What is Plantar Fasciitis?
If you are experiencing intense pain in your heel, it is likely that you have plantar fasciitis, which is a prevalent foot condition.
The inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel to the front of your foot, is known as plantar fasciitis. This condition occurs when the tissue is damaged or torn, resulting in pain when your heel makes contact with the ground.
When you walk barefoot, your heel does not offer the same support, protection, or cushioning as shoes do for the plantar fascia tissue. Wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for individuals with plantar fasciitis.
The main causes of strain to your fascia are running or walking barefoot on hard surfaces for extended periods of time. Additionally, other risk factors include a sudden increase in weight-bearing activities, repetitive impact from activities like running, and being overweight.
If you have plantar fasciitis, walking without shoes on hard surfaces can make the condition worse and slow down the healing process. To avoid worsening plantar fasciitis, it is crucial to wear appropriate shoes for this condition.
What are The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?
If you are in search of the best women’s shoes for plantar fasciitis, there are a few things to think about. Don’t worry about envisioning unattractive, orthopedic shoes for plantar fasciitis when considering “shoes for plantar fasciitis”. You can find stylish shoes for plantar fasciitis that are both cute and fashionable.
We have compiled a list of recommendations for locating shoes that provide support for plantar fasciitis.
1. Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with arch support
To find supportive and comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis, it is imperative to ensure they include arch support. Arch support aids in evenly distributing pressure on the foot and preventing strain in any specific area, such as the heel.
Shoes with arch support for plantar fasciitis also enhance stability and balance, leading to the improvement of your posture. Enhanced balance and posture can decrease the chances of foot issues, such as plantar fasciitis.
2. Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with underfoot cushioning
When considering shoes for plantar fasciitis, it is important to find ones that are supportive and provide comfort. It is advised to search for plantar fasciitis shoes that have ample cushioning underfoot, as this extra padding will provide a level of comfort similar to wearing slippers while still providing the necessary support for your feet.
It is especially crucial for women suffering from plantar fasciitis to have proper cushioning beneath their heels. This is because the plantar fascia tissue in this area is torn or damaged, requiring additional cushioning and support. Footwear that has cushioning specifically in the front of the foot also offers a more comfortable fit.
3. Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with shock absorption
When considering good shoes for plantar fasciitis, it is essential to prioritize shock absorption. This feature acts to dampen the impact that occurs when your feet make contact with rigid surfaces, thus lessening the chances of sustaining injuries or exacerbating plantar fasciitis.
It is common to find shock absorption in sneakers designed for high impact exercise like running, but it is not as common to find this feature in shoes like heels, boots, and flats.
4. Wear wide-fitting shoes
It is important for the best women’s shoes for plantar fasciitis to provide breathability for your feet. If you have a wider foot, it is crucial to purchase wide-fitting shoes specifically designed for plantar fasciitis. By having constricted toes at the front of the shoe, you increase stress and pressure on the painful area of your body.
5. Buy the right shoe size
In the same vein, it is crucial to ensure that you purchase the correct size of shoes. It may seem evident, but shoes that are overly tight can potentially exacerbate foot discomfort. Conversely, if your shoes are too spacious, there might be excessive room for your heels to slide, leading to the erosion of the protective pads beneath your feet.
To begin your search for shoes suitable for plantar fasciitis, it is important to first ensure that you find the correct shoe size.
6. Avoid minimalist shoes
When considering your footwear for plantar fasciitis, it is not recommended to opt for minimalist shoes. These types of shoes, known for their lightweight design, possess minimal cushioning and thin soles that give you the sensation of walking directly on the ground.
Individuals with plantar fasciitis need shoes that provide additional support and gentle cushioning beneath the feet to ensure protection and comfort. It is important to note that minimalist shoes are not suitable for individuals who have plantar fasciitis.
Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis
Vionic Rechelle
If you want a shoe that is easy to put on and won’t aggravate your plantar fasciitis, give this sneaker a try. It has a supportive footbed that provides maximum comfort by embracing the arches of your feet. Furthermore, the shoe features a removable orthotic insole that is both firm and flexible, as well as a deep heel cup to enhance stability.
According to Rebecca Pruthi, D.P.M., opting for this footwear is certainly better than choosing a mule due to the lack of back foot support in most mules. These shoes possess a footbed that offers excellent arch support, making them an ideal selection for individuals with plantar fasciitis. In addition, their timeless appearance remains in line with current fashion trends for 2023 and beyond. A satisfied reviewer enthusiastically praised these sneakers for their ability to provide both comfort and style while ensuring reliable support.
New Balance 1540 V3
If you are looking to maintain your workouts while reducing discomfort, this stabilizing running shoe could be of assistance. It features New Balance’s unique cushioning in the front part of the shoe, which lessens the impact that is transferred up the leg and body. Additionally, the shoe includes a multi-density polyurethane insert that provides support for the arch and fascia. According to Pruthi, these shoes are an excellent option for walking as they offer support and cushioning in both the front part of the shoe and the arch.
The shoe is available in standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes to provide ample room for your feet and toes to spread comfortably. Bhuta also points out that New Balance shoes are suitable for using custom foot orthotics as they are offered in various widths, making them a reliable option for those who prefer to use their own inserts.
Brooks Levitate 4
With these running shoes, which are preferred by Prevention editors, you can overcome any size of hill. The midsole cushions effectively absorb shocks from foot strikes and add energy to each stride. According to Pruthi, having a removable insole is a major advantage as it allows individuals to use their own custom or over-the-counter orthotic, which is highly beneficial for healing from plantar fasciitis. Moreover, the upper part of the shoe includes a padded tongue and collar, providing extra support and comfort, which runners adore.
Hoka One One Bondi 7
These running shoes from Hoka One One are perfect for providing overall comfort whether you’re going to the gym, the trail, or the grocery store. Hoka One One is renowned for their exceptionally comfortable footwear, and these shoes are no exception – in fact, they are the most cushioned shoes in Hoka’s running range. Despite their appearance, they are lightweight and have spacious toe boxes and breathable mesh uppers.
One reviewer with plantar fasciitis expresses their love for the versatility of Hokas, stating that they are able to run, hike, and walk many miles each week using these shoes. They also mention that the combination of these shoes and physical therapy has made it possible for them to resume their workout routines.
Altra Escalante
Dr. Bui regularly runs in these shoes because they offer good protection and cushioning for his feet. According to him, these shoes provide slightly more cushioning than minimal shoes and offer more foot protection, making them a great choice for those transitioning to a more minimal shoe. A reviewer praised these shoes, describing them as extremely comfortable and cushioned.
Dr. Bui cautions that while these shoes are excellent, there may be a learning curve involved. “Initially, when I put on more natural footwear, it seemed like my feet were engulfed in the shoes due to my prior experience with traditional running shoes that constrained the foot and toes. However, after a week, I comprehended that it was because these shoes conformed to the shape of my foot,” he explains.
Hoka Clifton 8
According to Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., these Hokas are an excellent choice for running shoes. They feature a lightweight, breathable material, along with a shock-absorbing heel, making them ideal for activities that exert more pressure on the soles of the feet, like running or long walks. Users appreciate their extra-lightness, responsive midsole, and streamlined appearance.
One reviewer, who is an ER nurse and spends 13 hours on their feet, states that they have a history of plantar fasciitis and were experiencing knee pain before purchasing these shoes. They mention that footwear needs to exceed their expectations, and these shoes do just that. They now understand why many nurses choose to wear this brand.
