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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
If you want to step into your shoes and feel immediate relief, a pair of OOFOS should 100% be in your future. The foam sole of this sandal is curved to support the movement of your foot while walking, and the OOfoam technology claims to absorb 37% more impact than traditional footwear. We can see why these have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance!
Get the OOFOS OOlala Sandal starting at $75, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, January 8, 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, January 8, 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 $37, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, January 8, 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 $79, available from Zappos!
MEGNYA Orthotic Flip Flops
These flip flops might make you watch to ditch your basic rubber pairs for good!
Why would anyone wear a pair of typical flat-soled flip flops after slipping their feet into these puppies? The curve in the sole gives your feet great support, and they’re perfect for everyday wear.
Get the MEGNYA Orthotic Flip Flops for Women for prices starting at $33, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, January 8, 2024, but are subject to change.
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!
Aetrex Kate Sandal
These shoes prove that you don’t need to give up wedges and heels for good — even with back or foot pain!
People who deal with pain don’t have to give up on dressing up — the key is finding the right pair of shoes! The UltraSKY™ injected EVA foam midsole and padded heel counter provide maximum arch support and stability, giving your feet the comfort they crave.
Get the Aetrex Kate Sandal starting at $80, available from Nordstrom!
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 $35, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, January 8, 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 Sandals
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 $37, available at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, January 8, 2024, but are subject to change.
Clarks Women’s Arla Shaylie Platform
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 (was $65) for prices starting at $55 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, January 8, 2024, but are subject to change.
Vionic Women’s Phoenix Kellyn Backstrap Platform Sandal
These sandals have a dressier feel and can pair well with elevated looks like dresses or skirts! They give you added height thanks to the platform, and we love the different colors available — which include a tiny pop of metallic.
Get the Vionic Women’s Phoenix Kellyn Backstrap Platform Sandal (originally $130) for prices starting at $55 at QVC! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, January 8, 2024, but are subject to change.
MEGNYA Orthotic Sandals
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 $37 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of article update, January 8, 2024, but are subject to change.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on January 8, 2024.
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