If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, finding shoes that don’t exacerbate your pain may be a real challenge. Not all shoes are created equal, and some will help your symptoms better than others. Knowing what to look for can mean the difference between walking on sunshine and walking on glass.
Keep in mind, however, that every person is different— while we may recommend a specific type of shoe or brand, this doesn’t mean it will work for everyone with plantar fasciitis. It often comes down to trial and error to find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis that works for you.
The dedicated team at Capital Podiatry has ample experience in managing conditions like plantar fasciitis. Our patients are at the heart of our clinic and we’re committed to tailoring treatment plans to suit each individual and their specific health goals. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue on the foot’s base (or sole) that helps stabilise the arch. If this tissue becomes irritated or injured where it attaches to the heel of the foot, it can cause severe heel pain known as plantar fasciitis.
Other common symptoms include:
- Recurrent morning heel pain
- A burning or stabbing pain around the base of the heel
- Pain in the foot arch
- Pain in the calf muscle
Plantar fasciitis may be managed through various methods including wearing proper footwear, but if symptoms persist for more than a year, your podiatrist will likely suggest exploring surgical treatment.
What Are the Worst Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?
Generally speaking, flat shoes (like thongs, some sandals, and slip-ons) and very high heels are troublesome for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. Very tight shoes should also be avoided. This is because all these types of shoes impact the way the foot naturally moves, and they don’t provide adequate arch support, typically causing strain on the affected ligaments and tendons.
People with plantar fasciitis should also avoid walking barefoot, as this also doesn’t provide arch support or shock absorption.
What Are the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?
When choosing shoes that may improve your plantar fasciitis symptoms, there are several features that you should look for:
- They should offer heel support, which may help to prevent pronation while walking (when the foot rolls inward and the arch is flattened). Adequate heel support may be achieved with a firm heel cup or ample cushioning in the sole.
- They should provide arch support, which may help reduce strain on the plantar fascia. While the shoe itself may have built-in arch support, many people look into insoles to open their footwear options a little more.
- While not a necessity for everyone with plantar fasciitis, some people find rocker bottom shoes helpful, as they may help to propel the foot forward. Rocker bottom refers to when the bottom of the shoe is a little rounded, kind of like a rocking chair.
When choosing everyday shoes or athletic footwear, brands like Nike and Skechers offer many great choices. Brooks and New Balance are also known for their heel cushioning, arch support, and overall comfort.
When shopping for work shoes, Dr Scholl is a great choice with a balance between professionalism and support. If you need boots (either for work or hiking), Oboz is often a good choice. When it comes to open shoes or sandals, Crocs and Oofos are typically a better choice than traditional flat options.
Other Tips for Plantar Fasciitis-Friendly Footwear
Some other tips that people with plantar fasciitis may find helpful when buying shoes include:
- Buying two pairs and rotating them to reduce heel pain. The idea is that the two different shoe types will wear differently, ensuring that pressure isn’t always placed on the same areas.
- Investing in contoured sandals if you want a hot weather option. While you would still ideally wear proper shoes for longer periods, contoured sandals are generally better than bare feet.
- Not placing a lot of stock in shoes advertised as being ‘extra flexible’. Instead, insoles and orthotics are typically better options for reducing heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Choose the Right Shoes for Managing Plantar Fasciitis with Capital Podiatry
If you are looking for treatment for plantar fasciitis, a significant part of your management plan will likely involve choosing the right footwear. While we have provided a general guide for what features you should look for and which you should avoid, it’s important that you work with your podiatrist to ensure the right choices for your individual needs.
The team at Capital Podiatry has ample experience in treating and managing plantar fasciitis, and we would love to work with you in choosing shoes that relieve your pain rather than exacerbate it. Let us help you fill your shoe racks with attractive, supportive footwear.
