Podiatrists Agree: The Flip-Flop Trend Might Be Wrecking Your Feet

Reef

You might not want to hear this, but summer's flip-flop trend is likely wrecking your feet. That's according to board-certified podiatrist Dr. David Laurino who says most styles may lack the support your feet need.

Because flip-flops aren't designed for walking long distances or all-day wear, they can often cause your feet to work overtime.

"This recruits muscles you don't normally use, shortens your stride into a shuffle and causes fatigue to travel up to the arch, Achilles, knees and lower back," Dr. Laurino explains. However, he says arch-support flip-flops are the solution.

Expert-Approved Pick for Walking: Vionic Tide 2.0 Toe Post Sandal

Celeb-Loved Slim Sandal: Archies Arch Support Flip Flops

Budget-Friendly Pick with Rave Reviews: KuaiLu Flip Flops

According to Dr. Laurino, it's important to keep these crucial support features in mind when shopping for flip-flops that prevent sore, tired feet.

"A contoured footbed with arch support is essential. Not a flat slab. A flat footbed is barely better than walking barefoot. You can test a sandal in the store by folding it in half. It should bend at the ball of the foot only. If it folds in the middle like a wallet, it doesn't have support and your foot will be working overtime."

"A deep heel cup helps center the pad under the heel bone and keeps your foot from sliding around. This is where a lot of "my feet are killing me" walking pain comes from."

"Cushioning should be firm, not mushy. You want shock absorption without losing stability. If the sole compresses flat under your thumb or collapses when you step it'll bottom out on a walk."

Shop on-trend flip-flops with podiatrist-approved support features below.

KuaiLu Flip-Flops

The KuaiLu Arch Support Flip-Flops are the summer sandals every flat-footed girl needs, with built-in arch support that actually delivers. A fan-favorite these cute, lightweight, and waterproof sandals have 26,700 5-star reviews.

Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops

A molded foam footbed and an inch of orthotic arch support make these Katie Holmes-loved Archies flip flops the ultimate sandal for those who don't want to sacrifice comfort for style. Choose from 16 neutral and bold colors.

OLUKAI 'Ohana Women's Sandals

Made from sleek vegan leather, this elevated pick is designed with the ideal combination of arch support and cushioning for a silhouette that delivers on both style and comfort.

Reef Vista Ivy Lightweight Flip-Flops

Made from sleek vegan leather, this elevated pick is designed with the ideal combination of arch support and cushioning for a silhouette that delivers on both style and comfort.

fitflop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals

The on-trend platform of these waterproof flip-flops isn't just for show. It provides triple-density foam cushioning and ergonomic arch support to keep your feet from working overtime. They have a wide fit, so size down if you have narrow feet.

Reef Vista Luxe Vivianahh Contoured Comfort Flip-Flops

This polished pick is designed with a contoured footbed with arch support and a deep heel cup to keep feet supported and stabilized.

Vionic Tide 2.0 Toe Post Sandal

"For patients with plantar fasciitis the Vionic Tide II is often recommended. It has a deep heel cup, built-in medial arch support and an APMA Seal of Acceptance," says Dr. Laurino.

Crocs Miami Round Toe Jelly Flip-Flop

Love the look of a barely there flip-flop? The fan-favorite Crocs Miami flip-flop has a minimalist silhouette and crucial support, thanks to the brand's proprietary drop-in Croslite foam footbed that contours and supports feet.

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.