9 great orthopedic sandals better than flat flip flops

Sure, thoseOld Navy flip flopsyou’ve been wearing since high school pool parties are still only $3—so tempting. But here’s the problem: They just 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 the whole water park, or just grilling dinner, this summer it’s time to level up your sandals to more orthopedic—but still exceptionally cute—footwear. Below, you’ll find nine orthopedic sandals for women and men selected by medical experts for their comfort and style.

1. Birkenstock Arizona

Years ago, Ashley Lee, a podiatrist atNorthern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists, hated the look ofBirkenstocks. She "thought you had to be a 'hippy' to wear them,” until she saw her trendy nieces loving them. "I will most likely will 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 the rigidity.

$110 at Birkenstock

2. Vionic High Tide II

If flat flip flops were never your thing because you want a bit of height, these Vionics 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 theTide 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 from looking at it. TheAlbion sandalconforms 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 could be your new go-to option.

$120 at Tread Labs

4. Naot Kayla

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

这些都是完美的和紧身裤穿下来a tank or can be dressed up for a summer evening date (especially themetallic pair). If you are between sizes, size up slightly, and keep in mind some Naots run a bit more narrow 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, and some that do both 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 theMaui Flipsare 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-supportiveslide from Message. This footbed has slightly less up-and-down variation/arch support than other options on this list, and 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 want more than one pair once you try them.

$160 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 theOoriginal sandal比鲁拉拉略宽。尺寸做的wn 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, such as thesesandals from Kuru. 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 Rosette

The line of shoes known best as healthcare professionals' and teachers’ go-to clogs also features stylish, yet still crazy 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 is much more elegant, opt for theReece.

A great compromise between the two is the new, and much beachier lightweightKrystal EVA. Their 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.

$80 at Dansko

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 low back pain as well.

What should we be looking for in a super supportive sandal instead?

Online shopping for a pair of 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 from 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 too. “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, creating 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 trip or outdoor festival 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. 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.