Arch-Support Thongs and Slides: A Podiatrist’s Guide to Archline and Zullaz

Standard thongs and slides are convenient in warm weather, around the house and after exercise, but many have a completely flat and flexible sole. If you are accustomed to supportive footwear, spending hours in flat thongs can feel uncomfortable or tiring.

Arch-support thongs and slides use a contoured footbed rather than a flat platform. They cannot replace individually prescribed orthotics in every situation, but they can provide a more supportive alternative for casual wear.

As a podiatrist, I look at more than whether footwear is labelled “orthotic.” The position of the arch contour, heel shape, cushioning, strap fit and overall length all need to suit the individual foot.

This guide compares the Archline Rebound range with Zullaz arch-support thongs and explains how to choose between thongs and slides.

How are arch-support thongs different from ordinary thongs?

Most basic thongs provide a thin, flat layer between the foot and the ground. They may feel soft initially, but they generally offer little contour beneath the arch or around the heel.

Arch-support thongs commonly include:

a raised, anatomically contoured arch;

a shaped heel area;

cushioning beneath the heel and forefoot;

a more substantial sole;

textured or slip-resistant areas beneath the shoe; and

straps designed to hold the foot more securely.

A contoured footbed spreads contact across a larger area of the sole. Whether this feels comfortable depends on how well the contour aligns with your foot.

Thongs or slides: which style should you choose?

The main difference is how the footwear is retained on the foot.

Arch-support thongs

Thongs use a Y-shaped strap that passes between the first and second toes. They may feel more secure than an open slide during walking because the strap helps keep the footwear attached to the foot.

They may suit people who:

are comfortable wearing a toe post;

prefer the familiar fit of a traditional thong;

want an open style for warm weather;

need something lightweight and washable; or

find an open slide moves too much during walking.

A thong may not suit someone with sensitive skin between the toes, a painful interdigital lesion or difficulty tolerating a toe post.

Arch-support slides

Slides use a broad strap across the top of the forefoot. There is no toe post, making them easy to put on and remove.

They may suit people who:

dislike pressure between the toes;

want footwear that is quick to slip on;

prefer a broad upper strap;

use supportive footwear around the house or after activity; or

want room for the toes without a central strap.

Slides still need to fit securely. If the upper is too loose, the foot may move excessively or the toes may grip in an attempt to keep the footwear on.

Neither style provides the protection or security of a well-fitted enclosed shoe.

Archline Rebound Thongs

Archline Rebound Thongs combine a contoured footbed with a lightweight Rebound EVA sole.

They have a one-piece moulded construction, an anatomically shaped heel area and a textured footbed. The sole feels noticeably cushioned and spring-like rather than firm and rigid.

Features include:

Archline’s built-in arch-support structure;

lightweight Rebound EVA cushioning;

a shaped heel cup;

a flexible toe-post strap;

a textured footbed;

an elevated heel-to-toe profile; and

a traction pattern beneath the sole.

The Archline thongs are currently available in colours including:

black;

navy;

sand;

pink; and

lilac.

Their broader size range includes women’s and men’s equivalent sizes, making them a useful option when larger sizing is required.

Who may prefer Archline Rebound Thongs?

Consider the Archline thong if you prefer:

a soft, bouncy footbed;

a one-piece moulded and water-friendly design;

noticeable underfoot cushioning;

a broad range of colours;

larger or unisex sizing; or

a sporty casual appearance.

Archline Rebound Slides

Archline Rebound Slides use a similar contoured Rebound EVA footbed but replace the toe post with a broad strap over the forefoot.

They retain the lightweight, cushioned feel of the Archline thongs and include:

built-in arch contouring;

a shaped heel area;

soft Rebound EVA;

a textured footbed;

a broad upper strap; and

a slip-resistant sole pattern.

The current colours include:

black;

navy; and

putty.

Who may prefer Archline Rebound Slides?

The slides may be suitable if you:

dislike a strap between your toes;

want easy slip-on footwear;

prefer a sports or recovery-slide appearance;

want supportive footwear for home or casual use; or

like the feel of soft, responsive cushioning.

Because a slide does not have a back strap or toe post, fit through the upper is important. The foot should not move excessively from side to side or slide too far forward.

Zullaz Women’s Arch-Support Thongs

Zullaz women’s thongs are developed by Footlogics and use a built-in contoured footbed with ReSorb Plus cushioning.

Compared with Archline’s one-piece moulded design, the Zullaz style has a softer microfibre strap and a more traditional layered thong appearance.

Features include:

a built-in anatomical arch contour;

a cushioned EVA footbed;

a shaped heel area;

a soft microfibre strap;

lightweight construction; and

rubber grip sections beneath the outsole.

The women’s Zullaz thongs stocked by The Foot Care Shop are available in:

black;

navy; and

taupe.

Available sizes generally range from European 37 to 42. Each product page includes foot-length measurements to assist with selection.

Who may prefer Zullaz thongs?

Consider Zullaz if you prefer:

a softer microfibre strap;

a traditional thong appearance;

a cushioned rather than highly bouncy feel;

a lighter-looking smarter style.

Archline or Zullaz: what is the practical difference?

Both ranges provide a contoured alternative to flat fashion thongs, but they feel and fit differently.

Choose Archline Rebound Thongs if:

you prefer a springy EVA feel;

you want a moulded, water-friendly design;

you need larger or unisex sizing;

you prefer brighter colour options; or

you want a sporty appearance.

Choose Archline Rebound Slides if:

you do not tolerate a toe post;

you want footwear that is especially easy to put on;

you prefer a broad strap over the foot; or

you like a sports-slide style.

Choose Zullaz Thongs if:

you prefer a soft microfibre strap;

you want a more traditional thong design;

you prefer neutral black, navy or taupe;

you prefer Footlogics-style cushioning and contouring.

No brand is automatically best for every person. The location of the arch contour and the way the strap holds the foot are more important than the product name.

How should arch-support thongs fit?

A supportive footbed can only work comfortably if it aligns with your foot.

Check that:

your heel sits within the shaped heel area;

the arch contour sits beneath your natural arch rather than too far forward or back;

your toes remain on the footbed without hanging over the front;

the widest part of your foot fits within the sole;

the strap does not rub or create excessive pressure;

your foot does not slide from side to side; and

you can walk without gripping strongly with your toes.

Do not judge size only from your usual shoe number. Sizing varies between brands, and foot length is often the most useful starting point.

How to measure your foot

To measure:

Place a sheet of paper against a wall.

Stand on the paper with your heel lightly touching the wall.

Mark the position of your longest toe.

Measure from the edge of the paper to the mark.

Repeat with the other foot.

Use the measurement of the longer foot when checking the product size guide.

Measurements should be taken while standing because the foot can lengthen slightly under body weight.

Do arch-support thongs require a break-in period?

A new arch contour can feel unusual if you normally wear flat footwear.

Begin with shorter periods and increase wear gradually. The footbed should feel supportive, but it should not create sharp pain, numbness, rubbing or persistent pressure.

Stop wearing the footwear if it causes ongoing discomfort or skin irritation. A painful arch contour is not something that should simply be endured.

Can arch-support thongs replace orthotics?

Not in every situation.

They can provide built-in contouring when regular orthotics cannot be transferred into open footwear. However, the support is fixed within the footbed and cannot be individually adjusted in the same way as a prescribed orthotic.

People with a substantial leg-length difference, complex foot deformity, recent injury or an individual orthotic prescription should seek advice before replacing their usual footwear.

Are supportive thongs suitable for plantar heel or arch discomfort?

Some people find a contoured footbed more comfortable than a completely flat thong because it increases contact beneath the arch and provides more cushioning.

However, heel and arch pain can have several causes. Footwear is only one part of management, and no thong or slide can be guaranteed to resolve a diagnosed condition.

Seek professional assessment if pain is persistent, worsening or affecting how you walk.

Are thongs or slides appropriate for diabetes?

Open footwear provides less protection than an enclosed shoe. Straps, exposed edges and small objects underfoot can cause skin injury, particularly when sensation is reduced.

If you have diabetes, neuropathy, reduced circulation, a history of ulceration or fragile skin, obtain individual advice before selecting open footwear. Inspect your feet and the inside of the footwear regularly.

When are enclosed shoes more appropriate?

Choose an enclosed and securely fastened shoe when you require:

greater foot protection;

better control during longer walks;

more secure heel retention;

accommodation for prescribed orthotics;

protection at work;

increased stability on uneven ground; or

reduced risk of friction from an open strap.

Arch-support thongs and slides are practical casual footwear, not a replacement for suitable enclosed shoes in every activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Archline thongs and Zullaz thongs?

Archline thongs use a one-piece moulded Rebound EVA design with a springy, sports-inspired feel. Zullaz thongs use a cushioned Footlogics footbed with a soft microfibre strap and a more traditional thong appearance.

Which has the firmer arch support?

How firm the arch feels depends on the foot’s shape, the position of the contour and the cushioning around it. A prominent contour in the wrong position will not necessarily provide better support. Fit is more important than choosing the product that feels firmest.

Are Archline slides adjustable?

The Archline Rebound Slides have a broad moulded upper, but the current models are not adjustable. Correct sizing through the forefoot is therefore important.

Can Archline thongs and slides get wet?

Their moulded EVA construction makes them practical for casual use around water. Follow the product care directions and allow them to dry away from excessive heat.

Are Zullaz thongs waterproof?

Zullaz thongs use a microfibre strap and layered construction. They are suitable for everyday casual wear but should not be treated like fully moulded EVA thongs. Allow them to dry naturally if they become wet.

Should I size up if I am between sizes?

Not automatically. Sizing up can place the arch contour too far forward and allow excessive movement. Compare your foot-length measurement with the relevant size guide and check that both the heel and toes sit correctly on the footbed.

Can I wear arch-support thongs all day?

This depends on comfort, activity and individual foot health. Introduce them gradually if you are not accustomed to a contoured footbed. An enclosed shoe may still be more appropriate for long walks, work or uneven surfaces.

Can men wear Archline Rebound footwear?

Several Archline Rebound sizes include men’s equivalents. Check the size options on the individual product page, as colour and size availability can vary.

Explore arch-support thongs and slides

Browse our current collection of Archline and Zullaz arch-support thongs and slides.

Written and clinically reviewed by our AHPRA-registered podiatrist and founder of The Foot Care Shop.

Last clinically reviewed: October 2026

This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for an individual assessment, diagnosis or treatment plan. Seek professional advice for persistent pain, altered sensation, circulation concerns or difficulty selecting appropriate footwear.