Customer Reviews Spenco Crystal Thong

I love the style, usually arch support footwear is ugly and has suede. These are lightweight, the sole is water proof, and they provide perfect support. The price is high.

I loved these sandals. I was able to wear them right out of the box with no break-in period. I have had surgery on both feet and wear custom orthotics most of the time, so I was really surprised at how comfortable they were. One problem though. The description reads "crystal thongs" but the thongs really have dull, silver metal studs on it - nothing as shiny or as festive as the description implies.

There were a few design flaws in my opinion and that is why I gave only three stars for style. First flaw, I have a problem with the straps, they keep sinking down and every time I try to put them on I have to pry the straps up with my toes before I can put my foot in. The next thing, which is not necessarily a flaw, was that there is a small bump in the middle of the footbed. If you look at the pictures closely you can see it. It is not uncomfortable but it does take some getting used to. The third thing was that the cup of the heel is very hard. So if you accidentally step onto the heel of these shoes, the edge will hurt! I do not have very good balance to begin with, and combined with the constantly sinking straps, I have hurt my heel a lot when I lose my balance and step on the edge.

I always wear Spenco thongs and slides because I have plantar fasciitis and I can't wear any flip-flops that don't have arch support. The Spenco thongs and slides provide good enough arch support that I don't feel any arch or heel pain after I wear them. These Crystal Thongs run at least a half size smaller than all of the other Spenco thongs and slides I own. I always buy a size 9, but when you hold up the size 9 Spenco Crystal Thongs to the size 9 Spenco canvas thongs and slides I already own, these are at least a half-inch shorter.

FYI, the "Crystal" descriptor is a bit of a misnomer, the little thingies are actually brass brads, or nailheads (decorative), but that's what i was hoping for rather than crystals, as I'm not a crystal kind of person. As for the shoe itself, I looked at the cork(ish)lining and thought of Birkenstocks, they do seem similar but i cant say they are actual cork. If anything, it is just a thin layer, it appears. These are Orthaheel, which Ive always wanted to try, but they fall just short of the arch support I was hoping for; I have pretty high arches. High arches may be why these felt "tight" for flipflops. Or I have fat feet. I have the longest toes, and the thong thingy does sit well back from the end of the footbed, a good thing. At first I thought they were going to be ridiculously long, then when I stood up, there was just about 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the tips of my toes. Overall, good design, well made, not as soft as I was hoping for, not as supportive arch-wise. Have to return them mostly b/c of the support issue, but also due to the tightness and not knowing of they'll stretch any. PS I ordered from Zappos b/c of free shipping both ways; had seen these on Q and frankly the return shipping can get rather crazy, especially if I want to try on 2 sizes and compare. As I am returning both pair, even though they were a little more at Z, the return shipping to Q would have been at least more for both pair (I'm guessing) YOU CAN'T BEAT ZAPPOS!

This is the 4th pair of the Spenco sandal that I have. They feel so good—great if you need a good arch support. They don't reek of being an orthotic shoe.

Great arch support, comfy, wonderful for one who's dealing with planter fasciitis, and they're cute, so I love them! Money well spent!

I love Spencos. Every pair I have purchased has been comfortable. I have a wide foot and finding a flipflop with a wide enough footbed is a challenge.

I love these sandals. I'm a runner and my feet are very picky with regards to foot comfort after a long run. I would buy these again tomorrow.

Wonderful! Love the new cork bottom. Please get in more colors.

These shoes are very comfortable and I have no pain while wearing them. but I do wish they would make orthotic shoes in half sizes. I wear a 6 1/2 so ordered a 7, which fits fine everywhere but in the top where there is at least an inch and a half too much shoe for my foot, which is a trip hazard.

These sandals are a little shorter than Orthaheel sandals so the 9 was too small for me and the 10 was too big. I need a half size but they don't have them. The 9 fits perfectly for me in the Orthaheel sandals. But I think Orthaheel runs a 1/2 size small because I am usually a true 9.5 in shoes and sandals.

First of all, I miss Zappos' free overnight shipping but the free shipping was still pretty fast. The length is slightly short. I am an 8½ to 9. The 9 fits but I do not have much extra room at the back of the foot. If you are concerned about the length I would size up. They seem wide. The width does not affect the comfort of the shoes for me but it does give a slightly sloppier look than I care for. The support is really good. These are my first orthotic type sandals that I have purchase so I cannot compare to other brands. The cork sole is very comfortable and is very light weight which really adds to the comfort of the shoes. The leather strap looks a little cheap to me. I was expecting something a little higher end looking for the price but I guess you are paying for the orthotic part. I am hoping after it is broken in more it looks a little nicer. Overall, I would purchase these again. They seem to be good for my plantar fasciitis.

Just got these and wore them today for the first time. I wear a 7.5 so I got these in a 7 and they fit... just barely. The strap is a little snug and rubs slightly between the toes. Should loosen up in time. I found the sole to be thin and hard. Not nearly enough cushion for me. I had to stand in line at the store for about 15

Having to return, strap on left foot inch or more looser than right. There is no crystal, it's a metal circle.