One size does not fit all when it comes to sandal foot support. Most problems with our feet are caused by ill-fitting footwear, so it is important to determine what kind of feet you have, and then purchase the appropriate footwear for your foot. So much is riding on those feet that you don't want to risk them!

When you are talking about foot support in sandals, one needs to refer to proper support for the average population and proper support for those with what is commonly referred to as "flat feet".

Birkenstock conducted a study* of subjects with both flat-footed subjects and regular subjects, and its scientists came to the following conclusions;

Flat Feet Need Higher Arch Supports

For the flat foot, or pes planus, a moderately high arch support will result in faster walking speeds and a more powerful foot overall. It is highly recommended that those with flat feet purchase a sandal with arch support.

Average Feet Need Room

The Birkenstock study was inconclusive about what would be best for the normal foot - most of the subjects in the study (twenty out of twenty-seven to be exact) had flat feet. What does the normal foot need to make a properly fitting sandal?

First of all, the sandal should have some extra room. Nothing should be too tight, and your feet should not be touching the edge of the sandal. Make sure that there is 1/8 to 1/4 inch of space all the way around your foot.

Secondly, one should avoid flip flops if proper foot support is paramount. Flip flops produce aches and pains in the feet if worn for prolonged periods of time that are signals that bad things are happening to your feet.

Which Straps Tie You Up?

If the sandal is being worn in a dressier kind of situation, leather and suede straps will do. If you intend on replacing your sneakers with sandals, you will need a cloth or synthetic strap that allows your foot room to move.

Cup That Heel

The best sandals for fit have a heel cup, a cup underneath the heel that cushions the heel. This cup absorbs the extra stresses put on the heel, especially by us heavy walkers!

Leave Room on Top

Just as you've left room for your foot around the edge of the sandal, you need to make sure that you leave an extra inch or so of strap on top of your foot to account for activity and consequent swelling. A little slack keeps your feet healthy!

Heavier? Get Arch Support

If you are overweight you are more subject to plantar fasciitis, or pain in the heel caused by overstressed feet. This will tend to spike you in the feet first thing in the morning.

Take some of the load off with a moderately high arch support, similar to that prescribed for flat feet. Your heels will thank you when they don't hurt anymore! Plantar fasciitis can actually feel like you've stretched a muscle or tendon, because that is essentially what is going on. If you've just started an exercise regimen, stretch your feet more; this is probably the cause rather than your footwear. You just need to keep on moving and the pain will go away.

* DOES SANDAL ARCH HEIGHT EFFECT FOOT AND ANKLE BIOMECHANICS?

Howard J. Hillstrom, Jinsup Song, Esther Kim, and Benjamin Heilman

Gait Study Center, Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine