The 5 Best Sandals for People With Flat Feet

Finding sandals for the summer can be a struggle if you have flat feet. That's because people with flat feet can overpronate, which means their heel or midfoot turns inward more than normal, creating instability when they walk.

This makes you more prone to conditions like plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and bunions, as well as knee issues. That's because "as the feet are rolling in, the knees internally rotate, which can cause adverse stress," says Patrick McEneaney, DPM, CEO of Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists.

Thankfully, there are sandals that promote healthier foot movement and support people with low arches.

We tapped podiatrists to better understand what attributes make a good shoe for flat feet and how to find the best fit. We chose our top picks based on their recommendations, including:

• Arch support
• Stability
• Comfort
• Price

Find more info on how we choose and cover products.

The Vionic Restore Ii is a supportive and comfortable sandal that comes recommended by Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon based in New York.

What makes this shoe the best overall choice for flat feet? It has an EVA footbed, which cushions your feet and absorbs shock upon impact. It also has a sculpted midsole to prevent slips as you move.

Beyond being comfy and supportive, the Restore Ii comes in fashionable colors, such as dark khaki and port wine.

For the price, Dr. Scholl's Adelle 4 is a comfortable and functional sandal. The instep design allows you to easily slip the shoe on, and the brand boasts its insole technology, which provides comfort, support and cushioning for people with flat feet. The shoe has adjustable straps for a customized fit. We also appreciate the sustainably crafted lining, which is made from recycled water bottles.

A supportive and sturdy sandal like the Birkenstock Arizona is helpful for people who overpronate and need arch support. It's constructed with an EVA sole for shock absorption and cushioning, and it has arch support for people with flat feet.

The straps are adjustable and have a soft lining to prevent irritation. What's more, there are width options to accommodate all foot types, including people with regular, wide and narrow feet.

Throw on HOKA's Ora Recovery Flip for a comfy and sporty fit.

The sandal has a reactive midsole and soft top layer that cushions your feet with each step. The strap is made from a jersey material, which wicks away moisture and keeps the top of your feet dry.

Plus, you get to choose from fun colors like fiesta orange and diva blue.

If straps are more your game, give the ECCO Yucatan a go. They're lightweight and supportive sandals that are perfect for everyday walking.

Because the straps are made of soft leather and the outsole is made of durable rubber, they're also ideal for hiking and trail walking.

The foam midsole provides long-lasting comfort and the EVA midsole offers stability.

When shopping for a sandal for flat feet, make sure it has cushioning. That way, the sandal can "absorb shock and help to avoid tissue irritation and damage," Dr. Schaeffer says. The ECCO Yucatan, for example, has a foam midsole.

But avoid overly cushioned insoles "as the increased cushion also increases the work the foot does," says Dylan Carlisle, DPM, a physician and foot and ankle surgeon based in South Carolina.

Because people with overly pronated feet roll their feet inward when they walk, it can lead to foot pain, and they are more prone to plantar fasciitis, tendonitis and bunions. That's why finding a sandal with arch support is important.

People with flat feet due to overpronation benefit from arch support because it helps restrict the inward movement of their feet.

Sandals for flat feet should also offer good stability. To check for this, "bend [the shoe] in the middle," Dr. Carlisle says. There should be some resistance in a shoe with a sturdy sole.