Sore-Foot Slayers: Top Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Recommended footwear for plantar fasciitis, as advised by foot specialists
Navigating the footwear landscape can be a nightmare for those with plantar fasciitis -- one of the leading causes of foot pain. Luckily, we tapped a handful of podiatrists to dish on their go-to shoe recommendations for those grappling with this pesky affliction. Lace up and get ready to raise your foot game!
In a Rush? Check these out:
- New Balance 990v6: extraordinary arch support
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24: lightweight feel
- Oofos Oomy Stride: recovery with a rocker sole
- Sovella PF Slide: comfy slide option
Foot agony? The answer is cushion and arch support
Officially, plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue running beneath the foot from heel to toes. It often causes stabbing pain, especially with the first few steps in the morning. The culprits behind plantar fasciitis are many: too much sitting, finally diving into a new workout routine, gaining weight, or simply owning feet that are shape-challenged (flat or high arches, say). Inevitably, shoes without the proper support end up compounding the problem.
In one study, American Family Physician found that 1 out of every 10 Americans will experience plantar fasciitis at some point in their lives. Women, older adults, and individuals carrying extra weight are most vulnerable, though even comfortable kicks can't protect against the condition when fit and support are lacking.
Why podiatrists know best
Podiatrists understand the ins and outs of foot health, so who better to turn to for shoe recommendations? A survey revealed that 68% of Americans have purchased shoes squarely due to pain or health concerns, so we quizzed several experts for their top suggestions for folks with plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis, defined
So, what exactly is plantar fasciitis? In simple terms, it's inflammation of the plantar fascia, the rubber band-like tissue beneath your feet. As Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a foot and ankle specialist at Central Park Sole, puts it: "Think of it like the rubber band on the bottom of your feet."
Familiar triggers for this painful condition include excessive activity, sudden weight change, tight calf or heel muscles, excessive pronation (rolling feet inward), or simply wearing shoes that don't fit right.
Experts Give their Top Shoe Picks
Asics Gel-Kayano 31:
Dr. Schaeffer is all about Asics' Gel-Kayano 31. These puppies feature maximum stability, ensuring your foot stays in the proper position, thereby easing tension on the plantar fascia. Notably, they boast a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, reducing pressure on the arch of the foot -- where pain tends to strike.
- Men's Asics Gel-Kayano 31:Amazon | Zappos | Asics | Dick's Sporting Goods
- Women's Asics Gel-Kayano 31:Amazon | Zappos | Asics | Dick's Sporting Goods
Hoka Bondi 9:
Looking for a shoe that delivers on comfort? Say hello to the Hoka Bondi 9. Its superior cushioning and ample arch support make it a popular choice for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Bonus: the rocker bottom ensures every stride feels easy.
- Men's Hoka Bondi 9:Hoka | REI | Zappos
- Women's Hoka Bondi 9:Hoka | REI | Zappos
Kuru Atom Fusion:
Footwear brand Kuru specifically caters to those with plantar fasciitis, so their shoes are packed with the support you need all day long. The Kuru Atom Fusion offer standout stability and cushion in the heel, which goes a long way towards alleviating plantar pain.
- Men's Kuru Atom Fusion:Kuru Footwear
- Women's Kuru Atom Fusion:Kuru Footwear
Sovella PF Slide:
For plantar suffering without a passion for athletic shoes, Sovella PF Slides are worthy of consideration. These lightweight, water-resistant sandals deliver the arch support usually missing from flip-flops. Grab a pair for easy beach walks or home relaxation without sacrificing support along the way.
- Men's Sovella PF Slide:Lucky Feet Shoes
- Women's Sovella PF Slide:Lucky Feet Shoes
Oofos Oomy Stride:
These recovery shoes feature a rocker sole, taking the edge off plantar pain. Oofos claims their special foam offers 37% more shock absorption compared to traditional foam.
- Men's Oofos Oomy Stride:Amazon | REI | Holabird Sports | Oofos
- Women's Oofos Oomy Stride:REI | Holabird Sports | Oofos
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis manifests as inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue running from the heel to the toes. Pain typically feels like a shooting or stabbing sensation in the region beneath the foot. This condition can be acute or chronic, affecting millions of Americans daily.
Plantar fasciitis' triggers include prolonged sitting, gaining weight, or engaging in high-impact activities with unsupportive shoes. Genetics can also play a role, making overpronation (rolling the foot inward) or excessive supination (outward rolling) more likely. Lastly, tight calf or heel muscles, as well as too much foot pronation or supination, can lead to plantar fasciitis. Loosening up your muscles and properly supporting your feet can help alleviate the condition.
The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
If you're battling plantar fasciitis, keep these key factors in mind when shoe shopping:
- exceptional cushioning and arch support relieve tension on the plantar fascia
- appropriate heel drop helps reduce stress in the heel
- flexible yet supportive shoes accommodate natural foot movement
- snug, secure fit prevents foot discomfort during activity
- wide toe box provides space for toes to relax
Can shoe inserts help with plantar fasciitis?
Shoe inserts can provide additional support, but they're not a cure-all for plantar fasciitis. Heel cups, Arch supports, and other supports can help alleviate some plantar pain as they aid in reducing discomfort for people with plantar fasciitis. Custom-molded orthotics, though, might be the best option for optimal support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are flat shoes suitable for plantar fasciitis?
Flat shoes, like sandals or ballet flats, don't provide adequate arch support for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Stick to shoes with ample cushioning and noticeable heel drop.
2. Should you go barefoot while dealing with plantar fasciitis?
Barefoot shoes may not provide enough support for individuals with plantar fasciitis, potentially adding strain to the ligament and causing inflammation and pain. It's best to wear shoes, even inside the house, with plantar fasciitis to protect your feet. Opt for an indoor shoe like Adidas slides or a cushioned slipper.
Meet our Experts:
- Dr. Brad Schaeffer, a foot and ankle surgeon with Central Park Sole, New York City
- Saylee Tulpule, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon and podiatrist at Foot & Ankle
- Karena Wu, a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy at Activecare Physical Therapy
Why trust CNN Underscored:
CNN Underscored's journalists and editors have extensive experience in product testing, research, and recommendations, ensuring meticulous and authoritative coverage. Our team collaborates with top experts to evaluate products for their proper presentation, taking into account the pros and cons for each item. In this article, we consulted a physical therapist, two podiatrists, to offer expert advice on the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
The medical-conditions of plantar fasciitis, a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue beneath the foot, can be alleviated with proper footwear that offers excellent cushioning, arch support, and a suitable heel drop. In the science of health-and-wellness, understanding shoe features such as flexible yet supportive materials, a snug, secure fit, wide toe boxes, and shoes that accommodate natural foot movement, plays a significant role in managing plantar fasciitis.
Some shoe recommendations include Asics Gel-Kayano 31, offering maximum stability and a 10mm heel-to-toe drop; Hoka Bondi 9, providing superior cushioning and ample arch support; Kuru Atom Fusion, specifically designed for plantar fasciitis sufferers; Sovella PF Slides, lightweight sandals with arch support suitable for beach walks or home use; and Oofos Oomy Stride, recovery shoes with a rocker sole for plantar pain relief.
