Wide feet and bunions are no match for these styles
Open-toe season is officially here — and we’re 10 toes down for sandals that are actually comfortable enough to walk in.
To help narrow things down, I tapped foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Michelle Morse, and Dr. Julie Schottenstein, a double board-certified podiatrist, to ask what to look for (and what to avoid) in supportive, comfortable pairs. The key details they called out? Built-in arch support, cushioned soles, and straps that actually keep your foot in place. The nine Amazon styles below step up to the challenge — and start at just $26.
Podiatrist-Approved Sandals
- Dr. Morse’s Pick: Dansko Seasons Sandals, $135
- Dr. Schottenstein’s Pick: Oofos Recovery Slides, $60
More Comfy Sandals with Arch Support
- Walk-All-Day Comfort: Clarks Ankle Strap Athletic Sandals, $45 (orig. $70)
- Secretly Supportive: Cushionaire Luna Sandals with Adjustable Straps, $35 (orig. $50)
- Comfy, Not Clunky: Dr. Scholl’s Islander Sandals, $48 (orig. $80)
- Lowest Price in 30 Days: Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 Sandals, $70
- Your Feet Will Thank You: Vivaia Kara 2.0 Elastic Strap Sandals, $139
- Slide In for Under $30: KuaiLu Orthotic Slides, $26 (orig. $36)
Related: Zendaya and Jennifer Lawrence Are Swapping Heels for Flip-Flops (Yes, It’s Time!) — Shop Supportive Pairs from $13
Dansko Seasons Sandals
$135 at Amazon
This pair is Dr. Morse’s personal favorite, sharing that she even wore them while walking nine miles in Paris while pregnant, without any issues.
“They have a perfect rocker sole to support smooth heel-to-toe motion, adjustable straps that are really velcro in disguise, a mild heel-to-toe drop, and mild contoured arch. Anytime I want to be fashionable yet have an entire day ahead of me with many different activities, these sandals are always my top choice.” — Dr. Michelle Morse, foot and ankle surgeon
Oofos Recovery Slides
$60 at Amazon
“I love the Oofos recovery slide, and I recommend it to my patients on a daily basis for everything including plantar fasciitis and Achilles pain. It has a great heel-to-toe drop which really takes a lot of pressure off the Achilles. Plus, I think the shock absorption is one of the best out there amongst the recovery slides.” — Dr. Julie Schottenstein, double board-certified podiatrist
Dr. Scholl’s Islander Sandals
$80 $48 at Amazon
“The Dr. Scholl’s Islander is a much healthier choice than the average sandal because it checks several biomechanical boxes: contoured footbed, mild arch support, heel strap, shock absorption, and multiple points of foot contact for stability.” — Dr. Michelle Morse
Related: Martha Stewart’s Platform Crocs Are a Comfy Swap for Sky-High Heels — Get Her Exact Pair, Plus Others from $32
Podiatrist Pro Tips for Sandals
Look For:
- A contoured footbed with built-in arch support
- A deep or recessed heel cup
- Secure straps that hold your foot in place
- A thicker, more structured sole
Avoid:
- Flat, thin soles
- Loose or flimsy straps
- Little to no cushioning
Not sure if a pair is supportive enough? Try Dr. Morse’s “twist and shout” test: Use your thumbs and fingers to try bending the shoe in the middle. “If the shoe twists, your foot will shout sooner or later!” she explains.
Keep scrolling to shop for more supportive sandals below.
Vionic Tide 2.0 Toe-Post Sandal $100 at Amazon |
Cushionaire Luna Sandals with Adjustable Straps
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Clarks Ankle Strap Athletic Sandals
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Vivaia Kara 2.0 Elastic Strap Sandals $139 at Amazon |
KuaiLu Orthotic Slides
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Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 Sandals $70 at Amazon |
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