Is there any better feeling in the world than kicking off your shoes after a long and busy day? It’s such a relief! As fabulous as it feels to take a load off and rest your feet, there might be a bigger issue happening here. The type of shoes you wear may be part of the problem, and if you’re dealing with serious foot pain or minor aches here and there, a pair of orthopedic shoes may be the key to getting back on track.
We know what you might be thinking — aren’t orthopedic shoes reserved for those of a certain age? Throw that common misconception out the window! There are orthopedic shoes on the market which appear to be designed primarily for comfort, but there are plenty of options that fit any shopper’s needs in both the support and style departments. Now that the weather is getting warmer, we’re shopping for sandals — more specifically ones that our feet will feel the most comfortable in.
Tim Everett, who is an expert osteopath with 20 years of experience under his belt, notes he would “recommend arch support sandals to patients with plantar fasciitis to help support their arch and relieve pain.” Plantar fasciitis is a particular ailment that occurs in the sole that makes feet more prone to pain, but the same is true for anyone who wants to relieve any unnecessary stress that their feet might experience while wearing a pair of sandals.
Our Favorite Comfortable Orthopedic Sandals
Ready to meet your go-to spring and summer shoe? Let Us introduce you to the Totes Ara Thong. This flip flop is an “everywear” type of shoe, its low-profile design lending itself to maximal versatility. Its waterproof construction is perfect for the beach and pool, and you’ll love its flexible straps and lightweight feel. The best part? The contoured footbed, which boasts shock absorption and a textured pattern that massages your feet as you walk. This shoe is “virtually indestructible,” so you won’t have to worry about buying another for a long, long time — if ever!
Get the Totes Ara Thong starting at $23, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, April 5, 2024, but are subject to change.
What Are Orthopedic Sandals?
Orthopedic sandals don’t fall into one singular category or style — there are tons of different orthopedic elements that a pair of sandals can have that boost their supreme comfort level. Here are a few of the characteristics that we searched for when shopping for the absolute best pairs:
- Arch Support: Flat sandals just will not do! We wanted to make sure that the soles of these shoes are curved to fit the natural arches and curves of the foot, which help make the shoe all the more comfortable.
- High-Quality Materials: Each of the sandals we found are made from materials designed to help your feet absorb shock while walking.
- Supportive and Comfortable Design: We made sure that the straps on these shoes won’t pinch your toes and provide the proper amount of ankle support if that’s what you need from your footwear!
12 More Comfortable Orthopedic Sandals That We Adore
KuaiLu Orthotic Slides
A can’t-fail slide style heavy on comfort and low on cost — KuaiLu’s popular sandals never disappoint!
These slides are a hit on Amazon thanks to their orthopedic arch support to reduce back and heel pain. They also have an adjustable fit and a squishy yoga mat footbed so every step feels like you’re walking on clouds!
Get the KuaiLu Orthotic Slides for prices starting at $30, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, April 5, 2024, but are subject to change.
Skechers Women’s On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal
Sandals that were made with the athletic, on-the-go person in mind.
The bouncy feel and expertly-crafted curved sole on these sandals make them ideal for anyone who loves being active.
Get the Skechers Women’s On-The-Go 600-Brilliancy Sport Sandal for prices starting at $28, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, April 5, 2024, but are subject to change.
SOREL Kinetic Sandal
Who said that comfy, supportive sandals can’t be seriously stylish?
Seriously — how cool do these sandals look? We first fell in love with them because of their edgy style, and the cherry on top is that they’re actually designed to support your feet like no other.
Get a SOREL Kinetic Sandal with free shipping starting at just $135, available from Zappos!
SAS Cozy
A great slide with ton of arch support? Say no more — we’re sold!
Everyone loves slides because they’re so easy to throw on, and this pair has the right amount of cushioning and arch support to make your feet feel amazing for long periods of time!
Get the SAS Cozy sandals with free shipping for $195, available from Zappos!
Oofos OOahh Luxe Slide Sandal
Adding a little luxury to your everyday life!
Just because you’re keeping things casual doesn’t mean you can’t go “luxe.” These recovery slides help to reduce stress on your feet, joints and back, claiming to absorb “37% more impact than traditional footwear”!
Get the Oofos OOahh Luxe Slide Sandal for $75 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, April 5, 2024, but are subject to change.
Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Ramona-CH Flat Sandal
These shoes are the perfect marriage between a sporty vibe with a stylish aesthetic.
The intricate strap design on these sandals is combined with a sporty arch-support sole to create a comfortable and stylish hybrid shoe!
Get the Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Ramona-CH Flat Sandal for prices starting at $27, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, April 5, 2024, but are subject to change.
FitFlop Lulu
The ultimate pair of sandals to wear if you want to disguise the fact that you’re wearing orthopedic shoes.
No one will know that you’re wearing a pair of orthopedic-style shoes when you wear these platform flip flops! We love the curve at the front of the toe that supports your feet movement, plus the cushiony rubber sole.
Get the FitFlop Lulu sandals with free shipping starting at just $90, available from Zappos!
MEGNYA Women’s Comfortable Walking Sandal
These are the best lightweight sandals to provide comfort in the long haul!
These might be one of the lightest sandals that you’ll ever own! Their next-to-nothing weight can relieve stress from the feet, and their sole is curved to fit your tootsies perfectly.
Get the MEGNYA Women’s Comfortable Walking Sandals with Arch Support for prices starting at $40, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, April 5, 2024, but are subject to change.
Fudynmalc Orthopedic Sandal
A little flower power adds some “fun” to your functional footwear!
Orthopedic styles don’t have to be plain or boring! Add some fun to your look with these flower-accented, prettily perforated sandals! We love their adjustable hook-and-loop straps, but we particularly adore the “bubble” footbed, made to relieve foot fatigue and soreness while promoting circulation!
Get the Fudynmalc Orthopedic Sandal for prices starting at just $34, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, April 5, 2024, but are subject to change.
Clarks Women’s Arla Shaylie Platform
Strappy, sophisticated and elevated — literally!
The strappier style of these sandals will provide even more support, plus they’re made from a stretchy material so they won’t restrict your feet while walking. They’re a popular sandal option on Amazon, and some shoppers say they have returned to pick up a second pair!
Get the Clarks Women’s Arla Shaylie Platform for prices starting at $50, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, April 5, 2024, but are subject to change.
Skechers GO Refresh Arch Fit Recovery Slide
These “recovery-minded” sandals will feel like a spa for your feet!
It’s important to wear good shoes during workouts and long days on your feet, but having the right shoes for your downtime is so important for proper recovery. Check out this airy pair for a super-cushioned pick that feels like heaven. They’re machine washable too!
Get the Skechers GO Refresh Arch Fit Recovery Slide (originally $65) for prices starting at 54.98 at QVC!
MEGNYA Orthotic Sandal
Sleek and versatile to the max!
We all need a simple pair of slide sandals to team with any outfit, and that’s exactly what these shoes offer up! They’re incredibly affordable too, and shoppers report that when it comes to comfort, these are the best sandals you can own.
Get the MEGNYA Orthotic Sandals for $40 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, April 5, 2024, but are subject to change.
The 11 Best White Sneakers to Buy This Season
Editor’s note: This story was updated on April 5, 2024.
Not done shopping? See more of our favorite products below:
- The Best Self Tanners for Pale Skin That Won’t Turn You Bright Orange
- The Best Detangling Brushes for Curly Hair — Starting at Just $7
- The Best Gel Nail Kits to Give You Salon-Quality Manicures at Home
Check out more of our picks and deals here!
This post is brought to you by Us Weekly’s Shop With Us team. The Shop With Us team aims to highlight products and services our readers might find interesting and useful, such as wedding-guest outfits, purses, plus-size swimsuits, women’s sneakers, bridal shapewear, and perfect gift ideas for everyone in your life. Product and service selection, however, is in no way intended to constitute an endorsement by either Us Weekly or of any celebrity mentioned in the post. The Shop With Us team may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. In addition, Us Weekly receives compensation from the manufacturer of the products we write about when you click on a link and then purchase the product featured in an article. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product or service is featured or recommended. Shop With Us operates independently from the advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback at [email protected]. Happy shopping!