Many of us turn to sandals when the weather gets warm—they are a summer staple.
We love their strappy silhouettes and colourful designs, as well as the fact they keep our feet cool. But with all that exposed skin, you lose some of the support regular shoes offer. The footbed can also lack support, especially when it comes to thin or flat soles because they absorb less impact.
Podiatrists see more footwear-related injuries or problems occur during the summer months when picking the wrong shoes for the occasion cause you to trip over and add more pressure on your feet, legs and spine. During the summer months, you transition from work to holiday mode, from city to the beach and everything in between, so choosing the right type of sandals for each occasion is vital. And no matter what you’re up to, you should always wear comfortable shoes.
If you already suffer from foot problems such as bunions, plantar fasciitis or flat feet, wearing supportive sandals is essential. You don’t want to further exacerbate your condition instead of making the most of the sunny weather and summer adventures you’ve got planned.
In a previous article, we explained what orthotic sandals are and how they can benefit you.
Podiatrists recommend avoiding high heels as much as possible. If you must wear an elevated shoe, opt for a low wedge or flatform style instead. Look for a soft sole with cushioning and built-in arch support, a heel cup and secure straps. These will provide long-lasting comfort and support for your feet. A heel/ankle strap will help keep your sandals securely in place, but this is not essential as long as the sandals fit you and they don’t slide off.
We’ve compiled a list of the best sandal styles with added support that are just as stylish as they are comfortable. From APMA-approved brands like Stive and Vionic to everyday brands that produce supportive footwear like Birkenstock, Plankton, Sketchers and more.
Podiatrist-approved Sandals
Whether you already suffer from foot problems or you just want to prevent them, these podiatrist-approved styles provide essential comfort and support for your feet, with plenty of designs to fall head of heels with (not literally, that would totally defeat the purpose).
These sandals feature special construction elements that provide the foot with necessary support - a moulded footbed with arch support, heel cup and straps that hold your foot securely in place. Each element is engendered by specialists and approved by podiatrists to meet the highest standards.
You should wear these sandals to both prevent and lessen the discomfort caused by foot problems.
Supportive Sandals
You don’t necessarily have to wear orthotic shoes if your feet are otherwise healthy. Although the following styles are not vetted by specialists, they are well-known for their superior construction which offers all-day comfort and support for any occasion.
They all feature comfortable, contoured and cushioned footbeds, well-balanced soles that are lightweight but robust enough to absorb shock, and adjustable straps that ensure a precise, secure fit every time you put them on.
To prevent any future issues, you should always opt for a comfortable, supportive pair of sandals such as these.
We offer hundreds of comfortable sandals with arch support to choose from.
