8 Best Flip Flops with Arch Support in 2025

We Found the 8 Best Flips-Flops With Arch Support for Summer

Flip-flops are a staple during the summer months. While they’re an easy go-to for slip-on style, they’re also notoriously hard on your feet. Many styles are made of a thin piece of flat foam that offers no support and minimal cushion. That’s why finding a pair with good arch support is so important.

“Without arch support, flip flops may exacerbate existing conditions, and worsen congenital or acquired deformities, such as bunions and hammertoes,” says Matthew Galliano, DPM, a podiatric surgeon in Overland Park, Kansas. “They may play a role in knee and hip pain as well as low back pain.”

We’re not quite ready to toss out our flip-flops for good, and, if you’re reading this, you’re probably not, either. We dug in our toes and started hunting for the best flip-flops that offer arch support. We spoke to three different podiatrists about what to look for and researched customer reviews to find flip-flops that will make you and your feet happy. These are our picks for the top eight flip-flops with arch support.

Our Top Picks for the Best Flip-Flops with Arch Support

When to Consult a Podiatrist?

Wearing the wrong shoes might cause new problems with your feet. If you are experiencing new symptoms or existing conditions are getting worse, it is a good idea to visit a podiatrist. Some symptoms that warrant a check-in with a podiatrist include pain in your feet and ankles, swelling in your feet or a change in color, including redness. If your feet are hot to the touch, make an appointment to have them checked out. A podiatrist should also evaluate any changes to the shape of your feet, including a bump or growth.
Flip-flop sandals for arch support

Best Flip-Flops for Everyday Wear

Birkenstock Gizeh

Pros

  • Contoured, supportive footbed
  • Casual style for everyday wear
  • Lightweight foam outsole 

Cons

  • Footbed may be too firm for some
  • No half sizes available

Key Specs

  • Best for: Everyday wear, high arches, wide widths
  • Sizes: Women’s 4-12, Men’s 6-13
  • Features: Contoured footbed, deep heel cup, adjustable buckle, EVA foundation
We chose the Birkenstock Gizeh sandal as the best flip-flop for everyday wear, because this shoe combines casual style with a supportive design that supports foot health. Birkenstock established its reputation with a contoured footbed made of latex cork covered with a suede lining. A deep heel cup helps to stabilize the back of the foot while providing support along the length of the arch as well as across, promoting good alignment with each step. The outsole is made from a lightweight EVA foundation, a popular material in shoes that adds bounce to each step.

The thong-style upper shoe is made of synthetic leather. It features an adjustable buckle, allowing wearers to achieve a snug fit and prevent the sandal from sliding. The Birkenstock Gizeh sandal is a unisex sandal, and Birkenstock recommends the men’s sandal for regular to wide widths and the women’s for narrow to regular widths. These shoes are available in women’s sizes 4 to 12 and men’s 6 to 13. Unfortunately, this sandal does not come in half sizes; the brand recommends sizing up if you are between sizes.

Best Form-Fitting Flip-Flops

Archies Arch Support Flip Flops

$40 at Amazon

Pros

  • Closed cell foam footbed molds to foot
  • Wide size range
  • One-inch arch support
  • 60-day comfort guarantee 

Cons

  • No half sizes available

Key Specs

  • Best for: Custom fit, arch support, plantar fasciitis, heel pain
  • Sizes: Women’s 5 to 16, Men’s 4 to 15
  • Features: High arch support, adaptable foam footbed, snug straps, one-piece design

With a footbed that gradually shapes to your foot over time, the Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops deliver a snug, form-fitting feel plus the stability of a one-inch arch lift. A closed-cell foam foot bed adapts to the wearer’s natural foot shape, while the snug but stretchy straps help keep your foot in place.

This is key, as one of the downsides to flip-flops is that they often require the wearer to grip their shoe with their toes to prevent slipping, which can cause foot pain and lead to plantar fasciitis

However, the Archies Arch Support Flip Flops are designed with straps that stretch for a comfortable fit while remaining snug enough to keep the foot in place and prevent the need to grip with your toes. Our research found these flip-flops to be durable; unlike many flip-flops that can separate at the toe post, Archies are made from a single piece of durable material, so you don’t have to worry about parts coming loose over time.

Flip-flop sandals for arch support

Best Flip-Flops for Wide Feet

Propet TravelActiv FT

Pros

  • Available in wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide widths
  • Cushioning sole with EVA foam
  • Comfortable, rounded toe post

Cons

  • Sizing can be inconsistent

Key Specs

  • Best for: Wide feet, water wear, plantar fasciitis, heel pain
  • Sizes: Women’s 5 - 12, narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide widths
  • Features: Quick-dry materials, EVA foam sole, rounded toe post, one-inch heel

If you’re looking for a flip-flop with arch support that is designed for wide feet, we think the Propet TravelActivFT is worth your attention. This sandal features a wide, open footbed and is available in narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide widths. It is available in women’s sizes 5 to 12, making it one of the more size-inclusive flip flops.

The Propet TravelActivFT is a comfortable flip-flop with a cushioned sole made from EVA foam. It has a rounded toe post as well as a one-inch lift in the heel. This sandal is also water-friendly and quick-dry, so it's a great option for the pool, beach, or as a shower shoe.

One of the downsides of this sandal is that the sizing can be inconsistent. We suggest trying the shoe in-store or purchasing from a retailer with simple return policies before committing to a pair.

Best Flip-Flops for Dressing Up

Vionic Bella Toe Post Sandal

$74.50 at Amazon

Pros

  • Fashionable and ergonomic flip-flop
  • Built-in orthotic with arch support
  • Deep heel cup stabilizes foot

Cons

  • Straps may be too loose for some

Key Specs

  • Best for: Dressing-up, everyday wear, plantar fasciitis
  • Sizes: Women’s 5-13, narrow, medium, and wide widths
  • Features: Flexible footbed, EVA foam sole, arch support, deep heel cup, non-slip tread
If you want a dressier flip-flop, but you don’t want to sacrifice comfort, the Vionic Bella Toe Post Sandal is our recommendation for the best flip-flop with arch support for dressing up. This sandal has a flexible footbed that is made of EVA foam, which helps absorb the shock of each step and cushions the foot. The shape of the sole is designed to hug and support arches using what Vionic calls their built-in orthotic. A deep heel cup helps stabilize the foot, which can help prevent overpronation, a condition where your foot rolls inward when you walk.

 This also encourages whole-body alignment, whether you’re on a walk or spending a lot of time on your feet.

We love the durable rubber outsole of this flip-flop, as well as the patterned tread on the bottom of the sole that provides traction. Available in three colors and featuring a tiny bow where the thong-style straps meet, this is a shoe for looking cute while staying comfortable.

Best Flip-Flops for Plantar Fasciitis

OOFOS OOlala Sandal

$59.95 at Amazon

Pros

  • Molded footbed cushions plantar fascia
  • Foam absorbs shock of each step
  • 30-day free trial

Cons

  • Shipping time can be slow

Key Specs

  • Best for: Plantar fasciitis, run recovery, short walks
  • Sizes: Women’s 5-11
  • Features: Shock absorption, rounded bottom sole, foam cushion

The OOFOS OOlala Sandal is a thong-style sandal designed for recovery and an excellent option for someone dealing with plantar fasciitis. Closed-cell foam in the footbed of these sandals absorbs the shock of each step, evenly distributing the weight of the foot at impact. A rounded shape to the bottom of this shoe results in a rocking motion, which aids in the natural movement of the foot with each step.

Plantar fasciitis can cause pain in the arch and heel due to inflammation in the ligament that runs along the arch of the foot. This sandal has a molded footbed that cradles the arch and stabilizes the foot with good arch support. At the same time, it is a shoe with a lot of cushion, which will feel comfortable on an inflamed plantar fascia ligament or sore heel. In fact, it’s so friendly to sore feet, it’s earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

The OOlala has plenty going for it, but we also like that if these sandals start to look dingy, you can toss them in the washing machine. OOFOS also offers a 30-day, risk-free trial, allowing wearers to return their shoes if they’re not the right fit for their needs.

Flip-flop sandals for arch support

Best Flip-Flops for Recovery

FitFlop RelieFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals

Pros

  • Triple-density foam cradles foot during recovery
  • Natural arch with targeted support
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance 

Cons

  • Shoes tend to run wide

Key Specs

  • Best for: Recovery, short walks, everyday wear
  • Sizes: Women’s 5-11
  • Features: EVA foam foundation, shock absorption, triple-density foam

If you’re looking for a flip-flop that will support your foot during recovery from your active life, look no further than the FitFlop RelieFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals. The makers of these shoes designed them with the idea of active recovery, allowing runners to move on with their busy lives while giving their tired feet a cloud-like foundation. These sandals are made almost entirely of EVA foam, which absorbs shock and diffuses pressure with even weight distribution with each step.

The RelieFF Recovery sandal has a unique footbed FitFlop calls the Microwobbleboard. The foot is cradled in triple-density foam with a natural arch and targeted support that is firm at the heel, soft in the middle, and medium-firm at the toes.

This sandal is slip-resistant with a grippy tread that makes it great for wearing on the go or around the house. This shoe has a slightly wide fit, and its ergonomic design has earned an APMA seal of acceptance.

Best Water-Friendly Flip-Flops

Aerothotic Ravine Women’s Sandal

$40.99 at Amazon

Pros

  • Water-resistant flip flop
  • Adaptive arch support
  • Non-slip traction on sole 

Cons

  • Limited size range

Key Specs

  • Best for: Water wear, everyday wear, medium arches
  • Sizes: Women’s 6-11
  • Features: Water-friendly materials, contoured footbed, non-slip traction, vegan leather straps

The Aerothotic Ravine Women’s Sandal combines water-resistant materials with no-slip traction, making it our top pick for a water-friendly flip-flop. These ergonomically designed sandals feature thoughtful design touches such as vegan leather, thong-style straps, and a cushy 1-inch heel. 

Polyurethane gel is injected into the contoured footbed of this sandal at the arch, which provides support that is adaptive to your foot’s unique shape. Like many of the great sandals on this list, the Aerothotic Ravine Women’s Sandal has a deep heel cup that stabilizes the foot and prevents overpronation.

The APMA has given the Aerothotic Ravine Women’s Sandal its seal of approval. This sandal is available in women’s sizes 6 to 11 and a wide range of color options.

Best Budget-Friendly Flip-Flops

Litfun Women's Arch Support Flip Flops

$9.49 at Amazon
$29.99Now 68% Off

Pros

  • Less than $30
  • 1.2 inches of arch support
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Limited size range
  • Can shrink when exposed to direct heat

Key Specs

  • Best for: Shopping on a budget, water wear, shower shoes, short walks
  • Sizes: Women’s 5.5-10
  • Features: 1.2-inch arch support, non-slip traction, shock absorption, durable EVA foam

The Litfun Women’s Arch Support Flip Flops share many of the best characteristics with the other sandals on this list, but they’re available at a budget-friendly price tag of less than $30. This sandal is lightweight and made of EVA, shock-absorbing foam. It is a one-piece design, so wearers don’t have to worry about the toe post popping out after extended wear, and the contoured footbed helps prevent slippage.

This flip-flop is also water-resistant and has a textured bottom sole that makes it great for the pool or shower. The thong-style straps of this shoe are snug with enough stretch to put the shoe on. This means your toes won’t have to grip the footbed to keep the shoe in place. Because this sandal has a 1.2-inch arch, it is an excellent choice for someone with high arches who needs a support sandal.

Comparison Table

Best for
Sizes Available
Features
Everyday Wear
Women’s 4-12, Men’s 6-13
Contoured footbed, deep heel cup, adjustable buckle, EVA foundation
Form-Fitting
Women’s 5 to 16, Men’s 4 to 15
High arch support, adaptable foam footbed, snug straps, one-piece design
Wide Feet
Women’s 5 - 12, narrow, medium, wide, extra-wide, and XX-wide widths
Quick-dry materials, EVA foam sole, rounded toe post, one-inch heel
Dressing Up
Women’s 5-13, narrow, medium, and wide widths
Flexible footbed, EVA foam sole, arch support, deep heel cup, non-slip tread
Plantar Fasciitis
Women’s 5-11
Shock absorption, rounded bottom sole, foam cushion
Recovery
Women’s 5-11
EVA foam foundation, shock absorption, triple-density foam
Water-Friendly
Women’s 6-11
Water-friendly materials, contoured footbed, non-slip traction, vegan leather straps
Budget-Friendly
Women’s 5.5-10
1.2-inch arch support, non-slip traction, shock absorption, durable EVA foam

How We Chose the Best Flip-Flops With Arch Support

I have been a health journalist for more than 10 years, and I have written extensively about personal health topics. This has included reviewing fitness products and writing about exercise. Before I chose the flip flops for this list, I did a deep dive into what is most important in a flip flop with arch support. I found that each foot has its own unique needs, but most people require arch support as well as a deep heel cup that stabilizes the foot. I also consulted with three podiatrists, asking them for advice on shopping for sandals for arch support. The experts I spoke with were:

What To Look For When Buying Flip-Flops

Many flip-flops don’t offer arch support, but this is one of the most important things to look for in these slip-on sandals.

“Look for a sandal that has an arch support inlay embedded and a firm, inflexible sole,” says 
Samantha Landau, DPM, MPH, FFPM RCPS, a podiatrist in New York City. “If you can fold the shoe in half lengthwise, it’s not supportive. Choose flip flops and sandals with rigid soles and built-in arch support.”

A deep heel seat is another important feature of a flip-flop, according to Landau. For individuals who deal with forefoot pain, Galliano recommends an option with a rocker-bottom sole that helps propel the foot forward. And, if you notice you're gripping your toes when walking, Galliano suggests considering a sandal with a backstrap instead of a slide or flip-flop.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a painful foot condition that is caused by inflammation of a long ligament in the arch, called the plantar fascia. This inflammation can be caused by overuse or stress on the foot, including being on your feet all day or wearing shoes without proper arch support. If you are on your feet a lot at home and don’t wear shoes on hard floors, you may also develop plantar fasciitis. Wearing shoes with good arch support and moderate cushion can help prevent the development of this common foot condition.

Are Flip-Flops Bad for Your Feet?

In short, the wrong ones can be.

“Wearing flip flops without arch support will bring out the deformities more quickly that are currently present in the individual,” says Landau. “It is very much akin to walking barefoot for long distances. It will rapidly produce bunions or hammertoes at a quicker rate than if you had been wearing a more supportive device.”

Flip-flops that are too loose and don’t provide proper traction can be hard on your plantar fascia, as well. With typical flip-flops, the foot tends to slide around, which requires the wearer to use their foot to grip the shoe. This can cause inflammation that could result in plantar fasciitis, but a snugly fitting flip-flop may help prevent this problem.

FAQ

Who needs a flip-flop with arch support?
“People with a flexible or hypermobile foot type generally do better with a more supportive flip-flop,” says Galliano. Some styles that offer this kind of support include Birkenstock, OluKai, OOFOS, and Vionic.

One way to determine if you need arch support is to see if your arch height changes if you move from a seated to a standing position, according to Landau. Flat feet will need extra support in the arch. A rigid foot will also benefit from a more supportive flip-flop.

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Mary Sauer

Author

Mary Sauer is a freelance health and parenting writer whose work often covers mental health (especially maternal mental health), grief, and caregiving. Her work has been published by the Washington Post, Verywell Mind, Parents, Vice's Tonic, and ARC Poetry Magazine. She's also the managing editor of the upcoming Salt Tooth Press and an MFA student at University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Sauer is a mom of four and lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She enjoys hiking, trying new coffee shops, and shopping at used bookstores. At home, she spends her precious free time reading, rewatching Fleabag, and gardening.

Alissa Kuizinas

Alissa Kuizinas, DPM

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Kuizinas is a functional podiatrist specializing in sports medicine, chronic injuries, and foot and ankle dysfunction. She practices podiatry at Wellness in Motion Boston, located in Concord and Brookline, Massachusetts. She also sees clients virtually in her private practice.

In addition to functional interventions for pain and injury, Kuizinas works with the mind-body connection to treat patients holistically and encourage whole-body wellness rather than just symptom relief.

Kuizinas received a bachelor of arts from Boson University and went on to attend Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine, where she received her doctor of podiatric medicine. She completed a three-year surgical residency in forefoot and rearfoot reconstructive surgery at Hoboken University Medical Center in New Jersey.

Kuizinas has previously worked in trauma and reconstructive surgery, as well as wound care and limb salvage, and has done advanced training in hyperbaric medicine.

Evan Starkman

Fact-Checker

Evan Starkman has worked in health journalism since 2011. He has written and fact-checked content for sites such as WebMD and Mayo Clinic. He earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

Katie Tuttle

Editor

Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.

Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.

When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Sun X et al. Systematic Review of the Role of Footwear Constructions in Running Biomechanics: Implications for Running-Related Injury and Performance. Journal of Sports Science & Medicine. February 24, 2020.
  2. Why are flip flops bad for your feet? Temple Health. 2021.
  3. Overpronation. Cleveland Clinic. 2022.
  4. Plantar Fasciitis. Cleveland Clinic. 2022.
  5. Why Flip Flops Are Bad for Your Feet. Temple Health. 2021.