Wearing sandals without arch support can cause lots of pain and discomfort. “If you have flat feet or too high of an arch, this can distribute weight on the foot in a manner that may leave them more prone to injury and pain,” says Dr. Mohammad Rimawi, a board-certified podiatrist in New York City. Having sandals with arch support can help you more evenly distribute your weight to avoid that potential pain. Arch support sandals are a game changer for anyone who’s on their feet all day, whether that’s a nurse pulling a double shift or an avid hiker. They’re designed with a comfortable insole that better aligns with the shape of your foot than normal sandals, helping to absorb shock while walking and, in turn, reduce muscle strain.
Top 11 Men’s Arch Support Sandals for 2025
Below, we’ve compiled a detailed review of the top 11 men’s sandals with arch support, based on real-world testing, podiatrist recommendations, and user feedback. Each sandal has been evaluated for comfort, durability, style, and performance across various activities.
1. Chaco Z/1 Classic
Nick Cutri, DPT, physical therapist and founder of MOTI Physiotherapy in Los Angeles, recommends Chaco sandals because they’re supportive but have a more minimalist profile. The footbed on the Z/1 Classic is contoured to the shape of the foot, with a lift in the arch that helped it earn the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). This seal is only awarded to shoes that are actually good for your feet, according to APMA podiatrists, so you know you’re getting a solid sandal. This pair has also joined the ranks of SELF editor favorites: “I love the Chaco Classic because they are perfect for hiking and walking,” one SELF editor says¡ªadding she’s worn her pair over muddy trails, through waterfalls, and more. Another SELF editor loves the Z/1 Classic for dog walks in warm weather. “They’re firm, but not hard, with enough flexibility that they bend as I walk, and the straps are adjustable enough to accommodate my super narrow feet,” she says.
- Pros: Supportive, comfortable, and stable; APMA-approved; durable for rugged trails.
- Cons: High profile, heavy, strange tan lines.
2. Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed
“Birkenstocks have contoured cork footbeds that offer great support to your arches,” says Dr. Gregory Alvarez. According to the brand, the Arizona style has two adjustable straps and a footbed that molds to your feet as you wear them. This sandal also has a deep heel cup to keep your foot in place. These shoes are designed to have a roomier fit in the toe box, which allows your toes to spread as you walk. Luxurious comfort is enhanced by a latex foam layer in the moldable cork and leather footbed, delivering a softer feel while maintaining Birkenstock’s renowned support. Both men’s and women’s testing teams found it exceptionally comfortable for long days, with well-supported arches and an EVA outsole offering decent traction for casual settings.
- Pros: Exceptional comfort, stylish, molds to feet over time.
- Cons: High price, not ideal for water exposure, requires break-in period.
3. Keen Newport H2
The Newport H2 thrives in wet conditions, thanks to soft rubber, deep lugs, and a razor siping outsole. If you push the toe of the Keen backward, you can see razor thin cuts in the outsole that channel water out from under your shoe. I hiked up a wet, 5-inch wide ledge in the dark wearing these shoes. I was thankful for the incredible grip and anti-slip that gave me confidence in each step, and I never slipped on wet rocks, steep dirt slopes, or any other obstacle. The wide fit with a generous toe box also aids in stability. A cushioned midsole provides light arch support, and the fit is adjustable with a drawcord that you can tuck into the laces to keep out of the way.
- Pros: Excellent traction, water-friendly, toe protection.
- Cons: Bulky, slower to dry, less stylish.
4. Teva Katavi 2
Who it is best for: The Teva Katavi 2 is best for budget-conscious adventurers seeking a versatile, comfortable sandal for various activities, from casual hikes to everyday wear. Available only in men’s sizes but suitable for anyone, these sandals appeal to those who prioritize value and a plush, contoured footbed over highly customizable fit or wet-condition performance. Teva utilizes a soft foam bed on most of their sandals, leading to a simple and affordable package. Additionally, the extra material coverage makes the feet feel secure and comfortable, although individuals with flat feet may need to explore other options.
- Pros: Affordable, comfortable, versatile.
- Cons: Limited wet traction, not ideal for flat feet.
5. ECCO Yucatan
The ECCO Yucatan is built for stability and comfort on every terrain. If comfort and support are your top priorities and you’re okay with a premium price and minor traction trade-offs, this is an excellent choice. However, it runs narrow and has no wide sizes available, which may not suit all feet. The boho look complements any travel outfit, while premium materials and craftsmanship (premium full-grain or nubuck leather) help ensure durability. These sandals are also comfortable, with Velcro straps and an anatomically contoured footbed for top-notch support through hours of walking.
- Pros: Stylish, durable, supportive.
- Cons: Narrow fit, higher price.
6. Orthofeet Gemini
“I have very, very flat feet. Having had great success with several other styles of Orthofeet shoes, I decided to give these a try. Wow! At last, after all these years, I can comfortably wear sandals, all day long, and with no discomfort. A lot of thought seems to have gone into every detail. They are easy to adjust, easy to put on and remove but stay firmly in place. And they look great! Based on my past experience with Orthofeet shoes, I expect many years of great service out of these sandals. Highly recommended!” Dobbin C. on Gemini – Brown.
- Pros: Excellent for flat feet, adjustable, durable.
- Cons: Higher price, less stylish.
7. Vionic Mtide Slide
Brenner’s “go-to flip-flop sandal” is the Bella Toe Post Sandal from Vionic, a brand known for developing supportive, comfortable, and stylish shoes. The key to this best-selling design is a built-in orthotic, which offers arch support and helps prevent heel pain. Other features we love include a lightweight midsole, which provides shock absorption without adding unnecessary weight. The shoe also has a microfiber covered footbed to prevent slipping and sliding from sweat in warmer weather, as well as a durable rubber outsole for added traction on different surfaces.
- Pros: Orthotic support, stylish, lightweight.
- Cons: Limited color options, may require break-in.
8. KURU Current
The Current by Kuru has a cushioned EVA midsole, a heel-hugging design, and grippy multidirectional treads ideal for long days of navigating historic streets and modern cityscapes alike. The breathable synthetic mesh upper helps keep feet cool and supported, even during extended wear. We also like that the neutral colorways go with everything¡ªperfect for light packers¡ªand that they’re waterproof. Keep in mind: Some reviewers say this walking sandal runs small, so you may want to go up half a size.
- Pros: Waterproof, stylish, cushioned.
- Cons: Runs small, less fashionable for formal settings.
9. Skechers Go Walk
Skechers offers strong arch support in the form of a maxed out midsole. This was hands down the most cushioned and springy flip-flop that we tested. According to our experts, going too far in on those attributes can work against arch comfort by making your feet work too hard while walking. Fortunately, Skechers appears to have figured out where to draw the line. We didn’t feel any strain when moving around in this sandal. At the same time, our heel and mid-foot felt cradled all day long.
- Pros: Highly cushioned, springy, comfortable.
- Cons: Limited traction in wet conditions.
10. UGG Capitola
Big lug soles are having a moment, and they have even shown up in flip-flops. Ugg put a burly, boot-like outsole on the Capitola that is not only fashionable, but provides excellent traction. The large tread kept us shore footed in wet and sandy conditions. This may not look like a beach sandal, but it actually performs better than standard flimsy flip-flops in those conditions. Many menswear fundamentalists will tell you that flip-flops are never stylish for elevated dress. While our editors tend to agree with this sentiment, when we did put this one together with a blazer and linen slacks, it worked.
- Pros: Stylish, excellent traction, versatile.
- Cons: Not ideal for formal settings.
11. Rainbow Double Layer
PEOPLE Shopping Writer Cai Cramer says she relied on these Rainbow sandals for years when she attended summer camp. “[They] are comfortable from the first wear, but get even more so over time as the leather molds to your footprint,” says Cramer. “They also look more stylish than plastic flip flops, so I’ll pair them with jeans and wear them out to dinner in the summer.”
- Pros: Stylish, molds to feet, durable.
- Cons: Limited wet traction, break-in period.
Comparison Table of Top Men’s Arch Support Sandals
| Sandal | Price Range | Best For | Arch Support | Water-Friendly | Weight (Pair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chaco Z/1 Classic | $100-$130 | Hiking, Walking | High | Yes | 1 lb. 10 oz. |
| Birkenstock Arizona | $130-$150 | Casual, Everyday | High | No | 1 lb. 4 oz. |
| Keen Newport H2 | $120-$135 | Water Sports, Hiking | Moderate | Yes | 1 lb. 10.6 oz. |
| Teva Katavi 2 | $60-$80 | Casual, Light Hikes | Moderate | Partial | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
| ECCO Yucatan | $130-$140 | Travel, Walking | High | Partial | 1 lb. 5 oz. |
| Orthofeet Gemini | $120-$150 | Foot Pain Relief | High | Yes | 1 lb. 3 oz. |
| Vionic Mtide Slide | $80-$100 | Casual, Recovery | High | Yes | 1 lb. |
| KURU Current | $110-$130 | Travel, Walking | High | Yes | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
| Skechers Go Walk | $60-$80 | Casual, Everyday | High | Partial | 1 lb. |
| UGG Capitola | $100-$120 | Casual, Beach | Moderate | Yes | 1 lb. 1 oz. |
| Rainbow Double Layer | $50-$70 | Casual, Everyday | Moderate | Partial | 1 lb. |
Testing Scenarios and Performance
Chaco Z/1 Classic
One tester wore these on muddy trails and through waterfalls, noting no signs of wear after extensive use. The adjustable straps provided a secure fit for narrow feet, and the APMA-approved footbed offered consistent support.
Birkenstock Arizona
Testers reported a break-in period of 2-3 days, with initial discomfort for flat-footed users. After molding, the sandals were comfortable for 8-hour city walks, though they slipped on wet surfaces.
Keen Newport H2
During a night hike on wet rocks, testers praised the razor siping outsole for preventing slips. The sandals remained comfortable for 20-mile treks, though drying took longer than expected.
Teva Katavi 2
Tested on casual hikes and urban walks, these sandals provided plush comfort but lacked grip on wet terrain. Users with flat feet reported mild discomfort after 4 hours.
ECCO Yucatan
Worn for 10-hour city tours, the Yucatan offered excellent support but felt narrow for wide feet. The leather straps showed no wear after 2 weeks of daily use.
Buying Guide for Men’s Arch Support Sandals
- Arch Support: Look for a sandal made of soft material with a cushioned, wide heel and a durable, thick insole for shock absorption. If you’re able to check out a shoe in person, make sure it doesn’t easily bend in half¡ªyou don’t want a sandal to be too flexible.
- Fit and Adjustability: For a personalized and secure fit, look for men’s sandals with adjustable straps. The ability to customize the fit allows you to find the perfect balance between comfort and stability.
- Material: We examined the materials, construction techniques, and overall resilience to ensure the sandals can handle both urban adventures and rugged terrain. We evaluated how well the sandals manage moisture and keep feet cool in unpredictable weather conditions.
- Weight: Heavy men’s walking sandals are unnecessarily tiring. Lightweight sandals are easy to wear, easy to pack for trips and more comfortable at the end of a long day.
- Price and Value: We weighed cost against features and quality, ensuring there’s a great pick for every budget.
Learn more about choosing supportive footwear at the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is arch support important in sandals?
Arch support helps maintain proper foot alignment, reduces strain, and prevents conditions like plantar fasciitis. It’s crucial for those who stand or walk for long periods.
Can I wear arch support sandals for hiking?
Yes, models like the Chaco Z/1 Classic and Keen Newport H2 are designed for hiking, offering traction and support on rugged trails.
How do I know if a sandal fits properly?
The sandal should feel secure without pinching, with adjustable straps to accommodate swelling. Your toes should have room to spread, and the heel should stay in place.
Are flip-flops with arch support as effective as sandals?
Flip-flops like the Vionic Mtide Slide or Skechers Go Walk offer good support but may lack the stability of strapped sandals for active use.
How long do arch support sandals last?
With proper care, high-quality sandals like Birkenstock or Orthofeet can last 2-5 years, depending on usage and terrain.