What to Buy Fitness Gear The 14 Best Sandals with Arch Support for 2023 The Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity sandals have contoured arch support and shock-absorbing technology By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a professional health and wellness writer with 9+ years of clinical healthcare knowledge. She uses her diverse medical background to write about mental health, chronic conditions, and medicine.Her writing focuses on brain health, cancer, CBD and cannabis, nutrition, diabetes, substance abuse, and medication education. She is passionate about providing scientifically accurate and easy-to-understand information to help people improve their overall health. She also enjoys writing buying guides and product reviews for readers. Her byline has appeared at Insider, SingleCare, diaTribe, SurvivorNet, InBody, and more.Behind the scenes, Lindsay works with corporate health and medical institutions to create SEO content strategies. She provides training and support to internal writers and marketing executives for health websites.Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Lindsay worked as a nurse in a variety of clinical settings, including cardiology and optometry. She also volunteers as a creative writer for A Kid Again, an organization that supports pediatric cancer patients and their families. Visit her website or LinkedIn to learn more. health's editorial guidelines Updated on December 10, 2022 Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, PT Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, PT Laura Campedelli, PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital. learn more Fact checked by Richard Scherr Fact checked by Richard Scherr Rich Scherr is an updates strategist and fact checker for Dotdash Meredith brands, including Health and Verywell. He is a seasoned financial and technology journalist who served as editor-in-chief of the Potomac Tech Wire for nearly two decades, and is a regular contributor to the sports pages of The Baltimore Sun. He has also been a news editor for America Online and has contributed to the Associated Press and The Washington Post. health's fact checking process Share Tweet Pin Email In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected What to Know About Sandals with Arch Support Your Questions, Answered Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Birkenstock Arch conditions like plantar fasciitis can be painful and debilitating, but the right pair of sandals may provide relief. Sandals with arch support work to distribute your weight evenly across your feet, to help ease pressure on the arches. They also often have features like contoured footbeds and cushioned midsoles to further reduce pain. When buying sandals for arch support, look for a style with good arch coverage and adjustability for the best fit. Often, a heel cup or strap can help keep your foot in place and prevent slippage. "Good arch support in sandals is key, as the quality of sandals without arch support can lead to increased demand of the foot ligaments and eventual strains and pains," Said Atway, DPM, a clinical associate professor of orthopaedics at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. "An arch support sandal can conform to the foot and function to support the arch and reduce risk of strains." We researched dozens of sandals with arch support and consulted with podiatrists to find the best options with contoured footbeds, cushioned midsoles, heel cups, and secure straps for optimal fit. These sandals can help with plantar fasciitis, overpronation, flat feet, and high arches—and they're comfortable enough to wear all day long. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity at Shoesensation.com Jump to Review Best Men’s: Crocs Classic Sandal at Crocs.com Jump to Review Best Women’s: Vionic Marvina at Dsw.com Jump to Review Best Walking: ECCO Women's Yucatan Sandal at Amazon Jump to Review Best Slip-on: Birkenstock Arizona at Zappos Jump to Review Best Dressy: Dansko Reece Sandals at Amazon Jump to Review Best Flat: Sole Malibu Flip at Yoursole.com Jump to Review Best Hiking: Hoka Hopara Sandals at Zappos Jump to Review Best Athletic: Oofos Sport Flex Sandal at Oofos.com Jump to Review Best Water: KEEN Women's Newport H2 Sandals at Amazon Jump to Review Best Overall Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity Skechers View On Shoesensation.com View On Skechers.com Why We Like It: The Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity features memory foam, which contours to your feet and provides cushioning, while the midsole has an extra layer of shock-absorbing material. It’s Worth Noting: These sandals may not be a great fit on those with narrow feet. Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity sandals provide excellent arch support and cushioning for all-day comfort. The memory foam contours to your feet, while the shock-absorbing midsole protects against impact. There are three adjustable straps for a secure fit, and the dual-density outsole provides traction and stability. These sandals are available in women's 6 to 11 and come in two widths—medium and wide. They're also machine washable, making them easy to keep clean. And if Affinity isn't your style, Skechers has several other Go Walk Arch Fit sandals and plenty of color options to suit your taste. Product Details: Women's sizes: 6 to 11Available Widths: Medium, wideUpper Material: Geo-woven meshInsole Material: Arch Fit contoured footbedOutsole Material: Dual-density material Price at time of publication: $70 Best Men’s Crocs Classic Sandal Crocs View On Crocs.com View On Shoecarnival.com Why We Like It: This classic Croc sandal is made from Croslite, a lightweight foam material that molds to your feet for a perfect fit. It’s Worth Noting: Unlike traditional Crocs, the sandal version lacks a heel strap for added security. The Crocs Classic Sandal is a lightweight, comfortable option for men who need a strong, yet lightweight sandal with arch support. The Croslite insole material molds to your feet, and the contoured footbed provides an impressive amount of support. Similar to a traditional Croc, this sandal has two upper straps for added security. The textured outsole provides traction and stability on wet and dry surfaces. The Crocs Classic Sandal is available in men's sizes 4 to 13 and in ten color options. Seven Jibbitz holes line the straps, allowing you to customize your sandals with Croc's line of charms. They're also flexible, easy to clean, and odor resistant—just hose them off and allow them to air dry. Product Details: Men’s sizes: 4 to 13Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: Croslite resinInsole Material: Croslite resinOutsole Material: Croslite resin Price at time of publication: $40 Best Women’s Vionic Marvina Sandal Vionic View On Dsw.com View On Vionicshoes.com Why We Like It: This strappy leather sandal has a supportive footbed that adjusts to the shape of your foot. It’s Worth Noting: The Vionic Marvina is only available in standard width and isn't adjustable, so a good initial fit is essential. The Vionic Marvina provides a comfortable, supportive fit for women who need arch support. The stylish leather upper can be dressed up or down, while the two straps ensure a secure fit. A microfiber-covered EVA footbed conforms to the shape of your foot and provides cushioning—and the rubber outsole is durable and provides traction on everyday terrain. Marvina is available in women's sizes 5 to 12 and in four color options: black, cream, macaroon, and poppy. They're also available in half sizes for a perfect fit. The manufacturer recommends wearing the sandals for a few hours the first few days to allow your feet to adjust to the support. The leather straps can be wiped down using a dry, cotton cloth. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 12Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: LeatherInsole Material: Microfiber-covered EVAOutsole Material: Rubber Price at time of publication: $140 Best Walking ECCO Women's Yucatan Sandal Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Nordstrom Why We Like It: The Ecco Yucatan Sandal has a soft yet supportive molded footbed that provides all-day walking comfort on any terrain. It’s Worth Noting: The microfiber footbed cover doesn't dry as fast as other materials. The Ecco Yucatan Sandal is a comfortable walking sandal that provides support and stability on any terrain—from rocky trails to city streets. Three adjustable leather straps ensure a secure fit and the molded EVA footbed conforms to the foot for a custom fit. The outsole is made from rubber, which provides a durable barrier. The Ecco Yucatan Sandal is available in women's sizes 5 to 12 and in nine color options. Men's styles are also available in sizes 6 to 16. They're also easy to clean—just use a damp cloth and allow them to air dry. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 12Men's sizes: 6 to 16Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: Leather with neoprene liningInsole Material: Molded EVAOutsole Material: Rubber Price at time of publication: $135 Best Slip-on Birkenstock Arizona Suede Birkenstock View On Zappos View On Birkenstock.com Why We Like It: The Birkenstock Arizona is a comfortable, slip-on sandal with adjustable straps for a customized fit. It’s Worth Noting: Leather requires more upkeep, such as regular protective treatments, to maintain its look. A popular style for men and women, the Birkenstock Arizona is a comfortable, slip-on sandal with two adjustable upper buckle straps. The contoured cork footbed adapts to the shape of your foot and provides support, while the EVA outsole is shock-absorbent and lightweight. The shaped heel cup, exceptional arch support, and raised toe grips help distribute weight across your feet for premium comfort. The Birkenstock Arizona is available in women's sizes 4 to 12 and in men's sizes 6 to 15. These sandals accommodate most foot shapes, with a narrow or regular/wide option. There are color selections for every occasion, with over 30 solid and patterned choices. And cleaning your Birkenstocks is simple: Just wipe them down with a damp cloth and treat the leather with Birkenstock's Water & Stain Repellent for extra protection. Product Details: Women's sizes: 4 to 12Men's sizes: 6 to 15Available Widths: Medium/narrow, Regular/wideUpper Material: SuedeInsole Material: Natural leatherOutsole Material: EVA Price at time of publication: $125 Best Dressy Dansko Reece Sandals Courtesy of Dansko View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Dansko.com Why We Like It: The molded memory foam footbed and cork insole of the Dansko Reece soothes your feet during any occasion. It’s Worth Noting: The adjustable strap doesn't offer as much adjustability as some of the other sandals on this list. The leather upper of the Dansko Reece looks great with dresses, skirts, and trousers—making it a versatile option for work or play. The molded memory foam footbed conforms to the shape of the foot for on-the-go comfort, while the cork insole provides support and absorbs shock. A durable rubber outsole offers traction and stability, whether you're walking on the street or dancing the night away. The Dansko Reece is available in women's sizes 5.5 to 12. There are also three color options: black, stone waxy burnished, and orange. These sandals also feature a toe loop for easy on and off and an adjustable back strap to fasten. They're also simple to care for—just wipe them down with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry. Leather cream can be used to keep the upper looking new. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5.5 to 12Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: LeatherInsole Material: Leather and memory foamOutsole Material: Rubber Price at time of publication: $125 Best Flat Sole Malibu Flip Sole View On Yoursole.com Why We Like It: These sustainable sandals feature a moldable orthopedic shape that supports pressure distribution and shock absorption. It’s Worth Noting: Flip-flop style sandals don't offer the same support as those with straps. Sustainable meets comfort in the Sole Laguna Flip. Using a combination of cork trimmings and recycled wine corks, these sandals are as eco-friendly as they are comfortable. The moldable orthopedic shape of the footbed provides support and distributes weight evenly, while the EVA outsole offers shock absorption. The Sole Laguna Flip is available in women's sizes 5 to 11 and men's sizes 7 to 14. They come in standard width only and are available in three colors: black, brown, and tan. Not only will you be comfortable in these sandals, but you can feel good knowing that you're supporting a sustainable product. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 11Men's sizes: 7 to 14Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: KnitInsole Material: CorkOutsole Material: EVA Price at time of publication: $89 Best Hiking Hoka Women's Hopara Sandals Hoka View On Zappos View On Nordstrom View On Hoka.com Why We Like It: These rugged hiking sandals protect your feet with just enough cushioning to make them comfy on the trail. It’s Worth Noting: The Hopara may not be suitable for overpronation—which causes the foot to roll inward excessively. Not every sandal is cut out for the rigorous demands of hiking, but the Hoka Hopara is up for the challenge. These sandals feature a synthetic upper for durability and breathability—and the midsole is made from EVA for added cushioning. The rubber outsole provides traction on any surface, whether trekking across a rocky creek bed or backpacking up a muddy trail. The Hoka Hopara is available in women's sizes 5 to 11 and men's sizes 7 to 14. They come in standard width only and are available in nine color options. With drainage ports throughout, a protective toe cap, and a quick-drying upper, these sandals are ready to take on any adventure—while catering to your arch support needs. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 11Men's sizes: 7 to 14Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: SyntheticInsole Material: EVAOutsole Material: Rubber Price at time of publication: $135 Best Athletic Oofos OOahh Sport Flex Sandal Oofos View On Oofos.com View On REI Why We Like It: This slide sandal caters to athletes seeking comfort and support after a workout. It’s Worth Noting: Those with excessively sweaty feet may find the lining of these sandals become slippery. Athletes know the importance of recovery after a workout, and the Oofos Sport Flex Sandal was designed with that in mind. Featuring a contoured footbed and an anatomically correct arch, the Sport Flex promotes the natural flexion of the foot you need to avoid injury. The foam footbed absorbs impact and relieves pressure on your feet, while the rubber outsole provides traction to reduce the risk of slips and falls. An adjustable upper strap ensures a secure, comfortable fit regardless of foot size. The Oofos Sport Flex Sandal is available in women's sizes 5 to 20 and men's sizes 3 to 18. They come in standard width only and are available in black, white, and navy. With a slip-resistant design and money-back guarantee, these sandals are the perfect addition to your workout bag. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 20Men's sizes: 3 to 18Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: OOfoam™Insole Material: OOfoam™Outsole Material: OOfoam™ Price at time of publication: $80 Best Water KEEN Women's Newport H2 Sandals 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Backcountry.com Why We Like It: This hybrid sandal can be worn in the water or on dry land. It’s Worth Noting: While machine washable, they must be air dried to avoid damaging the sandals. Water enthusiasts rejoice—the Keen Newport H2 is the perfect sandal for your needs. These sandals feature a quick-drying polyester upper and a hydrophobic foam footbed that drains water quickly. The rubber outsole delivers a strong grip on wet or dry surfaces, making them ideal for boating, fishing, and more. A 10-point fit system ensures a secure, comfortable fit using bungee lacing, while the toe bumper protects your feet from rough surfaces. The Keen Newport H2 is available in women's sizes 5 to 11 and men's sizes 7 to 17. They're also machine washable for easy cleaning. With an adjustable fit and a wide variety of color options, the Newport H2 is bound to become your go-to sandal for all your water adventures. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 11Men's sizes: 7 to 17Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: Polyester webbingInsole Material: EVAOutsole Material: Rubber Price at time of publication: $130 Best Slide Velous Laguna Slide Velous View On Velousfootwear.com Why We Like It: The patent pending Tri-Motion™ Technology promotes the natural motion of the foot. It’s Worth Noting: The unisex design may not fit everyone’s style preferences. Known for its recovery footwear, Velous makes a mean slide sandal. The Laguna Slide features a contoured footbed with arch support and a deep heel cup for stability. The EVA foam footbed absorbs shock and relieves pressure on your feet while stimulating blood flow with every step. Using Tri-Motion™ Technology, the three-part outsole flexes with your foot to reduce joint stress. The result is a sandal that supports the natural movement of your foot and provides all-day comfort. The Laguna Slide is available in women's sizes 6 to 17 and men's sizes 4 to 15. They come in standard width only and are available in light gray/white, black/dark gray, and navy/yellow. With a slip-resistant design and money-back guarantee, these slides will give your arches the support they need. Product Details: Women's sizes: 6 to 17Men's sizes: 4 to 15Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: Synthetic leather, perforated foam, and textile liningInsole Material: Triple density Foamotion Formula®Outsole Material: Triple density Foamotion Formula® Price at time of publication: $70 Best Platform Naot Vesta Sandal Naot View On Amazon View On Naot.com Why We Like It: The Vesta Sandal has just enough height without compromising comfort or support. It’s Worth Noting: While adjustable, the Vesta only comes in whole sizes and standard widths. The Naot Vesta Sandal is a terrific choice for those who need a little extra height. This sandal features a 1.5-inch heel platform that adds style and stability. The footbed is made of cork and latex to mold to your feet and provide support. The arch support helps to reduce fatigue, while the metatarsal pad relieves pressure on the ball of your foot. Perfect for everyday wear, the Vesta promotes better posture and alignment. The Naot Vesta Sandal is available in women's sizes 4 to 11 and in three color options: marigold leather, soft black leather, and kiss red leather. It features an adjustable hook-and-loop strap for a custom fit. With its stylish design and comfortable footbed, the Naot Vesta Sandal may become your preferred summer footwear. Product Details: Women's sizes: 4 to 11Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: LeatherInsole Material: Cork, latex, and suedeOutsole Material: Rubber Price at time of publication: $165 Best Adjustable Chaco Women's Z/1 Classic Sandals Amazon View On Amazon View On Chacos.com View On REI Why We Like It: This podiatrist-recommended sandal from Chaco is fully adjustable for a custom fit. It’s Worth Noting: The Z/1 lacks the toe strap found on the Z/2 sandal. The Chaco Z/1 Classic is a versatile sandal that pairs well with everything from shorts to dresses. It features Chaco's trademarked webbing system that wraps around your foot for a secure, comfortable fit. The webbing is fully adjustable, so you can customize the fit to your foot. The LUVSEAT™ footbed contours to your feet and provides support, while the ChacoGrip™ rubber outsole provides traction on any surface. Not only are these sandals comfortable, but they're also stylish. The Chaco Z/1 Classic is available in women's sizes 5 to 12 and men's sizes 7 to 12. Both standard and wide options are available. With an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, these sandals carry you through the day without sacrificing style or comfort. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 12Men's sizes: 7 to 12Available Widths: Standard and wideUpper Material: Polyester jacquard webbingInsole Material: LUVSEAT™ PUOutsole Material: ChacoGrip™ rubber Price at time of publication: $100 Best Casual Reef Ortho Woven Sandal Reef View On Amazon View On Reef.com Why We Like It: The supportive heel cup allows for all-day wear without fatigue. It’s Worth Noting: These woven sandals only come in whole sizes; size up if you're between sizes. Reef's Ortho Woven sandals feature a woven upper that is both stylish and breathable. The footbed features cushioning EVA foam, while the outsole consists of a durable rubber material. Whether headed to the beach or running errands, the arch support and fitted heel cup keep your feet stable while on the go. Reef's Ortho Woven sandals are available in women's sizes 5 to 11 in black/white and vintage white. With Reef's quality construction, these sandals will provide years of wear. And the one-year quality guarantee gives you peace of mind knowing your purchase is covered. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 11Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: Recycled PET webbing and vegan leatherInsole Material: EVA foamOutsole Material: Rubber Price at time of publication: $70 How We Selected We reviewed dozens of options before narrowing it down to the best arch support sandals on the market. We looked for features like adjustability, cushioning, and durability to find sandals that would provide all-day comfort without sacrificing style. Supportive features like heel cups and arch support were also taken into consideration.We also looked for sandals that would be versatile enough to wear with a variety of looks, from shorts to dresses. We consulted with podiatrists to get their professional recommendations on what to look for in a supportive sandal. Podiatrists we spoke to included: Zahava Robinson, DPM, and owner of Bondi Podiatry Said Atway, DPM, a clinical associate professor of orthopaedics at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Nelya Lobkova, DPM, and founder of Step Up Footcare in TriBeCa, NYC. With these factors in mind, we narrowed down our selection to the 14 best arch support sandals on the market. What to Know About Sandals with Arch Support Support "Arch support is critically important in sandals, especially for people with pain, dysfunction, and instability, '' says Zahava Robinson, DPM, and owner of Bondi Podiatry. "Although some people can wear sandals without arch support—and this may be beneficial as with the barefoot movement—it's more important to consider arch support." Sandals with arch support typically feature a raised arch or contoured footbed. This helps distribute your weight evenly and prevents foot fatigue. If you have high arches, look for sandals with extra arch support. And if you have flat feet, consider a sandal with a built-in orthotic. A heel cup may also be helpful, as it creates a pocket for your heel which promotes optimal foot health. It also reduces heel pain and agonizing blisters. Combining these features with a cushioned footbed creates a sandal that's comfortable for all-day wear. "When we wear sandals with a decent footbed, cushioned or platform outsole, and adjustable and flexible straps, we nurture the muscles and bones that we use in the walking cycle. This eliminates overuse injuries, such as metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot) and plantar fasciitis (heel pain)," explains Nelya Lobkova, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare in TriBeCa, NYC. "These are the two of the most common conditions associated with wearing uncomfortable and ill-fitted sandals," she adds. Sandals with adequate arch support help disperse your weight to avoid painful conditions from developing. Materials Most sandals have an upper made of breathable materials like fabric or leather. The footbed may consist of foam, cork, or an orthotic material. And the outsole should be made of durable, slip-resistant material—like rubber. "There is no best material for arch support. It depends on the degree of support required and the level of comfort," explains Robinson. "The firmer the material, the more support. However, this doesn't always translate to comfort." Robinson notes that some of the most well-known and loved arch support sandals use versatile materials that offer a high level of support and comfort. "Some wonderful materials available for arch support include cork seen in Naot and Birkenstock sandals, polypropylene used in orthotics, and leather with padding for breathability." Lobkova highlights the importance of finding sandals with a firm footbed. "When looking for a sandal with arch support, put your hand inside the insole. There should be a firm bump or elevation in the arch area (the midsection of the sandal)," she explains. "I recommend looking for an insole made from firm materials, such as PVC or cork." Shoe Styles The style of sandals you choose likely depends on personal preference. But there are a few that offer more support than others. Platform sandals and slide sandals typically have a thicker sole that helps distribute your weight evenly. And adjustable straps can provide a customized fit that helps prevent foot pain. "For heel-lovers, look for pumps with a platform under the ball of the foot. The platform acts as a shock absorber to decrease the stress on the ball of the foot, which can cause pain and soreness," explains Lobkova. "Look for a strap around the ankle or add a strap to your current summer sandals. The strap provides extra stability in the ankle and awareness that the ankle is supported, allowing you to wear heels for longer and minimize the chance of getting an ankle sprain." Lobkova also recommends avoiding sandals with thin soles and non-adjustable straps, as neither provides adequate support for the foot. Straps that can't be adjusted are more likely to rub and cause blisters. And sandals with thin soles offer little support which leads to foot pain. "There are plenty of options for summer shoe gear that the shoe industry has recognized as necessary to provide support and function without compromising style," adds Atway. “Shoes should be selected for the activity that is being performed, any areas of pain, and functionality." Your Questions, Answered Do podiatrists recommend Birkenstocks? Birkenstocks have many characteristics that podiatrists look for in a sandal, including a deep heel cup, adjustable strap, and firm footbed. The cork material used in Birkenstocks is also a plus, as it's both comfortable and supportive. However, arch support may look different for each person, so it's essential to consult with a podiatrist or another medical professional to find the best sandal for your foot type. What sandal has the most arch support? No one sandal has the most arch support. The amount of support you need depends on your foot type and any pain you might be experiencing. Some people prefer a firmer material for arch support, while others find more comfort in a softer material. It's important to consult with a podiatrist or another medical professional to find the best sandal for your needs. What types of sandals should people who need arch support avoid? Wearing proper shoes is important for people with foot pain, and several sandal styles can provide the support you need. According to Robinson, you should avoid wearing "flat sandals with a thin sole and minimal straps, particularly if it's flimsy and made of poor thin material.” Lobkova recommends avoiding sandals with thin soles and a single or non-adjustable strap. How much can I expect to pay for sandals with arch support? The prices of sandals with arch support vary depending on the brand and quality of materials used. The sandals on our list range in price from $40 to $140, with our top pick Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity costing $70. Who We Are As a nurse and public health professional, Lindsay Modglin is an experienced journalist who covers the rapidly evolving health and medical field. Her byline has been featured in global publications like Forbes, Insider, Verywell, and more. She enjoys researching and writing about the latest developments in health, wellness, and medical technology. Her goal is to help readers make actionable and informed decisions about the products and services they use to improve their lives. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit