If you are looking for the best flip flops for plantar fasciitis, we recommend Clarks’ women’s breeze sea flip flops. Pairing synthetic uppers and 1.18-inch heels, they are both comfortable and supportive enough for all-day wear. Keep reading to find out more about this and other outstanding flip flops.
Our Winner - Women's Breeze Sea Flip Flops by Clarks
Clarks’ women’s breeze sea flip flops are available in 8 sizes and 24 different colors for a personalized fit and look.
Buy on AmazonCaused by the inflammation of the ligaments that connect the heels and toes, plantar fasciitis can make your life hell. Luckily, flip flops for plantar fasciitis can help to ease the pain of this debilitating condition. Designed to both cushion and support the feet, flip flops for plantar fasciitis are ideal for the beach and travel. See all of our top picks below, and say no to foot pain today.
Our Top Picks
The 9 Best Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
Our Winner: Women's Breeze Sea Flip Flops by Clarks
These high-quality flip flops for plantar fasciitis combine an EVA footbed and synthetic rubber soles. Available in 8 sizes and a huge number of appealing colors and designs, they feature light synthetic uppers and soft comfort technology to cushion the feet.
Main Features
- Designed for women
- Lightweight synthetic upper
- 1.18” heels
- EVA footbed
- Synthetic rubber soles
Pros:
- Shock absorption
- Available in 8 sizes
- Soft and lightweight
- 24 different colors
Cons:
- Some reviewers have complained about insufficient arch support
- Not as durable as some other flip flops
Podiatrist Favorite: Men's Fanning Flip Flops by REEF
The signature sandals of World Surfing Champion, Mick Fanning, these flip flops feature 360-degree heel airbags, anatomical arch support, and padded straps. Plus, they come with durable rubber soles with—wait for it—built-in bottle openers.
Main Features
- Padded straps
- Durable rubber soles
- Water-friendly
- 360-degree heel airbags
- Built-in bottle openers
Pros:
- Anatomical arch support
- Absorb shock
- EVA foam footbed
- Deliver traction
Cons:
- Durability issues
- Uncomfortable toe straps
Top Choice: Post-Exercise Flip Flops by OOFOS
Made from machine-washable closed-cell foam, these unisex flip flops are ideal for the beach and will even float in water if you happen to lose them. Plus, they absorb 37 percent more pressure than traditional flip flops, and are moisture and bacteria resistant.
Main Features
- Made from foam
- 100-percent synthetic
- Moisture and bacteria resistant
- Absorb shock
- Machine-washable
Pros:
- Absorb shock
- Float in water
- Cradle the arches
- 6 different colors
Cons:
- Footbed can be slippery when wet
- Can break after extensive use
The Other Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis We Reviewed
Women's Tide II Toe Post Sandals by Vionic
Pairing EVA midsoles and TPR outsoles, these Vionic sandals for plantar fasciitis are outfitted with deep heel cups for comfort and support. The dual-layer suede or leather uppers make these flip flops easy to put on and slip off. On the downside, some users have complained that these flip flops can flatten with use.
Buy on AmazonOriginal Orthotic Comfort Thong Style Flip Flops by AEROTHOTIC
These water-resistant thong sandals combine comfort and arch support to reduce the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. Available in 6 sizes and numerous color combinations, they feature U-shaped outsoles that cradle the feet and padded straps for on-the-go comfort. Please note that these flip flops are not the best choice for women with wide feet.
Buy on AmazonMen's Ohana Thongs by OluKai
These stylish orthotic sandals for men come with nylon toe post webbing and non-marking rubber outsoles. Made from EVA foam, they are vegan-friendly, lightweight and breathable. Plus, they are water-resistant, and quick-drying, and come with synthetic leather upper straps. On the downside, these flip flops are more expensive than most other similar products.
Buy on AmazonWomen's Flip Flop Sandals by FitFlop
Biomechanically engineered to both cushion and support the feet, these women’s sandals feature anatomically contoured footbeds and impact pillows. Made from flexible air-foam, they are lightweight, non-slip, and water-proof. Unfortunately, some reviewers have found the inner soles of these flip flops overly hard and uncomfortable.
Buy on AmazonMen's Comfort Flip Flops by FITORY
Featuring wide soles and cushioning EVA footbeds, these affordable flip flops for plantar fasciitis are ideal for casual wear. Plus, they are durable, anti-skid, and easy to clean. On the downside, please note that these flip flops may need to be aired out after purchase to get rid of the factory smell.
Buy on AmazonSOARFREE Plantar Fasciitis Feet Sandal by LLSOARSS
Ideal for alleviating the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and bunions, these comfy flip flops have anatomically contoured footbeds. Some of the other notable features include medial and lateral arch support, generous toe boxes, soft toe posts, and foam-lined straps. On the downside, some users have said that these flip flops tend to pronate outward.
Buy on AmazonTips for Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain, stiffness, and tenderness. In most severe cases, the condition can even affect the entire foot. With this in mind, here are some tips for treating plantar fasciitis.
Rest and Apply Ice
If you are in pain, try to keep weight off of your feet as much as possible. In addition, it is best to avoid high impact activities such as running and jumping. Applying an ice pack to the affected area two to three times a day for around 15 minutes at a time can also reduce the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis.
Shoe Insoles
Placing custom-made or off-the-shelf shoe orthotics in your footwear can take pressure off the plantar fascia ligament. When looking for shoe inserts, select ones with good arch support and deep heel cups. Short heel inserts can also alleviate the discomfort of plantar fasciitis by elevating and cushioning the heels.
Night Splints
Worn during the night, night splints keep your feet at a 90-degree angle to stretch the plantar fascia as you sleep. This is important because most people sleep with their feet pointed down, which can shorten the plantar fascia, resulting in morning heel pain.
Physiotherapy and Stretching Exercises
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can do wonders for your feet. For best results, stretch your feet, as well as your Achilles tendons and calves. If in doubt, ask your physiotherapist to show you a number of simple exercises that you can do at home.
Medication
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can reduce the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis. When taking pain medication it is important to follow the instructions on the packet and remember that they are only a short term solution.
Surgery of Steroid Injections
If your pain does not respond to pain medication, you can ask your doctor about steroid injections. Injected right into the plantar fascia, steroid injections usually ease the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis for around a month. Plantar fascia surgery involves severing the plantar fascia from the heel bone, and should only ever be considered as a last resort.
Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis
Easy to do at home, these simple exercises stretch and strengthen the plantar fascia to alleviate the discomfort of plantar fasciitis.
Towel Curls
Sit down on a chair and place your feet on a hand towel or a face cloth. Grasp the towel with your toes before curling it towards you. Repeat 5 times. This exercise stretches both the foot and calf muscles.
Rolling Stretch
Place a round object, such as a massage ball or a rolling pin, under your foot and roll it back and forth, and in circles. This exercise is best done sitting down and is great for loosening up tight foot muscles.
Plantar Fascia Stretch
Sit on a chair and place the injured foot over your other leg. Using your hand pull the toes toward your shin to flex the arch of the foot. Hold for around 10 seconds before repeating on the other side.
Collecting Marbles
This is another exercise that flexes and stretches the foot muscles. Once again, sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor in front of you. Place around 20 marbles and a bowl near your feet. Pick the marbles up with your toes one at a time and place them in the bowl.
Weighing All the Factors
After a side-by-side analysis, our pick for best flip flops for plantar fasciitis are Clarks’ Women’s breeze sea flip flops. Pairing EVA footbeds and rubber soles, they are soft, supportive, and lightweight. Following in a close second and third are REEF’s men’s Fanning flip flops and OOFOS’ post-exercise flip flops, each with their own unique features.
Our Winner - Women's Breeze Sea Flip Flops by Clarks
Clarks’ women’s breeze sea flip flops are available in 8 sizes and 24 different colors for a personalized fit and look.
Buy on Amazon