Plantar fasciitis (pronounced fashy-eye-tis) is a common foot condition that causes pain on the bottom of the heel. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, then you’ll be familiar with the painful symptoms that can hold you back from life’s activities.
If you find that you’re exploring endless internet forums in search of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, then you may be relieved to hear that you’re not alone. According to the NHS, around 1 in 10 adults experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetime. Added to this, women are also four times more likely to be affected by the condition as men.
Here at Pavers, we believe that your feet deserve the very best. This is why we offer a number of shoes that are good for plantar fasciitis. Plus, when you shop with us, you can shop safely in the knowledge that all of our recommended shoes have been tried and tested by our customers.
But, before we get into any great detail about what shoes are good for plantar fasciitis sufferers, let’s first take a detailed look at exactly what the condition is and what causes it.
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. This tissue 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. However, 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.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by straining the part of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes.
Research has found that certain people are more at risk of developing the problem, including:
- Those aged between 40 and 60
- Those who have recently started exercising on hard surface
- People who exercise with a tight heel or calf
- People who overstretch the sole of their foot during exercise
- Those who have recently started doing significantly more exercise
- People who wear shoes with poor cushioning or support
- People who are very overweight
What Not To Do if You Have Plantar Fasciitis
If you have plantar fasciitis, then you need to rest and elevate your foot as much as possible. You should also use insoles or heel pads in your shoes and take pain relief. Your symptoms should then improve in around two weeks. If you’re unsure about how to ease the pain, or your problems are severe, then consult a medical professional.
Added to this, there are certain things that you should not do if you have plantar fasciitis, according to the NHS, including:
- Taking Ibuprofen for the first 48 hours
- Walking or standing for long periods
- Wearing high heels or shoes that are tight and pointy
- Wearing flip-flops or backless slippers
- Walking barefoot on hard surfaces
Comfort is Key
How to Choose the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The right pair of plantar fasciitis shoes can provide you with relief from the pain you’re suffering from. Plus, the good news is that regardless of whether you’re searching for formal shoes, slippers, or trainers, lots of stylish shoes for plantar fasciitis are now available.
But, what comfort and support features should you consider when buying shoes that will help ease your pain? Here are four of the most common.
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. This will further aid your movement and ensure a more comfortable walking experience.
Getting additional arch support is particularly important if you’re looking for comfortable shoes for work. After all, it’s not possible for many of us to keep our feet rested and elevated all day, even if we do have plantar fasciitis. So, in this instance, it’s important to find a shoe that’s supportive and will ease the pain.
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-relieving qualities will ensure your weight is evenly distributed across your feet. Plus, this type of sole will also 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 (or if you have flat feet in general).
3. Cushioned Insoles
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis provide 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 are also a great choice, so look for shoes with adjustable fastenings or removable inlays, as these will provide a little extra room for custom orthotics.
4. Anatomic Shoes
Anatomic shoes are the ideal choice for plantar fasciitis sufferers. This is because 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
It’s best to have a podiatrist or a foot specialist make a personalised assessment of your feet. However, to help you on your way, we’ve rounded up the top-rated shoes that have been tried, tested and loved by our customers.
Best Smart Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
If you have plantar fasciitis, the number one thing you need from your shoes is arch support, and these leather loafers are specifically shaped with a cushioned and supportive footbed.
Around four times the amount of your body weight 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 for Plantar Fasciitis
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. So, if you’re looking for plantar fasciitis shoes for women, then look no further.
Key features:
- Cushioned footbed reduces foot fatigue
- Adjustable closure for a personalised fit
- Flexible sole to absorb the impact of your step
Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
You can conquer any terrain with these walking shoes, a time-tested favourite for many years now. They’re the perfect active shoes for those with plantar fasciitis.
The stabilising sole has been specifically designed to absorb the impact of your step while the memory foam insole will mould to fit the exact contours of your foot, delivering personalised cushioned comfort.
Key features:
- Memory foam technology relieves stress and absorbs the impact of your step
- Firm and flexible sole that’s anatomically shaped
- Adjustable straps for a personalised fit
Best Slip-On Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
These Fly Flot shoes have it all, classic style, a great fit and supportive comfort. Bridging the gap between smart and comfortable, they’ll match effortlessly with any outfit.
Made with Fly Flot’s best-selling comfort components, their anatomic design and self-moulding footbed offer plenty of cushioned support. For this reason, we think they’re one of the best pairs of slip-on shoes for plantar fasciitis sufferers around at the moment.
Key features:
- Anatomically contoured and cushioned midsole
- Cushioned insole with self-moulding support
- Supportive heel that evenly distributes weight
Best Trainers for Plantar Fasciitis
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 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
More Help and Advice
We hope that our chosen plantar fasciitis shoes will help alleviate your pain and provide you with additional comfort. If you would like advice relating to any other foot problems, please browse through the blogs below.
Alternatively, if you’re still looking for the best plantar fasciitis shoes for women, then take a look at our comprehensive collection today. We have every style available and we’re sure to have a pair that suit you.