The Most Comfortable Women’s Flip Flops
There is nothing better than a comfortable pair of good quality flip flops to help you enjoy the summer fun. If you have been wearing cheap drug store flip flops, now is the time to ditch these inferior styles that can lead to everything from lower back pain to plantar fasciitis.
Podiatrists have long discouraged women from wearing unsupportive footwear that can cause issues with their gait, posture, and pain in their legs. One of the worst offenders is thong sandals, but not to worry, though, because there are lots of supportive and well-cushioned women’s flip flop that are comfortable enough to keep your feet happy.
If you are worried about your foot health, a simple trick is to look for styles that are are podiatrist recommended and have achieved the APMA Seal of Acceptance, so you know you are getting flip flops that feel good and are good for your feet.
It is easy to find flip flops that will be kind to your feet as long as you look for sturdy soles, good arch support, soft to the skin straps, and a deep heel cup. We have found the most comfortable flip flops for women that have comfort like you won’t believe but are also cute and versatile, so you can wear them from day to night without your feet getting sore.
Read More: 14 of the Most Comfy Women’s Underwear Available
Clarks are well known for their comfortable shoes, and these are no exception. The Breeze Sea design comes in 20 different colors to match almost any outfit you can imagine.
They have a slightly sporty look to them (for Clarks), and an unusual feature (for a flip flop) is the adjustable strap that you can use to help get a better fit. The sole is squishy but also has fantastic support, so the comfort level is excellent.
Available on Amazon
If you have any foot issues that require a lot of arch support, you should take a look at the Women’s Vionic Tide II Sandal. These APMA Seal of Acceptance sandals are designed to have a considerable amount of built-in arch support, with a contoured heel. The insole is cushioned with an EVA midsole, which helps absorb shock while you are walking will keep you nice and comfy. This shoe is specifically designed using Orthaheel technology to help reduce discomfort on your feet and ankles.
These guys are pretty casual looking in person, so they’re great for more relaxed activities, but probably not the best option if you’re looking for a sandal you can dress up. If you do go for this style, you need to plan to give them a bit of a break-in period, as they may not be comfortable right off the bat.
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The OOFOS OOlala is another casual option, and this flip-flop design is fantastic if your main priority is pure comfort. As you can see in the picture, they have a super-thick foam sole. This sole is there for support, not style, and your feet will love it.
Despite looking bulky, the OOlalas are surprisingly lightweight. They’re also machine washable, which is excellent for a casual sandal — we all know that shoes can get a little icky with sweat, dirt, and well, whatever else you may be inclined to throw at them. And despite being comfortable as all heck, the OOlalas also have a decent amount of support, so they work well if your feet have any arch support issues.
These run a little wide, so if you have very narrow feet, they may not be the best option. This style has the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
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The Olukai Ohana Sandal is one of the most beloved styles that you will come across. They’re a little pricey, but people LOVE them and usually find the investment is worth it because these sandals will last for years. These sandals are also vegan-friendly and contain 0% animal products.
This design has such a huge following because they have a perfect amount of support but still maintains a beautiful style and extreme versatility. It runs a little large, so if you’re ordering online, you may need to do some investigating into the sizing. The outsole has the right amount of traction, so you won’t find yourself slipping if you unexpectedly come across a wet surface.
Another great feature of this style is that they’re okay to wear around water since they are water-resistant. The straps are made from a quick-drying material so that you can wear them for a lot of different types of activities. If you’re looking for a good quality option that uses no animal products, this is a great choice. The EVA footbed will mold to your feet, making them extremely comfortable and worth the upfront investment.
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The Okabashi Maui is a much loved sustainably made in the USA option that has heel and arch support and uses a reflexology type of design that is comfy and comforting to wear.
They are easy to clean, you can even put them in a dishwasher for cleaning, and are 100% vegan and recyclable.
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Reef has a tonne of really good, comfortable sandals to choose from. You can find them at most places that quality flip flops are sold. The most popular style is the Reef Fanning, although I didn’t pick that style as the most comfortable because I think the Sandy design is better if you are looking for pure comfort.
The Fanning has a beer opener on the bottom of the sole, which I believe is the reason for the massive popularity of that design. The Sandy design (pictured above) does not have the bottle opener but instead has a thick platform sole that is super soft. They are Reef’s most popular women’s style.
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The Teva Olowahu is my go-to casual flip flop. I love them because they have a fantastic soft and cushy sole, and it makes them a lot more comfortable than many of the available beach styles. They also have a bit of a different style to them, so they make a nice change if you’re bored with your standard Y-strap design.
The two extra straps that cross over to help to secure the shoe to your foot make them a little bit easier to walk in. If you don’t like this style, check out Teva Women’s Mush II, it has the same super comfortable sole, but with the standard strap.
Available on Amazon
I’ve got to say, I love these Sanuk Yoga Sling 2 Flip Flops. They are slightly different from your standard design, but they look amazing and are incredibly comfortable when you first put them on. The only problem I have found with them is that they don’t have much support, so they don’t work that well if you are wearing them all day. However, they’re great for a few hours here and there throughout the day.
The footbed is made of a yoga mat, so it has a nice cushion to it. In addition to that, the outsole is a rubber sponge, so you can imagine how comfortable these are for walking around. The Yoga Sling comes in a tonne of different colors and patterns. The stretchy fabric straps are great for keeping your feet secured, so you don’t have to worry about slipping out. This design is a little narrow, so if you have wide feet, they probably aren’t the best option.
The other thing I like about the Yoga Slings is they’re very versatile. You can dress them up or wear them with a casual outfit, with no problems.
Available on Amazon
The Fitflop Iqushion Ergonomic Flip Flops are a design that has orthopedic features but maintains the casual look and relaxed feel of a regular flip flop. They are made with the very high-tech sounding ‘iQushion™ micro-bubble foam impact cushions’ that makes them feel like a very soft rubber that offers surprisingly good support.
The style is versatile enough to wear from day to night, so they are perfect for taking along on that next beach vacation. Reviews mention that these are a good choice for those who get back pain when wearing thong sandals due to good arch support. The Iqushion also makes a popular choice as a house shoe or slipper year round because of the lightweight feel and the arch support.
Available from FitFlop
A lot of people love these Croc Unisex Crocband sandals. They have great support while maintaining comfort at the same time. The rubber of the straps is very soft and can mold to your feet. They come in almost any kind of color you could ask for, and they’re easy to clean so that you can wear them forever. You may have some strong feelings about Crocs (a lot of people do), but if you see this style in a store, you should give them a try, you may be surprised!
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What to Look for When Shopping for Flip Flops
If you are on this site, probably your primary concern is finding comfortable footwear. Luckily there are a lot of really great styles to choose from. You need to look for a few different things to find the comfiest shoe for your foot. Think about when you will be wearing a particular piece of footwear, whether it is for work, hiking, or by the pool or beach.
Also, consider the footbed material and style, as well as the strap material and style. One thing podiatrists recommend is to bend the flip flop from end to end to make sure the bend falls ball of the foot. If you can fold it in half, this is not a good thing; you should move on to another style. When looking for a great pair of flip flops the following are a few things to consider before you go shopping:
Support
Not surprisingly, according to experts, the key to comfort is getting a shoe that has excellent arch support. Support is critical if you have any foot issues such as plantar fasciitis. Yes, it is easy to wear a pair of cheap flips around in the summer, but in the long term, we all know they aren’t great for your feet, and it is well worth investing in a little bit of support. Look for contoured footbeds to help support your arches, such as the OluKai Ohana or Birkenstock designs. Your feet should be well supported. Completely flat soles are unhealthy; there should be a bit of curve to support your arch, but it doesn’t have to be super contoured.
Straps
The straps are another critical feature to consider when looking for a great sandal. You can get all types of different materials for the straps: leather, rubber, many kinds of fabrics.
According to podiatrists, the best material to look for is high-quality, soft leather to help minimize skin irritations like blisters. Generally, the material of the straps is made to feel comfortable; some of the rubber that is used these days is pretty soft (compared to cheap drugstore brands). Also, consider the width of the straps. For the most part, more extensive is generally found to be better for comfort compared to thinner straps.
Weight
If you have ever worn a heavy flip flop, you will understand just how much easier it is to wear a light shoe. The most comfortable styles tend to be lightweight designs. If you need firm support for conditions like Plantar Fasciitis, you will probably be looking for a design that has a more substantial sole.
Style
There are lots are variations of the standard flip flop style that we all know and love. If you want something a little more stylish, check out the Sanuk. If you are looking for sporty, try the Reef, Teva, or Olukai. If you would like more of a classic design, Clarks has some great options.
Can they get wet?
Depending on how many water-related activities you plan to get up to in your flip-flops, you may want to consider how water resistant the different sandal styles are going to be. Sandals like Birkenstocks that have leather and suede do not mix well with water. The Teva’s and Crocs are great if your feet are going to get wet as they will dry quickly, or in the case of the Crocs, they can be wiped dry.
Grip
If you have ever been wearing cheap flip-flops and come across a bit of wet floor or pavement, you will know just how slippery they can become; that is why for safety, a good grip on the soles of your sandals is essential. Most of the styles listed above have excellent traction (except for the Sanuks) due to the treads and rubber that is used.
Sizing
Getting the right size of shoe, goes hand in hand with how comfortable they will feel. Sandals often only come in whole sizes so women generally size up one flip flop styles.
The footbed’s width is also essential for fit and sizing if your feet are wide or narrow. It is a good idea to ensure that the sole is a little larger than your foot, not too big, just a bit bigger.
You also don’t want your heel to hang off the back of the sole, so make sure there is a little space as well between your heel and the end of the sole.
Versatility
A lot of people wear their flip-flops all day, every day in the summer, it is excellent to get a design that is versatile enough to work with any activity you may find yourself in. A versatile style that works well for most summer activities is the Olukai Ohana Sandal.
Break-in period
As with a lot of shoes, you will need to give yourself a bit of time to break in your flip-flops, especially if you don’t wear them much. Some people find it extremely difficult to get used to the strap between the toes and avoid the y-strap style altogether. It is best to break them in by wearing them around your house for a few hours at a time. No matter how comfy you find your footwear, it is never a good idea to wear a new pair on a long outing right away.
What will you be wearing them for?
– Even with the most comfortable well-supported flips flops you should never wear them for playing sports or for outdoor chores like mowing the lawn. They also aren’t generally recommended for wearing if you are walking long distances even if they have a lot of support.
Source: APMA
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