The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Posted by Pavers Blog Team on
Plantar fasciitis, (fashy-eye-tis), is one of the most common foot conditions that causes pain on the bottom of the heel. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, then you’ll be familiar with its painful symptoms and stubborn nuisances that can hold you back from life’s activities.
If you’re finding yourself exploring endless internet forums in search of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, you’re not alone. According to the NHS, around 1 in 10 adults experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetime where women are four times more likely to be affected by the condition.
At Pavers we believe your feet deserve the very best, so you need the shoes that will keep you looking and feeling great all day long, foot pain is no fun after all. As we spend much of our time wearing shoes, it’s vital that they remain comfortable and supportive to ensure that your feet are well cared for.
So, how can you find the shoes that will provide the right level of comfort and support for plantar fasciitis, that will keep you looking and feeling fabulous? Read on to discover our top tips on how to find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and find the top-rated shoes that have been tried and tested by our customers.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that causes pain in the heels of your feet. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue that attaches the heel bone to the base of the toes, it’s a tissue that supports the arch of the foot and plays an important role in the mechanics of your foot when walking.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue becomes inflamed, damaged, or even torn, and causes a sharp pain that can be felt in the heel or arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is usually felt within your first steps of the morning and the pain usually subsides with more movement, but it may return after long periods of standing or sitting.
Tension or stress in the plantar fascia increases when more weight is placed onto the foot, and the tension can increase with further motions in the heel, arch, or the ball of your foot. Through general wear and tear over time or during increased activity where this tissue is overused, its elasticity can loosen and become inflamed, resulting in plantar fasciitis.
How to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis
There’s plenty of comfort and support features to consider when buying shoes for plantar fasciitis:
1. Arch support
If you’re looking for supportive and comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis, it’s essential to find footwear with ample arch support. This will help to redistribute the weight across your foot, preventing any pressure building in one area.
Shoes with arch support will also provide additional stability and balance, which will further aid your movement and ensure a more comfortable walking experience.
2. Firm and flexible midsole
Having a shoe with a firm but flexible sole is a big plus for plantar fasciitis sufferers, as the pressure-reliving qualities will ensure your weight is evenly distributed across your feet and will give additional flexibility that will support your feet as you walk.
Look for shoes with a deeper heel cup and a thick dual-density or layered sole as this will relieve the painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis if your feet are flat on the floor.
3. Cushioned insoles
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis need plenty of underfoot cushioning, particularly across the heel, where the pain is felt most. Shoes with cushioned insoles will not only cradle your feet in cloud-like comfort, but their spring-like insoles will provide effective shock-absorption when your foot strikes and pushes off the ground through the motions of walking.
Removable insoles for plantar fasciitis are also a great choice, so look for shoes with adjustable fastenings or removable inlays, as this will provide a little extra room for custom orthotics.
4. Anatomic shoes
Anatomic shoes are the ideal choice for plantar fasciitis, they are ergonomically shaped to support the contours of your foot for a more comfortable and supportive fit. Perfect for everyday wear, anatomic shoes are engineered to alleviate the stresses and strains of the everyday grind by supporting your arches, and offloading the pressure from sore heels.
Usually, an anatomic shoe will memorise the movement of your feet to create cushioned comfort that feels personal to you.
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis
While it’s best to have a podiatrist or a foot specialist make a personalised assessment of your feet, to help you on your way we’ve rounded up the top-rated shoes that have been tried, tested, and loved by our customers.
Stylish shoes for plantar fasciitis do exist, in fact, there’s a whole host of styles to suit every occasion, read on to find out for yourself …
Best Smart Shoes
If you have plantar fasciitis, the number one thing you need when finding the perfect pair of shoes is arch support, and these leather loafers are specifically shaped with a cushioned and supportive footbed.
Around four times the amount of your bodyweight is placed on the foot with every step you take, so a supportive shoe with inbuilt arch support is essential for evenly distributing the pressure across the foot.
Key features:
- Arch support to evenly distribute weight
- Soft heel bed reduces pressure on plantar fascia
- Flexible sole to aid movement
Best Casual Shoes
You wouldn’t know how comfortable these shoes are at first glance, while they may look minimal in appearance, they’re packed with the essential comfort support that you need for plantar fasciitis.
From their excellent heel cushioning, padded arch support, and flexible sole, these casual leather shoes offer the highest level of comfort – perfect for all-day wear.
Key features:
- Cushioned footbed reduces foot fatigue
- Adjustable closure for a personalised fit
- Flexible sole to absorb the impact of your step
Best Lace-Up Shoes
These Fly Flot shoes have it all, classic style, a great fit, and supportive comfort. Bridging the gap between a casual shoe and a trainer, they’ll match effortlessly with any outfit.
Made with Fly Flot’s best-selling comfort components, their anatomic design and self-moulding footbed offers plenty of cushioned support.
Key features:
- Anatomically contoured and cushioned midsole
- Cushioned insole with self-moulding support
- Supportive low wedge heel that evenly distributes weight
Best Trainers
As easy as they are to slip on and go, flat shoes aren’t necessarily a good choice if you have plantar fasciitis. If you’re opting for flats you need to ensure they are built with the essential comfort features that will cradle your sensitive feet.
These slip-on pumps are perfect for ladies who want to keep active and stylish, as their memory foam insoles provide refreshing underfoot comfort that will mould to fit your foot.
Key features:
- Memory foam technology moulds to fit your foot
- Lighter and more flexible than the average trainer
- Spring-like cushioned sole
