Sandals With Arch Support: 9 Picks for Sure Comfort All Summer Long
Those of us in cooler climates look forward to sandal season all year long – that sometimes too-brief window of time when feet can be sock-free and open to the breeze. But if you have feet that need extra support, we probably don’t have to tell you that finding sandals with arch support can be a challenge. Join us as we round up a collection of great options to keep you looking good and feeling great all summer long.
You may notice many of our sandals with arch support have a back strap. This is intentional, as we recently learned from Dr. Cathleen McCarthy, a top podiatrist in Phoenix and author of Podiatry Shoe Review, that sandals with back straps are a must if you suffer from hammertoes or bunions. The rear foot control that a back strap provides discourages toe-gripping to keep the sandal on (this motion speeds up the progression of hammertoes…and bunions.) Even if bunions and hammertoes aren’t an issue for your feet, you may still appreciate the security of a back strap, but we’ve also included some supportive slip-on options.
Clogs are making yet another comeback for 2024 and I’m happy to see that Dansko has kept this cutie around for yet another “Season.” Two velcro straps allow for a customized fit (even though the ankle strap looks like a real buckle). If you struggle with arthritis of the big toe (hallux rigidus) or need a rocker sole shoe to take pressure off the forefoot, the Dansko Season is a great choice. Plus it offers excellent arch support and cushioning for the sole. Find the Dansko Season in euro sizes 36-42 (5.5-12) for $125 from Dansko.com, Zappos and Nordstrom.
If you like the Skechers price point, but have found them to be less than supportive, think again! Skechers new machine-washable Arch Fit collection features shoes and sandals with podiatrist-certified arch support, contoured memory foam insoles and stretch uppers. Find the bunion-concealing City Catch style in sizes 6-10 for $65 from Zappos and Amazon.
As a The Walking Company customer so aptly put it, “It’s so nice to have a shoe manufacturer that not only takes care of my orthopedic needs, but also my aesthetic needs.” The Abeo Solstice sandal features a built-in orthotic footbed with enhanced arch support and a real buckle for a secure fit around the ankle. We love that the Solstice comes in both a neutral and metatarsal (for high arches) insole. Available in sizes 5-11 for $139 from The Walking Company
Ditch the Crocs and get yourself a pair of these affordable, lightweight, water-friendly Birks. I absolutely love mine and keep them by the door all summer long. The arch support is just lovely. They’re my go-to garden shoe. Then I wash them off and wear them around the house on the hard floors to protect my post-surgery feet. For the price, I should probably have two pair! Available in both Birkenstock widths (medium/narrow and wide), euro sizes 35-46 (4-13) for $49.95 from Amazon.
Minimalist but with maximum arch support. Basic design yet beautiful. This is the Naot Kayla. It’s been one of Naot’s bestsellers for years and for good reason. A cork and latex footbed molds to your foot’s shape over time and a 1.5″ wedge heel provides just enough lift. Find the Naot Kayla in 24 colors, euro sizes 35-44 (4-13) for $139.95 from Naot.com, Zappos and Nordstrom. Also available in wide widths!
Arch support and so much more. The Revere Palma features two adjustable straps (hook and loop/velcro) to accommodate swollen feet, bunions, wide forefoot/narrow midfoot combo. Revere sandals come with strap extenders if you should need even more width. The Revere Palma is available in whole sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $139.95 from Revere Shoes.
SAS Pampa sandal: Every Zappos customer that left a review for the sandal awarded it five stars for comfort–every single one so far! A contoured footbed with soft suede lining conforms to the natural arch and curves of the foot.
Extra cushioning at the ball-of-foot and heel comes as a welcome relief for those suffering with plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia (forefoot pain). Available in whole and half sizes 5-12 (including hard-to-find 10.5 and 11.5), medium and wide widths at Zappos, and Amazon. Find a SAS retailer near you.
The Orthofeet Paloma will comfort your troubled feet. A removable orthotic insole allows for the use of Orthofeet’s specialized Arch Booster system (a small orthotic device that can be placed under the insole for added arch support). Adjustable straps and a mild rocker sole enhance the overall comfort and support of the Orthofeet Paloma sandal. Find it in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $97.95 at Orthofeet.com.
More arch support sandals that deserve mention: Mephisto Helen (see our review), Stegmann Layna wedge (see our review), Dansko Raquel (see our review).
What are your favorite sandals with arch support? We get some of our best info from our readers, so please chime in! For more recommendations, check out our recently updated “6 Stylish Sandals for Hallux Rigidus” as most feature excellent arch support.
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5 Responses to Sandals With Arch Support: 9 Picks for Sure Comfort All Summer Long
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I have loved Birkenstocks for most of my adult life, especially the Mayari, which I have in 4 colors. BUT, arthritis on the tops of my feet has made it so I have to be very careful about straps. The only sandals that work for me now are Teva Tirra. 8 colors and counting! Great support, Velcro straps.
Hi Janet–thanks for the reminder about the Teva Tirra–excellent sandal with adjustability and support 🙂 Glad they work for you. I’m happy the company keeps it around and releases new colors every season.
I have the Papillo Lana. Love them but there is definitely no cushioning.
I bought a pair of Aravon Mila several years ago. They are now thread bare but I still wear them at home. In the meantime I looked around and found 7 similar pairs, Mary with T-strap, Medici with larger straps, all sandal types on the same arch support sole and with a bit of heel, and several models of closed shoes, all as comfortable. the only one I like less is the one with front closure, it hurts on my foot. I have a very high instep and most sandal straps come too high on the foot, or don’t even close over it. Recommended. You don’t even feel they are also heels, and quite elegant at that. Most people at my door think I got ready to leave because of the lovely footwear !
I have metatarsalgia, the dr. says my feet are unstable, & I usually wear prescription orthotics. This summer I discovered Bzees. What a treat to be able to wear something besides clunky tennis shoes with clunky orthotics, for days when I won’t be walking the whole time!