Flip Flops Are Terrible for Your Feet—These Are the Best Podiatrist-Approved Pairs
Flip-flops are one of the most popular sandals for summer. From the pool to the beach to the farmer’s market, they make for easy and effortless style. There’s just one problem: Many flip-flop sandals can wreak havoc on the feet and cause tons of discomfort since they lack the support needed to properly cushion soles. With this in mind, we set out to find the best flip-flops that provide plenty of support and cushion so you can have your summer sandals without the aches and pains. From arch support sandals to memory foam flip-flops, we share the most comfortable women’s flip-flops, ahead.
- Michael Fishkin, certified pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists
- Miguel Cunha, DPM, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare
- Nelya Lobkova, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare
But, first, let’s make shopping a little bit easier and uncover what to look for in a flip-flop with arch support.
- 01Why flip flops can be bad for your feet
- 02Things to consider
- 03Are memory foam flip flops good for your feet?
- 04Should you wear flip flops with plantar fasciitis?
- 05Do flip flops make plantar fasciitis worse?
- 06How often should you wear flip flops?
- 07What to look for in a flip flop with arch support
- 08Best flip flops with arch support
Why are flip flops bad for your feet?
"Flip flops really are that bad," says Miguel Cunha, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare. "I typically encourage my patients to avoid wearing flip flops for prolonged periods of time because this particular shoe allows our foot to collapse, affecting our gait and posture, which can lead to a tremendous amount of stress not only to the foot but to the rest of the body."
Wearing flip flops messes with the distribution of weight and pressure across the foot, which creates problems all around. "This imbalance may increase the progression of underlying foot deformities, like bunions and hammertoes, and lead to painful conditions associated with excessive pronation such as arch and heel pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, posterior tibial tendonitis, and Achilles tendonitis," says Dr. Cunha. In addition to leaving your foot in pain, the imbalance can move upward in your body and screw with the balance of your knees, hips, and back.
And, since most flip flops offer no support for your foot, they can cause stress up the back of your heel (aka your Achilles tendon), and all that gripping with your toes can cause pain later on when you try to shove them into your sneakers or closed-toe slides. If you absolutely have to wear flip flops—and trust me, I'm right there with you—you should try to limit it to short periods of time. "They should also have at least some arch support, a cushioned sole, and supportive straps," says Dr. Cunha. "The best material for flip flops would be a sturdy rubber sole to avoid falls, and an antimicrobial foot bed can help you avoid getting fungus and warts."
Things to consider before buying comfortable women’s flip-flops
Arch support
Of course, when shopping for a comfortable shoe or sandal, you want to consider the amount of arch support and whether or not it is enough to make your feet feel comfortable and, well, supported. “Look for a comfortable arch support material that is not too soft and compressible, otherwise it might break down very quickly,” says Alissa Kuizinas, a board-certified podiatrist.
Design details
Once you find a pair with good arch support, Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist says that flip-flops with arch support should have some additional design details in order to ensure proper support. This includes “a cushioned footbed, a relatively deepened heel cup area, rubber outsole, and adequate traction on the outsole to prevent slippage.” It also helps to look for flip-flops that have added medial arch support as this can benefit the plantar fascia ligaments.
Straps
For extra reinforcement, Kuizinas says to look for flip-flops with straps “that are comfortable and do not chafe or irritate the top of your foot or between your toes.” This is important because the extra strap helps keep the sandal on the foot and that added strap allows you to walk without overcompensating for the lack of security. Sometimes, flip-flop sandals might slip off, too, so this helps prevent that from occurring.
Are memory foam flip flops good for your feet?
“Memory foam flip-flops are not ideal as they will compress underneath your foot and can make your foot less stable when you walk,” says Kuizinas. She explains that memory foam flip-flops are helpful as a recovery sandal and might offer some temporary comfort but she doesn’t recommend wearing them for long periods of time or doing a lot of walking in memory foam flip-flops since the compression and lack of stability could alter your gait in a negative manner.
Should you wear flip-flops with plantar fasciitis?
Kuizinas and Pinker both agree that wearing flip-flops with plantar fasciitis is a no-no. “This is because flip-flops cause your foot to walk in a different pattern than normal in order to keep the flip-flop on your foot,” Kuizinas explains. When we walk in flip-flops, we typically make up for the lack of stability by gripping the toes to bring the foot up, which Kuizinas says can cause problems with the muscles in the bottom of the foot that can accentuate plantar fasciitis symptoms.
With that said, Pinker says some flip-flop brands can offer relatively good support for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. These brands include FitFlop and Vionic, which are known for their arch support and overall comfortable sandal styles.
Do flip-flops make plantar fasciitis worse?
For the most part, flip-flops can make plantar fasciitis worse (especially if you don’t have a supportive sandal that offers adequate cushion, arch support, and perhaps even an avdditional strap for reinforcement). The reason for this is that the muscles in the foot “work harder to keep the shoe on your foot,” says Kuizinas. “The natural mechanisms within the foot are not able to function properly and can lead to decreased shock absorption and more impact on the heel, thus worsening the symptoms.”
How often should you wear flip flops?
Flip flops are generally flimsy open shoes that should not be worn for long durations. "Flip flops cause excessive motion in the heel, decreasing stability and overuse of the tendons in the toes. Nonetheless, flip flops easily come on and off making them a good selection for poolside, beachside, or just cabana-side use," says NYC Podiatrist Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM at Step Up Footcare.
Michael Fishkin, a Certified Pedorthist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, echoes the statement that flip flops should be transitional footwear. "If you are leaving the gym, going to the car, driving home and so forth, then flip flops are fine." But, he adds "flip flops can exacerbate back pain. They can induce instability. And I don't really recommend flip flops to be used for a lot of people, but there are some flip flops that do have excellent arch support to them, like Spenco."
What to look for in a flip flop with arch support
What makes a good flip-flop could be attributed to a few factors, most notably the footbed, says Lobkova. A footbed that is ergonomic and has an arch support such as in a Birkenstock makes the flip-flop comfortable and able to be worn for prolonged periods of time. When looking for a flip flop with an arch support, Lobkova recommends to put your hand inside the insole of the flip flop. "There should be a firm bump or elevation in the arch area (midsection of the flip flop)," she says. "I emphasize firm because some flip flops are soft and use memory foam, which collapses when you stand on them thus providing minimal to no actual arch support. The upper of the flip-flop is essentially the straps, their placement and material." In addition, your flip-flops should not be too stiff or too soft, so you're not gripping the toes or cutting off at the skin.
Read on for the best flip flops with arch support that won't mess with your feet—or the rest of your body—for the rest of quarantine and beyond.
Best flip flops with arch support
These flippers have earned themselves a seal of acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association (AMPA), so you know they’re the real deal as far as support goes, especially if you’re looking for flip flops for flat feet. “These sandals are lightweight and have a flexible EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) footbed which absorbs shock, reducing stress on feet, ankles, and knees,” says Dr. Cunha. Plus, they’ve got a little bit of lift, which means they can technically count as high-heels for your more formal flip flop-wearing scenarios.
Materials: EVA, microfiber
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-12
Colors: Teal, rose, mustard yellow, white floral, black tropical floral, gold cork, rose gold, brown embossed, black embossed, blue ribbon embossed, orange tile, mint tile, black tile, white tile, silver, black
Width: Narrow, wide, regular
Pros:
- They have a curved footbed for high arch support.
- The sandal comes in three different widths.
- They are specifically designed for those with plantar fasciitis.
Cons:
- Not waterproof.
Birkenstocks are back in a major way, and they will work wonders for your feet in flip-flop form. “These are modeled on the cork sandal and their footbed will offer the same comfort and arch support you would expect from Birkenstock,” says Dr. Cunha. “These flip flops are also ultra-lightweight, highly flexible, shock-absorbent, waterproof, and skin-friendly.” The flip flop strap placement is also superior to a standard thong flip-flop for stabilizing the ankle and heel, says Lobkova. Plus, they come in all kinds of fun colors—from dusty blue to glamour gold—which means you can pick a pair to go with every outfit.
Materials: EVA
Sizes Available: Women’s 4-12.5
Colors: Black, metallic black, white, orange
Width: Regular/wide
Pros:
- They feature a strap around the foot for added support.
- They are waterproof, which adds to their versatility.
- These sandals are super lightweight which adds to the comfort factor when walking.
Cons:
- These flip-flop sandals only come in one width.
Similar to the Birkenstock sandals, these Merrell sandals feature an extra strap around the foot for added reinforcement and stability when walking. The insole is also contoured for arch support (and lined to prevent odors) and they’re made from recycled materials. These flip-flops with arch support also feature a lightweight EVA midsole, which can provide lasting comfort and stability without the heavy sensation that often comes with rubber roles. Additionally, they’re designed for outdoor wear, making them a fantastic pair of flip-flops for camping, hanging by the lake, boating, and more.
Materials: Recycled microfiber, nylon, EVA, recycled TPR
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-12
Colors: Burgundy, olive, moon, navy
Width: Medium, wide
Pros:
- We love that these sandals are constructed from recycled materials.
- They come in two different widths, making them more size-inclusive.
- They feature straps around the foot and toe for additional support.
Cons:
- They might be a little too outdoorsy or casual for some styles.
These OOfos Sandals are designed with the brand’s OOfoam technology, which is a closed-cell foam that can not only absorb 37 percent more impact than other flip-flops but also minimizes odor and is machine washable. Additionally, the added comfort not only supports the soles and arches but also helps reduce stress on the knees and ankles which isn’t typically the case when wearing flip-flops. We love these sandals as an alternative to EVA molded styles as they have that same sleek look with even more support and flexibility.
Materials: Closed-cell foam
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-16
Colors: Water drop, slate, neptune blue, nomad, black
Width: Regular
Pros:
- These sandals feature a footbed designed to reduce stress on the joints.
- They are constructed from a lightweight foam material that absorbs 37% more impact compared to other flip-flops.
- The straps stretch a little longer on the sides, which adds security and stability when walking.
Cons:
- We wish these sandals came in different widths for size inclusivity.
HOKA sneakers are one of the top podiatrist-recommended shoes for foot support—and the brand’s Ora Recovery Flip sandal boasts similar noteworthy features and comfort. These sandals have a jersey textile strap that doesn’t dig into the skin and cause discomfort and blistering and a meta-rocker sole to provide comfort and support with every step. They also have a lightweight EVA footbed that provides lots of flexibility and doesn’t make you feel like you have clunky sandals on, despite their chunky design. And, to top things off, they come with an American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.
Materials: EVA
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-11
Colors: Black, diva blue, impala/coastal sky, mint green, violet, mauve, fiesta, light blue and yellow
Width: Regular
Pros:
- We love their trendy chunky design which, despite how it looks, is actually super lightweight thanks to an EVA footbed.
- They have an American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.
- Despite not being available in different widths, these are an excellent option for those with wide soles.
Cons:
- They have some height to them, which might not be ideal for some.
With arch support and a deep cup heel, these Spenco Yumi Sandals—which you can score on Amazon—are great for the pool or after a workout. The sandals are constructed with a lightweight EVA sole and comfortable textile uppers that provide lasting comfort. But, what makes these arch-support flip-flops really stand out is the fact that Spenco (which sells over-the-counter insoles) builds their arch-support technology into the flip bed of the sandal.
Materials: EVA, synthetic textiles
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-11
Colors: Cream, red
Width: Regular
Pros:
- They’re constructed with arch support for lasting comfort.
- They have a deep heel cup for added comfort.
Cons:
- They don’t come in different widths for more inclusive sizing.
- We wish they were available in more colors.
It’s no secret that Birkenstocks are some of the most comfortable shoes around—and their Mayari sandals are no exception. We love these comfortable flip-flops because they feature a firm footbed that boasts lots of stability and allows the toes to stretch out for optimal movement and blood flow. The sandals also feature extra straps that wrap around the foot and have buckles for adjustability, which makes them more secure and stable on the soles.
Materials: Leather, cork, suede, EVA
Sizes Available: Women’s 4-12.5
Colors: Mocha brown, black, metallic white, gold, stone, white, lavender, silver
Width: Narrow, regular
Pros:
- These Birkenstock sandals feature additional and adjustable straps for better stability.
- They are constructed with lots of traction on the soles.
- They come in narrow and regular widths.
- We love that the soles have a natural curve that provides arch support.
Cons:
- These flip-flops aren’t waterproof.
Looking for a twist on your classic Tevas? Fishkin says Teva generally has supportive flip-flops, but to look for sandals that have a strap over the top of the foot — such as the Olowahu Flip-Flop — for more stability. In addition to their strappy design, we love these comfortable flip-flops because they feature a quick-drying material made from recycled plastic and they have a comfortable and durable rubber sole, making them an excellent sandal for the pool, lake, or even the beach.
Materials: Recycled plastic water bottles, rubber
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-12
Colors: Antiguous birch, antiguos red, felicitas black, flower loom navy, flower loom yellow, Himalaya black, mixed B maple sugar multi, mixed B wind multi, palms black and white, palms indigo, palms indigo and rose violet, retro geometric multi, retro geometric neutral, retro geometric pink, black on black, Himalaya lapis, waterfall and antique gold, safari ribbon gray mist, antiguous gray, falls blue indigo, felicitas B black, falls twilight mauve, lindi blue
Width: Regular
Pros:
- We love that the strappy design wraps around the foot for extra support.
- These sandals are made from quick-drying recycled materials.
- They come in lots of different colors.
Cons:
- The soles don’t have a ton of traction (however, the rubber material still provides stability).
- They don’t come in different widths.
If you love the look of a classic flip-flop sandal but need some extra support, we love the Chaco Classic Flip, which is constructed with comfortable polyester straps that don’t cause feet to blister, a LUVSEAT™ for long-lasting comfort, and the brand’s ChacoGrip™ rubber compound for excellent traction. These classic flip-flops feature a naturally-shaped curve in the footbed which allows for additional cushion and support for high arches, plus they’re water-friendly so you can wear them to the pool, beach, or lake.
Materials: Polyester, LUVSEAT™, ChacoGrip™
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-12
Colors: Black and white, navy, scoop clay, solid black
Width: Medium
Pros:
- They are constructed with the brand’s ChacoGrip™ rubber compound for excellent traction.
- We love that they have a traditional flip-flop style with added support.
- The straps are made from comfortable polyester that won’t cause blistering.
Cons:
- We wish it came in more than one width for inclusive sizing.
Another flip flop with the AMPA seal, the FitFlop Lulu has a biomechanically engineered, ergonomic footbed with a firm cushion under the heel, medium under the toes, and soft under the midfoot. The wide straps sit more comfortably on top of the foot, too, making them more stable on the soles and allowing for proper gait when walking. We love that these shoes also feature some platform, making them an excellent versatile option for the summer season.
Materials: Leather, EVA
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-11
Colors: White, black, cool blue, deepest blue, silver, light tan, rose gold, stone beige.
Width: Medium
Pros:
- They have an American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.
- The straps feature a wide design that sits a little farther up on the foot for added stability.
- The footbed boasts an ergonomic design for support and comfort.
Cons:
- The platform style might be a little too tall for some.
Another pair with a classic flip-flop silhouette, the Chaco Chillos Flip sandals are supportive and lightweight with a corrective footbed that adds extra comfort. The sandals are also designed with an EVA footbed for lightweight and flexible wear which also helps create a soft cushioning, too. And, the best part (aside from all of the comfort factors, of course)? They’re water-resistant, making them an excellent sandal style for the pool, beach, and lake.
Materials: Textile, synthetic outsole
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-11
Colors: Tube breeze lilac, tube breeze teal, tube black, dark tie-dye
Width: Medium
Pros:
- They boast a corrective footbed that provides long-lasting comfort.
- We love the classic flip-flop look with an arch support spin.
- These sandals are water-resistant so they’re a great option for the beach, pool, and lake.
Cons:
- We wish they came in different widths.
- We’d love to see more color options.
Another FitFlop shoe we love, these Surfa sandals are designed with an ergonomic footbed that provides good support and long-lasting comfort. The straps are constructed from a breathable microfiber material and their thicker design helps make the arch support flip-flops more stable on the feet, too. On top of that, the sandals have a non-slip sole with a little bit of platform which provides a little extra cushioning, stability, and comfort.
Materials: Microfiber, EVA
Sizes Available: Women’s 5-11
Colors: Black, black mix, midnight navy, pewter mix, stone beige mix, pink salt pink
Width: Medium
Pros:
- We love that the wide strap adds stability to the design.
- The soles boast an ergonomic design for added support and comfort.
- They boast a breathable microfiber strap that is perfect for hot summer days.
Cons:
- The platform might be a little too tall for some preferences.
Feet bothering you from the flip flops you've been wearing around the house the last few months? These foot-focused stretches can help:
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