Just like peanut butter and jelly or cookies and milk, summer and sandals go hand-in-hand. Sometimes, though, no matter how hard you try, you can’t get yourself to wear sandals because they’re not sturdy and supportive enough for your flat feet. Sandals for flat feet – is there such a thing?
When your feet have little to no arch, a pair of $5.99 sandals from Walmart probably won’t provide the support you need. Sandals are a summer staple, whether you’re going on a vacay, strolling around the town, or protecting your feet from the hot pavement when you get out of the pool.
Sweating through heavy sneakers and tripping over flimsy flip-flops during the summer sounds horrible, right? So, you’re trying to get your hands on a pair of sandals that promise to get you through the day pain, pressure, and sweat-free.
Surprisingly, you don’t need to write off sandals due to your flat feet. Sandals that match the shape of your foot, offer you enough arch and ankle support and make you feel like you’re walking on clouds exist.
Whether you opt for slides, flip-flops, or strappy sandals, you can enjoy your summer without worrying about your fallen arches. Read more down below!
What to look for when shopping for sandals for flat feet
Now, you might need to spend a little more money on high-quality, hard-wearing sandals. With flat feet, there’s excess pressure on the midfoot that can cause pain around different areas of your body (ankles, knees, hips, and even lower back) when you’re standing, walking, or running.
Because of that, you need to make sure you opt for sandals with enough arch and ankle support to get you through the day without that excess pressure. Before you spend your money, make sure you’re getting something that’s sturdy and supportive rather than flat, thin, and soft.
What more do you need to pay attention to? Coverage can make a world of difference. Strappy sandals are great because they’re guaranteed to offer you more support than flimsy flip-flops or sandals with a single strap.
Generally speaking, the more open a sandal is, the less support you’re going to get in the arch – the one area where flat-footed people need the most support. Flip-flops can be supportive, too, but you need to make sure you opt for ones with thicker, wider straps that wrap around the foot.
Sandal features like a deep-seated heel cup, arch support, a sturdy outer sole, and a cushioned insole are what you need to favor. With that out of the way, you can proceed to rate your sandals based on appearance, availability, durability, quality, and price tag.
We’re bringing you a few of our favorite picks to make your quest for supportive sandals for flat feet quicker and easier. What are you waiting for?
What are the best sandals for flat feet?
1. Kuru Tread Sandals
You might take a peep at these sandals and think to yourself, “But I’m not going hiking!”
You’re right, the Kuru Tread sandals were designed with features perfect for people who spend most of their time outdoors, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t rock them with a pair of jeans and a simple tee.
These sandals are made with a durable design, adjustable straps that wrap around your feet and offer plenty of arch support, and a lot of traction that prevents you from slipping and falling.
Reviewers with flat feet adore them because they’re comfortable, wearable, and guaranteed to keep you happily on your feet all day long.
2. Dr. Scholls Adelle Sandals
Whether you’re going on a walk with your dog, grabbing brunch with friends, or running errands, you can count on Dr. Scholls Adelle sandals to keep you supported and protected.
We mentioned beforehand that you need to pay attention to coverage when shopping for sandals for flat feet, and we weren’t kidding – these sandals come with wide, adjustable straps.
Not to mention that they’re equipped with an instep strap and a toe strap with adjustable hook-and-loop closures and stretch gore for extra flexibility. Padded for comfort, designed to mold to the shape of your foot, and lightweight, these sandals are everything you need and more. Check them out!
3. CIOR Sport Sandals
Sporty sandals might not be your cup of tea, and there’s nothing wrong with that. When shopping for sandals for flat feet, you’re presented with a myriad of styles that might not work well with your fashionista vibe. Worry not, though, because the CIOR Sport sandals are everything but sporty.
Lightweight, waterproof, and supportive, these sandals are designed to protect your feet and make your ‘fits more fashion-forward. Made with EVA “yoga mat” insoles, built-in arch support, adjustable straps, and texturized soles, these sandals allow you to confidently stand, walk, or run wherever you go.
4. Sorel Viibe Slingback Sandals
Sorel Viibe Slingback sandals are a vibe, that’s for sure! Whether you’re attending a meeting that requires you to be cute and comfy at the same time, or going on a date with your significant other, there’s no reason you wouldn’t be able to rock these chunky, lug-sole sandals. They’re that cute.
With chubby soles, contoured footbeds, and adjustable straps, these sandals are wearable and versatile. Made to hold and cushion your foot with every step, they’re guaranteed to protect your feet from blisters and bunions. Give them a go!
5. Teva Flatform Universal Quick-Drying Sandals
Teva Flatform Universal Quick-Drying sandals are going to attract attention and turn heads, and for good reason.
Teva produces high-quality, hard-wearing footwear, but that’s not the only reason we’re rooting for them. With Teva Flatform Universal Quick-Drying sandals, you’re going to be on top of your game no matter what you do or where you go. You’re going to feel like you’re walking on clouds.
Made with adjustable toe and ankle straps, molded, cushioned footbeds, and rubber outsoles, these sandals are designed to keep you stable. Maybe they’re not the ultimate best sandals for flat feet, but they’re pretty freakin’ close.
6. Vionic Tide Toe Post Sandals
We mentioned beforehand that you’re not supposed to wear flimsy flip-flops when you’re struggling with your flat feet because they’re not sturdy or supportive enough. But, there’s always a but when we’re talking about summer footwear.
You can’t have your hot girl summer without a hot girl summer staple. With the right style of flip-flops, you can totally wear them without rolling your feet or crying from pain and pressure.
Vionic Tide Tie Post sandals are the right way to go. Made with wider straps that wrap around your feet and molded footbeds that offer your arches plenty of support, they’re perfect for people with flat feet.
7. AEROTHOTIC Memory Foam Cork Footbed Slides
Cork footbeds, reminiscent of everyone’s favorite Birkenstocks, are all the rage these days. Contrary to popular belief, you can wear slides without worrying about your flat feet.
AEROTHOTIC Memory Foam Cork Footbed slides are a great option to consider because they’re made with a memory foam cork footbed, built-in arch support, a deep heel cup, and synthetic leather straps with adjustable buckles.
When you don’t want to spend your money on Birkenstocks, you can always opt for this more affordable alternative.
8. Mephisto Dominica Sandals
Mephisto Dominica sandals are splurge-worthy, but we do need to warn you that you’re about to break the bank on a pair of summer sandals.
Made with a grippy tread, comfy wide straps, and shock-absorbing Soft-Air technology, these sandals are great for people with flat feet because they’re comfortable, wearable, and supportive. Moreover, they’re made with a platform sole for a little added lift without sacrificing comfort.
9. ECCO Yucatan Sport Sandals
Circling back to sporty sandals, the ECCO Yucatan Sport sandals are what dreams are made of.
Whether you want to wear them for different sports activities such as low-impact hikes and water sports, or for everyday activities such as running errands and popping into the office, there’s nothing these sandals can’t do.
Surprisingly lightweight, these sandals are made with shock-absorbing foam midsole cushions, three adjustable straps, rubber outsoles, and a breathable, waterproof, nubuck leather and neoprene construction. So, they’re a great option to consider, although they’re on the pricier end of the spectrum.
10. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals
We’ve arrived at the end of the article with everyone’s favorite summer sandals, Birkenstocks. Birkenstocks are a summer staple, and not only because Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Sofia Richie are wearing them everywhere they go.
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals in particular are perfect for people with flat feet because they’re made with cork oak cushioning, suede lining, and earthy neutral colorways.
Moreover, Birkenstocks are made to mold to your feet, which means you’re going to get a sort of custom level of support over time. What’s not to adore?
Read more: A Step-By-Step Guide To Different Types Of Sandals
