Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal is easy to slide on quickly, increasing the chances you’ll wear supportive shoes 24/7, and uses grippy “beads” to prevent your foot sliding around as you walk.
Pros: Support “beads” on footbed to prevent sliding when wet, supportive arch for multiple arch types
Cons: Stretches out a bit over time, less foot cushion than some may need, not true to size
I absolutely love Vionic’s ultra-popular High Tide Sandal, which you can still find at a few shoe stores but the company is discontinuing the model. That makes Vionic’s Tide II Post Sandal the next best option.
It’s a strong go-to sandal for everyday wear as it’s easy to slip on and off. This is ideal at the beginning of your PF journey when you want to wear shoes every moment you’re not sitting .
Vionic Tide II Post sandals have solid arch support and little grippers on the insole. At first, these seem like a simple design element but over time, the grippers start to feel like little massagers as they also work to keep your foot in place. I recommend sizing down in these and the High Tides, as they can get a little too flippy floppy, especially with regular use.
The one downside is that they might not be “cushy” enough if you are in your initial and most difficult PF phase.
Get Help For Severe Plantar Fasciitis Pain
While plantar fasciitis shoes can help a lot with reducing your pain, they may not help all people. And, theyre best used in conjunction with other treatments, like physical therapy, strengthening, and icing. If your foot pain is severe and disrupting your overall quality of life, it may be time to get specialized help.
You can find a pain doctor in your area by clicking the button below or looking for one in your area by using the tips here: .
What Aggravates Plantar Fasciitis
The number one thing that aggravates plantar fasciitis is not giving your feet enough support. This can mean wearing shoes without enough cushion or arch support, or standing on hard surfaces, like concrete, for hours without rest. A supportive pair of shoes, like all those included in this guide, can go a long way to avoiding a plantar fasciitis flare up.
Recommended Reading: What Type Of Sneakers Should I Buy
Mythical Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis
Unproven Causes of Plantar Fasciitis.
- Heel Spurs
- Natural Thickening of the Fascia Band
- Weight-bearing Activities.
Heel Spurs
Heel Spurs are calcium deposits that cause a bony protrusion on the bottom of the heel bone. While they are commonly thought to be one cause of Plantar Fasciitis, heel spurs are its own condition. They often occur in people who already have Plantar Fasciitis and many who have heel spurs do not even experience any pain from them.
Natural Thickening of the Fascia Band
If the Fascia Tissue is injured and reinjured over time, which is a common, natural occurrence during a lifetime, it can become thicker. However, the thickening of the Fascia Band has not been proven to be a catalyst of Plantar Fasciitis.
Weight-Bearing Activities
Carrying heavy weights will invariably lead to more weight and pressure pressing down on the Plantar Region as you walk. Generally, weight-bearing activities are only for short periods of time, unlike being obese, where one would bear extra weight all the time when standing, walking and running.
While Heel Spurs, the Thickening of the Fascia Band and Weight-Bearing Activities are suspected causes, none of these issues have been shown to have any direct, significant correlation to the onset, or the condition of Plantar Fasciitis.
Will Arch Supports Help My Plantar Fasciitis Pain
Shoes marketed as support shoes have denser layers of foam underneath the arch and softer foam elsewhere in the shoe.
This type of design, called a medial post, was originally designed to counter pronation, though it isnt particularly effective at its task.3
Nevertheless, a support shoe might be a good place to start if youre looking for an athletic shoe to take stress off your arch, since a medial post should still reduce stress on the plantar fascia.
These factors make a quality running shoe a great choice both for walking around and for actual running if youre getting over plantar fasciitis.
Also Check: Polo Ralph Lauren Faxon Sneakers
Best Flip Flops: Fit Flop Iqushion
Certified with the APMA seal, these sandals are the pair you should pack for a beach getaway. The anatomically shaped EVA footbed provides arch support while the platform helps relieve pressure from the heels. Another amazing feature? Its pressure-relieving cushion smartly is placed right where your heel needs it. It also has a dual-density midsole that aids in evenly distributing weight and absorbing shock.
Although flip-flops are not the best shoe overall for plantar fasciitis, if one must choose a flip-flop, these are supportive, Dr. Pruthi says. Amazon reviewers rave about these things, calling them simply the best and recommended for everyday use.
What Are The Best Work Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Beyond arch support and rigidity, there are a few other shoe-related factors that might affect the amount of stress you put on your plantar fascia.
But what are the best dress shoes for plantar fasciitis?
Dr Nick Campitelli recommends mens Vivo Barefoot shoes for work shoes and Vivo Barefoot dress shoes for women.
Dr Mark Cucuzzella recommends Lems Nine2Five for men and OESH or Ahinsa Ballerinas as the best womens plantar fasciitis shoes.
Kristin Marvin explained that if you must wear dress shoes to work, be sure to walk around barefoot around your house to combat the time your feet are in shoes, and start to add in foot exercises to strengthen your foot muscles to help get rid of your plantar fasciitis.
You May Like: How To Get Authentic Sneakers Wholesale
Other Tips For Buying The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
As we looked over the research there are some tips that can be offered when buying shoes for Plantar Fasciitis. These will hopefully help guide your purchase decisions.
Buy two pairs and rotate them
For people who work long hours and stand on their feet all day, this is a good option. One study found that rotating between shoes during the week helped to reduce heel pain.
The idea is two different shoes will load the heel in slightly different ways. The cushioning in different shoes will put pressure on different areas of the heel. This then will help to offload the heel, instead of having the pressure on the same areas.
Sandals can work with contours
If you really hate wearing shoes, then get a pair of contoured sandals. These have been shown to be effective as well and are great for around the home where shoes might be too much of a hassle.
Ideally shoes would still be used for longer distances or going out, but if contoured sandals help to get you out of bare feet around the home it is worth the purchase.
Extra flex at the forefoot may not make a difference insoles will
Some shoes are advertised as being extra flexible. Whilst this may suit some people, it should not be one of the main criteria you use to buy shoes. On the other hand, insoles have been proven to help with heel pain.
Best For Trail Running: Hoka One One Speedgoat 4
If the trails are where you clock in most of your miles, then youll need a well-tractioned and supportive sneaker like the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4. A top pick from Dr. Cunha, it has a tight grip for uphill and a secure fit for downhill, ensuring that your foot is always in place and cushioned where it needs to be. In addition to its impressive stability, it provides support to the midfoot with its foam midsole, and boasts a spacious toe box.
I have plantar fasciitis and the Hoka’s thick soles prevent heel pain, one shopper shared. My partner has the previous model Goat’s and is wearing these hiking instead of hiking boots. We work in Yellowstone National Park in the summers and hike quite a bit in rocky terrain.
Recommended Reading: White High Top Sneakers Mens
What Are The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Always talk to your doctor before diagnosing your own plantar fasciitis. They can diagnose symptoms and ensure you dont have any severe damage that could require physical therapy. Once youre cleared by your doctor, theres a few things to look for in the best shoes.
Look for plantar fasciitis shoes that have all or most of the following:
- Appropriate arch support
- Appropriately wide toe boxes
- Contoured and cushioned footbeds
- Flats, or heels of no more than two to three inches
- Rocking motion technology to reduce heel stress
Overall, you want to find a well-made shoe that provides good support to your arches and footbeds. The best shoes are made from lightweight materials. They have removable insoles so you can insert custom orthotics, if needed. And, if youre looking at clogs or sandals, they have a back strap or support. This stops your foot from gripping to keep your shoe in place.
Are Hoka Shoes Good For Plantar Fasciitis
Podiatrist says poorly constructed shoes, including high heels and worn out shoes, with less support, causes to increased stress on the mid-foot and heel. Shoes with poor arch support, lack of heel cushion or flexibility can also result in plantar fascia pain.
The Hoka One One Bondi shoes are one of the most cushioned shoes out there, and also they give you great arch support. Hoka shoe is a better option for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Upper
The upper of the Bondi 6 is made from a breathable mesh which sits comfortably against the foot and allows cool air to flow into the shoe at the same time as releasing warm air out of the shoe, allowing the foot to remain as cool, dry and comfortable as possible. The 3D Print structure is also used throughout the shoe upper which is made from a superbly lightweight material and offers a precise fit for secure and comfortable wear.
Midsole
The Early Stage Meta-Rocker chosen for the midsole is specifically designed with a low heel-to-toe differential and works like a rocking chair for your foot which allows the foot to be guided effectively through the natural gait cycle. A plush EVA material has also been used in the construction of the midsole which offers long-lasting cushioning and comfort
Outsole
You May Like: Adidas All Black Womens Sneakers
Choosing The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
When it comes to choosing the right footwear for your individual case of Plantar Fasciitis, there are a few important points to consider. Look for shoes that have:
Are Keen Shoes Good For Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Podiatrists recommend wearing shoes and using orthotics may become more comfortable for plantar pain. Keen shoes are one of the podiatrists recommended shoes for people with plantar fasciitis. These Keen Targhee II hiking shoes provide great arch support and nice cushioning, also it reduces your excessive pronation and reduces plantar pain.
The next one on our list is the Merrell Moab 2 Vent hiking shoe. They are a very good shoe with many high-quality features that made your hiking very pleasurable experience.
The core of the shoe is rugged and provides lots of support and protection for rocky technical trails. The upper is durable suede leather and mesh and of course, you have a substantial protective rubber toe cap foradded protection.
Of course, only in a premium shoe are you going to find excellent waterproofing, the Moab twos have Merrills M select dry which seals out water but lets moisture escape so you stay dry when youre on the move.
They breathe really well and they are comfortable in all types of terrain. They are heavy enough to give good stability on loose gravel trails, but not heavy like a classic hiking boot.
The Moab 2 is very comfortable and made with breathable material as to minimize sweating. If you are looking for a hiking shoe that reduces your plantar pain or heel pain, the Moab 2 is worth the money because of its comfort, support, durability, and style.
Recommended Reading: How Does Medicare Silver Sneakers Work
Will Barefoot Running Help Or Cure Plantar Fasciitis
There have been very few studies on barefoot running and plantar fasciitis. But anecdotal evidence seems to suggest it might benefit some runners.
When you run barefoot, your form changes. Youre more likely to land on your midfoot or the ball of your foot. Its just too painful to heel strike without any cushioning. This shifts the running forces onto different parts of your feet, legs, and hips. And your feet get stronger in the front part of your foot.
Its thought that strengthening the foot this way helps cure plantar fasciitis. Its not dissimilar from doing calf raises to build up the front part of the foot.
A 2014 study provided some evidence that high-load strengthening helps heal plantar fasciitis. The theory is that when you run barefoot, you also strengthen that part of the foot by landing and toeing off on the ball of your foot.
There need to be more studies to prove if high-load strengthening helps plantar fasciitis some have questioned the study itself and in turn does barefoot running help.
If youve struggled for a long time with plantar fasciitis, it might be worth trying barefoot or minimal running to see if that helps.
Best Comfortable Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Ecco
From performance hikers to city styles, Ecco boots, shoes, and sandals are made for any travel destination, including outdoor adventures in the concrete jungle or the wilderness.
ECCO uses advanced construction techniques and continuous exploration in materials science to develop the most comfortable shoe.
Ecco is the top one among the twenty brands our readers voted as the most comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel!
Loved for:
With ECCO, you know you can count on superior fit, durability, support, and flexibility for all-day comfort.
Readers said:
- This pair has a wonderful insole: firm but cushioned, and they get more comfortable and shape around your foot as you wear it.
- I have had Plantar Fasciitis and I am terrified of having it come back. These shoes give all the arch support I need and protect my heels without buying additional orthotics.
- Love love love these shoes!
Don’t Miss: Outfits With Steve Madden Sneakers
How To Choose The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Although shoes for plantar fasciitis wont actually treat your condition, they can definitely help improve your level of comfort, says Barbara Bergin, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Austin. For most people, about 10 months of treatment for plantar fasciitis will do the trick.
In the interim, Dr. Bergin and Dr. Dunn both recommend looking for shoes with the following characteristics:
- Ample arch support
- A firm, but flexible midsole
- If youre using plantar fasciitis insoles, a removable insole
- Cushioning in the forefoot
To help you find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, we rounded up top picks from leading podiatrists. Shop their choices, as well as top-rated options online, below.
Supportive Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis
Purchasing the right insoles to combat the pain and discomfort of Plantar Fasciitis can be a step in the right direction. However, just grabbing one off a store rack in your shoe size is a dangerous gamble that could only serve to make your condition worse
Stop into your local shoe store, like Family Footwear Center stores, that have trained professionals to help you utilize a foot scanner to determine where your feet need the most support, and based on what your daily personal activities are..With this new knowledge, they will be able to steer you into the right pair of shoes to get you on the path to having your feet feel good again.
Once your feet have been scanned, you will know just the right Insoles to purchase to alleviate and help prevent Plantar Fasciitis, such as Spenco Insoles, that can be found here:
Recommended Reading: Sneakers That Match With Everything
Best Loafers: Sperry Seaport
Fit for the office, these loafers have a memory foam footbed and EVA midsole to provide support and comfort in the arches. They also have a rounded toe box and a flexible leather upper to give your feet some breathing room. The durable rubber outsole offers great traction for rainy weather too. The rubber outsole is an especially good feature as it can act as an additional shock absorber, Dr. Bhuta says.
“I love these loafers! I got the black patent, but will probably order other colors,” wrote one satisfied customer. “Inside is padded very comfortably, and they don’t make my feet sweat. “Zero rubbing, blisters, etc. .”
Add More Comfort To Your Daily Stroll
Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. Youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.
Verywell / Sabrina Jiang
If you have plantar fasciitis, staying comfortable while active can be difficult. The painful condition occurs when excessive stress and pressure cause the connective tissue at the bottom of the foot to stretch and become inflamed. Symptoms improve if you give yourself a break, but may arise as soon as you return to physical activity.
Finding the right pair of cushioned and supportive shoes is a proactive way to help with the pain. According to John Huenink, founder of insole company BioMoto, youll want to look for a walking shoe with a tight and structured heel counter.
You shouldnt be able to fold the shoe directly in halfthe shoe should bend only at the ball line, which is the metatarsal line, he explains. Huenink also notes that the shoes shouldn’t be able to twist excessively. We call it torsional stiffness. If you take the heel and twist the forefoot, it shouldn’t turn too much, he says.
Here are the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.
You May Like: How To Buy Sneakers For Retail
