Best Sandals & Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis

Last Updated on July 7, 2025 by Andy Walker

As a lifelong runner who’s dealt with plantar fasciitis, I know how critical proper foot support is—even when you’re not logging miles. Summer can be tricky: most sandals are flat, unsupportive, and downright painful after just a short walk. After years of trial and error, I’ve found one standout—Vionic’s Tide Slide. It delivers real arch support, heel stability, and comfort that lasts all day. But I haven’t stopped there. The team here and I have reviewed several of the top sandals for plantar fasciitis to help you find relief. If you’re tired of sore feet in summer, this guide is for you.

These sandals are also suitable for:

Summary: Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

Detailed Reviews of the Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

Finding sandals that look good and support your feet can be a challenge—especially when you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis. Below, I’ve pulled together reviews for each recommended sandal model , including what makes them effective, who they’re best suited for, and what to watch out for before you buy. Whether you’re looking for all-day comfort, water-friendly wear, or a sandal that blends seamlessly with your style, there’s something here to suit your feet (and your summer plans). Let’s start with my personal favorite:

Vionic Tide Slide

Best for: Strong orthotic support

The Vionic Tide Slide is a go-to option for people with plantar fasciitis who want support without compromising summer style. Designed by podiatrists and approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, this sandal features a biomechanically engineered footbed. The arch support is strong, the heel cup is deep, and the overall structure encourages natural alignment.

This flip-flop is ideal for people with fallen arches, overpronation, or chronic foot pain. Unlike most casual flip-flops, the Tide Slide cradles your foot and keeps it in place. Users often report relief from symptoms after just a few days of wear. It’s great for everything from beach days to errands, thanks to its durable construction and sleek design.

Some find the arch support intense at first, but it’s designed to train your feet into better alignment. The synthetic strap is sturdy but soft, and the toe post doesn’t rub the wrong way, even after hours of wear. If you’re looking for a sandal that looks casual but works like an orthotic insert, the Vionic Tide Slide is a top pick.

Specs

• Style: Flip-flop
• Upper: Synthetic
• Footbed: Biomechanical EVA
• Arch Support: High
• Gender: Unisex
• Water Resistant: Yes

Pros

• Deep heel cup and strong arch support
• Podiatrist-designed
• Effective pain relief for plantar fasciitis

Cons

• Runs large
• Arch support may feel too aggressive at first

Men’s version | Women’s version

Spenco Yumi Plus

Best for: Versatile style options

The Spenco Yumi Plus is perfect for those who want style flexibility with a dash of serious support. Available in more than 30 color options, this flip-flop doesn’t look like a traditional orthotic shoe—but it performs like one. It features a compression-molded EVA footbed with a deep heel cup and metatarsal dome, which relieves forefoot and heel pressure.

The Yumi Plus is often praised for its lightweight feel and secure fit. The straps are comfortable and don’t rub, and the footbed offers a nice blend of structure and comfort. It’s not quite as aggressive in arch support as the Vionic, which makes it a better entry point for people new to orthotic footwear.

These sandals are great for daily casual use, light walking, or travel. While they don’t have waterproof materials, they dry quickly and hold up well over time. If you want something fashionable that also helps with plantar fasciitis, this sandal is a versatile and affordable pick.

Specs

• Style: Flip-flop
• Upper: Synthetic
• Footbed: Compression-molded EVA
• Arch Support: Medium to High
• Gender: Unisex
• Water Resistant: No

Pros

• Available in many colors and styles
• Lightweight and durable
• Metatarsal support for full-foot relief

Cons

• Less heel cushioning than some alternatives
• Not waterproof

Olukai Ohana

Best for: Men needing cushion + support

The Olukai Ohana is a highly cushioned, supportive flip-flop built for men who need both comfort and style. It features a compression-molded EVA midsole and a non-marking rubber outsole with great grip, even on wet surfaces. This sandal offers substantial arch support and a deep heel cup that makes it feel more like a casual sneaker than a beach sandal.

The water-resistant synthetic straps and quick-dry lining make this an excellent option for summer outings, pools, or rainy weather. Many users comment that it’s ideal for all-day wear and actually reduces lower back pain in addition to heel discomfort.

While the size runs large and may require ordering down, the overall build quality and foot support make this a favorite among men with plantar fasciitis. Some long-term users have experienced wear and tear after extended use, but the comfort and fit remain hard to beat.

Specs

• Style: Flip-flop
• Upper: Water-resistant synthetic
• Footbed: EVA with anatomical shaping
• Arch Support: Medium to High
• Gender: Men
• Water Resistant: Yes

Pros

• Cushioned yet supportive
• Excellent traction on wet surfaces
• Comfortable for extended walking

Cons

• Pricey for a flip-flop
• Runs large
• Some durability concerns over time

Birkenstock Arizona (Unisex)

Best for: Long-term corrective wear

The Birkenstock Arizona (Unisex) is one of the most beloved and effective sandals for foot health. Featuring a cork-latex footbed that molds to your foot over time, this sandal helps correct alignment and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. The deep heel cup, high arch support, and raised toe bar encourage a natural walking motion.

This sandal is ideal for those who spend long hours on their feet. While the break-in period can last a couple of weeks, the resulting comfort and foot alignment are unmatched. Once the cork molds to your foot, it feels custom-made. The dual strap design ensures a snug fit, and it comes in leather and vegan materials.

It’s not waterproof and does require maintenance, such as cork sealing, but the Arizona is built to last years. If you’re looking for a sandal that improves your foot health over time and looks great while doing it, this is your pair.

Specs

• Style: Slide sandal
• Upper: Leather or synthetic
• Footbed: Cork-latex, suede lined
• Arch Support: High
• Gender: Unisex
• Waterproof: No

Pros

• Long-lasting comfort
• Anatomically correct design
• Reduces knee, back, and heel pain

Cons

• Break-in required
• Needs care and cork sealing
• Not water-friendly

Birkenstock Mayari

Best for: Women’s stylish support

The Birkenstock Mayari is a fashionable alternative to traditional orthotic sandals. It has all the hallmark features of Birkenstock’s famous footbed—deep heel cup, supportive arch, and raised toe bar—but with a more elegant strap design. The crisscrossed straps and toe loop give it a refined look suitable for dresses or jeans.

It’s made with either leather or Birkibuc (a synthetic alternative), and the cork-latex footbed conforms to your foot with wear. Many women with plantar fasciitis find relief using the Mayari and appreciate its slimmer, more feminine profile.

Like other Birkenstocks, the Mayari requires a break-in period. Once past that stage, these sandals become some of the most comfortable you can own. They’re not water-safe and do need some upkeep, but the overall value and style make them one of the best options available for long-term wear.

Specs

• Style: Toe-loop sandal
• Upper: Leather, Birkibuc, or synthetic
• Footbed: Cork-latex with suede lining
• Arch Support: High
• Gender: Women
• Waterproof: No

Pros

• Stylish design with medical-grade support
• Encourages proper posture and foot health
• Vegan options available

Cons

• Break-in time
• Requires cork care
• Toe loop may not suit all foot shapes

Birkenstock Arizona EVA

Best for: Waterproof + affordable

The Birkenstock Arizona EVA is a modern solution for anyone who wants the comfort of Birkenstocks in a lightweight, waterproof design. Made entirely from EVA, this version retains the iconic shape of the Arizona footbed—arch support, heel cup, and raised toe bar—without the maintenance required by cork.

It’s perfect for beach days, water parks, or yard work. These sandals dry fast, rinse clean, and still provide excellent foot support. They also break in much faster than their cork cousins and cost a fraction of the price. While they don’t mold to the foot like the cork versions, they offer instant comfort and solid structure.

Though the aesthetics lean casual, the Arizona EVA comes in a variety of fun colors that make it a great secondary pair or travel option. For people who want comfort without the fuss, this is a budget-friendly winner.

Specs

• Style: Slide sandal
• Upper: Single-piece EVA
• Footbed: EVA, anatomically shaped
• Arch Support: Moderate
• Gender: Unisex
• Waterproof: Yes

Pros

• Waterproof and washable
• Lightweight and travel-ready
• Fast break-in and very affordable

Cons

• Doesn’t mold to feet like cork
• Not as stylish as leather models

Other Foot and Leg Conditions These Sandals Can Help With

While these sandals are top-rated for managing plantar fasciitis, they also offer relief for several other common foot and health issues. Their features—such as deep heel cups, contoured footbeds, and strong arch support—benefit a wide range of conditions caused by poor alignment, foot strain, or pressure imbalances. Here’s how these sandals can help with other concerns:

Flat Feet

People with flat feet often struggle with pain from lack of natural arch support. Many of the sandals on this list—especially the Vionic Tide Slide and Birkenstock Arizona—offer built-in support that lifts the arch and improves overall alignment. This helps reduce fatigue, distribute pressure evenly, and prevent knee or hip strain over time. Supportive sandals are particularly helpful when walking on hard surfaces or for extended periods. Flip-flops without arch structure can worsen symptoms, so choosing one of these models can provide a huge upgrade. Those with flat feet may find these options comfortable enough for daily wear—not just recovery days. See also best running shoes for flat feet.

Overpronation

Overpronation causes the foot to roll inward excessively while walking, which can trigger pain in the ankles, knees, and hips. Most traditional sandals don’t offer the structure to prevent this rolling motion—but these ones do. Footwear with strong medial arch support and heel stabilization, like the Spenco Yumi Plus or Birkenstock Arizona, helps realign the foot and reduce that inward collapse. This kind of correction limits joint stress and encourages better gait mechanics. Whether you’re walking around the house or exploring on vacation, having sandals that guide proper motion makes a huge difference if you overpronate. See more shoes for overpronation.

Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are often caused by repetitive stress or strain on the foot, particularly the plantar fascia. The deep heel cups found in sandals like the Vionic Tide and Olukai Ohana help center the heel and cushion it from direct impact. This reduces inflammation and relieves pain throughout the day. Unlike flat sandals that press directly on the heel, these contour the foot and redirect pressure to more stable areas. Consistent use can ease symptoms and prevent flare-ups. For people managing chronic heel pain, switching to a supportive sandal can be an essential step toward long-term comfort.

Metatarsalgia

Metatarsalgia causes pain in the ball of the foot, often due to poor pressure distribution and lack of cushioning. Sandals like the Spenco Yumi Plus and Birkenstock Mayari include metatarsal domes or contoured forefoot ridges that help offload pressure from this sensitive area. These features mimic barefoot movement and encourage natural toe splay, which can reduce friction and improve shock absorption. While no sandal can cure metatarsalgia, those with orthotic design help manage the symptoms and keep you mobile. For people tired of forefoot pain in minimal footwear, switching to one of these supportive models is a smart move. See more shoes for metatarsalgia.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can sometimes be traced to poor foot posture or inadequate support—especially for people who walk or stand for long hours. Footwear that stabilizes the heel and supports the arches helps align the body from the ground up. Sandals like the Birkenstock Arizona and Vionic Tide Slide encourage a more neutral gait and reduce strain traveling up through the ankles, knees, and hips. By preventing overpronation and promoting balance, they can minimize stress on the lower spine. Even casual summer sandals can influence posture, so switching to a supportive option can have whole-body benefits.

Bunions

Bunions occur when the joint at the base of the big toe becomes enlarged or misaligned, often causing rubbing, inflammation, and foot pain. Sandals like the Birkenstock Mayari or Arizona offer wide footbeds and adjustable straps that reduce pressure on bunion-prone areas. Unlike narrow or rigid sandals, these allow natural toe spread and help prevent further irritation. The cork footbed molds to the shape of your foot, minimizing friction and discomfort. A supportive sole also redistributes body weight, relieving stress on the toe joint. For people with mild to moderate bunions, these sandals can make summer wear far more comfortable. See also: Best shoes for bunions

Arthritis

Foot arthritis, whether in the toes, midfoot, or ankle, can make standing or walking extremely painful. Supportive sandals can reduce inflammation by absorbing shock and stabilizing joints. Options like the Vionic Tide Slide and Olukai Ohana provide cushioning and alignment support that ease movement without stiffness. Many arthritis sufferers appreciate the ease of slipping on these sandals without compromising on structure. Adjustable straps also accommodate swelling, which is common with arthritic feet. While they’re not a replacement for medical care, these sandals can reduce everyday discomfort and improve mobility during warm-weather months or recovery days. Best shoes for arthritis

Diabetic Foot Care

People with diabetes must be especially cautious about footwear due to the risk of ulcers, poor circulation, and nerve damage. While not designed as diabetic-specific shoes, sandals like the Spenco Yumi Plus and Birkenstock EVA offer non-binding fits, soft toe posts, and pressure-relieving footbeds. The deep heel cup and structured sole reduce the chance of friction-related injuries and help distribute weight evenly across the foot. Just as important, these models are breathable and can be worn indoors or out. For diabetics with stable foot health, these sandals provide a safer alternative to unsupportive flip-flops or barefoot walking. See also best shoes for diabetics