Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

From the young to the old, plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that takes time and effort to cure. If you step out of bed in the morning and immediately feel shooting pain on the bottoms of your feet, it’s likely that you have developed plantar fasciitis. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, around 2 million people each year are afflicted with plantar fasciitis. 

It can feel like a challenge to find the right footwear for plantar fasciitis. Shoes can still be fashionable and comfortable - it isn’t impossible. This foot condition shouldn’t keep you from living your life. With the right footwear and plenty of rest, you can ease the pain and heal your inflamed feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Technically speaking, plantar fasciitis refers to an inflammation of the plantar fascia ligaments, which extend from your toes to your heel like a web on the bottom of your foot. When this tissue is damaged, you’ll most likely experience heel pain as a result of plantar fasciitis. Typically, plantar fasciitis is a repetitive strain injury, meaning that the damage and pain builds overtime. Thankfully, we have some options for the best clogs for plantar fasciitis, and other shoes that can make sure your feet feel supported.

Potential Causes of Plantar Fasciitis: 

• Unsupportive Footwear
• Flat Feet
• High Arches
• Poor Arch Support
• Overly Tight Achilles Tendons
• Obesity
• Excessive Physical Activity

Common Features of Plantar Fasciitis Shoes

Finding the best pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis comes down to a few details. No matter which type of shoe you select, it should meet all of the requirements listed below to protect your feet.

Orthotic Insoles

Step out in shoes that work for, rather than against your tired, achy feet. Shoes with comfortable cushioned insoles, particularly in the forefoot, will help minimize pressure and pain. They will also provide good arch support, which is greatly needed when you have plantar fasciitis. Shoes that have insoles you aren’t happy with can be swapped out for custom orthotic insoles that your podiatrist makes specifically for your feet.

Low or No Heel

High heels might be stylish, but they are not worth the pain when you have plantar fasciitis. Look for shoes that have a very low heel or no heel at all when you are shoe shopping. This will ensure that pressure is spread evenly across the base of the foot, rather than dumped forward onto your toes. 

Wide Toe Box

Plantar fasciitis can be exacerbated by shoes that restrict your foot’s ability to move freely. Your toes should never feel squeezed together, rather they should have plenty of breathing room. When you’re buying shoes, look for a wide, rounded toe box rather than a narrow, pointy box. You should be able to move your toes around in your shoes.

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Time to go shoe shopping! When you have plantar fasciitis, you’ll have that sense of urgency to find shoes that don’t kill your feet. Here are some comfy, supportive pairs to consider.

Best Clogs for Plantar Fasciitis

Perfect for nurses or any job where you have to stand all day, supportive clogs are a must if you have plantar fasciitis. Even when you are at home, you should slip on a supportive pair of plantar fasciitis clogs rather than walking barefoot around the house. Your feet need constant TLC if you want them to heal, so don’t go a minute without arch support and well-cushioned shoes. 

 

If you like a traditional clog style with a sleek, minimal aesthetic, take a look at Woolery. This beautiful boiled wool clog comes in nine colors so you can express yourself while protecting your feet. Or, if you prefer a bit more flair from your footwear, try the convertible clog, Convertawool. These unique clogs have a convertible back so that you can add that extra support and stability if you need it. Wear these clogs with your pajamas, scrubs, athleisure, dresses, and more.

Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis

With the right walking sneakers, your foot pain will be a thing of the past. Kick plantar fasciitis for good with sneakers like Rubber Soul and Moc Star, which are made of breathable cotton with lightweight, yet durable rubber outsoles and and premium Curves & Pods footbeds. While Rubber Soul are slide-on sneakers, Moc Star have laces, which provide an adjustable fit. The lacing allows you to loosen the fit if your feet feel swollen or painful. Moc Star also comes in wide widths so that your feet have all the space they need to relax.

 

You can wear either of these sneakers at home, at work, and while you’re out and about climbing hills and pounding city pavements. They are perfect everyday sneakers for going the extra mile. If you would like to use your own insoles, you simply need to remove these and pop yours into place. 

Best Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

In the winter, there is nothing better than a warm pair of leather boots to slip your feet into. You may have worn boots that hurt your plantar fasciitis in the past, making you stick to sneakers everyday. However, don’t be afraid to branch out because there are comfy, supportive boots and booties that will help reduce your foot pain. 

 

For a reliable, stylish pair of combat boots, try Crave. These beautiful leather boots have a built in Curves & Pods® dual density removable footbed that provides excellent arch support and shock absorption. Or, if you always have chilly feet, take a look at Combo, a modern boot with a faux fur lining with a snap and leather buckle harness. With a 1 ¼ inch block heel, they provide a lift for anyone with high arches without putting too much pressure on the heel or toes. 

Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

Heading on a beach vacation this winter? Don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable sandals for plantar fasciitis. Flip-flops are a no-go; instead, pack slide-on sandals with arch support, like Gift 2. Or, if you would like more of a secure feeling from your sandals, try Trophy 2, which features multiple straps. Trophy 2 sandals are equipped with a Soft Support premium footbed with Cool Recovery Foam® that keeps your feet from overheating. With beautiful, soft leather, you’ll not only love how these sandals feel, but also how they look. The multiple straps provide extra stability and prevent your feet from slipping or gripping the bottom of the sandal.

 

When choosing your new shoes, keep your budget, lifestyle, and individual foot shape in mind. Make sure you have your precise foot measurements before ordering shoes online and don’t compromise if a pair of shoes doesn’t feel quite right. Once you have a few pairs of reliable shoes with arch support, your plantar fasciitis symptoms should start to lessen and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.