What Are Orthotic Sandals?
Orthotic sandals provide arch support. Usually, regular sandals provide very little support. However, they are often the footwear of choice for summertime. Sandals are convenient, but the long-term effects of uneven weight distribution from using sandals can damage the feet and irritate preexisting conditions. Fortunately, orthotic sandals provide multiple benefits. First, they provide proper foot support to reduce discomfort and pain. Additionally, the supportive shape of the sandals reduces the chance of slippage. Second, the straps are softer and reduce the risk of cuts and abrasions from repetitive friction. Third, the sandals can help correct foot conditions, realign feet, and preserve the arches. Often, orthotic sandals last longer than regular sandals.1
Causes of Heel Pain
A diverse number of sources cause heel pain. For example, foot pronation leads to ankle rolling and inward stepping. As a result, the arch can collapse, and the internal supportive structures can become overstretched. Inflammation on the bottom of the foot and heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Additionally, heel spurs can develop along with plantar fasciitis. There are many types of injuries and diseases that can lead to heel pain. Excess weight also puts additional stress on the body. Improper posture contributes to foot damage, and unsupportive footwear contributes to the former. Unfortunately, patients who have significantly uneven leg length can also experience negative symptoms all over the body.2
Treatment Options
Heel pain can be treated in many, natural ways. First, daily calf stretching relieves strain on the plantar fascia. In fact, stretching reduces and prevents pain. Second, icing the painful area eases swelling and pain. Third, every patient should regularly practice diverse exercise routines to avoid repetitive stress. Fourth, resting after exercise is important and wearing proper footwear can reduce physical stress on the feet. Orthotic sandals are one type of supportive footwear. Generally, patients should try natural method of relieving pain and inflammation before using anti-inflammatory medications. In more serious situations, a healthcare professional may recommend physical therapy and night splints. Usually, surgery is a rare option. Most patients can receive effective treatment from natural sources.3
Orthotic Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
Many orthotic sandal brands provide support that combats plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis occurs when, as they take each step, the patient’s feet roll inward too far. Excessive weight gain, pregnancy, overexertion during physical activity, tight calf muscles, poor biomechanics, and improper footwear all cause the overpronation that leads to plantar fasciitis. Heel pain, especially at the beginning of the day, is a prominent symptom of plantar fasciitis. Orthotic sandals support and preserve the arch.4 The OOFOS Unisex Ooahh Slide Sandal has a foam insole that absorbs some of the impact of walking, and it is moisture resistant. The Ecco Yucatan is a hiking sandal, and it is machine washable. Another casual orthotic sandal is the SOARFREE Plantar Fasciitis Feet Sandal with Arch Support, and it helps minimize ankle and knee pain. Hikers may also consider the Chaco ZX/2 Classic, which is designed for wet traction.5
Women’s Orthotic Sandals
Of course, there are many brands that cater to patients who want women’s-style orthotic sandals. Some brands, such as Mt. Emey and Cobb Hill, are for diabetic women who are looking for sandals. Diabetic patients should consult their doctor before trying any new footwear. SOLE offers both Women’s Sport Slide Sandals and Women’s Sport Flip Flops. Other types of flip flops are OluKai Ohana Women’s Flip Flops and Spenco Yumi Women’s Orthotic Flip Flops. On the other hand, additional sandals include Spenco Kholo Women’s Orthotic Slide Sandals and Sanuk Yoga Mat Sling Sandals. Another very popular brand of orthotic footwear is Vionic, and it offers a wide variety of supportive footwear styles. Additionally, a number of brands offer unisex style flip flops and sandals.6
More of the Best Orthotic Sandals
Cheap flip flops do more harm than good for patients who need supportive shoes, and pretty much everybody should wear supportive footwear. FitFlop Women’s Leather Lattice Surfa Floral are supportive flip flops that have been approved by health experts. However, they are not recommended for wide feet. FitFlop also offers the FitFlop Lulu Thong Sandals, and they are also good for narrow feet. Orthotic Crocs exist, and Crocs Capri V Sequin Casual Lightweight Beach Flip Flops are both fashionable and supportive. Other popular orthotic sandals are Rainbow Sandals, Reef Fanning Flip Flops, Propet Hartley Sandals, Clarks Wave Coast Flip Flops, and Aerothotic Women’s Arch Support. Patients who are interested in orthotic footwear should consult their podiatrist, doctor, or chiropractor to learn more. Often, healthcare professionals prefer certain brands. Additionally, certain styles work better for individual patients.7
Vionic Sandals
Vionic is one of the most notable brands of orthotic sandals. A peer-reviewed study has shown that Vionic sandals significantly reduce heel pain. The sandals can relieve heel spurs, Achilles tendon pain, foot inflammation, and plantar fasciitis. Vionic offers a wide selection of orthotic footwear for a variety of patients, and their sandals can be purchased both online and in-store.8
Orthotic Shoes
Orthotic sandals and flip flops are not the only types of supportive footwear. Supportive shoes are not necessarily the same as prescription orthotics, and a podiatrist can prescribe orthotics for a number of conditions. For example, orthotics can help patients manage foot pain, correct biomechanical issues, reduce complications from diabetes, fix flat feet, and relieve plantar fasciitis, bursitis, and arthritis. Orthotics are inserts. There are two types of orthotics: rigid orthotics, or functional orthotics, and soft orthotics, or accommodative orthotics. Rigid orthotics are made of plastic or carbon fiber, and they are usually used as walking shoes or dress shoes. Functional orthotics can ease aches and strains in both the feet and the legs, thighs, and lower back. Soft orthotics are made of softer materials, and they can be used in sporting equipment. Accommodative orthotics relieve sore spots, plantar fasciitis, and diabetic foot ulcers.9
Orthotic Inserts
Inserts are similar to orthotics, but they can be bought without a prescription. Often, inserts are made of gel, plastic, or foam. They fit into many styles of shoes, but they are not custom-made. Unlike orthotics, inserts are not designed to correct foot problems. Inserts are not as expensive as orthotics, but they are not for every patient. It takes some time for patients to adjust to wearing both orthotics and inserts, but patients should still report any discomfort to their healthcare provider.10
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