Birkenstocks are a favorite of podiatrists and Prevention editors—in fact, they’ve landed on our list of best walking sandals, best sandals for plantar fasciitis, and more. “I am a Birkenstock girl. I love their cork, cushioned footbed with built-in arch support and metatarsal pads,” Parthasarathy shares. Splichal also previously noted that they have “great arch support and are made of cork, which is great for absorbing impact forces.” The Arizona Soft Footbed sandals specifically feature an additional foam layer for extra cushioning with moderate arch support, complete with a lightweight EVA sole and two adjustable straps. What an editor says: Our Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Finigan recently reviewed these Birkenstocks and raved about their comfort. “I have high arches, so the traditional footbed never felt quite right for me, but I recently discovered they have a soft footbed, and I am ADDICTED,” she previously shared. “I wore them all throughout my honeymoon in Mexico, and not only did they feel totally secure on my feet but they required no break-in period before molding to my feet. I have narrow feet, too, so I was surprised they were adjustable enough to buckle tight. I can’t wait to walk in them all summer long.” Splichal recommends these sandals from Aetrex, noting that they’re secure on the foot with arch support and comfortable straps. Designed with a lightweight memory foam footbed for comfy cushioning, they feature the brand’s signature arch support that is biomechanically placed to help align your body and stabilize your feet. They’re also constructed with stretchy materials and have two adjustable straps for a customizable fit that accommodates wider feet. What the reviews say: “These are my fifth pair of Aetrex shoes…My foot is difficult to fit, wide with short toes and a high arch,” one shopper shared. “These were comfortable right out of the box. Good arch support…I am going to buy another pair in a different color. I recommend these for the accurate fit, adjustable straps, and overall comfort.” Included in our list of the best walking sandals, these Vionic sandals boast the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), meaning they meet the criteria for promoting good foot health. They’re designed with a lightweight, nitrogen-infused foam midsole that offers high rebound to enhance your walking motion, complete with the brand’s Vio Motion Technology footbed which features contoured arch support, shock-absorbing cushioning, and a deep heel cup to provide stability and forefoot flexibility. What the reviews say: “These are the most comfortable walking sandals I’ve ever worn. I can go on long walks and feel like I’m wearing my usual walking shoes, except now I have cooler feet,” a shopper raved. “They have a super cushiony sole while also providing firm arch support. The three different Velcro straps provide an individualized fit that keeps the shoe in place.” One of the most popular choices for sport sandals, Teva is a both a podiatrist- and editor-favorite for walking and hiking. Splichal particularly likes the Tirria style, which she notes has “comfortable straps, traction on the sole, and is secured on the foot, so good for hiking.” These shoes boast a contoured EVA midsole with great arch support, along with a nylon shank that’s designed to stabilize and support your feet on uneven terrain, and a cushioned shock pad in the heel that absorbs impact. They also have quick-dry, adjustable straps and a durable rubber outsole that offers great traction. What the reviews say: “I absolutely love my Tevas! I try not to wear any other shoes. I’ve had back problems and hip issues for decades…This is the third pair I’ve had and I don’t see any reason to try anything else,” shared one reviewer. “The three adjustable straps make it easy to fit most feet… I have high arches and find the arch support keeps my feet from getting tired and relieves pain in my back, hips, and knees. I highly recommend these shoes.” Looking for a comfy slide sandal? Splichal recommends the Sahara from Orthofeet for its “good arch support, comfortable straps, and traction on the outsole.” These orthotic sandals have three straps across the foot that are all adjustable for a truly customizable, foot-hugging fit, as well as a soft, padded fabric interior that’s non-irritating for sensitive feet. They also have a cushioned orthotic insole with anatomical arch support (with an included Arch Booster for even more support!) and an ergonomic outsole with a mild rocker design to help relieve foot and heel pain. What the reviews say: “Great fit, comfortable and supportive. Finally found a pair of sandals that fit well look good and I can walk around all day without my feet hurting,” one shopper wrote. “The arch support is good and you can add a little extra with a device that they include in the box. All the straps are adjustable so you can get a perfect fit so your feet are secure and don’t slide out. The cushioning is good and appreciate the nonslip sole.” Chaco sandals are loved by Prevention editors and podiatrists alike. “Chacos are my favorite adventure sandals. They have many different sandal types appropriate for different activities and different levels of support: Classic, Cloud, Rapid Pro, and Cush Z,” says Parthasarathy. “I love their footbed, support levels, and the straps! The adjustable straps are key for stability. They can also get wet!” The Z/Cloud 2 sandals come with an added top layer of ultra-soft, cloud-like polyurethane (PU) to cushion every step, on top of a grippy rubber outsole that provides no-slip traction. They also provide a highly customizable and secure fit, thanks to a unique adjustable strap system and an added toe loop design. What the reviews say: “Simply AMAZING! I have high arches that normally hurt without proper support, and these babies are truly like walking on a cloud,” raved an Amazon customer. “I am also not the the biggest fan of straps between the toe, but these do not rub weird at all. Sizing is pretty spot on too…Get these, you will not regret it!” Parthasarathy recommends these chic open-toe sandals from Dankso, which are constructed with high-quality, soft leather uppers and a comfortable platform sole. “For a cuter, casual option, I love the Dansko clog footbed and traction sole. The straps add stability as well,” she says. “I like the soft leather to accommodate foot deformities like bunions and the ankle strap for stabilization.” These sandals also boast soft memory foam cushioning on top of a dual-density EVA and cork midsole. What the reviews say: “These sandals are beautiful and so comfy!” said one Amazon shopper. “The craftsmanship is amazing. The footbed is very soft and has a memory foam layer, and the arch support is very good. These look great with everything from jeans to shorts to spring dresses. They’re well worth the price!” For a comfy pair of flip-flops with great arch support, look no further than OluKai’s best-selling beach sandals. Lightweight and durable, the Ohanas are designed with high arch support and a durable rubber outsole for enhanced grip and traction. They also have comfortable, quick-drying lining with a soft nylon toe post and water-resistant straps, making them ideal for the beach and water activities. What an editor says: Prevention’s Deputy Health Editor Kaitlyn Phoenix called these flip-flops her “versatile, comfy staple for summer” in her review. “I never got any blisters or felt uncomfortable with them on. I consider that a huge win, especially for flip-flops!” she wrote. “The materials are durable and definitely held up well when wet..If you’re looking for a durable, stylish, and comfortable sandal for summer, I wholeheartedly recommend the OluKai Ohana beach sandals.” If you’re looking for a comfy hiking sandal with great arch support, Hoka has you covered. Though the brand is typically known for their running shoes, their new Infini Hike TC also comes podiatrist-approved. Parthasarathy recommends it as as a “neutral, cushioned, quick-dry hiking sandal,” noting: “I like the plush footbed and that it is neutral so just the right amount of support for many foot types. It has a deep heel cup and three adjustable straps!” The open-toe adventure sandal also features a durable outsole for enhanced grip on slippery surfaces. What an editor says: Commerce Editor Jessica Dukes recently reviewed these hiking sandals, putting them to a 30-mile test. “The Hoka Infiti Hike TC is a versatile two-in-one shoe. If you’re a hiker (and the fit works for you), both the flexibility and the cushioning on these lightweight Hokas will bring you comfort on the trail,” she said. “Plus, because they are so cushioned and comfortable, they also make a great walking sandal.” Here’s another pair of Birkenstocks that Parthasarathy loves: The Gizeh sandals. These stylish, casual sandals also come with the brand’s signature, anatomically-shaped cork footbed with built-in arch support and a deep heel cup—but in a classic thong style with an elegant, adjustable buckle. The EVA sole offers lightweight, shock-absorbing support, while the footbed is lined with soft smooth leather for comfort. What a reviewer says: “The initial break-in was as expected, but after a few wears…I don’t think I’ll own another pair of sandals again,” said one Zappos shopper. “I’ve never been able to walk for long periods of time in any type of sandal because there’s never any arch support. Because these form to your foot, they provide the comfort that’s needed. If you’ve been on the fence about this brand, just dive right in. Your feet will thank you!” When choosing walking sandals with arch support, our experts recommending looking for the following features: ✔️ Comfy, shock-absorbing cushioning. Splichal recommends looking for sandals with a cushioned, shock-absorbing sole. “A well-cushioned outsole helps reduce impact stress on the joints and complements the arch support in protecting your feet,” she notes. ✔️ A supportive midsole with a contoured footbed. “The midsole should offer structured support—not overly soft or squishy,” says Splichal. “Materials like EVA foam, cork, or polyurethane are commonly used to give a good mix of cushioning and arch structure.” Splichal also recommends looking for a footbed that “mirrors the natural curves of the foot, especially under the medial arch”—one that “supports the arch without feeling intrusive and cradles the heel to help with stability.” ✔️ A wide base. “A wider sole under the arch and forefoot adds ground contact and lateral support, which is important for uneven terrain or long walks,” says Splichal. The width of the sandal is also important to accommodate your foot and any ailments such as bunions, neuromas and hammertoes, adds Parthasarathy. ✔️ A deep heel cup. “A well-defined heel cup helps center the heel and maintain alignment of the foot, ankle, and knee during walking,” Splichal explains. “It also improves shock absorption during heel strike.” ✔️ Adjustable straps. “Look for multiple adjustable straps (ankle, forefoot, and possibly heel) to ensure the sandal stays secure without causing pressure points,” says Splichal. “A secure fit allows the arch support to do its job effectively, especially on uneven ground.” An adjustable strap at the ankle is especially beneficial as it will give you some stabilization and reduce the chance of sprained ankles, while a front and back strap can help with added stability, notes Parthasarathy. ✔️ Removable arch support. Arch support that is removable is a bonus as it “will allow you to slide your orthotics or additional arch support in if needed,” Parthasarathy says. We consulted Emily Splichal, D.P.M, a board-certified podiatrist, and Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic. Additionally, we tapped Prevention editors for their favorite picks and sifted through countless customer reviews, ratings, and specs to find the best walking sandals with arch support available. For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.