What Summer Sandals To Recommend To Patients

With summer just around the corner, patients are already starting to ask, “What sandals do you recommend”? The following are my recommendations for brands that I have had success with for my patients. In general, sandals having multiple, adjustable straps provide the best fit.

This month, I will give non-orthotic sandal recommendations. Next month, I will recommend orthotic friendly designs.

Chaco (https://www.chacos.com/US/en ). Chacos are some of my favorites. Their signature styles use fully adjustable/sliding straps to accommodate varying foot volumes.

FitFlop (https://www.fitflop.com/ ). The medial strap placement of most FitFlop thong styles is perfectly placed to support a pronated foot. This brand runs wide, so if your patients have a low volume foot (narrow) then you will want to recommend another shoe.

Orthaheel (https://www.orthaheelusa.com/ ). Orthaheel’s multi-strap, adjustable styles are also some of my favorites. Orthaheel sandals provide significant arch support and come in a variety of fashionable styles.

Birkenstock (https://www.birkenstockusa.com/ ). With many new styles and hip new colors to choose from, Birkenstock remains a contender in the supportive sandal category. Also, most popular styles are available in medium and narrow widths.

Patients can also order all of the above brands through www.zappos.com . If you have brands of sandals that you frequently recommend to patients, let me know. Any comments or pearls you would like to share with Podiatry Today readers regarding summer sandals would be welcome.