The 10 Best Orthopedic Sandals for Hiking, Walking, and Wherever Your Feet Take You

At under $50, we think FitFlop’s iQushion flip-flops make a great buy without sacrificing value or comfort. The sandal boasts plenty of thoughtful ergonomic details, so your feet will feel supported without the typical flip-flop foot strain. These sandals feature specially shaped straps that help keep toes from clenching and a footbed that provides natural arch support for each step.

The midsoles are developed by a biomechanist and feature iQushion, a unique lightweight construction of high-rebound air-foam with front and back impact pillowing for extra foot comfort.

The flip-flops are waterproof with a sole made of a soft elastic called ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). The sole bottoms have treads that help to safely grip the road to prevent slipping.

When looking at budget orthopedic sandals, Dr. Nicole G. Freels, FACFAOM, C.Ped, of Lexington Podiatry in Lexington, Kentucky, recommends looking for a “molded footbed and basic arch support,” which will help provide structural support, even at an affordable price.

We like how these sandals are light and slim, making them a breeze to pack on your next vacation. And, if you’re looking for a bit of extra sparkle, the add-on charms create a fun and customized look.

Say goodbye to uncomfortable, tight shoes. You may no longer need custom sandals thanks to the wider toe box in these stylish Birkenstock Arizona sandals. There’s a reason this German company has been around since the 1700s; I’ve been sporting my pair of Birks for the last few summers and am always amazed by the comfort, fit, underfoot support, and quality. Although these sandals can be a bit of an investment, they last for years and never seem to go out of style.

The Arizona sandal features two adjustable wide straps outfitted with classic brass buckles. This particular style features soft nubuck leather, but Birkenstocks have plenty of other finish options. The insole is made of natural leather, and the footbed features a contoured cork latex that naturally shapes to your feet and helps with impact. The sole is made of flexible EVA and provides cushioning with every step. Yessika Woo Lee, DPM of Bay Area Foot Care based in San Francisco, California, particularly likes the “foot bed, decent heel cup, arch support, and forefoot offloading” Birkenstocks provide. We are also fond of the catchy brass accents and the variety of warm neutral colors that will complement your summer outfits.

Naot has been crafting shoes in Israel since the 1940s. Their shoes are handmade and known for a unique footbed design that has big toe and arch support, as well as an elevated footbed and deep heel. For those with Cinderella-esque feet, the Naot Mermaid is an attractive summer sandal that gives your narrow feet support and flair. The sandal boasts a moderate wedge to give you that bit of height and has an adjustable hook and loop strap on the upper and a thin (and rather chic) ankle strap.

Like many Naot shoes, the footbeds are contoured to adjust to your feet and made of cork and latex that provide flexibility and assist with shock absorption. The footbed is also wrapped with a soft, natural suede, ensuring your feet stay happy. With a wide range of sizing, the Mermaid is available in sizes 4 through 11, so those with petite feet may gravitate to this style.

While Dr. Freels notes these sandals are a bit pricey, she likes how the “adjustable straps and contoured footbeds hug slimmer feet, which is good for swelling.” And we are particularly drawn to this elegant style that’s perfect for dressing up without sacrificing comfort.

When it comes to irritating plantar fasciitis, we are drawn to the elegant Vionic Tide Aloe leather flip-flop. Vionic sandals are at the top of the list thanks to the unique built-in orthotic support and integrated underfoot support. Freels likes how Vionic footwear “reduces tension on the plantar fascia and stabilizes the heel.” Not to mention, this sandal has received the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

This fun, everyday sandal is built with ergonomic comfort in mind. Biomechanically engineered with Vionic technology, this sandal is designed to hug your feet and arches so your underfoot is fully supported. The midsole is lightweight with a medium density to absorb shock, and a deep heel bed cushions your heel. Despite all this support, the sandal remains flexible, so it moves with you with every step. We also like the embellished o-ring on that strap that adds a bit of flair; it’s perfect for both day and evening wear.

If your feet are feeling flat, find some arch support with the Aetrex Jess sandal. This cute, strappy shoe aims to help stabilize your feet and may help with common foot pain. Freels particularly likes this brand thanks to the orthotic-grade footbeds that help to align the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and lower back, which can be “essential for overpronators/supinators.” She likes the solid arch support, which can be helpful for those who “overpronate or supinate excessively with a high arch; they may require that extra stability because they're already suffering from ankle joint instability.”

The Jess sandal also exudes comfort. The two straps are adjustable, and the heel cuff is padded for extra heel support. The footbed is made of cushy memory foam, while the antimicrobial, micro-fiber insole cover keeps feet comfortable and fights foot odors. Per Aetrex, the Jess may also help alleviate arch, ball, and heel pain; bunions; flat feet; and plantar fasciitis.

The Jess is a great option for an everyday sandal. With its one-inch heel, you’ll get a bit of height while keeping your feet comfortable all day long. We’re also keen on the sparkle options when you do want to dress up. And Aetrex offers a 30-day trial, so if you’re not totally sold, you don’t have to commit.

The OOFOS OOriginal sandal may look simple, but there’s more than meets the eye. Designed as an active recovery shoe, it was developed to help reduce load and stress on the foot and can be worn after a vigorous workout, around the house, or anytime you need extra support.

As Freels points out, the closed-cell foam makes OOFOS water-resistant and durable, and one of the best parts is that they're machine-washable. Plus, the brand offers a 30-day guarantee so you can return your sandals if you’re not fully satisfied.

For short walks, the Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3 is at the top of our list. We know Hokas are a cult-favorite in the sneaker world (me included), but the brand has some solid options for orthopedic sandals. While Freels points out that sandals are generally not recommended for walking for extended periods of time, for short walks, Freels likes Hoka sandals, especially ones with the “meta rocker” bottom. Plus, these sandals get the stamp of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

This is an athletic recovery slide that offers strong foot support. When it comes to cushioning and stability, Hoka’s sandals are not all designed the same. This particular model features a rather plush footbed with a high, soft cushion that helps cradle the feet and offers extra comfort for impact. The sandal has a wide base for mild foot stability that is designed for neutral gaits and a rocker bottom with a heel-to-toe drop of 6 millimeters. There are also four vents on the slide so your feet can breathe as you walk.

Light in weight, each sandal weighs under 8 ounces and is constructed of injection-molded EVA. This style comes in fun hues, like honeydew and neon rose, and if you have little ones, the Ora is available in kids’ sizes so your whole family can sport these ergonomic sandals.

For a sandal-style shoe that gives support when climbing and hiking, Woo recommends the well-known hiking shoe brand Merrell, which also makes dedicated hiking sandals.

The Maipo Explorer Sieve sandal has a unique design that mimics a solid hiking shoe, yet it’s lightweight and breathable, and can still handle the elements. Made of polyurethane leather and mesh with several vents, your feet can breathe while trekking. And, if you encounter rain on your hike, the unique lug sole pattern helps expel water.

The sandal features recycled bungee cord laces with a thoughtful lace keeper and a stretch collar, allowing you to adjust to your liking and take the sandals on and off with ease. The midsole is composed of lightweight EVA and a sticky rubber outsole for traction. These sandals boast a slight height of 30.5 millimeters with a 10 millimeter drop and 4 millimeter lug.

But when it comes to hiking, Freels says that while wearing sandals for camping can help protect your feet from the environment, she would not recommend sandals for long hikes.

When it comes to orthopedic flip-flops, we like PowerSteps, which are recommended by both Freels and Woo. These are not your typical flat and slippery rubber sandals. PowerSteps is an orthotic sandal that may help alleviate mild and moderate pronation. The sandal features a contoured neutral arched footbed and a deep heel cushion. The footbed and midsole are made of medium-density polyolefin elastomer (POE). The straps are constructed of polyurethane nubuck and feature a mesh lining with elastic that adds ease and comfort with each step. The toe post is designed to keep feet from sliding and is wrapped with a polyester webbing so toes also stay comfortable and blister-free. A cushioned midsole helps absorb shock, and a non-slip thermoplastic rubber outsole adds stability and traction, especially in the rain.

Woo recommends PowerSteps as a reliable brand that also offers plantar fasciitis shoe inserts and utilizes the same footbed for their sandals.

For a splurge, we think the FinnComfort Gomera-S sandal is worth the investment. Based in Germany, this family-run shoe company goes the extra distance with details like hand-sewn stitching and high-quality, sustainable materials. The Gomera-S is a leather sandal that has three hook-and-loop straps plus a buckled heel strap for ultimate adjustability. The insole features breathable suede that keeps your feet dry, and the outsole is made of a flexible polyurethane.

But what we’re most impressed with is the removable ergonomic foot beds that are engineered with thoughtful details. Each footbed is contoured to gently support and reposition the heel, arch, and other parts of the foot, ensuring comfortable movement and keeping feet pain-free. Footbeds are constructed of layers of vegetable-tanned leather, natural rubber, woven jute, and sustainable cork from Mediterranean oak trees, which creates a supportive padding. Footbeds can be hand-washed with mild soap and warm water.

Available in over 30 colors and with sizes from 3.5 to 13, this sandal has a heel height of 25 millimeters and fits standard to wide feet.