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When we think of shoes with arch support, flip-flops are typically not the first ones that come to mind. Which is a bummer, because flip-flops rock. Toes out, easy on-and-off, and a barely there feel—who could ask for more? Well, there is one more thing worth asking for: shoes that are actually good for your feet. And that’s why we decided to embark on a hunt for the best flip-flops with arch support.
It was not an easy task, so we enlisted a little help from an expert, Dr. Amnon Barnea of Walk NYC Podiatry, who knows just about everything involving footwear. He recommends looking for “a deeper heel cup to ‘hug’ the heels and provide them with much needed guidance and stability, and a thicker rubber sole that doesn’t easily ‘bend’ in the middle.” With that in mind, we searched the market for styles meeting Dr. Barnea’s criteria. From sporty sandals to beachy pairs, we found 11 varieties for every type of person out there.
Whether you’re looking for a pair to wear all day long or one to merely take you from street to sand, add some arch support to the mix. Your feet will thank you.
Vionic Tide Toe Post Sandals
Vionic Tide Toe Post Sandals
Pros
- Patterned tread helps with traction
- Medium-density midsole absorbs shock
Cons
- Complaints about strap fit
A favorite of Dr. Barnea, Vionic specializes in comfortable shoes that help provide relief from plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and other foot woes. This pair in particular has a podiatrist-designed footbed and a deep heel cup for stability and support.
| Sizes | 7–14 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 5 |
Hoka Ora Recovery Sandals
Hoka Ora Recovery Sandals
Pros
- Textile strap is moisture wicking
- Updated toe post for comfort
Cons
- Chunky design may feel cumbersome
Hoka is more than just its chunky sneakers. This flip-flop, for instance, has the brand’s signature oversize sole and rocker technology for a smooth stride. Dual-layer construction makes for premium cushioning.
| Sizes | 7–14 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 9 |
Teva Langdon Flip-Flops
Teva Langdon Flip-Flops
Pros
- Anti-odor treatment
- Rubber outsole enhances traction
Cons
- Come in only one color
Teva takes the beloved comfort of its strappy sandals and brings it to a pair of flip-flops. Another Dr. Barnea pick, these have a molded midsole and a nylon shank to stabilize your feet.
| Sizes | 7–14 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 1 |
OluKai Ohana Flip-Flops
OluKai Ohana Flip-Flops
Pros
- Made with a quick-drying lining
- Sizes go up to 18
Cons
- Footbed can be slippery
For a water-resistant pair, turn to OluKai. Aside from holding their own in wet conditions, these have a drop-in footbed that provides a fit that feels custom to your feet.
| Sizes | 7–18 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 16 |
KURU KALA 2.0 Sandals
KURU KALA 2.0 Sandals
Pros
- Designed with a flexible forefoot
- Straps give more breathability
Cons
- Break-in period may be necessary
These flip-flops fit snugly, with contoured support that hugs your heel as you walk. Cushioned straps and advanced traction are thoughtful features that enhance the feel and wear of this style. The neutral design makes them ideal to wear wherever you want.
| Sizes | 7–14 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 2 |
Pros
- Stitch-free liner adds comfort
- No-slip traction
Cons
- Complaints about the sizing being off
Yes, these leather flip-flops have solid anatomic arch support. But the best part? There’s a built-in bottle opener tucked into the sole of the foot.
| Sizes | 4–15 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 2 |
Rainbow Sandals Double Layer Arch Support Flip-Flops
Rainbow Sandals Double Layer Arch Support Flip-Flops
Pros
- Comes in half sizes
- Non-slip rubber sole
Cons
- May be harder to break in
Rainbow is practically synonymous with men’s flip-flops, so you know you can trust this brand. And the name of these pretty much sums up the arch support offered here.
| Sizes | 7.5–15 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 17 |
Pros
- Waterproof
- Non-slip sole
Cons
- Tapered toe area may be tricky for wider feet
Offering more than 27,000 five-star ratings, the people have spoken. If you’re looking for a pair that doesn’t break the bank, we’ve got you covered. The ergonomic design features shock-absorbing insoles and a thick rubber tread.
| Sizes | 7.5–16 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 12 |
Oofos OOriginal Sandals
Oofos OOriginal Sandals
Pros
- Machine washable
- 30-day trial period
Cons
- Design might look a little funky
Straight from the future come the Oofos. This modernist design uses a special technology to absorb 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear’s foam materials, so each step is going to feel soft and supported.
| Sizes | 3–16 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
FitFlop Surfer Sandals
FitFlop Surfer Sandals
Pros
- Soft, textured webbing straps for comfort
- Subtle logo for quiet branding
Cons
- Complaints about the sizing being off
Thanks to three levels of targeted cushioning, these are among the most comfortable pairs around town. Absorbing shock and diffusing underfoot pressure, the shoes were engineered to be the sporty answer to arch-supportive flip-flops.
| Sizes | 8–13 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 1 |
Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals
Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals
Pros
- Adjustable metal pin buckle to customize fit
- Suede footbed lining for added comfort
Cons
- A bit clunkier than traditional flip-flops
Naturally, Birkenstock has a rustically chic pair that you’re going to wear all day long. The lived-in look is enhanced by a contoured footbed for extra support.
| Sizes | 6.5–13.5 |
|---|---|
| Colors | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What material should I look for?
A leather flip-flop is recommended for avoiding blisters, while a rubber one may be best for flexibility and comfort. It comes down to your preference in appearance as well as your intended use. If you plan to wear your flip-flops to the beach, you’ll want a water-resistant or waterproof pair, typically made from rubber.
Should I size up or down if there are no half sizes?
This varies from brand to brand. The best way to tell is to read the reviews. If you still haven’t found your answer, try sizing up, since with smaller flip-flops you run the risk of more chafing from the strap and foot slippage.
Are flip-flops good for your feet?
They should be worn in moderation. While they aren’t the best shoes for your feet, if you find a pair with appropriate arch support (see examples above), you can get a more supportive wear out of them.
Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to tell you something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s roundups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.
Each pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, you’ve come to the right place.
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