If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you know how tricky it is to find a pair of sandals that won’t exacerbate your discomfort. Most summer footwear doesn’t have the kind of support you need to soothe inflammation and keep the pain from flaring up.
Thankfully, there are a ton of sandals for plantar fasciitis that won’t aggravate ligament damage, or cause pain in the arches.
We have searched tirelessly to bring you this guide of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis. See our reviews on 10 of the top flip-flops and summer shoes that alleviate pain in the heel and arch areas.
Can I Wear Sandals with Plantar Fasciitis?
When hot summer weather sets in, the last thing you want is to be stuck wearing bulky shoes. The problem with summer footwear is that sandals don’t usually have enough support to protect the underside of the foot. Wearing unsupportive shoes is one of the causes of plantar fasciitis and heel pain, so you want to choose your summer sandals carefully.
Most people with plantar fasciitis tend to overpronate, so it’s best to choose sandals with extra support on the inner arch to counter that excessive inward rolling.
Every step you take sends waves of shock through your legs and feet, which is why wearing footwear with adequate shock absorption is essential. Otherwise, you could end up causing more damage to the ligaments and tendons of the foot.
While shopping sandals for plantar fasciitis, be sure to look for pairs with the features mentioned above. Doing so will prevent foot pain and worsening of the symptoms associated with this painful condition.
Can Wearing Flip-Flops Cause Plantar Fasciitis?
Yes, indeed, wearing flip-flops for a long time could eventually lead to plantar fasciitis. The problem is that most flip-flops are entirely flat and don’t support your natural arch.
With time, you will start to get sore feet and swelling in the tendons and ligaments. If you continue to wear unsupportive flip-flops, the inflammation will turn into plantar fasciitis.
How to Choose Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, it’s tricky finding sandals that won’t make your pain worse. Most summer shoes are flat and have barely any support, which is the last thing you want to wear.
These aspects are essential in sandals for plantar fasciitis:
Arch Support
Arch support is crucial if you want to alleviate the painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Look for footwear with a contoured insole that will cradle the arch area. By protecting the arches, it lessens the chance of further injury or inflammation and takes the strain off that delicate area.
The connective tissues between the heel and toes carry the entire weight of your body, which is why extra support is a must. With that said, if you stand for long hours, it puts added strain on the arch, which is why teachers often complain of foot pain.
Cushioning
Plantar fasciitis is painful enough, which is why you want a comfortable pair of shoes on your feet. Orthopedic sandals, or ones with an ergonomic footbed with lessen your pain and help to keep your feet rejuvenated.
Be sure to avoid summer shoes with flat soles and limited padding; these will only worsen your symptoms. Instead, look for sandals with a supportive and well-cushioned footbed.
Heel
Your sandals should have a heel specifically shaped to stabilize the heel. If your heel moves, it disrupts your stride and creates an unnatural alignment. Walking with your feet poorly centered puts more strain on the plantar fascia and makes your pain much worse. The best sandals will have a deep heel cup that keeps your foot straight and holds the heel in place.
Key features to look for in sandals for foot pain:
- Adequate arch support
- Deep heel cup that cradles the heel
- Additional support at the inner arch
- Cushioned midsole
- Supportive outsole
- Shock absorption
What are the Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis?
As we mentioned earlier, you need sandals with adequate arch support that absorb the shock from every step. Luckily, many brands make perfect summer shoes to relieve pain and inflammation.
Now, let’s discuss some of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis;
Clarks: Clarks’ sandals offer something more than your average pair. These summer shoes have an extra comforting EVA midsole and cushioned EVA footbed that protects the delicate arch area. They’re lightweight and provide the support you need to alleviate plantar fasciitis.
Crocs: When you hear the name Crocs, those clunky-looking clogs probably come to mind; but did you know they make stylish sandals too? Crocs are an excellent choice for plantar fasciitis because they have Iconic Crocs Comfort technology that supports the arch and cradles the underside of the foot. An innovative Croslite foam footbed absorbs shock to prevent inflammation in the ligaments and sensitive tendons.
Teva: Teva is the original sport sandal. This brand has been manufacturing comfortable summer footwear since 1984 and is notorious for its quality designs.
Vionic: Vionic is a brand started by podiatrist Phillip Vasyli, an industry leader in the field of lower limb biomechanics. Vionic footwear offers cushioned comfort and the support needed to help with the pain of plantar fasciitis.
Reviews: Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
OOFOS OOriginal Sandal - Lightweight Recovery Footwear - Reduces Pressure on Feet, Joints & Back - Machine Washable - Men's Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
OOFOS Active Sports Recovery thongs are perfect for both men and women. They come in a variety of colors to suit any style and offer incredible comfort.
These thongs feature OOFoam Recovery Technology, an innovative foam footbed that absorbs 37% more impact than the average insole. They cradle your feet to lessen fatigue and discomfort, which is ideal for anyone who suffers from plantar fasciitis.
The open-toe design makes them easy to wear, while the unisex style is perfect for everyday occasions. If you have a sports-related, or any other type of injury, these thongs help to expedite recovery times and keep you more comforted while you heal.
Top Features:
- 37% more shock absorption
- Open-toe
- Unisex
- Cradle the arch
- Expedite recovery time
Taos Footwear Women's Trulie Sandal - Fashionable Sandals For Foot Pain
Taos Trulie sandals have an incredible fit that helps to lessen foot pain and reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. A lightweight and well-cushioned footbed cradles the arch area and protects the plantar fascia ligaments from further damage, and the contoured cork design is always in style.
Top Features:
- Suede lining material
- Supportive contoured cork footbed
- Lightweight cushioning
- Multiple colorways
OLUKAI Ohana Women's Beach Sandals, Quick-Dry Flip-Flop Slides, Water Resistant, Wet Grip Soles & Compression Molded Footbed - Casual Beach Thongs
The Olukai Ohana offers the perfect fit for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis. These flip-flops aren’t your average pair of thongs; they’re the ultimate in supportive footwear. Ohana has an anatomical fit and smooth drop-in footbed that cradle the arches to prevent inflammation, while the water-resistant materials are ideal for summer fun. This sandal has an everyday style that looks fabulous with all your go-to summer outfits and is casual enough for nearly any occasion.
Top Features:
- Drop-in footbed
- Anatomical fit
- Water-resistant
- Relaxed design
- Several colorways
Teva Women's Tirra Sandal - Athletic Sandas
Teva Tirra is a water-resistant sandal with durable construction. A contoured EVA footbed provides better arch support and protects the sensitive plantar fascia. Tirra has an innovative Shoc Pad in the heel that absorbs impact where it’s needed the most. This pair suits an active lifestyle and helps to lessen discomfort from plantar fasciitis.
Top Features:
- Shoc Pad heel technology
- Contoured EVA footbed
- Perfect for active lifestyles
- Water-resistant upper webbing
Teva Women's W Sanborn Sandal - For The Outdoors
Teva Sanborn is a comforting choice in sandals, with a fashionable design. Sanborn offers an injected EVA sole that cushions and protects the delicate underside of the foot. This pair has a rounded toe and adjustable upper that ensures the perfect fit every time you wear it.
Top Features:
- Athletic design for walking
- Adjustable straps
- Injected EVA sole cushioning
- Ideal for outdoor athletics
- Rounded toe
Clarks Women's Breeze Sea Flip-Flop - Sporty Flip-Flops
Clarks’ Breeze Sea flip flop is a sporty choice that is both casual and comfortable. Its lightweight design and stylish look make the Breeze Sea an excellent addition to any summer wardrobe. These are ideal for days spent poolside or lounging at the beach, and they come in a ton of fun colorways.
Top Features:
- Official Cloudsteppers by Clarks product.
- Cushioned midsole
- Supportive sole
- Several fun colorways
- Floral-print footbed
AEROTHOTIC Womens Slip On Lightweight Plantar Fasciitis Orthotic Flip Flops Comfortable Walking Outdoor Beach Ladies Arch Support Summer Thong Sandals (Crystal Grey, Size 8) - Proven Pain Relief
These thongs offer more than other sandals with an anatomically designed footbed and stylish look. The innovative footbed gives elevated arch support that helps you walk for longer without irritation. These flip-flops have an embossed footbed and deep heel cup that provide better support and make them more comforting to wear.
Top Features:
- Low 3/4″ heel
- Supports high arches
- Orthotic outsole
- Deep heel cup that cradles the heel
- Supports the ball of the foot
Vionic Womens Pacific Rio Slide Sandal - Orthotic Sandals
The Vionic Rio sandal has a comforting Orthaheel design and embossed EVA footbed. These features help to lessen the pain of plantar fasciitis and let you get on with your day free from discomfort. Rio sandals are a podiatrist-designed shoe with specialized orthotic support. They offer a durable rubber sole and medium-density cushion that is ideal for medium to high arches.
Top Features:
- Orthaheel designed
- Medium-density embossed EVA footbed
- Podiatrist-designed
- Provide orthotic support
REEF Men's Fanning Flip Flop - Casual Men's Thongs
Reef Fanning flip-flops give men with plantar fasciitis much-needed arch support. These sandals have a full-grain leather upper and innovative glove lining that makes them ultra-comfortable.
The compression-molded EVA footbed molds to the shape of the foot and hugs the contours of the arch to reduce irritation. With that in mind, the heel airbag design protects the back of the foot and keeps your feet aligned while walking.
These sandals make perfect beachwear and have an iconic Reef Herringbone rubber sole. Fanning sandals draw inspiration from three-time world champion pro surfer Mick Fanning and offer a legendary kind of comfort.
Top Features:
- Anatomical arch support
- Molded EVA footbed
- Heel airbag
- Full-grain leather
- Glove fit lining
What to Avoid While Shopping Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
Most sandals aren’t ideal for people with plantar fasciitis; in fact, they will only make you more uncomfortable. If you wear the wrong kind of footwear, it puts more strain on your ligaments and tendons, worsening the inflammation that comes from this painful condition.
We have already talked about the features you want from your sandals, and now let’s look at what you should avoid altogether.
- Flat sandals with little arch support
- No padding, especially in the heel and arch areas
- A raised heel that is higher than the forefoot
- Sandals with an overly soft footbed
- Rigid shoes that have no flex in the forefoot
Final Thoughts
Finding comfortable sandals is never an easy task when you have plantar fasciitis, which is no reason to suffer from hot feet all summer long. With this in mind, we took the time to research and reviewed the best pairs available to help make life easier for you and point you in the right direction.
Index Table: Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
