Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Choose the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Plantar fasciitis is a medical condition involving heel pain that is caused when a band of tissue in the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. It is often caused by a sports or stress injury. The pain is usually worst after the feet have been at rest, and people suffering from the condition often report flare-ups in the morning when they first wake up or after they've been sitting for long time periods. When looking for shoes to help with plantar fasciitis, look for ones with good arch support or those that can accept a specialized insole to help support the feet.

Physical therapy is usually used to treat plantar fasciitis. Patients may also use bandages, arch supports, splints, braces, and special shoes with insoles and arch supports to relieve the condition. All these things are used to let the foot heal, which can take as long as a year.

Shoe insoles.
Shoe insoles.

Plan on spending several hours shopping when looking for shoes for plantar fasciitis. You'll want to try on many different pairs in order to select those that are the most comfortable for you. There are some ways to make the search easier, however. You need good arch support, but how much depends on your foot. If you have flat feet, a high arch, or turn your foot in or out when you walk &mash; or some combination of these — you will likely need different levels of support.

A podiatrist may suggest custom orthotics for a person suffering from plantar fasciitis.
A podiatrist may suggest custom orthotics for a person suffering from plantar fasciitis.

When trying to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, specialized insoles can be added to make your shoes even more supportive. Your podiatrist may suggest custom orthotics, or you may be able to use a cheaper method, such as heat moldable orthotics. These fit into your shoes after the insole that comes with the shoe is removed. If you are not used to wearing arch supports or insoles, break them in slowly by wearing them only an hour or so a day to start.

Applying ice to a heel may reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Applying ice to a heel may reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Podiatrists often recommend supportive running shoes, and sandals and clogs made with materials that cushion the foot for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis. If you need to wear dressier shoes, you may have to depend entirely on insoles and arch supports that you add yourself since most brands don't provide the support you need.

Make sure you get new shoes regularly to help with the healing process. Wearing worn-out shoes may have contributed to your plantar fasciitis in the first place. Do not wait to buy new shoes until the pair you're wearing looks worn out; they should be replaced when cushion on the inside is no longer doing its job.

Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WiseGEEK team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...
Dana Hinders
Dana Hinders

Dana holds a B.A. in journalism and mass communication from the University of Iowa. She has loved being part of the WiseGEEK team ever since discovering the joys of freelance writing after her son was born. Dana also hones her writing skills by contributing articles to various blogs, as well as creating sales copy and content for e-courses.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

@raynbow- Your mom will definitely need to get some orthotics that have good arch support and heel cushioning to put inside the high heels shoes she buys to help prevent her fasciitis from flaring up too much. However, there are certain types of formal shoe features that should be avoided and those that are better than others for people with this problem.

First of all, your mother should avoid heels that are higher than 2 inches. If they are too high, they will definitely throw her arch off to the point of causing heel pain.

Next, she should look for high heels that don't have extremely pointing toes. These tight-fitting shoes are almost impossible to fit a good orthotic insert into, and also decrease arch support.

Finally, as she shops for the best shoes, tell her to look for rounded toes, square heels, and soft insoles. The combination will give the most comfort for her condition, yet the style she wants for her special event.

Raynbow

I'm trying to help my mother find a pair of high heels for special occasion that won't irritate her plantar fasciitis too much. Does anyone have some tips to help her find the best shoes that will be formal but not too painful?

Talentryto

Another good tip to follow when you have plantar fasciitis is to look for soft insoles when you are buying athletic shoes. Many brands have extra cushioning inside the shoes, some with extra softness in the heel area. This is a great option in the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, because the cushioning helps protect the foot from the shock of vigorous exercise.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Shoe insoles.
      Shoe insoles.
    • A podiatrist may suggest custom orthotics for a person suffering from plantar fasciitis.
      By: evasilchenko
      A podiatrist may suggest custom orthotics for a person suffering from plantar fasciitis.
    • Applying ice to a heel may reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
      By: Lovrencg
      Applying ice to a heel may reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
    • Plantar fasciitis often causes feet to hurt in the morning.
      By: bryndin
      Plantar fasciitis often causes feet to hurt in the morning.