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Birkenstock, Hoka, Keen and More Podiatrist-Recommended Shoe Brands Are Marked Down Right Now—Save Up to 61%
Samira Vishwas | August 27, 2026 6:24 PM CST

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Credit: EatingWell

If you’ve heeded podiatrists’ advice not to wear sandals, you aren’t in the wrong. Most sandals are flat and unsupportive, which can be brutal on your feet, especially when worn for extended periods of time. But as with most rules, there are exceptions. When I last interviewed Arti Karmur, DPMshe outlined features to look for in a sandal to keep your feet supported and, ideally, not aggravate any conditions.

When it comes to sandals, “opt for those with arch support, cushioned footbeds and adjustable straps for stability,” said Karmur. Heeled sandals aren’t off the list entirely, either: She recommended heeled pairs that are under two inches and have wider toe boxes.

And although summer is winding down, now is actually a great time to shop for sandals as the end-of-season deals seem to be abundant. From Birkenstocks at Gilt and RueLala to Teva and Disappointed at REI, you can save up to 61% on shopper-loved and podiatrist-recommended sandals and slides.

The Best End-of-Summer Sandal Deals

  • Great for Travel: Keen Elle Backstrap Sandals, $75 (was $95) at rei.com
  • For Outdoor Adventures: Keen Newport H2 Sandals, $90 (was $130) at rei.com
  • This Deal Won’t Last: Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides, $49 (was $60) at rei.com
  • Podiatrists Wear This! Vionic Chardonnay Strappy Sandals, $60 (was $155) at amazon.com
  • Under $100: Vionic Walk Max Wanderer Walking Sandals, $98 (was $150) at macys.com
  • Editor-Tested: Birkenstock Arizona Chunky Suede Sandal, $120 (was $144) at gilt.com

Chaco Z/Cloud Sandals

Credit: REI
Credit: REI

$105 $80 at REI

The ergonomic design and supportive footbed of these Chaco Z/Cloud sandals are two reasons why Karmur recommended them. Plus, the footbeds are accepted by the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association). Count on these sandals for any water adventure—they’re meant to get wet and dry quickly.

Vionic Walk Max Wanderer Walking Sandals

Credit: Macys

$150 $74 at Macy’s

Vionic shoes are often recommended by the podiatrists I’ve interviewed. That’s because the brand builds podiatrist-designed arch support into the footbed, including in their sandals. This sandal also has two adjustable straps and a deep heel cup—both of which contribute stability.

Birkenstock Arizona Chunky Suede Sandal

Credit: Gilt

$144 $120 at Gilt.com

This sandal made our list of recommendations for best walking sandals. The arch support is fantastic, the flatform style makes them quite stable and the adjustable straps were accommodating to different foot sizes. The deep grooves in the sole will pick up an errant twig or rock, but otherwise we found it to be an excellent walking sandal after testing it.

Vionic Chardonnay Strappy Sandals

Credit: Amazon

$155 $60 at Amazon

Vionic builds podiatrist-designed arch support into the footbed, including in their dressier strappy styles like this heeled sandal. Although the heel height is slightly above what Karmur recommended, it’s still on the lower end and the block style offers more stability.

Teva Hydratrek Sandals

Credit: REI

$85 $65 at REI

Apparently, Teva designers were inspired by a tree frog’s grip and designed the outsoles of these sandals to have frog-like water-ready traction. The straps are adjustable at multiple points so you can achieve a truly secure, personalized fit.

Keen Elle Backstrap Sandals

Credit: REI
Credit: REI

$95 $71 at REI

This sandal is a great choice for a vacation walking sandal: It has enough style to pair it with shorts or a casual dress, yet also offers all-day support. The contoured fit holds your foot snugly, the springy midsole absorbs shock and the materials have anti-odor properties baked into them.

Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slide

Credit: REI
Credit: REI

$60 $49 at REI

Designed for fitness recovery and casual wear, this version of the Hoka Ora slide has added airflow channels for extra breathability. Shoppers say the oversized midsoles and soft top layers help with a variety of foot issues—from high arches to Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis—and that these Hoka sandals are supportive and restorative.

Naturalizer Vera Ankle Strap Dress Sandals

Credit: Macys
Credit: Macys

$135 $120 at Macy’s

The Naturalizer Vera Heel has a stylish appearance, but doesn’t sacrifice comfort. And per Karmur’s advice, the heel is low. What we like most about this style is that it comes in narrow, medium and wide widths so you can find that just-right fit.

Birkenstock Gizeh Sandal

Credit: Rue LaLa
Credit: Rue LaLa

$113 $90 at Ruelala.com

Birkenstock is another brand that podiatrists I interview often recommend. If the chunky-soled Arizona style isn’t for you, try the Gizeh. It has the classic curved footbed and cork sole, but in a thong-style that gives more of a minimal look.

Merrell Terran 4-Post Wrap Sandals

Credit: REI
Credit: REI

$100 $75 at REI

This lightweight, supportive sandal is so comfortable that your feet will be happy all day. The footbed offers excellent arch support and shock absorption, and one shopper shared that these were great for their plantar fasciitis. The soft microfiber material is also easy to spot clean so your sandals can stay looking new longer.

Keen Newport H2 Sandals

Credit: REI
Credit: REI

$130 $90 at REI

With a protected toe, grippy footbed and quick-drying straps, this Keen sandal is built for most outdoor adventures. Reviewers say it runs a little small, but it’s still incredibly loved, with more than 275 five-star ratings.

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