Most Comfortable Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis 2026

We often hear from customers complaining about the excruciating foot or heel pain triggered by their inexpensive flip-flops or sandals. This discomfort generally stems from the fact that these flip-flops or sandals provide no real support. Plenty of folks persist in slipping on those bargain-basement, flimsy flip-flops that constantly tug at their plantar fascia, resulting in serious damage to their well-being. Stick around to learn why it's time to ditch those cheap flip-flops. See how choosing a quality pair of flip-flops tailored for Plantar Fasciitis could safeguard against foot pain and heel pain.

Join the movement of people who have found relief by wearing PCSsole.

PCSsole customers report that their arch support flip-flops, arch support slides, and insoles effectively alleviate plantar fasciitis and associated bone spur pain. This is attributed to the enhanced shock absorption provided by our products, along with our patented biomechanically engineered footbed that promotes blood circulation and delivers superior arch support. PCSsole's insoles, flip-flops, and sandals allow your feet to move naturally in all planes, flexing and bending as intended. The materials in our products flex with both your feet and the surface you walk on, reducing pressure and cushioning your steps. PCSsole's restorative foot products are available for both men and women. Browse our latest styles to find the perfect fit for you.

Plantar fasciitis refers to inflammation of the plantar fascia due to overuse, injury, or stretching. The plantar fascia is located on the bottom of the foot and connects the heel to the toes. When the area is repeatedly squeezed, stretched, or rubbed, the fascia may tear slightly, causing an inflammatory reaction, resulting in pain in the heel or the entire bottom of the foot.

In the early stages, the pain may occur intermittently, usually after a period of activity. However, if it is not treated in time, the pain may become persistent and severe, affecting daily activities and sports.

Flip flops are the easy, comfortable slip-on shoe for lounging outside, casual errands or beach days. There is nothing better than slipping your feet into sandals after a long summer day in tennis or work shoes. Usually, the inexpensive price tag and cute design make them irresistible additions to the summer closet. Just like walking barefoot, classic flip flops do not provide any support or cushioning for your feet.

Wearing non-supportive flip flops is bad for you because they don’t have the structure or support your feet need. Without proper heel cushioning, support, or heel cupping, foot problems can start or worsen. Aside from aching heels, flip-flop wear can worsen other types of foot pain caused by bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs or tendonitis. Ankle sprains and tripping are more common in flip flops than in other types of sandals because there is no foot support, and your foot has to work to hold the flip flops in place.

Cheap flip flops can cause or exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms because proper support in the midsole is absent. Walking barefoot in the summer or in cheap flip flops allows your foot to remain flat, adding stress to the plantar fascia tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the number one cause of heel pain, and proper footwear can help alleviate those painful symptoms.

Select Flip Flops With the Right Cushioning

Cushioning is a critical component in flip flops for plantar fasciitis. Adequate cushioning improves comfort by distributing pressure evenly across the foot to stop straining the plantar fascia tissue. When selecting comfortable flip flops, it's essential to consider the cushioning materials and their placement to ensure optimum pain relief.

Here are some common materials used for cushioning in plantar fasciitis flip flops:

EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate): A lightweight, flexible, and durable foam material that provides excellent shock absorption and cushioning. Some orthotic footwear brands use EVA for its supportive properties and comfort.ng PCSsole, use EVA for its supportive properties and comfort.

Memory Foam: It conforms to the shape of the foot, providing personalized support and comfort. It offers excellent pressure distribution that alleviates pain associated with plantar fasciitis. However, we don’t use it because it’s not stable and flattens over time.

Gel: It’s often used to provide targeted shock absorption in high-impact areas that cause pain in the heel. We don’t use gel cushions because they add extra weight to the flip flops.

Polyurethane: A material with a spongy or foamy texture, which we use to make our midsoles. Polyurethane is sturdy and offers your feet excellent cushioning and shock absorption while also giving your flip flops durability.

Ensure the Heel Cup Is Deep and Stable

A critical aspect of choosing the right solution for plantar fasciitis is to find pain relief footwear with a proper heel cup that has depth and offers your heel stability—such as our Arch Support Flip Flops and Arch Support Slides.

The heel cup is the area of the sandal that cradles and supports the heel. A deep and stable heel cup is ideal for plantar fasciitis as it helps to maintain proper foot alignment. It keeps your foot in its natural position, preventing it from slipping side to side and damaging the plantar fascia further.

A deep heel cup also distributes your body weight evenly, which eliminates pressure on the heel and calms pain in the surrounding areas. In addition to depth, a heel cup’s stability is crucial for managing plantar fasciitis symptoms. A stable heel cup provides a solid foundation for the foot, which is helpful for:

• Enhancing overall foot support by promoting a balanced distribution of pressure on the whole foot
• Improving shock absorption by absorbing the impact of each step to lessen the strain on the plantar fascia
• Promoting proper gait by supporting the foot's natural alignment, which encourages a healthier walking pattern

PCSsole flip flops for plantar fasciitis have a deep heel cup, which centers your heel and prevents it from moving side to side.

The deep heel cup concentrates the fatty padding under your heel and cushions it well, just like a good mattress does for your body.

Evaluating the Heel Cup Depth While Trying on Flip Flops

Inspect the heel cup area to determine if it’s deep enough and has contours that resemble the shape of a foot.

Try on the flip flops and pay close attention to how your heel sits in the heel cup by moving your foot back and forth. It should be snug and secure.

Walk around in the flip flops and notice how the heel cup maintains contact with your heel. If it’s stable and comfortable, then it’s right for you.

Choose Plantar Fasciitis Flip Flops Based on Your Lifestyle

When selecting flip flops for plantar fasciitis, consider your lifestyle and the activities you engage in regularly. For instance, if:

You’re active, consider flip flops with excellent shock absorption, traction, and stable heel cups that reduce impact and prevent injury during activities such as hiking.

Your job involves standing all day or walking on hard surfaces. Choose flip flops with good arch support and ample soft cushioning.

If you plan to wear your flip flops during the summer months, consider flip flops with breathable and moisture-wicking materials to prevent sweaty feet.

PCSsole flip flops are designed with anatomically sculpted footbeds that are suitable for these activities and more. We recommend them for all foot shapes, including those with high arches.

Myth Buster

Myth: Plantar fasciitis only affects athletes.

Fact: While common in runners, plantar fasciitis can affect anyone, especially those who spend long periods on their feet.

Our stylish flip flops are excellent for managing plantar fasciitis and include:

• Real Arch Support
• Material That Molds to You
• Tight, Stretchable Strap
• Try a pair today—completely risk-free

1. Can you get blisters from flip flops?

Blisters are a common problem while wearing flip flops or any other type of summer sandal, and they usually appear between the toes and the outer aspect of the foot from where heel straps have been rubbing.

Blisters are inevitable, even while wearing the ideal pair of flip-flops, especially when they have adjustable straps. Soaking wet feet can be avoided by keeping them clean and dry. Since open-backed shoes can cause heels to dry out, crack, and perhaps contribute to discoloration and other concerns, it is recommended that foot cream be applied prior to donning flip-flops.

2. Are flip-flops bad for your feet?

You can walk confidently without risk of injury if your footwear provides adequate arch support. Flip-flops and shoes that are as rigid and flat as a board should be avoided. There are a lot of better options out there. It's easy to tell when a pair of flip-flops has loosened up or worn out, so if the shoe's sole is too flat or if it bends in half easily, it's time to replace it.

3. Do flip flops make plantar fasciitis worse?

If you wear flip-flops on a daily basis, you put yourself at a greater risk of developing plantar fasciitis due to the fact that they are so flat. You should avoid wearing heels of any height that are unhealthy for your feet. Both of these factors can put you at risk of spraining your ankle.

4. Can you wear flip flops with plantar fasciitis?

Flip-flops, due to their thin, flat soles and disconnected heel, don't provide any arch support and allow the foot to move too freely. The biomechanical anomalies of a pes planus or pes cavus foot make the plantar fascia more vulnerable to the stresses of both of these disorders. You don't have to give up the concept of wearing comfort and freshness on your feet, though, because you may discover flip-flops that support your feet in the right manner. Find the perfect pair of supportive shoes for your feet at PCSsole!

5. What happens when you wear flip flops?

Flip-flops can lead to hammertoes and bunions if worn often or for extended periods of time. Contraction of the joints causes abnormal bending of the toe, a condition known as hammertoe. Walking in flip-flops causes a shorter stride, which might develop Achilles tendonitis due to the tightening of the calf muscles. As said before, you can find the perfect pair of flip-flops with us, so you can prevent any possible inconvenience.