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Shop top-rated, podiatrist-approved shoes, built with proper arch support and midsole flexibility.

Whether you’re shopping for boots, running shoes, or sandals, finding a comfy shoe that doesn’t aggravate plantar fasciitis pain can be a tall order. Most flip flops lack cushioning, while other open-toe options often don’t have much arch support. Cue the pain.

In case you’re not familiar, your plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and attaches your heel to the toes. When you put too much pressure on the plantar fascia, it becomes inflamed or creates tears in the tissue. Walking with unsupportive sandals can also mess with your gait, leading to body-wide imbalances that can lead to back pain.

It’s not impossible, says Jacqueline Sutera, D.P.M., a podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City. “People with plantar fasciitis should look for sandals that have a thicker and more cushioned sole. The sandal should also have arch support and some flexibility in the midsole,” she explains. Sandals with a slightly higher heel that tapers down in the forefoot are also a good option. “This slightly shifts weight away from the painful heel areas,” says Dr. Sutera. “Some sandals even have a deep heel cup and straps, which can help keep the natural heel pad in place and keep the foot in a more neutral position to reduce pronation (rolling) as you walk.”

Keep this checklist handy when shopping for sandals if you have plantar fasciitis:

Ready to find your new favorite pair? Ahead, the best sandals for plantar fasciitis that are both stylish and supportive:

Birkenstock is known for creating supportive sandals. The original Birkenstocks were invented with a contoured footbed and anatomically shaped insoles to match the natural curves of your foot. Since then, the company has honed the craft of creating shock-absorbing soles to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia. This updated version has all of those amazing features, plus adjustable straps with a buckle closure and an EVA upper that gives you freedom of movement.

These summery sandals feature a cork footbed, which supports and molds to the foot for easy walking. It also makes the shoes super durable, so you can wear them from anywhere to the beach to walking around the local farmers’ market. The adjustable straps make for a customizable fit, too.

The criss-cross straps on these sandals combine comfort with subtle style. Choose among four fun colors or partterns, and each one features a padded footbed and a soft leather upper. You can walk in ‘em all day long!

FitFlop’s line of sandals and sneakers feature biomechanically engineered midsoles that are made to feel comfortable and provide support. The brand has the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, which means they meet the high standards of promoting overall foot health. One note: Some reviewers say they run a little wide, so order a pair that’s a half size smaller.

These beauties are proof that UGG can do more than winter boots. This open-toe sandal has a contoured footbed that’s made with three layers of cushioning: The outsoles are also crafted with UGG’s signature “Treadlite” technology, which offers increased traction, cushioning, and flexibility.

Vionic is a podiatrist-approved brand for a reason. Its shoes are designed with foot health in mind, and these flip flops are no different. They provide more support than other, cheaper options, meaning they’ll last you longer. These sandals also have a removable, cushioned insole with tons of arch support and a leather-textile upper that’s available in fun, summery colors.

OluKai is a footwear brand based in Hawaii that’s committed to creating eco-friendly sandals with anatomically contoured footbeds. Made with water-resistant material and an EVA midsole, these flip flops are perfect for a day at the beach or pool. The thick, durable rubber role helps absorb shock and stability. It also has a slight platform to give your heels extra support.

A strappy, wraparound sandal helps to keep feet securely snug and prevents rolling while walking. Ideal for outdoor wear, Olukai’s PU-molded footbed with micro-texture provides comfort while out on nature walks. It’s also one of the more stylish outdoor sandals on the market, with fun colors and adjustable leather straps.

These sandals are sturdy enough for all-day adventures, thanks to the soft uppers, easy-to-adjust strap, memory foam footbed, and single toe loop to keep you locked in place. The arch support ensures pain-free strolls and they’re super breathable, too.

Cole Haan knows how to make a comfy shoe, blending style and extra cushiony footbeds for max support. Fastening around your ankle with a strap, these espadrille sandals have a leather upper and a rubber sole for added grip. TBH, we’d wear these anywhere from brunch to happy hour to upscale dinners.

With a leather upper, you can rock these sleek platform sandals at low-key summer soirees. The sole is made with flexibility in mind, and the arch-supporting footbed is cushioned for an ultra-soft feel. We also like that the platform adds extra height, but is thick enough so comfort isn’t compromised. You can also snag these in hot pink, if you want to go a bit bolder.

Another pick from UGG, these sandals feature its signature three-layer insole design that hug your feet with every step, but the comfort doesn’t stop there. The outsole has additional cushion, as well as traction, preventing slips and falls if you’re walking on wet surfaces. The straps are also adjustable to ensure a proper fit.

Vionic managed to make a wedge that feels like a slip-on! These sandals have a biomechanically engineered orthotic footbed, meaning it’s made to naturally match your gait. We love that it also has an adjustable slingback strap with a buckle closure.

Trend alert: Swedish clogs are back in a more comfortable way. These MIA clogs were made in Sweden and have a rubber sole for extra grip and shock absorption. They also have the same traditional wooden lining as other clogs, but it’s much smoother and less abrasive on skin. 

The slingback style is back—and trendy for 2021. Naturalizer’s version have a block heel for stability and a foam-cushioned insole for supportive contouring. This mustard yellow pair will freshen up any warm-weather ensemble.

Padded from heel to toe, this heeled sandal adds a little height for petite gals without pain, making them a stylish option for a date or drinks with friends. The sole is made from a soft rubber material and its vegan suede straps are just gorgeous.

Designed for all-day wear, Vionic’s Blaire heels have a sliced suede upper, making them breathable and lightweight. Like other Vionic shoes, this pair has a deep heel cup and a contoured forefoot. You also have the option to buy them in a wide or medium width.

Perfect for brides or bridesmaids (as they also come in white!), these block heels prevent you from sinking into grass during garden ceremonies and give you solid support all day long. They’re designed with Naturalizer’s signature contoured, cushioned footbed and have a synthetic lining for extra comfort—as much as you can get with a heel, anyway.