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The Do’s and Don’ts of Shoes for Heel Spurs

 

Heel spurs are a pain...literally. The worst part is that once you have one, it can only get worse, not better without surgery. They are similar to bunions in this way. Before you worry too much, though, know that with proper care and wearing the right footwear, you can keep your heel spurs in check and learn to live with them.

Heel spurs, which are calcium deposits that protrude from the heel bone underneath your foot, often form as a result of plantar fasciitis. This is why the recommended heel spur shoes are similar to those of patients struggling with plantar fasciitis. By wearing the right kinds of shoes, you can limit your heel spur from growing and get the support you need to live free of heel pain.



The Do's: 


Get a Custom Fit

When you are looking for the best shoes for heel spurs or other common foot problems, the fit is one of the most important factors. The more adjustability, the better. If you have one foot that is bigger than the other, size up in your shoes and wear thicker socks or use a heel pad for the smaller foot. We recommend lace-up shoes like Crave boots, which offer the most adjustability in terms of width. Even though they have laces, they also have a zipper on the side to allow you to slip them on and off with ease.

 

Taos Crave Boot Dark Cherry



Wear Orthotic Insoles

When you are dealing with heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, it is essential to have orthopedic shoes or insoles with orthotic level support. If you don’t have that extra cushioning underneath your heel as well as along your aches, a buildup of pressure will be put on the parts of the foot that touch the ground first, including your heel spur protrusion. The pressure will only make your pain and the heel spur worse.

Taos Active footbeds mold to your exact foot shape so that the impact of your steps is absorbed by every part of the foot equally. This prevents heel shock and heel spur growth. If you find that the support of the removable footbed is not enough, you can always use custom orthotics.

The Don’ts: 


Wear High Heels

Wearing shoes with a heel without a doubt puts more pressure on the exact spot you need to put less pressure on. If you know you have a heel spur or plantar fasciitis, go ahead and move your high heels to the back of the closet. 

This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice style, however. Leather flats with arch support like Forward are perfect for the office or to grab drinks with a friend. For casual weekend events, comfy active footwear like Star offers laid-back style. These are also perfect if you are wondering how to treat bunions.


Taos Star Sneaker Hemp Natural


 

Wear Flip Flops

While supportive sandals with arch support are a must-have, flat flip flops are a big no when shopping for heel spur shoes. Flip flops offer no arch support, very little padding, and a terrible fit. They can break at any moment and leave you shoeless, plus with a heel spur you are undoubtedly going to feel pain wearing such an unsupportive shoe. Go ahead and throw yours away and invest in a nice pair of sandals.


What Shoes to Wear if You Have a Heel Spur

  • Active Sneakers
  • Low-Heeled Shoes like Mary Janes

  • Loafers, and Flats
  • Boots with Low Heels


Check Out Our Picks of Best Shoes for Heel Spurs

Taos footwear can be good for a variety of foot pain issues – that includes a selection of the best shoes for heel spurs.

Retro Star

Our Retro Star is one of the top picks for heel spur shoes. It is from the same design family as the above-mentioned Star, but the Suede or Leather material and bold stitching help it stand out. With the premium cushioned footbed, this sneaker is ideal for foot pain and heel spurs.

Taos Retro Style Sneaker Black



Winner
For a high top that can be good for heel spurs, consider Winner. This sneaker has superior arch and metatarsal support and a durable yet flexible outsole. The leather uppers look great, and they have a lace-up design with a convenient zipper on the side for easy access. 

Taos Sneaker Winner Steel



Double U
The Double U can be the all-day sandal for summer days. It has leather straps in a slide-on design. You also get premium comfort with polyurethane support topped with cooling gel padding on the footbed. It is a simple sandal that looks nice while also caring for your feet.

Taos Double U Sandal Leopard

Boot Camp
With Boot Camp, you have an attractive leather boot that offers the support needed to guard against heel spur pain. The premium footbed provides comfort for long days on your feet, and the 1 ¼” heel adds a little height without being too much for heel spur issues. The boots also lace up for a custom fit, but you also have the interior zipper for accessibility.

Taos Boot Camp Boot Smoke Rugged


My Sweet Wool Clog

If you want the perfect house shoe for heel spurs, My Sweet Wool is a great choice. These clogs have a slip-on design for convenience, but they are also made to offer support and comfort. The premium footbed can take pressure off the heel spur when you walk. Along with that, these house shoes have an indoor/outdoor design, so they can be worn outside or on a quick trip to the store.

Taos My Sweet Wool Clog Charcoal



All of these tips for heel spur shoes are recommended whether you have heel pain or not. Oddly, many people with heel spurs don’t even know they are there as they can be completely painless. However, a heel spur can also grow into something that becomes more of a concern if you don’t take care of your feet, which is why we should all take precautions to maintain foot health.

Shop our Soft Support Sandal Collection