Say Goodbye to Sore Arches With These 16 Summer Sandals

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There are a lot of ways we can’t relate to Carrie Bradshaw. Her writer’s salary, rent, and lack of reliance on the subway are all glaring. But more than anything, no woman can suffer through such impractical shoes so exclusively—she’s a podiatrist’s nightmare. If only she had incorporated some cute sandals with arch support...

If you find yourself in need of more relief than your strappiest sandals can provide, you should consider adding a supportive style to your arsenal of trendy shoes. Because, unfortunately, your feet need a break from even your most comfortable high heels. There’s a long-standing rumor that comfortable shoes come at a detriment to your style, but that’s simply untrue. To prove it, we’ve enlisted the help of Dr. Ann Anderson, a ballerina-turned-podiatrist to help break down the basics of conscious footwear choices. “Arch support is the amount of support that the foot has in a shoe,” Anderson states. “Usually, my patients who need arch support footwear are already wearing a custom insert...I recommend a sandal that will mimic the support that they get from a custom orthotic.”

Maybe you’re looking for an extra comfy slide to lay low in or a great walking shoe for your daily strolls. Whatever the case, keep reading for the best arch support sandals for summertime and to shop a few of our favorite picks.

Gizeh Big Buckle Sandal

No closet is complete without a faithful pair of Birks, and there’s no shortage of styles to choose from. “When you look at a shoe, if it has good arch support it usually has a deeper cup to match the curve of the heel, and more thickness along the middle of the instep,” Dr. Anderson advises.

Sizes: US 5-11.5

Colors: Blac, Cognac, Grey

Material: Leather, synthetic, cork

Customer review: “I have several pairs of Birkenstocks but these are my favorite by far! They were comfortable the minute I put them on. I usually feel like Birkenstocks are extremely casual but these have a little dressier look with the big buckle. And the leather is such a pretty color. I absolutely love them!”

Mellow Recovery Slide

Crocs knows comfy footwear. After all, the brand has made its name on so-called “ugly shoes” that promise ultra-cushy comfort that’s so good, it’s even fostered collab collections with celebs like Justin Bieber and SZA. This recovery slide boasts revolutionary “sink-in softness” and innovative foam technology.

Sizes: US 6-12

Colors: 10 options

Material: LiteRide™ foam blend

Customer review: “Sweet relief for chronic plantar fasciitis. I’m buying multiple colors, especially in prep for extra walking and movement during summer months. Feels like I’m walking on a cloud, provides arch support and doesn’t aggravate the tender spots.”

Bigmona Natural Raffia

The raffia espadrille is a summer staple, but you don’t have to teeter around in sky-high wedges to sport the style. Steve Madden offers a more supportive alternative in the form of this stacked flatform sandal.

Sizes: US 5-14

Colors: 7 options

Material: Raffia, synthetic

Customer review: “They’re perfect!! Have gotten compliments on them every time I’ve worn them. If you’re on the fence…GET THEM!”

F-Mode Twist Platform Slide Sandal

No matter what kind of sandal you seek, FitFlop probably has one for you. From thong styles to these chic metallic platforms, this brand truly provides the best of both worlds.

Sizes: 5-11

Colors: Silver, Platino

Material: Leather, rubber, cork

Customer review: “Love these sandals. It makes such a huge difference to have arch support in a flip-flop. Super stylish too.”

Arch Support Slide

Not only does the founder of Archies come from a background in physiotherapy, but he’s also an Aussie, so he knows the importance of having summer-style footwear that you can look forward to living in. Archies offers a vast variety of podiatrist-recommended flip-flops and slides, all with up to 2.2cm of orthotic support.

Sizes: US 5-16

Colors: White, Black, Tan, Peach

Material: Closed-cell foam

Customer review: “Finally I can wear slides without lower back pain. The arch support is great and the slides look very stylish.”

Go Walk Arch Fit

What’s in a name? In this case, pretty much everything you need to know. The Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit sandal is made to keep you on the move, so it’s perfect for summer vacations or long day trips.

Sizes: US 5-11

Colors: Black, Black/White, Navy, Rose

Material: Mesh upper

Widths: Medium, Wide

Customer review: “I’ve had plantar fasciitis for months, and I bought these to help me stand for long hours...they were perfect, like walking on a cloud.”

Flatform Universal Crochet

More than just a staple in the Colorado state starter pack, Teva sandals cater to the everyday adventurer and are designed for outdoor adventures. This earth-friendly flatform focuses on traction while providing a playful crochet style that’s perfect for summer.

Sizes: US 5-12

Colors: Explore, Unwind

Material: Recycled materials, EVA

Customer review: “I’ve worn Teva sandals for years, and these don’t disappoint. Favorite thing, the SOFT (but still sturdy) strap. The crochet strap is a dressier, current take on the original nylon strap. Comfortable fashion is my favorite way to go! I won’t be using these for the water, but for everyday, dressed up or down, these will be my go-to sandal this spring and summer. Love them!”

ORA Recovery Slide 3

A sustainable take on Hoka’s ORA slide, this upgraded version is so comfortably snug that you won’t ever want to take them off. Slip them on after a long day on your feet or when your tootsies need some extra TLC.

Sizes: US 5-16

Colors: 17 options

Material: EVA

Customer review: “I’ve been fighting against having house sandals but my plantar fasciitis has determined otherwise. I bought these on a whim...so comfortable, they breathe well, and amazing support right off the bat!”

Thompson Sandal

ELLE editors are obsessed with this podiatrist-founded brand that offers trendy styles at no cost to your stride. This sandal, available in black or cream, is the ultimate go-to for any summer activity.

Sizes: US 6-13

Colors: Black, Linen

Material: Leather, textile

Customer review: “These are the most comfortable sandals I’ve ever owned. Great modern styling. I wore them all day and then to the Taylor Swift concert. Danced all night without a thought of my feet. Just perfect. Have had many pairs of Frankie4s, and these did not disappoint. Would highly recommended.”

Island Glow Sandal

When you’re looking for something more elevated than the average slide but aren’t quite prepared to dress to the nines, this buckled sandal offers you everyday wear with the enhanced benefit of contoured, anatomical cushioning.

Sizes: US 6-11

Colors: Black, White, Blue, Honey

Material: Synthetic upper/lining, EVA footbed

Customer review: “Comfy is the word here! Love that there’s Velcro on the strap—easy on and off! True to size and perfect fit.”

OOriginal Flip Flop

Easy on, easy off. Do your body a favor and try out these super soft flip-flops that are made to absorb 37 percent more impact than the average foam sandal, therefore reducing stress not only on your feet but on your knees and joints as well. “Proper alignment puts your muscles and joints in an optimal position and avoids your body from overworking any single joint or muscle group,” Dr. Anderson explains. If you’re continually overworking your joints, this can cause long-term effects on mobility (like arthritis or tendonitis).

Sizes: US 5-11

Colors: Blue, Navy, Black

Material: OOfoam™ upper

Customer review: “These are some of the most comfortable sandals I have ever owned. I have flat feet and plantar fasciitis and I can wear these all day long, with no pain or discomfort. I am a size 11 wide and I bought a normal size 11...it fits great with plenty of room around my foot.”

Flip-Flop Sandal

You can stop wasting money on throwaway inserts because this flip-flop from Amazon comes with a built-in gel insole made for direct arch support and sweat-resistant wear.

Sizes: US 6-11

Colors: 37 options

Material: Polyurethane sole

Customer review: “It’s difficult to find supportive sandals in stores that are comfortable, attractive, and affordable. These are all three! They feel really good and supportive! I suffer from plantar fasciitis and fallen arches and these are perfect!”

Bella Toe Post Sandal

Another support-specific brand, Vionic has a vast selection of performance shoes and sandals, most of which carry an acceptance seal from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Side note: It’s also a brand recommended by Dr. Anderson herself.

Sizes: US 5-12

Colors: 18 options

Material: Manmade upper, microfiber-covered footbed, EVA

Widths: Narrow, Medium, Wide

Customer review: “My doctor recommended Vionic shoes for the support they give and I’m never going to be able to go back to regular flip-flops again! So spoiled by the support they provide!”

Crete Sandal

Bearpaw is usually acknowledged for its cozy winter-wear boots and slippers, but don’t count out their summer sandal selection. More specifically, this Crete style offers a cushioned midsole, strappy detailing, and an adjustable strap for a customizable fit. And if you like to support a worthy cause, Bearpaw has made a donation of over 120,000 boots to families facing uncertainty and unrest in Ukraine.

Sizes: US 5-13

Colors: Bone, Black, Dark Brown

Material: Faux leather, EVA, microsuede

Original Grand Flatform Sandal

This Cole Haan mini wedge is designed with stabilizing foam and and robber sole for lightweight traction. Plus, it’s still cute enough to pair with a sundress or tailored short.

Sizes: US 5-11

Colors: Pecan, Black, Bright Berry

Material: Leather upper, textile/synthetic lining

Customer review: “I already have three pairs of Grand Cole Haan sandals, so thrilled to have new pair with a a bit more of a dressy style. Wore these all day working at a standing job. Love them.”

Page Slide

For those with a penchant for designer shoes, Marion Parke is the brand to watch. The podiatrist-backed company takes every possible technological measure to make its styles as comfortable and supportive as possible.

Sizes: EU 35-42

Colors: Black, Light Cream, Luggage, Navy

Material: Nappa

Why Is Arch Support Important?

In short, arch support helps your feet to stay in the correct alignment with the rest of your body—like your ankles, knees, hips, and back. If you need a shoe with arch support, Dr. Anderson suggests looking for a shoe with a deeper heel cup so your heel bone can rest in the footbed, a thicker sole on the inside of the mid-foot arch, and a small “metatarsal pad,” which helps to give arch muscles a little extra support. “A lack of arch support for a patient that has flatter feet can lead to arch pain, heel pain, tendonitis and tendon tears, overuse injuries, and in the long term can lead to arthritis of the joints due to abnormal wear and tear,” Anderson warns.

Who Needs Arch Support?

First and foremost, foot pain is not the norm, so Dr. Anderson always advises consulting with a podiatrist for specific recommendations and treatments. But before you start replacing all of your beloved footwear with top-notch orthotics, know that arch support-specific styles are not necessarily warranted for everybody. Usually, people with flatter feet, arthritic conditions, previous injury, or tired and aching joints gain the most benefit from extra support. Athletes can also reap the benefits of solid arch support, as Anderson knows from her 20+ years as a ballerina. “As a podiatrist and a dancer, I try to choose shoes that fit properly, match the structure, length and width of my foot, and are comfortable,” she asserts. Sports or activities that are hard on your feet demand supportive shoes outside of practices or rehearsals to help your foot and leg muscles recover.

But too much of a good thing is not a good thing, and ill-fitting or overdone arch support can actually do more harm than good in the long run. “Patients with flatter feet can have difficulty if the support does not match the contour of their foot or if they have other severe foot deformities like bunions and hammertoes. Sometimes the arch support can cause more pressure, pain, and blistering in the arch of the foot if the sole of the shoe is too firm, or the arch support is too high,” Anderson reveals.

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