woman wearing summer footwear

Fashion Meets Function: 2 Stylish Orthopedic Sandals for Women

by Mark Paigen 13 minute read

The Basics

  • Orthopedic sandals have traditionally sacrificed style for function in an effort to incorporate supportive elements.
  • Stylish orthopedic sandals for women require a balance of clean design, comfortable materials and versatile colors to suit a variety of tastes and occasions.
  • Thanks to Tread Labs’ decades of research, the Albion and Covelo sandals are both stylish and comfortable with their soft knit uppers, microfiber suede footbeds, lightweight midsoles and versatile colorways
  • When purchasing and styling orthopedic sandals, color is your friend as it can help you turn any sandal into a personal style statement.

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    Table of Contents

    Jeane, hailing from Cornelius, United States, couldn't wait for her upcoming 18-day Bali getaway, but she had a problem: her hallux limitus was flaring up, causing intense pain in her foot.

    She refused to let her condition ruin her vacation, so she dove headfirst into the world of orthopedic sandals for women.

    She finally came across the Women's Albion Sandal, a game-changer.

    With her feet comfortably nestled in the cushioned soles, Jeane was unstoppable, exploring Bali's beaches, trails, and even climbing stairs without any pain.

    And the best part? The sandals were stylish enough to wear on dressy date nights, too.

    For us here at Tread Labs, Jeane’s story is the epitome of fashion meets function and validates our decades of research into functional footwear and stylish sandals for foot issues.

    Orthopedic sandals have been a popular choice for people with painful foot conditions. They’re specifically designed to maintain healthy foot posture, support the arches and relieve pressure on joints, reducing discomfort caused by foot conditions.

    However, orthopedic sandals get a bad rap for being clunky and unfashionable. The good news is that orthopedic footwear has come a long way.

    Today, there are many stylish options available, making it possible for you to have the best of both worlds. In this article, we will explore:

    1 - The Women's Covelo Sandal

    woman in Tread Labs’ Women’s Covelo Sandal

    The Women's Covelo Sandal offers the perfect blend of comfort and style, making it an ideal choice for women who need orthopedic support for their feet.

    With its slip-on convenience, arch support, and stylish color options, this sandal is designed to keep you feeling comfortable and looking fantastic all day long.

    To hear Annie from Waltham tell it, not only is the support unmatched, but they complement her fresh pedicure very well. In her words:

    “I absolutely love these. I’ve worn them for about two weeks now and the support is unmatched. They also look very cute with a fresh pedicure. I think I’ll have to order more colors.”

    Let’s take a closer look at some of the features that make the Women's Covelo Sandal a top choice for women's orthopedic sandals.

    Elegant Versatility in the Simple Design

    It may seem like a no-brainer, but the best footwear for foot pain is the one you actually want to wear. While arch support is essential for this, style and design are equally important.

    If you have to spend more time matching your arch support sandals with your outfit than you do deciding on a Netflix show, they're probably not the right sandals for you.

    Life's too short to wear boring shoes!

    The Women's Covelo Sandal offers both style and function. With its minimalist approach to design, it can pair well with any outfit, from casual to dressy.

    In addition to its style, the simple design of the Women's Covelo Sandal is lightweight and easy to wear for extended periods, which is ideal for those who need comfortable footwear for long hours.

    Expert Tip: Do you want to stay longer on your feet at work? Find out how to and more here.

    Here are some additional benefits of the simple design of the Women's Covelo Sandal:

    • Versatile: The sandal's minimalist design makes it versatile and suitable for a range of occasions and outfits. It can be dressed up or down, making it a great choice for vacations, day trips, or even work.
    • Enhanced comfort: The sandal's simple design means there are no unnecessary or bulky elements, such as multiple strap closures, which can often cause discomfort or irritation. It also provides a comfortable and secure fit, allowing for all-day wear.
    • Durability: With fewer moving parts, there is less risk of wear and tear or damage, making it a worthwhile investment for those who need supportive sandals for regular use.

    Color Options to Suit Every Taste

    Color is a powerful tool that shapes the atmosphere and context in which we see ourselves and others see us. Color goes hand in hand with design, elevating the impact of the clean lines and streamlined elements of a stylish sandal.

    With this in mind, the Women's Covelo Sandal is available in five color options: lagoon, rock, black, fire and leaf.

    lagoon Women's Covelo Sandal

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    rock Women's Covelo Sandal

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    black Women's Covelo Sandal

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    fire Women's Covelo Sandal

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    leaf Women's Covelo Sandal

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    Whether you're looking for a pop of color or a neutral option, you're sure to find a shade that suits your style.

    Women's Covelo Sandals in Lagoon

    Refreshing Lagoon

    Lagoon is a refreshing shade of blue that evokes images of clear waters and sunny skies.

    It adds a pop of color to any outfit and pairs well with other cool tones, like greens and purples.

    To rock the Lagoon Women's Covelo Sandal, you can opt for a fresh, summery look, pairing it with white jeans, cutoffs, or culottes, and a pastel-colored blouse.

    Alternatively, keep it casual with distressed denim shorts and a white graphic tee.

    Women's Covelo in Rock

     

    Minimalistic Rock

    Rock is a versatile color option for the Women's Covelo Sandal that can easily blend in with different outfits from rugged outdoor khakis to flowy summer dresses.

    Due to its versatility, the Rock color option is a popular choice for women who want to invest in a pair of sandals that they can wear often without worrying about them clashing with their outfits.

    The subtle gray tone of the Rock colorway makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer neutral colors.

    That said, this shade of gray also works fabulously with intense colors like fuchsia, turquoise, and emerald green.

    Feel free to dress it up for your summer nights out.

    Women's Covelo in Black

    Timeless Black

    The Black Women's Covelo Sandal is a classic color that is always in style. They’re suitable for almost any occasion, whether it is a casual day out or a semi-formal event, such as dinner alfresco.

    We love that black sandals are slimming and elongate the legs. Who wouldn’t want graceful, swan-like legs?

    Additionally, black sandals complement almost any skin tone, making them a universally flattering choice.

    Women's Covelo in Fire

    Captivating Fire

    The Fire Women's Covelo Sandal is bright and bold and adds a touch of vibrancy to any outfit. It's a warm and bold shade of red-orange that’s perfect for summer.

    This captivating shade of the Women's Covelo Sandal isn’t for the faint of heart because it pairs best with other intense colors, such as green, teal, and bubblegum pink.

    It goes without saying that Fire is a very fashionable color and will force you to step out of your comfortable neutrals as you step into these striking sandals with arch support.

    Now, we wouldn’t be Tread Labs if we didn’t back up our stylish supportive sandals for women with technical design features, such as lightweight sandal midsoles made of polyurethane that do the hard work for your foot.

    Let’s spotlight two other technical design specs below.

    Improved Breathability and Fit With Soft Knit Uppers

    The Women's Covelo Sandal's soft, 3D knit uppers are one of the key features that makes them an excellent choice for women looking for stylish footwear for foot issues.

    You might ask, why choose knit for arch support sandals?

    There are several benefits of the soft, knit uppers of the Women's Covelo Sandal, including:

    • Custom fit: The 3D knit uppers have an entirely seamless design that drapes beautifully, conforming to the unique shape of each wearer's foot for a proper fit that alleviates pressure on the toes and foot.
    • Improved air circulation: The soft, knit uppers allow air to circulate freely, helping to keep feet cool and dry, and preventing the growth of bacteria and odor.
    • Easy maintenance: The material is machine washable, making it easy to clean and maintain the sandals.
    • Lightweight and flexible: The soft, knit material is lightweight and flexible, allowing for natural movement and reducing the risk of blisters and other foot injuries.
    • Soft to the touch: The soft, knit material feels gentle and comfortable against the skin, reducing the risk of irritation and chafing common in stiffer materials, such as leather and canvas.
    • Enhanced moisture wicking: The soft and breathable material helps to prevent sweaty and uncomfortable feet by allowing moisture and sweat to escape, which is especially important during hot summer months.

    And here's a cool bonus: the uppers are made entirely from 100% recycled polyester yarns. That's an awesome eco-friendly option to help us reduce our environmental impact.

    Enhanced Comfort With Microfiber Suede Footbeds

    Imagine yourself grabbing a handful of clouds, slapping a rubber outsole on it and calling it a sandal.

    That’s what Tread Labs did with Women's Covelo Sandal's microfiber suede footbeds.

    At least, that’s according to Mountain Girl from Bend, Oregon, who also said that sliding your foot into these sandals feels like a dream.

    “Still getting to know these but first thoughts are that sliding your foot in feels like a dream.”

    The microfiber suede footbeds are super comfortable and offer just the right amount of support for your arches. Plus, they offer superior moisture-wicking properties, keeping your feet cool and dry even on the sweatiest, hottest days.

    In comparison, leather footbeds, which also offer temperature regulation and a smooth, comfortable surface for your feet don't have the moisture-wicking properties of microfiber suede, which is preferred by Tread Labs.

    The table below compares microfiber suede footbeds to leather footbeds in terms of their properties and benefits for orthopedic sandals.

    Feature Microfiber Suede Footbeds Leather Footbeds
    Moisture-wicking Yes No
    Comfort Super comfortable Comfortable
    Arch support Offers just the right amount of support for arches Varies depending on quality
    Regulates temperature Yes Yes
    Keeps feet dry Yes Yes, but not as effective as microfiber suede
    Durability Durable Durable, but requires more maintenance
    Eco-friendliness Made of recycled materials Not eco-friendly

    2 - Women's Albion Sandal

    woman in Tread Labs’ Women’s Albion Sandal

    If you have problematic feet, you know how challenging it is to find comfortable orthopedic sandals for plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and other foot conditions, especially ones stylish enough to carry you everywhere.

    The Women's Albion Sandal perfectly straddles the line between fashion and function as Mary in C’ville, Virginia, happily discovered on her 12-day hiking and biking trip around New England.

    The comfort they provided was life-changing, and she got plenty of compliments about them, too!

    The sandal’s design elements, such as microfiber suede footbeds, ultra-lightweight polyurethane midsoles, and flexible wraparound straps, make it incredibly lightweight, comfortable, and supportive.

    Let’s delve deeper into a couple of these features.

    Personalized Fit With Soft, Conforming Knit Uppers

    The Women's Albion Sandal features soft, conforming knit uppers that gently wrap around your feet, offering a personalized fit that reduces discomfort and pressure points.

    The knit uppers also provide flexibility and allow for natural foot movement, providing a more comfortable and supportive experience.

    Here are some additional benefits of the soft, conforming knit uppers:

    • Breathable Material: Allows air to circulate around your feet, helping to prevent excessive sweating and unpleasant odors
    • Moisture-wicking: Helps to wick away moisture from your feet, keeping them dry and comfortable
    • Stretchable: Easier to put on and take off the sandals while maintaining a secure fit
    • Lightweight: Adds to the overall comfort of the sandals, making them perfect for all-day wear
    • Durable: Highly durable and resistant to wear and tear despite their soft and pliable fee

    Chic Color Options to Match Your Personal Style

    When it comes to footwear, it's not just about the functionality and support, but also the style and fashion.

    The Women's Albion Sandal comes in five versatile and chic color options: Ruby, Black, Leaf, Deep, and Zebra.

    ruby Women's Albion Sandal

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    deep Women's Albion Sandal

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    black Women's Albion Sandal

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    leaf Women's Albion Sandal

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    zebra Women's Albion Sandal

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    We made sure there’s an arch support sandal for every style preference.

    Here's a closer look at each of the color options available for the Women's Albion Sandal:

    Women's Albion in Ruby

    Rich Ruby

    The Ruby color option for the Women's Albion Sandal is a bold, bright shade that adds a flair to any outfit and can be a great way to showcase your unique style.

    Whether you choose to style the ruby sandal with neutral-colored clothing to make it the focal point of your outfit or go for a bolder look by pairing the ruby sandal with other bright colors, it's sure to add a pop of personality and elevate your overall look.

    We feel like Ruby is the new black because it looks casual with blues and browns, sophisticated with white and light gray tones, but it also grounds a pastel pink summer dress beautifully.

    Women's Albion Sandals in Black

    Classic Deep Black

    The deep color of the Black Women's Albion Sandal is a classic and timeless color that is perfect for a variety of outfits and styles.

    Dress it up with a little black dress or a flowing maxi dress and some fine jewelry.

    Or, you can dress it down with a pair of shorts, a simple t-shirt, a crossbody bag, and some sunglasses for a laid-back yet chic outfit.

    If instead you spend a lot of time on your feet at work, the deep black sandal can help you look stylish paired with tailored trousers and a blouse.

    Women's Albion in Leaf

    Tasteful Leaf

    The Leaf color option of the Women's Albion Sandal is a trendy color that has a natural, earthy tone, perfect for when temperatures hit the 70s.

    The color resembles the muted green of olives, and looks sophisticated against neutrals like white, maroon, and tan. There’s your color combo for date night!

    If you want to jazz up your Leaf Albion Sandals, complement them with a deep purple or burgundy outfit.

    It’s also the color of camo, meaning you can take this sandal on dusty summer trails and it’ll still look great with your hiking gear, while camouflaging the dust perfectly.

    Women's Albion Sandals in Deep

    Deep Teal Blue

    The Deep Women's Albion Sandal is a shade of teal blue that is a serene and elegant counterpart to the other neutrals on the roster.

    If you like neutral colors like black, brown, or gray, but you’re looking for something a little different, Deep is the way to go.

    Though it goes well with just about any color, you can dress up the Deep Albion with a flowy red summer dress or go casual by pairing it with your gray and brown slacks.

    If you want to put together a more trendy outfit, wear them with a rich mustard yellow.

    Women's Albion in Zebra

    Edgy Zebra

    Zebra is an eye-catching color option that is perfect for women who want to make a statement with their footwear or add a touch of fun and playfulness to their looks.

    While the Zebra Women's Albion Sandal may seem like a daring choice, it is actually quite versatile.

    The black-and-white pattern of the zebra color option makes it a great complement to neutral colors like black, white, and gray.

    It also adds texture, depth, and interest to an outfit, especially when paired with solid colors, such as chambray, chocolate brown, and purple.

    Luxurious Comfort From Microfiber Suede Footbeds

    Microfiber suede is an ultra-soft, synthetic material that feels incredibly luxurious to the touch.

    Here are some more details on the benefits of microfiber suede footbeds:

    • Moisture-wicking: It can quickly absorb sweat and moisture, keeping your feet dry and comfortable throughout the day
    • Hypoallergenic: Excellent choice for those with allergies or sensitivities to natural materials like leather or wool; they also have an antimicrobial treatment to keep them fresh
    • Durable: Resistant to wear and tear, making it a great choice for footwear that gets a lot of use, and with proper care, microfiber suede footbeds can last for years
    • Soft and cushioned: Provides a comfortable and supportive base for your feet, which is especially beneficial for people with foot pain or conditions like plantar fasciitis, as the soft footbed can help absorb shock and reduce pressure on the feet

    Here is a brief video explaining what plantar fasciitis is:

    Lightweight Polyurethane Midsoles

    The Women's Albion Sandal has a unique feature that sets it apart from other orthopedic sandals - its ultra-lightweight polyurethane midsoles.

    Unlike other materials used in sandals, such as cork, polyurethane has a great balance of strength and flexibility, which makes it ideal for use in footwear.

    Here are some additional details about the Albion Sandal's polyurethane midsoles:

    • The lightweight sandal midsoles reduce fatigue in the feet, making it ideal for extended periods of wear.
    • Polyurethane is more durable than other materials, which means that the Albion Sandal will last for a long time without breaking down or losing its shape.
    • The material also has great shock-absorbing properties, which makes it an ideal sandal for flat feet or other foot issues.
    • The Albion Sandal's polyurethane midsoles provide the perfect balance of support and cushioning, which helps to improve foot alignment and reduce stress on the feet and lower back.
    • The sandal's polyurethane midsoles are designed to be resilient and withstand daily wear and tear, which is important for people who are on their feet for long periods.

    How to Wear Orthopedic Sandals With Style

    woman sitting in a chair in sandals

    Orthopedic sandals don't have to be limited to casual outfits or beachwear. With the right styling, they can be incorporated into more formal looks too. Here are some tips on how to wear orthopedic sandals with style:

    • Aim for the bohemian-inspired look: Dress them up with a flowy maxi dress or a midi skirt and add some beaded statement jewelry and a denim jacket or an open-front kaftan for a more resort look.
    • Keep it simple: Opt for a minimalist approach by pairing your orthopedic sandals with a basic tank top and distressed denim shorts, or a maxi or mini slip dress. Accessorize with a cross-body bag and minimalist neck jewelry for an effortless look.
    • Make a statement: Choose a pair of orthopedic sandals with a bold print or statement design, such as the edgy zebra print option of the Women's Albion Sandal or the vibrant two-tone fire look of the Women's Covelo Sandal. Pair them with a solid color summer dress, jumpsuit, or romper to let the sandals be the focal point of your outfit.
    • Go monochromatic: Pair neutral-colored orthopedic sandals with a monochromatic outfit. Black pairs well with a black tank top and black culottes.

      The leaf color option of the Women's Albion Sandal looks amazing with an olive green maxi dress and white jewelry, or for a casual look paired with green khaki shorts, an olive green tank top, and a basket handbag.
    • Play with textures: Choose a pair of orthopedic sandals in a different texture from the rest of your outfit. For example, the textured Tread Labs’ orthopedic sandals with their knit uppers contrast well with a cotton dress or smoother chiffon or silk clothing. Balance out the contrast by sticking to a limited color palette.

    Women's Albion Sandals in Leaf paired with a bold Dalmatian print dress

    Did You Know? An anti-slip outsole is an essential requirement in an orthopedic sandal. Here are four additional features to look out for.

    Embrace Style and Function With Tread Labs

    Finding the right orthopedic sandals for women that are both functional and stylish can be a challenge because incorporating all the supportive elements often comes out clunky.

    At Tread Labs, our approach to designing orthopedic sandals for women has been a careful curation of select elements that achieve an anatomically correct shape and precise proportions to support the foot.

    Our adjustable strap sandals are fashionable thanks to their clean minimalist design and multiple color options to suit different outfits and occasions.

    What’s more, they also provide the support and comfort that your feet need, especially if you suffer from foot problems like plantar fasciitis or flat feet.

    Bonus Tip: Are you wondering whether insoles help reduce pain and heal plantar fasciitis? Find out if they do in this article.

    With the Women's Covelo Sandal and the Women's Albion Sandal from Tread Labs, you can have the best of both style and function.

    Tread Labs' orthopedic sandals for women are the perfect combination of style and comfort. Try them today and say goodbye to sacrificing fashion for function.

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