There is an all too common link between poor, unsupportive footwear and plantar fasciitis. If you're not wearing the right type of shoe, it can play a significant role in the development of plantar heel pain and prevent your pain from getting better. Unfortunately, the modern shoe industry which focuses shoe design on fashion instead of what is good for a person’s feet doesn't make it easy to find the right type of shoe.Shoes that are often good for plantar fasciitishave adequate arch support and cushioned heels.They should also have a secure fastening such as laces to prevent your foot from sliding around inside the shoe as this creates abnormal foot function. Wearingworn out or ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate plantar fasciitis due to lack of proper support.
The importance of suitable footwearis paramount in the success of treating plantar fasciitis. Unsuitable footwear can reducethe effectiveness ofothertreatmentsor prolong the condition, which might be alleviated otherwise. This advice is particularly stressed towards female patients as their footwear choices are usually worse than males. Shoes which often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes or pumps. Ugg boots are also very bad. Flip flops are badyet remain a popular choice of footwear for many people, particularly those that live in warmer climate. We do not recommend wearing flip flops if you suffer with plantar fasciitis however if you do choose to wear flip flops, try to minimise how often you are wearingthem and look for flip flops that have an arch contour built into the bed of the flip-flop to provide some arch support. Avoid shoes with no or a low heel as this requires your heel to be able to become closer to the floor when standing. This requires good calf muscle flexibility which most people with plantar fasciitis are lacking. Therefore in a flat/low heeled shoe, if your calf muscle is already tight, it will increasestrain on the plantar fascia.
What about high heels?
Many plantar fasciitis sufferers notice they have less pain when in high-heel shoes, this is because the heel is elevated off the ground which flexes the ankle downwards, thus removing the strain on the plantar fascia as the calves aren't being stretched. This does not mean high-heel shoes are the answer and unfortunately quite the opposite. Whilst you may have less pain in a high-heel shoe, this will increasethe shortening/tighteningofthe calf muscle and further reduce your ability to be barefoot or wear other types of footwear, not to mention the other problems associated with high-heel shoes such as various painful conditions affecting the ball of the foot.
Our Verdict
Wearing shoes that will help plantar fasciitis does not mean you have the live out the rest of your days in "ugly shoes". The aim of wearing supportive shoes is to reduce strain on the plantar fascia and avoid aggravating the condition. Once the plantar fascia is healed youmay return to less supportive footwear gradually and monitor yoursymptoms. For some people, they will be lucky enough to go back to wearing whatever shoes they please. Whereas others may have to be a bit more sensible with their footwear options. There is no way of predicting who can and who can’t as it varies from person to person. The take home message here is that footwear choice is just as important as all the other treatmentoptionsand should notbe overlooked.
See the video below on basic footwear advice and recommendations.
FAQs
Substantial and even cushioning is key for those with plantar fasciitis to reduce impact and absorb shock. Fuchs recommends considering shoes that are equipped with cushioning in the forefoot area and the heel.
What shoes do doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis? ›
"The brands of shoes that I recommend for patients with plantar fasciitis are either On or Hoka, as they provide ample cushion and support while still being relatively light," Dr.
What shoes should I avoid with plantar fasciitis? ›
Shoes which often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes or pumps. Ugg boots are also very bad. Flip flops are bad yet remain a popular choice of footwear for many people, particularly those that live in warmer climate.
What really works for plantar fasciitis heel pain? ›
Stretching and Physical Therapy
Stretching is one of the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. Stretching should be focused on the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. A physical therapist can show you stretching exercises that you can repeat at home several times a day.
What shoes should I wear if I have heel pain? ›
Orthopedic shoes (and custom-made orthotics) alleviate various conditions, including heel pain. They typically offer features such as arch support, removable insoles, and a wide toe box for comfort during all-day wear.
Are skechers good or bad for plantar fasciitis? ›
In the ongoing quest for relief from plantar fasciitis, Skechers shoes emerge as a viable option for many individuals seeking comfort and support. However, the suitability of Skechers for plantar fasciitis ultimately depends on factors such as foot type, severity of symptoms, and personal preferences.
Are hokas good for plantar fasciitis? ›
Hoka Clifton 9
Both Kendter and Schaeffer recommend the King of Cushion for plantar fasciitis sufferers. “The Clifton 9 is great because it has balanced cushioning [and] a compression molded foam midsole,” says Kendter.
What shoes do podiatrists not recommend? ›
Podiatry Services
- High heels.
- Too flexible.
- Slip on shoes.
- Pointed toe box.
- Flat sole.
Walking or standing barefoot puts excessive strain on the plantar fascia. The absence of cushioning and shock absorption exposes the already tender tissue to impact and pressure from the ground. This can exacerbate the inflammation, leading to heightened pain and a prolonged recovery period.
Can cushioned shoes make plantar fasciitis worse? ›
Thus, it can be concluded that people should be informed about the use of shoes with arched or cushioned insoles as it reduces strain on the plantar fascia and provides support to foot arches and thus, are effective in preventing plantar fasciitis.
It can take 6-12 months for your foot to get back to normal. You can do these things at home to ease the pain and help your foot heal faster: Rest: It's important to keep weight off your foot until the inflammation goes down. Ice: This is an easy way to treat inflammation, and there are a few ways you can use it.
What is the new treatment for plantar fasciitis? ›
What is EPAT? Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology, or EPAT, is a nonsurgical, evidence-based treatment option for plantar fasciitis. This treatment was first developed in Europe and is now used worldwide to treat chronic inflammation. This highly advanced, FDA-cleared treatment works using shockwave therapy.
What deficiency causes plantar fasciitis? ›
Vitamin D deficiency commonly presents with widespread aches, weakness, and tiredness, and can also present with focal symptoms. If a patient has several musculoskeletal diagnoses over time (for example plantar fasciitis, hip pain, back pain, and knee pain) then Vitamin D deficiency should be suspected.
What brand of shoes are good for plantar fasciitis? ›
We highlighted shoes made by established footwear brands with stellar reputations among podiatrists. In particular, DeJesus is a fan of those from Hoka, Asics, Brooks and New Balance, which she says are known for their supportive features tailored to alleviate discomfort brought on by plantar fasciitis.
Are Crocs good or bad for plantar fasciitis? ›
When plantar fasciitis starts to become a problem for you, a good pair of arches will make all the difference. Crocs can be a great option because they provide comfort and arch support.
Should I keep walking with heel pain? ›
Initially you may need to reduce activities such as running, walking and jumping activities if they are causing increased pain until you have improved your load tolerance. Then you can gradually introduce these activities as your tolerance improves.
Can a foot doctor do anything for plantar fasciitis? ›
Our podiatrists have experience practicing a wide array of treatment options, ranging from conservative physical therapy to minimally invasive surgery, to address your heel pain.
What do you wear on your feet when you have plantar fasciitis? ›
Look for shoes that have thick soles and extra cushioning or soft heel pads at the back of your foot. Every time your heel hits the ground as you walk or run, you place a significant amount of tension on the fascia. A cushioned shoe or an orthotic (shoe insert) reduces the tension and prevents tears from forming.
What sneakers do foot doctors recommend? ›
Though there are many other great brands of shoes, some examples of tennis shoe brands that provide good support are Brooks, Asics, New Balance, and Hoka,” Dr. Jensen said. “Typically, these brands are going to have different models for different foot types.”
Are stiff or flexible shoes better for plantar fasciitis? ›
A firm sole.
In many cases the flexible soles have helped create their problem. Most people will benefit from a rigid soled shoe.
