Step 1: Understand your arch type.
Try the “wet test”: Wet your foot and step onto paper. A thin strip between heel and ball suggests high arches; about half your foot showing is neutral; most of your sole visible points to low arches or flat feet. The height of your arch influences how your foot moves— or ‘pronates’—as you walk, explains Katrina Manos, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist at Westside Podiatry Group in Rochester, New York.
Step 2: Choose support based on your foot shape.
“Walking sandals should support your foot’s natural movement and provide enough cushioning to absorb shock,” says Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist. Flat feet often benefit from firmer structure to hold the foot in place, while neutral or higher arches may prefer a bit more flexibility.
Step 3: Check the essentials.
Look for adjustable straps for a secure fit, cushioned footbeds for shock absorption, and good traction for stability. Breathable materials keep feet comfortable in warm weather, and toe protection can help on rougher terrain.
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