Today we’re discussing how to buy, and ultimately fit, insoles for sandals – flip flops.
If you’ve already got insoles covered in your regular shoes, why should you have to give up that comfort and support when switching to your cool summer footwear?
Of course, there are a few challenges with fitting insoles in sandals and flip flops that you wouldn’t have to consider when buying them for your regular shoes and boots. We’ll cover those challenges a little later on.
We have a buyer’s guide to purchasing insoles for sandals – flip flops—and have reviewed the best.
If you’re in a rush, here’s a quick look at our top picks:
How To Pick the Best Insoles for Sandals – Flip Flops
We use insoles in sandals – flip flops for the same reason we use them in shoes; for extra comfort and to target areas of discomfort. They can also improve alignment and reduce fatigue from standing for long periods.
The predicament with sandals and flip flops is that the insole is harder to hide. You spend too much money on footwear to have the look ruined by therapeutic looking insoles.
The benefits of insoles for sandals – flip flops are the same for using insoles in your shoes. We can divide them into two types—short and long term. Short term benefits include comfort, support, protection, and sweat reduction.
Long-term benefits include relieving and preventing joint and muscle pain and helping to correct supination. For more information about buying insoles for supination, check out our Best Insoles For Supination article.
Factors You Need To Consider When Choosing Insoles for Sandals – Flip Flops
Purpose
The reasons for wearing insoles cover quite a variety. Some of the most common are non-medical reasons like comfort and sweat absorption. These are for people who want to feel like they’re walking on air and are also concerned about having sweaty and sometimes smelly feet.
While considered by some to be a thing of beauty, high arches can also be a pain in the neck, or, more specifically, the foot. They’re a common non-medical reason for using insoles. You can find out more about this issue in our guide to The Best Insoles For High Arches.
There are, of course, more serious reasons for wearing insoles. These include reducing pressure on the joints, reducing foot and lower back pain, and dealing with alignment issues.
Materials
The material your insoles are made of is important, and which is best for you depends on what you’re buying your insole for. If you’re looking for arch support, you should be looking at insoles made of silicone or firm foam. These types of insoles will do less for comfort but more for arch support.
If you’re looking for added comfort and sweat-reducing insoles, you might want to take a look at breathable materials such as microfiber suede. This material will feel comfortable against your bare feet and also absorb some of that unavoidable summer sweat.
Gel insoles provide an excellent combination of extra comfort and arch support. The inclusion of gel in the support brings out another layer of comfort; these are great if you’re standing in your sandals or flip flops for long periods. For more on this issue, check out our list of Best Shoe Inserts For Standing All Day.
Adhesives
There are a few ways that insoles can be secured into your sandals or flip flops. You’ll find self-adhesive models pretty easy to use. Look for the ones that allow multiple applications; all it takes to reapply the insole is to dampen the adhesive strip. If you want to use self-adhesives, you have to start with clean sandals – flip flops.
Another way to keep the insoles in your sandals is velcro. You can go ahead and buy yourself some self-adhesive velcro; this will keep the insoles in place. Another option is velcro tabs, which are made especially for the job.
Color
Since you’re planning to wear these insoles with your sandals – flip flops, the color is going to play a big role in your choice. You’ll find that some insoles come in a variety of colors, which gives you a chance at matching the insole to your sandal.
Of course, you’ll only be able to match a standard color sandal. But what if you have footwear in an unusual color? In that case, you can try an opaque white insole that, in a magically chameleon-like way, actually takes on the hue of your sandal’s sole.
Reviews of the Best Insoles for Sandals – Flip Flops
Our Overview
These are suede-bottomed insoles that are super easy to use. You just need to peel and stick them right into your sandals – flip flops. The plush microfiber suede insole is great for any open shoe style.
While the material is called suede, it’s actually made of microfiber. The result is a feeling of suede, without the cost.
The Summer Soles Softness of Suede Insoles are designed to deal with your summer sweat problem. No one wants smelly feet, and the key to getting rid of that is absorbing the sweat your feet produce.
These are some of the thinnest insoles on the market. At only 1/8 inches thick, the comfortable suede insole will fit easily in any shoe or sandal.
One standout about these insoles is the number of colors they’re available in. In addition to colors, they also come in cool patterns that can add a little pizazz to your drab old sandals.
Pros:
- Microfiber suede, very comfortable.
- Peel and stick technology allows for easy fitting.
- Will help with sweaty feet.
- Very thin.
Cons:
- Some people won’t like having to trim them.
- Won’t work with spongy flip flops.
- Very thin and will provide less comfort than thicker insoles.
Our Overview
These are a soft gel variety of insoles, so they offer significant comfort and some arch support. The most important feature is the way they distribute pressure away from your heel and ball of the foot.
The design is very sleek and slim, and they’re a three-quarter foot length. This means your toes won’t feel crowded.
They wouldn’t be on this list if they weren’t suitable for sandals, but they’re also good for boots, low-heeled flats, and other shoes.
Pros:
- Filled with gel and offer all-day comfort.
- Arch support moves pressure away from your heel and the ball of your foot.
- Three-quarter-length foot system won’t make your sandals feel tight.
- No need for trimming.
Cons:
- Not absorbent. Doesn’t really deal with sweat problems.
- Arch support is limited because they’re so slim.
- They may not stay firmly in place.
Our Overview
Travel Feet Walker Sandlamates insoles work at solving heel, ankle, knee, hip, and back pain. They also claim to work on plantar fasciitis and flat feet.
These are great for sandals that are of an unusual color because they’re opaque white. This allows the insoles to take on the color of your sandals.
Travel Feet Walker Sandalmate Insoles are one of the thinnest and lightest weights available. This means your feet won’t feel crammed into your sandals, and also, you won’t feel the extra weight of the insole.
Pros:
- They take on the color of your sandals.
- Very thin and lightweight.
- They won’t move in your shoe.
- Fit perfectly into sandals.
Cons:
- Not breathable.
- They do nothing for sweaty feet.
- Hard and rigid.
Our Overview
These insoles are made from premium pillow-soft memory foam and add an extra layer of spandex material. This new Memory Foam Absorption is said to bring relief to people who are on their feet for long periods.
The great thing about these is that they come in twelve colors, including hard to find pink.
These insoles are trimmable, so expect to be pulling out your scissors to make them fit perfectly.
Pros:
- Memory foam absorption technology gives extra comfort.
- Great relief if you’re on your feet all day.
- Have a very cushiony feel.
- Help break in new shoes.
Cons:
- Like a pillow, they tend to flatten over time.
- Tend to be a bit bigger than the stated size.
- A little hard to trim.
Our Overview
The arch pad, which is thick and made of gel, is designed to relieve the pressure of high arches and flat feet. So this is great for people with actual foot problems,
As far as matching the color goes, these insoles come in five colors. Not a huge number but, with any luck, one of them will match your sandals.
The adhesive that comes with the insoles is quite strong and will hold your insoles in place. The adhesive strip can be used multiple times. Their increased durability means they’re reusable.
Pros:
- Five colors available.
- Use gel technology.
- Comes with a strong adhesive strip.
Cons:
- Not as thick as other insoles.
- They won’t look good if you can’t find a match in any of the five colors.
Our Overview
Amope GelActiv Open Shoes Insoles have an ultra-slim design and are very discreet insoles for sandals – flip flops. They’re slim but still provide a cushion to the ball of your foot.
The raised area of the insole makes direct contact with the arch of your foot. This will provide you with the support you need.
They only come in a clear color, but that makes them almost invisible. You won’t have to worry about color matching your sandals or flip flops to your insoles.
These insoles are completely reusable; because of their gel adhesion, you can simply remove them from your sandals or flip flops to your shoes. They will not leave any residue on your shoe.
Pros:
- Available in clear.
- Use gel adhesion.
- Super slim.
Cons:
- Provide less cushion because they’re thin.
- Aren’t a good fit for larger shoe sizes.
- Lose their support over time.
Our Overview
Love Your Feet Now Liquid Orthotic Insoles are a great combination of cushiony comfort and decent arch support. They use a liquid gel that provides more comfort than other insoles.
As you walk, the gel shifts from the back to the front of your foot, which creates a massage-like feeling. It also increases your feet’s circulation. The gel is vegetable-based, food-grade glycerin.
They work equally well for standing, walking, and even light sports.
Pros:
- Don’t make your shoes feel tight.
- Help with plantar fasciitis.
- Feels like you’re walking on water.
Cons:
- The liquid feeling can become annoying.
- Can cause a lack of balance for some people.
Our Overview
The soft memory gel adds support and alignment to reduce foot pain. They’re designed to bring relief for a variety of conditions, including plantar fasciitis and heel pain.
They’re self-adhesive and compatible with all types of shoes, including sandals and flip flops.
When dirty, you can wash them with soap and water. You can easily move them from shoe to shoe.
They work really well to reduce foot odors because the pads are made of a non-porous, medical-grade gel.
Pros:
- Helps eliminate foot odors.
- Completely washable.
- Self-adhesive.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work for flat feet.
- Can be difficult to place correctly.
- The adhesive may damage the insides of some shoes.
Our Overview
Comfysole Adhesive Insoles are made from memory foam that conforms to your feet while providing comfort. They’re thick enough to provide support while still being slightly firm.
Strong adhesive backing keeps them in place, so you don’t have to worry about sliding around in your shoe.
These insoles have fibers on the surface that provide sweat absorption. So good-bye smelly feet.
They work in a variety of shoes, sandals and flip flops. You just need to do a little trimming to get them to fit.
Pros:
- Works on foot odor.
- A good balance between thick and thin.
- Strong adhesive.
Cons:
- Tend to be less secure over time.
- Not a lot of support for arches.
- Adhesive may leave a sticky residue.
FAQs
Do Insoles Really Work?
Insoles will work as long as you keep your specific issue in mind when purchasing them. You also need to take care when fitting them into your shoes, sandals or flip flops.
What Are Insoles Made Of?
Foam and gel are two of the most popular because it’s easy to add cushiony comfort with these. Foam is particularly useful as it can also be designed to be quite rigid. Microfiber suede is designed to bring comfort to your feet.
Can I Wear Insoles for Non-Medical Reasons?
Yes. Besides medical reasons, you can wear insoles for added comfort, stability, support, and even gain a little height.
Which Kind of Insole Can Help Me With the Pain I Feel on the Ball of My Foot?
This pain is called metatarsalgia, and you should look for a gel-based insole for dealing with that. If you want more information about insoles for metatarsalgia, why not take a look at our list of the Best Insoles For Metatarsalgia?
What Size Insole Should I Buy?
Before choosing your size, check and see if the insoles will need to be trimmed. If they’re trimmable, you should buy one size larger than your shoe size. If you’re buying insoles that aren’t trimmable, buy them one size smaller, especially when they’re for sandals. Three-quarter-length insoles are one-size-fits-all.
How Do I Clean My Insoles?
As far as cleaning goes, you definitely don’t want to immerse them in water. Spot clean your insoles with a damp sponge and mild detergent. You can also buy a sandal cleaner that will also work on your insoles. Let the insoles dry overnight before putting them back into your shoes or sandals.
How Do I Keep My Feet From Sticking To Sandals?
Your feet can stick to your sandals whether you have insoles or not. Try sprinkling a little baby powder on the sandals or insoles. This should stop your feet from sticking.
How Do I Keep My Feet Clean When Wearing Sandals?
There are all kinds of reasons why your feet get dirty while wearing sandals. The most obvious one is that your feet aren’t protected from dirt by a shoe. Another reason is that sweat gives the dirt something to adhere to. An insole that absorbs sweat will help keep your feet clean while wearing sandals – flip flops.
Final Thoughts:
When it’s warm enough to break out the sandals and flip flops, remember to buy new insoles as well. Make a checklist of your needs and get the ones that fit your purpose best.
If you’re mostly looking for comfort and sweat reduction, our top insoles for sandals – flip flops are the Summer Soles Softness of Suede Insoles. The microfiber gives you cushiony comfort and dries up sweaty feet.
