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Brooks vs New Balance for Flat Feet
Both brands dominate the stability category. Here is how to choose between them for your flat arches.
We don't just recommend shoes. We explain why they work for your feet.
What You Need to Know First
Flat feet. Also called fallen arches or pes planus, occur when the arch of the foot makes full or near-full contact with the ground. This causes the foot to pronate inward during walking and running, creating a chain reaction of stress up through the ankle, knee, and hip. The right shoe for flat feet needs medial support to control that inward roll, adequate cushioning to absorb the uneven impact distribution that flat feet create, and a stable base that does not compress unevenly under load.
Flat feet affect roughly 1 in 4 adults and are one of the most common drivers of overpronation - where the foot rolls inward excessively with each step, placing strain on the plantar fascia, knees, and lower back. Brooks and New Balance are two of the most consistently recommended brands by podiatrists for flat feet, and both have built their reputations on stability technology. But they approach the problem differently. Brooks uses GuideRails - a holistic system that guides the foot through its natural motion path without forcing it into a corrected position. New Balance uses a medial post and Stability Plane - a firmer zone of foam that physically resists inward rolling. Neither is wrong. They just suit different feet and different levels of pronation.
Specs Compared
Factual specs only. No brand is favored. You decide what matters most for your feet.
Which One Is Right for You?
Both are excellent. Here is the honest case for each based on your specific situation.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
$150-$160
Choose this when
You want guidance without the feeling of being forced into a corrected position. GuideRails technology works by only engaging when your foot moves outside its natural motion path - it does not apply constant correction, which makes the Adrenaline GTS 25 feel more natural underfoot than traditional medial post stability shoes. It is also the stronger choice for runners, for mild to moderate overpronation, and for users who have found traditional stability shoes feel too rigid or overcorrecting.
GuideRails holistic support system controls excess movement without overcorrecting
DNA Loft v3 nitrogen-infused cushioning for lightweight plush comfort
APMA Seal of Acceptance pid=9201 - PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe certified - verified directly from APMA Seal Database May 2026
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
$145-$155
Choose this when
Your flat feet cause moderate to severe overpronation that needs a more direct physical correction. The 860v15's Stability Plane and medial post provide firmer, more targeted resistance against inward rolling. It is also the stronger choice if you want a lighter shoe - the 860v15 is significantly lighter than the Adrenaline GTS 25 - or if you prefer a lower price point. For runners who know they are heavy overpronators, the firmer medial support of the 860v15 is often more effective.
Fresh Foam X midsole with Stability Plane technology
Engineered mesh upper for breathability
Medial post controls overpronation
The Honest Verdict
Both shoes are APMA accepted and podiatrist recommended for flat feet. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is better for mild to moderate overpronation and users who want a natural feel. The New Balance 860v15 is better for moderate to severe overpronation and users who want a lighter, firmer stability shoe. If you have never worn a stability shoe before, the Adrenaline GTS 25 is generally the easier shoe to adapt to.
Answer These. Then Decide
Four quick questions that point you toward the right shoe for your specific situation.
Do you overpronate moderately to severely?
Have traditional stability shoes felt too rigid or overcorrecting for you?
Are you a runner prioritizing a lighter shoe?
Is this your first stability shoe?
Frequently Asked
Do I need a stability shoe if I have flat feet?
Not always - but most people with flat feet benefit from some level of stability or motion control support. Mild flat feet with no pain symptoms may do fine in a neutral shoe with a supportive insole. Moderate to severe flat feet with overpronation typically require a stability shoe like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 or New Balance 860v15 to prevent the chain of stress injuries that flat feet can cause over time.
What is the difference between GuideRails and a medial post?
A medial post is a firmer section of foam on the inner side of the midsole that physically resists inward rolling. GuideRails are extensions of the midsole on both the inner and outer sides that only engage when your foot moves outside its natural motion range. GuideRails feel more natural and are better for mild overpronation. Medial posts provide more direct, consistent correction and are better for moderate to severe overpronation.
Can flat feet be corrected with the right shoes?
Shoes cannot structurally correct flat feet but they can manage the biomechanical consequences effectively. The right stability shoe reduces the overpronation that flat arches cause, which in turn reduces stress on the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, knees, and hips. For structural correction, custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist are the most effective intervention.
Which is better for flat feet - Brooks or New Balance?
Both are excellent. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is better for mild to moderate overpronation and first-time stability shoe users. New Balance 860v15 is better for moderate to severe overpronation and runners wanting a lighter shoe. The best way to find out which suits your specific feet is to take our quiz - it factors in your activity level, severity of pronation, and any secondary conditions.
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Still Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
Take our guided quiz and get a personalized recommendation based on your specific foot condition, activity level, and concerns. We explain exactly why each shoe fits your feet.