Some people have to deal with heel pain that comes and goes throughout the day, which is why taking care of your feet is an all day chore. Not only do you have to wear orthotic footwear at work, but when you get home you need to continue the support. Barefoot walking around the house is a no-no and wearing work shoes at home is uncomfortable.
But flip flops and comparable footwear can help provide the support your fascia ligament needs while you scoot from the bed to the kitchen, or to your mailbox and even around town. Flip flops with arch support can be ideal for your tired, aching feet. It can be especially helpful for those that have flat feet or high arches.
Below you’ll find our ratings of the best flip flops for plantar fasciitis, which are based entirely off of online user reviews from those suffering from plantar fasciitis. There’s no guessing. These flip flops get great reviews from those with heel pain specifically.
High Arches 
Casual With Support
Benefits Of Wearing Flip Flops For Heel Pain
Sandals and slides aren’t for everyone. And if you are looking for ankle support, you’ll be best advised to wear a pair of supportive shoes. But you can still support your arches with flip flops – depending on the ones you choose, of course.
Much like wearing slippers, flip flops can offer a few benefits.
- Continued Arch Support for those moments when you’re tired of wearing shoes, or at the beach, running local errands, etc.
- Perfect for wearing in and around the house
- Using them saves wear and tear on your daily shoe wear
- Easy on and off makes them convenient to wear all the time
- More breathable than other footwear, like slippers
What To Look For In A Good Flip Flop
There’s not a lot of components to assess when looking for the appropriate flip flops for plantar fasciitis, but there are definitely a few key characteristics.
- Of course, you’ll want to have proper arch support with a snug foot strap
- Deep heel cup for a bit of motion stability
- Comfortable and Functional – in other words, they have to feel good AND work to alleviate pain
- A brand synonymous with foot health that is known for quality
- Positive reports that they actually promote healing
Full Reviews Below On Mens And Womens Flip Flops
Common Complaints On Wearing Flip Flops With Plantar Fasciitis
1. Strong heel and arch support in flip flops and sandals may take a little while to get used to
2. They don’t provide full foot and ankle support
3. More expensive than adding an orthotic to your current house slippers
Studies and Trial Data: Flip Flops, With Or Without Arch Support?
No studies have been performed to specifically support the benefit of flip flops for plantar fasciitis. However, there have been numerous studies over the years that have shown the efficacy of using orthotic support in combination with other treatment protocols.
For instance, one study had been performed to determine the benefits of foot orthotics in those with plantar fasciitis. At the end of the study it was concluded that having the correct orthotic assisted in the participants having a better quality of life through, by way of increased foot function and decreased foot pain after just 4 weeks. Many flip flops have footbeds that are designed like a foot orthotic, with strong arch support and to correct excess pronation.
Another trial demonstrated the long and short term benefits of wearing foot orthoses in conjunction with night splints. Theoretically then, choosing the correct sandal with arch support (in combination with the use of a night splint) could produce similar results. Of course, changing the method of the study may also skew the results.
Always check with your physician before starting your own treatment protocol.
HOW WE RATE THE FLIP FLOPS
Best Flip Flops For Plantar Fasciitis – Men
(Click Image to Enlarge – Link for Amazon Reviews)
1. Olukai Ohana
The Olukai Ohana has been highly rated on our lists for some time due to its arch support and popularity. Not only are these Hawaiian-inspired flip flops cool and beachy, but they also provide comfortable support where you need it most. These sandals are quick-drying with water resistant straps and have comfortable arch support on a non-slip EVA footbed. They also have a non-marking outsole that provide a bit of traction.
- Solid grip for trekking
- Comfortable fit
- Beautiful island style flip flop
- Moderate arch support
- May have to order a size up
- Slippery footbed when wet
- Strap material may be bothersome to some
2. OOFOS OOriginal, Unisex
The Oofos Unisex Original flip flops are so good, we’ve rated them highly for Men AND Women. These Unisex sandals are extremely popular and have a large support group from those suffering from heel pain. They are made with their special foam technology and patented footbed, which is designed especially to reduce stress on your feet, knees and lower back. The design promotes a better walking motion, as well as giving it a unique look. Oofos also maintains that they are machine washable. This is a very popular sandal for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
- Very soft and comfy on feet
- Good for alleviating the pain
- Lots of positive reviews overall
- Good for men and women
- Soft yet ample arch support
- Good indoor/outdoor flip flop
- Not as fashionable as some would like
- May not be as great for longer periods or on all terrain compared to others
- Footbed not rigid enough for some (feeling a bit unstable)
3. Vionic Wave Toe Post, Unisex
While the Olukai Ohana and the Oofos are rated higher on the list, some men need to have a more rigid arch support flip flop. The Vionic Wave Toe Post will offer better arch support than both of them. With their deep heel cups and motion-control footbed, most people will agree that this is their go-to flip flop for plantar fasciitis. It’s also lightweight, durable and easy to clean.
- Plenty of arch support for plantar fasciitis sufferers
- Many people swear by these
- Quick relief for many
- Lots of plantar fasciitis reviews
- Strap isn’t snug fit for some
- May have to get a size down
- Too rigid arch support for some
- May take getting used to
- Expensive
4. Vionic Tide Post
What more can be said about Vionic flip flops? Like the Wave Toe Post, this is another premium flip flop for heel pain. The Vionic Tide post is almost identical in every way, and the only noticeable difference being the full-grain leather and textile foot strap. But as far as what you require for plantar fasciitis support, you can expect a biomechanical design to correct your walking motion, as well as the strong arch support that makes this flip flop so valuable.
- Trusted name in arch support shoes
- Firm arch support
- Durable flip flops after extended use
- A lot of positive plantar fasciitis reviews
- A bit too rigid footbed for some
- High price point
- Might not be a great fit for wide feet
- Check sizing
- A few product malfunction complaints
5. New Balance Recharge
The New Balance Recharge is a new flip flop on our list, since the support from the plantar fasciitis community has grown a bit. The Recharge sandal gives you that multi-functional beach or casual look. With this flip flop you get a nicely contoured footbed, sufficient heel cup, a comfortable synthetic upper strap and a durable rubber outsole.
- Solid arch support
- Sufficient footbed cushion
- Seems ok for wider feet
- Pretty durable overall
- May have to order a size up
- Small design selection to choose from
- Not a whole lot of overall reviews in comparison to top choices
2022 Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
*Note: 2022 Flip Flops have less reviews for Heel Pain, but THESE have several so far.
Best Flip Flops For Plantar Fasciitis – Women
(Click Image to Enlarge – Link for Amazon Reviews)
1. Skechers Reggae Trailway
Ok, so the number may not technically be a flip flop. But the Skechers Reggae Trailway is rated as the best sandal for plantar fasciitis due to it’s positive/negative favorability score. Women love these orthotic sandals! They are made with a rubber traction outsole, a shock absorbing midsole, soft suede upper, a fabric adjust strap, as well as a toe strap to ensure a snug fit. It goes without saying that the arch support is also very favorable.
- Good for everyday use
- Durable
- Can be worn for long periods
- Substantial arch support
- Several design options
- Many end up getting a second pair later on
- May not have the most feminine looking
- Very few complaints about early strap wear
2. OOFOS OOriginal, Unisex
Do people like using Oofos for plantar fasciitis? The answer is a resounding, YES! These are the most popular choice and we have them rated as the best FLIP FLOP for plantar fasciitis. Oofos are manufactured with a foam material said to absorb 37% more impact than traditional footwear, which means less stress on your feet. These flip flops are minimalist in design, machine washable, moisture resistant and the biomechanical design enables a more natural walking motion. Men and women alike love the comfort of these.
- Very soft and comfy on feet
- Good for alleviating the pain
- Lots of positive reviews overall
- Good for men and women
- Cusiony, yet ample arch support
- Good indoor/outdoor flip flop
- Not as feminine as some would like
- May not be as great as an all-day or all terrain flip flop compared to others
- Footbed a bit too soft for some (feeling a bit unstable)
3. Vionic Tide II Post
The Tide II Posts are the best Vionic sandals for plantar fasciitis, and normally would be rated higher on the list. But other brands are expanding into the arch support niche, and are offering cheaper products while also growing a following of support from the plantar fasciitis community. However, Vionic remains the name to beat in the industry and their arch support is as good as it gets. The Tide II Post is lightweight in design, yet durable and extremely popular. It could just as easily go number one on the list.
- Excellent arch support
- Stylish leather design
- Good for all day use
- Podiatrist designed and trusted brand
- Good for high arches
- The most popular brand for plantar fasciitis
- May take a few days to break in due to pronounced, rigid arch
- Expensive
- Few early breaking complaints
4. Crocs Capri V Sequin
The Crocs Capri V Sequin is a versatile flip flop with it’s cute sequins, yet not too flashy. But more so than looking good, it’s also functional and well-rated for it’s ability to keep your heel pain at bay. It’s made with canvas straps, dotted with sequins to give it a nice look, has deep heel cups and offers a good amount of arch support. These are rated as the best Crocs for plantar fasciitis.
- Good for indoor/outdoor wear
- Perfect blend of design, not too flashy or too dull
- Comfortable cushioning for the arch and heel
- Can walk anywhere with these
- Arch support could be better
- Straps may be a bit snug for wide feet
- A few complaints that these Crocs are not made like this previous Capri IV version
5. Reef Slap 3
The Reef Slap 3 flip flops for women are right up there with the Oofos and Skechers sandals on the list. While not quite as popular, they still have plenty of women who rave about the support these sandals give them. They’ve got a contoured footbed with arch support, a molded rubber outsole for solid traction and they’re water friendly. These make great beach flip flops.
- Durable for beach and street wear
- Good arch support
- Not too squishy or hard
- Can be worn in water, no problem
- Solid overall flip flop
- Sizing may be too small for several (but just right for others – check reviews yourself)
- Footbed texture may not be as comfortable as competing flips
2022 Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
*Note: 2022 Flip Flops have less reviews for Heel Pain, but THESE have several so far.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of flip flops for plantar fasciitis. Many of them are designed specifically to support your fallen (or high) arches, and have plenty of testimonials for you to decide which one is right for you. And while sandals may not offer the best support for your entire foot, some of these fit snug enough that there isn’t even a “flop” noise when you walk. This points out the fact that these flip flops conform to your foot as close as possible.
Again, your treatment plan for dealing with foot pain should focus on continuous support. That means during the day you might consider using an orthotic, casual or work shoe. And for those that don’t like to wear sandals, consider getting some comfortable slippers for your arch support needs at home. Treat your feet right and with the proper conservative treatments you could see some positive results.
