Summer Happy Feet

Slip easily into summer with this post about flip-flops and slides. Whether heading to the beach or poolside, exploring a vacation destination, running to the grocery store, or your favorite ice cream shop, it’s crucial to find summer shoes that offer excellent heel and arch support. So, before you make your next purchase of flip-flops or slides for summer, let me share GFL’s top recommended brands, ensuring your feet remain well-supported all summer, every step of the way to cloud nine.

Factors to Consider

Regarding summer footwear, I can’t live without flip-flops and slides that go with different summer outfits. I stick with my philosophy of equal parts style and comfort when buying shoes. Here are four factors to consider for a most comfortable pair.

1. Arch Support: The feet’ arches absorb shock, distribute body weight evenly, and provide stability. Look for shoes that offer adequate arch support to maintain the foot’s natural alignment, decreasing the risk of conditions like flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and overpronation (foot rolls too far inwards toward the arch).
2. Cushioning: Shoes should have adequate cushioning to protect the feet from impact when walking or standing, especially on hard surfaces, for an extended time. Look for cushioned footbeds that offer proper heel support, as it aids in shock absorption and relieves pressure on the heel bone.
3. Heel Support: The heel requires support for stability to prevent excessive rolling or twisting of the foot, shock absorption, and pressure alleviation on the heel bone. Look for shoes that have thick or deep-heel cups.
4. Material and Construction: The shoe’s materials and construction can significantly affect its support and durability. Consider options made from memory foam, EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), rubber, synthetic, cork, or microfiber. These materials provide a combination of cushioning, shock absorption, and stability. Additionally, slipper designs with adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit and support according to your foot shape and comfort needs.

Determine Your Foot Arch

Choose shoes that correspond to your foot arch. If you’re unsure about your foot arch type, dip your foot in water, step on a piece of cardboard, and examine the print that remains. Below is a Foot Arch Chart from the Mayo Clinic Health.

GFL Tips: Choosing Flip-flops and Slides for Summer

1. Avoid Cheap Regular Flip-flops Whenever Possible: Most regular flip-flops are flimsy and provide minimal arch support. They are designed for short distances and offer little stability. Cheap flip-flops can strain your Achilles tendon, toe tendons, and worsen existing foot conditions. Loose straps and flexible midsoles provide inadequate support and can lead to foot pain and discomfort.
2. Invest in Ergonomic Design: If you can’t resist wearing flip-flops for extended periods, prioritize options with good arch support. Look for a slight elevation in the arch area of the shoe, indicating arch support. Wedge heels or additional foam layers offer extra cushioning and stability, promoting overall foot comfort and alignment.
3. Opt for Adjustable Straps: Choose flip-flops and slides with adjustable straps to ensure a proper fit. Ill-fitting footwear can cause blisters and discomfort. Tight straps may create friction, while loose straps may lead to toe gripping and instability.
4. Look for a Contoured Footbed: Select footwear with a contoured footbed that molds to the shape of your foot. This feature provides cushioning and support to the heel, arch, and toes, absorbing shock and correcting overpronation. Over time, the footbed will conform to your foot shape for enhanced comfort.
5. Choose the Right Size: Ensure your shoes have about half an inch of room around your foot while standing and walking. If your toes or heels hang over the edges, opt for a larger size for a better fit and comfort.
6. Consider Textured or Rubberized Outsoles: For safety and comfort during extended walks on different surfaces, choose flip-flops and slides with textured or rubberized outsoles. These outsoles improve grip and stability, whether you’re walking on uneven or smooth terrain.

Following these tips, you can select flip-flops and slides that prioritize comfort, support, and overall foot health, allowing you to enjoy your summer adventures. 

GFL Brand Recommendations

Birkenstock slippers typically feature an anatomically molded footbed with pronounced arch support, deep heel cups, and supportive cork-latex construction. Birkenstock makes shoes for men, women, and kids. Check out these stylish versions that promise to make your feet happy year after year. 

• Birkenstock Gizeh is a classic thong sandal in many colors, patterns, and materials. Choose from leather (natural, oiled, nubuck, and suede) to synthetic (Birko-Flor, Biribuc, Birko-Felt, microfiber, and EVA) materials. It is also available in a soft footbed with an extra layer of latex foam to give additional comfort. Only the EVA version is waterproof. Gizeh has elevated footbed edges, offering excellent traction for walking on rugged, uneven surfaces. The straps are also adjustable. This shoe is only available in regular/wide width. 
• Birkenstock Arizona is a two-strapped (adjustable) slip-on. The shoe is available in the same materials as Gizeh. It is available in two width types: regular/wide or medium/narrow. This is a choice shoe when running everyday errands and walking long distances. 

Both Gizeh and Arizona necessitate a break-in period for the footbed. But, they are worth the hassle as they become more comfortable quickly.

Oofos is very popular among active individuals. It is renowned for its recovery footwear which offers excellent cushioning and support so individuals can recover after a hard workout or a long day on their feet. The OOfoam technology is proprietary. It absorbs impact, 37% more than traditional footwear. Its patented footbed design reduces stress on the feet, knee, and ankle joints, providing arch support and a supportive heel cup. The shoe is machine washable and designed to minimize odor. 

• Women’s and Men’s OORIGINAL Sandal comes in fashionable colors. The feel is comfy and supportive and reduces fatigue. 
• Women’s and Men’s OOAH Sport Flex Sandal has an adjustable velcro top strap that you can customize to get the fit you need, and this feature is perfect when the feet swell later in the day. The Sport Flex secure fit is ideal if you are a fast walker. 

Oofos footwear comes in whole sizes only. If you wear a half-size, it is recommended to size up. Additionally, Oofos offers two width options: Standard or Wide. The Standard is considered medium, while the wide width is considered wide for both men and women. Most reviews are positive, but some customers report the sandals breaking.

Adidas, a leading athletic shoe and clothing brand, is known for its iconic three-band stripes and commitment to fashion-forward designs. While their slides may be primarily designed for shorter distances, they still offer decent foot support and cushioning. Whether you’re heading to the gym, the dorm shower, the poolside, or a yoga or pilates class, Adidas has the perfect slide for you. Their range includes options for women, men, and kids, ensuring everyone can enjoy their comfortable and stylish footwear.

• The Adilette Aqua Slides are available in 11 colors and are designed for regular width. These slides feature a contoured Cloudfoam footbed made from lightweight, quick-drying EVA material. Perfect for showers and poolside activities, these slides provide both comfort and functionality.
• The Adilette Comfort Slides are an excellent choice for those seeking even more arch support. With a wide range of 29 colors to choose from, these slides are also available in regular width. They are constructed with a Cloudfoam footbed, EVA outsoles, and textile lining, ensuring optimal comfort and support. Slip them on after a gym session and pair them with socks, shorts, or a cargo skirt for a trendy post-workout look.

Both these styles are designed for short distances.

Orthopedic Footwear Brand

Vionic is an orthopedic footwear known for podiatrist-designed technology and has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (AMPA) Seal of Acceptance. For those suffering from plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arches, bunions, and heel spurs, this brand provides contoured arch support, deep-seated heel cup stabilization, and cushioned insoles. The contoured footbeds and supportive midsoles promote proper alignment. 

• Women’s Tide II Toe Post and Men’s Tide Toe Post Sandal are all-time best sellers to alleviate heel pain. These sandals are made from woven textile and leather uppers, padded neoprene upper liner, EVA footbed, and Tri-planar Motion Control outsole. The women’s shoe is available in 9 colors and medium-wide widths; the men’s shoe is available in 5 colors and medium width. 

After wearing the shoes for long periods, product reviewers raved about comfort and support. The reviews about the toe post were split; some said they wore it out of the box without needing bandages. In contrast, some noted minor irritation when first breaking in the shoes.

As mentioned before, Vionic specializes in orthopedic footwear. However, suppose you have specific foot conditions or require significant arch and heel support, please consult a podiatrist for personalized recommendations.

Takeaway

I hope this post helps you find the perfect flip-flops and slides for summer that provide your feet with the desired arch and heel support. And if you require specific orthotic support, please consult a podiatrist. Remember, comfort starts from the ground up, and caring for your feet is essential for overall comfort and enjoyment. Explore the different styles and brands to discover the pair that makes your feet happy.