Back to Blog

What is Plantar Fasciitis, and what types of Shoes Relieve Pain


Plantar fasciitis might be a fancy word for heel pain, but this isn’t just any old discomfort. If you’ve ever experienced the sharp stab of plantar fasciitis first thing in the morning, you’ll know just how intensely painful it can be. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to help relieve the condition, particularly when it comes to choosing the best shoes for painful feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is named after the plantar fascia — the ligament on the bottom of your foot that connects your heel to the base of your toes. When this connective tissue is put under too much pressure (for example, from running), it gets inflamed, causing heel pain and stiffness. Wearing shoes with no arch or heel support like flat-soled flip flops can also cause the ligament to pull, leading to that throbbing pain in your heel.


It’s a common condition, too. Around 2 million people seek treatment for plantar fasciitis every year, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and it’s easily treated. In most cases, patients see an improvement without going anywhere near a surgeon’s knife. Instead, one of the best treatment methods is to get the best shoes for heel pain – specifically supportive footwear.

What more can you do to relieve heel pain? There are certain stretches that can help, and you can try exercises like scrunching a towel or picking up marbles with your toes. Podiatrists also recommend wearing supportive shoes with cushioning for comfort, and good arch support to reduce the pressure when you walk.

Best Supportive Women’s Shoes for Foot Pain

The good news is that there are plenty of cute shoes for plantar fasciitis to choose from. At Taos, you’ll find supportive shoes for women with our Curves & Pods® premium removable footbed to help with heel pain. These footbeds help those who are looking for everything from the best women’s dress shoes for plantar fasciitis to supportive shoes for other types of foot pain.


Designed to hug your feet with its curves, this footbed tackles one of the main causes of plantar fasciitis, offering plenty of arch support to reduce tension on your ligaments. And the pods? These shock-absorbing “bubbles” on the underside of the footbed will help reduce any soreness when you’re on your feet. Whether you’re looking for sandals for plantar fasciitis or are just interested in supportive shoes for women, you can rely on our patented removal footbed to keep you comfortable.


Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Equipped with our innovative footbed, the best women’s dress shoes for plantar fasciitis include the Dillie suede ankle bootie in black or dark taupe. It's a versatile and comfy block heeled boot thanks to the Taos Curves and Pods® premium removable footbed and breathable design. The leather upper and faux fur lining keeps you warm and chic from desk to dinner!

Taos Dillie Suede Ankle Booties


Cute, Supportive Shoes

For a more casual option, try the orthotic-friendly Rubber Soul slip on. These heel support shoes will allow you to run errands or spend a casual weekend in comfort. It helps that they look pretty cute, too.

Taos Rubber Soul Canvas Sneakers


How to Still Wear Sandals if You Have Plantar Fasciitis

But what if you can’t give up flip flops even when you know you need better heel support shoes for your foot pain? Try the Link! These sandals are some of the best supportive shoes for women. With built-in arch support these are beach-friendly toe thongs without the pain. Your heel spurs will no longer stop you from enjoying your summer!

Taos Link Cork Wedge Sandals