Are Sandals Good for Your Feet? Let’s Clear the Air

Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and of course—sandals. They’re easy, stylish, and perfect for the season. But at Domier Chiropractic, one of the most common questions we hear this time of year is:
“Are sandals actually good for your feet?”

The short answer: not always.
But with the right support (and the right guidance), you can enjoy sandals without sacrificing your foot health.


The Downsides of Most Sandals

While sandals offer breathability and ease, many of them come with hidden drawbacks:

  • Minimal Arch Support: Most sandals, especially flip-flops, are completely flat, which can strain your arches and lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis.

  • Poor Shock Absorption: Thin soles don’t cushion your feet properly—this affects your ankles, knees, hips, and even your lower back.

  • Lack of Stability: Without a secure heel strap, your toes grip with every step just to keep the sandal on. This repetitive strain can alter your gait and posture.


What Makes a Sandal “Good”?

If you love sandals (we do too), here’s what to look for:

  • Built-in arch support

  • Cushioned soles with shock absorption

  • Heel strap or enclosed design to keep the sandal secure

  • A firm sole (if it bends easily, it's probably not providing enough support)


How Domier Chiropractic Can Help

At Domier Chiropractic, we go beyond just treating pain—we get to the root cause. And oftentimes, foot alignment plays a big role in back, hip, and knee discomfort.

That’s why we offer custom orthotics, tailored specifically to your feet. Whether you're dealing with chronic foot pain or just want to feel more supported in your day-to-day shoes (yes—even sandals!), we can help.

Our orthotic process includes:

  • A full assessment of your foot structure, gait, and posture

  • Scanning or casting to create a mold of your feet

  • Custom-fit orthotics designed to restore balance and support

  • Guidance on how to use orthotics with everyday shoes—and which sandals work best with them

We can even recommend supportive sandal options that are compatible with orthotics, so you can enjoy summer without compromising your comfort.


Bonus Tip: Massage + Foot Health

Tension from the feet can travel up the kinetic chain. That’s why we also offer massage therapy through Relax, Unwind & Release—a great complement to chiropractic care and orthotics, especially if you’re feeling the effects of poor footwear.


If your feet hurt, your body hurts.
Let’s get to the bottom of it—schedule a consultation at Domier Chiropractic or call us today. Whether you need custom orthotics, better footwear guidance, or a chiropractic adjustment, we’re here to support you from the ground up.

Brittany Domier

Brittany Domier

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