I recently experienced persistent stabbing pain on my heel awper several routine workouts. It got worse one day when I lewp for work in my “fluky” boots so I decided to go for a checkup. I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The good news is that the expert physician suggested various shoes for plantar fasciitis designed for pain relief and quick healing process.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a common orthopedic illness that can make walking almost intolerable because of the nagging discomfort. The condition is caused by injury at the bottom of your foot well known as the plantar fascia. This is a ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes.
Today there is a growing number of young patients experiencing plantar fasciitis including muscle damage to the sole. The main reason is intense workout and wearing the wrong shoe during their daily routine.
Plantar fasciitis Stats
- Approximately a million people visit the doctor every year with issues related to plantar fasciitis
- 10% of the United States population experience bouts of heel pain
- 5% of plantar fasciitis patients end up undergoing surgery
- An estimated 80% of plantar fasciitis cases resolve spontaneously
Things to look for in shoes for plantar fasciitis
No matter the level of pain, the ultimate goal here is to have ideal footwear that offers the necessary comfort and support. Here are some of the critical features as suggested by experts:
- Great arch and heel support
- Extra firmness in the sole for sufficient support
- Contoured and removable footbeds
- Shock absorption
- Cushioning the midfoot to prevent heel impact
- Stable heel counter to minimize abnormal stretching
- Sowp impact with the ground in case your foot strikes a hard ground
The shape of your foot is also a great determinant of shoes for plantar fasciitis:
For people with a higher arch, the joint is usually at an angle that minimizes the range of flexibility. They should therefore, avoid firm arch support to avoid further restriction.
Flat-footed people with plantar fasciitis should go for footwear that has adequate arch support for effective healing.
Things to avoid in shoes for plantar fasciitis
Basic footwear is not meant for this condition. It is important to avoid minimalist shoes because there is minimal firmness in the sole, no heel cushioning and it stresses the heel bone.
Things to consider in shoes for plantar fasciitis
Most professionals such as physical therapists and podiatrists are hesitant to suggest specific shoe types and brands for plantar fasciitis. This is mainly because it is best practice to be evaluated first to determine the appropriate shoe concerning the particular case.
Fortunately, awper lots of research, we came up with a list of plantar fasciitis shoes. Our focus was on the most crucial element which is comfort. We noticed that most podiatrists and physical therapists miss this element when they recommend footwear for plantar fasciitis.
The following are various shoe recommendations for walking, hiking, and running, including sandals that will make the healing process possible and faster.
| Type of shoe | Brand and model | Price range ($) |
| Walking | Hoka One One Bondi x Opening Ceremony Saucony Grid Omni Walking Ziera All Sorts | 150 and above Less than 100 150 and above |
| Hiking | Keen Targhee Merell Moab 2 Mid WP | 100 – 150 100 – 150 |
| Running | New Balance 1080v10 Asics Gel Nimbus 20 and 22 | 100 – 150 100 – 150 |
| Sandals | Hoka Ora Recovery Slide Aetrex | Less than 100 100-150 |
Getting to details:
Walking Shoes
Hoka One One Bondi x Opening Ceremony
The Hoka One One Bondi x Opening Ceremony is regarded as s special type of plantar fasciitis footwear because it features support, firmness, and has a wide cushion. This special collaboration between Hoka Opening Ceremony is a street-worthy footwear that feels amazing on foot.
You can wear the footwear for light jogs on treadmill, street, and gravel.
Pros
- Durable leather
- Lightweight
- Super cushy and supportive
Cons
- Costly
- Can be narrow to some people
Saucony Grid Omni Walking
Saucony Grid Omni Walking shoe is inexpensive compared to Hoka One One and it is an ideal choice for support and plantar fasciitis relief. It has 100% leather and synthetic with a visible rear foot grid system for excellent cushioning and stability.
Pros
- Slower pronation rate – what causes the stabbing pain at the bottom of your foot
- Engineered asymmetrical sole for bio-mechanical fit
- Smooth transition enabled by Walk Trac patented outsole
Cons
- Bulky for some people
- Only available in black and white
Ziera All Sorts
Ziera is a comfortable brand that serves as a pain reliever for patients with plantar fasciitis. It is a stylish brand and a favorite for many women. Once you try them you will notice that they feel as great as they look.
Pros
- Built-in orthotic footbed
- Comfortable and stylish
- Thick polyurethane outsoles for shock absorption
- Come in multiple widths for a perfect fit
- Lightweight sole for comfort
- Performance text lining
Cons
- Expensive
Hiking Shoes
Keen Targhee
Targhee Vent, Targhee III, and plenty of more Targhees, Keen Targhee offers a wide range of options when it comes to agility and style. It is a favorite to many people with plantar fasciitis mainly because of its waterproof breathable membrane.
Pros
- Exceptional arch support
- Elevated heel
- High-traction grip
- Lightweight support for flawless mobility
- Cushion collar for better ankle support
- Durable
Cons
- A little heavier compared with other shoes for plantar fasciitis
Merell Moab 2 Mid WP
Merell Moab 2 Mid WP offers a variety of styles and colors. It is important to note that most hiking boots offer little or no arch support making the Mid WP an appropriate hiking remedy.
Pros
- Zonal arch and heel support
- Contoured footbeds
- Performance suede leather
- Protective rubber toe cap
- Breathable mesh lining
- A durable fit
Cons
- Can be bulky for some
Running Shoes
New Balance 1080v10
New Balance 1080v10 is an excellent shoe for both pro and amateur runners. In addition to great functionality, it is a bold fashion statement for men and women.
Pros
- Data-driven design
- Excellent arch and heel support
- Great cushioning
- Wide toe box
- Ideal shock absorber
Cons
- Can be a challenge to some since they are foam running shoes
Asics Gel Nimbus 20 and 22
Asics Gel Nimbus 20 and 22 have a tough exterior and optimal heel stability. It is one of the best shoes for hitting the road anytime, anywhere, thanks to lasting comfort. The brand is packed with tech for improved performance.
Pros
- Great arch and heel support
- FLyteFoam Propel Technology for the supreme bounce
- Synthetic-and-mesh
- Enhanced gait efficiency
Cons
- Slim for wide feet
Sandals
NAOT Krista
NAOT Krista is a stylish yet excellent choice for plantar fasciitis. It is a comfortable fit for long walks and decent enough to grace almost any occasion. Krista is a three-strap sandal with a hook and a loop strap for a tailored fit.
Pros
- Offers a wide range of colors
- Excellent comfort and support
- Flexible
- Shock absorption
- Wide range of sizes
Cons
- Costly
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 2
Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 2 Women’s footwear is a great option for pet lovers particularly if you have man’s best friend as part of your family. Experts recommend wearing these awper an early morning long run or grueling race.
Pros
- Optimum comfort and support
- lightweight
Cons
- Can be bulky for some people
Aetrex
Aetrex sandals help reduce the stabbing pain caused by plantar fasciitis. It has a low wedge including full-grain leather on the upper part.
Pros
- A customizable fit made possible with loop straps and adjustable hook
- Strategically placed support and weight distribution
- LYNCO arch support – No. 1 orthotic system currently in the market
- Genuine leather
Cons
- Pricey
It is critical to note that plantar fasciitis can be tricky to treat. Most of the times it requires time to offload from intense activities like sprinting, running, and jumping. Strengthening the entire lower limb can be effective for this condition.
Related Questions
How do you get plantar fasciitis?
- Running long distances downhill or on uneven terrain
- Wearing shoes with poor arch support
- Tight Achilles tendon
- Obesity
- Sudden weight gain
What are the exercises and stretches for plantar fasciitis?
- Soleus stretch – placing one foot in front of the other with the toes facing forward
- Heel raise on a towel with ball squeeze
- Great toe stretch on wall
- Downward dog ankle pumping
- Intrinsic foot strength overhead/rotational reach
- Banded squats
How can I avoid plantar fasciitis?
- Regularly stretching the Achilles tendon during warm-up
- Always wear supportive shoes
- Staying healthy and avoid being overweight
- Always wear shoes with heel cushioning
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