What better shoe to accompany you to the end of spring and through summer than a good old-fashioned flip-flop? Not only does this somewhat divisive style of shoe serve many practical purposes, but it’s surprisingly stylish and on trend at the moment, with major fashion houses selling their own variation on the theme at wildly inflated prices.
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While it may be tempting to keep wearing your go-to $5 pair every summer, those super-thin PVC sandals may be doing your feet more harm than good. Flimsy flip-flops don’t provide the proper foot support you need, especially if you have high arches, and can actually make any current foot conditions you have worse — or cause new ones. (In fact, if you belong to the community of arched feet, you may already avoid flip-flops for their notorious lack of support.)
However, there are several options that actually do offer comfort and relief while you wear them.
Dr. Chanel J. Perkins, a board-certified podiatrist based in Texas, told HuffPost that the best kind of flip-flop for people with high arches is one that has a good height in the arch area and a cushioned footbed.
“If it folds in half like a soft taco, it’s certainly not going to have the support you might need if you have high arches. The footbed should match the shape of your foot,” she said. “You want the flip-flop to contour closely to your foot type, so a high arched foot requires a flip-flop with adequate arch support.”
To get your feet ready for your last vacation before summer’s over, we asked Perkins to provide her recommendations for flippies that won’t flop when it comes to supporting your feet, and added a few other editor-approved options to the list, based on expert advice.
A pair of designer lookalikes for a fraction of the price
Uribe has been eyeing these flip-flops since Prime Day and regretted not snagging them while they were on sale. She said, “Luckily, the price is pretty fantastic year-round, and I picked them up a few weeks back. True to the brand’s name, these Project Cloud flip-flops feel like walking on air. They’re surprisingly supportive, stylish and look much more expensive than they are. They’re available in a wide range of colors but I got them in solid black and have been living in them.”
A lesser-known Birkenstock sandal: the Honolulu flip-flop
The name and comfortable nature of this shoe might make your feet feel like they’re actually in Hawaii. With a sporty appearance and contours similar to Birkenstock’s classic cork sandal, this lightweight thong flip-flop is perfect for pool days, thanks to its waterproof EVA foam construction. The footbed is made from soft flexible materials, making each step you take feel cushioned and secure. It’s available in four colors, and comes in women’s 5-12.5 and men’s 6-11.5
Promising review: “Great fit and so comfortable. I think these are the most supportive flip flops I have owed. I will be living in these all summer.” — Samantha H.
A pair of Oofos sandals that are just as cushy as the brand’s other popular offerings
Available in classic black, this flip-flop from Oofos is a worthy addition to your vacation. The foam sole absorbs a significant amount of impact as you step, reducing the stress placed on your feet, joints and back. The design also supports your arches so you aren’t limping five minutes after putting them on. The shoes are available in women’s 5-11 and are machine washable.
The recovery shoe brand, Oofos, has been suggested to us by experts several times. It offers a large selection of sandals, clogs and sneakers made from a proprietary foam material that’s designed to absorb shock, reduce strain on joints and assist with active recovery.
Promising review: “Oofos sandles are the only shoes I can wear that provide the right amount of support and cushion. These shoes are great for anyone suffering from severe neuropathy in their feet. These shoes have made a tremendous difference in my ability to stand on my feet.” — Tara W.
A pair of toe post sandals from a HuffPost reader-beloved brand
These comfy Vionic shoes have a podiatrist-designed footbed. They’re designed with targeted comfort zones that promote stability and they even provide relief for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions and heel spurs. The contoured arch, cushioned insole and deep-seated heel cup will keep your feet supported and comfortable all day. The shoe is available in multiple colors in women’s 5-12 and men’s 7-14.
Promising review: “I needed flip flops for the beach and since I have plantar fasciitis I can’t wear any old pair like I used to. I bought this Vionic sandal and hands down it is the most comfortable flip flop I’ve ever worn…and quite possibly the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. The arch support is amazing and I love how sturdy the shoe is overall. It looks very cute and summer on my foot and the style goes with so much of my summer clothes. And best of all NO PAIN. Buy these. Do it now. You won’t regret it.” — Christina
A pair of Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor sandals
With their iconic cork footbed and buckle straps, Birkenstocks are a must-have in any sandal collection — and this one comes in a thong flip-flop style. The sole contours to the shape of your feet, providing supportive cushion and comfort. It also has a deep heel cup to aid in distributing your body weight evenly. It comes in women’s 4-11.5 and in multiple colors.
Promising review: “This is my second pair of Gizehs — my first was bought in 2001 and I wore them out! I have wide feet and short toes, normally wear a 7-1/2 or 8 but they ran almost an inch long in the heel so ordered one size smaller and they were a perfect fit. If you’re not used to wearing thongs it will take a few days to get used to. After that, they’re perfect. Feel great, the adjustable snug fit keeps them from making that flop sound and they stay on even when doing a high kick!” — Leita C
A pair of editor-approved Rainbow flip flops
HuffPost shopping writer Griffin Wynne once named Rainbow flip flops as an item worth splurging on for their support and comfort. These men’s flip flops are made with double layer leather and provide extra arch support, along with a comfortable leather strap. The flip flops come in a bunch of neutral colors and men’s sizes 7.5-15.
Promising review: “These are the comfiest flip-flops that money can buy. I love the extra arch support with the double layer, and had no issues with irritation between my big toe and my index toe like many of the reviews have said. From what I can tell, these were no different than the pair that I purchased back in 2008 (that lasted until 2020, when I lost them!)” — Gm2020
A pair of sandals that will take you from recovery to a beach vacation
In previous reporting, podiatrists have recommended various Kuru shoes, and these flip flops have all the same engineering as the brand’s recovery slides, making them a great summer option for out of the house. They’re available in men’s and women’s sizing, and while they’re not cheap, they’re a great investment in your feet’s health.
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Promising review: “I haven’t taken them off except to go to work. I just got off of a 7 day cruise and they are the only shoes I wore. No plantar fasciitis flare ups at all. Outstanding footwear!” — Brian C.
A pair of sky-high sandals that are almost alarmingly comfy
Some of you may have previously heard HuffPost shopping writer Lourdes Avila Uribe’s rants about these beloved FitFlop clogs. She’s devoted to the brand and said, “Lately, I’ve found myself needing a pair of warm-weather house shoes, and I don’t want to sacrifice comfort for style. I had been eyeing these cool toe-post sandals, and finally got my hands on them last week. I’m pleased to report they’re every bit as comfortable as the clogs, and look like the ’90s platforms of my dreams. They’re surprisingly chic and easy to style; they look just as cool paired with pajamas as they do with some trousers and a button-down. I feel like a midlife Olsen twin in these beauties.”
These shoes are available in a few different colors and are an absolute must — the comfort cannot be beaten. The sandals’ construction is supportive, equally distributing weight and absorbing shocks. It’s designed to be as comfortable as these shoes are stylish.
A pair of EVA platform sandals from a brand that might surprise you
If thinner flip flops don’t do it for you, no worries. Crocs has plenty of supportive offerings that are unexpectedly stylish. Enter these Getaway flip flops, which have earned approval from shoppers with plantar fasciitis, avoid the dreaded toe chafing that is typical of this style of flip-flop and use a smooth EVA “Free Feel Technology” upper that’s flexible and comfortable against the feet. The Croslite platform sole makes walking in these cushy and comfortable. Choose from a bunch of neutral and fun solid colorways, and sizes 4-11.
Promising review: “Best shoes to be lost in. Super comfortable. This shoes are so comfortable. We forgot where we parked while visiting Chicago. I walk 5 hours all over Chicago. This shoes are the truth. It was raining and our phones were dead bur I was comfortable af. I love these shoes. They also are the only shoes I don’t get back pains or knee pain from walking in.” — Chastity Proutt
A pair of recovery flip flops from a tried-and-true comfy shoe brand
HuffPost readers love Dansko clogs, and these lesser-known flip flops are sure to join the ranks of your faves if you give them a shot. Designed to support long days spent walking or on your feet, they feature an EVA footbed that includes Dansko’s beloved arch support and comfort. They’re lightweight, cushy and designed with a rubber outsole for plenty of grip and stability. You can get them in black or tan.
Promising review: “These sandals are awesome! I have plantars fasciitis and cannot walk for long periods of time without a great deal of pain. I got these for my trip to St. Croix and walked everywhere including uneven surfaces and hiking! Highly recommend them!” — Cutie0407
A pair of compression-molded flip-flops
Available in a nearly endless selection of colors, materials and men’s (7-18) and women’s (5-12) sizes, these water-resistant and medium-width flip-flops feature an anatomically contoured footbed with a negative-drop heel.
Promising reviews: “These are so great and comfortable. I have a pair in almost every color! I suffer from plantar fasciitis and these are the only brand of thongs that I wear. Great support.” — Anonymous
A pair of expensive-looking women’s sandals from FitFlop
These designer-lookalike leather thong sandals from FitFlop are also high on Uribe’s list of summer must-haves, and they’re a great option for people who don’t love a high platform or wedge. They’re remarkably similar to The Row and Gucci’s flip flops, with the added benefit of the brand’s trusted cushy insole, high-quality construction and durability. They’ll be easy to style whether you’re heading to work, on vacation or running around behind your kids.
Promising review: “I love these fit flops! I like the thinner heel yet it gives the support and comfort I need! I have worn these after year year! I like the leather look too!” — Karen CM
A pair of popular women’s shoes from Clarks
These flip-flops with fabric uppers are, like all shoes from the Clarks Cloudsteppers line, made with a soft-cushioned footbed layered over a high-density foam that makes the shoe feather-light. You can shop them in a range of colors and women’s sizes 5-12.
Promising review: “These sandals are perfect. I had several pairs of these over the years and my old ones were worn out!” — Pamela
“They are beautiful. The fit is perfect and the support is wonderful! I can always count on Zappos and Clark’s!!!” — Jeanette
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The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.
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