Flip-flops, flats and different warm-weather shoes are sometimes so unsupportive that podiatrist Dr. Priya Parthasarathy calls the transition from summer time to fall “plantar fasciitis season.” “Flexible, non-supportive sandals make your foot work harder, which increases load on your plantar fascia,” the podiatrist mentioned.
But you don’t must put on chunky, orthopedic shoes year-round to keep away from foot pain. Instead, go for pair of arch-support sandals, which can preserve your toes wholesome and classy whereas on the seashore. I talked with podiatrists about their favourite walking sandals, ergonomic flip-flops and restoration slides from manufacturers like Chaco, Hoka and Birkenstock to determine what units these slip-on sneakers aside from the remainder. It seems that there are many supportive kinds on the market appropriate for each event, from work to play.
When you consider ergonomic footwear, you most likely think about a pair of chunky clogs. But FitFlop’s low-profile sandals buck that development. Dr. Miguel Cunha, a board-certified podiatrist in New York City and the founding father of Gotham Footcare, named the model a best choice for supportive sandals. He mentioned these sneakers provide “ergonomic midsoles that provide weight redistribution and shock reduction.”
Our picture editor Molly Flores calls the cushioned flip-flops probably the most supportive sandals she’s ever owned. “They hug your entire foot and provide arch support, and after countless trips to the beach this summer, there are no blisters to be had!” she mentioned in our roundup of editor-favorite sandals.
Oofos caught our staff’s consideration with its Ooah Slides, which “redefined what a comfortable pair of shoes is” for our editorial director Chelsea Stone. But Parthasarathy likes the Oomega OOlala, a pair of platform sandals she mentioned are a “nice compromise for a flip-flop lover.” The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)-approved restoration sandals include enlarged foam midsoles for shock absorption, and for the sake of comfort, they’re mechanically cleanable.
These recovery sandals are universally cherished by NCS Underscored editors, readers and the APMA. They’re nice for restoration, Cunha mentioned, however they’ll additionally serve vacationers and workers who stand all day. “The dual-density foam provides superior shock absorption, reduces fatigue of the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon,” the podiatrist mentioned.
“As a biomechanics expert, I recommend the Vionic Rejuvenate sandal because it’s engineered with podiatrist-designed arch support and stability features that most casual sandals lack,” Dr. Samantha Landau, a podiatrist and assistant professor at Touro University New York College of Podiatric Medicine, mentioned. Her favourite options embody the sneakers’ contoured footbeds, deep heel cups, ample cushioning and adjustable straps. “For anyone who wants a sandal that feels like a supportive extension of a custom orthotic — without sacrificing the convenience of a slide — this is an excellent choice,” she mentioned.
Best arch-support sandals
These oiled leather-based Birkenstocks, the one ones I’ve ever owned, are nice for whenever you don’t really feel like carrying stuffy sneakers. I’ve flat toes and discover the contoured footbeds supportive sufficient for lengthy walks by town, making them a go-to for summer travel. While they’re unisex, some retailers specify gender for sizing functions.
Parthasarathy, who mentioned she’ll have a “permanent” Birkenstock tan this summer time, highlights this mannequin for its adjustable straps. Despite the marginally totally different design, you additionally get the identical mold-to-your-feet footbeds, which Landau counseled for his or her “excellent arch support and structure.”
If you snag a pair of Max Wanderers and really feel they don’t dwell as much as the hype, give your toes time to adapt. Vionic recommends carrying the sneakers for just some hours at a time, as it will possibly take so long as one to 2 weeks to totally alter. Our affiliate testing author Joe Bloss, who tried the APMA-approved Walk Max Wanderer Sandals, mentioned they have been “heavily cushioned.”
Like Landau, Cunha is a Vionic fan, commending the model’s proprietary Vio-Motion footbed. The expertise depends on contoured arch support, further cushioning and a deep heel cup, which Cunha mentioned reduce overpronation and enhance alignment.
Dansko’s Bianca Platform Sandals are proof that you simply don’t need to sacrifice top or fashion for arch support. Parthasarathy recommends them for his or her clog-like, supportive footbeds and ankle straps, although she mentioned all of Dansko’s sneakers are wonderful.
Even although Bloss was skeptical of the fashion at first, the APMA-approved Lappland Sandals received him over with their “supremely comfortable” footbeds. “From first wear, they felt familiar and perfectly fitted, almost as if I had worn them the previous summer and stashed them during the offseason,” he wrote in his assessment. Podiatrists love them too. Cunha praises the model’s cork footbeds, which “promote natural gait mechanics” and are “ideal for prolonged daily wear.”
The stylish Kayla Sandals additionally profit from Naot’s latex and cork footbeds. “Another key benefit of the Kayla sandals are the adjustable straps, which allow for a secure yet customized fit,” Landau mentioned. “This is particularly helpful for people whose feet swell throughout the day or who have volume fluctuations due to medical conditions.”
If you wouldn’t be caught useless in orthopedic flip-flops, you would possibly choose this fashion-forward pair. “Clarks is known for thoughtfully engineered footwear,” Landau mentioned, “and this sandal exemplifies that with a contoured footbed that lightly cradles the arch, serving to distribute stress extra evenly throughout the only real of the foot.”
Best arch-support mountaineering sandals
Hiking … in sandals? Totally doable, in accordance with our outdoor editor Kai Burkhardt who recommends this pair from Teva. Not solely are they a few of the most comfy sandals Burkhardt has examined, however in addition they boast plush midsoles and loads of adjustability.
If you care about extra technical particulars — like Vibram Megagrip outsoles — then these Tevas received’t disappoint both. In his efficiency assessments, the Grandview Max sandals wowed Burkhardt, besting 11 different pairs when it got here to traction and stability.
Chaco sandals’ structured midfoot platforms and adjustable straps stabilize and accommodate totally different foot shapes, Cunha mentioned. The Z/2 Classic are one of many model’s best-known fashions, although different variations just like the soft Z/Cloud and rugged Z/1 Rapid Pro (our favorite hiking sandals) are equally supportive. Notably, the Z/2 mannequin comes with a toe loop for further stability.
Parthasarathy additionally likes Chacos for its sneakers’ adjustable strap designs, good tread and supportive footbeds that she mentioned are “appropriate for activity.” Our trend and sweetness editor Sophie Shaw has owned a pair of ZX/2 Cloud Sandals for over a decade and mentioned that “the arched footbeds have maintained their shape and support since day one.”
With the XLT mannequin, Teva took the silhouette of its Original Universal sandals and upped the arch support and ruggedness, in accordance with Bloss, who examined the earlier iteration. Like different podiatrist-approved sandals on this listing, these include ample adjustability and wonderful arch support, which Teva improved in 2026 by including 5 millimeters of additional EVA foam.
Bloss mentioned the XLT2 might deal with uneven, slippery surfaces when he examined them final yr. Teva improved that grippiness with the XLT3, providing a brand new lug sample. That, mixed with the sandals’ quick-dry straps, make these preferrred water shoes.
Exploring rock swimming pools is lots simpler when you will have a pair of protecting water sneakers in your quiver. Landau recommends Teva’s quick-drying, grippy Omnium sandals. “One of the key strengths of this sandal is its rugged, durable sole with good traction, which supports stability on a variety of surfaces — from sidewalks to nature trails,” she mentioned.
Landau mentioned the Omnium’s footbed deserves recognition too. Thanks to its contour and average arch support, she mentioned the sneakers keep correct foot alignment, decreasing pressure in your plantar fascia and different tissue. Teva has solely up to date the lads’s model of its Omnium sandals, however the unique Omnium continues to be out there in girls’s sizes.
How to decide on the best arch-support sandals
The quickest and best technique to discover sandals with correct arch support is to look the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance footwear database. APMA podiatrists have reviewed and confirmed that these merchandise promote foot well being.
If you’d wish to perceive what makes nice arch-support sandals so you’ll be able to spot them within the wild, Cunha, Landau and Parthasarathy provide the next standards:
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Ample support: “A very flat sandal is just as bad for your feet as a high heel,” Parthasarathy mentioned. Look for footwear with contoured and built-in arch support as an alternative. These are sturdy, structured sandals, Landau mentioned. Many podiatrists advocate making an attempt to bend sandals and sneakers from the toes to the heels to see if the fashions keep form.“A good rule of thumb is that if the sandal can twist excessively, so can your foot, which increases strain on the muscles and ligaments which is not helpful,” she added.
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Elevated heel: According to Parthasarathy, an elevated heel takes stress off the plantar fascia and Achilles. Landau agreed, including {that a} delicate heel-to-toe drop (the space from the place your heels and toes relaxation on the insoles) encourages a extra pure gait sample too. Health and health editor Summer Cartwright mentioned that she considers a delicate drop to be something below 5 millimeters.
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Cushioning and shock absorption: Cushioned sneakers take up influence, Cunha mentioned, “reducing stress on the feet, joints and lower back.” To decide if a pair of sneakers is sufficiently cushioned, he recommends urgent down on the insoles, strolling round within the sandals, guaranteeing your arches really feel cradled and selecting supplies like EVA and reminiscence foam.
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Wide toe field: A large toe field permits for “natural toe movement without crowding,” Cunha mentioned.
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Adjustable straps: Straps are vital for stability, Parthasarathy mentioned. Cunha particularly recommends ankle straps, which scale back pressure and forestall pointless motion.
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Traction and stability: Look for patterned or treaded outsoles, Cunha mentioned, as these forestall slips and falls. “A well-designed outsole allows for better control and balance, making it safer for daily wear and outdoor activities,” he added.
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APMA Seal of Acceptance: Sandals with this seal are “biomechanically designed,” Cunha mentioned, so you’ll be able to relaxation assured they’ll support your arches.
The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrists Dr. Miguel Cunha, Dr. Priya Parthasarathy and Dr. Samantha Landau.
When you put on unsupportive sneakers, Cunha mentioned your arch collapses, rising the danger of irritation and plantar fasciitis. “Over time, this imbalance can also accelerate deformities such as bunions and hammertoes and contribute to conditions like shin splints, posterior tibial tendonitis and Achilles tendonitis,” he added.
In distinction, he mentioned supportive footwear reduces plantar fascia pressure, because of even stress distribution, higher shock absorption and improved alignment.
Everyone ought to put on supportive sandals, Parthasarathy mentioned, as insufficient footwear can result in fatigue, foot ache and overuse points. That mentioned, arch-support sandals are particularly vital for individuals with flat feet, excessive arches, plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, bunions, metatarsalgia, neuromas and basic foot fatigue, Cunha mentioned.
Landau mentioned to avoid thong-style sandals, which may irritate your toes, and jelly sandals, which may enhance friction and blisters.
For this text, we consulted the next specialists to achieve their skilled insights.
NCS Underscored has a staff of expert writers and editors who’ve a few years of expertise testing, researching and recommending merchandise, they usually guarantee every article is fastidiously edited and merchandise are correctly vetted. We discuss to prime specialists when relevant to make sure we’re testing every product precisely, recommending solely the best merchandise and contemplating the professionals and cons of every merchandise.
For this text, NCS Underscored’s affiliate updates author Maxwell Shukuya interviewed three board-certified podiatrists. Having written our guides to the best men’s running shoes, best shoes for plantar fasciitis and best foot massagers, Shukuya additionally has intensive expertise overlaying health and wellness matters.