Installing arch support inserts in sandals requires a back strap or velcro to keep them from sliding out when you walk, so choose your sandals accordingly.
Most people assume arch support inserts only work in closed-toe shoes, but sandals can work too — if you know the trick that keeps them from sliding out. The difference between relief and frustration when you install arch support inserts in sandals comes down to one thing: whether the sandal has a back strap. Without it, the insert shifts every time your heel lifts. With the right approach, you can wear your favorite open shoes without sacrificing support.
Can Arch Support Inserts Work in Any Sandal?
Only sandals with a back strap can hold arch support inserts securely. The strap keeps your heel pressed against the insert with each step, so the insert stays in position rather than creeping forward or popping out. Backless sandals and flip-flops lack this anchor — without a heel strap, the insert slides out when your foot lifts naturally during walking. For those, the only workable option is to attach the insert using adhesive velcro dots or choose sandals built with arch support already molded in.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather your arch support inserts, the velcro dots that come with them (usually a matching set of rough and soft halves), and a pair of sandals with a back strap. Remove any existing thin insoles or padding from the sandals to create a flat, neutral base. If the original insole is glued in, leave it alone — forcing it out damages the shoe lining, and the glue helps hold your insert in place.
Arch Support Inserts in Sandals: The Step-by-Step Process
Follow this sequence from Good Feet’s official process to get a stable, comfortable fit that lasts all day.
- Remove existing insoles and extra padding from the sandals to create a clean, flat surface. Skip this step if the original insoles are glued down — leaving them provides extra grip for your insert.
- Match one rough velcro dot with one soft dot (they come as pairs). Press the rough side onto the heel area of each arch support, aligning it with the hexagonal guide if your inserts have one.
- Place each insert all the way to the back of the sandal, flush against the heel. Press down firmly so the velcro grabs the shoe lining.
- Skip adding any extra cushions on top — for open sandals, cushions are unnecessary and become visible above the shoe line.
Good Feet’s official wearing instructions confirm this sequence and note that the velcro dots are essential for keeping the insert from shifting during movement.
| Product Type | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Good Feet Strengtheners | Firm support, flat feet | Firmest model, gradual adjustment needed |
| Good Feet Maintainers | Moderate daily support | Balanced arch height for most foot types |
| Good Feet Relaxers | Mild support, high arches | Softest model, gentle curve |
| Sole Insole Shoe Bubble | Replacing custom orthotics | Cushioned arch pad, washable |
| Sole Insole Heel Wedge | Heel control and stability | Wedge-shaped for rear-foot alignment |
| Instant Arches (adhesive) | Sandals and flip-flops | Peel-and-stick, no velcro needed |
| Built-in support sandals (Vionic, Aetrex, Naot) | All-day wear without inserts | Pre-installed arch support, ready to wear |
Common Mistakes That Ruin the Fit
Five errors cause most failed installations, and they are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.
- Using backless sandals or flip-flops — the insert slides out when your heel lifts. No amount of velcro fixes this as reliably as a strap does.
- Forcing out glued insoles — tearing the shoe lining creates an uneven surface and may void the warranty. Leave glued insoles in place.
- Adding cushions to open sandals — cushions are visible above the shoe line in sandals and serve no purpose there. Reserve them for closed-toe shoes.
- Skipping the velcro dots — inserts shift during walking without adhesion, even in a strapped sandal. The dots are not optional.
- Not pressing the insert all the way back — even a small gap at the heel makes the insert feel unstable and reduces support. Push it flush against the back of the sandal.
What About Sandals Without a Back Strap?
If your sandal lacks a back strap, the most reliable fix is velcro. Attach the provided velcro dots to the heel of the insert and press it firmly onto the sandal’s insole. This works best when the sandal interior is clean and dry, but it is less secure than a strapped design because the insert can still lift at the edges during aggressive walking. For a cleaner solution, adhesive arch inserts like Instant Arches are designed specifically for sandals and flip-flops — they stick directly to the shoe liner with a peel-and-stick backing. Alternatively, sandal brands such as Vionic, Aetrex, and Naot build arch support directly into the footbed, so no insert is needed at all. For a tested roundup of options that actually work, see our guide to the best arch support inserts for sandals.
| Problem | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Insert slides out when walking | Sandal has no back strap | Switch to strapped sandals or use velcro dots |
| Insert feels loose or unstable | Not pressed all the way to the heel | Remove and reinsert fully against the back |
| Toes feel cramped | Insert too thick for shoe depth | Choose low-profile inserts or a deeper sandal |
| Discomfort after short wear | Arch height does not match foot type | Match insert to your arch (low, neutral, high) |
| Insert shifts during activity | Velcro dots not used or have lost grip | Replace dots and press firmly onto clean surface |
| Heel pain after first use | Adjustment period started too fast | Begin with 30 minutes, increase by 30/day |
| Insert visible in open sandals | Extra cushions added on top | Remove all cushions for sandal use only |
Getting the Right Fit for Your Foot Type
Arch support inserts are not one-size-fits-all. Low arches and flat feet need firm support — Good Feet Strengtheners or similar rigid designs work best. Neutral arches pair well with moderate supports like the Maintainers. High arches need a deeper curve and more cushioning; the Relaxers or a padded insole from Sole provide that without forcing the arch into an unnatural position. Check your arch height by the wet-foot test or consult a podiatrist if you are unsure. Firm supports also require a gradual adjustment period: wear them for 30 minutes the first day, then add 30 minutes each day until your feet adapt. Non-leather inserts clean easily with warm water and mild soap; leather-covered ones need a non-abrasive leather cleaner. Always dry them completely before putting them back in your sandals.
The core sequence for installing arch support inserts in sandals comes down to three steps: verify your sandal has a back strap, press the insert all the way to the heel, and secure it with velcro dots. Match the insert firmness to your arch height and ease into the adjustment period slowly. That combination gives you stable support in open footwear without the slide-out problem that makes most people give up on sandal inserts entirely.
FAQs
Can you wear arch support inserts with flip-flops?
Only if you use adhesive inserts designed for flip-flops, such as Instant Arches, or attach standard inserts with velcro dots. Without extra adhesion, the insert slides forward with every step and provides no support.
Do arch support inserts need to be trimmed to fit sandals?
Some inserts can be trimmed with scissors if the sandal is narrow, but this is rarely needed for sandals because they are typically wider than dress shoes. Trimming is more common for closed-toe footwear where toe room is tight.
How do you clean arch support inserts used in sandals?
Non-leather inserts clean with warm water and a drop of mild soap. Leather-covered inserts need a non-abrasive leather cleaner. Wipe them down, let them air dry completely before putting them back in your sandals.
What is the best arch support for sandals with flat feet?
Firm supports like Good Feet Strengtheners or rigid orthotic-grade inserts work best for flat feet because they prevent the arch from collapsing during standing and walking. Pair them with a sandal that has a solid back strap.
How long does it take to get used to arch supports in sandals?
Plan for about a week of gradual wear. Start with 30 minutes on day one, add 30 minutes each day, and your feet will adapt without the soreness that comes from jumping straight into full-day use.
References & Sources
- Good Feet. “Wearing Instructions.” Official step-by-step guide for inserting arch supports, including velcro attachment and sandal-specific notes.
- Dr. Dave. “Wearing Arch Supports with Sandals.” Explains back-strap requirement and why flip-flops fail with standard inserts.
- Instant Arches. “Instant Arch Support Inserts for Sandals & Flip Flop Shoes.” Adhesive insert option specifically designed for backless footwear.
- Sole Insole. “Foot Pads for Sandals.” Demonstrates Shoe Bubble, Heel Wedge, and Metatarsal Pad placement for sandal interiors.
- Foot Solutions. “Supportive Sandal Brands.” Lists Vionic, Aetrex, and Naot as brands with built-in arch support and no-insert-needed designs.