Nothing says summer like slipping into a pair of flip flops. But most flip flops are built with flat, flimsy soles, and in a lot of cases are terrible for your feet.
The best flip flops with arch support, however, are designed very differently: A contoured footbed, supportive heel cup, and properly placed arch support can make a surprising difference in how your feet, knees, hips, and lower back feel after a long day of walking.
"Without arch support or heel stabilization, the foot has to work harder to maintain alignment," says Bobby Pourziaee, DPM, AKA "The High Heel Doctor," a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon based in Los Angeles.
Whether you have plantar fasciitis, high arches, flat feet, or simply want a flip flop you can comfortably wear for longer than a beach stroll, I've tracked down pairs that have meaningful support packed into a slim, stylish sandal.
Meet your tester
Rachael Schultz, freelance style writer: As a longtime fitness gear expert and product journalist, I've tested 100+ pairs of shoes over the years. And as someone with high arches and chronic low back pain, I'm always wearing some kind of supportive walking shoe or sandal. I wear a women's 7.5 and have a slightly wider-than-average forefoot, so I tend towards pairs with spacious toe boxes.
I tested 17 pairs of flip flops with arch support over two months, wearing each for at least two hours in real-life situations like sightseeing in new cities, running day-to-day errands, trips to the pool and the river beach, and around the house. Altogether, I walked well over 50 miles in proclaimed supportive flip flops, all to find the pairs that actually kept my arches ache-free.
Best overall: OluKai 'Ohana
The OluKai 'Ohana flip flops expertly combine arch support, comfort, and versatility. They provide all-day support without feeling bulky or overly corrective, while the water-friendly design and durable construction make them useful for the beach or everyday wear.
What we like
What we don't like
I walked in the OluKai 'Ohana flip flops for 3-6 hours over a dozen times, including when I (carefully) treaded over slippery river rocks. Even after long walks, my high arches felt supported. The perfectly-firm heel cups, which are key for absorbing impact, kept my feet feeling pretty ache-free.
The arch support in the 'Ohana flip flops is truly top notch. It feels high and nicely contoured, without feeling like an unnatural bump as I found with many other arch support-specific sandals. The straps are also wide and structured, which Dr. Pourziaee says can help reduce the toe gripping that tires out your small foot muscles.
Their footbeds strike a great balance between being rigid enough to support your feet, with just enough give to let them move naturally. They also have enough cushioning to smooth out uneven terrain without feeling platform-like. One of my favorite details is the soft lining on the footbed — it feels silky smooth on your skin, and after testing so many sandals with plain rubber footbeds, this really stood out.
Lastly, what really earned 'Ohana flip flops the top spot is their versatility. You can get them wet thanks to the water-friendly straps and quick-drying materials, while the rubber outsole has surprisingly good traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
This understated design comes in 20 colors, so it's easy to find a pair that fits your style. Despite costing about $80 a pair, they're well worth it considering the comfort and durability you'll feel all summer.
Best for walking: FitFlop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals
The ease of a summer flip flop with the advanced ergonomics of an energy-efficient orthotic, these sandals are made with a recovery foam footbed overtop a stiff sole; targeted support in the heel, arch, and ball of the foot; and a wide toe-box for added comfort. They're affordable and one of the most comfortable and supportive flip flops we’ve ever worn.
What we like
What we don't like
Let's be clear: No podiatrist will recommend flip flops for walking. But if you're going to do it at all, it should be wearing the FitFlop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals.
I packed these for my trips to Spain and New York, expecting to wear them sparingly. Instead, they became my most-worn shoes, carrying me through multiple eight-hour sightseeing days without the arch, calf, or lower back pain I usually get when I forgo walking shoes.
The comfort comes down to the construction. FitFlop's triple-density EVA footbed is softer where you need cushioning and firmer where your foot needs support, so it absorbs impact without feeling squishy or unstable.
The roomy toe box also gives your toes space to splay, while the slight wedge heel helps take pressure off your feet and lower back. The arch support is top tier — it's incredibly rare for my arches to not hurt after 4 hours of wearing a sandal, but they felt fine in these even after 8 hours.
Unlike many supportive flip flops, these also manage to look more sleek than orthopedic. The biggest downside is the thong strap material. In high humidity, the toe post gave me a small blister, so I had to put on a Band-Aid. They also run a little wider than average, which may feel loose on narrow feet.
Read more in my full FitFlop flip flop review.
Best budget: Reef Cushion Breeze Flip Flops
The Reef Cushion Breeze punch way above their pricepoint, delivering comfortable arch support, a universal aesthetic, and a plush, lightweight feel.
What we like
What we don't like
After wearing the Reef Cushion Breeze flip flops for weeks on errands, river beach days, and out to casual dinner with friends, it's amazing to think they cost under $50. They're well-made, comfortable, and look like the classic beach sandals we all know and love.
Compared to the OluKai 'Ohana, they have a much softer feel underfoot thanks to the plush EVA foam footbed. The anatomical arch support works for regular wear, but they don't have the same rigid foundation that makes the 'Ohanas feel ready for a full day on your feet. If you prioritize pillowy comfort over maximum support, I actually think you'll prefer the Reef (although the traction isn't great on slippery surfaces).
Their padded straps and soft toe posts never rubbed my skin. I found myself reaching for these flip flops a lot once summer hit because they're so lightweight.
The biggest compromise with the Reef Cushion Breeze is the fit. They run slightly small and slightly narrow, so I don't recommend them for extra wide feet.
Best leather flip flops: Hari Mari Clipper
If you want flip flops that will last for years, the Hari Mari Clippers combine premium leather, supportive construction, and a timeless design that molds to your feet over time.
What we like
What we don't like
Leather flip flops will last you years. Even better, the structured material stabilizes the straps so your toes don't have to grip as hard while you walk, says Dr. Pourziaee.
The downside is that leather shoes usually come with a painful break-in period. However, the Hari Mari Clippers' buttery-soft leather were ready to wear out of the box. Their padded strap lining and memory foam toe posts seemed to eliminate hot spots that come with new leather sandals.
The molded footbed has substantial arch support built into its shape — you can even see the pronounced arch from the side. During my first dozen wears, they weren't as supportive as flip flops with a foam, engineered footbed found in the OluKai 'Ohanas. Once your foot has molded the leather to its shape, though, the sandal and your foot start to work together.
Even after I got them wet, the leather stayed soft instead of drying stiff or cracking. Plus, the rubber outsoles gave dependable traction on pool decks and other slick surfaces.
Similar to the Reef Cushion Breeze, these run slightly small and slightly narrow so they won't work on a definitively wide foot.
Best recovery flip flops: OOFOS OOlala Sandals
The OOFOS OOlala Sandals have exceptional cushioning, a supportive arch design, and shock-absorbing foam that helps take pressure off tired feet and joints.
What we like
What we don't like
If your priority is giving your feet and joints a break, these are some of the best recovery flip flops you can buy. They combine great arch support with a plush footbed and firm heel cup, meaning they feel heavenly to slip on after a workout.
The proprietary OOfoam footbed on the OOlala Sandals is noticeably softer and more shock-absorbing than traditional EVA foam, giving them a cushiony, almost bouncy feel (kind of like a Hoka sneaker, but firmer).
They're especially useful on days when I'm walking around on my home's concrete floors for 3+ hours (ouch) as I clean and meal prep for the week ahead. They cradle my high arches, taking pressure off my knees and achy lower back — all while staying super lightweight.
The thick platform looks bulky, but most importantly, it doesn't feel bulky. The subtle rocker shape helps your foot roll naturally through each step, so you don't feel as if you're tripping over your shoes.
There are a few tradeoffs: The plastic toe post and straps can create some rubbing irritation in high humidity (though not as much with the cross-foot OOFOS slide straps). I also managed to break a pair where the thong connects to the footbed after repeatedly rolling my foot off an uneven sidewalk edge, but OOFOS replaced them under their six-month warranty.
See more in our guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Best slim: Archies Arch Support Flip Flops
The Archies Flip Flops deliver the classic flat rubber flip flop look, but with real arch support and a surprisingly durable design.
What we like
What we don't like
Archies delivers the aesthetic of the Y2K Carrie Bradshaw flip flops, but with seriously upgraded comfort. The specialized closed-cell foam allows for flexibility, light weight, and a low profile silhouette, while the material conforms to the shape of your foot the more you wear them.
Archies' Flip Flops were designed by a physical therapist and have anatomical arch support built into the footbed — a difference you can't really see, but which I felt immediately. These were by far the most comfortable slim flip flops I tested, and I was surprised to find my feet didn't ache after walking around in them for over two hours.
I believe what saved me is the raised V-shaped ridge under the toes, which help them splay rather than form a claw as you walk. It also helps that the straps are slightly stretchy, which means they flex enough to accommodate different foot shapes.
These stand above flimsy Havaianas or Old Navy flip flops with their punch-through pin design. Instead, Archies molds these flip flops in one cohesive piece, meaning there's no weak point where the straps can pop out or rip off. I wore them while walking across rocky riverbeds, putting a lot of stress on the straps, and they still held up.
The trade-off for this flat of a flip flop is that they're less protective and supportive. The footbed is thin enough that I can feel the texture of the ground beneath each step, and the straps aren't rigid enough for several hours of walking. For that, I recommend the OluKai 'Ohanas or Fitflop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals instead.
Still, they have decent traction underneath for what they are, and they're also fine to get wet. The brand offers a 60-day comfort guarantee on these shoes, where you can return them for a full refund if need be. You can find them in 16 colors for $40 a pair.
Read more in our full Archies flip flop review.
Best beach flip flops: Heydude Tide Flip
The HeyDude Tide Flip is built for beach days, with a stable platform that walks confidently on sand, quick-drying materials, and enough cushioning to stay comfortable from the shoreline to the boardwalk.
What we like
What we don't like
You may think any old flip flop will work for the beach, but the HeyDude Tide Flip is designed with way more intention. I've worn these down by the river, stepping over slippery rocks and sandy beaches. Their lightly textured footbed and decent traction steadied me as I waded into the water.
The surf-inspired look is more elevated than a basic rubber sandal, but they're still relaxed enough to wear casually. The oversized platform creates a wide, stable base, which evens out your gait on soft sandy beaches. This extra height also lifts your feet away from hot asphalt or poolside puddles. Despite the thick soles, they're surprisingly lightweight and don't take up much space in a beach bag.
The quick-drying material sheds water quickly, and the microfiber-wrapped toe post stays comfortable even when wet. The biggest tradeoff is their level of support. The heel cups and arch support felt secure for a few hours by the water, but it isn't substantial for an entire day of walking. I also found the straps fit a little loose (even on my slightly higher-volume feet) so I don't recommend them for narrow or lower-volume feet.
How I tested
To find the best flip flops with arch support, I tested more than 15 pairs over two months of summer wear. I put each pair through the kinds of activities people actually buy flip flops for: running errands, sightseeing, river days, beach trips, traveling, working around the house, and long walks around my neighborhood. All pairs were worn for at least three hours at a time (unless they were terribly uncomfortable out of the box), while my top picks logged full days on my feet — some for as long as eight hours — multiple times.
- Learn more about how the Reviews team tests shoes at BI.
I tested the sandals across a variety of surfaces, including concrete floors, asphalt, gravel driveways, indoor hard flooring, sandy beaches, rocky riverbeds, wet pool decks, and shallow water puddles. This helped me evaluate not only comfort and support, but also traction, durability, and how each pair handled getting wet.
I have high arches and a slightly wider-than-average forefoot (I typically wear a women's size 7.5), along with a problematic low back that flares up whenever I spend more than 30 minutes standing in unsupportive footwear. During testing, I paid close attention to how each sandal accommodated toe splay, whether the arch support felt natural or overly aggressive, and how secure each pair felt during long walks. Most of all, I clocked how achy or supportive my feet — specifically my arches — felt after wearing each pair of flip flops for an elongated period of time. While foot shape is personal, I also noted when sandals ran especially narrow, wide, long, or short to help shoppers find the best fit.
For every pair, I evaluated:
- Arch support: The shape, height, and firmness of the arch support, along with whether it stayed comfortable after hours of wear.
- Cushioning: How well the footbed absorbed impact, distributed pressure, and balanced plush comfort with stability.
- Stability: Heel cup design, overall foot security, sole rigidity, and whether the sandal encouraged excessive wobbling or toe gripping.
- Fit and sizing: Overall sizing accuracy, toe box width, strap comfort, and how well each pair accommodated different foot shapes.
- Traction: Grip on dry pavement, wet pool decks, river rocks, sand, and other slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Style: How versatile each pair looked, whether the design leaned sporty, coastal, classic, or fashion-forward, and how easily I could incorporate them into my everyday wardrobe.
Because arch support is only helpful if you actually enjoy wearing the shoe, I also factored in details like break-in time, long-term comfort, durability, and whether each pair became one I genuinely reached for throughout the summer.
What to look for in supportive flip flops
Unlike sneakers, flip flops don't have laces or an enclosed upper to stabilize your foot. That means the footbed has to do much more of the work. "Traditional flip flops are typically flat, flimsy, and lack any meaningful structure, which can significantly alter normal foot biomechanics," says Bobby Pourziaee, DPM, AKA "The High Heel Doctor," a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon based in Los Angeles. A supportive pair of flip flops with a supportive sole should reduce the amount your toes have to grip while walking, absorb impact from hard surfaces, and keep your foot aligned without feeling bulky or over-corrective. Here's what to prioritize:
Arch contour
Not all arch support is created equal. Look for a footbed with a pronounced, anatomical arch that follows the natural curve of your foot rather than a generic bump glued into the middle of the sandal. The best arch support should feel supportive without creating pressure points or making it feel like you're standing on a golf ball. If you have especially high arches, a more structured footbed, like those on the OluKai 'Ohana or FitFlop RELIEFF, will generally provide better long-term comfort than softer foam sandals.
Cushioning vs. firmness
More cushioning doesn't always mean more support. Plush EVA foams feel great underfoot and absorb shock well, but they can also compress over time and allow your foot to move around more than it should. Firmer footbeds typically provide better stability and support for long walks, while softer foams excel for recovery, casual wear, or shorter outings. Ideally, look for a sandal that balances cushioning with a supportive foundation instead of feeling either rock-hard or marshmallow-soft.
Heel cup
A supportive heel cup is one of the most important features in a flip flop, says Dr. Pourziaee. A deep heel cradle helps center your foot, absorb impact as you walk, and reduce unnecessary side-to-side movement. It also helps your arch support do its job by keeping your heel properly positioned instead of allowing your foot to slide around the sandal.
Straps
Look for wide, structured straps to reduce the need for toe gripping, Dr. Pourziaee says. Leather or padded straps are ideal.
Materials
The material you choose should match how you plan to wear your flip flops. EVA foam is lightweight, cushioned, and dries quickly, and Dr. Pourziaee adds that it's ideal for balancing cushioning with stability. Rubber tends to be more durable and offers better traction around water. Leather develops a customized fit over time and typically lasts the longest, though it usually requires a short break-in period. If you'll be wearing your flip flops at the beach or pool, look for quick-drying straps and soft toe posts that won't rub once they're wet.
Fit and sizing
Flip flops should fit differently than sneakers. Your heel and toes should sit fully on the footbed without hanging over the edges, and your toes should have enough room to spread naturally as you walk. Pay close attention to toe box width, as many flip flops run surprisingly narrow. The straps should feel secure enough to keep your foot in place without forcing your toes to grip with every step.
What to avoid
Flat, flimsy soles
The paper-thin rubber flip flops many of us grew up wearing may be nostalgic, but they do your feet few favors. Flat soles provide virtually no arch support, very little shock absorption, and force the muscles in your feet to work overtime just to keep the sandals attached, explains Dr. Pourziaee. If you plan to wear flip flops for more than a quick trip to the mailbox, it's worth investing in a supportive footbed.
Abrasive toe posts
The toe post is often the first part of a flip flop to become uncomfortable. Stiff plastic, rough fabric, or poorly finished seams can quickly create hot spots and blisters, especially in heat and humidity. Softer materials, padded designs, or microfiber-wrapped toe posts make a noticeable difference if you plan to wear your flip flops for more than a few minutes.
Overly flexible construction
A flip flop should bend at the ball of your foot — not fold completely in half. If you can easily twist the sandal into a spiral or fold it taco-style, it's probably too flexible to provide meaningful support. A little flexibility helps the sandal move naturally with your foot, but some rigidity is what keeps your arch supported over time.
FAQs
What are the best flip flops for arch support?
After testing more than 20 pairs of flip flops over two months, I found the OluKai 'Ohana are the best flip flops with arch support for most people. They struck the best balance of supportive arches, a stable footbed, all-day comfort, and versatility. They're equally at home running errands, spending a day by the water, or walking around town, making them the pair I reached for most often throughout testing.
Are flip flops with arch support actually good for your feet?
Most podiatrists agree that sandals with straps behind the heel and across the toes are better than a traditional flip flop, but Dr. Pourziaee says flip flops with arch support and heel stabilization are fine to wear for longer periods. These features help offset how much your toes have to grip to keep a thong-style flip flop when walking.
What are the best flip flops for plantar fasciitis?
After testing more than 20 pairs of the most comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis, including sandals and flip flops, the FitFlop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals are the best flip flops for supporting these muscles of your foot. They combine a rigid, supportive footbed with excellent shock-absorbing cushioning and a slight heel lift — about 1 to 2 inches — which both podiatrists I spoke with said can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia. I found them comfortable enough to wear all day, with excellent arch support for my high arches, and they come in a wide variety of styles, making it easy to find a supportive sandal you actually want to wear.
Should arch support feel hard or soft?
Good arch support should feel firm, not hard. A supportive footbed should gently cradle your arch and keep your foot aligned without creating painful pressure points or feeling like you're standing on a golf ball. In my testing, the most comfortable flip flops balanced a supportive, structured footbed with enough cushioning to absorb impact, rather than relying on ultra-soft foam alone.
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@jkmperu.com.
