Whether you sport walking sandals rain or shine or only when the temperatures are high, one thing’s for certain: both you and your feet bask in the added breathability afforded by open-toed shoes.
Sure, sandals are all fun and games—until you’re doubled over in pain because that age-old flip flop you refuse to retire has finally wreaked havoc on your feet. If you’re looking for a sign to upgrade, this is it. Instead of a paper-thin pair of slides, give your feet what they really deserve: a pair of orthotic sandals.
They increase stability in your feet, offer more support, and if we may speak plainly, they’re just downright more comfortable. It’s time to tune in, sandal lovers. We’re offering you a complete breakdown of orthopedic sandals for men, including why they’re important for you, their benefits, and the different types available on the market today.
Importance of Orthopedic Sandals for Men
You’re intrigued by the idea of having the most comfortable sandals for problem feet, but you’re looking for more information. But orthopedic sandals are not just for people suffering from foot problems– anyone can benefit from getting proper orthopedic support. So, why men’s orthopedic sandals? What’s the big deal?
If you have any of the following foot-related problems, consider men’s sandals with good arch support as the ace up your sleeve (or sock):
Bunions
A bony lump found on the outside of your big toe, a bunion can develop slowly over several years and is often caused by continuous pressure on the foot.1 If you have a job that involves being on your feet for extended periods of time, a pair of orthopedic sandals could help alleviate the foot pain caused by bunions.
Plantar Fasciitis
After a long bout of standing or an intense game of basketball with your buddies, you may sometimes notice some stiffness or heel pain—a possible symptom of plantar fasciitis:
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the tissue in your heel becomes inflamed. A flareup can be uncomfortable, to say the least, and usually takes months to fully heal. Plus, it tends to occur most often in men between the ages of 50 and 70—particularly those with an active lifestyle.2
All the more reason to invest in proper footwear.
When warmer weather creeps in, you might be ready to free your feet from the confines of winter shoes. Enter: flip-flops. You slide them on, ready to take on the world, only to realize shortly after that your feet are in quite a bit of discomfort. That’s because most flip-flops are made with a thin sole and have next to no anatomical arch support when—and where—you need it. Those factors alone aren’t helping your plantar fasciitis heal any quicker.
Fortunately, orthopedic sandals in the form of flip-flops do exist and when paired with the following characteristics, they may be more likely to provide the comfort and support you need:
- Arch support
- Deep heel cup
- Contoured footbed
Flat Feet
This foot condition is exactly what it sounds like. If the entire sole of your foot touches the ground while standing, you might have flat feet. Other common symptoms include:3
- Leg cramps
- Pain when you walk
- General aches in your feet or legs
Luckily, an orthopedic sandal or a flat foot shoe can support you so that you have the proper alignment needed to more comfortably brace your legs. They can distribute pressure throughout the sole of your foot and absorb the shock you may otherwise feel when wearing normal sandals, lessening your discomfort and holding up your arch.
Benefits of Orthopedic Sandals for Men
If you’re still on the fence, consider all the benefits you could cash in on with an orthopedic sandal. Whether you’re looking to improve a foot problem or you just want to experience what quality sandals can do for your feet, you may want to consider swapping out your standard footwear for something that’s designed with science in mind.
When it comes to orthopedic sandals, men can expect to benefit from the following:
More Comfort
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Wearing orthopedic sandals can help ease some of the pain caused by various foot issues. But maybe you don’t have bunions or flat feet. Perhaps you’re just really determined to walk 15,000steps each day—or more.
Whatever the reason, orthopedic sandals are made with your comfort in mind—from a little added room in front for your toes to wiggle their contentment to heels that provide relief for any current discomfort. If you’re feeling cramped or uncomfortable in your current shoes, an orthotic sandal might be the answer you didn’t know you were looking for.
Increased Blood Flow
Have you ever had the not-so-pleasant experience of dealing with numbness in your feet? You stand up after sitting for too long, and woah—you did not expect those tingles down in the depths of your toes.
Some common causes consist of:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Sciatica
- Flat feet
After you’ve gotten to the root cause of the numbness, consider investing in a pair of orthopedic sandals to help improve the blood circulation in your feet. Many sandals include straps so that you can adjust them to mold perfectly to your foot. This gives you the space your foot needs in order to breathe and move more comfortably, increasing your blood flow and decreasing your numbness in the process.
Ideal Support for Your Sensitive Feet
Why not nip foot problems in the bud and avoid them altogether? Unlike the regular flip flop and sandal, ortho sandals provide comfort beyond measure. With just the right amount of support for your arch, you can find the sandal that feels like it was made just for you.
And don’t forget the extra cushion under your heel. From the time you leave the house to the second you get back home, every step is like walking on a pillowy cloud.
Improved Mobility
Has discomfort kept you from doing some of the activities you used to love? Maybe vacations with family or the monthly hike you look forward to with your friends have begun to feel a bit different.
Let’s face it—we can’t expect to be young, limber, and spry forever. But that doesn’t mean we have to accept limited mobility as fact, either. With the right footwear, in particular, it doesn’t have to be this way. Orthopedic sandals improve your mobility by aiding in balance and stability to can stay quick on your foot for longer.
Hike that trailhead your friends told you about. Take your spouse on that long walk on the beach. Ortho sandals for men can help you comfortably enjoy all the adventures life brings your way.
Improvement of Current Foot-Related Problems
If you have issues such as flat feet or plantar fasciitis, ortho sandals can really save the day. Not only do they make getting from here to there more pleasant, but they can also help correct your current problems, such as:
- Preserving your arches
- Realigning your feet
3 Styles of Ortho Sandals for Men
Whether you’re planning for a full day of walking to explore the city or you’re just meeting up with your buddies for lunch, there are a variety of styles to choose from. Check out some of the most common options for men’s orthopedic sandals:
#1 Flip-flops
Flip-flops are the go-to summer sandal for a day at the beach, a jaunt around town, or a bite to eat at your favorite pub. Not all flip-flops are created equally—Vionic offers a flip-flop called the Men’s Tide Toe Post Sandal that provides a wealth of benefits for your feet, including:
- A podiatrist-designed footbed that helps realign your feet back to their natural position
- A medium-density midsole to absorb shock, so you have less stress on your feet and ankles
- A durable outsole that provides excellent traction for multiple terrains
#2 Athletic Sandals
If you have any upcoming long walks on the agenda, consider an athletic orthotic sandal.
Vionic’s Wave Toe Post Sandal is perfect for travel or a day outdoors. With traction to minimize slipping and support for all day comfort, you’ll be ready for your next big adventure—wherever it takes you.
#3 Slides
If you’re looking for easy on, easy off sandals, look no further than a pair of orthopedic slides. Ideal for lounging or a quick trip to the store, slides are often a staple for a man who’s interested in a slide that’s supportive and versatile.
From casual adjustable options, like the Kiwi Slide Sandal, to a more refined leather double-buckle option, such as the Charlie Slide Sandal, Vionic has slides that make getting out the door simple and quick—and provide you with all-day support.
Vionic: Men’s Orthopedic Sandals for Every Occasion
With a wide variety of styles to choose from, you have every excuse to own the pair of orthotic sandals that best fits your foot, alleviate your foot condition, and your lifestyle. Some of the footwear features include cushioning, good arch support, rubber sole, adjustable strap, cushioned footbed, etc. Whether this is your first pair or you’re coming back for more, Vionic’s sandals were created with your comfort in mind.
Discover the style of comfortable sandals for men that’s perfect for you when you use Vionic’s digital showroom. There you can find different kinds of footwear, such as performance shoes, recovery sandals, athletic shoes, and even the most comfortable dress shoes for women. Grab the best shoes so you can confidently strut through life, knowing your sandals will comfortably take you wherever you want to go.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Jacqueline Sutera is a surgically trained doctor of podiatric medicine specializing in the prevention and treatment of foot pathology. She graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Philosophy. She later attended the New York College of Podiatric Medicine where she earned the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).
Dr. Sutera received her postgraduate residency training at the busy level-one trauma center at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, NY and Brookdale Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. During her time there, she served as chief surgical resident and received and completed training in all aspects of podiatric medicine and surgery. Dr. Sutera is Board Certified in Foot Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons.
She is also a proud member and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and the New York State Podiatric Medical Society. As one of NYC’s premier podiatric physicians, she is a caring, conscientious and extremely personable doctor who prides herself on being holistic in her approach to foot care. Where other doctors treat feet only locally, she has a unique gift of being able to link a foot problem to other underlying conditions taking place in the body.
Sources:
- “Bunions (Hallux Valgus).” Cleveland Clinic.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14386-bunions-hallux-valgus
- “Plantar Fasciitis.” Penn Medicine.https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/plantar-fasciitis#
- “Flat Feet.” Cleveland Clinic.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17005-flat-feet
- Davis, Ashley. “The 15 Best Orthopedic Sandals for Men and Women to Wear This Summer.” Footwear News. 4 February, 2022. https://footwearnews.com/feature/best-orthopedic-sandals-1203238009/