What to Buy Fitness Gear The 13 Best Sandals with Arch Support These sandals have contoured footbeds, cushioned midsoles, heel cups, and secure straps for optimal fit. By Lindsay Modglin Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional mental health and wellness writer. She uses her 9+ years of clinical healthcare and diverse medical background to write about mental health, chronic conditions, and medicine. health's editorial guidelines Updated on March 4, 2024 Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, DPT Medically reviewed by Laura Campedelli, DPT 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 In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews How We Selected and Tested Features That Help With Arch Support Who We Are We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Health / Alexander Huang 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. Said Atway, DPM, a podiatrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains that sandals without arch support can eventually cause pain due to the strain they put on foot ligaments. However, sandals that do boast arch support will provide the opposite result (less strain) as they conform to the feet to support proper function, he adds. 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. We researched dozens of sandals with arch support and consulted with podiatrists to find the best options that have contoured footbeds, cushioned midsoles, heel cups, and secure straps for optimal fit. We also tested 32 different sandal styles to see how they held up on our daily strolls. Our top picks 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 Sandal at Amazon ($111) Jump to Review Best for Narrow Feet: Munro Corine Sandals at Zappos ($134) Jump to Review Best for Wide Feet: Baretraps Danny Sandal at Amazon ($45) Jump to Review Best for High Arches: Vionic Reyna Flatform Sandal at Shoemall.com (See Price) Jump to Review Best Slip-on: Birkenstock Arizona at Zappos ($130) Jump to Review Best Dressy: Dansko Reece Sandals at Amazon ($130) Jump to Review Best Athletic: Oofos Sport Flex Sandal at Oofos.com ($80) Jump to Review Best in Water: Keen Newport H2 Sandals at Amazon ($90) Jump to Review Best Platform: Sorel Kinetic Impact II Sling Low Sandal at Nordstrom (See Price) Jump to Review Best Adjustable: Chacos Women's Z/1 Classic Sandals at Amazon ($50) Jump to Review Best Overall Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Affinity Sandal Skechers View On Amazon $111 View On Zappos $70 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 for 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. When we tried them during testing, we were impressed by how our feet never slid around—a result of the three adjustable straps. Despite the elevated heel from the arch, we always felt supported walking up and down stairs, on uneven sidewalks, and during long strolls. We also noted that they felt super lightweight and the extra cushioning in the soles left our joints feeling protected from hard surfaces like concrete. While we know not everyone will think these are the cutest sandals available (our editor who tried them out didn't think so either), we think the level of comfort these shoes bring to the table and their affordable price point more than make up for their average design. 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. Plus, they're machine washable, making them easy to keep clean. Product Details: Women's sizes: 6 to 11Available Widths: Medium, wideUpper Material: Geo-woven meshInsole Material: Arch Fit contoured footbedOutsole Material: Dual-density material Health / Abigail Moore Health / Abigail Moore Best for Narrow Feet Munro Corine Sandals Zappos View On Zappos $134 View On Munroshoes.com Why We Like It Even the medium width felt a bit narrow so they're truly geared towards those with slim feet. It’s Worth Noting They run small so size up! If you're someone with narrow feet who's looking for a sturdy and comfortable yet cute pair of sandals then we highly recommend the Munro Corine Sandals. We realized pretty quickly during testing that these shoes are made for those with narrow feet as even the wider styles still felt narrow. And though they felt firm while we walked in them, that didn't detract from their level of comfort. Our feet felt supported all day long in these shoes. In fact, our editor said she felt energized in them and was able to walk for longer distances pain-free than she can in her usual Birkenstocks. Even after 8 straight hours of wearing these sandals, we didn't experience any blistering or chafing. It's worth noting that we recommend going up a full size in this shoe. We were pretty surprised at how far off from standard sizing these sandals felt. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 12Available Widths: Super slim, narrow, medium, wide, extra wideUpper Material: SuedeInsole Material: Cork footbedOutsole Material: Natural latex rubber Health / Jessica Fleming Health / Dana Ingemann Health / Jessica Fleming Best for Wide Feet Baretraps Danny Sandal baretraps.com View On Amazon $45 View On Baretraps.com Why We Like It They're available in both medium and wide widths, and they support your arches without putting too much pressure on them. It’s Worth Noting One of our editors experienced a little bit of chaffing on the pinky toe. The Baretraps Danny Sandals are high-quality, comfortable shoes with solid arch support. We particularly liked that they supported our arches without putting too much pressure on them or forcing them into an uncomfortably raised position. While the insole is a very firm rubber, it didn't bother us at all. In fact, we think it made them feel sturdier and higher quality—like they'll last for years. However, the rubber isn't light so be prepared for a slightly heavier shoe than other sandals on this list. We also appreciated how the straps ensured our feet stayed put, reducing strain. We had two editors test these sandals and while one was incredibly impressed with the lack of blistering and chaffing she experienced, the other noted her pinky toe came out a bit raw after testing. For that reason, these shoes may be great for people with wide feet, but those with extra wide feet may want to try another option on this list. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5.5 to 11Available Widths: Medium, wideUpper Material: Man-made upperInsole Material: EVAOutsole Material: Rubber Health / Rachel Marek Health / Rachel Marek Health / Kelsey Chapman Health / Rachel Marek Best for High Arches Vionic Reyna Flatform Sandal Vionic View On Shoemall.com View On Marylandsquare.com Why We Like It They have a high arch and a stylish platform design. It’s Worth Noting The straps may loosen over time. Despite their name, the Vionic Reyna Flatform Sandals are anything but flat in the insole, and instead offer some serious arch support. For those with high arches, these platforms have a raised inner arch to keep your feet supported throughout the day. And, when we tested, we particularly loved the plump leather straps that felt soft and supple on our ankles and feet.It's worth noting that the platform of these sandals is inflexible and won't bend with your foot as you walk, which may feel strange if you're not used to wearing platforms. However, because the arch support design is so significant, the lack of flexibility won't strain your arches. Also, we found that the strap stretched a little during testing. However, we simply chose a tighter notch on the strap, and that resolved the issue immediately. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 11Available Widths: MediumUpper Material: Leather and suedeInsole Material: Synthetic liningOutsole Material: Rubber Health / Alexander Huang Health / Alexander Huang Health / Alexander Huang Health / Rachel Abraham Health / Rachel Abraham Health / Rachel Abraham Best Slip-on Birkenstock Arizona Birkenstock View On Zappos $130 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 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. Health / Alexander Huang Health / Alexander Huang Health / Alexander Huang Best Dressy Dansko Reece Sandals Courtesy of Dansko View On Amazon $130 View On Zappos $130 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 Best Athletic Oofos Sport Flex Sandal Oofos View On Oofos.com $80 View On REI $80 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 a 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™ Best in Water Keen Newport H2 Sandals Amazon View On Amazon $90 View On Zappos $125 View On Moosejaw.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 Best Platform Sorel Kinetic Impact II Sling Low Sandal Nordstrom View On Nordstrom View On Dick's $100 View On Rackroomshoes.com Why We Like It The platform is shock absorbing, which protects your joints on hard surfaces. It’s Worth Noting The ankle strap may feel a little loose to some. These low platform sandals are ergonomically designed to provide arch support and cup your heels in a way that locks your feet in place. We were impressed by how sturdy and durable these sandals felt. However, their durability doesn't sacrifice comfort as we felt like we were walking on clouds with their bouncy shock absorption while we walked through city streets. One downfall of these sandals is that the back ankle strap felt a little loose to one of our editors as she tested them. While she still felt secure and stable, a little stretch in the strap over time could result in instability and strain. For that reason, if you have particularly small ankles you may want to opt for another pair on this list. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 12Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: Leather forefoot strap, mesh midfoot strap, webbing strap around the heelInsole Material: EVAOutsole Material: Rubber with ground contact EVA Health / Elise Wang Health / Kristen Geil Health / Elise Wang Health / Elise Wang Best Adjustable Chacos Women's Z/1 Classic Sandals Amazon View On Amazon $50 View On Zappos $105 View On Walmart $50 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, wideUpper Material: Polyester jacquard webbingInsole Material: LUVSEAT™ PUOutsole Material: ChacoGrip™ rubber Best Casual Reef Ortho Woven Reef View On Amazon $47 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 Best Birkenstock Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal Birkenstock View On Nordstrom $170 View On Birkenstock.com $170 View On Saks Fifth Avenue $170 Why We Like It The buckle keeps your feet firmly in place to reduce strain. It’s Worth Noting They're a bit stiff at first. While other Birkenstocks may cause strain by forcing you to grip your toes to the sole of the shoe in order to avoid sliding as you walk, the Milano Big Buckle Sandals have a large strap around the ankle to provide much-needed stability. What's more, they're perfect for those with high arches as they offer some serious support. It's worth noting that the EVA outsole provides cushion, but not a ton of padding. So these sandals don't have much bounce and they're quite stiff at first. As we tested them, we felt like they took longer to break in and were stiffer than any other pair of Birkenstocks we've tried. However, the more we walked in them, the more comfortable they felt. And because they're so light, we eventually forgot we were even wearing them (after we broke them in, of course). Product Details: Women's sizes: 4 to 12.5Available Widths: Regular/wide and medium/narrowUpper Material: Oiled leatherInsole Material: Natural leatherOutsole Material: EVA Health / Sarah Felbin Health / Sarah Felbin Most Durable Teva Tirra Sandals Amazon View On Amazon $85 View On Zappos $67 View On Walmart $75 Why We Like It The straps can be adjusted with Velcro closures for a secure fit. It’s Worth Noting The soles are fairly rigid so they won't propel you forward as you walk. We noticed right away that these sandals are high-quality and will last for multiple summers to come. When we tried to bend them to test how flimsy they were, we couldn't bend anything other than the toe area. And even that portion of the shoe remained stable as we applied pressure. Though they're incredibly durable, they don't skimp on comfort. We loved the Velcro straps, which helped us lock in a close fit. And while the rubber soles didn't give us much spring in our steps, they did keep our feet feeling protected no matter what surface we walked over (including concrete and rocks). While these sandals provide great arch support for those with average arches, they may not be great for anyone who has particularly high arches. If you're someone with high arches, we recommend swinging for another pair on this list. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 12Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: Recycled polyesterInsole Material: EVAOutsole Material: Spider rubber Health / Katie Tuttle Best Lightweight Teva Zymic Women’s Sandal Teva View On Zappos $80 View On Walmart $112 View On Nordstrom $80 Why We Like It They're light, cushiony, and gave us a little spring in our steps. It’s Worth Noting Teva tends to lean on the wider side. We love the Teva Zymic sandal because there's ample cushion from the heel to the arch, which made walking feel effortless. And while the soles of these sandals are pretty squishy, we never felt like we were sinking into them too much. What's more, they're so light that our editors who tested them agree that walking in these sandals felt like walking on air.Our arches always felt supported in these shoes due to the extra padding. But it's worth noting that we've found Teva to be more accommodating to people with wider feet. The good news is that one of our editors who tested these sandals has quite narrow feet and never felt her feet sliding because the Velcro straps held up well. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 11Men's sizes: 7 to 14Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: Recycled polyesterInsole Material: EVAOutsole Material: EVA Health / Kimberly Souza Health / Kimberly Souza Health / Kimberly Souza Best for All-Day Wear Keen Women's Elle Mixed Strap Sandal Keen View On Zappos $56 View On Publiclands.com View On Legend-footwear.com Why We Like It They're super shock-absorbing, which makes them great for long days of strain-free walking. It’s Worth Noting The leather straps may stretch a little over time. These sandals are ideal for all-day wear because they're comfortable, stable, and provide a bit of bounce to help propel you through your day. We found the cork soles to be supportive yet soft and springy. And while the soles did cause us to feel like we sunk into them a bit, our arches still felt relieved and supported throughout the day. Both of our editors who tested these sandals appreciated the adjustable leather straps as both of them struggle to find shoes that fit their wide and tiny feet, respectively. The only potential downside to these sandals is that if you're wearing them all day, you may find the leather straps could loosen over time. However, we think the comfort that comes with the leather is worth a little wear and tear. Product Details: Women's sizes: 5 to 11Available Widths: StandardUpper Material: LeatherInsole Material: EVAOutsole Material: Rubber Health / Tammy Gardini Health / Cecily McAndrews Health / Tammy Gardini Health / Tammy Gardini How We Selected and Tested 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. To top it off, we tested dozen of sandals by walking in them and taking note of things like how comfortable our feet were, if we developed blisters or chafing, if our feet got sweaty, and whether or not we felt excess pressure on our heels, arches, toes, and ankles. 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, Said Atway, DPM, a podiatrist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Nelya Lobkova, DPM, and founder of Step Up Footcare in TriBeCa, NYC Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, Podiatric Surgery Specialist Features That Help With Arch Support The style of sandals you choose likely depends on personal preference. But there are a few features that help them provide the level of support you need. Firm, Contoured Footbeds: One of the most important places to zero in on for arch support is the footbed—this part of the shoe has direct contact with your arches. 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. Lobkova recommends looking for an insole made from firm materials, such as PVC or cork. Heel Cups: A heel cup is 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. Thick soles: 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. Sturdy and/or Adjustable Ankle Straps: Straps around the ankle can provide additional stability around your ankle and help you feel supported. Ankle straps, especially on heels, make wearing them for longer periods of time possible (and, frankly, more comfortable), and can minimize the chance you'll sprain your ankle. While you're at it, look for adjustable straps. 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. What to Avoid Experts we spoke to agreed that you should avoid flat sandals with thin soles and minimal or non-adjustable straps if your biggest concern is arch support. 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