5 Best Shoes for Men With Plantar Fasciitis

This article was reviewed and approved by a medical professional.

Dr. Vivek David is a licensed orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement and lower limb reconstruction surgeries. With a rich experience of over 10 years in orthopedics, he has an excellent reputation for handling complex lower limb joint reconstruction and robotic surgeries.

Plantar fasciitis can be really painful even when you're just walking. Here’s all you need to know about its causes and symptoms, and how finding the right shoes can help stop the stabbing heel pain!

Have you ever experienced a persistent stabbing pain in your heel, especially in the morning? This common orthopedic complaint accounts for approximately 1 million doctor visits yearly.

The main cause of plantar fasciitis remains unclear, but footwear plays a significant role in its development. This article will explain what factors make shoes suitable for plantar fasciitis and what to avoid. We’ve listed five of the best choices from Taos®.

Here’s a quick rundown on the best men’s shoes for plantar fasciitis:

Starsky: Starsky is perfect for any man who wants comfort and style. This canvas sneaker looks great for everyday wear and has the Curves & Pods® premium removable sneaker footbed for arch and metatarsal support.
Hutch: In a hurry? Then slip right into the Hutch! These versatile slip-on sneakers offer twin gore elasticity for easy on and off, with exceptional arch support and the same removable footbed found in all Taos® sneakers.
Ballentine: A soft pair of casual canvas sneakers versatile enough to wear from desk to dinner. Matching tonal laces, faux leather detailing, and a wingtip stitch-design offer a touch of class to your everyday, comfortable adventures.
Convertawool: These versatile shoes are long-lasting and durable, and provide maximum shock absorption and exceptional support from our Curves and Pods® wool footbed. Wool keeps your feet warm in the cold and cool in the heat, which helps protect against bacteria and odor.
Good Wool: Taos®' updated pull-on wool boots are lightweight, flexible, and durable as they are made of "Good Wool" sourced from Italy. Its Curves and Pods® removable PU footbed is lined with wool and has arch and metatarsal support.

How to Choose the Right Shoes

Shoes that are not designed for your foot structure may lead to plantar fasciitis. They can put pressure on certain areas or prevent your foot from taking its natural form while walking.

The key to reducing or eliminating plantar fasciitis symptoms is finding the right shoe. What shoes are appropriate for someone with plantar fasciitis?

It should satisfy two basic requirements – the footwear must (1) support both the arch and heel of your foot to alleviate pain and (2) allow for healing.

These are the key features experts recommend you focus on:

Shoes that provide support at the right position under the arch can relieve pain and tension by supporting the feet.

Shoes that are too rigid, structured, or flexible will not be able to protect the feet. Try twisting and bending the shoes to test them.

Shoes with an ergonomic sole will propel the foot forward and allow for foot motion to minimize impact.

The right heel cup should hug your heel to protect the bone and prevent supination.

These types of shoes can also worsen cases of plantar fasciitis:

High heels

High heels can elevate the arch of your feet to an unnatural angle. This can destabilize it and put a lot of strain on the plantar fascia. One study found that the strain on plantar fascia will increase as the heel height rises from 3 cm to 7 cm.

Flats and flip flops

Flats and flip-flops normally have thin, flat soles that absorb little impact. They offer minimal or no support for your arches, so your plantar fascia won't be able to distribute your weight and the impact of your movements.

Old shoes

Do you have a pair of shoes you love that you have owned for years? Pay close attention! Plantar fasciitis can be worsened by worn-down shoes or can be caused by old soles because they can result in an irregular gait and put tension on the arch.

The Best Shoes for Men with Plantar Fasciitis

Five highly recommended styles for men with plantar fasciitis include Starsky, Hutch, Ballentine, Convertawool, and Good Wool.

Starsky

These canvas sneakers look great and come in many colors. They have a removable footbed that provides arch and metatarsal support. For long-lasting protection against odors and staining, it's treated with SILVADUR Antimicrobial Shield.

Lightweight, flexible, and durable, it's ideal for everyday use. Enjoy Starsky for only $120.

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Hutch

These canvas sneakers offer a supportive, removable footbed with arch and metatarsal support, perfect for all-day wear. The twin gore adjustability adds to the comfort and versatility of these sneakers, making them the perfect choice for the man on the go. Say goodbye to laces and enjoy a supportive and comfortable fit with Hutch.

Available in multiple colors for only $120.

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Ballentine

These stylish sneakers feature soft canvas and matching laces, making them versatile enough for any occasion. With arch and metatarsal support, antimicrobial treatment, and a flexible, durable outsole, Ballentine will upgrade the footwear game for men looking for a comfortable and stylish shoes.

The Ballentine can be yours for $120 in your choice of Blue, Charcoal, or Taupe.

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Convertawool

Convertawool is a slip-on featuring extraordinary quality Italian wool and is made in Spain. This shoe can be converted easily into a clog with the help of its collapsible back.

The removable wool-lined footbed is natural and breathable, and provides arch and metatarsal support. As a bonus, the footbed has antimicrobial properties. It has a lightweight TR (rubber) and cork-blended outsole.

All colors of Convertawool are priced at $140.

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Taos Convertawool Clog with Foldable Heel

Good Wool

These versatile pull-on wool boots made from "Good Wool" are sourced from Italy and made in Spain.

These boots provide good support for high arches and are amazing because they can warm your feet within minutes. They're great for indoor and outdoor use - you can even wear them to the grocery store!

Its removable PU footbed with arch and metatarsal support, covered in wool, provides you with the support you need for comfort and style. The TR, cork-blended outsole is light, flexible, and durable.

Good Wool comes in multiple color options for $150.

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What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain at the bottom of your heel. The plantar fascia is a thick web-like ligament connecting your heel and the front of your feet.

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions. Your daily activities, especially those with too much pressure on your feet, can damage or tear your plantar fascia ligaments.

Luckily, there are several ways to help manage it, including mechanical treatment with contoured full-length insoles.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Over time, the foot ligament may lose flexibility and become inflamed. Overuse and impact, such as walking or running, are the main culprits. Typical reasons include:

Surfaces that you run or walk on
An increase in activity
The structure of your foot

Who Gets Plantar Fasciitis?

Several risk factors can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. You are at a much higher risk if you are:

Overweight or obese. There is increased pressure on your ligaments, especially with sudden weight gain.
A long-distance runner.
Have a job that requires you to be on your feet a lot like a factory worker or a server in a restaurant.
Have structural foot problems, such as high arches or flat heels.
Have a tight Achilles tendon that connects your calf muscles and your heels.
Wear shoes with weak arch support and soft soles.

Plantar fasciitis can affect both men and women, but it is more common in active men aged 40 to 70 as they engage more in physical and strenuous activities.

How Long Does Plantar Fasciitis Last?

Plantar fasciitis usually improves within 12 months, depending on how active you are and how often you use at-home treatments.

How To Treat and Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be treated at home with rest, icing, braces, or anti-inflammatory drugs. If these don't help, injecting a corticosteroid directly into the affected ligament for selected patients may be recommended. This should be done in the office by your doctor.

Other treatment options for plantar fasciitis include:

1. Physical Therapy

Stretch your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia with physical therapy sessions. A therapist can help strengthen your lower leg muscles. This will stabilize your gait and reduce the strain on your ligaments.

2. Stretching

Gentle stretching can relieve or even prevent plantar fasciitis. Stretching your calves and plantar fascia can help reduce heel pain and loosen your muscles.

Stretch before you start your workouts. A chair, a foam roller, or a frozen water bottle are all you need to stretch your plantar fascia.

3. Shock Wave Therapy

Sound waves can stimulate the healing of the ligaments by bombarding your heel with sound waves. However, this treatment may have side effects such as:

Bruises
Swelling
Pain
Numbness

Infographic explaining how to prevent plantar fasciitis

Conclusion

In most cases, plantar fasciitis heals completely with physical therapy, home treatment, and medical treatments.

You should not ignore the symptoms. When left untreated, plantar fasciitis can cause more severe complications.

Aside from making smart choices with your diet and activities, talk to a specialist about choosing the right shoe for plantar fasciitis.

Get shoes that provide support and comfort for your feet and fits your needs and preference.

FAQ

What Shoes Should I Avoid if I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

Shoes that place a lot of pressure on your feet like high heels should be avoided. Avoid flip flops and flats that don't provide enough arch support.

What Aggravates Plantar Fasciitis In Men?

High-impact exercises, such as running and jumping, can add extra weight and stress on your feet, which could cause inflammation or exacerbate inflammation and other symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

How Do I Permanently Get Rid of Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is not a permanent condition, but it can be chronic for many. After a few months of conservative treatment, most people heal completely. Actions include maintaining a healthy weight, choosing supportive shoes, stretching, and more.

What Kind of Shoes Do Doctors Recommend for Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis patients need more rigidity in the soles and cushioning at the midfoot to avoid injury to their heel.

What Are the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?

Starsky, Convertawool, and Good Wool are highly recommended for patients with plantar fasciitis. They offer exceptional support and maximum shock absorption.

What Is the Fastest Cure for Plantar Fasciitis?

You can heal plantar fasciitis quickly by taking a break from strenuous exercises and prolonged standing, wearing high-quality orthotic inserts, and stretching. See a doctor as soon as possible.

Sources:

“Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs - Orthoinfo - Aaos.” OrthoInfo, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spurs.

Haddaya U et al. Impact of routine footwear on foot health: A study on plantar fasciitis. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care 11(7):p 3851-3855, July 2022, https://journals.lww.com/jfmpc/fulltext/2022/07000/impact_of_routine_footwear_on_foot_health__a_study.74.aspx.

Schuitema D;Greve C;Postema K;Dekker R;Hijmans JM; “Effectiveness of Mechanical Treatment for PLANTAR FASCIITIS: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31629333/.

Wang, Meizi, et al. “The Influence of Heel Height on Strain Variation of Plantar Fascia during High Heel Shoes Walking-Combined Musculoskeletal Modeling and Finite Element Analysis.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Dec. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8720874/.

Lemont, Harvey, et al. “Plantar Fasciitis.” APMA, The American Podiatric Medical Association, 1 May 2003, https://japmaonline.org/view/journals/apms/93/3/87507315-93-3-234.xml.

Pennmedicine.org, https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/plantar-fasciitis#:~:text=Both%20men%20and%20women%20can,distances%20or%20on%20uneven%20surfaces.

Plantar Fasciitis - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431073/.

Ficke B; Elattar O; Naranje SM; Araoye I; Shah AB; “Gastrocnemius Recession for Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis in Overweight and Obese Patients.” Foot and Ankle Surgery: Official Journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, U.S. National Library of Medicine, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29409193/.