How to Choose The Best Sandals for Flat Feet (And Look Awesome)

Having flat feet can be hereditary or developed through the years. Some people who have flat feet may not have any symptoms. However, others who have the condition do experience symptoms such as swelling and can even lead to more severe issues such as skeletal misalignment.

Now, don't think that because you have flat feet means that stylish sandals are no longer an option. There are many fashion and comfort brands that have incorporated arch supports into their shoes.

Read on to find tips on how to choose the right sandals for flat feet.

About Flat Feet

Flat feet is exactly what it sounds like. It is a condition where the arches of the feet are very low to non-existent. This results in the entire sole of the foot being flat to the ground. According to studies by the National Foot Health Assessment, an estimated 8% of the US population suffers from flat feet.

In a standard foot, there is a gap between the toes and the heel. That gap is called the arch of the foot. Having an arch in the foot provides elasticity between the front and back of your foot. It is vital in helping your foot distribute weight and help cushion stress.

Having flat feet means that the weight is being distributed to the whole foot. But, that is not the way the foot is supposed to take on weight. With this even distribution of weight, it is easy for stress and pain to travel up from the foot to the calves, thighs, and back.

How to Choose Sandals for Flat Feet

If you are not sure if you have flat feet, there are many ways to check. The obvious option is to seek the opinion of a medical professional, who can confirm if you have the condition or not.

You can also check if you have the condition at home. A simple method is to dip your foot in water and then quickly step on a piece of paper. If you have flat feet, you will see an imprint of your whole foot on the paper.

If you have flat feet, wearing the right footwear is vital. People with flat feet tend to compromise other parts of their body to compensate for the lack of arches. This can lead to additional stress to the knees and ankles causing injuries.

There are a lot of options for those with flat feet for closed toe shoes such as sneakers. You may think that having this condition limits your choices when it comes to more feet baring shoes such as sandals. Luckily, there are many different brands on the market that cater to those with flat feet.

Here are some tips when you are looking at purchasing sandals for flat feet.

Arch Support

Arch support is probably the most important element to look for when shopping for sandals for flat feet. If you have flat feet, you are lacking that arch that is necessary to take off pressure from body weight.

There are many sandals out there that provide accentuated arch support. That means that the flat part of the shoe's instep is raised to account for the lack of an arch. The result is more proper foot alignment.

Having arch support also helps protect you from further tendon damage to your arches. If you fall in love with a pair of sandals that do not have good arch support, there are also other options such as insertable insoles that you can use to help compensate. We will get into that particular accessory in a bit.

Fitted Heel Cup

If you have flat feet, you should also keep an eye on the heel cup of the sandal when shopping. The heel cup of the sandal should stay pretty close to the edge of your heel.

Often times, this can be solved by simply getting shoes in the right size. If you purchase shoes that are too big, the heel cup will not align closely with your heel. This will also lead to further problems in conjunction with your flat feet.

Tthe heel cups should also firm to prevent the rolling of your ankle. This is important because stability is vital to those who have flat feet. Because your flat feet are already taking on more pressure than those who have normal arches, you want to make sure that your sandals are stable so that your feet do not overcompensate even more.

Insoles

Some sandals already have added cushion which provides more comfort underneath your foot. However, many sandals do not since sandals do not cover the surface area of the foot as much as other shoes.

There are many insoles for flat feet out on the market that can greatly improve your condition. Insoles are convenient, affordable, and make your daily life much more comfortable.

Insoles for flat feet are a convenient solution to the condition. Many insoles can be purchased at a store or directly over a counter. Simply slip them into your sandals, and you will see a major difference in comfort.

While many insoles are made for shoes that cover the toes, such as sneakers, there are more and more disguisable insoles on the market. Some insoles are made specifically for shoes such as sandals, where traditional insoles may be seen.

Arch supporting insoles for flat feet can be used daily without interfering with other activities. They are also very affordable, which is a huge plus. With the right insoles, you are more likely to experience greater ease and endurance during the day.

Straps

Straps are also very important when it comes to finding sandals for flat feet. Straps should tie around the entirety of the foot and ankle for security. The reason for this is that these straps provide extra comfort and stability.

As mentioned above, stability is crucial for those who have flat feet. To make sure you are not putting even more pressure on the bottom of your feet, the other parts of your foot should be stabilized and secure.

The best straps are ones that are made of soft material and are comfortable. They should be easily adjusted so that you can customize the perfect fit for you.

Durability

Good sandals for flat feet should always have a rigid outsole. This durable outsole will prevent your foot from rolling inwards. If you have particularly wide feet, it is always wise to ask if there is a wide option.

People who have flat feet tend to overcompensate by rolling their feet inwards. This can lead to injuries down the road. Getting a pair of durable sandals can help prevent that.

Ready to Get New Sandals?

Flat feet can be a troublesome condition for those who have it, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer through the pain or give up those strappy sandals you love.

There are many brands out there that incorporate different elements into their shoes that cater to those that need a little extra arch support or suffer from flat feet condition. Knowing what to look for is key to finding the most comfortable shoes for you.

Check us out to find out even more information on how we can help!