Flip flops for plantar fasciitis is an important topic of debate during summer and as flip flops have always been seen as a fashionable but functionally flawed type of footwear.
Yes, flip flops and summer go hand in hand however, with a flat base and a lack of any real support, it is inevitable that you will have some type of foot problem if you wear them consistently over the summer months.
Here’s our take on flip flops for plantar fasciitis.
How Flip Flops Affect your Feet
Although your flip flops feel light and comfortable, wearing them can cause major issues in your legs and feet.
Many medical professionals attribute flip flops with long-term health effects (eg plantar fasciitis) as they do not offer any real support.
This can cause critical problems in the arch and the heel of the foot.
In fact, one New York based podiatrist has claimed that “flip flops have single handedly caused more problems with people’s feet than any other type of shoe”.
Wearing shoes with little or no arch often causes the overuse of tendons and muscles. They do not provide adequate support and you may experience acute heel pain should you choose to wear them consistently.
Apart from that, flats also cause the feet to function abnormally when walking as they do not have any form of support. This may also lead to ankle and lower back pain and/or plantar fasciitis. The strain that is placed on your Achilles tendon can cause a condition called Achilles Tendonitis.
Wearing flip flops may require you to walk with your toes grabbing at the shoes to keep them on. Excessive toe curling also leads to a condition known as Hammer’s Toe. Therefore, it is important to consider the comfort of your feet above all else when wearing flip flops.
Usually, flip flops are very thin and do not provide any padding between the feet and the ground. Thus, walking in them for a long time forces you to put excessive strain on the plantar fascia.
Choosing a Good Flip Flop for Plantar Fasciitis
These key characteristics will enable you to select the right flip flops for plantar fasciitis:
- Proper arch support
- Deep heel cup
- Comfortable
- Functional
- Ensure they fit properly
- Adequate strapping
- Thick sole
- Adequate cushioning
Best Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis for Women – Ladies first
1 – Vionic Womens Tide II
The Vionic Tide II is a revolutionary flip flop designed to hug the arches of your feet using Orthaheel Technology. Not only does it come in almost 20 colours, but it is the perfect flip flop for those enduring the severely painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Proven to effectively alleviate heel pain, the Vionic Tide II is made of leather using a soft woven toe post and a foam lined strap to maximise comfort and support.
Being lightweight, equiped with shock absorbing technology and having a high level of ankle support makes this the perfect flip flop for plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- Highly recommended for those suffering with plantar fasciitis
- Lightweight, comfortable and stylish
- Durable
Cons
- Possibility of less comfort for those with flat feet
- May need to get half a size smaller
2 – Sessom&Co Orthotic Flip Flops
The podiatrist recommended Sessom&Co Orthotic Flip Flops is a robust and versatile flip flop that helps alleviate foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Known as having “built-in orthotics”, the ergonomic and biomechanical design moulds to the persons foot and arch shape thus providing all day support by holding the foot in its natural position.
Perfect for all foot types.
PROS
- Made specifically for plantar fasciitis sufferers
- Provides support for high, medium and low arches
CONS
- Only 2 colour choices
- May take a couple of days to wear in
3 – Olukai Women’s Ohana
Did someone say stylish and effective? The Olukai Ohana is one of the top rated womens flips flops for plantar fasciitis, and there is plenty of reasons to see why.
Not only are their plenty of varieties to choose from, they provide fantastic arch support, light-weight, quick drying and my personal favourite, they are vegan friendly!
Boasting a well cushioned foot bed, the Olukai Ohana give long term support making them a popular flip flop for plantar fasciitis.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Quick Drying
- Comfortable foot bed
- Perfect for Summer
- A lot of variety
CONS
- Reports that sun and high levels of heat may lead to shrinking
4 – Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Birko-Flor Sandal
It is virtually impossible for there to be a list of best flip flops for plantar fasciitis without including a pair of good old trusty Birkenstocks.
Introducing the highly rated Mayari Birko-FLor Sandal with nearly 5000 positive reviews on Amazon alone. This is the flip flop you want to add to your collection.
With the classic Birkenstock foot bed, you can be rest assured that you’re getting the support you need for the inflamed fascia.
In vintage Birkenstock style, the footbed will mold to your foot, thus providing the basis of a great flip flop for plantar fasciitis.
PROS
- Spacious toe box
- Deep supportive foot bed
- Classic style
CONS
- Can be a bit bulky
5 – OOFOS Women’s OOlala
I was going to pass on adding this one to the list, but then I thought, this flip flop is perfect for plantar fasciitis!
Why?
Because it is made specifically for post run recovery for runners, meaning, it is designed to aid in the recovery of problems like plantar fasciitis.
The footbed on the OOFOS OOlala cradles the foot to reduce stress on your arches, sore feet, lower back and knees.
The foam layer absorbs 37% more impact than normal footwear which helps aid in the prevention of plantar fasciitis as well as the recovery.
PROS
- Machine washable
- Feminine design
- Allows for natural motion
CONS
- Some reports suggest that the color may peel
6 – Clarks Women’s Arla Glison Flip Flop
Life changing! The phrase said multiple times over about the Arla Glison Flip Flop. They have been designed with both comfort and style in mind to give you the best of both worlds.
They have a fabric upper, an EVA midsole, a comfortable foot-bed and are super light! There are no problems at all if you want to rock these all day long – they will provide adequate comfort and support.
A great choice of flip flop for plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- Super light-weight
- Stylish
- Can be worn all day
Cons
- Tight straps around the feet
Best Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis for Men
1 – Vionic Men’s Tide Toe Post Sandal
Designed by a podiatrist, the Vionic Men’s Tide Toe Post Sandal has a motion control footbed whilst still being lightweight and flexible. And for those suffering with plantar fasciitis, the sandal has a deep heel cup to help continuously realign your feet and reduce heel pain.
The Vionic Men’s Tide Toe Post Sandal has received rave reviews on its arch support and is undoubtedly a crowd favourite amongst customers on the look out for a comfortable sandal.
Pros
- Highly recommended for those suffering with plantar fasciitis
- Can be worn all day
- Durable and long lasting
Cons
- Some reports of loose straps so be aware of correct sizing for full support
2 – Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc Sandal
As I mentioned previously in the womens edition, it is impossible to have a best flip flop for plantar fasciitis list without including a pair of Birkentstocks – and that holds true with the men’s release.
Birkenstock is a company that has been making shoes for hundreds of years, so the Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc Sandal is no exception when it comes to craftsmanship. Along with the suede lining for comfort, the sandals also have the two familiar Birkenstock straps to allow for an adjustable fit that gives you complete control over how supported your feet feel.
With a suede lining and roomy toe box, the Arizona Birkibuc Sandal seems to be a classic Birkenstock shoe. However, the deep heel cup and arch support make this a perfect sandal for alleviating the pain from plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- Highly recommended for those suffering with plantar fasciitis
- Durable and long lasting
- Suitable for long trips
Cons
- May take time to mold around the feet
3 – Olukai Men’s Ohana
What I love most about the Olukai range is that they’re 100% vegan! All their materials are naturally resourced and they don’t compromise on quality.
The Ulukai Men’s Ohana are a Hawaiian inspired sandal that offers strong durability, a stable footbed, and added grip – 3 important attributes in a well made flip flop for plantar fasciitis.
They are lightweight, sturdy, quick drying which makes them perfect for the beach or vacations.
A stylish, supportive, beach type flip flip more than suitable for plantar fasciitis.
PROS
- Lightweight
- supportive
- 100% vegan
CONS
- Some reports of the rubber becoming warm after long use
4 – Vionic Ryder
The men’s Vionic Ryder is a versatile flip flop made to keep both your feet and your fashion sense secure.
With a rubber role and built in comfort, the Vionic Ryder has, in the past, clinically shown to relieve common foot problems such as plantar fasciitis.
Combined with a durable outsole and strong grip, you won’t need to compromise on your stride.
PROS
- Versatile
- Durable
- Fits both casual or upmarket
CONS
- Reports of the upper strap rubbing on the foot slightly
5 – Telic Energy Flip Flop
With an exquisite foot bed and a thick foot bed, the Telic Energy Foot Bed provides instant relief to those suffering from foot pain.
One important feature of a good sandal when managing plantar fasciitis is to ensure they mold to your feet, and the Telic Energy makes no mistakes here.
Not only does the Telic mold to your feet, it uses heat-sensitive material that eliminates pressure points and makes you feel like you’re walking through a field of marsh-mellows – I know I want that!
What sets this flip flop apart is that it has been tried and tested on athletes specifically to aid in post recovery sessions of high intensity sports ensuing that the shock absorbing properties compensate the joints and muscles.
A great choice for flip flops for plantar fasciitis.
PROS
- Tested on athletes
- Machine washable
- Great support
- Soft footbed
CONS
- Some reports of shrinkage so be careful when washing
Final Words
The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for flip flops for plantar fasciitis is that traditional flat based flips flops are are not going to do you any favours long term.
With no ankle support or any real type of heel bed, flat based flip flops shouldn’t even be considered.
A well made flip flop isn’t going to solve plantar fasciitis in its entirety, but they will provide support, a comfortable foot bed, strong grip and durability that will aid in the prevention of plantar fasciitis and other foot related injuries.
