I tried Jennifer Aniston's favourite arch support flip-flops, and it's easy to see why she's such a huge fan
These £35 sandals are the best-kept secret to summer style
I am a total convert. Before now, I felt flip-flops were a little sloppy, but these fit perfectly and look very sleek. The support you get feels like no other flip-flop I've tried.
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Unrivalled support
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Very durable
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Well-fitted, adjustable straps
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Range of colours
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More than you might normally spend on flip-flops
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Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops - Specifications
Price: £35
Colours: 15+
Size range: UK 3 to 14
I've never been much of a flip-flop fan.
More of a Birkenstock kind of gal, the only ones I had in my wardrobe up until recently were the flimsy Primark ones I'd picked up when getting a pedicure, and the bordering-on-cardboard pair I bought in a panic at the end of a long day in heels. They offered welcome relief from the pain of stilettos, but boy, were they uncomfortable in their own torturous way.
They've just never seemed like the most comfortable sandals to me. Very flat with the harsh toe post part of the sandal rubbing? Not fun. Besides, the weather's hardly ever hot enough for sandals here in the UK... right?
Wrong. I kept seeing adverts for Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops, and my Instagram algorithm clearly knows me better than I know myself. Buoyed by the recent heatwaves and tipped over the edge when I found out that the ever-stylish Jennifer Aniston is a fan, I decided to dip my toe into the world of arch support flip-flops. And guess what? I haven't taken them off since they arrived.
£35 might be more than you've ever spent on a pair of flip-flops, but let's just consider the cost per wear for a moment. I've worn mine constantly since they arrived! It's also not that pricey when you think of a pair of leather sandals you might buy on the high street, and these are probably going to be more comfortable. One happy customer wrote: "These really do live up to the amazing reviews."
Like a lot of our favourite footwear brands (UGG and Emu, we're looking at you), Archies was born in Australia.
The brainchild of a physio who got tired of "continually warning patients who required support to stop wearing typical flat flip-flops", and was surprised at the lack of supportive options on the market, Daniel Jones quit his job and worked seriously hard to get Archies to where it is today.
With over 92,000 reviews on the site, 6,000 more on Amazon and the ability to call probably the most famous flip-flop wearer of them all, Jennifer Aniston, a fan, it's safe to say they've come a long way.
Jen owns at least three colours - black, olive and coral, plus Kylie Minogue has been pictured wearing a pair too.
If you're thinking that £35 is a lot to spend on the humble flip-flop, allow me to explain why this might just be the most comfortable summer sandal purchase you'll ever make...
Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops: Comfort & Support
Ok, let's get through the technical (but important!) stuff.
Firstly, the arch support. Now this takes a bit of getting used to, in the same way that Birkenstock sandals might, because you're so used to flip-flops being completely flat. These boast up to 2.2cm of orthotic support, which aids body alignment and is helpful for anyone with plantar fasciitis.
Most interesting for me was the tighter-than-normal strap. Doesn't sound super comfy, however, it totally negates the 'claw foot' you often find yourself doing with your toes in regular flip-flops. You can also stretch the strap and/or toe pole by hand to fit your feet.
There's an elevated heel, and the specialised material softens and moulds to the shape of your foot over time, so no wonder these are podiatrist-approved.
Shortly after the arrival of my sandals, I got a handy email from the company to explain how to make sure they're the comfiest they can be. They suggest "wearing them for 20 minutes at a time to ease in." Ever the rebel, I paid no attention to this advice and wore them for about 8 hours straight. Not even a hint of pain, just pure bliss.
In terms of fit, I'm a half size and ordered up, as the website suggests, and they're perfect. They're also "virtually indestructible" and ludicrously lightweight. Sounds too good to be true, right? I can confirm they're that good.
Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops: Style
The beauty of these is just how simple they are. I got them in black so I could wear them with everything, but I'm already deciding on which other colours I should order.
Thanks to their pared-back appeal and wearability, flip-flops are a huge trend this summer, but do they really ever go out of style? I don't think so.
I've worn mine with my best summer dresses, as well as with jeans and linen trousers. And of course, now I keep them in my handbag whenever I'm wearing heels!
Shop more colours
So far my flip-flops haven't got dirty in the slightest. But even if they do, marks should wipe right off the foam fabric, so I'd have full confidence in buying a white pair.
Butter yellow has been the colour trend of the year so far, and a subtle pair of flip-flops is an easy way to work this sunny shade into your wardrobe.
Jen's got the olive version, but this khaki style is a pretty close match. I can totally see her wearing these with cargo trousers and a camisole.
Archies Arch Support Flip-Flops: Verdict
Who knew there was so much to say about flip-flops? Archies has reinvented a true classic, and I'm seriously impressed. These are absolutely worth the money, and I guarantee you'll be back for more colours.
