Yes, Supportive Flip Flops for Flat Feet Exist—These Are the 10 Best Options, According to Podiatrists
Like Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff, summer and flip flops are a can’t-go-wrong pairing. They protect your feet from hot sand and gravel while letting your dogs breathe, making them well suited for the beach, the pool, and 95-degree afternoons. While there’s no denying that flip flops are the ideal summer footwear, the bad news is that most flip flops are bad for your feet, and that’s particularly true if you have flat feet.
The good news: Not all such options will lead to discomfort. To help you find the best flip flops for flat feet, I spoke to Brad Schaeffer, DPM, board-certified foot surgeon at Sole Podiatry in New York City. According to Dr. Schaeffer, you’ll ideally want to look for a pair that combines ample cushioning and arch support. There are a wide variety of options available that tick all of Dr. Schaeffer’s boxes, and then some. Below, find 10 of the best podiatrist-approved flip flops that you can comfortably wear throughout the summer season. You and your feet can thank me later.
- Brad Schaeffer, DPM, board-certified foot surgeon at Sole Podiatry NYC and star of TLC’s My Feet Are Killing Me
- Miguel Cunha, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare
- Najwa Javed Mohammad, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and founder of E’Mar
- Suzanne Fuchs, DPM, board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon at Luxe Podiatry
Best flip flops for flat feet, at a glance
- Best memory foam flip flops: Rainbow Sandals, $64
- Most supportive: Birkenstock Honolulu Flip Flop, $35
- Best design features: Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal, $90
- Best shock absorption: Oofos Ooriginal Sandal, $56
- Best budget: Clarks Breeze Sea Flip Flops, $31
- Best for daily wear: FitFlop iQushion Ergonomic Flip Flops, $38
- Best for recovery: Hoka Recovery Flip, $60
- Most stylish: OluKai ‘Ohana Sandals, $75
- Best wedge flip flops: Aerothotic Orthotic Flip Flops, $39
- Most secure fit: Orthofeet Gaya Sandals, $100
Are flip flops ideal for people with flat feet?
Flip flops aren’t ideal for people with flat feet or most folks, for that matter. According to Miguel Cunha, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare, in a previous Well+Good interview: “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.”
However, you don’t have to avoid flip flops altogether—you may just want to limit wear. “If you love flip flops, then wear them on occasion,” says Dr. Schaeffer, but he doesn’t suggest slipping into a pair if you have any foot pain. What you want is a shoe that offers the optimal amount of support and stability, neither of which even the best flip flops can provide.
What to consider when choosing flip flops for flat feet
Flat feet, or fallen arches, is a condition when “the sole of the foot comes into full or almost-full contact with the ground,” Suzanne Fuchs, DPM, board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon, told Well+Good. This condition can cause strain in the foot’s arch, which, in turn, can lead to pain in your knees, hips, and back. As such, when shopping for shoes for flat feet, including flip flops, it’s important to look for adequate arch support, says Dr. Schaeffer.
Additionally, Dr. Schaeffer suggests looking for flip flops with comfort features, among which include a padded insole to cushion your feet while you walk and minimize the impact of each step. Similarly, if your straps are cutting into your skin, it can cause discomfort. Some of the options I’ve included in the list below feature adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit, or straps that are made from soft materials to prevent chafing. And because flat feet can lead to plantar fasciitis, which causes pain at the bottom of your heel, you may also benefit from a shoe with a solid heel cup to stabilize the foot and minimize pressure.
Beyond these considerations, your choice comes down to your preferences. Whether you want flip-flops for short walks and beachside vacations, or a more fashion-forward silhouette that combines style and comfort in equal measure, you’re likely to find a pair (or two) that is well-suited for you and your lifestyle.
With all of this mind, these are the 10 best flops for flat feet.
Shop the best flip flops for flat feet
The Rainbow Sandals are one of Dr. Schaeffer’s favorite leather flip flops for people with flat feet. The pair features memory foam that molds to the shape of your feet and offers arch support, in addition to a rubber outsole for durability and added traction. Altogether, it provides exceptional comfort and relief from fallen arches.
Sizes: Women’s 5.5-11
Colors: 11
Material: Leather, rubber
Pros:
- Supportive memory foam footbed
- Slip-resistant rubber bottom
- Wide straps
Cons:
- Doesn’t feature deep heel cups
Another favorite of Dr. Schaeffer, these Birkenstock flip flops are unlike your standard pair. These feature a raised toe bar and a deep heel cup to keep you steady on your feet, in addition to not one but two types of arch support—both directly under the instep and along the side walls. They’re waterproof too, making them ideal for the pool or the beach.
Sizes: Women’s 4-12.5, including select wide sizes
Colors: 2
Material: EVA
Pros:
- Features two types of arch support
- Designed with a deep heel cup
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Limited color options
Vionic is known for making supportive footwear—and these flip flops are one of them. These APMA-approved slippers are designed with an orthotic insole and deep heel cup to provide comfortable arch support and stability. Meanwhile, the TPR outsole offers traction that’s ready for trips outdoors, and the straps feature foam liners to prevent rubbing or chafing.
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Colors: 6
Material: Leather, textile
Pros:
- Received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
- Designed with orthotic insoles and deep heel cup
- Features foam-lined straps to prevent chafing
Cons:
- Initial break-in period
Oofos Oorginal Sandals offer an incredible amount of comfort and support—so much so, they are endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). The slippers feature a footbed that cradles your arches to reduce stress on your feet, knees, hips, and back, and claims to absorb 37 percent more impact than standard foam footwear. A bonus: They’re machine washable.
Sizes: Women’s 5-18
Colors: 14
Material: OOfoam
Pros:
- Received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
- Purported to absorb 37 percent more impact than standard footwear
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Runs small
These Clarks flip flops feature a lightly contoured footbed that provides an ideal amount of support, as well as TPR outsole for traction, making them lightweight, sturdy, and comfortable. The pair’s adjustable Velcro straps also allow you to tighten or loosen them accordingly to offer you a customized fit. What’s more, these comfy slippers come in dozens of different colors, ranging from classic neutrals to brights.
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Colors: 55
Material: EVA, synthetic fabric
Pros:
- Most affordable option featured on the list
- Fitted with Velcro strap for secure fit
- Wide variety of color options
Cons:
- It’s not as durable as other options
FitFlop’s iQushion Flip Flops are beloved byWell+Good’s previous commerce editor Gina Vaynshetyn. Vaynshetyn wrote, “These rubber flip-flops are easily one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes—let alone sandals—I’ve ever worn.” They also offer plenty of support, too: “As someone who needs major arch support, I was excited that the iQushion flip flops feature a contoured arch that continuously gives you support and feels like it was custom-made just for you,” she adds. “Plus, the impact pillows in the front and back absorb any kind of shock (and this really prevents any kind of pain you might feel even after walking on pavement, or any kind of hard and unforgiving surface all day).”
Sizes: Women’s 5-11
Colors: 7
Material: EVA, rubber
Pros:
- Lightweight yet supportive design
- Provides anatomical arch support
Cons:
- Rubber toe post might lead to discomfort among some people
Hoka makes some of the most comfortable footwear on the market, and these flip flops are no exception. With a rocker-bottom sole to ease you through each step and a thick EVA midsole for reinforced support, Najwa Javed Mohammad, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and founder of E’Mar, proclaimed they will make you“feel like you’re walking on clouds.” Like many of Hoka’s shoes, these flip flops also have the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Sizes: Women’s 5-11
Colors: 6
Material: EVA
Pros:
- Received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
- Features comfortable arch support and deep heel cups
- Jersey textile straps wick away moisture and prevent chafing
Cons:
- Might be too bulky for some people
These flip flops from OluKai come with cushioned insoles to provide comfort and support, and a waterproof rubber outsole that offers traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Plus, the straps are fitted with a fast-drying jersey knit lining and soft nylon toe posts to make chafing a thing of the past. The pair’s streamlined silhouette also makes them versatile enough to wear daily.
Sizes: Women’s 5-12
Colors: 14
Material: Rubber
Pros:
- Cushioned insoles
- Waterproof and slip-resistant rubber outsoles
- Straps are fitted with jersey knit lining and soft toe posts to prevent chafing
Cons:
- Straps might be too loose-fitting for people with narrow feet
These flip flops come with a Seal of Approval from APMA, and for good reason. It combines a contoured footbed made from polyurethane foam and a deep heel cup that keeps steady on your feet. What’s more, the outsoles provide grip on unsteady terrain, while the cushion-lined straps add to the pleasure of wearing them on your feet.
Sizes: Women’s 6-11
Colors: 18
Material: Polyurethane, faux leather
Pros:
- Received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
- Features a contoured footbed with deep heel cups
- Fitted with cushion-lined straps to maximize comfort
Cons:
- Limited size options compared to others featured on the list
Originally $130, now $100
These Orthofeet flip flops will keep your feet comfortable and secure, no matter where the day takes you. They feature a Velcro strap across the instep with orthotic insoles made from foam to cushion every step. Padded straps add to the comfort, while the rubber outsole is extra grippy to prevent you from slipping and sliding while wearing the shoes.
Sizes: Women’s 5-12, with select wide sizes
Colors: 3
Material: Not specified
Pros:
- Designed with orthotic insoles
- Features padded straps
- Fitted with a Velcro strap across the instep to maximize stability
Cons:
- Pricey
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