The 13 best sandals with arch support
Cushioned footbeds, comfy straps and arch support — what more could you want?
Birkenstock Arizona
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$115.00
“If you have flat feet or too high of an arch, this can distribute weight on the foot in a manner that may leave them more prone to injury and pain,” says Dr. Mohammad Rimawi, a board-certified podiatrist in New York City. Having sandals with arch support can help you distribute your weight to avoid that potential pain. To find the best sandals with arch support, we asked experts what to pay close attention to while shopping. Here’s what they suggested:
To recommend the best sandals with arch support for men and women, we asked podiatrists to share their favorite options. We also rounded up NBC Select staff picks and found highly rated options that meet our experts’ criteria.
“Birkenstocks have contoured cork footbeds that offer great support to your arches,” says Alvarez. According to the brand, the Arizona style has two adjustable straps and a footbed that molds to your feet as you wear them. This sandal also has a deep heel cup to keep your foot in place. These shoes are designed to have a roomier fit in the toe box, which allows your toes to spread as you walk.
Sizes: 5-12 | Widths: Narrow and regular | Material: Cork and leather
Another sandal recommended by Alvarez also has the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Shoes earn this after they’re reviewed by a group of APMA podiatrists who find them to promote good foot health. This style has four adjustable straps — three across the top of your foot and one around the back — for an ultra-customized fit. According to the brand, the sole is flexible enough to absorb shock and comfortably covered in microfiber.
Sizes: 5-12 | Widths: Medium and wide | Material: Cork and rubber
This sandal also has the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. “It comes with an anatomically shaped insole that adapts itself to the shape of the wearer’s foot structure,” says Alvarez. The sandal’s moisture-wicking sole absorbs sweat and provides medium cushioning. It also has a deep heel cup and an adjustable strap to keep your foot in place.
Sizes: 4-13 | Widths: Medium | Material: Leather and cork
Bombas may be best known for their socks (their ankle socks won a 2024 NBC Select Wellness Award), but they also make supportive sandals. This waterproof slide is made from cushioned EVA that is both waterproof and lightweight. The Friday slide also has a contoured footbed and deep heel cup to keep the shoe’s arch support exactly where you want it. These slides come in five colors, including seashell, desert bloom and treehouse.
Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Medium | Material: EVA
If I wear shoes without arch support for long periods, I get really bad plantar fasciitis — we’re talking, hobbling for weeks. These sandals have become my go-to summer shoes when I know I must be on my feet for long periods (like during my daughter’s soccer practice or when walking to work). They are super lightweight, have noticeable arch support without discomfort for my flat feet and the adjustable ankle strap allows me to get a customized fit. They are similar to classic Tevas in design but have a slightly less outdoorsy look and can easily work with a summer dress.
Sizes: 5-12 | Widths: Medium | Material: Textile upper, rubber bottom
I ordered these sandals after hearing from a pal that the brand had shoes with great arch support. The shoes have a diamond pattern on the bottom that is super cushioned for comfort and incredibly lightweight. I also find the crisscross design a nice middle ground between being super casual or overly dressy. I’ve worn these for 10-hour stretches and been happy in them.
Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Medium | Material: Textile upper, rubber bottom
These unisex flip flops offer up to an inch of orthotic arch support and are great for those with plantar fasciitis (a condition where there’s an inflamed tendon in the foot), according to the brand. They are made from a special foam that molds to your feet for a customized fit and the straps stretch to accommodate different-sized feet. These flip flops have a 4.4-star average rating from over 5,260 reviews on Amazon.
Sizes: 5-16 (women), 4-15 (men) | Widths: Medium | Material: Foam
“Sandals from Teva provide comfortable arch support for outdoor activities like hiking or during camping trips,” says Alvarez. According to the brand, the contoured EVA midsole provides arch support, and the three adjustable straps keep your feet in place. The heel has a deep cup, and the shoe’s sole has treads for grip.
Sizes: 7-14 | Widths: Medium | Material: Nylon and rubber
Ideal for the pool or a casual day, these Reef slides are waterproof and machine washable. The EVA sole provides arch support and cushioning for added comfort. The heel is slightly cupped to help keep your foot in place, and the sandal comes in 18 colors, including tan, black, and navy. These sandals have a 4.4-star average rating from over 4,450 reviews on Amazon.
Sizes: 4-15 | Widths: Medium | Material: EVA
These unisex slides can be worn to recover from a long run, on casual outings or to the beach. Plus, they carry the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance and have a 4.4-star average rating from over 23,150 reviews on Amazon. They’re made with a foam technology that absorbs 37% more impact than your average sandal, according to the brand. The contoured footbed has arch support, and the shoe is lightweight, so you don’t feel like you’re dragging around something heavy.
Sizes: Men’s 3-14, Women’s 5-16 | Widths: Medium | Material: Foam
For a less sporty and more casual vibe, consider this option from Dockers. In addition to arch support, they have a memory foam sole that provides cushioning as you walk. The back strap helps lock your foot in place and flexible construction means they move with you, according to the brand. These sandals have deep treads for grip as you walk and come in three colors.
Sizes: 7-15 | Widths: Medium and wide | Material: Synthetic leather
These flip flops, which have a 4.3-star average rating from 8,901 reviews on Amazon, have a thick sole with good arch support and deep grooves on the bottom for traction, according to the brand. The footbed is contoured for additional comfort and the strap is padded to prevent rubbing and discomfort.
Sizes: 8-11 | Widths: Medium | Material: Textile upper, EVA foam bottom
These slides come in black or brown leather and have a polished vibe that gives your outfit a dressier vibe. The cushioned footbed feels plush, the sandals have arch support and the criss-cross leather design adds interest. These sandals also have grippy rubber soles for traction.
Sizes: 7-14 | Widths: Medium and wide | Material: Leather upper, rubber bottom
Wearing sandals without arch support for a short time probably won’t impact your feet much. But if you are walking long distances or standing for a good amount of time, wearing shoes without arch support can cause many issues. Foot pain and discomfort are probably the most common problems people may deal with if they don’t wear sandals with arch support, says Alvarez. Along with pain, Alvarez says that wearing sandals without arch support can lead to the following issues:
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed two podiatrists.
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