Tips for Finding Supportive Sandals

It’s that time of year again! Summer is right around the corner and you’ve probably started wearing sandals when you’re out and about. But are you wearing supportive sandals?

We all know flip-flops aren’t the greatest shoes to wear, but there’s much more to it than that. The average pair of foam flip-flops doesn’t support your biomechanics efficiently, has little to no shock absorption, and actually makes your body work harder when compared to walking barefoot.

Just as you would wearing supportive home footwear during the cold, winter months, wearing supportive sandals during the summer can help curb foot pain while you’re active on your feet.

WATCH: Why You Should Ditch Flimsy Flip Flops (1:20)

Finding The Right Pair of Supportive Sandals

Like any piece of footwear, it’s important to take into consideration not just your activities, but also your foot type when you’re out sandal shopping. You may require one, or several, of the following features.

1. Supportive Arches

Giving your arches the support they need can help improve your posture.

This is a great feature for preventing, and even treating, issues related to your feet and lower limbs, such as plantar fasciitis, neuromas, or just sore feet.

2. Deep Heel Cup

Think of a heel cup as a container that holds your heel in place and supports it from all sides.

This may seem counterintuitive, but a deep heel cup actually helps buffer the fat pads on your heels and distribute impact while you’re walking.

3. Metatarsal Pad

Also known as ‘met pads’, these help support and spread out the transverse arch, which runs across the width of your forefoot.

Metatarsal pads help prevent forefoot pain and neuromas stemming from pinched nerves in between your metatarsal joints – which are like the knuckles of your feet.

4. Removable Footbed

If you wear custom orthotics, look for sandals with a removable footbed.

You will be able to add your own custom orthotics, making them more comfortable because they’re customized to your feet.

You may also be able to find a custom top cover that matches to the material of your sandals.

5. Adjustable Closures

If you have wide feet, high arches or bunions, you may benefit from sandals with adjustable closures.

With these, you can customize the fit to the shape of your foot and avoid pressure points.

WATCH: Tips For Finding Supportive Sandals (1:52)

Still wondering which sandals are right for you?

A Kintec fitting expert can answer all your questions about finding the right pair of sandals.