Great — here are well-regarded sandals with real arch support across different uses (everyday, hiking, recovery, budget, dress). I’ve noted why each is recommended, who it’s best for, and a typical price range.

Top picks

• Birkenstock Arizona (and other Birkenstock cork-footbed styles) — best overall for firm, contoured arch support and long-term footbed molding; great for everyday wear and people who want a durable, anatomical footbed. Price: ~$100–$160. (outdoorgearlab.com)

• Vionic (e.g., Tide, Reyna, Rejuvenate) — podiatrist-designed footbeds and many Vionic models carry APMA recognition; good for people who want roomy, orthotic-like support in casual or dressy sandals. Price: ~$60–$130. (apma.org)

• Chaco Z/1 Classic (Z/2, etc.) — best for hiking/outdoor use: stiff, supportive midsole with a strong, contoured arch and very durable construction. Ideal if you need arch support on trails or long walks. Price: ~$95–$140. (rei.com)

• OOFOS (OOahh, OOriginal, OOlala) — recovery sandals with very cushy, shock-absorbing foam and a pronounced arch that many people use after long days or runs to relieve foot pain. Good for recovery/low-impact wear. Price: ~$50–$90. (roadbikerider.com)

• OluKai Ohana — flip-flop style with a higher, supportive arch than typical flip-flops; popular for pool/beach use when you still need arch support. Best if you prefer a simple slip-on with reliable contouring. Price: ~$55–$85. (outdoorgearlab.com)

• ECCO Flowt / ECCO Yucatan — cushioned, supportive leather/sport sandals with a supportive midsole and good heel cup; good for everyday walking and travel. Price: ~$110–$150. (health.com)

• Skechers Arch Fit sandals (Go Walk Arch Fit) — budget-friendly, very cushioned options with an “Arch Fit” removable/contoured insole; good for people who want a forgiving, padded arch-support sandal. Price: ~$50–$80. (health.com)

• Teva / Keen models (Terra Fi, Hurricane, Newport) — solid options for outdoor, water-friendly sandals with decent arch shape and deep heel cups (good for active users and water play). Price: ~$60–$120. (health.com)

How to pick the right supportive sandal (quick checklist)

• Contoured arch + deep heel cup: look for a visible arch shape and a cupped heel — these stabilize the foot and reduce strain. (health.com)
• Firm (not floppy) midsole: too-soft, overly squishy footbeds can let your arch collapse; firmer footbeds or cork/PU midsoles usually give more lasting support. (outdoorgearlab.com)
• Adjustability: straps (buckles, Velcro) let you secure the foot so the arch sits where it should. (cleverhiker.com)
• APMA/medical recognition: some brands/models are APMA-accepted (e.g., many Vionic styles), which indicates they meet standards for foot health (not a guarantee they’ll work for you, but a helpful sign). (apma.org)

Sizing & fit tips

• Try them on standing: your arch/contact area is most accurate when your full weight is on the foot. (rei.com)
• Break‑in: cork footbeds (Birkenstock) often feel firm at first and soften/mold to your foot over days–weeks. If the arch feels painful right away it may be the wrong shape for you. (outdoorgearlab.com)
• Return policy: buy from retailers with easy returns (REI, Zappos, brand sites) so you can test at home. (rei.com)

If you have a specific need (plantar fasciitis, very low or very high arches, wide/narrow feet, want dressy vs. sporty), tell me that and I’ll narrow this to the 2–3 best matches for your situation (and include exact model names and where to buy).