Orthopedic sandals

Sandals are one of the least popular shoes for those with foot problems and the reason is that sandals generally lack any kind of arch support. For this reason they are both the most breathable, but also the least supportive of shoe types.

Surprisingly, a lot of people with foot problems do wear sandals very frequently, particularly around the home. Many are under the misconception that the lack of any shoe body is a good thing and that no interference with the feet is beneficial. With symptoms like fallen arches, this is the opposite of the case.

Sandal design

The orthopedic sandal creates a quandary in itself because in order to have an arch support you also need some degree of lateral support to hold the foot in place over the built-up area.

Orthopedic sandals manage to achieve this by ensuring that the parts of the sandal that secure the foot to the in-sole are carefully deigned and positioned to provide maximum hold. Even so, they do this without looking any different to a regular sandal.

Typical features of an orthopedic sandal see a shoe where –

• The straps and any toe posts are padded and have no rubbing seams.
• There is a wave like profile to the in-sole that supports the arch of the foot and prevents over pronation.
• The sole is not easily bendable or floppy, but retains its structure and profile.
• Walking in the sandals is comfortable and no effort is required (e.g. curling the toes) to stop the sandals slipping whilst in a walking motion.
• The outer soles should have a non slip tread that provides secure footing.

Fuller vamped sandals may also have –

• A removable in-sole.
• Adjustable straps that have good padding and usually a Velcro style means of fastening.