If you suffer from plantar fasciitis pain, one of the best ways to prevent additional damage is by investing in high-quality plantar fasciitis shoes. The best shoes provide the support you need and absorb shock to your foot from walking or running. We talk about some of your best options in this post, including dress shoes, running shoes, and sandals. We have a mix of budget-friendly, as well as upgraded options.
Do I need plantar fasciitis shoes?
Plantar fasciitis occurs after damage to the plantar fascia in your feet. This fascia is a thick band of tissue that connects the ball of your foot with your heel. It supports the arch of your foot, providing stability to the whole foot. When this tissue is ton, strained, or irritated, it can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Most people with this condition first realize it when they experience moderate to severe foot pain in the morning. Generally, it diminishes over the day as your foot stretches out. Other symptoms of plantar fasciitis include:
- Stiffness and soreness in the foot, especially in the heel and arch
- Swelling
- Redness
- Burning or tenderness in the sole of your foot
- Difficulty going up and down stairs
- Tight calf muscles
Treatments for plantar fasciitis start with moderate, at-home stretching and strengthening routines. During pain flare-ups, you can also ice your feet to control swelling. Plantar fasciitis shoes or other accessories (discussed below) won’t cure your plantar fasciitis pain, but they can help you avoid further damage. With an appropriate stretching/strengthening routine and the right shoes, most people can recover fully from mild plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Moderate cases benefit from these practices, as well as additional orthotics and focused physical therapy. For severe cases, discuss surgical or interventional treatments with your doctor.
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 don’t have any severe damage that could require physical therapy. Once you’re cleared by your doctor, there’s 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
- A broad heel base to absorb shock
- Lighter designs, as you’ll want to avoid heavy shoes
- Removable insoles
- Back straps or support
- Deep heel cup
- Appropriately wide toe boxes
- Contoured and cushioned footbeds
- Flats, or heels of no more than two to three inches (avoid high heel shoes or stilettos)
- 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 you’re looking at clogs or sandals, they have a back strap or support. This stops your foot from gripping to keep your shoe in place.
Find what works for you
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis, though, are shoes that really work for you. Others may rave about a certain shoe, but you won’t have the same right fit.
We encourage you to go to the store and try these on to get a proper fit. Or, if you’re shopping online, make sure there’s an easy way to return shoes if they don’t fit right. Depending on your job and situation, you may need dress shoes or heels. If you’re exercising (which is always important!), make sure to find a running or walki