I have plantar faciitis, heel spurs & neuromas.  Unless I want to deal with foot pain, I need orthotics in my shoes or shoes like Birkenstocks, Earth shoes or Merrells.  I have been spending the summer, for the last 3 years, in the Crocs Athens sandals pain free & without problems.  I think they are cute, comfortable and fun to wear.  I wear an 8 1/2 - 9 medium in shoes, depending on style and find a very good fit in the Athens M6, L8 & have numerous pairs in this size.  If the Crocs Athens runs loose on you, try the Crocs BAJA, for women.  They run smaller, straps a little tighter & they also have MORE arch support.  I had to go up to a size 9M for the BAJA.  (I found them soft & comfy, but warmer for some reason; probably because of a tighter fit, but for the smaller, slimmer foot, a good fit.)  I wear them mainly around the house & in local stores, but we do live in a casual community close to the ocean.