These Aerothotic Sandals Are a ‘Life-saver’ for Foot Pain

Flip-flops are probably not what you’d think your podiatrist would recommend for issues like plantar fasciitis or bone spurs. But, the Aerothotic sandals are no ordinary flip-flops—and they have more than 30,000 five-star ratings at Amazon to prove it. From hiking and biking to navigating swaying cruise ships and 500-acre theme parks, shoppers have put these comfy, supportive sandals to the test. 

The $39 flip-flops have earned rave reviews from professionals constantly on their feet, such as nurses and teachers who opt for them as a recovery shoe for their off days. And, travelers attest to their support and durability even on slick, rocky trails. We pored over feedback from reviewers to find out what makes these the seemingly most comfortable flip-flops—and what’s earned them the nod of approval from podiatrists, too.

Aerothotic Recovery Flip-flops

These Aerothotic shoes are some of the few flip-flops to earn the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means that they promote good foot health. Some key features include: high arches, supportive heel cups for improved balance, gel insoles that contour to each unique foot shape, and cushiony posts that don’t create blisters between the toes. 

One reviewer wrote that they paid $200 for tennis shoes and inserts to alleviate their plantar fasciitis and spurs, but their feet still hurt until they switched to these flip-flops. Now, they walk an average of six miles a day, and their feet “never hurt at all.” Another is a nurse who walks six to eight miles per shift and has hardly any pain when they slip into these after work. A teacher with “excruciating pain” from plantar fasciitis says that “within two seconds” of putting these on, their “foot no longer hurts.”

Aerothotic Recovery Flip-flops

Others recommend them specifically for travel. The comments are brimming with intrepid flip-flop wearers who have worn these shoes on cruise ships, uneven European sidewalks, slippery hiking trails in Hawaii, and more. “Due to lost luggage, they were the only shoes I had for four days in Madagascar,” one review reads. “I hiked in them … actually rock scrambled … [and] they were better than my hiking boots as they were flexible, gave great support, stayed on, and the inch-high sole protected my feet.”

Your podiatrist might not recommend swapping your proper hiking boots for flip-flops on such a venture, but they would probably endorse squeezing these recovery slip-ons into your suitcase for casual activities like morning coffee runs, beach walks, and hanging out at the hotel. Considering the thousands of glowing reviews calling the shoes a “life-saver” and a “saving grace,” we’d say they seem worth the $39. 

If the words “recovery flip-flops” appeal to you, then good news: we found more comfortable styles on sale at Amazon, below.

More Recovery Flip-flops at Amazon:

Vionic Unisex Tide RX Flip-flops

Crocs Kadee II Flip-flops

LightFeet Arch Support Flip-flops

Nuusol Unisex Cascade Flip-flops

KuaiLu Thong Sandals

At the time of publishing, the price started at $39.

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