Footwear Focus—A Podiatrist Reviews Archies Arch Support Flip Flops
It’s finally summer here in the Windy City, and you know what that means…
Fun, sun, and outdoor time in this beautiful area we call home!
Many folks invest a lot of time and energy in selecting their winter footwear and choosing the right shoes for specific sports—but they often skip the same level of consideration when it comes to their summer footwear choices.
If you’re a “grab the nearest flip flops and hit the beach” type of person in the summertime, you’re not alone.
Still, your feet and ankles continue to crave and deserve the right support and cushioning throughout the year. Neglecting them in the summer can lead to unintended health consequences, including an increased risk of pain and injury.
Thankfully, there are now many forward-thinking footwear brands that recognized the lack of supportive summer footwear options available and decided to do something about it.
You can also check out my deep dive reviews of Chacos and the Bombas Friday Slide sandals for additional summer footwear options and guidance.
As a podiatrist and footwear fanatic, I’m always on the lookout for new styles to try out and add to my repertoire.
So, when I recently heard about Archies Footwear and their signature arch support flip flops, I bought a pair without delay to try out and review for you.
It’s been a while since I’ve rocked a true flip flop, and I was very curious to see if these lived up to the hype.
Read on to discover my thoughts on this brand and to learn if I recommend them!
An overview of Archies brand footwear
Archies Footwear began in 2011, when an Australian physical therapist decided he wanted to offer his parents and other flip-flop devotees a supportive alternative to traditional offerings.
He created his flagship flip-flops with a mission to design a version of the iconic summer footwear staple that also offered orthotic support for foot health and wellness. He sought out input from his fellow PTs and podiatrists in their design and started selling them from a booth at local markets.
Today, Archies are stocked in thousands of retail outlets across the globe, and the brand has partnered with elite athletes.
They came to my attention when a friend read a post about how they were the go-to flip-flop choice of Jennifer Aniston, who purportedly owns pairs in many different colors.
Color me intrigued.
Archies also likes to give back. They report they’ve donated more than 25,000 pairs to Soles4Souls, a nonprofit focused on both sustainability and humanitarianism through footwear and clothing donations. They also donate pairs to support healthcare workers in Australia.
So, the brand hits the mark when it comes to my preference for brands that focus on sustainability and humanitarian efforts.
I also like that Archies offers free exchanges and a 60-day comfort guarantee. This makes it clear that they stand behind their products and value customer service and support.
Getting to know the Archies arch support flip flop
Once I learned the brand hit my marks for environmentalism and customer service, I decided to give them a try.
Confession time—it’s been a long while since I’ve worn or assessed a true flip-flop.
You can probably guess why.
While an undoubted summer staple, flip-flops just aren’t known for their support and stability. This usually ranks them low on the list of podiatrist-recommended footwear.
Archies aims to shift that narrative. So much so that they’ve built their focus on arch support right into their brand name.
But do they live up to this promise?
Before we dive into my review, let’s explore what the brand has to say about its flagship offerings. Let’s also take a gander at what other podiatrists and customers say about their experience with the brand.
Archies touts the special features that make their flip flops different from regular styles. They particularly trumpet their:
One piece construction—making them more durable and less susceptible to the dreaded flip flop blowouts we’ve all lived through
Arch support—which most flip-flop styles are notably lacking
Elevated heel—which they say promotes proper positioning and can reduce strain on the calves and Achilles tendons
Moldable material—their specialized foam is designed to form-fit to the wearer’s feet
Full disclosure—Archies also makes slide sandals. I know these are also a popular choice for summer, but I opted to try out their traditional flip-flops for this piece. For one thing, I haven’t worn traditional flip-flops in a long time. For another, this is their flagship offering, so I figured it’d be my best point of entry into the brand and its offerings.
Pro tip—Archies are available for purchase online through a variety of retailers. You can purchase them through the brand's own site and even on Amazon. Just be cautious because there are lots of scammers out there. My advice is to make sure you’re getting yours through a vetted site and retailer.
Now, the moment of truth—read on to learn my thoughts and opinions on Archies Arch Support Flip Flops.
Are Archies podiatrist recommended footwear?
As always, I put my money where my mouth is and ordered my own pair of Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops to try them out and offer you my informed opinion as both a podiatrist and fellow biped.
Here are my thoughts…
I love how they come in a rainbow of colors. I know some brand devotees have them in multiple shades.
For me, I opted for the Olive color in my usual size 9. This color goes with almost anything and functions as a neutral shade.
Since they arrived, I’ve worn mine in a variety of settings. I’ve rocked them around the house, on a road trip, and around the lake on vacation.
Pro tip: I can definitely see these as a decent “house shoe” option for a lot of folks.
First impressions
When I first donned these, I felt the arch was WAY too high and uncomfortable. I resolved to give them a chance, and thankfully, this issue resolved itself within a day of wearing them around. These sandals are made to form to your feet, and that takes a bit of time.
My advice: when you get them, be aware of this and plan to wear them around the house for a day or two to fit them to your feet before you take them out on the town.
Stepping out
Once I got my Archies broken in, they definitely felt more comfortable. These certainly have more arch support than your standard pair of flip-flops (which usually have none). Still, I wouldn’t recommend them to wear on long walks or for extended periods. This advice is especially important for folks with existing foot pain and issues.
One thing I found pleasantly surprising about these is that they didn’t rub too much when wet. This can be an issue with many foam and rubber material sandals, which can lead to painful blisters.
Overall thoughts
I’m definitely glad I gave these a try. As a podiatrist, I’m always open to assessing all styles of footwear, so I can recommend them to my patients in need.
Overall, I think these are a good option for folks searching for a pair of flip-flops or slides that offer more support than the average pair. Archies offer the ease of a slip-on summertime shoe and are a good option for lazy summer days around the house or at the pool.
For me, these aren’t the magical, 5-star, rave-worthy shoes folks online have made them out to be. They’re a decent option, but they probably won’t play a central role in my rotation. Sorry, Jennifer Aniston! Nothing against our favorite Friend, but while they have some good points, this podiatrist wouldn’t put these at the top of her list of summer footwear staples.
Got a footwear brand or style you’d like me to review? Reach out and let me know! In need of top-notch podiatry services to support your summer fun in Chicago? City Step Podiatry is here for you. Book easily online or stop by our downtown office in person.
City Step Podiatry is here for you! Reach out today to schedule your visit and treat your feet to the care they deserve.
