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Sandals are a staple in any shoe rotation, whether you live in them during the summer or slip them on to grab your mail year-round. But flip flops aren’t your only option for convenience, comfort, and cool factor: These days, there are many stylish orthopedic sandals for men and women that look as good as they feel.
“Orthopedic sandals differ from traditional sandals and flip flops because they are designed with a built-in, anatomically arched footbed that supports, cushions, and aligns your feet,” says Miguel Cunha, DPM, a podiatric surgery specialist and founder of Gotham Footcare in Manhattan. That means you’re less likely to experience back pain, foot pain, and foot injuries when you ditch your unsupportive slides in favor of more functional footwear.
Everyone can benefit from wearing orthopedic sandals, but they’re especially great for people who need shoes for standing all day. They’re also beneficial for people with ankle, knee, and back pain and for folks with common foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, or neuropathy.
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Fortunately enough, there are many types of orthopedic shoes for women and men you can shop for, from hiking sandals that’ll last you through tough trails to walking sandals that are perfect for exploring a new city to cute summer sandals that complement all your weekend outfits. And you’ll be on trend with whichever you decide to rock thanks to the hiking-chic Gorpcore trend that’s made orthopedic sandals a warm-weather staple — just take it from Gigi Hadid, who donned Tevas on a birthday trip at Disney.
Convinced to invest in a pair of orthopedic sandals this summer? We researched countless popular brands and spoke to Dr. Cunha as well as pedorthist Michael Fishkin of Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists for their expert advice on how to choose a quality sandal. Check out our list of the top picks from orthopedic shoe brands below.
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Size range: 4 to 11 women’s
Materials: Leather and EVA
Special features: Cushioned footbed and elevated heel
We also love that these stylish short wedge sandals have a 1.5-inch heel to help take stress off your Achilles and reduce muscle strain and fatigue — an especially attractive feature for folks with plantar fasciitis or flat feet. Stash these in your luggage ahead of a walking-heavy trip or wear these on the weekend to jazz up any outfit. The leather upper and durable sole make these super comfortable to wear daily.
What reviewers say: “I have problem feet and the only shoes I can wear are Naot. I have been wearing the Kayla for several years and have assorted colors. I decided to try the Eliana bc it’s so very good-looking. I [tried them] yesterday and I so so love this shoe! They are so comfortable and they are such a super design … The shoe itself for comfort and style is a solid 10!!”
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Size range: 7 to 16 men’s
Materials: 100% Synthetic
Special features: Memory foam footbed, hook and loop closure, traction rubber outsole
These sandals’ high-rebound memory foam ensures a cushy, comfortable stride, while a moisture-wicking insole guarantees breathability. And we love that these are available in regular and wide widths to help you achieve the perfect fit. Another bonus: Their budget-friendly price point (which is what Skechers’ shoes are known for) means you can buy a couple of pairs or replace these more often. Keep in mind that sandals should be replaced about once a year, Fishkin notes.
What reviewers say: “As soon as I put these on I said, “wow these are comfortable!” I got the size 13 extra wide and they’re perfect so far! A little bit more heavy duty than let’s say Adidas slides, these have 3 different adjustable straps but they’re still VERY easy to slip on and off. Only have to loosen the middle strap! My feet are nice and comfortable and enough room on the sides so my pinky toes don’t feel squished. Also really like how the brown looks in person.”
Related: The Best Walking Shoes for Men
Size range: 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Textile, rubber sole
Special features: 1.57-inch heel, cushioned footbed
What reviewers say: “I am a flip-flop wearer from May through November and last year my flip-flops started to hurt my feet… but I can’t live in sneakers or shoes 24/7. I saw the reviews for these Clark flip-flops and thought I’ll try them but I don’t know how well they’re going to fit and feel, not only are they the most comfortable flip-flops ever, they don’t bother my feet at all and I’ve worn them walking around Provincetown Cape Cod for hours and hours, they’re also very cute, I’ve gotten lots of compliments on them, the ones I purchased have daisies on them. If you have any kind of foot issues that prevent you from wearing flip-flops but you absolutely love flip-flops, I say give these a try. Hopefully, they’ll work out for you like they have for me!!!”
Size range: 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Leather, foam, rubber
Special features: Molded foam footbed, platform and heel
“The Sorel Kinetic Sandals are fashionably trendy, incredibly comfortable, and made of high-quality materials,” Dr. Cunha says. “These sandals are made with an EVA molded footbed to comfortably cushion and cradle your arch and leather-textile straps that secure around your ankle for increased support and stability,” he says, adding that they’re made with a Lively Foam molded rubber outsole for excellent shock absorption and traction. Wearers rave that these are great shoes for wide feet because of their adjustable features. And we love that the added heel height helps take pressure off your arches, so people with flat feet or plantar fasciitis will appreciate this stylish-yet-functional detail.
What reviewers say: “Love these sandals! Thank you Sorel for creating a comfortable, great quality yet trendy, artistic sandal! I have very sensitive foot arches that need support and wide feet, I have the kinetic original pair for over 3 years now and I couldn’t help but write the review. They have lasted and stood the test of time across cross-country travels and daily NYC commute, subway strides included! And my feet never feel the stressors — the leather lining and the fabric straps make it the most comfortable and never ever have to worry about shoe bites with strappy sandals across summer.”
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Courtesy of Amazon
Size range: 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Fabric, rubber
Special features: Arch support, closed toe, sole with traction
These sport sandals also boast a wide toe box, which helps prevent issues like bunions, and are therefore great for people with wide or flat feet. And their cushioned footbed means folks with plantar fasciitis will want to try these, stat.
What reviewers say: “Not only are these shoes super adorable, but they’re also the most comfortable and versatile shoes I’ve ever had on my feet. I wear them for style, I wear them for swimming, I wear them for hiking. There’s nothing I can’t do in them, and the best part is I can wear them all day without any kind of pain. I’ve never experienced any blisters or rubbing, and even with my plantar fasciitis, my feet are happy for hours of walking and climbing. I would also like to point out that the toe cover offers protection while hiking, and the rugged sole helps prevent slips. They aren’t 100% slip-proof, but what is? The only time I’ve slipped while wearing them was while walking on algae-covered marble slabs in a river, and I’m a pretty adventurous person. These are my favorite shoes and I highly recommend them for all occasions (except maybe a formal event).”
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Size range: 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Rubber, fabric
Special features: Cushioned footbed, adjustable straps
What reviewers say: “My Chacos just arrived. This is my third pair in more than 10 years. I love these shoes so much. I originally bought them when I had plantar fasciitis. Now I have Morton’s neuroma. These are the most comfortable shoes I own. Brilliant.”
Size range: 5 to 11 women’s
Materials: Leather and rubber
Special features: Adjustable closure straps, platform, arch support
Anyone who needs extra arch support, such as those with flat feet, high arches, or plantar fasciitis, will benefit from these stylish sandals. They come in five different colors, such as Aqua, Roze, and Marshmallow that can complement any outfit.
What reviewers say: “When I tell people these are orthopedic they are shocked. The metallic threads are subtle on the sandal too. They are extremely comfortable and supportive. The straps have Velcro, but do not look like it. Very stylish. I planned to order another pair.”
Size range: 5 to 16 women’s; 3 to 14 men’s
Materials: Rubber, foam, mesh
Special features: Plush cushioning, arch support, all-gender style
What reviewers say: “I have problem feet – plantar fasciitis, hallux rigidus, hammertoes. I’m constantly on the search for comfortable yet supportive shoes. I’ve read lots of positive reviews of the other styles of Hoka sandals but they’ve never worked for me because they’re too wide for my narrower foot and not adjustable. I received an email about the launch of this adjustable Hoka sandal and thought I’d give it a try considering Hoka offers a 30-day guarantee. I received them yesterday and am in Heaven! They looked way too big in the box but fit perfectly when I actually tried them on. I am also able to adjust them to fit my narrower foot perfectly. I love the lip that goes around the entire edge of the sandal because it keeps your foot from sliding off of the sandal. Overall, these are a bit hit for me and I don’t say that about a lot of other sandals. Give these a try if you have problem feet.”
Related: The Best Hoka Shoes
Size range: 3 to 14 men’s
Materials: Rubber
Special features: Contoured footbed, cushiony sole, machine-washable
What reviewers say: “Recovering from foot surgery and these are from heaven. Like walking on soft stable pillows. Everyone that has tried them on has said the same thing. Super comfortable.”
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Size range: 5 to 10 women’s; 7 to 9 men’s
Materials: Synthetic, textile
Special features: Adjustable hook-and-loop closures, arch support,
And unlike Birkenstocks, you won’t have to break these in. They feature a cork-suede footbed that’s soft, contoured, and provides great arch support, and the two buckle straps allow you to adjust the sandal for the perfect fit — plus, these sandals are APMA-approved for promoting good foot health. So they’ll even work for folks with foot conditions such as flat feet and plantar fasciitis. Bonus: They’re treated with a zinc-based odor-resistant formula that helps keep sweaty feet stench at bay.
What reviewers say: “I am 23 years old and I personally really love these sandals, they are so comfortable and give me everything I need. I have a torn meniscus in my left leg and I have a lot of trouble finding Sandals that will not cause pain. These are the ones, style and comfort is all there!”
Courtesy of Nordstrom
Size range: 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Canvas, suede, rubber
Special features: Zipper closure, cushioned footbed
What reviewers say: “I get so many compliments on these shoes! Everyone is always surprised when I say they are Uggs. I love them so much that I bought them in the other color now too. They are surprisingly comfortable. I got them for a Europe trip after lots of research into sandals that were cute but very comfortable for walking. I have had them for over a year and they are still in great condition. I walked in them a lot in Europe, including on cobblestone and other uneven surfaces, and they were still so comfortable. I even ran to catch a train in them.”
Size range: 7 to 13 men’s
Materials: Rubber
Special features: Durable sole with traction, molded footbed
What reviewers say: “This is definitely a step up from the usual sandal, in height and comfort. First, it has a sole about 1 inch thick, so you will definitely step up to these and feel a dismount taking them off. The footbed, arch and overall comfort are why you want these – great fit, easy walking, and support your flip flops can only dream of offering.”
Size range: 35 to 42 women’s
Materials: Leather, mesh, rubber
Special features: Adjustable straps, arch support, extra-bouncy and cushioned rocker
What reviewers say: “I love the blue color and these sandals combine style with functionality. I receive many compliments when wearing them however, I wear MBT’s for my foot issues. MBT’s were recommended by my podiatrist for hallux rigidus and bunions. The toe strap is adjustable. The rocker bottom is perfect for hallux and the support and cushioning but rigid sole is a miracle for eliminating my foot pain.”
Courtesy of Zappos
Size range: 5 to 12 women’s
Materials: Material, rubber
Special features: Adjustable straps, contoured footbed and arch support
What reviewers say: “I like that I can adjust the shoe straps to fit each foot perfectly. The heel cushioning is wonderful!! No blisters.”
The Different Types of Orthopedic Sandals
Orthopedic sandals come in various styles designed to cater to specific needs — and moods. But they all have one thing in common: Providing comfort, support, and functionality.
- Orthopedic flip flops: Supportive thong sandals are best suited for lunch or walking around town, Fishkin says. Look for a flip-flop that has an anatomically contoured footbed to cushion and support the arch. Arch support can help prevent overpronation and relieve pain, particularly for people with plantar fasciitis. The footbed should naturally mold to the arch of the foot. The top footbed layer should provide excellent cushioning and come with a firm, durable sole and elevated heel lift to correct foot posture to reduce muscle strain and fatigue.
- Orthopedic slides: Slides are tricky because they often don’t provide as much support as a more closed shoe, so you’ll want to look for one with ample cushion in the insole and outsole. And bonus points for an adjustable upper, which can help you achieve the best fit and avoid blisters. “When shopping for a good walking-around slide or sandal, I recommend taking extra time to make sure that you’ve found the right size — especially if you suffer from foot pain,” Dr. Cunha says. Trying on sandals at the end of the day can help you ensure a more accurate fit. “Fluid retention in your feet is the most prominent at the end of the day due to the cumulative effects of gravity, so buy your slides or sandals at the end of the day when your feet are in their worst shape and most swollen,” Dr. Cunha says. So if your sandals fit well at the end of the day, they’re most likely to feel comfortable throughout the day.
- Orthopedic dress sandals: These are designed for both comfort and style. Orthopedic dress sandals often have cushioned footbeds or insoles for shock absorption and built-in arch support. But unlike casual slides and flip-flops, these comfortable dress shoes feature more elegant materials that are meant for dressier occasions (but you can easily dress them up or down). “Pay close attention to details such as the width, heel height, and strength of the arch to guarantee comfort,” Dr. Cunha says. “The sandal should have somewhat of a slight heel less than ¾ inches in relation to the front because it takes the stress off the Achilles, which can help with the alignment of your posture, ankles, knees, and spine.”
- Orthopedic hiking sandals: Orthopedic hiking sandals are made for traversing different terrains, so they often feature ample cushioning in the footbed to absorb shock when you’re hiking uphill or downhill as well as a durable outsole with excellent traction for stability and grip. Orthopedic hiking sandals typically have adjustable straps or closures, which help you achieve a good fit and prevent foot pain during and after long hikes. You’ll often notice that orthopedic hiking sandals have a protective toe cap or bumper at the front to shield the toes from impact with rocks and other trail hazards.
The Best Orthopedic Sandals for Different Foot Types and Conditions
If you live with a foot condition, such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, or even flat feet, it’s extra important to choose an orthotic sandal that fits your needs. Here are the top features to look for:
- Orthopedic sandals for plantar fasciitis: If you have plantar fasciitis, look for an orthotic sandal with a contoured and cushioned footbed, which helps prevent overpronation and relieve that stabbing pain, Dr. Cunha says. Since the pain is often triggered by long periods of standing, prioritizing cushion is your best bet. And because your heel and arch often experience pain with this condition, you’ll want to look for extra support in those areas. If you have plantar fasciitis or need good shoes for standing all day, you may want to try the Clarks Mira Tide Flat Sandal or the MBT Women’s Malia.
- Orthopedic sandals for bunions: Many sandals come in standard and wide-width, and if you have bunions, you’ll want to opt for the latter. People with bunions typically have wide feet, so a sandal with a wide toe box is important, Dr. Cunha says. The Oofos Ooahh Slide Sandal and the MBT Women’s Malia are both great sandals for bunions.
- Orthopedic sandals for wide feet: Wide feet need a wide toe box, plain and simple. And if you wear shoes or sandals that are too tight (especially around the toes), that can lead to pain, blisters, and even bunions. You’ll also want to look for a firm, durable sole. If you have wide feet, go for the Keen’s Whisper Sandals, a great wide-width orthopedic sandal, or the Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandal and Skechers Men’s Louden Sandals, which come in wide widths.
- Orthopedic sandals for flat feet: “People with plantar fasciitis typically have flat feet, so arch support is fundamental,” Dr. Cunha says. In addition to arch support, look for a sandal with a firm, durable sole and a slightly elevated heel lift. Sandals like the Chaco Z/2 Classic Sandal, Clarks Women’s Arla Glison Flip Flop, and the Sorel Kinetic Sandal are all great options for flat-footed folks.
- Orthopedic sandals for neuropathy: “People with neuropathy need to reduce compression of their nerves, so they need sandals with a wide toe box,” Dr. Cunha says. And a shock-absorbent outsole is also an important factor to look out for. And remember: When you’re shopping for diabetes-friendly shoes, make sure to try on your ortho sandals at the end of the day to guarantee the best fit. If you have neuropathy, you’ll want to try the Hoka Ora Luxe for their super plushy outsole.
How We Chose the Best Orthopedic Sandals
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To find the best ortho sandals for every type of foot condition, occasion, and budget, we researched and tested many popular brands. We then spoke to foot specialists for their top tips on what to look for in a quality orthopedic sandal, as well as asked for their go-to recommendations. The sandals on our list boast a wide toe box, contoured and cushioned footbeds, durable soles to absorb shock, and a slightly elevated heel, all of which Dr. Cunha recommends looking for in a good orthopedic sandal. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Miguel Cunha is the founder of Gotham Footcare and a leading podiatrist in Midtown and Downtown of Manhattan, is a highly trained and skilled foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions from minor problems to complex reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Cunha takes pride in having a genuine interest in each and every one of his patients while providing them the utmost compassion and exceptional care.
Dr. Michael Fishkin is a pedorthist with Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists. He takes pride in helping his patients get down to the bottom of their foot, back, or knee issues to improve their quality of life.
Meet the Author
April Benshosan is a health journalist and editor who’s interviewed countless doctors and other medical professionals throughout her career. She’s super dedicated to arming people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health. Her work has been published in both print and digital outlets, including Women’s Health, SHAPE, VeryWell Fit, Health.com, LIVESTRONG.com, and more. Learn more about Footwear News here.
