Flip-flops are back in full Y2K force, and I am here for it. Sliding into these simple sandals instantly feels like peak summer. Plus, flip-flops go with everything: shorts, sundresses, bikinis — they're just easy.
The problem: Most flip-flops feel horrible to wear after 10 minutes. Their soles are often paper-thin, the thong straps barely hold your feet down, and there's no arch support to speak of. And while that was fine when I was in college, at 36 years old, my lower back has outlawed unsupportive shoes from my life.
I'd mostly sworn off flip flops— until I found the FitFlop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals. These wedge thong sandals have the look of a beachy flip-flop, but are built like a recovery shoe. I've worn mine all summer, and I can honestly say they're the only flip-flops I've found (in the history of time?) that don't make my feet or lower back ache.
They simplify my packing list
I've been traveling a lot this summer — Spain, New York, Copenhagen, Virginia — and packing for hot destinations where I'll be walking all day gives me anxiety. I want to feel cute and comfortable, and not achy or blistered.
I packed the FitFlop flip-flops more for aesthetic reasons than practicality — they look good with everything from breezy linen fits to bikinis. I figured I'd wear trusty walking sneakers for big travel days, but that these flip-flops would be nice to have for quick pop-down-the-street outings.
Instead, they ended up being my most-worn walking sandals on all my summer trips (including earlier today when I went to my local grocery store).
I wore them on long walks during my summer abroad
In Spain, I wore these flip-flops on a walking tour of Cádiz in the June heat and humidity. Throughout my time there, I was shocked that the anticipated ache in my arches or calves never came.
If anything, my feet felt more cushioned than if I'd worn flat sandals, and were less swollen than if they'd been trapped in sneakers all day. Around hour eight, I started to get a small blister between my first two toes where the plastic and humidity weren't mixing well. But by this time, I was more impressed than annoyed by these flip-flops.
A few weeks later, I brought the RELIEFF flip-flops to New York, where walking is mandatory and comfortable shoes are non-negotiable — though in the July humidity, comfort has to be balanced with breathability. I wore the flip-flops every day for four days straight — standing in lines, walking across miles of concrete in the city, and at Rockaway Beach. This time, I was smarter and preemptively put Band-Aids on the spots I knew could get rubbed raw, resulting in zero blisters. I didn't even touch my preferred walking sneakers.
The technology behind the comfort
The comfort of these lightweight flip-flops all comes down to their construction. FitFlop is a recovery footwear brand, and the RELIEFF flip-flops feature their proprietary triple-density EVA sole (which the brand calls a "Microwobbleboard"). This targets the heel, arch, and forefoot with different levels of firmness. It provides shock absorption and pressure relief exactly where you need it, and is layered on top with an ultra-soft recovery foam that molds to your foot.
They fit my average-to-slightly-wide feet thanks to a roomy toe box that allows your toes to splay naturally. This feels like a huge upgrade from the narrow straps and rigid footbeds of most flip-flops I've tried. These straps are just slightly textured, so my toes don't have to actively grip down.
They also feature a subtle wedge heel — around 1.5 inches — which can help take pressure off the tendons of your feet. A wedge heel is a feature many podiatrists recommend for people with plantar fasciitis, heel pain, or arch pain. Folks over on the r/plantarfasciitis subreddit agree FitFlops are better built for PF patients than those suede cork sandals (you know the ones I mean).
It's also worth noting that at no point did the wedge cause me to turn my ankle or for my feet to slide out the side — these shoes felt super secure underfoot.
They're stylish enough to wear anywhere
What surprised me most about the RELIEFF flip-flops is how often I reach for them — even when I'm not prioritizing comfort. The design is sleek and understated enough that they don't scream "orthopedic" the way most podiatrist-approved shoes do.
The slight wedge gives them a more put-together silhouette than a standard rubber flip-flop, and the minimal strap keeps them looking modern and understated. It's a subtle platform, but it adds just enough shape to make the sandals feel more like a styled choice than a casual default.
I've worn mine to the beach, through airport security lines, to restaurants, and on city sightseeing tours — and they've passed every test (although the humidity is their enemy).
Cons to consider
If you live somewhere with high humidity, the strap may cause friction. It helped when I put on preventative Band-Aids or wrapped the base of the strap in moleskin, but beware of this if you plan to wearing these for long walks in humid climates.
They may be too wide for people with narrow feet. However, since my feet are slightly on the wider side, I found the fit to be perfect.
The bottom line
The FitFlop RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals ($60) are hands down the most comfortable flip-flops I've ever worn. They have all the ergonomic features of a recovery shoe — shock absorption, arch support, and a foot-conforming cushion. After months of testing them across different climates and terrains, I'd confidently recommend them to anyone who wants the freedom of a flip-flop without sacrificing foot health.
Shop all FitFlop flip-flops here.
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