Plantar Fasciitis is a headache!
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, you know that finding the right shoes can be a challenge. Not only do you have to find shoes that are comfortable, but you also need shoes that are designed to support your feet.
In this post, we will discuss some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and recommend some of the best brands. We also include a guide on how to find the right size and fit for your shoes, so that you can start wearing them immediately and start seeing improvements in your symptoms. Read on to find out more!
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the foot, usually on the heel or the ball of the foot. It’s usually caused by repetitive strain on the plantar fascia (a thick band of connective tissue) that runs along the bottom of your feet. The plantar fascia surrounds and supports many different muscles and bones in your feet, including those that make up the heel bone and ball of your foot. When these muscles are chronically strained, they can become inflamed and painful.
This is especially common when you have a tight calf muscle too, as this tightness can also cause tension on the fascia. You can read more about the symptoms and causes of plantar fasciitis here.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
What causes plantar fasciitis? There are a few things at play – tight shoes, overuse, poor posture when standing or walking (pronation), and even genetics can contribute. But the biggest culprit is most likely wearing worn-out shoes that don’t provide enough support for your feet. Additionally, overuse can cause the fascia in your feet to stretch and become inflamed. When this happens, you may start to experience pain and inflammation on the heel of your foot or along the bottom of your foot.
The good news is that plantar fasciitis is a condition that can be treated with a combination of stretching, physical therapy, footwear modifications (such as orthotics), medication, and/or surgery. A lot of people find relief from plantar fasciitis by starting out with changes in their footwear – wearing shoes that provide more support for their feet will help reduce pain and can often work quite quickly compared to other methods.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis vary from person to person, but they typically include a ‘stabbing’ heel pain, a feeling of stiffness or heaviness in the heel, and difficulty walking or standing for long periods of time. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis may progress to chronic pain and even foot deformity.
The most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis are heel pain and foot pain – which is often more prominent first thing in the morning. You may also experience a popping or clicking noise when you walk, as the fascia in your heel rubs against the bone in your heel.
In some cases, plantar fasciitis can cause inflammation of the tendons that support the arch on the bottom of your foot (the plantar fasciitis heel nail). This inflammation is usually red and swollen, and it may take weeks or even months for it to go away completely.
What are the Symptoms?
If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, you know that it can be a really frustrating ailment. The best way to treat plantar fasciitis is to consult a podiatrist, as they will be able to assess your feet and decide the best course of action for your treatment, which could involve prescribing custom-made orthotics. These devices fit inside your shoes and help to realign the muscles and ligaments in your feet so that you can reduce or even eliminate your symptoms. Another treatment option is physiotherapy, which involves working with a therapist to relieve pain and stiffness in the affected area.
The bottom line is that if you’re suffering from heel pain, it’s always best to seek out professional guidance. A podiatrist will be able to help you. Find your nearest registered podiatrist here.
If you’re dealing with persistent heel pain (plantar heel pain), odds are you’ve been told that it will usually improve on its own within six to twelve months. However, for some people, the pain can linger even after the original cause has gone away. In fact, half of the people who experience plantar fasciitis will be able to recover completely within six months; however if you don’t see an improvement in symptoms after two weeks or so, it may be worth consulting a medical professional for further evaluation.
Can Footwear Help Plantar Fasciitis?
Footwear can help with plantar fasciitis, but it’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every person has different foot anatomy, which means that the type of footwear that works best for one person may not be ideal for another. For example, if you have pronated feet (arches that are in the wrong position), then wearing a heel-height shoe may aggravate the plantar fasciitis pain.
In contrast, if your foot is in good alignment, a low-heeled shoe may be more comfortable and supportive. Ultimately, it’s important to experiment with different types of footwear until you find something that works best for your feet and heel pain relief.
It’s important to choose a brand of footwear that you trust and feels comfortable. And, if you experience pain or discomfort while wearing it, be sure to consult your medical professional to rule out any other underlying issues.
What to look for in a shoe if you have plantar fasciitis
If you have plantar fasciitis, you need to find a shoe that’s both comfortable and supportive. Some of the main features to look for in a shoe with this condition include:
Arch Support
When it comes to plantar fasciitis, the last thing you want is shoes that don’t support your feet. Shoes that are too tight or have no arch and heel support will cause undue pressure on your heel and foot, which can lead to an increase in pain and inflammation. Instead, look for shoes with good arch and heel support. This will help distribute the weight evenly across your feet, minimizing the impact that it has on your heel and foot. Additionally, make sure to buy shoes in the right size – if they’re too large or small, your foot will be squashed or have to work harder than it needs to keep the footwear on your feet.
Cushioning
Wearing shoes with adequate cushioning at the heel will help reduce the amount of impact that you experience on your feet, which in turn will help relieve the pain and inflammation that is associated with plantar fasciitis. There are a variety of shoes that come equipped with this type of cushioning, so it’s important to choose one that’s going to be comfortable and supportive for your feet. Cushioning does not mean memory foam though! Too much cushioning will create a surface that is too unstable for your feet to function correctly, which could lead to further injury.
Good Structure
For everything to work properly, your feet & shoes need to be working together. If you are wearing a shoe that is far too flimsy and has little to no support, it will not offer enough support. You may also be more likely to overstrain ligaments and tendons even further, which will only worsen your condition. Before buying shoes, check they have basic structural components such as a heel counter & a shank. You can perform the same checks we perform on our shoes when we buy them!
Rocker Sole
One type of sole that is particularly well-suited for plantar fasciitis is the forefoot rocker. Positioned just behind the metatarsal heads, this type of sole distributes your weight more evenly and reduces peak pressure points. The heel strike is also minimized which can be helpful in reducing plantar fasciitis-related pain.
Make sure they fit!
Last but certainly not least, wear shoes that fit you correctly! Wearing incorrectly fitting shoes not only causes pain but can also lead to further injury. In fact, footwear that’s too tight will cause restriction and put additional pressure on your plantar fascia. This can result in inflammation and even permanent damage. Fun fact – wearing the wrong-sized shoes is actually one of the biggest culprits for causing plantar fasciitis!
What to Avoid in a Shoe if you Have Plantar Fasciitis
Wearing the wrong type of shoes can cause a lot of pain in your feet and ankles. This is especially true for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis, an often chronic condition that causes pain in the heel and ball of your foot. When you have plantar fasciitis, wearing the wrong type of shoes can aggravate the condition by putting too much pressure on your heel and the ball of your foot. This pressure can cause inflammation and even tears in the tissue that supports your anklebone. In addition, wearing poorly fitted shoes can also cause other problems, like Achilles tendonitis or bunions.
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, it’s important to wear supportive shoes that cushion the impact. To help avoid injury, be sure to keep these tips in mind:
- Shoes that are too flimsy. Putting your feet in shoes that offer no structure or stability will only increase your chances of further injury;
- Avoid wearing high heels for long amounts of time, as they can put more strain on your feet;
- Try not to wear flip-flops – they don’t provide adequate support and can cause further damage.
- If you have trouble finding comfortable shoes, consult your podiatrist about having some custom orthotics made. Orthotics can be incredibly helpful in reducing the tension and stress on the plantar fascia, as well as reaffirming any arch support.
How to Prevent Plantar Fasciitis
There are a few steps you can take to help prevent plantar fasciitis, including:
- Wear supportive footwear that provides appropriate arch support and cushioning for the heel.
- Avoid walking or standing on hard surfaces for extended periods of time.
- Stretch your calves and feet regularly to help maintain flexibility in the muscles and tendons in your feet.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the amount of stress on your feet.
- Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes with no arch support.
- Use inserts or orthotics to provide additional arch support if needed.
If you are at a higher risk of developing plantar fasciitis (for example, if you are a runner or have a job that involves standing for long periods of time), you may want to talk to a doctor or podiatrist about other ways to prevent the condition. They may be able to provide additional guidance and advice based on your specific circumstances.
The Best Brands For Plantar Fasciitis – Our Recommendations
HOKA
If you’re looking for a shoe that will relieve pain in your feet, HOKA is an excellent option. Made with deep heel counters and cushioned soles, these shoes provide support and relief for plantar fasciitis sufferers. If you’re looking for a good pair of shoes to combat plantar fasciitis, HOKA is a company that many people swear by. Most styles feature a meta-rocker which can help offload pressure points in your feet – especially at the heel. Whether you’ve been dealing with this problem for years or just started experiencing symptoms recently, these trainers should be at the top of your list!
The HOKA Bondi is a great option and will fit most people thanks to the neutral sole unit.
JOYA
If you’re experiencing pain in your feet and heel, consider trying out Joya shoes. These soft-soled shoes help to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia, which can be a key part of resolving the problem. In addition to providing relief from foot pain, Joya shoes also promote better posture and assist with other issues such as back pain and knee pain. So if you’re looking for a way to feel better all over, give Joya a try! Additionally, they typically come in a wide range of colours and styles, so you’re sure to find the perfect pair for your feet.
Featuring a stable rocker sole and extra cushioning in the heel and forefoot, Waikiki can be an excellent problem-solver for your plantar fasciitis pain.
Xsensible
Xsensible is a Dutch shoe brand that has been inspired by influences far and wide. It is a family-owned business since 1904. The shoe company produces shoes that support plantar fasciitis relief as well as foot pain relief in general. Xsensible shoes are made with premium materials and high-quality construction that offers the utmost comfort for your feet.
Additionally, heel cushioning is built into many of their models to further alleviate pressure on the arch of your foot while you’re wearing them. They’re also super stylish, and offer tonnes of options from waterproof walking boots to summer sandals!
Golden Gate from Xsensible has all the components you need for relief. Plus it’s super stylish and comes in a huge range of colours! The SWX range is another great option if you have slightly wider feet – again, there are plenty of men’s and women’s SWX styles to choose from.
Asics
If plantar fasciitis is impacting one or both feet, then one of our ASICSs running trainers could be the best option for you. The shoes are lightweight enough to be worn for long periods of time, and the cushioned, shock-absorbing sole will minimise the impact on your feet throughout the day. Some styles such as Gel Kayano also feature an arch supportive sole which can help in the recovery of your plantar fascia (the tendon that runs through the arch of your feet).
Asics are also well suited for you if you need to wear your own orthotics, as they are made with solid construction to withstand the rigours of high impact activities such as running. Having a sturdy & stable shoe to use your orthotics in is critical for them to work properly.
Conclusion
In the end, you may have noticed that there are many options for shoes that can support and relieve your plantar fasciitis. What’s more important is finding the right pair of shoes for you based on your lifestyle and needs.
By now, you must be convinced that shopping for shoes is not easy. That’s why we created ShoeFit.uk – an online store where you can shop according to your conditions and budget. From casual and sports shoes to fancy high heels, we have all styles of footwear on our website, which means no more frustration shopping for shoes!
To find out more about the other health conditions our footwear can help with, click here. If you would like to speak with a member of our team about the best shoes for you, then please phone us on 01707 953313, or get in touch through any of our social media platforms.
