7 Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Of 2022, According To Podiatrists (2024)

Clothing & Accessories Shopping Guide

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a band of fascia or ligament that extends from the calcaneus or base of the calcaneus to the base of the toes and helps support the long arch of the foot. The plantar fascia thickens with age and weight, and the ligament's flexibility and shock-absorbing capacity decrease. Plantar fasciitis occurs when too much pressure damages or tears tissue. When it becomes inflamed, it causes tenderness when the heel is flat on the ground. According to the American College of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the condition affects about 2 million people each year.

Since our body's weight is concentrated on the soles of the feet, the condition of the fascia becomes critical as it acts as a stabilizer for the body. Its elastic properties create a bouncing effect like a set of shock absorbers does to a car, allowing our bodies to ride smoothly and properly align our bodies with ground forces as we walk or run isolated. Once the shock-absorbing properties of the fascia are compromised, or fail due to damage, the body is virtually immune to walking or running.

Finding the right shoes can help, but first you need to understand what causes plantar fasciitis and understand your feet. The best shoe recommendations come from a podiatrist or physical therapist's assessment of your movement patterns and foot. To determine the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, we provide our patients with a reference based on price, average user ratings, available color options, and more.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

The following problems have been shown to cause plantar fasciitis.

Ageing
high-intensity activity
obesity
supination muscles
hard floor

Ageing
As we age, our bodies undergo degenerative changes. Between the ages of 45-65, the elasticity of the fascia decreases significantly, affecting its shock absorption capacity. This reduction also makes the fascia more fragile and more prone to injuries, such as tears.

high-intensity activity
Suddenly starting a high-intensity exercise that increases the impact pressure on the foot can also lead to plantar fasciitis. The reason is that the fascial bands do not have time to adapt to this new increased pressure. As with overuse of any untrained muscle in the body, pain and inflammation occur naturally.

obesity
Obesity increases the stress on the fascial ligaments, putting heavy pressure on the plantar area. Over time, the fascia begins to stretch to its maximum under all the weight of the body, eventually leading to tiny fissures and micro-tears. According to statistics, being overweight increases the risk of fascial pain by 1.4 times.

supinator
People with flat feet are called supinators. They are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis than people with higher arches. When you have flat feet, your fascial bands are fully extended and have no real elasticity to provide rebound to cushion your footsteps.

hard floor
Restaurant workers, who walk on hard floors all day, and mall salespeople are the most vulnerable in this regard. These jobs and activities can trigger or exacerbate pain and discomfort in the fascial tissue.

The best shoes for plantar fasciitis

We asked physical therapists and podiatrists what shoes they think are best for plantar fasciitis (including sneakers, dress shoes, flats, clogs, sandals, and slippers) to provide some relief to the plantar fascia . You'll find stylish options from brands like Teva, Dansko, Hoka One One, Clarks, Oofos, and Superfeet from retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, REI, and more.

1.Hoka One One Bondi 7

The Hoka brand is known for their ultra-comfortable sneakers, and their sneakers are the most cushioned in the running collection. The Bondi 7 features the same full EVA midsole, breathable mesh upper and signature Meta-Rocker technology as its predecessor, updated with an extremely soft collar. Bondi running shoes are one of the best running shoes for people with plantar fasciitis because they are wide, light and super cushioned, super soft memory foam designed to accommodate narrower heels, and a collar that conforms to all types of ankles , comfortably hugs the Achilles tendon.

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2.Kuru Pivot

These comfortable walking shoes are designed for people with plantar fasciitis. The brand's patented KURUSOLE technology and custom-molded sole hug your heel and provide the same built-in arch support, making it easier to walk on any surface. The Kuru sole has natural cushioning that works with the contour of the heel to help relieve pain and pressure from plantar fasciitis.

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3.Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21

Take your workout to the next level with the Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 21 Running Shoe. These sneakers feature GuideRails technology to minimize excessive movement and protect your knees. It has neutral arch support, making it ideal for people with low arch or neutral feet.

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4.Saucony Triumph 19

Saucony Triumph 19 carries the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval and they have been evaluated by foot and ankle specialists and found to be beneficial for foot health. From its cushioned, springy-feeling chunky supportive heel, these shoes strike a pleasing balance of firmness and comfort that should provide plantar fasciitis sufferers with the relief they seek.

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