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The 10 Best Supportive Sandals For All-Day Comfort
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Close-toed orthopedic sneakers aren’t the only styles you can sport when searching for supportive shoes. The best supportive sandals hold their own in terms of comfort and structure. When shopping for any supportive shoe, the footbed or the insole is the most important feature, but for sandals in particular, you’ll also want to pay close attention to the design of the straps.
What To Look For When Shopping For The Best Supportive Sandals
According to experts, no one insole style is perfect for all feet, but most foot types benefit from some combination of cushioning and contouring — in other words, a well-padded surface that’s shaped to suit the natural curves of the foot. For that reason, all of these sandals are very different from the flat, $15 flip-flops you’d find in your average department store; instead, they use thick cork, foam, or plastic.
While secondary to the insole, the straps are also pretty important when it comes to comfort and maintaining a supportive fit. Typically, the more straps a sandal has, the more securely it’ll hold your foot. Thick, stretchy, and adjustable straps are also welcome features — and for longer walks or other more movement-oriented activities, an ankle strap offers additional security.
Shop The Best Supportive Sandals
In a hurry? Here are the top picks for the best supportive sandals:
- The Budget-Friendly Sandals Reviewers Love: CUSHIONAIRE Luna Cork Footbed Sandal
- A Comfortable & Supportive Flip-Flop: Clarks Breeze Sea Flip-Flop
- A Writer-Approved Pair Of Flip-Flops That Comes In 13 Sizes: OOFOS OOriginal Sandal
- The Podiatrist-Approved Slide: BIRKENSTOCK Arizona-Birkibuc
- The Most Stylish Pick: Vionic Rest Kirra Backstrap Sandal
- A Great Walking Sandal: Crocs LiteRide Stretch Sandals
- The Best Hiking Sandals: Teva Tirra Sandal
- A Comfortable Platform Sandal: Clarks Arla Glison Flip-Flop
- A Pair Of Best-Selling Braided Waterproof Sandals: MEGNYA Waterproof Sandals
- An Everyday Sandal With Adjustable Ankle Support: Clarks Arla Shaylie Platform
Even despite their open designs, reviewers agree: These are some of the most supportive and comfortable shoes the internet has to offer.
1. The Budget-Friendly Sandals Reviewers Love
These fan-favorite sandals have more than 56,000 reviews and a 4.5-star overall rating. The insole is made from contoured suede with flexible cork underneath, while the vegan upper has soft lining and adjustable straps. Last but definitely not least, there’s a bunch of budget-friendly options to choose from — and they come in half and wide sizes, too. And in terms of comfort? “More comfortable than Birks!” one happy customer raved.
One reviewer wrote: “Love these sandals! I own a few pair of Birks, and wanted this style but didn’t want to pay the price. When I saw these guys I had to try them! They are soooo comfortable. I was able to wear them immediately with no breaking in and no rubbing/blisters. They have good support. Exactly what I was looking for at an affordable price!”
Available sizes: 5 — 13 (including wide and half sizes) | Available colors: 21
Also available on: Walmart, $30
2. A Comfortable & Supportive Flip-Flop
You typically don’t see the words “supportive” and “flip-flop” in the same sentence, but the Clarks Breeze Sea delivers. This sandal sets itself apart with its molded OrthoLite foam cushioning, lightweight EVA midsole, and soft fabric lining. The straps are even adjustable for a much more secure fit than with the standard flip-flops.
One reviewer wrote: “I have arthritis in my feet, as well as plantar fasciitis, so it’s difficult to find sandals and flip flops that are comfortable. The fit is very good, and can be adjusted if need be with the Velcro straps. The support is surprisingly great and I can wear them all day without my feet being fatigued. And they’re also very cute…and I quickly purchased 3 additional pairs after I received the first pair. I love them and highly recommend.”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 | Available colors: 9
Also available on: Clarks, $39, Kohl’s, $40, and Shoe Carnival, $40
3. A Writer-Approved Pair Of Flip-Flops That Comes In 13 Sizes
Bustle writer Jenny White is a huge fan of these sandals from OOFOS. White writes: “Words can hardly describe how much I adore these sandals — I wear them all summer long, whether out running errands, on vacation, or just hanging out with my kids in the yard, and can attest that they’re supremely comfortable. The shoes feature a patented foam footbed that’s designed to cradle your arches and make walking easier. The flip-flop style is easy to take on and off as needed. Another perk? The pair is machine washable.”
But don’t just take White’s word for it — this pick is super popular on Amazon as well, boasting a solid 4.6-star rating overall after 22,000-plus reviews. Choose from several solid color options, as well as an incredible size range.
One reviewer wrote: “LOVE the arch support!! These are the most comfortable flip flops I’ve ever had. I wore these all day at Disney World and will do it again! The arch support is way superior than any other shoe I’ve tried.[...] You can feel the support! LOVE them and the color choices! I found these 3 years ago and have been telling everyone I know about them. I wear these daily in doors and out! Well worth every Penny!”
Available sizes: 5 — 18 | Available colors: 7
Also available on: DSW, $60, OOFOS, $60, and REI, $60
4. The Podiatrist-Approved Slide
Birkenstocks are widely considered a podiatrist-approved sandal due to their contoured platform, supportive cork base, and wide, adjustable fit. Needless to say, these Birkenstock sandals are a worthy investment if you’re looking for unparalleled support and long-lasting comfort. There are a range of color options and a bunch of sizes, including half and narrow sizes.
One reviewer wrote: “Nothing compares to the foot support of true Birkenstocks. I have a heel spur that requires the same sort of foot support as plantar fasciitis, and I can wear these all day long, walk around in them for miles, travel with them, the works.”
Available sizes: 4 — 15.5 (including narrow sizes) | Available colors: 25
Also available on: DICK’s Sporting Goods, $110, and Birkenstock, $110
5. The Most Stylish Pick
Supportive sandals don’t have to look overly sporty or bulky. Take, for example, Vionic’s Kirra sandals, which are sleek, stylish, and elevated enough for almost any occasion — but still manage to provide all-day comfort with concealed orthopedic support. The footbed is podiatrist-designed, while the ankle strap is adjustable so you can find your ideal fit. They come in wide sizes as well as more than 10 color options, including metallic and floral cut-outs.
One reviewer wrote: “These sandals are great! I am a teacher and am on my feet all day. Most days I get 10,000 steps before I’m even home. I have been in search of a stylish sandal with arch support and I have finally found it. Now, my back and feet are no longer aching at the end of a long day.”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 (including wide and half sizes) | Available colors: 13
6. A Great Walking Sandal
Walking sandals should be well-cushioned, lightweight, and secure. And these sandals from Crocs meet all of those requirements. The supportive pick features thick, sturdy straps to keep your feet from sliding around in the shoe as you walk — and the stretchy ankle strap provides even more security. Made from ultra-lightweight foam, the sandals feel absolutely cloud-like; they’re comfortable enough to wear all day long. Choose from a variety of color options, ranging from neutrals (like black or gray) to fun pops of color like electric pink or mint.
One reviewer wrote: “These fit perfectly and are so supportive. These will be my go-to sandals this summer when I’m walking and on my feet a lot!”
Available sizes: 4 — 11 | Available colors: 9
Also available on: DICK’s Sporting Goods, $36
7. The Best Hiking Sandals
For hiking or other outdoor adventures, there’s the Teva Tirra sandal. Yes, it has an open design for breathability and limited restriction — but the spider rubber outsole provides quality traction on rough terrain, while the straps are adjustable, cushioned, and wrap around the whole foot. This shoe also has shock absorption, a heel cup, a supportive footbed, and zinc-infused Microban technology to cut down on unwanted odors. They also come in a good range of colors.
One reviewer wrote: “These are my first pair of hiking sandals and I’m in love with them. I didn’t even have to break them in, they’re so comfortable. I just got back from a trip to Colorado and they were perfect for many different kinds of trails and in water. Despite pretty much putting my pair through the ringer the past 2 weeks, I haven’t had any issues with straps breaking, or any other quality issues for that matter. Can't recommend these shoes enough!”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 (including half sizes) | Available colors: 17
Also available on: REI, $80, and DSW, $80
8. A Comfortable Platform Sandal
The Clarks Alra Glison is a step up from your average flip-flops for multiple reasons: The platform footbed is supportive, well-cushioned, and contoured. The rubber outsole is durable and slip-resistant. The textile lining is soft on your foot and comes in tons of colors, including stylish patterns like anchors, sunflowers, polka dots, and tropical prints. In fact, some reviewers have called this sandal “life-changing.”
One reviewer wrote: “I have at least 6 pairs of these Clark flip flops. They are so comfortable, have a great arch for support and a little wedge so they’re not flat which is perfect for my feet. I wear them all summer and as bedroom slippers in the winter months. They last forever and have lots of adorable patterns.”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 | Available colors: 35
Also available on: Clarks, $65, and DSW, $60
9. A Pair Of Best-Selling Braided Waterproof Sandals
Available in tons of colors (both solids and combinations), these MEGNYA sandals are a best-seller in the outdoor sandals and slides category. Despite their braided rope straps that weave in and out, they’re totally waterproof for the beach, pool, or travel. They also use sturdy rubber for the contoured soles, so they offer significantly more arch support than your standard water shoes. The braided straps are even adjustable so you can find a snug fit.
One reviewer wrote: “Just got these sandals and I am super happy with them! The soles are light weight but sturdy with great arch support. They look super cute too! I will probably buy a few more colors.”
Available sizes: 5 — 12 | Available colors: 21
10. An Everyday Sandal With Adjustable Ankle Support
Usually, sandals leave a lot to be desired in terms of ankle support — but the Arla Shaylie platforms from Clarks have a wide, adjustable strap that wraps around the ankle. It also has lightweight, super-comfortable support in the footbed, as well as stretchy straps that extend down the whole upper. Thanks to the platform base, they’re easy to dress up if needed, too.
One reviewer wrote: “5.0 out of 5 stars Most comfortable sandal ever! [...] These are so comfortable! A sandal you can truly walk distances in. That’s hard to find. Great orthopedic support.”
Available sizes: 6 — 11 (including wide and half sizes) | Available colors: 3
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