How to Find Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis [5 Stylish Picks]
We’re fairly certain that most Barking Dog Shoes readers have experienced plantar fasciitis at one time or another. Both Beth and I have, although the contributing factors to our heel pain are different. I’ll go ahead and blame mine on rheumatoid arthritis once again instead of launching into a long-winded explanation of all the causes of PF (you can read a longer article about the causes and treatment of PF here).
In the meantime, let’s discuss the characteristics you should look for when shopping for a suitable shoe to help relieve plantar fasciitis discomfort. To enlighten us with shoe shopping basics, we’ve turned to the knowledgeable folks at Footworks, the creators of the Ultimate Heel and Arch Support. They recommend the following when shopping for shoes for plantar fasciitis:
- A firm sole: Too much flexibility in a shoe stresses the fascia ligament. A firm sole will control the range of motion, protecting the fascia.
- Toe rocker (or toe spring): If the sole is firm, more toe rocker is needed. Toe rocker helps propel the foot forward and keep the fascia from stretching too much.
- Firm heel counter: The back part of the shoe that wraps around the heel should be sturdy. If the heel counter collapses easily when pushed in, buy another shoe.
- Lace-ups: If possible, opt for lace-up shoes as they provide more support and stability than slip-ons. However, if you can’t find a suitable lace-up, look for buckles or velcro straps across the instep.
- Use a prescribed or OTC orthotic: Often you’ll need more support than a shoe’s footbed can provide.
- Arch support: When the arches are supported, the fascia can relax.
- We’ll add the last point: look for a shoe with a little bit of heel, perhaps 1/2″ to 1″ to give the heel a little lift thus protecting the fascia ligament from over-stretching.
Here’s the problem. When narrowing a shoe search to meet the criteria above, the results are limited. In a slew of running shoes, few attractive work-appropriate options exist. That’s where we come in. We’ve scoured the comfort shoe departments in search of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis according to the guidelines above. Thankfully the fashion sneaker and menswear trends continue…
Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Naot Kedma
This popular style by Naot entered the comfort shoe scene a few years ago and it’s back again for fall. The Kedma’s removable cork and latex footbed allows for a personal orthotic, but you may not need it as Naot is known for excellent arch and heel support. Available at Zappos, Amazon and 6pm.com.
Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Dansko Louise
The Dansko Louise oxford looks similar to the Naot Kedma, but with a slightly higher heel (1 1/2″). A removable footbed will accommodate an orthotic. Available at Zappos, Amazon, and Nordstrom.
Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Taos Star
If you love the look of Converse, but can’t fathom wearing a pancake-flat sneaker, consider the Taos Star–you’ll love all the colors and patterns available. The footbed offers good arch support, but is also removable if you need to use an orthotic. This shoe does run a tad small, so order accordingly. Find the Taos Star at Zappos, Taosfootwear.com, Amazon, and The Walking Company.
Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Earth Angelica
The Earth Angelica may not be a lace-up, but it’s construction is perfect for feet suffering from plantar fasciitis. The cushioned footbed with arch support is removable to accommodate an orthotic. In fact, reviewers remark that the shoe really does fit an insert well (leaving room for toes to spread out). You can see from the photo that the Earth Angelica has plenty of toe rocker to guide foot through the stride. Do you have a wider forefoot and narrow heel? The Angelica does too! Another plus–this stylish mary jane comes in narrow to wide widths and sizes up to 12. Available at Zappos, Earthbrands.com, Nordstrom, and The Walking Company.
Vionic Torri. Photo credit: Shoe-Tease.com
The Vionic Torri is, “the perfect shoe for when your feet are aging faster than you fashion sense.” We love this quote by an Amazon customer. To see more views of the trendy Torri, visit Shoe-Tease.com where Cristina styles them beautifully.
The Torri features a removable EVA footbed with enhanced arch support. The hi-top cut of the Torri will support weak ankles. A side zipper makes for easy on and off. Available at Zappos and VionicShoes.com. Find a great deal at Amazon.
Do you have a favorite shoe yet? If you’re thinking, “none of the above,” read on.
If you must wear a ballet flat, try one with added arch support such as the ABEO Tabitha.
Still need a good walking sandal? Consider the Dromedaris Golden Eagle with its heel-friendly rocker sole.
Need an office-appropriate shoe with a rocker sole? Check out the Dansko Jessica.
And for hard-to-fit feet, the Naturalizer Jimi fashion sneaker and Drew Blast walking shoe come in extended sizes and widths.
Never underestimate the power of a good stretch for relieving plantar fasciitis pain and discomfort. Consult this page by Sports Injury Clinic for 6 exercises you can do at home to help heal your PF.
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9 Responses to How to Find Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis [5 Stylish Picks]
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I love the look of the Naot Kedma, but a lot of reviewers mention the narrow toe. I will probably pass. 🙁
It seems counter intuitive to me to slightly elevate the heel when we have PF. I followed that strategy for a long time. Then, when my doctor and physical therapist gave me stretching exercises to relieve PF, I wondered if the fascia needs stretching, wouldn’t a zero drop shoe be a help? So, I tried a couple pair of Altra’s and it did help. Not completely, but I felt it helped. Still, I do keep a pair of Spenco slip-on slippers by my bedside and use them all the time.
Indeed a practical guide to plantar fasciitis! Inexpensive yet comfortable summer flip flops may be great to keep our feet relaxed, but they don’t offer enough support. More often, ill-fitting shoes cause weak foot muscles, foot injuries, and foot pain. I agree with you that change of shoes can be a great treatment for the said foot problem. Supportive footwear will relieve foot pain at the same time keep us comfortable.
I agree with cedar re the slight heel recommendation: I have heard that several times and tried to implement it, but it makes my PF flare up. I find birkenstocks and altras and ahnu emery (oh, if only those were not discontinued!) to be the absolute best for me! for hiking shoes, keen work best; I find that merrell has some weird thing with their heel (maybe a slight incline?) that just kill my feet. And for running, i go between Altra and Brooks glycerin.
I do like the Naots, I have a couple of pairs, but they are a bit narrow on the toes.
and if I don’t wear my podiatrist’s orthotics in the above (minus the birks), I am in pain.
I’ve had good PF results over the years wearing Chaco brand sandals in the summer — the heels feel a bit squishy and there’s a great deal of arch support. I also wear their flip flops around the house all winter. Most of my other shoes are Keens because I have high arches and need a wide toe box.
I have plantar fasciitis and bunions and my work requires me to stand for long periods of time. If anyone is looking for a professional shoe that has the features mentioned in this article, I highly recommend Naot’s Adriatic style. I can wear these for my whole shift and not cause me to have any pain. Highly, highly recommend
Where can you go to try these on?
I don’t see any OOFOS mentioned here. The second I get home, they go on my feet. They have been a Godsend for me. I have had PF 2x before and it went away after treating it with the usual. This time it is excruciating and has been with me for over 8 months. OOFOS needs to make a shoe I can wear out that is presentable. They are butt ugly.
Well, I guess that’s because the title is 5 STYLISH PICKS! LOL! I know, Oofos are wonderful for support, cushioning and relief of PF. They just didn’t make the cut style-wise. I think we’ve mentioned them in other articles. I’ll check. Thanks for your input–glad they’re helping.
What is the style in the main photo (blue and brown oxfords)? Thanks!