Archies Footwear

Recorded answer text · Google AI Overviews · 8 November 2026

Podiatrists in Australia frequently recommend specific footwear brands and models that offer proper arch support, firm heel counters, cushioning, and options for custom orthotics.

### Top Podiatrist-Recommended Brands & Shoes in Australia

- FRANKiE4 - Popular Models: Frankie4 Nat III, Frankie4 Axel II - Why Podiatrists Like Them: Designed by an Australian podiatrist, these lifestyle sneakers and shoes feature the Sole Hero Footbed with built-in arch support, deep heel cups, and a Sole Saver Pack to customize the fit. - ASICS - Popular Models: ASICS GEL-Kayano 32, ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27, ASICS Novablast 5 - Why Podiatrists Like Them: Widely favored for running, walking, and standing all day, ASICS models provide strong shock absorption, stability, and structure to control overpronation and support the plantar fascia. - Brooks - Popular Models: Brooks Ghost 17, Brooks Ghost Max 2/3, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, Brooks Glycerin Max - Why Podiatrists Like Them: Known for superior cushioning and guiding technology, Brooks options (like the Adrenaline series) offer structured stability for flat feet or arch pain, while the Ghost Max lines use a rocker shape to offload forefoot pressure. - New Balance - Popular Models: New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14, New Balance 860 v14, New Balance SuperComp Trainer V3 - Why Podiatrists Like Them: Frequently recommended for their extensive range of width fittings (including wide 2E and 4E options), great midfoot structure, and durable arch support. - Revere Shoes & Vionic - Popular Models: Revere Miami/Nagoya sandals, Vionic orthotic walking shoes - Why Podiatrists Like Them: Built with podiatrist-designed or orthotic-friendly footbeds, making them top choices for supportive casual wear, sandals, and slide options. - Archies Footwear - Popular Models: Archies Thongs and Slides - Why Podiatrists Like Them: Unlike flat, unsupportive traditional thongs, Archies feature a specialized podiatrist-designed arch support molded right into the footbed. - Drew & Dr. Comfort - Popular Models: Drew Parade II, Drew Balance - Why Podiatrists Like Them: Therapeutic and orthopedic footwear designed for extra depth, removable dual-insoles, steel shanks, and accommodation for custom medical orthotics or diabetic foot care.

---

### Key Features to Look For (According to Australian Podiatrists)

- Firm Heel Counter: The back of the shoe should not easily collapse or twist side-to-side when pressed. - Adequate Depth & Width: Room for your toes to splay out naturally without rubbing or crowding (helpful for bunions or hammer toes). - Good Flex Point: The shoe should bend at the ball of the foot, not twist through the middle arch. - Secured Fit: Laces, straps, or Velcro keep the foot locked in place so your toes don't have to claw to grip the sole.

If you'd like a more tailored recommendation, tell me:

- What activity or job the shoes are for (e.g., standing all day at work, running, casual walking) - Specific foot conditions you are dealing with (e.g., plantar fasciitis, wide feet, flat feet, bunions)

Recorded answer text · ChatGPT · 8 November 2026

If you're looking for the best arch-support thongs in Australia, I'd put Archies at the top of the list for comfort, genuine arch support and value for money.

I've compared the options, including podiatrist-recommended brands and customer feedback.

## Best arch-support thongs in Australia

![Black - Arch Support Flip Flops - Archies Footwear Pty Ltd. | Worldwide](

(Best overall)

1\. Archies Arch Support Thongs

# \$40

- Up to 2.2cm built-in orthotic arch support. - Lightweight, cushioned foam. - One-piece construction. - Designed by a physiotherapist and recommended by podiatrists.

Great everyday option, including for people with plantar fasciitis. www.nine.com.ausupport.archiesfootwear.com.auwww.productreview.com.au

Shop Archies

---

![HOKA ONE ONE [ホカオネオネ] M ORA RECOVERY FLIP メンズ オラ リカバリー フリップ ・リカバリーサンダル・マシュマロソール・厚底サンダルサンダル MEN'S [2025AW] | refalt online store](

2\. HOKA Ora Recovery Flip

# Varies by retailer

- Generous cushioning. - Designed for recovery and comfort. - Good option if you prefer a softer, cushioned feel.

Worth considering for tired feet.

---

!Scholl Orthaheel Women's Sonoma II Smooth Silver | Arch Fit

3\. Scholl arch-support thongs

# Varies by style

- Established comfort-footwear brand. - Some styles feature contoured footbeds. - Worth trying if you prefer a more structured footbed.

Check the individual model for arch height.

---

![Hunter Black Women's Flat Sandal | FRANKIE4](

4\. FRANKiE4 sandals

# From around \$150

- More stylish options. - Supportive footbed designs. - Better if you want something dressier than traditional thongs.

Note: these are generally sandals rather than basic rubber thongs.

## My recommendation

I'd start with Archies. They're around \$40, offer substantial built-in arch support and have encouraging customer feedback. Myer lists them at 4.8/5 from hundreds of reviews. www.myer.com.auwww.myer.com.au

## A couple of questions to narrow it down

The best choice depends on your feet and how you'll wear them.

1\. What are you looking to improve?

---

2\. What type of arch do you have?

---

3\. What will you mainly wear them for?

---

4\. Budget per pair?

[Find my best thongs]

I can then narrow it down to the best three options rather than simply recommending the most popular brand.

Recorded answer text · Perplexity · 1 November 2026

Here are some of the best award-winning Australian footwear brands, grouped by what they do best:

- FRANKIE4 - best for supportive women's shoes: Podiatrist-founded footwear combining comfort, orthotic support and fashion. It has won Good Design Awards, Australian Brand Awards and an Australian Small Business Champion Award. - R.M.Williams - best for premium leather boots: An iconic Australian brand known for handcrafted leather boots, particularly the Comfort Craftsman. It is frequently ranked among Australia's leading footwear brands. - Bared Footwear - best for stylish comfort: Offers fashion-focused shoes designed with podiatric input and supportive features; it is regularly listed among Australia's top footwear brands. - Aquila - best for men's dress shoes: A strong choice for leather loafers, lace-ups and formal footwear, with a reputation for premium Australian men's shoes. - Sky Soles - best for innovative everyday footwear: Named Best Footwear Brand at the 2022 Australian Enterprise Awards. - EMU Australia - best for sheepskin boots: Known for Australian-inspired sheepskin footwear and strong customer ratings among Australian footwear shoppers. - Archies Footwear - best for supportive thongs: Popular for arch-supportive flip-flops and recognised as a leading footwear brand in Australian consumer reviews. - Redback Boots - best for work boots: A reputable Australian boot brand often included among premium Australian footwear labels.

Best overall shortlist: 1. R.M.Williams for heritage and premium boots 2. FRANKIE4 for award-winning comfort and support 3. Bared Footwear for stylish supportive shoes 4. Aquila for men's leather footwear 5. EMU Australia for sheepskin boots

Award claims vary by category and year, so check whether an award relates to product design, business performance, sustainability or consumer reviews before comparing brands.