9 great orthopedic sandals better than flat flip flops

Sure, those Old Navy flip flops you’ve been wearing since high school are still only $3—so tempting. But here’s the problem: They aren’t supportive enough for most bodies, from our aching backs and crunchy knees to legs and feet that tire easily without the right support.

Whether you are traveling, walking through the water park, or grilling dinner, this summer, it’s time to level up your sandals to more orthopedic—but still exceptionally cute—footwear. Below, are nine great orthopedic sandals for women and men selected by medical experts for their comfort and style.

1. Birkenstock Arizona

Years ago, Ashley Lee, a podiatrist at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, hated the look of Birkenstocks. She "thought you had to be a 'hippy' to wear them,” until she saw her trendy nieces loving them. "I will most likely be sporting these in black or silver," she says.

"Birkenstocks have also long been a [favorite] of podiatrists. They have layers of jute, cork, and latex to help absorb shock, relieve pressure, and regulate moisture. Most people who own a pair will also tell you how durable they are.” She warns patients, though, that not everyone can tolerate their rigidity.

$110 at Birkenstock

2. Vionic Tide II Post

If flat flip flops were never your thing because you want a bit of height, Vionic High Tide IIs combine an orthotic-type insole with a platform sandal, so you can have the best of both worlds in style and comfort. The top-of-the-foot straps aren’t too loose to keep these on, and the base isn’t heavy at all, unlike some other platform options.

But, if you want fewer inches, give the Tide II Toe Post Sandals—their lower flip flop option—a go instead.

$90 at Vionic

3. Tread Labs Albion Sandal

From the founder of the well-loved hiking sandal and footwear brand Chacos, Tread Labs focuses on orthotic footwear—but you couldn’t tell that by looking at its catalog. The Albion sandal conforms firmly to your foot, offering high arch support and a supportive place to land with each step.

It comes in a variety of muted but sophisticated colors and is easy to adjust (much easier, in fact, than Chacos themselves). If you find yourself wishing you could shove supportive orthotics into your summer shoe, this might be your new go-to option.

$130 at Tread Labs

4. Naot Kayla

The sophisticated older sister of your current sandals, the Naot Kayla has a padded footbed, so it isn’t nearly as rigid as a Birkenstock, but under that it has serious support. The back strap follows our experts’ recommendations to prevent foot strain, and with 24 possible colorways, including some two-tone options, you are bound to find some that match a variety of outfits.

These orthotic sandals for women are perfect to dress down with leggings and a tank or can be dressed up for a summer evening date (especially the metallic pair). If you are between sizes, size up slightly, and keep in mind some Naots run a bit narrower than other brands.

$140 at Naot

5. Aetrex Maui Orthotic Flips

Once you discover Aetrex flip flops, you won’t go back to any other brand. They keep your arch supported, have many waterproof options for poolside play, and come in a wide variety of styles—some dressy, some for everyday use, and some that accomplish both needs seamlessly.

For example, the braided thong has enough detail that you can easily transition them from a summer day to a sundress in the evening, or the Maui Flips are a solid option if you don’t plan on dressing up and going anywhere this summer.

$60 at Aetrex

6. Message Mullen Slides

If it’s time for a little break in flip flop thong styles, but you still want that “flip” in your shoe this summer, try the mega-supportive slide from Message. This footbed has slightly less up-and-down variation/arch support than other options on this list. It also has a slightly flatter footbed that might be ideal for those without a high arch, or those who are bothered by arch supports that are too high.

The classy fabric band comes in some swoon-worthy colors so beware; you’ll probably want more than one pair once you try them.

$150 at Message

7. Oofos Oolala Sandal

On the other end of the squishiness spectrum from Birkenstocks comes Oofo, a recovery shoe you can wear all the time. It features a super-plush and forgiving sole, that is still quite supportive and is easy to keep on, unlike some other flip flop styles.

Men and women alike might want to try the Ooriginal sandal, which is slightly wider than the OOlala. Size down slightly if you are between sizes, so you aren’t tripping on these super-comfy sandals. Lee says they look cute with workout or yoga clothes, and you can pair them with a summer dress, though they might look a bit, well, orthopedic.

$70 at Oofos

8. Kuru Glide

Flip flops are often missing the rounded heel cup you get from higher-quality shoes, seen in these Kuru Glide sandals. When you put your foot in, your heel feels like it’s getting a little hug that ensures it’s not going anywhere (much different from most flip flop designs).

You also can take a full rolling step completely supported with these sandals on, rather than feeling like your feet are just slapping the floor.

$135 at Kuru

9. Dansko Krystal EVA

The line of shoes known best as healthcare professionals' and teachers’ go-to clogs also features stylish, yet still extremely supportive, sandals. If you have serious foot, knee, or back pain, you can compromise with these mildly cute (but not super stylish) strappy sandals that are highly adjustable and customizable.

Or, if you are looking for a leather summer work shoe that’s much more elegant, opt for the Reece.

A great compromise between the two is the new, and much beachier, lightweight Krystal EVA. Its design features green materials, making them super easy to wipe down after a flower watering session.

The wrap around the big toe design has the features of a flip flop without irritating the skin between your first big toes—a nice break. These are a bit roomier top to bottom, so consider sizing down if you are between sizes.

From $61 at Amazon

Why are flat flip flops so bad for my body?

According to Dr. Michael Fishkin, a Pedorthic at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, flat flip flops just aren’t good enough because they allow for pronation, which is when the foot rolls inward. “When there’s no support in the flip flops, this causes the toes to grip excessively, causing heel pain or can even create calf tightness,” he says.

His colleague Dr. Lee adds that it can also lead to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and knee, hip, or lower back pain as well.

What should you look for in a super supportive sandal?

Online shopping for shoes can be tough. Not only is it cumbersome to order various sizes and fits you know you’ll have to return, but it can be difficult to tell what features each shoe offers just by looking at a website. Lee says an easy-to-identify trait worth looking for in any sandal is something with a back.

This might eliminate your favorite flip flop from consideration, but the design choice prevents toe curling, which she says can exacerbate conditions like hammertoes and bunions. “If having a sandal with a strap around the heel is not your style, just make sure the insole offers enough support to prevent the foot from sliding,” she adds.

In addition, Lee says to look for a supportive, comfortable arch, not a flat footbed.

Fishkin agrees, saying, “The cheap flip flops are all flat and have no additional structure, so your foot is capable of doing whatever it wants in the footwear, creates more stress on the feet and body.”

Beyond foot health, why do orthopedic shoes help?

If you are getting grouchy one hour into a shopping or outdoor festival trip this summer, look down and check your feet. “If your feet feel good, you will feel better,” Fishkin says. “You are capable of walking longer distances. If your feet do not have to work as hard when walking, the sandal will take a lot of the stress off the body.”

Lee says that unnecessary discomfort leads to extra stress that none of us need, especially on a carefree summer day.