High arches (pes cavus) are an elevated foot structure that doesn't flatten under weight-bearing, affecting roughly 1 in 10 people.
Sandals with a contoured, high-arch footbed help distribute pressure evenly and support all-day comfort for high-arched feet.
Our best-selling ʻOhana is the wide-fit option: arch support built into the footbed, a non-marking rubber outsole underneath, and room for a broader foot.
Look for a molded EVA midsole, secure water-ready straps, and non-marking traction when choosing a sandal for high arches.
For a dressier leather option, the Southshore is built from waterproof full-grain leather, though on a standard-arch footbed rather than a high-arch one.
The best sandals for high arches combine a contoured footbed with secure straps and reliable traction. Our top pick is the ʻOhana, the best-selling beach sandal we build in a wide fit, so a high arch and a broader foot are both accounted for.
What High Arches Need From a Sandal
Pes cavus is the medical term for an elevated longitudinal arch that does not flatten under weight-bearing. Published estimates put high arches at roughly 10% of the general population, with the range running from about 8 to 15 percent depending on how it is measured. Because this foot shape distributes weight differently, a flat, unstructured footbed can leave gaps under the arch. A contoured, high-arch footbed instead follows the natural shape of the foot, spreading pressure more evenly and supporting all-day comfort, whether you're on a beach walk or a long travel day.
Our Top Pick, the ʻOhana
ʻOhana (oh-hah-na) means family, and the sandal was built in that spirit: the one everybody in the house ends up borrowing. Its water-friendly synthetic straps are made for beach and water days, lined with quick-drying jersey knit and finished with a soft nylon toe post so the thong never digs in. Underneath sits our anatomical contoured footbed with arch support, on a non-marking rubber outsole that grips without leaving marks behind. It comes in a wide fit, which matters when a high arch is paired with a broader foot. It is $80 and rated 4.81 from more than 3,200 reviews, and it ships with a 1-year warranty and free 30-day exchanges.
Contoured, high-arch footbed shape that supports the arch's natural curve
Secure strap system that holds fit without slipping
Wet Grip Rubber outsole for reliable traction wet or dry
Water-readiness for beach and travel use
Styling versatile enough to wear from sand to dinner table
More Premium Picks for High Arches
Ulele (oo-LEH-leh), the Travel-Ready Pick
The Ulele takes the same idea into a slimmer, more modern shape that carries from a morning on the coast to an afternoon in town. Its molded EVA midsole holds a textured drop-in footbed that stays contoured and supportive through long beach days, and the soft, quick-dry strap keeps its composure wet or dry. A non-marking Wet Grip Rubber outsole handles wet and dry ground alike. It is $90 and rated 4.77 from more than 3,200 reviews, and it is the one to pack if you want a single sandal to cover a whole trip.
Paniolo: High-Arch Leather Sandal
The Paniolo is a high-arch leather beach sandal with saddle-inspired stitching and richly oiled, distressed full-grain leather lined in soft microfiber. It's designed for around-town and out-of-town wear, made for the beach rather than prolonged water contact, since extended water exposure may cause damage. It is $100 and rated 4.65 from more than 2,100 reviews, and it suits casual dinners and everyday styling.
Southshore: Standard-Arch Leather Sandal
The Southshore pairs waterproof full-grain leather straps with a Wet Grip Rubber outsole for excellent traction and durability, so unlike most leather it handles direct water rather than just shrugging off a splash. Built on a standard-arch, soft footbed, it is best for polished, casual-dinner looks rather than structured high-arch support, and we have included it here as the dressier alternative rather than a high-arch pick. It is $100 and rated 4.65 from more than 200 reviews.
For beach and water days, the ʻOhana and Ulele lead with water-ready straps and non-marking outsoles, and the Southshore's waterproof leather handles water too. For travel, the Ulele's slimmer, packable shape makes it the easier one to bring along. For casual dinners and around-town wear, the Paniolo and Southshore offer more polished leather styling. Those needing structured arch support should look to the ʻOhana, Ulele, and Paniolo, while the Southshore's standard-arch footbed suits those wanting a dressier look without it.
Fit, Sizing, and Care Tips
A well-fitted sandal strap should feel snug but never tight, with no pinching or slipping as you walk. Order your standard size to start, and remember that fit can vary slightly by foot shape, so give both feet room to move naturally. For leather styles, wipe clean with a damp cloth and air dry away from direct heat. The Southshore is built waterproof, so water is not a problem for it. The Paniolo is made for the beach rather than prolonged water contact, so keep that one out of sustained soaking. If a pair doesn't feel right, our 1-year warranty and free 30-day exchanges make it easy to test fit risk-free.
What makes a sandal good for high arches?
A contoured, high-arch footbed that supports the arch's natural shape and evenly distributes pressure, paired with secure straps and slip-resistant traction, works best; avoid flat, unstructured footbeds.
Are OluKai sandals good for high arches?
Yes. The ʻOhana, Ulele and Paniolo all have the arch shaped into the footbed rather than a flat bed underfoot, so the support holds through a full day. The ʻOhana is also the wide-fit one. Every pair is covered by our warranty and free exchanges.
Can the same sandal work for the beach, travel, and dinner?
Yes, if it combines a water-ready outsole and straps for beach or travel use with a clean, versatile silhouette; the ʻOhana covers the beach-and-travel end and the Southshore the dinner end.
Are your leather sandals waterproof?
It depends on the style. The Southshore is, thanks to waterproof full-grain leather. The Paniolo is not built for sustained soaking, so treat that one as beach-and-back. Check the product page for whichever style you are considering.
How common are high arches?
Roughly 10% of people have high arches, an elevated arch structure that does not flatten when you put weight on it. Estimates vary with the measurement method, which is why you will see different figures quoted.
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