The 10 Best Flip-Flops That Offer Great Arch Support

• Best ergonomic foot design
• Thicker straps keep feet in place

• Straps can feel irritating when sweating

Oofos are some of the best foot support around, flip-flop or not. This thick, cushioned design is meant to absorb impact as you step with a thick foam sole and foot-contouring shape. I've been wearing the slide version for my work-from-home days to cradle my city-riddle feet.

• Built-in orthotic
• APMA-approved

• Foot is supportive but not super soft

A favorite of Dr. Barnea, Vionic specializes in comfortable shoes that help provide relief from plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and other foot woes. This pair in particular has a podiatrist-designed footbed and a deep heel cup for stability and support. They have a built-in orthotic, but keep in mind that this support does not necessarily mean soft.

• High-quality materials
• Do not feel goofy

• More than you might normally spend on flip-flops

For a stylish flip-flop that doesn't slack on the foot-supporting measures, we like Vince's Dali sandal. It has a great heel cup into a soft arch contour, and sits on a suede design (leather for some other colorways). That higher quality fabric does indeed make it pricier, but it's a good investment for those up to it.

• Signature Hoka cushioning
• Feels sporty

• Can get kinda sweaty

Hoka is more than just its chunky sneakers. It is also chunky sandals! This flip-flop, for instance, has the brand’s signature oversize sole and rocker technology for a smooth stride. Dual-layer EVA construction makes for a great cushion and relief from foot and leg aches.

• Vibram soles
• Soft footbed

• Not a lot of heel support

Naturally, Mr P. made a rustically chic pair that are comfortable enough to wear all day long—particularly on vacation, which is where these belong. The simple black design has a super soft footbed and a non-pinchy strap, though it's a little light on heel cupping.

• Compression EVA midsole
• Long-lasting

• Can get damaged with too much water exposure

For a pair designed to be around the beach and one with nature, turn to OluKai. The Hawaiian brand takes inspiration from its history to design its sandals, which you can see in the drop-in footbeds and Polynesian etched detailing.

• Great arch into heel support
• Minimal looking

• Color/size options sell out quickly

These flip-flops fit snugly, with contoured support that hugs your heel as you walk. (Kuru does specialize in heel support, after all.) Cushioned straps and advanced traction are thoughtful features that enhance the feel and wear of this style. The neutral design makes them ideal to wear wherever you want.

• Great heel cupping
• A high stack

• Run slightly small

People with foot pain love FitFlop, thanks to three levels of targeted cushioning and a great cupped structure. Both the underfoot shape and the materials help absorbing shock and diffuse underfoot pressure. The shoes were engineered to be the sporty answer to arch-supportive flip-flops.

• Lightweight
• Stylish

• Very expensive

OK, sure, these maybe don't have all of the podiatrist-minded design choices front of mind, but they're still great. Certainly, more on the fashion side. But if you want something that's fashion first and won't destroy your feet and arches second, Prada's soft footbed is pretty great.

• A ton of color options
• Dual-layer support

• Not as much heel cupping

Rainbow is practically synonymous with men’s flip-flops, with a rich history of long-lasting sandals that are comfy for all-day wear. The standout is right in the name: the double layer arch support is low-key but continuously stabilizing.

What material should I look for?

A leather flip-flop is recommended for avoiding blisters, while a rubber one may be best for flexibility and comfort. It comes down to your preference in appearance as well as your intended use. If you plan to wear your flip-flops to the beach, you’ll want a water-resistant or waterproof pair, typically made from rubber.

Should I size up or down if there are no half sizes?

This varies from brand to brand. The best way to tell is to read the reviews. If you still haven’t found your answer, try sizing up, since with smaller flip-flops you run the risk of more chafing from the strap and foot slippage.

Are flip-flops good for your feet?

They should be worn in moderation. While they aren’t the best shoes for your feet, if you find a pair with appropriate arch support (see examples above), you can get a more supportive wear out of them.