When your flat feet can rub against the top of a regular sandal quite uncomfortably, a pair that offers the support and comfort you require becomes the perfect option. There is no denying that people who suffer from having flat feet have more difficulty when shopping for shoes or sandals but there is some good news: there are actually numerous shoe and sandal designs for those with low arches on the market today.
Flat feet and Symptoms
Flat feet and Individuals with flat feet have either an extremely low or no arch in their feet. Your arch is the inner gap beneath the inner part of your foot; when you stand, this mid-area should be raised slightly from the ground. If this area is completely flat on the floor or extremely low, it means that you have flat feet.
The Arch of the foot is required to keep you sturdy and flexible when walking, running, or standing on a surface and to keep you balanced. When you have flat feet, your feet may roll inwards when you stand, walk or run, called overpronation.
Many individuals who have flat feet have no issues or symptoms, although others may develop pain and discomfort in the calf, knee, hips, heel, arch of the foot, or lower back area.
Plantar Fasciitis is a prevalent condition related to flat feet, which is heel pain that is sharp and occurs mostly when you get up off your feet after resting for a while or sleeping.
Causes and Preventative Measures for Flat Feet
Flat feet are caused by the arch collapsing due to weak or injured muscles in the foot, poor footwear choices such as high-heeled shoes or sandals with little support for your foot, being overweight or inactive, walking too much on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt without proper footwear, having a family history of flat feet or diabetes.
Preventative measures for flat feet include:
Wear high-supportive footwear: Supportive footwear is an essential part of treatment. Shoes that fit correctly and offer support will help to control excessive pronation – the natural rolling motion of the foot when it hits the ground. Pronation is a normal occurrence in all healthy feet, but it should not be excessive. Excessive pronation places undue strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments supporting the arch of your foot, which can lead to various complications such as plantar fasciitis (pain in the heel) and Achilles tendonitis (heel pain). Worn-out shoes are ineffective at providing support and could actually cause injury if they do not offer adequate protection against impact shock.
Avoid high-impact activities: Activities that place extra strain and stress on the feet should be avoided altogether if possible.
Features of a Good Sandal for Flat Feet
Keeping your feet comfortable and healthy is the first step in keeping you happy. A good pair of sandals for flat feet can be just what the doctor ordered to help you enjoy the summer sun without worrying about foot pain.
Here are some features that will help you find a great pair of sandals for flat feet:
Arch support: Your arch is the highest point on your foot and it helps absorb shock when you’re walking or running. Arch support is important because without it, your entire foot takes on the weight of your body with each step and over time causes painful calluses and/or blisters. Look for a low, flat heel to provide enough support.
Cushioning: Moderate cushioning will provide comfort and shock absorption while still providing firm stability. You don’t want a super soft sole underfoot because that can lead to improper foot placement, which can cause injury or fatigue. A little bit of cushioning can help reduce foot pain when walking long distances or standing for long periods at work or while traveling.
Footbed: Cushioned arch support shoes have a removable footbed that provides additional cushioning and comfort under your feet. Choose a shoe that has a removable footbed so you can add even more cushioning if you need it.
Reviews: The Best Sandals for Flat Feet
Dress Sandals for Flat Feet
Vionic is a well-known brand that attempts to help those with foot ailments, and the Vionic Amber sandal and the Vionic Ludlow Sandal offer ideal support for flat feet and lower arches. These excellent sandals are available in larger widths, designed to hug your feet and ensure good stability. The Upper linings are cushioned, as is the footbed, while the arch support is superb. The Biomechanical design hugs your feet and offers excellent stability.
Rockport Flat Feet Sandals
The Rockport Fiona and Rocklake are beautiful, sporty sandals that will let you go from day to night without changing shoes. With a thick and shock-absorbing durable rubber outsole for high traction and slip-resistance, a cushioned and soft insole design with an EVA midsole for cushioning and shock absorbency, and soft leather and fabric upper straps offer a comfortable fit and are adjustable, these shoes are the right fit for flat feet.
Flat Feet Fishermans Sandal
The Timberland Men’s Adley Shore Nubuck Original Leather Fisherman’s Sandal will keep your feet comfortable during the day with its Smart Comfort System technology. With its durable rubber multi-density outsole that provides exceptional shock absorption and cushioning, you won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable anymore.
This sandal is made to be worn for long periods of time without the worry of chafing, blisters or rubbing in the wrong places. The removable multi-density anatomical footbed will provide comfort and excellent support while allowing you to use your orthotics. Its lined with a climate-controlling lining to keep your feet warm or cool as needed and improve temperature control. It also has a supportive polyurethane midsole and comfortable leather and synthetic uppers.
Sports Sandal for Flat Feet
Teva sandals have some great features including a Stability shank, Shock pad heel, and High traction rubber outsole with water channeling lugs. This Sports Sandal for Flat Feet is made with a cushioned Compression-molded EVA midsole for better support and comfort. These sandals are available in color as well as wider width options for men and women.
Flat Feet Slide Sandals
Lightweight, supportive sandals from Teva and Megnya offer excellent cushioning and are perfect for everyday wear. Features include Dual Density Midsole and a supported post and shank for better motion control for flat feet, Nubuck leather uppers that are seam-free and breathable with an adjustable setting velcro strip, cushioned comfort footbeds, and peace icon finishes that you will love.
Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis Dress Sandals
Dr. Scholl’s Fisherman orthopedic comfort sandals for flat feet or plantar fasciitis offer extra arch support and can be worn outdoors on sunny days and rainy ones alike. With an adjustable hook and loop instep strap, memory foam insole and comfortable neoprene lining, these sandals are both casual and sporty yet comfortable enough to be worn day in and day out.
Sports Sandals for Flat Feet
The Chaco Classic Z2 is a truly classic sport sandal for those who want a sporty and comfy flat sandal. It has a supportive, arch-contoured footbed that can help with flat feet, and the PU midsole, cushioned sole, and ChacoGrip rubber outsole can really make it comfortable when you wear it all day long. Best of all, you have many color selections as well as width options to choose from when you buy these shoes online.
Flat Feet Stability Outdoor Sandals
The Keen Newport H20 is a fisherman-style sandal that’s great for those with flat feet. This water-friendly sandal features a soft textile and polyester upper webbing, TPU shank on the midsole along with lightweight rubber outsole. The contoured footbed with excellent cushioning provides comfort while wearing this shoe.
Outdoor Sandals for Flat Feet
The Sanborn and Hudson sandal from Teva provides the comfort and durability you want in a flat sandal. Its flexible leather upper is lined with mesh and supported with a thick injected EVA foam sole. The dual-density rubber outsole adds support and durability, while the Velcro closure allows you to adjust the fit of your sandal.
Teva Omnium Sandals for Flat Feet
The Teva Omnium sandal is a great choice for those wanting a sandal that will provide support and comfort. The Contoured footbed with Spider Web outsole design combines to provide excellent shock absorbency and traction. The uppers are made of a soft textile lining so you won’t feel abrasive synthetic materials rubbing against your skin, and the bungee lace-up allows you to always get the right fit, no matter how many snacks you’ve eaten before heading out for the day.
