BarkingDogShoes

Comfortable Sandals

Published on June 1st, 2022 | by Kirsten Borrink

16

Reader Request: 5 Plantar Fasciitis Sandals with Style and Support

Plantar Faciitis sandals – which are the best? See Kirsten’s recommendations to a reader’s request…

Hello, Kirsten!
I have been reading your blog for a few months now. Your blog has helped me on my never-ending search for shoes. I have been living with plantar fasciitis for 2 1/2 years. After 1 1/2 years of treatment I finally gave up and had surgery. It has now been a year since my bone spur removal and heel resection. I still have pain. I have tried 3 different custom orthotics which lead to new pain in my knees, hips and lower back. I gave up on them.

Your blog lead me 2 months ago to Alegria Paloma. A welcome relief. I still have pain when the shoes are off but at least I can walk now without pain. I can not tell you how much I appreciate you for helping me find these shoes. I need to know what other brands of plantar faciitis sandals might help me? I think I should have a rocker bottom as well as a very stiff sole, no flex seems to help, but I think the key is the cushioning to keep my knees and hips from aching. Thanks so much for you and your blog!

I am very sorry to hear about your post-surgical heel pain. Yet, I’m happy to hear you’ve found temporary relief while wearing certain styles of plantar fasciitis shoes from Alegria footwear–a godsend to many with PF, over-pronation problems and other foot maladies. Since you’re well into sandal season in California, let me recommend five styles that won’t over-flex while providing good cushioning and support. Alegria sandals are a great place to start, but I’d like to show you a variety of styles from reputable comfort brands.

Plantar Fasciitis Sandals: Aetrex Jillian

Aetrex Jillian (photo: Aetrex)

A sandal with built-in orthotic support? Aetrex does it best. Their Jillian quarter-strap sandal is one of Aetrex’s best-selling cork footbed sandals and for good reason–the list of comfort features is extensive: cork midsole for support, enhanced arch and metatarsal support, memory foam cushioning, and adjustable straps to name a few. The Aetrex Jillian carries the prestigious APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) seal of acceptance. Kara, a Zappos customer, raves about her Aetrex Jillian sandals:

I love these shoes! In August I had my first encounter with plantar fasciitis and was in nonstop pain for 9 months until I got these a few weeks ago. The orthopedic surgeon had me in a boot for five months after that it was sneakers with orthotics. Complete waste of time, totally useless and not a good look for the office. Then I found these. I have been pain free ever since. I recently found a wonderful foot doctor who was willing to listen and treat me properly – even he had wonderful things to say about how these are very well structured. He did say these are better made than the orthotics this company makes. I now have six pairs of these shoes to rotate.

Find the Aetrex Jillian in sizes 5-11 for $109.95 from Zappos, and Amazon.

Plantar Fasciitis Sandals - Earth Maui

Earth Maui

Podiatrists recommend a back strap on plantar fasciitis sandals as it provides motion control for the heel. The Earth Maui fits the bill nicely. Three adjustable straps allow for a customized fit, while a multi-density cushioned footbed with arch support keeps your feet happy all day long. Take it from Zappos customer Anne who found relief from plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions in her Earth Mauis…

“In an attempt to find sandals that my crazy feet would be happy in, I ordered almost $3K of shoes from Zappos to try on. These were the winners. I have plantar fasciitis, and the excellent arch support kept my feet happy walking around San Diego Zoo Safari Park for an entire weekend, with no more break-in period than the 2 hours I wore them in my house to be sure they were “the ones”. I have hallux limitus (degenerative arthritis in the big toe joint), and while these are flexible enough in the sole that they won’t be ideal for hiking on rough terrain (I’d probably put closed shoes on for that anyway), the strap arrangement on the toe does not hurt my tender big toe joint at all (why I had to give up Chaco sandals). I have “low volume” feet with a narrow heel and somewhat wide toe area, and the adjustments on these sandals along with the sueded insole allow for a very secure feeling fit. Plus, they are pretty cute even in my big size 11!”

Find the Earth Maui in sizes 5-12 for $79.95 from Zappos, Amazon, and EarthShoes.com.

Haflinger Gina.

plantar fasciitis sandals - haflinger connie

Haflinger Bio Connie

For all Haflinger wool clog fans, did you even know they make sandals? This is excellent news for plantar fasciitis sufferers–we can get that incredible Haflinger support all year long! They’re just harder to find here in the United States, but we found a few retailers. The Haflinger cork-latex footbed is similar to Birkenstock without the raised metatarsal bar and runs similar in size to Birk’s regular width (like a C width). Find Haflinger sandals at Amazon, Nordstrom and German-Slippers.com (wonderful variety including the multi-color Gina sandal above).

Plantar Fasciitis Sandals; Vionic Kirra

Vionic Kirra (photo: Happy Feet Plus)

The Vionic Tide is a long-time favorite option for women with PF, but it’s refreshing to see updated styles coming from Vionic–take the low profile, feminine Kirra sandal for example. Not only do your feet get the trademark Vionic arch support that prevents over-pronation, a back strap offers a more secure fit than flip-flops. A happy Zappos customer reports:

Vionic Kirra

 I now have three pairs of this style. Vionics have been my go to for my plantar fasciitis for several years. These sandals are just as good as the other Vionics I’ve purchased. So flattering on my feet. I love these shoes!

The Vionic Kirra best fits a high volume foot (thicker from top to bottom). Customers with low volume feet report that the upper strap doesn’t fit well against the top of their feet. If that’s the case for you, give the Vionic Samoa a try–both upper straps are adjustable. Find the Vionic Kirra in sizes 5-11 for $99.95 from VionicShoes.com, Zappos, DSW, and Amazon.

 

Birkenstock Lola (photos: Birkenstock USA)

Birkenstocks are back in a big way, and not just the ubiquitous two-strap Arizona. The Lola ankle-strap wedge provides the signature Birkenstock comfort cork/latex footbed in a dressed-up silhouette. I love it! The Lola does run a little long and wider than most Birkenstocks, so you may do well to order down a size (not for narrow feet). Find the Lola in sizes 36-42 for $139.95 from Zappos, DSW and Amazon.

Honorable mention: Aetrex Lynco flip flops (affordable, waterproof with awesome support), Taos New Wave sports sandal, and ONO sandals for dressier occasions. Check out our recent update on Vionic sandals–terrific support with on-trend design.

Now for even more ideas! I asked my Facebook fans about their favorite plantar fasciitis sandals and shoes. They went above and beyond with recommendations. See the thread here.


About the Author

Blogger, Wife, Mom, Dog-Lover, Coffee Drinker, Owl Watcher.



16 Responses to Reader Request: 5 Plantar Fasciitis Sandals with Style and Support

  1. Yan says:

    I’d add the Sanita sandals for consideration — their rocker soles are great.

  2. Lou says:

    I had PF for almost 2 years, and it finally went away (still gets a bit tender the odd rare time). I lived in Alegrias, and now have a dozen pairs (I have the sandals listed up top under my desk at work). I also wore Dansko clogs, and Dansko Sophie sandals although the Danskos were not as good as the Alegrias. As well, I wore a pair of Wolky Ruby with my custom hard half sole orthotics in (the ortho guy padded my orthotics with foam too so they didn’t put on as much pressure. Strap on sandals were better than slip on sandals for real bad days as the sandal couldn’t slide around as much. Yoga is what finally got rid of my PF, real deep stretching. I think the tendons may have been too tight on me. So…I keep doing yoga and everything is good once more. Good luck! PF can be agony.

  3. Marie says:

    I have RA and PF, I’ve yet to find a shoe I can ‘live’ in. Dansko and Sanita are as close as I’ve gotten to comfortable my question is what is with all the Mary Janes?!?! I hate them–as much as I’d like to try Alegria–the style seems to run either Mary Janes or clogs (I need a heel in my shoe)

  4. Lou says:

    Alegria has styles other than Mary Janes now. I have lace ups, tall boots, short boots, 2 different sandals, and sandals with heels. They have expanded their selection quite a bit over the last couple of years.

  5. Elizabeth says:

    I fractured my heel five months ago, and after three months in a boot, now have PF. What a pain — literally.

    I’ve experimented with Dansko Thea and Tandy, Tsubo Asmik, a couple of older Dansko clogs, a pair of FitFlop suede slippers, some Teva hiking shoes, and a pair of Haflinger Snowbird slippers (indoors only). I alternate these, thinking one day my tendons will stretch out, nerves will stop being hypersensitive, bones will revert to normal, and my feet will magically go back to the way they were.

    Until then, I keep trying to find the magic shoes and dream of being pain-free. I will never take walking for granted again!

  6. Laura says:

    I, too, love Alegria shoes–particularly the Paloma. I found that the wide sandal straps don’t “breathe” well. On a trip, I happened across the Dansko Season. It felt GREAT in the try on. I bought it later from Zappos (cheaper), and have been able to walk, stand, and teach all day in them!

  7. Rieca says:

    Kirsten,
    Thank you so much for your suggestions. I am going to order a few of these styles right away. Do you know if any of them are wider in the top of the foot near the bottom of the ankle this is where I get swelling. I think I am going for door number 2 and 5.
    Your blog is a god send to so many of us. You have helped us find so many shoes that we otherwise would never have heard of.
    Again many thanks!
    Rieca

  8. Sam says:

    I ordered the Paloma and Taylor based on this article from Zappos. I was hugely disappointed. My 17 yr daughter asked if I was wearing Frankenstein shoes. They were really ugly IMHO. They might be comfortable but until they come up with something more stylish–I’ll have to pass and keep wearing my Dansko. And while Dansko might not be the most stylish thing in the world at least my 17 yr old I will be seen in public with me!

  9. Elizabeth says:

    I agree about the Paloma — it is hideous, esp in larger sizes. Duck feet! However, give the Daisy sandal a try — it’s flattering and graceful.

  10. kelly robertson notar says:

    Rieca! I literally feel your pain and have for almost 9 years now. After many unsuccessful PF interventions, and some that actually created other problems equally as bad, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Michigan referred me to one of his medical school colleagues, Dr. Peg Chilvers, that was working on an alternative surgery/treatment. I’m in much less pain now and recovery was very minimal. I can share more details if you’d like.

  11. Nancy says:

    Kristen, I have pf and am in need of a flip flop that can get wet. I have a very high arch and most shoes out there just don’t work. I tried the vionic rubber flip flop but they were nothing like the regular foot bed.
    Crocs don’t have enough of an arch and neither do the plastic (water proof) Birkenstock slide. I’m at a loss.

  12. Kirsten Borrink says:

    Off the top of my head, Oofos! Another idea (come to think of it, might have better support than the Oofos): Aetrex Lynco sandals.

  13. Rebecca says:

    Try the flip flops from Chacos, available on their website (www.chacos.com) or Zappos. Their arch support is pretty aggressive, and they’re a brand that is all about (wet) adventures.

  14. Liz says:

    I have plantar fasciitis and I’ve been wearing the Aetrex Jillian for years. I recently tried the Pampa by SAS, and they blow the Jillian out of the water in both style and comfort. I wore the Pampa to a professional conference where I was on my feet for 12+ hours a day for 5 days. I could still walk, and walk quickly, by the end of the day in the Pampa.

  15. Annie McMullen says:

    HI Kelly: I, too, have suffered from PF for about 6 years trying every imaginable intervention…still just as bad. Could you tell me where I might be able to find Dr. Chilvers and what type of surgery was performed? Thank you so very much – I am willing to go anywhere for an evaluation. Annie

  16. Ella Adams says:

    I am not sure what or which shoes to purchase because I suffer with neuropathy, I have plantar warts with calluses covering them and a bunion on the side of my right side of my right big toe . My feet hurt all the time especially when I stand or walk and the ache all the time while lying down I take Gabapentin 3 times daily and it doesn’t help much . I really need some of the best shoes for my feet any suggestions will be greatly appreciated Thank you .

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Back to Top ↑
  • Who is behind BarkingDogShoes.com? Kirsten Borrink has reviewed over 1,705 comfortable shoes since 2007. Read More...








  • Popular Posts

  • A Few of our Faves

    Layna Wedge Sandal from Stegmann