Thongs vs Slides vs Sandals: Best Summer Footwear for Foot Health

Thongs vs Slides vs Sandals: Which Are Best for Your Feet?

One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “What’s better for my feet — thongs, slides or sandals?” It’s almost like these three summer staples are in a quiet competition. But the truth is, each one affects your feet differently. Some keep you supported and steady, while others are more likely to slip off, trip you up or irritate bunions, bunionettes or clawed toes. Understanding how each behaves can make summer footwear choices much easier and much kinder to your feet.

Thongs (Flip-Flops)

Lightweight • Minimal support • High slip-off risk

Thongs are easy and convenient, but they provide very little support or stability. Because there is no midfoot strap, your toes must “grip” to keep them on, which can fatigue the foot muscles and strain the plantar fascia. Their loose design also means they slip off easily, increasing the risk of trips and falls, especially on uneven surfaces or when walking quickly.

However, thongs may be more comfortable than slides for people with bunions, bunionettes or claw/hammer toes, because the open sides eliminate pressure from straps.

Here at New Step Podiatry we have made it a mission to get as many people out of unsupportive flat flips flips and into thongs with more support such as the Archies and Ascents range stocked at our Florey premises. So while we do stock thongs, we aren’t recommending thongs for everyone but rather giving people the option of wearing the best of a bad kind of shoe.

Pros:

• Easy to slip on

• Great for the beach or wet areas

• Don’t rub on bunions or toe joints

Cons:

• No arch support

• Toe gripping needed

• Increased risk of falls due to instability

• Not suitable for long distances

Best for: quick trips, beach and pool use.
Avoid if: you need stability, have heel pain, or are prone to falls — unless slides rub on sensitive areas.

Slides

Convenient • Moderate stability • Can irritate forefoot

Slides eliminate the toe-gripping issue, making them slightly better for the plantar fascia. But many designs have a single, wide strap across the forefoot, which can rub directly against bunions and bunionettes, or press on claw and hammer toe joints. This is especially common with plastic or rubber-style slides, which tend to be stiffer. If you prefer slides and have these forefoot conditions, choosing designs with softer or fabric straps can help reduce rubbing and improve comfort.

They are also known for being slippery on wet surfaces and can cause your foot to slide around inside the shoe. This reduced control increases fall and slip risk, especially on smooth floors.

Pros:

• Quick slip-on style

• Some offer cushioning

• Better than thongs for plantar fascia strain

Cons:

• Strap can rub on bunions, bunionettes and toe deformities

• Can cause slips, especially on wet floors

• Often lack structure and stability

Best for: short errands, home wear, supportive brands.
Avoid if: strap irritation occurs or you are at high risk of slipping.

Sandals

Supportive • Adjustable • Safest choice for stability

Sandals typically offer the most structure and stability. They often include adjustable straps, allowing you to avoid pressure on bunions, bunionettes and sensitive toe joints. A secure fit also reduces the chance of tripping or the shoe slipping off, making sandals a much safer choice for preventing falls.

Many sandals also have supportive, contoured footbeds that assist with alignment and comfort during longer wear.

Pros:

• Best arch support and stability

• Adjustable straps to avoid rubbing

• Least likely to slip off

• Good for longer distances

Cons:

• More expensive

• Not always water-friendly

• More difficult to put on for those who can’t easily reach their feet

Best for: walking, travel, and all-day comfort.
Avoid if: you need footwear for wet environments.

Which Option Is Best for Foot Health and Safety?

• Sandals offer the best support, stability and fall-prevention.

• Supportive slides can be fine for short wear if they don’t slip or rub.

• Thongs are okay for brief use and may be better than slides for people whose bunions or toes rub on straps, but they have the highest fall risk due to instability.

 

How Foot Shape Influences Your Best Choice

• Bunions / bunionettes: avoid slide straps; choose thongs or adjustable sandals.

• Claw or hammer toes: avoid slides with low straps over the toes.

• Flat feet or heel pain: choose structured sandals or orthotic-friendly slides.

• History of falls: avoid thongs and unsupportive slides. Choose supportive, strapped sandals.

 

The Bottom Line

Sandals are usually the best choice for both foot health and safety, thanks to their support and secure straps. Slides can work for short periods, but be mindful of rubbing and slipping. Thongs are suitable for brief, casual wear and may be more comfortable for people with bunions or toe deformities, but they provide the least stability and carry the greatest fall risk.

Choosing footwear that supports your feet and stays securely on your foot is key to staying comfortable and avoiding unnecessary injuries or falls. And remember, even on the hottest days, if you’re going for a long walk, choose runners or trail shoes. Your feet will thank you far more than they would in thongs, slides or sandals.