The 12 Best Arch Support Sandals for Pain-Free, All-Day Wear

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsHow to PickFAQTake Our Word For It

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

How to Pick

FAQ

Take Our Word For It

Photo:People / David Hattan

People / David Hattan

Arch support sandals are a game changer for anyone who’s on their feet all day, whether that’s a nurse pulling a double shift or an avid hiker. They’re designed with a comfortable insole that better aligns with the shape of your foot than normal sandals, helping to absorb shock while walking and, in turn, reduce muscle strain.“Arch support helps maintain the foot’s natural alignment, providing crucial support to the arches,” explainsDr. Casey Ann Pidich, a New York-based podiatrist and owner of Dr. Glass Slipper. She adds that arch support “alleviates muscle or tendon strain” as well as pain and discomfort associated with flat feet, fallen arches, or heel pain, known as plantar fasciitis.Arch support sandals “can also help people with general foot discomfort or those who spend extended periods on their feet,” she says — making them particularly useful for nurses, travelers, service industry professionals, and more.Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best arch support sandals for every style and occasion, with picks from podiatrists and PEOPLE editors.Our Top PicksBest Budget Sandal:Ubfen Hiking Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Everyday Sandal:Birkenstock Arizona Sandal at Nordstrom$135Jump to ReviewBest Everyday Sandal, But for Less:SALEAerothotic Arete Slide Sandals at Amazon$55$23Jump to ReviewBest Sandal for Recovery:Oofos OoAhh Slide Sandal at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Flip Flops:Rainbow Double Layer Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$75Jump to ReviewBest Sandals for Travel:SALEChaco Lowdown Leather Slide at Amazon$75$60Jump to ReviewBest Wedge Heels:Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge at Amazon$55Jump to ReviewBest Waterproof Sandals:SALEAerothotic Arcus Comfort Eva Slide Sandals at Amazon$30$23Jump to ReviewBest Sandals for Narrow Feet:Chaco Sandal - Women’s at Amazon$105Jump to ReviewBest Sandals for Long Walks:Teva Hurricane Ampsole Volt at Amazon$90Jump to Review

Arch support sandals are a game changer for anyone who’s on their feet all day, whether that’s a nurse pulling a double shift or an avid hiker. They’re designed with a comfortable insole that better aligns with the shape of your foot than normal sandals, helping to absorb shock while walking and, in turn, reduce muscle strain.

“Arch support helps maintain the foot’s natural alignment, providing crucial support to the arches,” explainsDr. Casey Ann Pidich, a New York-based podiatrist and owner of Dr. Glass Slipper. She adds that arch support “alleviates muscle or tendon strain” as well as pain and discomfort associated with flat feet, fallen arches, or heel pain, known as plantar fasciitis.

Arch support sandals “can also help people with general foot discomfort or those who spend extended periods on their feet,” she says — making them particularly useful for nurses, travelers, service industry professionals, and more.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best arch support sandals for every style and occasion, with picks from podiatrists and PEOPLE editors.

Our Top PicksBest Budget Sandal:Ubfen Hiking Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Everyday Sandal:Birkenstock Arizona Sandal at Nordstrom$135Jump to ReviewBest Everyday Sandal, But for Less:SALEAerothotic Arete Slide Sandals at Amazon$55$23Jump to ReviewBest Sandal for Recovery:Oofos OoAhh Slide Sandal at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Flip Flops:Rainbow Double Layer Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$75Jump to ReviewBest Sandals for Travel:SALEChaco Lowdown Leather Slide at Amazon$75$60Jump to ReviewBest Wedge Heels:Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge at Amazon$55Jump to ReviewBest Waterproof Sandals:SALEAerothotic Arcus Comfort Eva Slide Sandals at Amazon$30$23Jump to ReviewBest Sandals for Narrow Feet:Chaco Sandal - Women’s at Amazon$105Jump to ReviewBest Sandals for Long Walks:Teva Hurricane Ampsole Volt at Amazon$90Jump to Review

Best Budget Sandal:Ubfen Hiking Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Everyday Sandal:Birkenstock Arizona Sandal at Nordstrom$135Jump to ReviewBest Everyday Sandal, But for Less:SALEAerothotic Arete Slide Sandals at Amazon$55$23Jump to ReviewBest Sandal for Recovery:Oofos OoAhh Slide Sandal at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Flip Flops:Rainbow Double Layer Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$75Jump to ReviewBest Sandals for Travel:SALEChaco Lowdown Leather Slide at Amazon$75$60Jump to ReviewBest Wedge Heels:Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge at Amazon$55Jump to ReviewBest Waterproof Sandals:SALEAerothotic Arcus Comfort Eva Slide Sandals at Amazon$30$23Jump to ReviewBest Sandals for Narrow Feet:Chaco Sandal - Women’s at Amazon$105Jump to ReviewBest Sandals for Long Walks:Teva Hurricane Ampsole Volt at Amazon$90Jump to Review

Best Budget Sandal:Ubfen Hiking Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$50Jump to Review

Best Budget Sandal:Ubfen Hiking Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$50

Best Budget Sandal:

Best Everyday Sandal:Birkenstock Arizona Sandal at Nordstrom$135Jump to Review

Best Everyday Sandal:Birkenstock Arizona Sandal at Nordstrom$135

Best Everyday Sandal:

Best Everyday Sandal, But for Less:SALEAerothotic Arete Slide Sandals at Amazon$55$23Jump to Review

Best Everyday Sandal, But for Less:SALEAerothotic Arete Slide Sandals at Amazon$55$23

Best Everyday Sandal, But for Less:

SALE

Best Sandal for Recovery:Oofos OoAhh Slide Sandal at Amazon$60Jump to Review

Best Sandal for Recovery:Oofos OoAhh Slide Sandal at Amazon$60

Best Sandal for Recovery:

Best Flip Flops:Rainbow Double Layer Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$75Jump to Review

Best Flip Flops:Rainbow Double Layer Arch Support Sandals at Amazon$75

Best Flip Flops:

Best Sandals for Travel:SALEChaco Lowdown Leather Slide at Amazon$75$60Jump to Review

Best Sandals for Travel:SALEChaco Lowdown Leather Slide at Amazon$75$60

Best Sandals for Travel:

Best Wedge Heels:Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge at Amazon$55Jump to Review

Best Wedge Heels:Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge at Amazon$55

Best Wedge Heels:

Best Waterproof Sandals:SALEAerothotic Arcus Comfort Eva Slide Sandals at Amazon$30$23Jump to Review

Best Waterproof Sandals:SALEAerothotic Arcus Comfort Eva Slide Sandals at Amazon$30$23

Best Waterproof Sandals:

Best Sandals for Narrow Feet:Chaco Sandal - Women’s at Amazon$105Jump to Review

Best Sandals for Narrow Feet:Chaco Sandal - Women’s at Amazon$105

Best Sandals for Narrow Feet:

Best Sandals for Long Walks:Teva Hurricane Ampsole Volt at Amazon$90Jump to Review

Best Sandals for Long Walks:Teva Hurricane Ampsole Volt at Amazon$90

Best Sandals for Long Walks:

Best Budget SandalUbfen Hiking Arch Support SandalsPHOTO: Amazon$50$47 at Amazon

Best Budget SandalUbfen Hiking Arch Support Sandals

Best Budget Sandal

Ubfen Hiking Arch Support Sandals

PHOTO: Amazon

$50$47 at Amazon

The cushy EVA midsole and deep heel cup offer enough padding and shock absorption to ensure your feet will still be comfortable after hours of walking around — and they only cost around $40.

Sizes:6-11 |Colors:9 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Everyday SandalBirkenstock Arizona SandalPHOTO: Amazon$135 at Nordstrom$135 at Zappos$135 at Zappos

Best Everyday SandalBirkenstock Arizona Sandal

Best Everyday Sandal

Birkenstock Arizona Sandal

$135 at Nordstrom$135 at Zappos$135 at Zappos

“As someone with wide feet, these fit like a dream and are comfy and supportive for all-day wear,” she says. “I love wearing these with jeans, dresses, skirts — you name it!”

Sizes:Women’s 4-12.5 |Colors:4 |Adjustable:Yes

People / Mandy Meindersma

Best Everyday Sandal, But for LessAerothotic Arete Slide SandalsPHOTO: Aerothotic$55$23 at AmazonView on Aerothotic.comThese best-selling sandals from Aerothotic are Dr. Pidich’s go-to for long days of walking around New York City. “Not only are they durable and comfortable, but they also help alleviate my plantar fasciitis,” she says. Designed similarly toBirkenstock’s Arizona sandals, these slides feature two thick, adjustable straps that are made from a breathable material to keep your feet from getting sweaty.Sizes:6-11 |Colors:9 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Everyday Sandal, But for LessAerothotic Arete Slide SandalsPHOTO: Aerothotic$55$23 at AmazonView on Aerothotic.com

Best Everyday Sandal, But for LessAerothotic Arete Slide Sandals

Best Everyday Sandal, But for Less

Aerothotic Arete Slide Sandals

PHOTO: Aerothotic

$55$23 at AmazonView on Aerothotic.com

These best-selling sandals from Aerothotic are Dr. Pidich’s go-to for long days of walking around New York City. “Not only are they durable and comfortable, but they also help alleviate my plantar fasciitis,” she says. Designed similarly toBirkenstock’s Arizona sandals, these slides feature two thick, adjustable straps that are made from a breathable material to keep your feet from getting sweaty.

Best Sandal for RecoveryOofos OoAhh Slide SandalPHOTO: Oofos$60 at Amazon$60 at Nordstrom$60 at Walmart

Best Sandal for RecoveryOofos OoAhh Slide Sandal

Best Sandal for Recovery

Oofos OoAhh Slide Sandal

PHOTO: Oofos

$60 at Amazon$60 at Nordstrom$60 at Walmart

This helps protect your joints and feet from unnecessary pain and pressure. Because the footed is constructed from closed-cell foam, you can just toss them in the laundry when they need a quick clean-up.

Sizes:Women’s 5-16 |Colors:14 |Adjustable:No

Best Flip FlopsRainbow Double Layer Arch Support SandalsPHOTO: Rainbow Sandals$75 at AmazonThebest flip flopsoffer ample support that you can feel with every step. PEOPLE Shopping WriterCai Cramersays she relied on these Rainbow sandals for years when she attended summer camp."[They] are comfortable from the first wear, but get even more so over time as the leather molds to your footprint," says Cramer. “They also look more stylish than plastic flip flops, so I’ll pair them with jeans and wear them out to dinner in the summer.“Sizes:Women’s 5.5-11 |Colors:4 |Adjustable:No

Best Flip FlopsRainbow Double Layer Arch Support SandalsPHOTO: Rainbow Sandals$75 at Amazon

Best Flip FlopsRainbow Double Layer Arch Support Sandals

Best Flip Flops

Rainbow Double Layer Arch Support Sandals

PHOTO: Rainbow Sandals

$75 at Amazon

Thebest flip flopsoffer ample support that you can feel with every step. PEOPLE Shopping WriterCai Cramersays she relied on these Rainbow sandals for years when she attended summer camp.

“[They] are comfortable from the first wear, but get even more so over time as the leather molds to your footprint,” says Cramer. “They also look more stylish than plastic flip flops, so I’ll pair them with jeans and wear them out to dinner in the summer.”

Sizes:Women’s 5.5-11 |Colors:4 |Adjustable:No

Best Sandals for TravelChaco Lowdown Leather SlidePHOTO: Amazon$75$60 at Amazon$30 at ZapposView on Chacos.comWhile some folks are against wearing open-toed shoes on flights, they do offer exceptional functionality. These are breathable and flexible enough to accommodate foot swelling and can be worn with compression socks to keep your feet warm in the chilly airplane cabin.They couldn’t be easier to slip on and off, helping you breeze through the TSA line. Light packers will appreciate the lightweight construction and slim silhouette, and the podiatrist-certified Luvseat sole provides enough arch support for you to hit the ground running once you arrive at your destination.Sizes:Women’s 5-12 |Colors:3 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Sandals for TravelChaco Lowdown Leather SlidePHOTO: Amazon$75$60 at Amazon$30 at ZapposView on Chacos.com

Best Sandals for TravelChaco Lowdown Leather Slide

Best Sandals for Travel

Chaco Lowdown Leather Slide

$75$60 at Amazon$30 at ZapposView on Chacos.com

While some folks are against wearing open-toed shoes on flights, they do offer exceptional functionality. These are breathable and flexible enough to accommodate foot swelling and can be worn with compression socks to keep your feet warm in the chilly airplane cabin.

They couldn’t be easier to slip on and off, helping you breeze through the TSA line. Light packers will appreciate the lightweight construction and slim silhouette, and the podiatrist-certified Luvseat sole provides enough arch support for you to hit the ground running once you arrive at your destination.

Sizes:Women’s 5-12 |Colors:3 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Wedge HeelsCrocs Brooklyn Low WedgePHOTO: Amazon$55 at Amazon$55 at ZapposView on Dsw.comOnce Crocs introduced platforms and wedges to its growing collection, Kitts was sold. “As someone who seeks purely comfortable and supportive shoes at this point, I love these low-wedge sandals for summer outings when I may need to do quite a bit of walking but want to still wear a stylish, versatile shoe,” she says. “The foam footbeds are some of the most comfortable I’ve tried.“Sizes:Women’s 5-11 |Colors:19 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Wedge HeelsCrocs Brooklyn Low WedgePHOTO: Amazon$55 at Amazon$55 at ZapposView on Dsw.com

Best Wedge HeelsCrocs Brooklyn Low Wedge

Best Wedge Heels

Crocs Brooklyn Low Wedge

$55 at Amazon$55 at ZapposView on Dsw.com

Once Crocs introduced platforms and wedges to its growing collection, Kitts was sold. “As someone who seeks purely comfortable and supportive shoes at this point, I love these low-wedge sandals for summer outings when I may need to do quite a bit of walking but want to still wear a stylish, versatile shoe,” she says. “The foam footbeds are some of the most comfortable I’ve tried.”

Sizes:Women’s 5-11 |Colors:19 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Waterproof SandalsAerothotic Arcus Comfort Eva Slide SandalsPHOTO: Amazon$30$23 at AmazonView on Aerothotic.comSimilar toBirkenstock’s bestselling Arizona EVA slide, these lightweight sandals offer the same aesthetic and arch support for less than half the price. The deep heel cup provides exceptional support, helping to relieve muscle tension. Even when wet, these won’t cause chafing or blisters. They may not be full-fledgedwater shoes, but you can easily wear them straight from the beach to the bar with friends without having to pack a change of footwear.Sizes:Women’s 6-11 |Colors:7 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Waterproof SandalsAerothotic Arcus Comfort Eva Slide SandalsPHOTO: Amazon$30$23 at AmazonView on Aerothotic.com

Best Waterproof SandalsAerothotic Arcus Comfort Eva Slide Sandals

Best Waterproof Sandals

Aerothotic Arcus Comfort Eva Slide Sandals

$30$23 at AmazonView on Aerothotic.com

Similar toBirkenstock’s bestselling Arizona EVA slide, these lightweight sandals offer the same aesthetic and arch support for less than half the price. The deep heel cup provides exceptional support, helping to relieve muscle tension. Even when wet, these won’t cause chafing or blisters. They may not be full-fledgedwater shoes, but you can easily wear them straight from the beach to the bar with friends without having to pack a change of footwear.

Sizes:Women’s 6-11 |Colors:7 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Sandals for Narrow FeetChaco Sandal - Women’sPHOTO: Back Country$105 at Amazon$13 at Walmart$105 at Backcountry

Best Sandals for Narrow FeetChaco Sandal - Women’s

Best Sandals for Narrow Feet

Chaco Sandal - Women’s

PHOTO: Back Country

$105 at Amazon$13 at Walmart$105 at Backcountry

Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or sightseeing, these make ideal travel companions thanks to their lightweight, waterproof construction. The outsole features performance tread that offers great traction in extreme and wet conditions, while the adjustable jacquard webbing uppers are quick-drying.

Sizes:Women’s 5-12 |Colors:7 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Sandals for Long WalksTeva Hurricane Ampsole VoltPHOTO: Teva$90 at Amazon$90 at Nordstrom$90 at Zappos

Best Sandals for Long WalksTeva Hurricane Ampsole Volt

Best Sandals for Long Walks

Teva Hurricane Ampsole Volt

PHOTO: Teva

$90 at Amazon$90 at Nordstrom$90 at Zappos

These Teva sandals are new additions to Kitts' shoe collection, but the breaking-in process has been seamless for her. “I wore these for a miles-long walk on a paved outdoor trail and had no blisters or hot spots, which is rarely the case with a sandal that has this many straps,” she explains. “Plus, the rubber sole provides lots of traction and durability, so, realistically, you could take these on more strenuous outdoor adventures.”

Sizes:Women’s 5-16 |Colors:3 |Adjustable:Yes

People / Kayla Kitts

Best CushioningMerrell Women’s Hut Ultra FlipPHOTO: Merrell$70 at Amazon$70 at ZapposView on Merrell.comThese ultra-supportive Merrell flip flops are whatErin Johnson, associate commerce editorial director at PEOPLE, reaches for when her feet need a little extra support. She says the cushioned sole is cloud-like yet firm, and the raised arch cradles her foot in all the right places.“I can absolutely walk in these all day pain-free (whereas sometimes my Chaco Z Sandal’s hard bottom is a little rough on my foot),” says Johnson. “While these Merrells are more expensive than your average flip flop, the support and cushioned sole make them worth it.“Sizes:Women’s 5-11 |Colors:7 |Adjustable:NoPeople / Toni Sutton

Best CushioningMerrell Women’s Hut Ultra FlipPHOTO: Merrell$70 at Amazon$70 at ZapposView on Merrell.com

Best CushioningMerrell Women’s Hut Ultra Flip

Best Cushioning

Merrell Women’s Hut Ultra Flip

PHOTO: Merrell

$70 at Amazon$70 at ZapposView on Merrell.com

These ultra-supportive Merrell flip flops are whatErin Johnson, associate commerce editorial director at PEOPLE, reaches for when her feet need a little extra support. She says the cushioned sole is cloud-like yet firm, and the raised arch cradles her foot in all the right places.

“I can absolutely walk in these all day pain-free (whereas sometimes my Chaco Z Sandal’s hard bottom is a little rough on my foot),” says Johnson. “While these Merrells are more expensive than your average flip flop, the support and cushioned sole make them worth it.”

Sizes:Women’s 5-11 |Colors:7 |Adjustable:No

People / Toni Sutton

Best Hiking SandalsKuru TreadPHOTO: KuruView on Kurufootwear.comThese sturdy sandals are designed to stand up to your wildest adventures, keeping you supported whether you’re descending a steep slope or walking along a rocky riverbed. With aggressive traction and made from rugged, waterproof materials, they help you hit the trail with peace of mind.The brand’s proprietary Kurusole tech helps to protect your heel from impact while walking, while the contoured footbed provides arch support and absorbs shocks. With just the right amount of give, these offer noticeable cushioning and flexibility without feeling rigid.Sizes:5-12 |Colors:4 |Adjustable:Yes

Best Hiking SandalsKuru TreadPHOTO: KuruView on Kurufootwear.com

Best Hiking SandalsKuru Tread

Best Hiking Sandals

Kuru Tread

PHOTO: Kuru

View on Kurufootwear.com

These sturdy sandals are designed to stand up to your wildest adventures, keeping you supported whether you’re descending a steep slope or walking along a rocky riverbed. With aggressive traction and made from rugged, waterproof materials, they help you hit the trail with peace of mind.

The brand’s proprietary Kurusole tech helps to protect your heel from impact while walking, while the contoured footbed provides arch support and absorbs shocks. With just the right amount of give, these offer noticeable cushioning and flexibility without feeling rigid.

Sizes:5-12 |Colors:4 |Adjustable:Yes

How to Pick the Right Arch Support Sandals

Look for a Contoured Footbed

The first thing to look for when shopping for arch support sandals is a footbed that will match your foot’s contour, says Dr. Pidich. It should have “adequate arch support comparable to the natural shape of your foot’s arch,” she says. Some brands are designed to mold to the shape of your foot over time, such asBirkenstock sandals. This is a crucial detail, as just like with acomfortable sneaker, arch support is designed to maintain the foot’s natural alignment, which helps to alleviate discomfort after hours on your feet.

Check for Firmness

Make Sure They’re Cushioned

“Look for sandals with cushioning, especially in the heel and the ball of the foot,” says Dr. Pidich. Ensuring there’s plenty of padding in the forefoot is key tofeeling comfortable in the sandalsfor long periods of time. “The added cushioning will help your feet absorb shock during walking and provide added comfort,” she explains.

Frequently Asked Questions

“The arch support should be visually noticeable and feel supportive when you place your foot on the sandal,” says Dr. Pidich. “To check for firmness, gently press the arch area of the sandal with your thumb. Proper arch support should feel firm and resilient, providing resistance against pressure. It should not feel too soft or too rigid.” Sandals with contoured footbeds and good cushioning are designed to provide ideal arch support for your feet.

Sandals with a slightly elevated heel or wedge are best for combatting the pain associated with plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue that runs from the heel to the toes. By raising your heel slightly above the rest of your foot, they relieve pressure and strain on your ankles and joints. Birkenstocks are famously a go-to choice for mitigating the effects of plantar fasciitis, thanks to their firm support along the length of your foot.Walking shoes for flat feet, on the other hand, will cushion flat arches and stabilize feet.

Sophie Doddis a lifestyle and travel writer with six years of product writing experience. She spends long days exploring new cities on her feet, and knows the value of supportive sandals. When researching the best arch support sandals, Sophie considered the variety of styles she’s tried out over the years — including Oofos, Birkenstock, Chacos, and more — as well as additional options with optimal support, cushioning, and contouring. She also spoke to Dr. Casey Ann Pidich to learn about what consumers should look for when buying arch support sandals.

Erika Reals, PEOPLE’s senior shopping editor, updated this article with recommendations from our editors, who are constantly testing all sorts of footwear — from hiking sandals to pool slides — and prioritize comfort over everything else.

Our Expert PanelDr. Casey Ann Pidichis a New York City-based podiatrist and owner ofDr. Glass Slipper, a foot wellness resource for women.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Casey Ann Pidichis a New York City-based podiatrist and owner ofDr. Glass Slipper, a foot wellness resource for women.

source: people.com