What better shoe to accompany you through the end of summer (and any last-minute trips to the beach) than a good old fashioned flip-flop?
While it may tempting to keep wearing your go-to $5 pair every summer, those super-thin PVC sandals may be doing your feet more harm than good. Flimsy flip-flops don’t provide the proper foot support you need, especially if you have high arches, and can actually make any current foot conditions you have worse — or cause new ones. (In fact, if you belong to the community of arched feet, you may already avoid flip-flops for their notorious lack of support.)
However, there are several options that actually do offer comfort and relief while you wear them.
Dr. Chanel J. Perkins, a board-certified podiatrist based in Texas, told HuffPost that the best kind of flip-flop for people with high arches is one that has a good height in the arch area and a cushioned footbed.
“If it folds in half like a soft taco, it’s certainly not going to have the support you might need if you have high arches. The footbed should match the shape of your foot,” she said. “You want the flip-flop to contour closely to your foot type, so a high arched foot requires a flip-flop with adequate arch support.”
To get your feet ready for your last vacation before summer’s over, we asked Perkins to provide her recommendations for flippies that won’t flop when it comes to supporting your feet.
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Promising review: "I am currently dealing with painful neuropathy in my legs and feet. The Gaya sandals keep my feet cool while being quite supportive. I did not expect such delicate looking thong sandals to be this substantial and comfortable. This is my third style purchased from Orthofeet. Won't be the last." — Adrienne Arden
Promising review: "Wanted a super casual “flip flop” type shoe to wear to pool and/or beach - this shoe is perfect for that. It’s much better quality than a cheap flip flop - and has Birkenstock’s standard foot support so it’s comfortable/easy to walk in. Really like this shoe for what I wanted it for." — Zappos customer
Promising review: "Extremely satisfied with these Oofos flip flops! I was walking 3-5 miles everyday and my feet were starting to hurt. I also have all hard floors in my house & hadn't even thought of that adding to the problem. I decided to try these recovery flip flops to see if they would help & Wow 😲 instant relief!!! They reduce the impact of my feet hitting the hard ground while offering great arch support which is not something usually found in a flop! I'm looking forward to trying the clogs & sneakers from Oofos,as now I just want to be good to my feet!" — Robin McCann
Promising review: "This is my second pair of Gizehs -- my first was bought in 2001 and I wore them out! I have wide feet and short toes, normally wear a 7-1/2 or 8 but they ran almost an inch long in the heel so ordered one size smaller and they were a perfect fit. If you're not used to wearing thongs it will take a few days to get used to. After that, they're perfect. Feel great, the adjustable snug fit keeps them from making that flop sound and they stay on even when doing a high kick!" — Leita C
Promising review: "I needed flip flops for the beach and since I have plantar fasciitis I can't wear any old pair like I used to. I bought this Vionic sandal and hands down it is the most comfortable flip flop I've ever worn...and quite possibly the most comfortable shoe I've ever worn. The arch support is amazing and I love how sturdy the shoe is overall. It looks very cute and summer on my foot and the style goes with so much of my summer clothes. And best of all NO PAIN. Buy these. Do it now. You won't regret it." — Christina