Overpronation and flat feet are common conditions that can cause discomfort and pain. Wearing proper footwear is important for those who suffer from these conditions, as it can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further issues. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the characteristics of the best sandals for overpronation and flat feet and recommend our top picks.
Walking is something that most people do. Some walk around for years without realizing anything is wrong with their feet, as they have learned to live with it.
Over time, walking and running can start to take a toll on people. They begin to feel pain in their heels, legs, and lower back. This is many times due to their gait and the way they are pronating.
With your feet rolling inwards (i.e. overpronation), it can lead to a serious amount of discomfort. The wrong sandals are only going to exacerbate this as time goes on.
What are some of the best sandals for overpronation, according to experts?
A few are being sold on the market right now that have been winning the hearts of one and all. Overpronation takes a back seat when these sandals are put on.
Sandals can be the worst footwear for people who overpronate because they are typically flat, offering no support. This can make it difficult to walk in, which is frustrating for anyone who wants to wear sandals out on a stroll.
Luckily, shoe manufacturers are beginning to understand the plight of overpronation, and there are some great sandals out there that can help make walking much more comfortable.
Contents
- Characteristics of the Best Sandals for Overpronation
- 5 Best Sandals For Overpronation Reviews
- Women with Overpronation and flat feet
- FAQs for Best Sandals for Overpronation
- Q: What are overpronation and flat feet?
- Q: What are the best sandals for overpronation and flat feet?
- Q: Are flip-flops good for overpronation and flat feet?
- Q: What should I look for in a sandal if I have overpronation and flat feet?
- Q: Can I wear orthotic inserts in sandals for overpronation and flat feet?
- Final Verdict
Characteristics of the Best Sandals for Overpronation
When shopping for sandals for overpronation and flat feet, it’s important to consider the following characteristics:
Arch support:
Sandals with adequate arch support can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by overpronation and flat feet. Look for sandals with built-in arch support or those accommodating orthotic inserts.
Cushioning:
Cushioning is important for absorbing shock and reducing pressure on the feet. Choose sandals with ample cushioning, especially in the heel and forefoot areas.
Stability:
Stability is key for those with overpronation, as it helps prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot. Look for sandals with sturdy and supportive soles.
Flexibility:
While stability is important, you also want sandals for flexibility and natural foot movement. Flexibility is a key aspect of footwear designed for overpronation and flat feet. While stability helps to keep the foot properly aligned, it’s also important to have some level of flexibility in the sandal. This allows the foot to move and flex naturally, which helps to prevent muscle fatigue and stiffness.
When the foot is allowed to move naturally, it also helps to distribute pressure evenly across the foot. This can help to reduce the risk of developing blisters, calluses, and other types of foot pain. In addition, having some level of flexibility in the sandal also helps to promote a more efficient gait, which can help to reduce the risk of developing injuries over time.
It’s important to note that flexibility should not come at the expense of stability. A good sandal for overpronation and flat feet should balance both characteristics, ensuring that the foot is properly supported and aligned while allowing for natural movement and flexibility.
5 Best Sandals For Overpronation Reviews
Here are just a few of the best sandals for overpronators worth considering:
1. Birkenstock Women’s Arizona SFB
These are gorgeous sandals. They have a riveting design and are as comfortable as anything else on the market. The cork footbed molds to your feet and are well-designed. They do an exceptional job of providing stability and control for your feet.
Overpronation will become an afterthought once these sandals are put on.
Is there a concern that might have to be accounted for with these sandals? Yes, it might take a few weeks to “break” into these sandals, which must be kept in mind. Once the sandals are ready, they will be an exceptional fit for you and your feet.
Two sizes are available (Narrow and Medium) based on your requirements. Choose the narrow option because it tends to “stretch,” so even if you wear a medium, it might be better to go with the smaller option. Of course, the medium option is best if you wear a large.
Once you start using this option, you will understand why it is included among the best sandals for overpronation.
- Slip-on design with buckles for adjustability
- Footbed is anatomically correct
- Contoured to your foot perfectly with raised toe bar, deep heel cup, cork footbed, and good arch support
- They will mold to the shape of your foot, providing cushioning and arch support.
- EVA outsole is flexible and durable
2. Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Unisex Wave Orthotic Sandal
The Vionic by Orthaheel brand is a good choice for flat feet with or without overpronation. They have many styles of shoes and sandals accepted by APMA. These sandals have a sole that matches the foot’s shape, providing better-than-average support. They have excellent arch support, good padding to reduce the stress on your feet, and a shape that provides good motion control. The Kinetic Orthaheel flip-flop has good grips for walking long distances, while the Kiwi design has better padding to support sensitive feet.
The EVA footbed, gorgeous artificial sole, and Jersey upper liner are hard to ignore. This is an option you will fit into right away. These sandals are ideal for those who seek comfort and class when going out. You can stand for long hours without fearing for your feet. The weight is going to be distributed well across the sandal, and that is going to help with your overpronation. The sandals take a few days to settle in and adjust to your feet. However, the comfort is going to be felt right off the bat.
- Designed by Dr. Andrew
- Unisex Sandal
- Soft Jersey fabric lining padding
- EVA Supportive medium Density footbed with biomechanical overpronation control
- Deep supportive heel cup
- Tri-Plantar Motion Control Technology for control of overpronation
- First -Ray flexor Zone for proper big toe functioning
- Rubber outsole for wet surface traction
- Only available in full sizes. Men should go 1/2 to 1 size up, and women should go 1/2 to 1 size down.
Those with back, knee, and heel pain due to overpronation will feel better after walking in these sandals. These sandals help in the normal alignment of the feet and legs.
3. Spenco Women’s Yumi Sandal
The cushioning with this option is exceptional. It will feel great on the feet and resonate through your posture while standing up. You will feel great even if you are walking for hours.
There is a significant amount of “shock absorption” because of how the sandal is constructed. It will be able to handle a lot of pressure. These sandals provide motion control and a lot of support to prevent overpronation. The deep heel cup with built-in orthotic arch support offers stability and controls overpronation.
With the EVA custom sole put in place, it is easier to adjust the sandals to your feet and not have to worry about poor fitting. It does not matter how your feet are shaped; it will be able to correct overpronation to provide ultimate comfort.
Overpronation will not cause concern when these sandals are put on. It is almost immediate how good they feel.
These are the best sandals for overpronation at this point. There is no reason to go with sandals that are uncomfortable or are not as aesthetic. Why not get the complete package that will leave you feeling good about what is on your feet?
A solution for overpronation does not equate to poor-quality sandals that will disappoint. These are the sandals if you are looking for flip-flops with good arch support.
4. Spenco Women’s Yumi Canvas Flip Flop
Spenco offers a trademarked cushioning system that holds the foot in place and helps to absorb shock as a person walks. They use deep cups for the heel and their trademarked arch support to ensure proper alignment of the heel and ankle while guiding motion control and providing stability with every step. Anyone experiencing pain in the front of the foot due to overpronation can experience relief.
5. Propet Hartley Sandal
These sandals were encouraged by the APMA due to their proprietary Lynco Footbed. They contain a pod for medial side support to reduce overpronation, and a met bar pod soothes the ball of the foot. Also, the Aegis technology inside the footbed fights bacteria, odor, and fungus. There is shock absorption and cushioning in the midsole, and the outer sole of each sandal allows for durability that will last.
A great footbed is needed when looking for the best sandals for overpronators. Propet Hartley offers a deep foot cup as part of their Rejuve Motion Technology. The midsole absorbs shock to provide a more comfortable walk for anyone with overpronation, and the sandal guides the foot to avoid the position that leads to all kinds of aches and pains.
When trying on these shoes, walk around as much as possible with them on. Comfort is paramount, even though it may initially seem like the shoe fits in a “funny” way. You are not used to the proper pronation and must experience it for the first time.
Women with Overpronation and flat feet
Women with overpronation and flat feet need sandals that provide ample arch support and cushioning to help reduce pain and discomfort. Look for sandals with contoured footbeds and arch support to align your foot properly. Some great options include:
- Birkenstock Arizona – This sandal features a molded footbed and adjustable straps for a custom fit. The cork footbed molds to the shape of your feet over time, providing customized support. The suede-lined straps also add comfort and prevent rubbing.
- Vionic Tide II – The Vionic Tide II has a cushioned sole and arch support, making it a great option for those with overpronation and flat feet. The biomechanical footbed promotes natural alignment, and the padded neoprene upper adds comfort.
- Teva Tirra – This sandal offers both arch support and shock-absorbing properties. The adjustable straps allow for a customized fit, while the molded EVA midsole provides cushioning and support. The heel’s Shoc Pad also helps absorb shock and reduce foot fatigue.
Men’s Sandals for Overpronation and Flat Feet
Men with overpronation need sandals that provide stability and support to align their feet properly. Look for sandals with a contoured footbed and cushioned sole to reduce pain and discomfort. Some great options include:
- OluKai Ohana – This sandal has a supportive footbed and adjustable straps for a secure fit. The anatomical footbed supports your foot’s natural contours, while the compression-molded EVA midsole provides cushioning and stability.
- Chaco Z/Cloud – The Chaco Z/Cloud offers excellent arch support and a durable sole for long-lasting comfort. The LUVSEAT footbed promotes healthy alignment, and the adjustable straps ensure a customized fit. The ChacoGrip outsole also provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
Both options are great for men with overpronation, as they offer the necessary support and stability to align the foot and reduce pain and discomfort properly.
What Is Pronation?
Pronation is the way your foot acts when it meets the ground. In normal pronation, the foot hits the ground and pushes off it with the entire forefoot. The ankle stays in place. However, with overpronation, the ankle rolls too far forward. People who overpronate are referred to as “flat-footed.” Ultimately, the foot pushes off with the most pressure on the big and second toes. These actions can cause all the muscles and bones in the feet and legs to ache.
This can be a major problem for runners, who push down on their feet more forcefully than walkers. Many people who have never imagined they had a problem with overpronation start running and soon begin to develop all kinds of aches and pains, unaware of what is causing their pain. However, walking can also pose a significant problem for overpronators, who will likely have different kinds of heel, foot, and leg pain.
FAQs for Best Sandals for Overpronation
Q: What are overpronation and flat feet?
A: Overpronation is when the foot rolls inward excessively while walking or running. Flat feet is a condition where the arch of the foot is flattened, causing the entire sole to make contact with the ground.
Q: What are the best sandals for overpronation and flat feet?
A: Sandals with good arch support, firm soles, and a contoured footbed are best for overpronation and flat feet. Examples include Birkenstock, Vionic, and OluKai sandals.
Q: Are flip-flops good for overpronation and flat feet?
A: Flip-flops are generally not recommended for overpronation and flat feet as they do not provide adequate arch support and stability.
Q: What should I look for in a sandal if I have overpronation and flat feet?
A: Look for sandals with good arch support, firm soles, and a contoured footbed. Avoid sandals with flat, unsupportive soles and minimal footbed cushioning.
Q: Can I wear orthotic inserts in sandals for overpronation and flat feet?
A: Yes, orthotic inserts can be added to sandals to provide additional arch support and cushioning. Look for sandals with removable footbeds that can accommodate orthotics.
Final Verdict
After reading this article, hopefully, you will understand more about overpronation and how to find the best sandals for overpronators, which can help you deal with that condition. By checking out the sandals above and choosing a pair, you may find that the pain you may be experiencing in your feet and heels soon dissipates. The relief you’ll experience will be worth it.