What to look for when buying sandals for flat feet
Everyone's feet are different in size and shape, so one shopper's perfect Cinderella-worthy shoe may be another shopper's nightmare. That said, there are a few key metrics you can look for as you browse the sandals to find your metaphorical glass slipper. The main rule of thumb is to look for orthopedic shoes, which are medically designed to help naturally support and cushion the contours of your feet. However, in the event that this attribute is clearly not observed, there are other clues you can rely on to help you discern whether a sandal will be comfortable for your flat feet.
Mark: When you're not sure about a specific shoe, it can help to learn more about the shoe brand as a whole, as the measurement standards used are likely to be similar. Some brands are known to carry orthotic and/or support shoes for flat feet, such as Oofos, OluKai, Aetrex, and Dr. Scholl's.
Material: The material used to construct the sandal, specifically the sockliner or footbed, is an important factor as it largely determines how cushioned and supported your feet will feel for longer periods of time. This is especially so when it comes to contoured insoles that directly bear the weight and impact of the feet and moving body while maintaining the shape of the arch of the foot. Therefore, sandals with insoles that offer soft, durable cushioning and durable arch support will help keep your feet safe and comfortable for longer periods of time. Some popular brands known for their comfortable fit are Birkenstock, Reef, Vionic and Orthofeet.
Design: While that last point may seem relatively simple (and a bit repetitive), we can't stress enough what a difference a well-designed insole can make when it comes to long-term comfort. That's why we're big fans of orthopedic shoes, as they're designed with anatomically correct insoles and thus offer unparalleled arch support, stability and cushioning. Some brands with orthopedic sandals that have earned high praise from shoppers include Orthofeet, Aetrex, Vionic, and Clarks.
