Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
The Mizuno Wave was my first supportive running shoe and was an excellent choice. Until then, I had always run in cheap shoes, but as I got into fitness during college, I got my first signs of Plantar Fasciitis. I ran in many cheap shoes in preparation for a marathon, resulting in a lot of pain.
With that in mind, I went to a triathlon store. After a gait diagnosis, we concluded it was time for proper neutral running shoes with arch support. I choose a pair of Mizuno Waves with custom insoles for support.
Since then, Ive opted for supportive running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to avoid the problem. After years of running, Ive found several favorites and managed to mitigate the problem entirely. The key to a great running shoe for plantar fasciitis is to seek a shoe that encourages a neutral run, and provides heel cushion and arch support.
Dont Miss: Gray Suede Slip On Sneakers
Brooks Ghost 14 Shoes
Many of Brooks running shoes also makes excellent sneakers when you want to take a slower stride. Recommended by Dr. Schaeffer, this sneaker has a thick and soft cushioned sole with added technology that makes every step feel smooth, no matter your personal gait and speed. The upper also uses 3D print technology for a fit that balances stretch and structure to keep your feet comfortable. Additionally, the Ghost 14 uses 30% recycled materials and is carbon-neutral, so producing it isnt harmful to the environment.
How Can I Minimize Plantar Fasciitis Pain
The encouraging aspect of having plantar fasciitis is that you can live with it and be pain free! As the foot experts, below are our recommendations that will have you up and running in no time.
One of the first and most effective treatment options doctors suggest is wearing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Footwear can be directly related to foot pain and plantar fasciitis which means that the right footwear can greatly affect your pain level as well as your speed of recovery. But what exactly is the right footwear? To answer that question, weve made a list of what to look for in a shoe if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. One such brand that specializes in designing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis is Orthofeet.
Also Check: What Medicare Plans Include Silver Sneakers
The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis are ones that fit properly and support your feet.
Plain and simple. Since everyone’s feet are different, you need to find daily shoes, running shoes, sandals or work boots that have just the right amount of cushioning and arch support for you.
Our Expert Advice is to find a local shoe store that offers old-fashioned service, like Family Footwear Center. They will be able to professionally measure your feet, just as your parents had the shoe salesmen do when you were fitted for shoes as a child growing up.
It is important to properly measure both of your feet to determine the length, width, and most importantly, the arch of each foot. Ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate a Plantar Fasciitis condition.
How To Choose Womens Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis: The Buying Guide
How do you choose the womens sneakers for plantar fasciitis? You must consider many things, such as the brand name, price, and product quality. In addition, you should also consider whether it is suitable for your needs or not.
So how do you choose the right womens sneakers for plantar fasciitis? Here are some tips that you can use to help you find a good product:
What you Should Keep in Mind When Buying womens sneakers for plantar fasciitis
When shopping for a womens sneakers for plantar fasciitis, there are several things to consider. You need to think about the quality of the product, the price, and even how much it will benefit your life. However, you also need to keep these factors in mind:
Also Check: How Do Balenciaga Track Sneakers Fit
What To Look For In The Best Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Walking adds pressure to the entire foot, including the arch, heel, and plantar fascia. Good, supportive walking shoes can keep your feet pain-free and comfortable and prevent any foot issues from forming. If we wear properly-fitting shoes and also a good insole to support our arch, then every step that we take will not put so much pressure on our plantar fascia and will not cause plantar fasciitis, Dr. Schaeffer says.
When it comes to the best shoes to treat plantar fasciitis, you want a sneaker or shoe that keeps your foot position neutral. Some people have flat feet and tend to overpronate, and some people have a higher arch and are over supinators, Dr. Schaeffer adds. Its the job of your doctor to show each patient what foot type they have. Its also important for our shoes and insoles to support every step that we take. He always recommends Dr. Scholls plantar fasciitis iInsoles for any shoes needing additional support.
The good news is all sorts of shoes that range in appearance can help this issue. There are more feminine options and athletic sneakers for those who want to be more active, proving you dont have to trade in style for relief. Considering all this, we compiled the 14 best walking shoes that support feet with plantar fasciitis, including a few of Dr. Schaeffer own picks.
Want to up your shoe game? Sign up for Footwear News Weekly Style newsletter to stay in the know on the latest sneaker releases and best footwear finds to shop now.
New Balance 577 V1 Lace
The balance and support the New Balance 577 offers is going to be long-lasting and also very dependable for your Plantar Fasciitis.
The 577 walking shoe has an incredibly tough rubber outsole with a ton of reinforced stitching. It offers a lot of heel stability with a reinforced panel at the toe.
The lace-up system offers a secure fit while the pillowy soft lining in the collar and at the Achilles together with the removable footbed provide added comfort.
The footbed offers a lot of shock absorption giving a great comfortable feeling to your feet.
It features a big thick layer of Abzorb EVA which absorbs the shock and dissipates it taking all the beating. It also has a very stable and supportive base and a textured outsole that has the Walking Strike Path.
Pros
- Leather might get scuffed easily
Don’t Miss: Comfy White Sneakers For Walking
Best Flats: Vionic North Willa
Vionic North Willa Slip On Flat
Vionic North Willa Slip On Flat
If youre looking for an expert-approved flat to wear daily, this one is a great bet for those with Plantar Fasciitis. In fact, all of Vionics shoes are made with podiatrist-deisgned footbeds that can help with plantar fasciitis in addition to bunions, heel spurs, and lower back pain, according to the brand. These shoes are made with a breathable man-made sock upper and a rubber outsole for comfortable walking.
I’m thinking of buying a second pair of these comfy shoes from Vionic! The arch support is wonderful and takes the stress off my back. I bought the black, grey, and white snake-skin version. They look nice with dress pants as well as jeans, one satisfied customer writes.
How To Choose The Right Shoe If You Have Plantar Fasciitis
- Look for the sandals with removable insoles and heel and arch support.
- Consider taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever the night before big walking days.
- Europes cobblestone streets dont work well with high heels. Try low wedges, an ankle or motorcycle boot, a low hiking shoe with added heel cushioning, or a soft moccasin.
- Rely on public transit to reduce the amount of walking. Many popular destinations, especially in Europe, have safe, excellent transit.
- Consider getting customized insoles or orthotics from a footwear store.
- Remember: quality shoes and insoles may be expensive, but theyre worth it!
Tip: Most travelers agree that three is the magic number when it comes to packing shoes. Learn more about how to create a capsule wardrobe with just three pairs of shoes!
Keep in mind that your destination may require specific types of shoes. Read these guides on how to choose shoes for Europes cobblestone streets and how to choose the best travel shoes in general!
What do you think are the best shoes for plantar fasciitis? Share in the comments!
Recommended Reading: Silver Sneakers Providence Hospital Mobile Al
Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Travel Fashion help! A Reader Asked: Im going to Ireland, London, and Paris for 5 weeks. Im looking for advice on a shoe that can go with shorts and skirts. I also have plantar fasciitis and will be doing a great deal of walking. Can you please recommend the best shoes for plantar fasciitis?
We get numerous questions with travelers in similar situations. They want to know what shoes are best for plantar fasciitis so we asked our readers for their recommendations. This article features all their top choices along with their best tips.
As plantar fasciitis sufferers know, choosing shoes that are comfortable and relieve heel pain can be difficult. And theres nothing worse than having sore feet while traveling! It can ruin a trip.
Because many of our readers suffer from this painful foot problem, we reached out to our readers for their first-hand recommendations for the best plantar fasciitis shoes.
Tip: Packing Cubes make the perfect shoe bags to protect your luggage from dirty shoes!
Best Mary Janes For Plantar Fasciitis: Shop Sanibel
Prefect for when the weather starts to warm up, Sanibel will be your go to shoe for virtually any activity and outfit. You can still look cute despite having plantar fasciitis!
The orthotic insole that is included in this style is made from unique foam that customizes to your specific foot over time. The pad under the heel has a trampoline effect and offsets the initial force when your heel strikes the ground. This minimizes the heel pain associated with fat pad atrophy and plantar fasciitis making them the best shoes for plantar fasciitis for women.
Sanibel allows for a customized fit in the most important places, the instep and heel. Both are padded and wont irritate the skin or cause blisters. The function of the heel strap is to accommodate different heel widths and shapes. If you have a wide forefoot and a narrow heel, you will be able to tighten the grip and prevent slippage. On the opposite end, you might have swollen feet or need to fit a brace or AFO, so loosening the grip will create plenty of space.
Sanibel is available in black, gray, and turquoise in widths from narrow up to extra extra wide!
Customer Review:
Don’t Miss: Sneakers Made Of Recycled Plastic
Best Heels: Naturalizer Warner Square Toe Pump
NATURALIZER Warner Square Toe Block Heel Pump
NATURALIZER Warner Square Toe Block Heel Pump
For many women, heels are just part of working lifeor a key element of any date night look. However, if you have plantar fasciitis, you should stay away from anything more than three inches. A high heel can cause shortening of the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the plantar fascia, and the shortened Achilles tendon will pull upon the plantar fascia increasing pain, Dr. Gerres says.
These slingback pumps by Naturalizer are 1.75 inches high and both look and feel great, on or off the clock. It features the brands N5 Contour Fit footbed which molds to the shape of your foot while also provided added stability as you walk. The block heel also ensures stability on your feet. The pump offers the highest level of comfort and a perfect heel for all-day wear, one Nordstrom Rack customer says. There are no negatives about this shoe.
How To Prevent Plantar Fasciitis
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few things to remember to avoid or address an early stage of plantar fasciitis.
- Do not wear uncomfortable shoes. Avoid heels and shoes with no support. Instead, choose running shoes with impact-absorbing heel support.
- Rest as soon as you notice discomfort during or after running. Avoid running and other impact sports for a few weeks.
- Keep doing leg and foot stretches.
Read Also: Sneakers For Working Out In The Gym
Everyday Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
In addition to activities, you sometimes just need shoes that you can slip on to run errands. Weve included some stylish examples of shoes below that can support your feet, but are easy to wear.
Why you should consider these shoes: These easy-to-wear clogs carry the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.
Features: Roomy toe-box, superior shock absorption and flexibility, multiple styles, and easy to slip on
From Health.com: People with plantar fasciitis should avoid wearing a heavy shoe. When you step down on a heavy shoe, the amount of force youre putting on your foot is greater. The heels of these classic clogs from Dansko are made from polyethylene, not wood, so they wont weigh down your feet.
Price: $119.95
Why you should consider these shoes: These hand-sewn moccasin style shoes are long-lasting and proceeds benefit their charitable programs. Their EverFit technology is designed to deliver anatomically contoured comfort to your whole foot.
Features: Naturally weather-resistant, moisture-wicking, with EverFit anatomically contoured footbed, multiple colors and styles
What users say: Shoes seldom fit me correctly. Ive had two surgeries on my right foot resulting in difficulty finding a decent shoe. This is that shoe. Will not bother with anything else. This large toe box is perfection.
Price: $97.47-$130.00
Features: Advanced Motion System technology, podiatrist designed orthotics, lightweight support, multiple fun colors
Best Overall: Vionic Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis
Proper arch support is sometimes all that stands between you and pain-free feet. If you have heel pain, foot discomfort, plantar fasciitis, or simply need better support, these slippers from Vionic are a no-brainer. In addition to having cushioned orthotic footbeds made of pure polyester, they are coated with eco-fresh material to prevent foot odor. These slippers feature a deep heel cup design that provides stability and arch support and cushioning. The orthaheel technology provides shock absorption and superior support. The upper portion is comprised of a very pleasant-to-touch, soft fabric that will keep your feet cozy in the winter and promote airflow in the summer. This product is the best on our list because of the arch support, quality material, and heel design.
Key Features:
Recommended Reading: Saks Off Fifth Mens Sneakers
What Else We Tested
What else we recommend
Naot Aura Rivotra: Part bootie, part dress shoe, these boots offer solid arch support in a true-to-size, well-fashioned style. It has a cushioned heel, but this may not be cushioned enough for a full-blown PF flare-up. In my experience, they are excellent for day-to-day living with PF.
Vionic Shawna Bootie: This trendy bootie was a cross between the casual sneaker and boot category, leaving it as a middle ground that didn’t have a home in this guide. But it deserves some serious love anyway: Sitting at a slight angle, the slightly lower arch support might be better for people with a flatter foot. It’s also certainly the most stylish shoe we tested, with serious daily wearability that can be dressed up or down.
Hoka Cliftons or Hoka Bondi 7: Hoka’s running shoes have long been recommended by foot specialists for PF heel pain relief. Originally meant for long distance runners, the brand focuses on shoes that provide support without sacrificing the feel of the shoe they are like walking on a cloud. There are multiple inches of cushion before your foot is anywhere near the ground. They also have memory foam meant to accommodate a narrower heel and they cradle the Achilles, which can sometimes get sore with PF.
Hoka Toa GoreTex Hiking Boots: We tested in the winter, so hiking boot trials are forthcoming. But we did initially love this HOKA hiking boot and look forward to testing others to compare to later.
What we don’t recommend
Using Shoe Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis
Sometimes the best options arent feasible.
Running shoes or cork sandals arent going to cut it at a business meeting.
This is where insoles can come in handy.
A firm, supportive insole from a brand like Superfeet or Powerstep can transform a pain-inducing dress shoe or boot into a supremely comfortable footwear choice.
Supportive insoles also have a strong body of evidence behind them when it comes to their use in treating plantar fasciitis.
However, custom orthotics dont seem to be any more effective than prefabricated over-the-counter orthotics.
A clinical trial published in 2006 by Karl Landorf, Anne-Maree Keenan, and Robert Herbert in the Archives of Internal Medicine tested the effects of a custom orthotic, an over-the-counter orthotic, and a sham device on plantar fasciitis over the course of a year.
Both the custom and prefabricated orthotics were equally effective at speeding the pace of recovery when compared to the sham orthotic, but the custom design fared no better than the pre-fab insert.4
However, dont throw your custom orthotics out just yet:
They may be useful if you have specific needs that cant be met by an over-the-counter insole.
For example, a strangely-shaped foot, or an extremely narrow shoe or boot that a standard orthotic wont fit into.
Read Also: Best Sneakers For Achilles Tendonitis
