All shoes are not made equal. You may not realize it, but some of the shoes you wear may be the cause of your foot pain. We’ve created a list of the best and worst shoes for plantar fasciitis. Check out which shoes you should avoid and learn how to find the perfect pair!

High Heels and Pumps

The bigger the heel, the bigger the problem. High heels force the foot into an unnatural position, placing extreme stress on the bones in the feet. After years of wearing pumps, many women develop a knot on the back of their heel. These knots can be incredibly painful and make it even more painful to wear heels. Most heels are made of rigid, sturdy material. As you walk the heel presses against it, increasing the chance of bone deformity, blisters, and swelling.

Flats

Flats are brutal on feet. These shoes lack arch support, which can lead to problems in your knees, hips, and back. Poor arch support is one of the leading causes of plantar fasciitis. Without support, your feet are forced to support the entire weight of the body. Individuals who wear flats regularly often suffer from achy heels and sore feet at the end of the day. The lack of support strains the feet and makes it tough for the feet to maintain stability.

Minimal Footwear

These shoes are a part of a relatively new trend attempting to highlight the natural mechanics of barefoot walking. While this may sound like a natural, healthy way to approach footwear, many of these shoes neglect the importance of arch and heel support. Over time, minimal support will lead to pain throughout the foot because of the misdistribution of pressure. Also, many of these brands separate the toes, and this can disrupt the natural walking position.

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - What to Look For

Before you purchase a pair of shoes, there are a few important features to look for when you're shopping. The shoes you wear have the greatest impact on foot health. Check for the following features before your next purchase:

• Proper Arch Support
• A Raised, Supportive, Sturdy Heel
• Comfortable to Wear
• Includes mid sole flexibility as you walk
• Features a thick, sturdy, flexible sole
• Fits Accurately

The Perfect Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

The Healing Sole combines all the features you need for healthy feet. The flip-flop was developed and theorized by Meredith Warner, MD. Throughout her time as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Warner noticed a gap in treatment. She packed the flip-flop with six powerful features that work synergistically to heal the foot. As your foot pushes off, the rocker bottom sole sways to reduce tension. When your foot meets the ground again, the compressible heel and raised arch absorb the weight of the body. Soft neoprene straps help to hold your foot in place as you move. We equipped the latest version of The Healing Sole with a durable outsole. Now our flip-flops last even longer and can support extended outdoor wear!