It’s hard to find breezy, beachy sandals that still offer arch support. Yet, here at HuffPost, we love to find unicorn products for you at a good deal, much like these supportive, yoga mat flip-flops from the brand KuaiLu, in men’s and women’s styles. We recently covered the brand’s slide sandals, which reviewers say they love for easing symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If you’re looking for the “thong” style or want something a little lighter, but still supportive, KuaiLu’s flip-flops are it.
While shoes usually hover around $19.99, nearly every color in both styles is currently on sale. Tip: you’ll get the best deal (30% off), on men’s brown and blue and women’s khaki. These kicks may have the price tag of a typical budget flip-flop, but reviewers say they’re anything but, calling them “the most comfortable pair I’ve ever worn” and describing the wear experience as being “like you’re walking on pillows!”
Available in over a dozen colors, these flexible, lightweight sandals come in women’s sizes 5-11 and men’s sizes 7-16. They’re specially designed to give you support through the arch and heel, designed to relieve foot pain as you walk and stand.
One reviewer, who’s purchased eight pairs of the sandals over three years, calls the shoes their “go-to.” “[They] never make my feet stink. Comfortable and durable. I take them every year when I go to Hawaii and walk around a ton in the two weeks and they never fail me in any way,” they wrote.
Deemed “yoga mat flip flops,” these sandals boast a memory foam insole for extreme cushion, without adding bulk. They have a non-slip rubber sole for traction and grip and feature fabric on the inside of the faux leather straps for extra comfort on your skin.
Another reviewer, Subrina Sullivan, said these good-looking shoes “hug” your feet in the right places, without feeling constricting. “These sandals are a game-changer for anyone looking for comfort and style,” they wrote. “The arch support is phenomenal—it provides just the right amount of cushioning, making them perfect for both casual wear and post-workout relaxation.”
Still flip-flopping on if you need these KuaiLu yoga mat sandals? Check out more 5-star reviews below for more info.
I just reviewed another pair of Kauilu flip flops. This brand is awesome. This particular pair is a great neutral style. I have been wearing them for a little while already and they look brand new! These flip flops are durable, the perfect thickness to still offer support without feeling like I am wearing anything, and as far as water resistance – I wouldn’t wear them INTO the water but I have been caught in a heavy story and that brings me full circle to: these still look brand new… Mentioning it for those who might. These are a 5/5 for me: I highly recommend the brand and this style in particular.” — HonestButFair [This review has been edited for lenght. See the full review here.]
“Living in a southern state, and being outdoors all the time, I was looking for a sandal with arch support. I have had feet problems all my life. Looking for a pair of sandals with good support. These KUAILU meet my criteria. very comfortable to wear and no foot pain when I walk anymore. RELIEF YEAH!!!!” — Glenn W. Miller
“Purchased these to be used solely for the beach. They dry out quickly when wet and provide decent support when walking. Well cushioned and provide good traction when wet.” — tc 88 Rider
“These are amazing perfect size quality is good there comfortable wore them to a festival had them on all day. [A]rch support is great after walking all day no foot pain if you’re looking for a good flip flop these are amazing” — Dar
“I have plates fasciitis and heal spears and have not been able to wear flip flops for quite some time. I’ve been walking in them all day and they were wonderful. Plus they are super cute Thank you so much for getting me out of sneakers.” — Laurie S
If you’re still on the fence about the best sandals for your feet this summer, here are more solid options shopping reporter Tessa Flores rounded up from outdoor tour guides — folks who really spend a lot of time on their feet. Check ’em out and grab your faves!
Chaco
An adjustable strap sandal with arch support
According to her, there are three distinct sandal brands that outdoor professionals ascribe to, depending on people’s specific needs and preferences. One of which is Chaco, a footwear brand created by an outdoor rafting guide in Colorado. Colletto said that if you’re looking for a sturdy hard-soled sandal with a lot of arch support, Chaco’s offerings might be the comfortable sandal for you.
She suggests the brand’s Z line because they’re durable and supportive, even though they’re not the most lightweight option in our lineup. These adjustable strap sandals boast a podiatrist-approved footbed and a lug-sole outer that offers no-slip traction. Grab them several colors and patterns, two widths and sizes for men (7-15) and women (5-12).
Zappos
A pair of women’s closed-toe all-terrain sandals
One of her favorite pairs of outdoor sandals are these ones from Keen, which have a multi-directional lug pattern on the sole for all-terrain traction and a closed-toe design, something that Berbigier said is important to consider. The shoes feature a “Metatomical” molded footbed, a brand-exclusive insole that is anatomically designed to provide better support. Although these are only available in women’s sizes 5-11 (and up to eight colors), you can find a similar style for men at Amazon.
Teva
A water-ready traction sandal
Based on her recommendations we chose Teva’s Hydratek sandal, which is made using a quick-drying webbing material, padded straps and a heavily textured top sole to avoid feet from slipping in sliding in the shoe. The outer-sole is equally resistant to water thanks to a unique rubber construction designed to provide grip on wet surfaces. The Hydrateks are available in eight colors in total, and sizes for both men (8-14) and women (5-11).
Bedrock Sandals
A minimilast footbed T-strap sandal
“If weight is your main concern, true hikers going ultralight swear by Bedrock brand sandals,” Colletto said of these feather-light T-strap sandals, which feature a minimalist foam footbed and Vibram outer-soles that claim to offer reliable traction across a variety of terrain and outdoor conditions.
Amazon
A pair of women’s leather everyday sandals
Outfitted with grippy outsoles and full-grain leather uppers, these dependable sandals feature a supportive EVA foam insole that’s been naturally treated to control odor. They are available in up to four colors (the brown color is only available on Amazon) and women’s sizes 5-11.
Crocs
A classic Croc clog
While they’re not technically a sandal, these came highly recommended by Colletto. “Comfortable lightweight slip-ons like Crocs, are included on the recommended equipment lists for most of our trips,” Colletto said. Although Crocs are polarizing shoes, these waterproof clogs have a longstanding reputation for comfort and versatility. They are incredibly lightweight, flexible and fast-drying and have a ribbed, contoured footbed for moderate support. You can find these in unisex sizing and a near endless selection of colors.
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)
