best shoes Archives - FootWear Advisor

I recently experienced persistent stabbing pain on my heel after several routine workouts. It got worse one day when I left for work in my “fluky” boots so I decided to go for a checkup. I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The good news is that the expert physician suggested various shoes for plantar fasciitis designed for pain relief and quick healing process. What is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar Fasciitis is a common orthopedic illness that can make walking almost intolerable because of the nagging discomfort. The condition is caused by injury at the bottom of your foot well known as the plantar fascia. This is a ligament that connects your heel bone to your toes. Today there is a growing number of young patients experiencing plantar fasciitis including muscle damage to the sole. The main reason is intense workout and wearing the wrong shoe during their daily routine. Plantar fasciitis Stats Approximately a million people visit the doctor every year with issues related to plantar fasciitis10% of the United States population experience bouts of heel pain5% of plantar fasciitis patients end up undergoing surgeryAn estimated 80% of plantar fasciitis cases resolve spontaneously Things to look for in shoes for plantar fasciitis No matter the level of pain, the ultimate goal here is to have ideal footwear that offers the necessary comfort and support. Here are some of the critical features as suggested by experts: Great arch and heel supportExtra firmness in the sole for sufficient supportContoured and removable footbedsShock absorptionCushioning the midfoot to prevent heel impactStable heel counter to minimize abnormal stretchingSoft impact with the ground in case your foot strikes a hard ground The shape of your foot is also a great determinant of shoes for plantar fasciitis: For people with a higher arch, the joint is usually at an angle that minimizes the range of flexibility. They should therefore, avoid firm arch support to avoid further restriction. Flat-footed people with plantar fasciitis should go for footwear that has adequate arch support for effective healing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZDxyck_QPw Things to avoid in shoes for plantar fasciitis Basic footwear is not meant for this condition. It is important to avoid minimalist shoes because there is minimal firmness in the sole, no heel cushioning and it stresses the heel bone. Things to consider in shoes for plantar fasciitis Most professionals such as physical therapists and podiatrists are hesitant to suggest specific shoe types and brands for plantar fasciitis. This is mainly because it is best practice to be evaluated first to determine the appropriate shoe concerning the particular case. Fortunately, after lots of research, we came up with a list of plantar fasciitis shoes. Our focus was on the most crucial element which is comfort. We noticed that most podiatrists and physical therapists miss this element when they recommend footwear for plantar fasciitis. The following are various shoe recommendations for walking, hiking, and running, including sandals that will make the healing process possible and faster. Type of shoeBrand and modelPrice range ($)WalkingHoka One One Bondi x Opening Ceremony Saucony Grid Omni WalkingZiera All Sorts 150 and above Less than 100 150 and above HikingKeen Targhee Merell Moab 2 Mid WP 100 – 150 100 – 150RunningNew Balance 1080v10 Asics Gel Nimbus 20 and 22 100 – 150 100 – 150SandalsHoka Ora Recovery Slide Aetrex Less than 100 100-150 Getting to details: Walking Shoes Hoka One One Bondi x Opening Ceremony The Hoka One One Bondi x Opening Ceremony is regarded as s special type of plantar fasciitis footwear because it features support, firmness, and has a wide cushion. This special collaboration between Hoka Opening Ceremony is a street-worthy footwear that feels amazing on foot. You can wear the footwear for light jogs on treadmill, street, and gravel. Pros Durable leatherLightweightSuper cushy and supportive Cons CostlyCan be narrow to some people Saucony Grid Omni Walking Saucony Grid Omni Walking shoe is inexpensive compared to Hoka One One and it is an ideal choice for support and plantar fasciitis relief. It has 100% leather and synthetic with a visible rear foot grid system for excellent cushioning and stability. Pros Slower pronation rate – what causes the stabbing pain at the bottom of your footEngineered asymmetrical sole for bio-mechanical fitSmooth transition enabled by Walk Trac patented outsole Cons Bulky for some peopleOnly available in black and white Ziera All Sorts Ziera is a comfortable brand that serves as a pain reliever for patients with plantar fasciitis. It is a stylish brand and a favorite for many women. Once you try them you will notice that they feel as great as they look. Pros Built-in orthotic footbedComfortable and stylishThick polyurethane outsoles for shock absorptionCome in multiple widths for a perfect fitLightweight sole for comfortPerformance text lining Cons Expensive Hiking Shoes Keen Targhee Targhee Vent, Targhee III, and plenty of more Targhees, Keen Targhee offers a wide range of options when it comes to agility and style. It is a favorite to many people with plantar fasciitis mainly because of its waterproof breathable membrane. Pros Exceptional arch supportElevated heelHigh-traction gripLightweight support for flawless mobilityCushion collar for better ankle supportDurable Cons A little heavier compared with other shoes for plantar fasciitis Merell Moab 2 Mid WP Merell Moab 2 Mid WP offers a variety of styles and colors. It is important to note that most hiking boots offer little or no arch support making the Mid WP an appropriate hiking remedy. Pros Zonal arch and heel supportContoured footbedsPerformance suede leatherProtective rubber toe capBreathable mesh liningA durable fit Cons Can be bulky for some Running Shoes New Balance 1080v10 New Balance 1080v10 is an excellent shoe for both pro and amateur runners. In addition to great functionality, it is a bold fashion statement for men and women. Pros Data-driven designExcellent arch and heel supportGreat cushioningWide toe boxIdeal shock absorber Cons Can be a challenge to some since they are foam running shoes Asics Gel Nimbus 20 and 22 Asics Gel Nimbus 20 and 22 have a tough exterior and optimal heel stability. It is one of the best shoes for hitting the road anytime, anywhere, thanks to lasting comfort. The brand is packed with tech for improved performance. Pros Great arch and heel supportFLyteFoam Propel Technology for the supreme bounceSynthetic-and-meshEnhanced gait efficiency Cons Slim for wide feet Sandals NAOT Krista NAOT Krista is a stylish yet excellent choice for plantar fasciitis. It is a comfortable fit for long walks and decent enough to grace almost any occasion. Krista is a three-strap sandal with a hook and a loop strap for a tailored fit. Pros Offers a wide range of colorsExcellent comfort and supportFlexibleShock absorptionWide range of sizes Cons Costly Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 2 Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 2 Women’s footwear is a great option for pet lovers particularly if you have man’s best friend as part of your family. Experts recommend wearing these after an early morning long run or grueling race. Pros Optimum comfort and supportlightweight Cons Can be bulky for some people Aetrex Aetrex sandals help reduce the stabbing pain caused by plantar fasciitis. It has a low wedge including full-grain leather on the upper part. Pros A customizable fit made possible with loop straps and adjustable hookStrategically placed support and weight distributionLYNCO arch support – No. 1 orthotic system currently in the marketGenuine leather Cons Pricey It is critical to note that plantar fasciitis can be tricky to treat. Most of the times it requires time to offload from intense activities like sprinting, running, and jumping. Strengthening the entire lower limb can be effective for this condition. Related Questions How do you get plantar fasciitis? Running long distances downhill or on uneven terrainWearing shoes with poor arch supportTight Achilles tendonObesitySudden weight gain What are the exercises and stretches for plantar fasciitis? Soleus stretch – placing one foot in front of the other with the toes facing forwardHeel raise on a towel with ball squeezeGreat toe stretch on wallDownward dog ankle pumpingIntrinsic foot strength overhead/rotational reachBanded squats How can I avoid plantar fasciitis? Regularly stretching the Achilles tendon during warm-upAlways wear supportive shoesStaying healthy and avoid being overweightAlways wear shoes with heel cushioning