How to Choose the Right Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

How to Choose the Right Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Posted by Apex Foot Health on 8th Feb 2023

Plantar Fasciitis gives 1 in 10 people all kinds of foot pain from even the most basic daily activities. These issues come when the band of tissue that connects the heel and toes becomes inflamed and doesn't get relief.

One of the best things you can do is find good shoes to wear. This will help alleviate some of that inflammation and reduce the pain you feel. The right shoes will also allow you to have enough relief to complete your exercises to strengthen the foot and prevent future flare-ups.

Follow this guide when looking for shoes for plantar fasciitis!

Find a Reputable Company

Hundreds of companies will claim they have the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis. Don't believe every marketing claim you read. Instead, look for reputable shoe companies before exploring your options.

Check online for customer reviews to find a company with a strong reputation and satisfaction rate.

Double-Check the Size

Between 63 and 72% of people surveyed are wearing shoes that don't accommodate the width or length of their feet. People with diabetes are more likely to wear shoes that are too narrow.

Schedule your shopping trip for the end of the day when your feet are already swollen. Otherwise, you could buy a pair that's too small at the start of the day, before you've been on your feet.

Have a professional confirm your shoe size to make sure it hasn't changed. If one foot is larger than the other, choose the larger size.

Look for Support

If you want to find the best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis, look for shoes that offer the utmost support.

Look for options that include:

  • Arch and heel support
  • Extra rigidity in the sole
  • Cushioning in the midfoot
  • A firm heel counter

The heel counter is the back part of the heel that surrounds the Achilles insertion. Choosing shoes with a firm heel counter will help you avoid additional stretching of the plantar fascia. These shoes could help minimize inflammation and pain symptoms near the arch and heel of your foot.

Proper Fit

Women's Lace Walking Shoe - X Last - White

The best shoes for plantar fasciitis are always going to be the ones that have the right fit. Too loose shoes can cause you a lot of pain because your feet are overcompensating to try to keep them in place. While too tight shoes can keep your feet from staying in the right position.

Too many people sacrifice the fit of a shoe to be able to wear a cute design. It's important to find both so you can keep your feet as strong as possible.

Strong Support

Men's Ariya - Hiking Boot - Black

When the band of tissue becomes inflamed with plantar fasciitis, it becomes tender and can cause shooting pains. This is normally worse during the first steps after inactivity. A key to finding relief is regular activity and keeping your feet moving.

Having shoes with strong support makes it so that activity isn't painful and difficult to keep up with. Strong support keeps your foot alignment in place so you can walk as much as you'd like without feeling major pain.

Easy to Wear

Unisex Orthopedic Moccasin Slipper Camel

As you're trying to keep your plantar fasciitis symptoms in check, it's important to wear good shoes as much as you can. Being barefoot doesn't do anything to help the inflamed tissue feel better and heal. This is why you want to be sure to choose shoes for plantar fasciitis that are easy to wear.

So you should look for shoes that are light and comfortable to keep your legs from getting tired lifting them up all day. They should also be easy to put on and not impede your regular activities.

Bring Orthotics With You

Before you go shopping, make sure to bring your orthotics. Trying on shoes with your orthotics will ensure they fit properly.

Look for shoes that have a removable footbed to ensure they can accommodate your orthotics.

You can find diabetic foot inserts and gel insoles here for the utmost comfort and support.

Choosing the Right Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Painful feet can completely disrupt your daily life and make it difficult to do the things you love the most. When you have plantar fasciitis, you'll want to do everything you can to find some relief and ease the pain you're feeling all the time.

The right shoes for plantar fasciitis will be sturdy and keep your foot in the correct position throughout the day. That way you can go about your day without worrying about how tired and achy you are going to feel that night. This one simple change can make a huge difference in your overall ability to move.

Our shoe advisor can help you find the shoe that ticks all the boxes so you can find the relief you're looking for. Check it out today!