Skip to content

Best Sandals for Achilles Tendonitis & Flip Flops

Sandals, flip-flops, and other similar footwear are the perfect solution for people who suffer from Achilles tendonitis. You may be wondering what sandals or flip-flops to buy if you have this condition.

In this guide, we will review the best sandals for Achilles tendonitis & flip-flops as well as tell you the features of good sandals and flip-flops for Achilles tendonitis so that you can figure out which one is right for your feet.

Best Sandals for Achilles Tendonitis & Flip Flops

Benefits of Sandals & Flip Flops

  • Sandals and flip-flops are the best footwear for people who suffer from Achilles tendonitis.
  • These shoes offer comfort as they don’t have a heel, which can worsen your condition if you already suffer from it.
  • If you’re going to be on your feet all day at work or just need something to wear around the house for comfort, sandals or flip flops are a great choice.
  • They offer foot support and Stability according to your needs.
  • If you have an ankle injury, these types of shoes will be perfect since they won’t put any pressure on them if there is one.

Top 5 Best Sandals for Achilles Tendonitis

1.

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed

Product features:

The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed is a 100% Suede sandal that provides comfort and support with its anatomically shaped footbed. This synthetic outsole is perfect for casual walking, offering flexibility and shock absorption. The original BIRKENSTOCK soft footbed offers ergonomic support to your feet, providing a healthy environment while you walk.

This Sandal has an EVA outsole, which makes it lightweight and shock-absorbent. The suede upper is soft and supple for a great fit, while the EVA sole provides excellent traction. This style runs true to size.

Birkenstock’s patented cork-latex footbed molds to your feet with wear, providing excellent arch support and absorbing shock from impact. This allows you to walk farther, reducing fatigue and increasing energy levels. Another great benefit of wearing Birkenstocks is better posture due to the reduced pressure on your feet and back.

The contoured cork footbed conforms to the shape of your foot, with pronounced arch support and an extra layer of super-soft foam cushioning. A deep heel cup and roomy toe box provide added Stability, while a suede lining ensures a smooth interior feel against your skin.

Two individually adjustable metal pin buckles allow for easy on/off wear. The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandal is handmade of genuine leather and is the ultimate in luxury footwear.

Pros:

  • Great for Achilles Tendonitis
  • Affordable, durable, and long-lasting shoes
  • Supportive arch support
  • Variety of styles to choose from
  • Adjustable metal pin buckles
  • EVA outsole which makes it lightweight and shock-absorbent.

Cons:

  • Do not have a leather upper

2.

Teva Women’s Tirra Sandal

Product features:

The Teva®️ Tirra™️ Sandal is made for the water and the sun, but it’s also ready for your next adventure. This women’s Sandal features a contoured footbed that cradles your foot as you walk and a flexible sole that provides traction on wet surfaces.

The non-marking rubber outsole has a wavy design to prevent slipping when you’re in or near water. A hook-and-loop strap at the ankle helps keep this Sandal secure on your feet so you can explore without worry.

The sporty look features a logo and multiple straps with hook-and-loop closures that allow you to adjust the fit based on your activity level. A nylon stability shank adds support, while the heel measures approximately 1.5″ and the platform measures approximately 0.5″.

These versatile sandals are rich in color and durability. Perfect for any occasion, these sandals offer a fatigue-proof footbed to absorb the pressure of your favorite adventures. Made from leather that’s already distressed, these shoes also have a durable, grippy rubber sole with cork and EVA heel counter for low-profile cushioning.

The Teva Tirra Sandal’s EVA topsole with Microban zinc will have you looking forward to a day filled with adventure. Compression-molded EVA midsole keeps your feet cool and dry while the Shock Pad heel reduces shock on those long walks up steep hills.

A traction outsole with water-channeling lugs lets you glide through the sand, giving that peaceful beach day just what it needs!

Pros:

  • The Sandal’s footbed is a comfortable and supportive contoured design.
  • It has an adjustable hook-and-loop strap at the ankle
  • This sporty style features a nylon stability shank and heel
  • EVA outsole makes it lightweight and shocks absorbent
  • Rich in color and durability
  • Features traction outsole with water-channeling lugs

Cons:

  • Ankle straps are too high

3.

KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Sandal

Product features:

KEEN Newport H2 Sandal is a water shoe that is perfect for your everyday adventures. It has a quick-dry lining to help you feel fresh and ready for action. The polyester webbing upper is durable, and the PFC-free water repellent helps shed water and prolongs the quality of the material on these men’s water shoes.

The rubber outsole provides long-lasting traction to keep you steady on slippery surfaces, such as wet rocks or boat decks when you are swimming or fishing. These men’s water shoes are also great for any activity on lands, such as hiking or fishing.

It has an EVA footbed that is both lightweight and shock absorbent to keep you comfortable all day long with this men’s Sandal in your shoe collection. The quick-adjusting lace capture system offers a secure fit while allowing you to easily take on and off the sandals.

The compression-molded EVA midsole provides enhanced cushioning, so your feet can stay comfortable all day long. This men’s Sandal also features multi-directional lugs with razor siping that help provides superior grip on slippery wet terrain. Non-marking rubber outsoles leave no imprint when walking indoors.

The KEEN Newport H2 sandal is a water shoe that makes a great option for those who are looking for an alternative to the traditional flip-flop.

Water shoes are designed with a rubber sole and toe cap to protect feet from rocks, shells, and other objects on the beach or in shallow water. They also offer comfort and support while you’re getting active in the water.

Pros:

  • Comfortable
  • PFC free water repellent helps shed water
  • Lightweight and shock absorbent
  • Non-Marking Rubber Outsole
  • Best Sandals for Achilles Tendonitis
  • Compression-molded EVA midsole provides enhanced cushioning

Cons:

  • A bit pricey

4.

Teva Women’s Original Universal Textile Sandal 

Product features:

The Teva Original Universal is a classic that can be worn in any situation. The Original Universal’s durability and versatility make it essential for every woman’s closet. This style features a rubber outsole with four points of contact for Stability and traction on any surface.

A durable synthetic upper provides lasting wear, while the contoured footbed cradles your foot to keep you comfortable all day long. It allows for a customized fit for any foot shape or width.

The Original Universal Strapping System™️ is composed of one strap that runs across the top of the foot and two adjustable straps that wrap around the midfoot to provide support and ensure a secure fit.

This Sandal has been handcrafted with an EVA outsole designed to deliver traction on wet surfaces. The upper features an open-toe box which promotes circulation and leaves your feet free to breathe. The open-back design allows for maximum air circulation and prevents rubbing in the heel area, perfect for those with plantar fasciitis!

The water-ready polyester webbing upper is durable and dries quickly after getting wet, while the easy hook-and-loop closure comes on and off quickly and gets the fit just right. The rugged Durabrasion Rubber outsole supplies great traction for all your adventures.

Pros:

  • Water-ready polyester webbing upper
  • Easy hook and loop closure for a snug fit
  • Open-toe box promotes circulation
  • Durable & Breathable
  • Universal Strapping System provides support and ensure a secure fit
  • Rubber outsole supplies great traction 

Cons:

  • Not Slip Resistant

5.

Clarks Women’s Clarks Morse Tour Sandal

Product features:

The Clarks®️ Morse™️ Tour sandal is a classic-style summer shoe with a feminine twist. The leather or pig suede upper features an adjustable hook and loop strap for the perfect fit, while the cushioned footbed offers all-day comfort. A durable TPR outsole provides traction on any surface.

This women’s summer shoe has a leather or pig suede upper that looks great with casual outfits. The Clarks®️ signature cushioning and support is provided by the OrthoLite®️ footbed, which offers lasting comfort and durability.

With a 1.5inch heel, they’re the perfect way to add some height and be stylishly comfortable all day long. A dual-density footbed cushions your step, while the non-marking rubber outsole delivers traction on multiple surfaces.

Crafted of handcrafted leather and breathable textile lining, its classic silhouette, and lace-up thrust provide lasting support that will take you over hill and dale without breaking a sweat.

Committed to providing you with a more natural walking experience and reducing potential injury, this Sandal is inspired by American heritage and classic style for when you want to be on top of your game.

Designed with sensible stylistic touches like an adjustable hook-and-loop strap at the heel and padded footbeds, it’s made from high-quality synthetic leather uppers decorated with fabric linings that are soft against your toes so you don’t feel restricted while moving around.

Pros:

  • Looks great with casual outfits
  • Adjustable hook and loop strap for a customized fit
  • Handcrafted leather and breathable textile lining
  • The OrthoLite®️ footbed will provide long-lasting comfort
  • Signature Clarks Cushioning
  • Good arch support

Cons:

  • Not water resistant

Top 5 Best Flip Flops for Achilles Tendonitis SKECHERS

6.

Reggae  Trailway 

Product features:

Step out in style with the SKECHERS Reggae Trailways sandal! Sleek and sophisticated, this shoe has it all – from a rustic suede finish to an adjustable sling-back strap for a perfect fit. Comfort is guaranteed with its crisscross web fabric, elastic gore creation on the vamp, and generous toe ring design.

Trailway is a lightweight and flexible casual sandal that will give you the comfort you need for long days on your feet. The signature logo accent at the instep strap adds to its modern style.

With a shock-absorbing and a contoured footbed to provide supportive comfort as well as breathable neoprene fabric strap lining for quick slipping in/slipping out convenience, you’ll be able to take on any trail and feel light on your feet.

These shoes are all about comfort and style. Stylish enough for work, yet casual enough to wear on the weekend. The soft leather material feels wonderful against the skin, while the perforated footbed provides support and breathability.

This casual Sandal is made from durable yet flexible rubber with a traction outsole and leather overlay on the top strap for a fashionable look. With a feminine thong-strap design, this shoe provides excellent arch support while providing maximum comfort day after day.

Pros:

  • Supportive comfort
  • Breathable neoprene fabric strap lining
  • Durable yet flexible rubber with a traction outsole
  • Feminine thong-strap design
  • Provides excellent arch support
  • Shock-absorbing contoured footbed 

Cons:

  • Sizing is not correct

7.

Chaco Women’s Z2 Classic Athletic Sandal

Product features:

The Chaco Women’s Z2 Classic Athletic Sandals are the perfect choice for those who want to experience Chaco’s legendary footbed. The leather upper is sourced sustainably and eco-friendly, and it provides a nice classic look that can be dressed up or down with ease. Don’t worry about uncomfortable rubbing; the memory foam padding ensures your feet will stay looking fresh all day long!

The ultra-comfortable and durable sole will put a spring in your step all day long. A unique toe loop is perfect for keeping them on while doing outdoor activities or running around town doing errands.

The injection-molded ladder lock buckle is easy to use while the heel risers are comfortable, durable, and adjustable. Slip into these sandals for a customized fit that won’t let you down! With a high-tensile webbing heel riser and injection-molded ladder lock buckle, this climbing sandal is comfortable off the trail as well.

Polyester jacquard webbing wraps around your foot and through the midsole for an adjustable fit that will never let you down. You can even adjust the toe loop which provides an additional way to tighten or loosen your sandals so they won’t fall off after hours of activity.

Memory foam footbeds mold to your feet, making these shoe custom and comfortable for any activity you dream up. With a lug depth of 3mm and vegan-friendly construction, these shoes offer Stability without forgiveness while providing enough grip for street or trail alike with its non-marking ChacoGrip rubber compound!

Pros:

  • Great for long walks
  • Durable and comfortable sole
  • Maintains Stability with a good grip
  • Affordable
  • Adjustable toe loop for a perfect fit
  • Wide range of styles and colors.

Cons:

  • Straps around the toe could be tight

8.

Keen Men’s Uneek O2-m Sandal

Product features:

The Keen Men’s Uneek O2-m Sandal blends fashion, style, and comfort to keep your feet happy and healthy on the go. With leather straps that are gentle against your skin, a lightweight textile upper for ventilation in hot climates, and a rubber sole for traction everywhere else, these sandals will be you’re go-to every day.

These imported leather sandals have rubber soles so they’re perfect for when you take those long walks down by the beach late at night. They’ll keep all that stink out between toes just like socks should too.

They’re also loaded with Keen’s signature Uneek footbed for enhanced arch support and unbeatable all-day comfort. You’ll be ready to land any surf, stand-up paddleboard, or wave runner adventure in these durable shoes!

With rubber sole and strap closure, these men’s Keen loafers are built for comfort and grip. Protected by SunGuard fabric, they ensure that your feet will be covered up without compromising on style or support. The Keen UV Protection Lining prevents any staining/discoloration when you wear them outside or inside.

A rubber outsole and a form-fitting lacing system provide you with total comfort, while the metatomical EVA footbed offers cushioned comfort – so that your feet can stay at ease all day long. The Uneek also has a non-marking rubber outsole to make sure any ground stays clean from scuffs!

Pros:

  • Stylish and tough Sandal
  • Great for long walks, hikes, or other outdoor activities
  • Metatomical EVA footbed offers cushioned comfort
  • Provides traction for many surfaces
  • Enhanced arch support 

Cons:

  • Not great in comfort

9.

Vionic Women’s Rest Harissa Backstrap Walking Sandals

Product features:

The Vionic Women’s Rest Harissa Backstrap Walking Sandals with the soft microfiber footbed offer all-day cushioning and support. With a stylish two-strap design that goes easily from casual wear to workwear, these sandals are durable and fashionable.

This is a shoe that the wearer can rely on to take them where they need or want to go. It’s durable and practical and it looks good no matter what you’re up against. The contoured footbed shapes the shoe to the natural shape of your feet and encourages optimal fluidity, while arch supports provide necessary relief.

These sandals are a perfect combination of sensible and stylish. It can be hard to find the right balance, but this Vionic Rest Harissa model provides you with durable rubber soles that’ll protect your feet from the wear and tear of daily life without giving up on style.

The patented footbed sleeve cradles your feet, incorporating plantar balls and metatarsal pads to alleviate pressure points and enhance balance. Plus, stretchy hook & loop straps mean a custom fit is always ensured for all-day wearability.

Crafted from durable leather, these slip-on shoes are also breathable to help reduce foot odor. If you love a great shoe that will do it all for your day, this is the perfect one!

Pros:

  • All-day cushioning and support
  • Breathable leather
  • Easy slip-on design
  • Durable rubber sole
  • Customizable fit

Cons:

  • Not Good for narrow feet

10.

Comfort Fisherman Men’s Therapeutic Diabetic Sandal

Product features:

Dr. Comfort Fisherman Men’s Therapeutic Diabetic Sandal is definitely the perfect choice for those long walks to remind friends they are significant. This therapeutic Sandal also has features such as rubber soles and non-skid patterned bottoms for protection against injuries from falls or slippery terrain.

It doesn’t matter if your style is rugged or refined; this monk strap, shoe-type sandals make sure their fit matches yours well! Made from 100% leather and rubber sole, this footwear style will offer excellent arch support as it transitions to cooler weather.

With its full-grain leather construction that provides durability and prevents skin irritation, this Sandal even offers the ability to customize your fit with an adjustable contact closure that lets you get the most personalized comfort.

The breathable open-air design means your feet will stay cool and dry all day long and they’re also extra safe thanks to the protective toe box that helps safeguard against stubbing toes!

Pros:

  • Full-grain leather construction
  • Durable rubber sole that provides excellent arch support
  • Adjustable contact closure to customize the fit
  • Breathable open-air design for all-day comfort
  • Protective toe box safeguards against stubbing toes.

Cons:

  • Lack of comfort

Difference Between Sandals and Flip Flops

Sandals

  • Sandals go around the ankle or just below the toes and some might come up above the calf area as well as for really tall people.
  • They typically have a thinner sole which means they offer less foot and arch support than flip flops do, but some sandals will also include an insole so that it feels more like wearing traditional sneakers when walking or running since there’s not much to protect the feet from pressure points on the ground.
  • Sandals are often made of lighter materials such as leather, nylon, mesh, synthetic suede, and cotton for those who live somewhere warm year-round since they’ll be worn all throughout the day if you want them to look nice compared to flip flops which can’t be worn during rainstorms because their material is too delicate.
Sandals

Flip Flops

  • Flip Flops go around your ankle so that they can’t be worn with shorts or pants because they will show the back of your foot and this is something you want to avoid as much as possible.
  • Flip flops are also a more casual type of footwear which means wearing them could make others think less of you if you’re in business settings for instance since flip flops tend to not look professional.
  • The only upside about flip flops is that they offer zero arch support or cushioning but oftentimes, these types of shoes have an insole too, which helps provide some protection while walking without adding any extra weight to the shoe itself.
Flip Flops

Are Flip Flops Good for Achilles Tendonitis?

Flip Flops are okay for people with Achilles Tendonitis but it is important to be careful not to overdo your walking when wearing them. As long as the flip flop itself has enough cushioning in the right places, then most people won’t have any issues and will be able to wear them without hurting their feet too much.

 

The main concern is typical that people tend to wear flip-flops for too long and do a lot of walking because they are so comfortable. This can lead to foot fatigue, which will end up leading to pain in the heel caused by Achilles tendonitis.

On top of this, some people may also put pressure on their toes when wearing flips flops and cause more strain on their feet as well. So it’s important not just to make sure you have good sandals but also look out for any signs of injury or discomfort before continuing with them.

Achilles Tendonitis Exercises to Avoid

Standing

Standing is not good for your Achilles tendonitis. Standing on a hard surface can put pressure on the back of the heel and also cause inflammation due to prolonged periods in this position.

Sitting

Sitting is not good for your Achilles tendonitis, but it can be better than standing on hard surfaces to avoid putting pressure on the back of the heel and causing more pain. Use gel pads or ice water with this position as well in order to decrease pain caused by prolonged periods seated on a hard surface.

Walking

Walking is good for Achilles tendonitis, but not as a sole activity. Mix it up with some of the other exercises and make sure to switch back between one foot and then the next in order to avoid favoring any pain points that may come from prolonged periods walking on hard surfaces or using only your heel while you walk.

Running

Running is not good for your Achilles tendonitis as it causes a lot of stress on the heel and eventually leads to more pain.

Cycling

Cycling isn’t bad but also not good, as it causes more stress to the heel and can cause pain if done too much or without taking breaks from cycling. It’s important to remember that cycling also can cause pain in the Achilles tendon when the pedals are not adjusted correctly.

Jumping Rope

Jumping rope is a great way to get aerobic exercise in, but it’s not recommended for Achilles tendonitis patients. Because it can cause a lot of stress on the Achilles tendon, it’s important to not jump rope for long periods without taking breaks.

Lifting Heavy Weights

Although lifting weights is a great way to strengthen your muscles, it’s not recommended for those with Achilles tendonitis. Heavy weight-lifting can cause the pain in your heel to be worse and more frequent.

Calf Raises

 Calf raises are another exercise that may make symptoms of Achilles tendonitis even worse, so they should only be used after consulting a doctor or physical therapist about whether they will worsen things or help them to heal.

The only type of exercise that is safe for people with Achilles tendonitis are low-impact exercises, such as walking or swimming. It’s important to avoid any activities that will cause pain in your heel because this will put more strain on the Achilles tendon and potentially make it worse.

Exercises should also be done barefoot so you can feel how much pressure you’re putting on the foot when exercising which could help prevent injury before they happen. For a light exercise like walking, it’s best just to take off your flip-flops rather than trying to walk without them.

Features of Good Sandals and Flip Flops for Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis can be really painful and cause lots of discomfort when you’re walking or even standing. So, it’s important for your sandals to have some good features that can provide you with the best comfort and relieve any such pain. The following are some of the features that good sandals should have:

Features of Good Sandals and Flip Flops for Achilles Tendonitis

Arch Support

Arch support is very important because it takes the pressure off of your Achilles tendon which can help to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Removable Insole

 If you want to help reduce the pressure on your feet and Achilles tendon, a good sandal with a removable insole will be comfortable because you can remove them when they get wet or dirty.

Low Sole Height

The sole height should be low enough to touch the ground easily and not too high so that you can still feel good contact with the ground. If the shoe is a little bit higher, try adding an insert in it or wearing thin socks. You could also use orthotics for additional support as needed.

Breathable Materials

Flip flops need to make sure they’re made from breathable materials because otherwise, your foot may get hot which can lead to more inflammation and discomfort on top of having Achilles tendonitis you may also want to avoid flip flops with a lot of padding or straps.

Heel Straps

Heel straps are good for preventing slippage because sometimes you might have problems with this when wearing sandals without them since they can slide up during use. However, it’s important not to wear heel straps if you already have an injury in that area such as plantar fasciitis (pain on the bottom of feet), as these could make things worse!

Slip-Resistant

You want to make sure you’re wearing sandals and flip-flops with a good amount of slip resistance so that you don’t have any accidents. The best way to test this is by placing your feet on a wet surface and seeing how much traction they have.

Sizing

 Flip flops should fit loosely on your feet but not too loose that it makes them difficult to walk because this can also lead to more problems due to the slipping of the heel strap or even just general discomfort. Sandals will often need some time breaking in before they become comfortable for use with Achilles tendonitis, so try buying a few pairs if possible (say two) until one feels better than others.

Cushioning

Achilles tendonitis is a condition that can be really painful due to the inflammation and irritation of the Achilles. So, it’s important for your sandals or flip-flops to have some good cushioning so they don’t cause any more injury than necessary. The best way to test this is by wearing them on different surfaces, such as carpet, concrete, or even grass. The best ones will be the most soothing to your feet and lack any kind of rubbing on the Achilles tendon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Flip Flops Good for Achilles Tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon. It can be treated with rest, ice, compression, and ibuprofen. To reduce pain in the heel area, you should wear flip-flops for periods to help increase blood flow and improve circulation.

Do Podiatrists Recommend Flip Flops?

Podiatrists recommend wearing shoes that are appropriate for the activity and environment. They should be made of a soft, breathable material with a non-skid sole to prevent falls and injuries.

There are many benefits of wearing flip flops because they provide:

  • Comfort in hot weather or cold weather.
  • Foot protection from rocks, debris, etc.
  • Easy on/off access in public bathrooms.

Can Flip Flops Cause Peroneal Tendonitis?

Many different factors can cause peroneal tendonitis. Some of the most common causes include

  • Improper footwear, such as flip flops or sandals, places stress on the peroneal tendons.
  • Wearing shoes with hard soles and no arch support causes the foot to collapse inward towards the toes, placing increased pressure on the peroneal tendons.
  • Overuse injuries, such as ankle sprains or running long distances.

Conclusion

It can be difficult to find the best sandals for achilles tendonitis & flip flops, but these are our top picks. The KEEN Newport H2 Sandal is perfect if you need something that will give your feet plenty of room and support through the arch while still being stylish.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, try out the Clarks Women’s Clarks Morse Tour Sandal which offers decent comfort as well as excellent arch support.

For those who want the best flip flops for achilles tendonitis in their footwear, there’s nothing better than Skechers Reggae Trailway Sandal with its footbed designed specifically to alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis.

These options should help relieve some of the pain you feel in your foot and help get you back to a healthier state.