Whether you've been plagued by plantar fasciitis for years or you just started experiencing the pain, it's essential to choose the right shoes. Not all shoes are created equal, and you need something that will provide adequate support and cushioning. In this post, we'll show you how to choose shoes for plantar fasciitis so that you can find relief from the pain. Let's get started!
Here are some important features to look for when shopping for the right shoes for you:
- Arch Support
Good arch support is important in a shoe because plantar fasciitis is often caused by overpronation. Overpronation can lead to the stretching or tearing of the plantar fascia, so it's important to have a shoe that will support your foot and prevent that from happening. There are a few things you can look for in a shoe to make sure it has good arch support. First, you want to make sure that the shoe has a good heel cup. This will help to support your heel and keep your foot in alignment. You also want to make sure that the shoe has a firm midsole. This will provide support for your arch and help to control pronation.
- Avoid Shoes That are Too Flexible
You don’t want a shoe that is too soft or flexible because it will not provide your foot or plantar fascia with the support it needs. Whenever you are buying shoes, do the twist test – try to bend and twist the shoe. If you can roll your shoe into a burrito, it does not have enough support.
- Cushioned Sole
It’s important to choose a shoe that is comfortable and has a cushioned sole in order to reduce the impact on your feet and ankles when you walk or run. Hokas are known for their extremely thick and cushioned sole, making it a great example of a shoe that provides a lot of shock absorption.
Most of these features are found specifically in tennis shoes, which is what we recommend for people with plantar fasciitis especially during high impact times such as cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping. Our favorite brands are Brooks, Asics, New Balance, and Hoka. However, the brand of the shoe is not important as long as it has the features mentioned above.
We understand that you don’t want to wear tennis shoes all the time (we’re looking at you ladies!) and that’s okay. You do not have to wear tennis shoes all the time. What shoes your wear depends on what you are doing. If you are going to the movies or to dinner, wear those cute shoes that match your outfit.
Something that we hear a lot from our patients is that they have to wear dress shoes for work, but they have a long walk from the parking lot/garage to their office. We have a solution for that too! Just keep a pair of tennis shoes in your car or purse and wear those during the long walk. Once you get to your office, you can change into your dress shoes.
If you’re one of the unlucky few who suffer from plantar fasciitis, we feel your pain. Literally. And we want to help. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. We hope it helps! But if you’re still unsure about what shoes to get, don’t hesitate to call us at 859-264-1141 or schedule an appointment online with one of our experts.