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Foot pain is no fun. If you’ve ever experienced a sharp pain in the heel or arch of your foot you know a thing or two about plantar fasciitis pain. This common foot problem (it impacts as many as 1 in 10 people, according to the Cleveland Clinic) can greatly interfere with daily life, says Mike Rushton, DPM, co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion Orthotics in St. George, Utah. But you can’t exactly take a break from standing or walking. So, keeping treatment options in mind and choosing the best shoes of plantar fasciitis will be crucial to your healing process.
The plantar fascia is a ligament that originates at the heel bone and spreads throughout the bottom of the foot, attaching to the toe bones. Plantar fasciitis occurs when the area becomes inflamed from overuse. Too much pressure leads to inflammation of the fascia, says Neha Pathak, a board-certified New York City-based podiatrist and head of Pathak Podiatry.
Anyone can experience plantar fasciitis, but runners and those who spend lots of time on their feet are most susceptible, simply due to overuse.
“People who are really active are likely to get [plantar fasciitis], but so are people who are overweight, who lose weight quickly or have flat feet or high arches” says Rushton. “Even one day standing at a shopping small can lead to a flare-up.”
The exact cause of plantar fasciitis can differ depending on each person’s anatomy. A foot that’s overly flexible, likely has issues with stability which can put strain on the ligament, says Rushton. Conversely, someone with a stiff plantar fascia may not have enough support or cushion in their shoes, which can led to pain, as well.
Luckily, the right pair of shoes can not just help alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis, but also prevent the painful foot condition in the first place. There are a few key features, such as arch support, stability in the footbed, and heel-to-toe drop that you should look for when choosing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis (more on these below), and there are lots of options on the market. No matter if you’re looking for casual shoes, walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, or running shoes for plantar fasciitis, there are more options than ever before so you don’t have to give up style for function and comfort.
Below, we asked experts to share their picks as well as researched what’s currently available for shoppers right now to compile a list of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. No matter what the occasion, your feet will thank you for these styles.
For many people, staying off your feet for several weeks (plantar fasciitis can take four to six weeks to heal) is unrealistic. Finding the proper footwear can allow you to stay active while also preventing or alleviating plantar fasciitis pain.
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To help narrow down your search for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and other foot pain, we consulted multiple experts in the field of podiatry and orthopedics and looked for shoes that had features recommended by foot pros. When available, we consulted published research regarding plantar fasciitis and the type of footwear that is best for those with it. Customer reviews and footwear market research helped to round out our selection for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, so you can know other people with the same all-too-common issue also stand by these picks.
There are plantar fasciitis-friendly shoes for running, walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, and even everyday pairs for times when you can’t get away with wearing athletic sneakers. Bottom line: There are plenty of stylish and comfortable shoes for men and women to help relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, bunions and hammertoes. And it’s worth checking out some of the best insoles for plantar fasciitis, too, in case you need extra support.
Dr. Hillary Brenner, DPM, is a New York-based podiatrist and foot surgeon and is also a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). She has received extensive training in new foot care technologies such as shock wave therapy, which can be used to treat plantar fasciitis.
Melissa Prestipino, DPT, a licensed physical therapist and owner of Maize & Blue Rehab in Sparta, NJ. She has treated many patients with plantar fasciitis over the years and takes special interest in foot issues as she has been a ballet dancer for many years.
Dr. Mike Rushton, DPM, is a podiatrist and co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion Orthotics in St. George, Utah. He specializes in conservative care and orthotic therapy.
Dr. Neha Pathak is a New York City-based podiatrist and head of Pathak Podiatry. Her practices provides treatments for ankle pain, tendon pain, heel pain, planter wart removal, ankle sprain, and more.
Alyssa Sparacino is a content strategist, editor, and writer with a focus on fitness, health, and wellness with more than a decade of experience in digital media. She most recently held the role of editorial director at Shape. Her writing has been published in outlets including Shape, Health, What to Expect, Men’s Journal, Travel & Leisure, and more. Sparacino holds a personal training certification with the American Council on Exercise.
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