bottom for extra stability and traction.
  • Seek out supportive brands. Several shoe brands make supportive ballet flats with orthotic footbeds for women including names like Vionic®, Rothy’s®, and Birdies®.
  • Break them in. Always make time to break in new shoes regardless of shoe type. Foot Petals makes breaking in shoes like ballet flats easier with comfort solutions like back of heel cushions, blister prevention balm, and more.

Use Foot Petals for the Most Comfortable Flats

Planning to wear your ballet flats to the office, for traveling, or as a staple to your minimalist wardrobe? For all day wear and long-lasting comfort, you need Foot Petals arch support inserts for ballet flats. They leave your feet feeling pampered, ensuring the best fit so you can stay on trend and out of pain.

Foot Petals® is not affiliated with Vionic®, Rothy’s®, Birdies® or any other shoe manufacturer. Reference and trademarks used above are examples of supportive flat shoe brands and styles.

References:

Calucchia, C. (2024, January 12) 13 Best Ballet Flats With Arch Support, So You Can Get in on the Trend Without Pain. Prevention.

Ilyashov, A. (2024, February 13) 11 Best Ballet Flats With Arch Support That'll Give You Happy Feet. Cosmopolitan.

Popp, A. (2024, May 17) The 9 Most Comfortable Flats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed. Travel + Leisure.