13 Orthopedic Sandals You Probably Wouldn’t Guess Are Actually Orthopedic

Built with medical-grade, biomechanical support, Birkenstocks are the original orthopedic shoe, according to Dr. Javed. The sandals are designed with feet in mind: the sandals boast built-in arch support and a heel cup that cradles your feet, while offering support and cushion. Made of natural cork, latex, and suede, the sole provides rigidity to help with push-off and helps lessen the load of the big toe when walking, notes Dr. Oldani. They’re comfortable when worn for hours on end, all while promoting proper foot health and overall well-being.

Sizes available: 4-12.5, in half sizes and two widths

Colors: 2

Fit: Runs small, it’s recommended to size up

If you’re looking for a sandal that affords you a little heel without leaving you in aching pain immediately after you take them off, consider this pair from NAOT. These sandals received the Seal of Approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health and providing the support of an orthopedic sandal with the look of a dress sandal.

“They have the classic Naot cork and latex foot bed that is supportive through the arch and absorbs shock under the ball of the foot,” says Dr. Oldani. “They also have a suede foot bed that conforms to your foot more with each use.” Another great feature that he loves is the deep heel cup, which he says helps provide added stability.

Sizes available: 4-13

Colors: 24

Fit: Narrow to medium, true to size

Here’s a pair of sandals that you can basically do anything while wearing—even light exercise, thanks to their excellent shock absorption and support through the arch. Their rubberized insole is a feature that shouldn’t be taken lightly, as it helps maintain stability and promotes proper foot health, notes Dr. Oldani. He’s a big fan of their toe-loop design that keeps them secure to the foot and can allow for all day use. “Chacos also have an extremely durable outer sole that is similar to that found in a tennis shoe,” he adds.

Sizes available: 5-15, in half sizes and two widths

Colors: 13

Fit: Adjustable fit (thanks to straps), so good for narrow, medium, and wide feet. True to size.

These are technically men’s sandals, but you’re allowed to wear whatever shoe you want. This “Dad” sandal’s claim to fame is its air-cooled memory foam, which not only keeps your feet from overheating—thanks to an increase in breathability—but also molds to your actual foot shape to promote all-day comfort. The heel is also 1.25″, which is not too high, but not too close to the ground either. 

Sizes available: 7-16, in two widths

Colors: 4

Fit: Adjustable fit (thanks to straps), so good for narrow, medium, and wide feet. True to size (if you normally use women’s sizing, make sure to convert in order to find your true size).

Dr. Oldani likes to recommend this pair of orthopedic sandals to all his patients, but especially those with a history of flat feet and plantar fasciitis, thanks to their robust heel that helps reduce arch instability. He also appreciates the fact that they come with an orthotic insole, which he says can help limit pronation, or flattening of the arch, with walking. “They also incorporate a mild rocker design into the sole, which helps to lessen strain on joints with walking,” he adds.

Sizes available: 5-12, in half sizes and two widths

Colors: 2

Fit: Standard and wide

Let the foot aches slip off of your feet with Vionic’s Slide Sandal. With the dual-density cushioning, these sandals offer comfort, support, and stability with each step. They also have a textured footbed, which Dr. Sutera says it offers massaging relief. You can wear these at home, when you’re out and about, or just to relax after a workout. 

Sizes available: 5-13

Colors: 6 

Fit: Has adjustable strap

You may have seen people wearing these ever-popular orthopedic sandals (Jennifer Lawrence is a big fan!) and have wondered what they’re all about. Just like the Vionic pair we shared above, these are recovery sandals, which mean they’re designed to take pressure and pain away from your feet. They’re made with the brand’s proprietary OOfoam™ technology, which helps absorb 37 percent more impact than a traditional pair of foam footwear. Their patented footbed also helps provide added stability and arch support.

Sizes available: 5-16

Colors: 8

Fit: Medium, true to size

You can’t get a better deal for a designer pair of sandals than this one. Cole Haan’s 4.ZeroGrand All Day Slide Sandals features a lightweight sole that provides ample comfort for all-day wear along with a slotted pattern that works almost like a vent to allow airflow and full range of motion. Just an FYI: These are men’s sandals, so be sure to convert to your size if you normally use women’s shoe sizing.

Colorways: 10

Fit: Medium, some reviews say it runs large (you can order two sizes and return the one you don’t need)

One look at this pair of sandals and there’s no way you’d think they were orthopedic, let alone comfortable. With their 2.5″ and elegant ankle bow, they’re the perfect pair of shoes to wear to everything from a wedding to Sunday brunch. They’re made with a dual-density EVA midsole and a Raffia-wrapped midsole, which provides ample stability and shock absorption. Their ankle strap also helps secure the foot.

Sizes available: 6-11, in half sizes

Colorways: 3

Fit: Medium, true to size

Here’s another recovery slide that is definitely worth trying on at the very least. They feature an oversized midsole that offers ample comfort, along with their Meta-Rocker geometry shape that lets your foot slide right in and out while providing full stability during your wear session.

Sizes: 5-16

Colors: 20

Fit: Medium to wide. Unisex.

This brand of orthopedic shoes naturally has some of the best pairs of orthopedic sandals, and we’d be remiss not to mention this stylish and functional pair. It features Orthofeet’s premium orthotic insoles that have anatomical arch support and even an arch booster to help reduce the discomfort associated with a myriad of foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis. The straps are fully adjustable, so you can fully customize the fit to your liking.

Sizes: 5-12, in half sizes and three widths

Colors: 4

Fit: Standard, wide, extra wide. True to size

We love the look of this sandal, which you can easily dress up or down. They’re designed with comfort and foot health in mind, featuring a lightweight and cushioned insole, and microfiber lining that doesn’t irritate the feet. We also really love the strappy design, which fastens your feet to the shoe so they don’t slip around.

Sizes available: 6-11, in half sizes

Colors: 2

Fit: Medium, true to size

There’s nothing that reads “quiet luxury” more so than Message’s Mullen Slide. If you’ve got the money to splurge, these elevated slides deliver style, comfort, and quality. The footbed is made of sustainable cork, which is water-, sweat-, and odor-resistant. And these sandals can’t do no wrong with the built-in arch support, which helps the foot to maintain natural alignment during movement. Our editorial commerce director Gina Vaynshteyn, who tested these sandals for an entire summer, sings her praises for these sandals, saying “the hugflex is made of a move-with-you stretch material that truly did hug my feet as I walked.” At $160 a pop, they’re pricey, but well-worth the investment. 

Read our full Message Sandal review here

Sizes: 36-46

Colors: 4

Fit: Flexible 

If you’re looking for a supportive sandal for walks or everyday wear, look no further than Kuru. The brand’s Glide sandals are constructed with a contoured insole that provides long-lasting comfort and support. The deep heel cup is another nice feature, as it absorbs shock. Even more, the sandals boast a rubber outsole that offers traction, so you can step safe and sound. 

Sizes: 5-10

Colors: 3 

Fit: Adjustable