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An estimated 20–37 percent of people worldwide have some degree of flat feet. It’s more common in women and older adults since hormonal changes and age play a huge role in the deterioration of the posterior tibial tendon that holds the arch in place.
Not everyone with flat feet experiences pain, but wearing supportive footwear can help improve comfort during daily activities.
With PCSsole‘s track record in functional footwear, we’re ready to walk you through:
- Why orthopedic sandals are a game-changer for people with flat feet
- How to choose the most suitable orthopedic sandals
- How to get the most out of your arch support sandals
What Are Flat Feet?
Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches on the inside of your feet are low or completely touch the ground while standing. Some people are born with flat feet, while others develop them over time due to aging, injury, pregnancy, or weakened tendons.
Types of Flat Feet
There are two common types of flat feet:
Type |
Description |
| Flexible Flat Feet | An arch is visible when sitting or standing on tiptoes, but flattens when bearing weight. This is the most common type. |
|
Rigid Flat Feet |
The arch remains flat regardless of whether you're standing or sitting. This type is less common and may require medical evaluation if it causes persistent pain. |
So, what can you do?
Custom orthotics as well as insoles for flat feet go a long way in providing support and easing the pain associated with flat feet. Look for podiatrist-recommended orthotics, which offer the best relief for foot pain.
What about on hot days or when you want your toes to breathe? Enter orthopedic sandals. As we say about PCSsole arch support sandals, they’re supportive footwear with the top down!
Can You Wear Sandals If You Have Flat Feet?
Yes. People with flat feet can absolutely wear sandals.
The key is choosing sandals with features such as built-in arch support, a contoured footbed, and a deep heel cup.
Who Can Benefit from Orthopedic Sandals?
Orthopedic sandals are a good choice for many people, especially those who:
- Have flat feet or fallen arches
- Experience plantar fasciitis or heel pain
- Walk long distances regularly
- Stand for extended periods at work
- Need supportive footwear during travel or daily activities
Can You Wear Sandals Every Day?
Yes, provided they offer proper support and fit correctly. High-quality orthopedic sandals are designed for everyday use and can be worn for walking, shopping, commuting, or relaxing at home.
For the best results, choose sandals that match your foot shape and intended activity. A secure fit, supportive footbed, and durable cushioning will help keep your feet comfortable whether you're spending a few hours or the entire day on your feet.
Why Regular Sandals Aren't Good for Flat Feet?
Not all sandals are designed with foot support in mind. While regular sandals may feel comfortable for short periods, they often lack the structure needed to support flat feet during daily activities.
| Feature | Regular Sandals | Supportive Sandals |
| Arch Support | ✘ Minimal or none |
✅ Built-in arch support |
| Footbed | ✘ Flat |
✅ Contoured and ergonomic |
| Heel Cup | ✘ None |
✅ Deep heel cup |
| Cushioning | ✘ Basic |
✅ Shock-absorbing |
| Stability | ✘ Low |
✅ Improved foot alignment |
| Best For |
✘ Short-term casual wear |
✅ Walking, travel, and all-day comfort |
If you have flat feet, choosing sandals with proper support can improve comfort, reduce foot fatigue, and provide better stability throughout the day.
What Makes the Best Sandals for Flat Feet?
The best sandals for flat feet do more than provide cushioning. They should support your arches, improve stability, and distribute pressure evenly across your feet. Choosing sandals with the right features can help reduce foot fatigue and make walking more comfortable throughout the day.
Here are the most important features to look for.
Quick Buying Guide
| Feature | Why It Matters |
| Arch Support | Helps support fallen arches and improve foot alignment |
| Deep Heel Cup | Increases stability and reduces overpronation |
| Cushioned Footbed | Absorbs shock and reduces pressure on the feet |
| Adjustable Straps | Provides a secure, personalized fit |
| Durable Outsole | Improves traction and long-lasting performance |
When shopping for sandals, focus on support and fit rather than style alone. A well-designed orthopedic sandal can provide lasting comfort for walking, travel, work, and everyday wear while helping reduce the discomfort commonly associated with flat feet.
Best Sandals for Flat Feet
Whether you're looking for recovery slides, walking sandals, or everyday footwear, the right pair can help reduce foot fatigue and improve overall comfort.
Here's a comparison of some of the best sandals for flat feet.
| Sandal | Best For | Arch Support |
| PCSsole Recovery Sandals | Best Overall | ★★★★★ |
| OOFOS OOahh Slide | Recovery | ★★★★☆ |
| Birkenstock Arizona | Everyday Wear | ★★★★★ |
| HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 | Walking & Recovery | ★★★★☆ |
| Vionic Tide Sandal | Casual Wear | ★★★★★ |
PCSsole Recovery Sandals – Best Overall
PCSsole Recovery Sandals are designed for people who need dependable support throughout the day. Their ergonomic footbed combines structured arch support with a deep heel cup to help improve stability and reduce pressure on the feet.
Best for:
- Flat feet
- Everyday walking
- Standing all day
- Travel
- Post-workout recovery
OOFOS OOahh Slide – Best for Recovery
OOFOS OOahh Slides feature soft cushioning that absorbs impact after exercise. They're a popular option for recovery but provide less structured arch support than some orthopedic sandals.
Birkenstock Arizona – Best for Everyday Wear
The Birkenstock Arizona is known for its cork-latex footbed, which gradually molds to the shape of your feet. It offers firm support and is well-suited for daily casual wear.
HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 – Best for Walking
The HOKA Ora Recovery Slide 3 combines lightweight cushioning with a rocker-shaped sole to encourage smooth movement. It's a comfortable option for walking and post-run recovery.
Vionic Tide Sandal – Best for Casual Support
Vionic Tide Sandals feature a podiatrist-designed footbed with built-in arch support, making them a good choice for casual outings and everyday comfort.
No single sandal is perfect for everyone. Consider your foot shape, daily activities, and preferred level of support before choosing the best sandals for your flat feet.
Which PCSsole Sandals Are Right for You?
PCSsole offers two supportive sandal styles for people with flat feet: Flip Flops with Arch Support and Slides with Arch Support. Both feature ergonomic arch support, cushioned footbeds, and durable EVA construction, but each is designed for different preferences and occasions.
Use the comparison below to find the style that best fits your lifestyle.
| PCSsole Sandals | Best For | Available Colors |
| PCSsole Flip Flops with Arch Support | Everyday wear, vacations, beach, casual walking | 11 Colors |
| PCSsole Slides with Arch Support | Recovery, home, post-workout, daily comfort | 5 Colors |
If you enjoy the freedom of traditional flip flops but need better support, PCSsole Flip Flops are an excellent choice. They feature a contoured footbed with built-in arch support to help improve comfort while reducing foot fatigue during everyday activities.
PCSsole Flip Flops with Arch Support
Best for:
- Everyday walking
- Beach and vacations
- Summer outings
- Casual daily wear
- Flat feet needing lightweight support
With 11 color options, it's easy to find a style that matches your personal preference.
PCSsole Slides with Arch Support
PCSsole Slides are designed for quick, comfortable wear without compromising support. The slip-on design makes them ideal for relaxing after exercise, wearing around the house, or running errands while still benefiting from structured arch support.
Best for:
- Post-workout recovery
- Walking around the house
- Running errands
- Standing for extended periods
- Everyday comfort
Available in 5 colors, they offer a simple, versatile style for daily use.
Flip Flops or Slides: Which Should You Choose?
| If You Prefer... | Recommended Style |
| Beach trips and vacations | PCSsole Flip Flops with Arch Support |
| Everyday casual walking | PCSsole Flip Flops with Arch Support |
| Easy slip-on convenience | PCSsole Slides with Arch Support |
| Recovery after sports | PCSsole Slides with Arch Support |
| Wearing around the house | PCSsole Slides with Arch Support |
Both PCSsole sandal styles are designed to provide better arch support than traditional flat sandals. Simply choose the style that best matches your daily routine and comfort preferences while enjoying reliable support with every step.
Choosing the Right Orthopedic Sandals for Flat Feet
In the table below we break down which features to look out for when choosing orthopedic sandals and how each feature benefits flat feet.
| Sandal Feature | Purpose | Benefits of Flat Feet |
| Contoured Footbed |
|
|
| Deep Heel Cup |
|
|
| Soft yet Firm Midsole Cushioning |
|
|
| Correct Sizing |
|
|
Keep in mind that not all sandals marketed as orthopedic are created equal.
Choosing a reputable brand known for producing high-quality orthopedic sandals can make a vast difference in foot pain relief. Remember, one of the issues that can exacerbate foot problems is improper or poor-quality footwear.
“I got these for my upcoming vacation, and they were perfect! They felt so comfortable all day, and I had zero leg or back pain — something I’ve struggled with from other slides sandals the last few years.”
Take your time when making your selection and remember that happy and comfortable feet are worth the investment.
With this in mind, we offer our PCSsole customers a generous 60-day return period to allow for ample time to test the sandals to your satisfaction.
Useful Tips to Help You Maximize the Benefits of Your Orthopedic Sandals
If you have flat feet, your arches are used to collapsing and may rebel against supportive footwear.
Don’t take the initial twinges of discomfort as a sign of incompatibility. Arch support sandals take some getting used to, but with these tips, you can maximize their benefits:
- Break them in gradually: Orthopedic sandals may feel uncomfortable at first, especially if you’re not used to wearing shoes with arch support. To avoid discomfort or injury, start by wearing them for a few hours a day and gradually increase the time.
- Wear them for the right activities: Orthopedic sandals are great for activities that involve walking or standing for long periods. However, they may not be suitable for intense physical activities like jumping or contact sports.
- Choose the right size: It’s essential to get the right size for your orthopedic sandals to ensure they provide optimal support. They should fit well and not be too tight or loose.
- Adjust to the support: It may take some time for your feet to adjust to the support provided by the sandals. Be patient and wear them regularly for the best results.
- Consult your doctor: If you have severe flat feet or underlying medical conditions, such as plantar fasciitis or Morton’s neuroma, consult your doctor before using orthopedic sandals to make sure they’re safe for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flip flops or slides better for flat feet?
Both can be excellent choices when they include proper arch support. PCSsole Flip Flops with Arch Support are ideal for everyday walking, vacations, and casual wear, while PCSsole Slides with Arch Support are better suited for post-workout recovery, relaxing at home, and long hours of standing.
Can supportive sandals help with plantar fasciitis?
Supportive sandals cannot cure plantar fasciitis, but they may help reduce heel discomfort by providing better arch support, cushioning, and improved foot alignment. Many people wear supportive sandals to reduce stress on the plantar fascia during daily activities.
What is PCSsole's return and refund policy?
PCSsole offers a 60-Day Satisfaction Guarantee, allowing you to try your sandals with confidence. Unused products in their original condition and packaging can generally be returned within 14 days of delivery. Once the returned item has been received and inspected, approved refunds are typically processed back to the original payment method within 1–3 business days.
Does PCSsole offer free shipping?
Yes. PCSsole sandals are backed by a 1-Year Warranty covering manufacturing defects, giving you added confidence in the quality and durability of your purchase.
How do I clean PCSsole sandals?
Cleaning PCSsole sandals is simple. Wash them with mild soap and water, then allow them to air dry naturally. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct heat, which may affect the material over time.
