Published on March 3rd, 2024 | by Kirsten Borrink
46Sandals With Arch Support: 9 Picks for Sure Comfort All Summer Long
Those of us in cooler climates look forward to sandal season all year long – that sometimes too-brief window of time when feet can be sock-free and open to the breeze. But if you have feet that need extra support, we probably don’t have to tell you that finding sandals with arch support can be a challenge. Join us as we round up a collection of great options to keep you looking good and feeling great all summer long.
You may notice many of our sandals with arch support have a back strap. This is intentional, as we recently learned from Dr. Cathleen McCarthy, a top podiatrist in Phoenix and author of Podiatry Shoe Review, that sandals with back straps are a must if you suffer from hammertoes or bunions. The rearfoot control that a back strap provides discourages toe-gripping to keep the sandal on (this motion speeds up the progression of hammertoes…and bunions.) Even if bunions and hammertoes aren’t an issue for your feet, you may still appreciate the security of a back strap, but we’ve also included some supportive slip-on options.
Think the toe loop is a dealbreaker? Think again. The common thread among customer reviews for the Dansko Reece is its ability to check all the boxes: good looks, arch support, secure fit, and soft leather uppers–including the toe loop. Planning a European vacation and need a walking sandal that can go the distance over cobblestones and other uneven surfaces while still uplifting the arches? Multiple reviewers rave about the Dansko Reece’s all-day comfort and support on their daylong walks abroad. Find the Dansko Reece in euro sizes 35-43 (5-12) for $130 from Dansko.com, Zappos, Nordstrom and Amazon.
Zappos customer Roberta says this about her Halsa Denia sandals:
I can’t ever recall, in all my 73 years, putting on a pair of shoes or sandals that didn’t cause some sort of foot pain or discomfort. These Halsa Denia sandals were amazing. I walked 12 city blocks and my feet didn’t hurt! I have large feet (11 WW) with bunions and I found this sandals to be extremely comfortable, with good arch support. I thought they were nice-looking too.
Find the Halsa Denia in sizes 6-11, medium and wide widths for $124.95 from Nordstrom, Zappos and The Walking Company.
We love Munro’s new updated sandal styles, the Juniper being our favorite with its platform wedge! A cork and latex footbed offers good arch support. The Juniper is available in sizes 6-11, narrow to extra-wide widths for $169.99 from Zappos and Nordstrom.
SAS Pampa sandal: Every Zappos customer that left a review for the sandal awarded it five stars for comfort–every single one so far! A contoured footbed with soft suede lining conforms to the natural arch and curves of the foot.
Extra cushioning at the ball-of-foot and heel comes as a welcome relief for those suffering with plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia (forefoot pain). Available in whole and half sizes 5-12 (including hard-to-find 10.5 and 11.5), medium and wide widths at Zappos, and Amazon. Find a SAS retailer near you.
If you like the Skechers price point, but have found them to be less than supportive, think again! Skechers new machine-washable Arch Fit collection features shoes and sandals with podiatrist-certified arch support, contoured memory foam insoles and stretch uppers. Find the bunion-concealing City Catch style in sizes 6-10 for $65 from Skechers.com, Zappos and Amazon.
The Orthofeet Paloma will comfort your troubled feet. A removable orthotic insole allows for the use of Orthofeet’s specialized Arch Booster system (a small orthotic device that can be placed under the insole for added arch support). Adjustable straps and a mild rocker sole enhance the overall comfort and support of the Orthofeet Paloma sandal. Find it in sizes 5-12, medium and wide widths for $97.95 at Orthofeet.com.
More arch support sandals that deserve mention: Mephisto Helen (see our review), Stegmann Layna wedge (see our review), Dansko Raquel (see our review).
What are your favorite sandals with arch support? We get some of our best info from our readers, so please chime in! For more recommendations, check out our recently updated “6 Stylish Sandals for Hallux Rigidus” as most feature excellent arch support.
I really love the new styles from SAS. I don’t have hammer toes, but the toes on my left foot do not lay flat so any shoe that requires gripping by toes is uncomfortable and and annoying. However, I find as long as a sandal has a strap high across the foot my toes don’t need to grip. So, a sandal like the Birkenstock Arizona is fine.
Yes, of course! The Wolky Jewel is a classic–thanks for the reminder.
You are so right, Linda. How could I have left that one off? It’s a oldie but goodie and keeps coming back year after year.
I’ll bet if you take your Birks to a shoe repair place, they could stitch a back strap on for you. One with some elastic in it would be awesome!
Hmmm, that is a great idea but I have a limited edition Arizona in teal leather! Wonder if they could match it??
I love the wolky Jewel, !! So many colors and patterns, also ive had the same pair for over 2 years so they last and last.
Kirsten,
I have to vote for an old favorite of yours, and mine, the Jewel by Wolky. All parts are adjustable for perfect fit and with a thick protective sole and that all important back strap. As it comes in about a million different colors the only problem is choosing one! I actually wore a pair of gold ones once to a wedding as I’d hurt my knee and couldn’t walk in heels at all. Every time I wear them I get at least one compliment and asked where to buy them. Although they’re somewhat funky looking, it’s a good funky?
They would be used to dyeing shoes, but an exact match may be tricky. If they can’t, try a strap that matches the sole instead (like black or grey) to still look cohesive. Or, a nude colored strap would more or less disappear.
I’m no stranger to doing surgery on my shoes, but I’m limited to what can fit under my sewing machine needle (not much!) or I will hand sew if desperate. I had actually never thought about going to a shoe repair shop until I read your post today about straps. Might have to do that myself on a pair I can’t sew.
We’ll do anything to quiet the barking dogs!!!
One more strap idea… a much lighter or much darker teal (different enough to look intentional) for a two-tone look.
I just ordered the Alegria Playa in purple. I didn’t see a referral code in the URL, so when the checkout form asked for the email of the friend who referred me, I put yours.
I’m looking forward to wearing these sandals. Thank you so much!
Well, thank you! I’m wearing mine around for a while before writing review. I love how lightweight they are, good arch support. They may bend a little too much at forefoot for my stiff big toe, but it’s a new style with more flexible sole.
Loving my new Spenco backstrap sandals with moderate arch support. Worth a review.
I love the site and want to ask a question myself, but I can’t figure out how to do that except by commenting. I’m always on the lookout for sandals with both backstrap and covered toes. Keen Venice H2O has been my standard for years. Any other suggestions? Also, what is your recommendation for best shoes to wear to stand a long time? Walking around a little but mostly standing for 6 hours — bottom of feet get SO sore! Thank you for your site!
Hi Beatrice! If you want a dressier covered-toe option with good support and cushioning, Naot has some great offerings this season: Naot Rongo, Naot Arataki, and the Celosia style are good choices. I also like the Keen Rose. The Dansko Millie is a dressier option with cushioned footbed. And the Ahnu Malini is a nice dress casual sandal.
Thank you!
I’m going to give the Arataki a try. Nice looking! I usually can’t do ankle straps (Keen Rose doesn’t work for me) but this looks like a lower strap. Are you recommending these also as shoes that work well for standing 6 hours?
That I don’t know, but the cork latex footbed feels similar to Birkenstock which is somewhat firm but shock absorbing.
The Earth Bay has been an amazing sandal for me. I have bad bunions, and these are the only sandals besides FitFlops that don’t hurt either my toes or my foot. The straps on the Champagne version have a dark edge, which adds interest and makes them especially nice with a black sundress. I wore them through a graduation weekend (lots of standing and walking on both grass and pavement) and they were comfortable. Thumbs up from me.
Have you tried the olukai ones you have listed here? They are adorable but I’ve read mixed reviews on how much support they have so I’ve been hesitant to try them.
I personally have not. I don’t think they’d have the same support as a Vionic or Birkenstock! I liked the low profiles of this particular style, but it is super low to the ground, so I wouldn’t expect aggressive arch support. Do what I do and order a few from Zappos and send back the losers!
I’m so glad that you mentioned cork shoes. My wife wants new shoes for summer and I have been searching nonstop. She wanted something comfortable, and that could mold to her foot. I’ll keep looking for various cork sandals. Thanks for the tip.
I highly recommend the Naot Norah from their Elegant Flats line. I absolutely love this sandal — it’s got the usual cork and latex sole, with adjustable straps across the forefoot and ankle. I wear a 10-10.5 shoe and the 42 is perfect for me.
I bought my first Aetrex sandals (Lori) last summer and wore them teaching and all over the UK with no plantar fasciitis or arthritis. Lots of compliments too. The red Jillians you reviewed are adorable!
Hi I am desperate leaving for a major biking trip and the claw toe , Mallot toe is acting up like crazy while I have been training in my usual wide and firm toe bed Salomon ultra 3 , and with my orthotics and my toe silicon cover on my toe. I am thinking should I try switching to a open sandal to bike , if so which one would be stiff and wide enough to try out . I have 5 weeks before having to cancel this very expensive trip
I hope you don’t have to cancel your biking trip. A few to try: Ecco Offroad Sandal–firm support, but doesn’t run especially wide (comes in a toggle version too). The Teva Tirra has more adjustability, good support but sole isn’t as thick as the Ecco. The Naot Harbor has excellent support and is fully adjustable (perhaps more than the Ecco). And of course there’s always Chaco, but I’ve never been a pro at adjusting the straps…
I have bunions and a hammertoe and am a big fan of Abeo sandals. They are so adjustable and comfortable. I have many pairs of the Brynn sandal but have recently ordered a new style that I think will be a new favorite the Abeo Quartz.
https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/abeo-quartz-neutral-black/72432
The Abeo Quartz are awesome, with a nice heel cup
The bijou is also similar to the brynn, with a cork footbed. The Una from Abeo is my all time favorite!
What about PF shoes for small feet??? Euro 35 or 4.5 -5? I have been searching for years! Do they exist?
Kirsten:
THANK YOU for mentioning a web site (Sole Provisions) that has Waldlaufer sandals. Nice to see a Brick & Motor Store that ALSO offers Free Shipping (if purchase is over a certain amount). I tried on SO MANY sandals & clogs from Finn Comfort – but my foot is NOT a Finn Comfort foot. I am about send back 8 sandals (slide & flip flop WITH good arch) to Zappos. So….I will give Waldlaufer another try. I wasn’t considering Waldlaufer because last Summer I tried on 1 sandal style that had “too much volume” for my wide toes (1 Bunionette), Narrow heels & “Bony” (Thin) feet. I want to try the Waldlaufer: “Angie”, “Blair Hilda”, “Gretta Halisha” and “Taylor Hanila”. EVERY strap is adjustable! If none of those fit…..than maybe the clunky “Zander”. What is great about a Brick & Mortor store having a web site is BEING able to call and ask how a particular style fits! Eventually, I will find an “everyday” sandal to fit!
Hi Marjorie–will you report back and let us know what you think of Waldlaufer if you get a pair?
Finn Comfort comes in sizes Euro 34 and 35. There are many, many styles to choose from, including sandals, clogs, lace-ups, even boots. They are pricey but the quality is unmatched. They last for years. For problem feet, there is no better shoe. I watch for them to go on sale at Amazon and Zappos.
Mephisto Hellen has been a lifesaver for me for years! It has a great footbed. I’ve always been curious how it compares to any Birkenstocks. The latter has never made sense in the store but Birks are so popular I keep wondering if I should try.
Well……I tried on 3 Waldlaufers Sandals in their “G” width (med- wide) and “H” (Wide) width. Even though they have a “Combination last – the edges of 1 sandal strap bothered my bunionette. Maybe it was the WRONG day to go to a shoe store……when they let you know that nothing they have is for you!!! (and you know that they WANT you to LEAVE) O.K. they actually let you know they are DONE helping you and can do NOTHING else. I guess other people might have had the same unpleasant experience. Finding shoe is hard enough!!! There are 2 more stores each a big distance (1 hr. 45 and 1 hr. 30 min away WITHOUT traffic). However…..the SOLES of the Waldlaufer sandals REALLY felt nice in the “Eve Sina Sky Foil” and “Angie Tanya Grey Foil”.
YES:
I did try on 2 Waldlaufer sandals: “Eva” in a “G” width (European medium-wide) and “Angie” in an “H” width (Euro Wide).
They were pretty – but not so practical: bottom of soles didn’t seem to have good traction. Neither worked for me: edge of strap bothered my Tailor’s Bunion (or rubbed below it). Re: width of the “G”: my foot felt like it was “over the edge”. The person helping me disagreed & focused on my narrow heel.
I tried on a Helle sandal which fit (4 adjustable straps). But the the arch OR type of sole felt very strange to walk on!
So….NO sandals after 3 hrs.
(1 hour drive each way to store & 1 hr + in store).
It’s NOT good when the staff becomes unprofessional.
My friend reminded me that I’ve been searching for shoes & sandals for TWO years (1 year Pre-bunionette & 1 year since developing Bunuinette).
Right Now: I can’t leave the house without taping on gel pads to wear Chaco sandals OR padding heel & bunionette for Ahnu Tilden water shoes.
NEXT STEPS:
1) My husband says to move to an island where I can ALWAYS go barefoot in the sand.
2) Turnpike Comfort Footwear has a NICE selection of Waldlaufer https://turnpikeshoes.com/
I hope this practical (& dorky) Waldlaufer “Zander Heria” will fit!!
https://turnpikeshoes.com/collections/sale/products/zander-heria-black-glitter-408002-175-099-black?variant=29572473925
Sole Provisions carries it in GOLD!
Also saw a nice brand of cork sandals: Sabatini. https://turnpikeshoes.com/collections/vendors?q=Sabatini%20Calzature%20s.r.l.
They carry sandals with removable footbeds for people wearing orthotics “Alivio Orthotic Friendly Footwear”.
Plus….I think have their “own brand”.
They are 1 hr. 45 min drive from me IF traffic is “Normal”.
But…..it might be worth going In PERSON because they have Certified Pedorthists at store & It is a family owned business.
YES – almost 2 hours. I will call first & ask IF the shoes I am interested usually work for my type of feet.
Kirsten:
Yes – I will report back IF I try on Sabatini or Alivio.
Thank You again for responding to my messages on Facebook. It is WONDERFUL that you spend time researching & providing your readers with NEW shoe info. It is great that your frustrated readers have a place to share info and to vent (if necessary) after a shoe shopping disaster.
Marjorie–you are a doll to report back in such detail. I’m so sorry for the trouble you have gone to in order to find a shoe that fits well, but I’m crossing my finger for you. Good info about Turnpike shoes, too. I appreciate hearing about the non-typical comfort brands–they can be so hard to find!
I have loved Birkenstocks for most of my adult life, especially the Mayari, which I have in 4 colors. BUT, arthritis on the tops of my feet has made it so I have to be very careful about straps. The only sandals that work for me now are Teva Tirra. 8 colors and counting! Great support, Velcro straps.
Hi Janet–thanks for the reminder about the Teva Tirra–excellent sandal with adjustability and support 🙂 Glad they work for you. I’m happy the company keeps it around and releases new colors every season.
I have the Papillo Lana. Love them but there is definitely no cushioning.
I bought a pair of Aravon Mila several years ago. They are now thread bare but I still wear them at home. In the meantime I looked around and found 7 similar pairs, Mary with T-strap, Medici with larger straps, all sandal types on the same arch support sole and with a bit of heel, and several models of closed shoes, all as comfortable. the only one I like less is the one with front closure, it hurts on my foot. I have a very high instep and most sandal straps come too high on the foot, or don’t even close over it. Recommended. You don’t even feel they are also heels, and quite elegant at that. Most people at my door think I got ready to leave because of the lovely footwear !
I have metatarsalgia, the dr. says my feet are unstable, & I usually wear prescription orthotics. This summer I discovered Bzees. What a treat to be able to wear something besides clunky tennis shoes with clunky orthotics, for days when I won’t be walking the whole time!
I have neuropathy, and looking for a comfortable cushioned walking sandal. Any recommendations? Thank you
I am looking for recommendations for flatter or slight wedge slide sandals that can be made with custom orthotics, and/or have custom orthotics made to replace the removable insoles. Preferably with a suede/leather footbed like those on Birkenstock Arizona. I am currently wearing those Birkenstocks with my custom orthotics placed inside them. I have worn orthotics for 40 years, and Arizona Birks for at least 30 years. My biggest newest problem is that I need even more anti-pronation support due to a terrible bike/car accident one year ago, resulting in multiple areas of leg damage still trying to heal and I think I need even more anti-pronation so that my inner knee/leg has less stress. At my husbands suggestion tonight, I put my orthotics inside my Birks and the combo seems to be helpful. Any ideas?
Why is nobody on this site asking about recommendations for comfortable sandals for neuropathy? So many people out there have neuropathy and are searching
for comfortable shoes. I was so excited when I found this shoe blog because I
thought for sure I would be able to find other people who have neuropathy. I don’t read many posts about finding shoes for people who have neuropathy.
Can anybody on this blog help me? – Thank you so much.
I have a great recommendation for a comfortable sandal: Hotter Walk or Traveler (they are almost identical).
Got my first pair 3 years ago and I can still walk for miles in them! Ordered another pair on sale …and I might need to go back again. They come in a range of widths and quirky British colors and have 3 adjustable straps for a customized fit.
I have significant bunions and am developing hammertoes. Because I have extensive arthritis on the top of my feet, I need shoes that provide very solid support so my feet do not wiggle at all. These are the only sandals I can wear all day and walk in.
So informative even in 2023!
Thank you for your testimonials on footwear for foot problems!.
I’m hunting for a elegant comfort sandal for a wedding with a midi linen dress that I can wear a lot more than to just the wedding
Any suggestions?
The Alegria sandals Venice and Vienna have been the most consistent comfort and support shoes for me. The back strap and adjustable forefoot straps offer stability for my flat feet and a fused left ankle, and there are great neutrals as well as fun prints. The silver/pewter colored sandals are my go-to for dressier sandals, although I wear them with everything. I have a somewhat narrow foot, and these adjust well.