Based on overwhelming reader response, plus what we as editors experience in our everyday lives, we know foot pain is a very real and widespread problem that we’re always researching solutions for. Podiatrists we’ve spoken to in the past have often underscored the importance of supportive footwear when it comes to reducing and preventing foot pain, and this affordable sandal for women is the latest in our findings.
Backed by some of the most convincing reviews yet, the KuailLu orthotic sandals from Amazon are designed specifically for relieving a wide variety of foot pain, especially pain associated with common conditions like plantar fasciitis. The brand claims to combine a specialized orthopedic arch support with a deeper heel cup to help keep feet in better alignment — a type of construction that may help improve gait and diminish pain in more parts of the body than just the feet, but also the back, according to the shoe’s maker.
There are also other design aspects of the sandal that reviewers say they find helpful, like the faux leather strap, which can be adjusted to accommodate wider foot width, bunions or hammer toes.
“I have bunions (unfortunately) and have had trouble finding comfortable sandals to wear,” one Amazon reviewer wrote. “Imagine my astonishment when I tried these on! Sooo comfortable, has support for my feet and hides my bunions painlessly! I can’t say enough good things about these sandals. Well worth the money!”
The rest of the sole is made from a cushioned memory foam that closely mimics the feel of a squishy yoga mat, while the outsole is treaded rubber and non-slip. Another Amazon customer said in a review that the slightly textured insole feels like a foot massage, and also prevents their foot from slipping out to one side like other slide-on sandals they’ve tried.
The KuailLu sandals come in 17 colors and women’s sizes 5-12, with some half sizes included, so you can be assured of a perfect fit. And because they’re so affordable, you can grab multiples, just as so many others have claimed to do.
Find out what else shoppers had to say about these summer-perfect $26 sandals below before snagging a pair for yourself.
Promising Amazon reviews:
“Where have you been all my life????? Seriously, where have these sandals been all my life? I have horrible plantar fasciitis – like screaming in pain after a day on my feet. I received these two days ago and while I CAN take them off, I WON’T. These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve had on my feet in quite some time. I can only wear Cr*cs or Sk*chers Arch Fit. That’s how bad the pain is. While they were good for a while I find the V*ionic footbed is too stiff for me. These sandals are A DREAM! If these folks make shoes, point me to them. I’m all in!” — Amazon customer
“Pleasantly surprised! These are perfect for me for wearing around the house and outside in my backyard and garden. I can’t wear slip-on sandals without a back strap when out doing errands or walking a lot because my foot slides out too much. But these are a perfect balance of comfortable and supportive for home use. Good arch support yet still soft and comfortable for my average size 9 foot. These will replace the Crocs sandals I’ve worn for years, that were comfortable but a little too loose-fitting or floppy on the foot.” — Mom’s Reading Again
“I was really worried that they would not be the quality that I was looking for because of the price. At 71 years old with spinal issues, which leads to knee and joint pain I need a shoe that proves to be supportive and look decent and orthopedic. These have proved to be just what I was looking for. The first day I wore them, I was able to wear them for the entire six hours that I was out without them hurting one bit. They’re very comfortable and massaging to your feet because of the tread inside the shoe, and your foot does not slip to one side at the heel as I have found with other shoes. Because of the tread on the bottom, I have not slipped, which is important because of my age. I would highly recommend these shoes. In fact, I am going to buy the black ones like this also. Happy I found these sandals!” — Catherine O’Neill
“I have a bunion, arthritis in my knees and two neuromas in one foot. I wore this in the city standing and walking for 4 hrs. So much better than any other shoes. I never wear sandles because they make my feet hurt so bad. These are amazing. Measure your foot, sizing is perfect.” — Mrs. Norman
“These are the most comfortable, supportive slippers/slip-ons/sandals I have ever worn. My feet literally feel good ( like aaaah) when I slip into them.
I’ve bought a second pair for backup in case they’re not available later.” — Marty in New Mexico“After walking in my first pair for awhile, I ordered a second pair. After spending tons to try to find something that was comfortable for a painful spur in my heel, I found these affordable miracles. So grateful.” — Ms. Bunger
“I love the arch support and how soft and comfortable these sandals are. As soon as I put them on, my feet are pain free. I have hammer toes, nail fungus on my big toes, and constant pain and tingling in my toes with flat shoes or no shoes. I needed open toe shoes for the nail fungus but also a cushioned shoe with arch support. This accommodates it all. It does run about 1/2 size small though which I gleaned from other reviews. I bought 1/2 size larger and it fits perfectly. I already bought another pair for just indoor use.” — MitChristi
Read the full article here