Best Sandals for Flat Feet -Men, Women and Kids

Summertime is here, and you’ll have to agree with me when I say kicking your winter boots aside is a great way to welcome summer.

Although it’s fun to wear your thong sandals and walk along the beach, they may be not the most foot-friendly footwear.

Though comfortable and snug to wear, they don't provide the necessary support, cushion, and stability especially if you’re flat-footed.

Now, with the flash flood of flip-flops being advertised out there, finding the best sandals for flat feet that offers cushion, support and stability for flat feet can be a bit overwhelming.

In this review, we want to help you find comfortable and cute sandals so that you can maximize the fun-filled season.

Our top women’s choice sandal is the Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post loved by most women for their benefit in helping heal plantar fasciitis a condition caused by flat feet – "overpronation."

While Spenco Men’s Yumi Leather Sandal topped the best men’s sandals with Orthotic-grade arch support incorporating a technically inspired footbed for unmatched summer wear, comfort, and support. 

We can’t forget to mention who topped the kids' list!

The Apakowa Boy's and Girl's Double Adjustable Strap Closed-Toe Sandals topped our list of cute orthopedic footwear for children.

Not only is this product adorable, but is comfortable and protection in mind. Furthermore, the Apakowa’s kid’s summer footwear is designed to prevent flat foot.

And if you have wide flat feet, there’s something for you in this top seven list of best sandals.

Best Sandals for Flat Feet

1. Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post with Built-in Orthotic

Enjoy all-day long comfort in the Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post featuring podiatrist-designed, biomechanical orthotic footbed that helps readjust and support your feet into a natural position when walking.

The upper neoprene "nylon" webbing and leather materials in the Tide II Toe post is creatively woven to offer maximum cushion suitable for flat feet women on their feet for long periods of time.

This women’s thong sandal features a deep heel cup biomechanically designed to cuddle your arches to alleviate lower limb pain that people with flat feet experience for added comfort and support.

The lightweight, flexible medium-density EVA midsole offers shock attenuation for excellent support that helps you walk without feeling pain on your feet, ankles and knees.

The durable TPR double rubber outsole provides traction on wet and dry surfaces.

The thong sandal is a good investment for women with flat feet and has received the APMA seal of acceptance.

American Podiatric Seal of Approval

It's not easy to find sandals or flip-flops that have been approved by APMA.

Fortunately, Vionic ingeniously modeled a sandal - Tide II Toe Post- footwear that is not just fashionable but helps correct alignment and stops overpronation of flat-footed women.

Superior materials

The use of excellent high-quality materials that are used to construct midsole of the Tide II Toe post provides less stress on heels and extra comfort.

Shock Absorption and Cushioning

Women with flat feet tend to put on too much weight on their heel as they walk. The pressure on the heel can result in terrible pain on your knees, hips, and back.

The Tide II post sandal is designed to EVA to offer outstanding shock absorption on impact.

Pros

• Biomechanical footbed for pain relief
• Excellent arch support
• Lightweight
• Durable
• All-day-long comfort
• APMA Seal of acceptance

Cons

• You’ll need to find a perfect fit as the shoe can run a little wide or long for some people
• Some customers have commented that the straps don’t fully support, again this is an issue with finding a perfect fit

2. Spenco Men's Yumi Leather Sandal – Trendy Orthotic Summer Flip Flops

Spenco Men’s Yumi leather sandal is the kind of sleek, trendy orthotic summer flip flops that have gained popularity with the younger guys.

The Yumi leather footwear features orthotic grade support with a molded EVA footbed and a deep heel cupping for a “springy” walk and extra support suitable for men with serious foot complications and those that have undergone foot surgery.

The combined simple strap style and an Ultra-fresh antimicrobial controls odor for freshness in the hot summer weather.

The Spenco’s footwear features a synthetic sole that offers durability and traction on several types of terrain.

Another notable feature in this thong orthotic men’s footwear is the metatarsal in offers soft arch support while the zero drop heel lift for proper foot alignment and minimal overpronation.

The Spenco men’s Yumi flip-flop comes in different colors that can offer perfect dress sandals for any occasion.

Arch support

A third of the world’s population suffer from flat feet finding a perfect pair of flip-flops as part of your summer gear will help avert conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

The anatomical footbed in the Yumi leather sandal with arc support raises the arches of a flat feet person reducing unnecessary stress on some parts of the foot.

Ultra-Fresh Antimicrobial

The heat that comes with the summer season requires one to dress down properly. In this case, your feet will keep cool throughout.

The Yumi leather flip-flop has an ultra-fresh antimicrobial design that controls odor and helps to wick away moisture.

Heel cushioning

The contoured footbed on which the heel sits and the cavernous heel cups stabilizes and supports the feet.

Pros

• Available in different colors
• Fashion-forward with an impressive aesthetic appeal
• Unmatched comfort and support
• Metatarsal dome
• Very durable
• Fairly priced

Cons

• Some have found the sandal a little heavy
• Can be slippery when wet, we wish they were waterproof

3. Apakowa Boy's and Girl's Double Adjustable Strap Closed-Toe Orthopedic Sandals

The Apakowa Boy’s and Girl’s Double Adjustable Strap Closed-Toe Sandals with a fixed head and heel offers your active kid with lots of toe and heel protection against stubbing their toes.

The Apakowa Closed-toe children’s orthopedic footwear features a genius leather insole with excellent arch support design that helps to prevent flat feet suitable for kids with wide flat-feet.

The leather insole is breathable and provides air circulation to your kid's feet for fresh feet on the hot summer weather

The Apakowa kid’s sandal designed with ease of wear in mind.

This kid’s footwear features a double adjustable hook-and-loop closure that offers even the youngest daycare goer ease of wearing on his own.

The sole is synthetic and provides excellent traction for your child against slippery surfaces. So, mom, you won’t have to worry about your kid sliding and tripping as this footwear has the best grip that any kid’s sandal could offer.

Traction on Wet/Dry Surfaces

The sole is sturdy and reliable providing great traction offering quality and durability – great summer shoes perfect for the beach and pool.

Width

Some kids tend to have wide flat feet, and the Apakowa Boy's and Girl's Double Adjustable Strap Closed-Toe Sandals have a large diameter that offers a better and more comfortable fit.

Durability and Quality

The Apakowa kid’s footwear has high quality and long lasting materials that provide sturdiness even when worn every day.

Pros

• Toe protection
• Easy to wear
• Cute sandals
• Comfortable
• Breathable
• Synthetic sole
• Available in assorted colors so you’ll be able to choose a favorite color
• Orthopedic shoes that prevent flat feet in kids

Cons

• The little flower decorations on the girl’s version tend to come off rather quickly but can be easily fixed back with super glue and hold nicely
• May have a larger fitting for some kids with thin feet – you'll need to look for the right size

4. Olukai Ohana Men’s Classic 100% Vegan-Friendly Sandal

The classic Hawaiian inspired Olukai Ohana men’s summer footwear features a non-marking coral reefed lug rubber outsole with a simple, stylish design.

This flip-flop is 100% natural and does not feature any animal products making it vegan-friendly men's summer footwear.

The anatomically compressed EVA midsole footbed feature on this sandal is suitable for the vegan-friendly man looking for reduced leg pain and fatigue from long hours of standing or walking.

The ICEVA drop-in material has been incorporated in the footbed to offer medial and lateral arch support for a personalized fit.

The Olukai also features a synthetic leather strap with trendy jersey knit lining and a soft nylon toe post webbing Laser-etched logo for comfort and style.

The non-marking synthetic rubber outsole with razor supped edges offer traction on slippery surfaces making the Olukai Ohana a perfect flip flop for the beach and pool.

Roomy Toe Box

The Ohana has a roomy toe box that offers more balance and reduced pressure on the foot while the heel is cupped to provide proper alignment and reduced lateral movement for better stability.

Quick-drying Properties

This flip-flop is a water ready footwear. Olukai features quick-drying, breathable and durable materials. 

Cost and value

In comparison to Spenco Men’s Yumi leather sandal, the Ohana fall in the expensive range though they’re worth the investment if you're looking for a high-quality pair of flip-flops.

They also offer you with plenty of support, cushion, comfort, and durability the more the reason for higher pricing.

Pros 

• Perfect balance
• Ample lasting all-day support
• Water-resistant
• Coral reef-lugged outsole for traction
• Excellent cushion
• Roomy toe box
• Anatomical arch support
• 100% vegan-friendly

Cons

• We wish they could last longer with heavy use
• Finding a perfect size could solve a problem for people with narrow feet

5. Mephisto Women’s Helen Thong Sandal with Soft-Air Technology Best for Fallen Arches

Preventing the consequences of flat feet is easy. The Mephisto Women’s Helen Thong summertime footwear features a simple asymmetrical design offering maximum support and comfort.

Mephisto Helen incorporates soft air technology and a contoured footbed for coziness and flexibility.

Additionally, the cork/latex footbed adds more comfort for lengthy walks.

The adjustable strap assists you to find a perfect fit making it an appropriate all-day walking casual sandal for the wide feet and fallen arches woman.

The Mephisto features a soft suede lining that lags the feet with deluxe cushioning.

The rubber non-slip soles provide super grip and ensure that you won't skid on wet surfaces especially around the pool.

The shock-absorbing footbed offers stability when walking while the trendy leather upper marks you as a style conscious woman.

This flip-flop has other notable qualities such as the 0.75 inches raised on the platform and a 1-inch heel that provides fantastic support.

Soft-Air Technology

The Helen features soft-air technology pads for maximum comfort and shock absorption. The technology reduces pain on the heel, knee and helps correct alignment.

Materials

The latex/cork midsole and the contoured footbed gives you miles of comfortable walking. The rubber sole construction and the top grain leather on the Helen’s offers superior cushion.

Cost and value

The Mephisto Helen is pricey but worth every dollar while the asymmetrical design delivers beauty for aesthetic value.

The Helen thong women's flip-flops are not only stylish but are also available in a variety of colors.

Pros

• Flexible
• Adjustable for wide feet
• Excellent support
• Great traction
• Sufficient shock attenuation
• Stable
• Plush cushioning

Cons

• Some have found the leather upper a bit stiff but generally cute sandals
• Pricey but worth every dollar

6. Earth Women's Bay Gladiator Sandal with Multi-Density Cushioning Technology

Out of the women summer sandals we’ve reviewed here, the Earth Women’s Bay Gladiator is the edgiest sandal with stunning laser work and ample arch support.

These Gladiator sandals come in ten different colors and feature gorgeous laser-cut leather work and fashion-forward metal studs. The shoe can be paired with a wide variety of summer outfits.

The multi-layered midsole on this product offers exclusive comfort to the more flexible flat-footed woman whose feet “roll inwards” – overpronate.

This Iconic gladiator features a top-quality calf leather upper and a glove-soft leather breathable lining that provides air circulation in the hot summer weather for extra comfort.

This gladiator is imported and has a platform height of 4/8 inches and weighs just under 4 ounces offering them lightweight attribute and heel support for all-day comfort.

The gladiators are well padded with some texture for a better grip if your feet continuously sweat in the searing summer weather.

Multi-Density Cushioning and Arch Support

The glove-soft leather lining with breathable PU offers your heel with cushion and more shock absorption when walking. The supportive quality materials make the gladiator durable.

Comfort

Most footwear needs some time to break in. Unlike the Vionic Women's Tide II Toe Post which takes time to break into, these gladiators have been remarked with a right away break in providing a comfortable fit.

Cost and Value

The cost of any footwear depends on the features, design, and size. These gladiators come at a reasonable price.

The sandals are trendy and have plenty of arch support than most flat flip-flops.

Pros

• Adorable designs, available in several colors
• Reasonably priced
• Super comfortable
• Little time to break in
• Moderate amount of cushion
• Excellent quality
• Durable

Cons

• May run small for some – need to order a perfect fit
• A bit hard to clean according to some customers

7. CLARKS Women's Leisa Cacti Slide Sandal with An Ortholite Footbed

Last but far from least let’s review this Clarks Women’s Ortholite sandal which features a favorite design, comfort, full arch support, and overall quality.

The sandal offers a western flair design, a top trend in 2018 summer footwear. This product features an ortholite footbed for plush cushioning and heel support suitable for people who suffer severe arthritis, have bunions or hammer toes.

The adjustable straps on this footwear mean a great fit and all-day comfort perfect for people with feet sizes that are different. 

The Leisa Cacti Slide flip flop features a slight heel of 1.33 inches while the platform measure 0.25 ounces giving it a lightweight feel.

The three hook-and-loop closures can be easily tightened offering a custom fit and keeping the feet in place and secure.

The Slide’s feature three flexible, sturdy strapping system made of leather that offers ventilation and added comfort for a personalized fit.

Good Fit and Comfort

The Clarks Slide model recommended by expert reviews for their plush comfort system that aims to reduce heel pain especially for those with fallen arches.

The dual-density cushioning on the Slide helps with shock attenuation providing all-day comfort.

The shoe is breathable and keeps the feet dry in searing summer temperatures.

Great aesthetic look

The tiny brass studs on the Clarks Women’s Slide give them the perfect retro look great paired with denim shorts for a terrific holiday.

The sandals are available in various color options to choose from featuring a western style.

Cost and Value

As you’d expect, most Clarks brands are fashion-forward and feature essential qualities in all their footwear. 

These Slides are no different as they feature combined decorative contrast stitching, beautiful Western Style look, and Ortholite technology.

These features make the Clarks Women’s Slide well worth the investment.

Pros

• Flexible straps providing overall comfort
• Durable
• Allows your feet to breath
• Sufficient comfort
• Looks great
• Available in a wide range of colors
• Adjustable

Cons

• Some people with high arch noted they had a small fitting
• Pricey but worth every dollar

Most foot ailments are related to wearing uncomfortable footwear. Choosing the right shoe this summer means you’ll not need to forgo fashion.

Thankfully, most of the sandals that we’ve reviewed here are not only comfortable for your flat feet with sufficient support but come in different designs and colors that offer you a variety of choice.

We have also included summer footwear best for your kids that offer toe protection and designed with skin-friendly materials for comfort and reduced irritation. You’ll find a choice sandal for each family member.

Many people with flat feet experience stubbing pain on their feet and can be limited in the number of activities they get involved.

Luckily, there're many supportive and comfortable sandals available for kids, men, and women with flat arches.

If you're a flat-footed person, you could be facing other challenges that come with this condition such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, corns or hammer toes.

You'll be looking out for sandals that are lightweight, not too bulky yet comfortable and durable for all the adventures that you'll embark.

But before we do that let’s get to know what flat feet condition is.

What are Flat Feet?

Flat feet is lack of a natural arch that appears under the feet causing low arches. The feet roll inwards too much “overpronation” causing pain in the feet, ankles, and lower back.

There are varying degrees of severity of low arches that need someone to wear orthotic footwear recommended by podiatrists.

Excess weight, pregnancy, plantar fasciitis, arthritis among other feet conditions can cause overpronation.

Children also have low arches present in early childhood due to excess fat on the foot which may hide the arc.

As the child grows, the arch matures. Low arches in infants do not necessarily mean the person may develop flat feet in the future.

If your flat feet are very rigid, due to arthritis, tarsal or congenital conditions.

Simple arch strengthening exercises, stretching, wearing orthotic inserts, and going barefoot are some suggestions that have been advanced by verywellHealth.com to help your feet.

You’ll keep in Mind to be on the Lookout for These Key Features

• Protection – ensure that the product offers maximum protection for your flat feet and especially your toes
• Material- you’ll want a product that will provide you with comfort since you'll be wearing the sandals most of the day. The fabrics should allow your feet to remain fresh all day long
• Waterproof – if you’ll be going down the beach, you may have to consider a product that will not be water-logged when walking along the beach
• Traction – if you are the hiking type of a person. You'll need sandals that can handle rocky terrains and dirt paths.
• Breathability – you'll need a product that circulates air efficiently in the hot summer weather

Since you’ll be making trips with your family to the park or the beach, you’ll also want to make sure you find a perfect shoe for your little one.

If you notice your child has flat feet, you’ll need to consider purchasing orthotic designs to allow proper support and alignment.

Sandals that are safe and supportive will allow both you and your family enjoy summer without incidences of bruises, blisters or something worse like broken toes and rolled ankles.

These among other key features will help you to find that perfect combination of a sandal that gives you sneaker-like qualities without having to tie up dozens of laces.