13 Best Sandals for Flat Feet That Don’t Just Look Like Old Lady’s Shoes

What to Look for When Buying Sandals for Flat Feet

Everyone’s feet are different in terms of size and shape, so one buyer’s perfect, Cinderella-worthy shoe may very well be another buyer’s flashy nightmare. That being said, there are a few key indicators you can look for when browsing sandals to find your metaphorical glass slipper. The main rule is to look for orthopedic shoes, medically designed to help naturally support and cushion the contours of your feet. However, in case this attribute is not clearly noted, there are other clues you can rely on to help you determine if a sandal will be comfortable for your flat feet.

Brand: When you’re unsure about a particular shoe, it can be helpful to find out more about the brand of shoe overall, as the measurement standards used are likely to be similar. Some brands are known for generally offering orthopedic and/or supportive shoes for flat feet, including Oofos, OluKai, Aetrex, and Dr. Scholl’s.

Material: The material used to make the sandal – particularly its insole or insole – is an important factor, as it largely determines how cushioned and supported your feet will feel over long periods of time. This is especially true when it comes to contoured insoles that directly support the weight and impact of your feet and moving body while maintaining the shape of your foot’s arch. So, sandals with a footbed that provides soft, bouncy cushioning and durable arch support will help keep your feet secure and comfortable for long periods of time. Some popular brands known for their comfortable fit are Birkenstock, Reef, Vionic, and Orthofeet.

Design: While this last point may seem relatively simple (and somewhat repetitive), we can’t stress enough the difference a well-designed footbed can make to long-term comfort. This is why we are such big fans of orthopedic shoes, because they are designed with anatomically correct footbeds and thus provide unparalleled arch support, stability and cushioning. Some brands offering orthopedic sandals that have received praise from buyers include Orthofeet, Aetrex, Vionic, and Clarks.