Plantar fasciitis is an increasingly common problem for runners, athletes and people who spend a lot of time on their feet. There is one thing that all of these people have in common, and that's that they put a lot of stress on their feet throughout the course of their day. One of the biggest recommendations that is made during plantar fasciitis treatment is that patients change or upgrade the type of shoes that their wearing. Whether that means a better, more supportive running shoe or to stop wearing 6 inch heel in the office, the type of shoes we wear can have a major impact on plantar fasciitis and the recovery from it.
The Benefits of Finding the Right Shoes for Plantar Facsiitis
As we mentioned in our article about
preventing plantar fasciitis from coming back, one of the biggest impacts you can have on your recovery from heel pain (and in preventing it from returning) is choosing the right pair of shoes. It's not always possible to reduce the amount of time we spend on our feet, but we can make an impact on the amount of stress placed on our feet. The right shoes for plantar fasciitis will:
- Provide adequate arch support
- Have a slightly raised heel and provide heel support
- Include a thick, stiff/slight flexible sole
- Provide mid-sole flexibility
- Be comfortable enough to wear all day, without increasing heel pain
Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
When looking for athletic or running shoes for plantar fasciitis, it's important to find a shoe that provides as much arch support as possible and has enough cushion to allow for shock absorption and the distribution of stress. It's generally best to purchase running shoes from a well known, well reviewed brand name rather than a discount shoe store, as these shoes are generally better quality and have research behind their design. This of course does not mean that you opt for the most modern, flashy looking shoe, but one that simply has a good reputation.
Asics Gel Series
The Gel series, including the GEL Kayano for both men and women is highly recommended by many as they help to secure the heel and provide good stability for the foot, as well as for their excellent cushioning and shock absorption. Simply looking at the overwhelming number of positive reviews for this shoe in online outlets will show how well they've been received by the public that have actually worn them. According to
Asics website, the shoes were designed with runners and athletes in mind to provide the maximum amount of shock absorption, support and comfort. The shoes feature what Asics refers to as FluidFit™ and FluidRide™ technology, which allows for an "unsurpassed running experience."
Best Dress and Work Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Finding the right dress and work shoes to help with plantar fasciitis can prove difficult, as the shoes needed for an office environment versus a restaurant or construction site will all vary. When looking for shoes for work, keep in mind that you will be wearing them for a good majority of your day, and they should be able to provide the right amount of comfort and support for the activities that you perform during the work day. Those of us who spend the majority of our day sitting at a desk will require much less support than a waitress or construction worker. For more specific recommendations on some of the best work shoes for plantar fasciitis, take a look at some of our recommended (and regularly updated) lists at the bottom of this article.
Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis Recovery
A common theme in the
plantar fasciitis shoes world is that flip flops are a complete no-go for people with heel pain. Truth be told, most flip flops do not provide the necessary shock absorption, stability or arch support needed to prevent plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, The Healing Sole Flip Flop was designed to solve this problem. Our custom designed flip flop was built to be used after a long day, after your running shoes or work shoes have been put to rest and you need to let your feet recover. When added as a treatment method, The Healing Sole flip flop may aid in recovery from heel pain and help you get a bit of relief after a long day.
More Information on Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
There are hundreds of shoes out there, for work and for play, that can provide the right amount of comfort and support needed to keep heel pain at bay. Check out what others are saying about plantar fasciitis shoes and get even more recommendations on which shoes to choose:
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