As the weather warms up, investing in good orthopaedic sandals is essential for people suffering from foot problems like plantar fasciitis and bunions. With your social calendar quickly filling up, having the right footwear will allow you to enjoy your plans without worrying about achy feet and tender joints.
Shoes typically worn in summer, like flip-flops and flat strappy sandals, can cause significant issues for those with foot problems. These shoes often lead to your toe over-gripping because the thin straps don't securely hold them in place. Combined with a lack of arch support, this can result in inflammation, pain, and discomfort. And whilst your favourite orthopaedic trainers are great, they may not look so fabulous with your floral summer dress.
But fear not! In 2024, you can have it all: stylish orthopaedic shoes that look amazing and feel even better. These orthopaedic sandals are cushioned and come with built-in arch support, distributing pressure evenly across your feet. So go ahead and dance the night away this summer—your body will thank you in the morning (unless, of course, you overdo it on the summer cocktails).
Don't forget to invest in a pair of orthopaedic slippers to don the morning after too!
The best orthopaedic sandals at a glance:
Best orthopaedic sandals for everyday wear: Sorel Women's Viibe Twist Slide Sandals, Buy now on Amazon
Best orthopaedic sandals for evening wear: Skechers Arch Fit Beverlee - Love Stays, Buy now on Sketchers
Best orthopaedic sandals for walking: Oncai - Walking Sandals Womens, Buy now on Amazon
We consulted Mr Andrea Bianchi, an orthopaedic surgeon at The Private Clinic, to understand why proper footwear is essential for those with ongoing foot issues. Additionally, we reviewed hundreds of verified customer experiences to ensure you're getting the most comfortable orthopaedic sandals available based on the opinions of real people.
Best orthopaedic sandals for everyday wear
Credit: AmazonHeading to the beach or spending a day in the sun? These twist-slide sandals are the perfect choice. They look fantastic with a summer dress, spring shorts, or a kaftan. While we love the khaki green, they come in seven other colours if that's not your style. Online reviews rave about their comfort, and the adjustable straps are perfect for people with bunions. The standout feature is the EVA-padded sole, which absorbs shock and is ideal for those with joint pain.
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- Supportive
- Very stylish
Cons
- Not suitable for vegans due to leather
Best orthopaedic sandals for evening wear
Credit: Sketcherswww.skechers.co.uk
These black Skecher wedges are fantastic for evening plans or formal events. They look stunning with jeans and a nice top or a maxi dress. Developed in collaboration with podiatrists, Skechers' Arch Fit collection ensures optimal comfort and support—so much so that customers said they could wear them for days. The two-and-a-half-inch heels mould to your feet, reducing shock and improving weight distribution.
Pros
- Designed for people with foot problems
- Podiatrist-certified arch support
- Extremely comfortable
- Wedge heels go with most outfits
Cons
- Only one colour option is available
Best orthopaedic sandals for walking
Credit: AmazonIf you enjoy evening strolls, a good pair of walking sandals is essential. These sandals are specifically designed to provide all-day comfort, reduce fatigue, and prevent foot pain. The deep-heel cup ensures both comfort and stability, perfect for long afternoons on the trails. Online reviews mention that these sandals are true to size, although some users wished the straps were a bit longer.
Pros
- 11 colour choices
- Adjustable Strap
- Lightweight
- Arch support
Cons
- A few customers felt the straps needed to be a little longer
Best orthopaedic flip flop sandals
Credit: AmazonAs previously mentioned, traditional flip-flops can exacerbate foot problems, but these orthopaedic sandals have arch support that relieves foot pain. The adjustable buckle allows wearers to adapt these shoes for comfort.
Pros
- Available in 10 colour choices
- Cushioned orthopaedic sole
- Non-slip sole
Cons
- Some customers didn't like having a Y-shaped strap between their toes.
Best orthopaedic sandals for the beach
Credit: AmazonThese deeply wrapped heeled sandals are great for people with joint pain. The breathable mesh material makes them our favourite option for days on the beach. The great shock absorption soles help soften the impact of the bumpy sand.
Pros
- Washable
- Orthopaedic shock absorbent sole
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some customers found that they weren't the quality they had wished.
Best slip-on orthopaedic sandals
These slip-on walking sandals have an air-cushioned heel and arch support, making them very comfortable. The slide-on sandals are great for people with mobility issues because they can be simply slipped on. The breathable mesh keeps the feet feeling cool while you are doing your daily tasks.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Increased airflow
- Multiple colour choices
- Slip-resistant
Cons
- Some customers found the sizing was a little small.
Best orthopaedic sandals for plantar fasciitis
Credit: AmazonWhen searching for the best sandals for plantar fasciitis through forums and reviews, these understated sandals kept coming up. Online reviews stated that these sandals had supportive straps. The soft leather makes these extremely comfortable, but unfortunately, it does make them unsuitable for vegans.
Pros
- Two straps for increased comfort
- Multiple colour options
- Lightweight
- Soft on the skin
Cons
- Not suitable for vegans
What are the key benefits of wearing orthopaedic footwear compared to regular shoes?
The Private Clinic’s consultant orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Andrea Bianchi, says:
"Whilst orthopaedic shoes won’t cure a foot condition, they can help to alleviate the pain felt in the feet and also in other parts of the body such as the knees, hips and back. They can also provide a more comfortable and better fit in comparison to ordinary shoes, which can help to improve mobility.
"Orthopaedic shoes may help give your toes room to move and keep your heel height low for maximum comfort.
"They can help alleviate pressure, keep feet properly aligned, and ensure arches are well-supported."
What features should I look for when choosing orthopaedic shoes for everyday use?
"There is now a wide range of orthopaedic shoes on the market, so the key to choosing the right pair is ensuring that it fits your needs. This will vary from one person to the next, for example if you have bunions then the width of the shoe around the toes will be important. If your arches are collapsed, then support in this area is important," says Mr Andrea Bianchi.
How should one properly break in new orthopaedic shoes to ensure comfort and avoid injury?
"‘It’s a good idea to wear them for a little at a time in order to get your feet used to them before wearing them for prolonged periods," advises Mr Andrea Bianchi.
Meet the expert
Mr Andrea Bianchi is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who graduated from the University of the Studies of Perugia, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in 1988.
In 1994, Mr Bianchi specialised in orthopaedics and traumatology at the University of the Studies of Perugia.
Mr Andrea Bianchi has developed a unique and innovative minimally invasive surgical technique for treating several very common but usually painful foot conditions, including bunions, hammertoes and rigid toes, at The Private Clinic.
Hannah Carroll is a Senior Home, Parenting and Lifestyle Product writer for Yours, specialising in product testing and reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah loves finding clothes that make her feel fabulous and great products for large families.