12 Best Sandals With Arch Support That Feel Like a Hug for Your Feet
Trust me—your feet will thank you.
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Real talk: If you live in a walkable city or work a job that keeps you on your feet, it’s just not practical to prance around in high heels (as much as we love a good prance!) all day long. But on the other hand, orthopedic shoes have an unfortunate history of being a little, well, ugly. So I took it upon myself to round up some cute summer sandals with arch support and other features to help reduce foot and ankle pain.
But first, what does it mean for a shoe to have good arch support? Basically, it’s when the midsection of your shoe is a lil thicker so that it can curve up against your foot. According to Dr. Elizabeth Bonarigo, DPM at the Lower Limb Institute, "Shoes with good arch support stabilize the foot by controlling pronation, which is when your foot rolls inward and your arches collapse." Also, if you're wondering if you can get away with skimping on the arch support, think again. Dr. Bonarigo notes that overpronation could lead to painful conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and arthritis. Ouch.
But don't worry, wearing podiatrist-approved sandals to show ya feet some love doesn't have to lead to the untimely death of your personal style! I swear! I’ve put together an edit of some of the best ergonomic shoes with arch support in the form of chunky soles and trendy platforms, bc you deserve to take care of your feet without being mistaken for your grandpa. Here's a peek...
Our top picks for sandals with arch support in 2024:
Cute, right? Ready to shop even more chic, comfy shoes with arch support? Keep scrolling for our favorite supportive picks, below.
Pros
- podiatrist-designed footbeds
- triple layer arch support
- back strap is adjustable
- the leather is sourced from LWG Gold- and Silver-rated tanneries
Cons
- on the pricier side
Wear ‘em to the office, wear ‘em on your weekend adventures, throw ‘em in your purse to change into when the stilettos start hurting—if I could only choose one summer shoe, it would be a simple leather slide like this pair from podiatrist-designed brand Frankie4.
- Sizes: 6-11
- Colors: Black, Camel, Bone
- Materials: Leather, EVA
Glowing customer review: "I'm 53 and have reached that stage where I'm sick of uncomfortable shoes. I have a wide-ish foot with high arch and find many shoes uncomfortable—as soon as I put the Hunters on, I felt supported, comfortable and knew I had found my shoe. I had no 'breaking in' phase, they were as comfortable as an old pair of shoes from day one. I would buy them in every color. I feel very stable and really just forget I have them on, which is so unusual for me! Will definitely be back for more!"
Pros
- buckle strap is adjustable
- customers say they're comfortable enough for 7+ hours of wear
Cons
- leather typically requires a short break-in period but will soften over time, according to reviewers
This is legit the most versatile shoe I’ve ever seen. You could pack these molded footbed sandals for a week-long trip abroad, wear them on a first date, or easily pair them with a midi dress for work.
- Sizes: 6-11
- Colors: Camel Leather, Black Leather
- Material: Leather, EVA, rubber
Glowing customer review: “I purchased the tan sandal, and they are so comfortable! I wore them all day the first day I had them. I love that they have a buckle instead of Velcro. The arch support is excellent and so is the footbed.”
Pros
- comfortable enough for walking longer distances
- subtle shimmer detailing
- two customers noted that their doctors approved of this brand
Cons
- some reviewers said that the toe post was uncomfortable
Does anyone know how to send out a public service announcement? Because I just found the perfect pair of supportive, foot-friendly wedges that also happen to be blinged-out and soooo Y2K. As Paris Hilton would say, “That’s hot.”
- Sizes: 5-11
- Colors: 5 options
- Materials: Slip-resistant rubber
Glowing customer review: "Like walking on a cloud. For anyone who has struggled with plantar fasciitis this sandal is amazing. It gives my heel and arch the proper support they need. I’ve only had these for a few days but my feet are already happier."
Pros
- buckles are adjustable
- can easily be dressed up or down
Cons
- some reviewers said the shoes made "squishing" noises
Adding another item to our quiet luxury starter pack—chic, neutral slides with a molded footbed that feel like literal heaven when you wear them. That’s luxury, right?
- Sizes: 5.5-10
- Colors: Natural Raffia, Gingerbread Leather, Black Leather, Denim Fabric
- Material: Raffia fabric
Glowing customer review: "Sooo comfy and stylish. I’m a mom of two little ones, I can wear these and chase them around all day and still feel comfortable. Top buckles are adjustable to loosen or tighten which was an added bonus."
Pros
- closed cell foam material molds to the shape of your foot
- excellent return policy
- slightly elevated heel to reduce Achilles/calf stress
Cons
- not available in half sizes
Easy slides are a necessity for fabulous pool days *and* days where you’re barely making it out the door to grab a hungover morning coffee. Might as well grab a double-duty pair that offers arch support!
- Sizes: 5-16
- Colors: Peach, Black, White, Tan
- Material: Closed cell foam
Glowing customer review: “I love my Archie flip-flops and now my slides are one of my favorites as well. They are so comfortable and have the right amount of support to wear them all day! Love them!”
Pros
- more secure than slides, especially in water
- thick soles for shock absorption
Cons
- not available in half sizes
If you just completed a crazy long-distance run (or took 20,000 steps in a day on vacation) and need to give your feet some love ASAP, reach for these recovery flip-flops—they're super lightweight so it's easy to throw them in your bag.
- Sizes: 5-11
- Colors: 6 options
- Material: EVA and jersey
Glowing customer review: “I have heel spurs and I've spent so much time, energy and money trying to find the perfect fit. Once I bought the Hoka Sandal my everyday life changed for the better. My swelling went down tremendously, my feet ache less and they are extremely comfortable. I would recommend anyone to buy these sandals because I know you won't be disappointed!”
Pros
- comes in tons of different colors
- durable soles with great traction
Cons
- a few customers said their toes kept sliding forward
Another classic outdoors-y shoe: The Teva Hurricanes. They’re meant to stabilize your foot on rocky ground as you hike, and they’re also great for stabilizing high arches. Plus, these vegan babies are partially made of recycled plastic, and can be sent back to Teva when you’re done (like, years down the line) to be recycled again.
- Sizes: 5-14
- Colors: 43 options
- Material: Recycled plastic, EVA, nylon, rubber
Glowing customer review: “My first pair of Tevas (after trying chacos and returning them) and I am in LOVE. I've received so many compliments. They are so comfortable, I literally wear them everyday as I have flat feet. They fit well, I have worn them through water, on hikes, around town...everywhere.”
Birkenstock Arizona EVA
Pros
- rubber footbed with arches to support your instep and the ball of your foot
- little to no break-in time required compared to other Birkenstock styles
Cons
- doesn't come in a wide option
Margo Robbie wore pink Birkenstocks in the Barbie movie, so naturally I, too, will be wearing pink Birkenstocks. The iconic Arizona style has a waterproof footbed that contours to the shape of your foot and offers excellent arch support.
- Sizes: 4-10.5
- Colors: 5 options
- Material: EVA
Glowing customer review: "This is the classic Birkenstock with great comfort and arch support. Good for anyone with high arches who needs a supportive shoe.”
Pros
- mesh straps for air flow and breathability
- easy to walk in, despite the heel
Cons
- some customers complained that the inner Velcro tab comes undone
High heels, but make them comfy and street-style approved. These lug sole sandals have a super bold silhouette that’ll give you an extra 2.25 inches of height.
- Sizes: 5-12
- Colors: Black/Sea Salt, Honest Beige/Gum, Safari/Jet, Sea Salt/Black
- Material: Leather, molded EVA, rubber
Glowing customer review: “I have had these shoes for 3 months and I love them. They are comfortable, sturdy and the bottom grips any ground and feels stable. I like that they give me the perfect amount of height as well. Love them!”
Pros
- made of high-quality leather that should last years
- buckle strap is adjustable
Cons
- can require a break-in period before the leather softens and molds to your feet
Did you know that when you shell out $$$ for Docs, you’re not only getting high-quality leather and grunge vibes but you’re *also* getting great arch support? Plus, the footbed has memory foam in it for maximum comfort.
- Sizes: 5-11
- Colors: Black Hydro, White Hydro
- Material: PU-coated leather
Glowing customer review: “I've only worn them once and they're very comfortable! I was worried I'd get blisters breaking them in but I didn't. I also got a bunch of compliments.”
Pros
- Velcro strap offers a customizable fit
- no break-in time required
Cons
- doesn't come in a wide option but the toe strap is adjustable
Customers can't stop raving about these sandals—they have moderate arch support, which means that they’ll be v comfy on your feet but won’t push your foot into an artificially high arch.
- Sizes: 4-11.5
- Colors: 12 options
- Material: PU, leather, and rubber
Glowing customer review: “Best shoes ever! This is my second pair because I love them so much. I bought my first pair about 4 years ago and wore them almost every day in the warm weather seasons. They felt like nothing was on my feet. I wore them in the ocean, on hikes through streams, for physical therapy (Dr. approved), etc. They continued to look brand new. The only way I can tell my new pair apart from the old is the sole of the shoe.”
Pros
- comes in medium and wide widths
- extremely comfortable once they mold to your feet
Cons
- back strap is not adjustable
Chacos are beloved amongst nature lovers, hikers, and campers alike for good reason. They offer incredible arch support and support healthy alignment while being comfortable for feet of all widths and shapes—so hop on the bandwagon and wear your Chacos with pride.
- Sizes: 5-12
- Colors: 28 options
- Material: Polyester and rubber
Glowing customer review: “These are the best all-purpose sandals I've owned in years. I love both how comfortable (I have wide feet, but the regular fits great) and versatile they are, on top of the colors. Hoping they'll hold up for years to come and am excited that I'll be able to send them in for repairs rather than having to toss/donate them once they're well worn.”
Wait, is there such thing as too much arch support?
Unfortunately, there is such thing as having TOO much arch support—specifically if you already have high arches. "If someone who doesn't overpronate (aka have flat feet) wears too much arch support, it can cause the foot to roll outward while walking or running," says Dr. Bonarigo. "This could result in ankle sprains, foot injuries, and tendonitis."
But if you clicked on this story, chances are you do really need shoes with arch support! The TL;DR is to consult with a doctor to make sure you're doing what you need to do to keep your feet healthy and happy.
What happens if your shoes don't have good enough arch support?
"Because the feet are the body's foundation, wearing shoes that lack arch support can potentially result in kinetic chain issues, like leg, knee, hip, and back pain," notes Dr. Bonarigo. So ditch the cheap, flat shoes that aren't doing your feet any favors and #treatyourself to shoes that make movement a (painless and supported) breeze!
Why trust us?
Here at Cosmo, we’re obsessed with all things fashion and lifestyle. That means everything from walking shoes to comfortable dress shoes and Amazon cloud slides, handpicked for your perusing pleasure. We review dozens of products on a regular basis and strive to only recommend the very best products that adhere to our editorial standards.
Hannah Oh is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan. She regularly tests orthopedic and podiatrist-approved shoes to help you find the most stylish, supportive options and hopes to one day find her Cinderella pair for walking 20,000 blister-free steps through New York City.
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
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