10 Best Sandals With Arch Support, According to Experts
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Let this be the summer you stop sweating through heavy sneakers and tripping over flimsy flip-flops. There are plenty of sandals out there that let your feet breathe and provide them with a sturdy, supportive base.
Good arch support can help your feet feel comfortable for longer and prevent the stabbing pains along the sole of your foot known as plantar fasciitis, Amy DeGirolamo, DPM, a podiatrist at Florida Foot and Ankle Associates in Miami, tells SELF. In other words, it’s a win in the short- and long-term—plus, there are some seriously cute options out there that experts recommend.
How can you tell if a sandal will be supportive?
Simply put, your shoe should match the shape of your foot. So if you have high arches, you need a shoe that has a similar height in the midfoot to hold your foot in place, Nick Cutri, DPT, physical therapist and founder of MOTI Physiotherapy in Los Angeles, tells SELF. And if you have low arches, your shoe’s arch shouldn’t rise higher than is comfortable. In other words, your foot should feel held and supported by your shoe.
Beyond a specific arch height, the key is to look for a good balance between flexibility and rigidity in your footwear, Dr. Cutri says. A shoe that’s too firm won’t feel good, and one that bends too much won’t provide enough support.
Here’s an easy test from Paulina Piekarska, DPM, a foot and ankle specialist and surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute St. Vincent’s Medical Center: If you can fold it or bend it in half, it’s not supportive enough.
Dr. DeGirolamo says you can also look for shoes that have a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). This indicates that the APMA has found that pair of shoes to be conducive to foot health.
Best sandals with arch support
If you’re ready to get the support you need for all your summer strolls, check out our selection of expert-recommended sandals with arch support from Teva, Chaco, Keen, and more.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Chaco1
Chaco Z/1 Classic Sandal
Dr. Cutri recommends Chaco sandals because they’re supportive but have a relatively minimalist profile, so they’re easy to strap on and wear with just about anything. The footbed on the Z/1 Classic Sandal is contoured to fit the shape of your foot, and it has a lift in the arch—two key features that help explain the shoe’s APMA seal of approval.
- Amazon2
Teva Tirra Sandal
Much like Chaco, Teva is a household name when it comes to hiking sandals that can keep you comfy for extended periods of time (Dr. Cutri has even known people to hike the Grand Canyon in a pair of Tevas). The Tirra sandal is especially rugged, with a shock-absorbing heel, supportive midsole, and durable rubber sole. Whether you wear it on your next trek or a stroll around the neighborhood, your feet will still feel fresh by the end of the day.
- Amazon3
Vionic Morgan Toe-Loop Sandal
Dr. Cutri, Dr. Piekarska, and Dr. DeGirolamo all recommend Vionic sandals, plus the APMA has given many shoes from the brand its seal of approval—including the cool cross-strap Morgan pair. It has an adjustable instep strap and a toe loop that work together to hold your foot in place, while its footbed simultaneously supports and moves with your foot, providing a balance of flexibility and rigidity.
- Dick's Sporting Goods4
Sorel Viibe Slingback Sandal
- REI6
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
With foam cushioning, suede lining, and earthy neutral colorways, a pair of Birkenstocks will carry you through vacations, errands, and walks around the park. But it’s the footbed design that Dr. Piekarska likes the most. It’s made to mold to your foot the more you wear it, so you get a sort of custom-level of support over time.
- Zappos7
FitFlop Lulu Thong Sandal
A favorite brand of Dr. DeGirolamo, FitFlop, has quite a few APMA-approved shoes to its name, including the Lulu sandal. You can think of it as a comfier, more supportive version of your go-to flip-flop: It has a thick, highly cushioned sole that won’t bend underfoot and a sturdy thong strap that’s lined with soft microfiber to prevent blisters.
- Ecco8
Ecco Yucatan Sandal
Dr. Cutri wears a pair of Eccos to work on a regular basis, and says this brand makes shoes that last. The best-selling Yucatan is tough and durable, with thick adjustable straps, a grippy rubber outsole, and, best of all, a moderate level of arch support to provide all-day comfort. It’s a sporty sandal that can take on hikes, beach trips, farmers market runs, and dog walks.
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
