It is very important to have the right type of shoe while choosing plantar fasciitis as wearing a wrong one can worsen the pain. Therefore, before you choose your best shoes for plantar fasciitis for curing the pain and other foot problems, our expert advises you to keep in mind the following tips.
The foremost thing to know before buying plantar fasciitis shoes is to know the basic parts of the shoes. Since this factor is important, therefore we are about to consider them for shoe selection. The right choice can do wonders for curing the foot problems like plantar fasciitis (also called as jogger’s heel), flat feet, heel pain, calcaneal spur, etc.
Toe Box
Toe box is the forward tip of the shoe or the part of the shoe that covers and provides space along with the protection for the toes.
Tongue
The tongue of the shoe is a strip made from leather or some other material. It is located under the laces of a shoe.
Shoe sole
Shoe sole is the bottom part of the shoe, which often comes in contact with the ground.
Transition bridge
Transition Bridge is a bridge that connects the front and the back part of the shoe.
There are two types of transition bridges of the shoes:
- One is the medial transition bridge which lies in the inner side of the shoe
- Second is the lateral transition bridge, which lies on the outer side of the shoe.
Achilles Notch
Achilles notch is present at the back of the shoe. The main purpose of it is to prevent irritation and protect the Achilles tendon. It is usually found in athletic shoes.
Heel counter
The heel counter is the rigid part of the shoe that supports the heel cups of the shoe; thus, giving the proper heel support.
Next are the following simple points and analysis that will help you to choose the best shoe to ease your plantar fasciitis pain and also help to avoid further injuries.
Consider buying high end branded shoes :-
There are many brands that enable you to avail of these shoes from the market. This gives you a wide array of choices to have your perfect match of the shoe according to your need. Considering the repercussions of constant pain, it is worth investing in a high end branded shoes.
Branded shoes are made from good quality material. In order to keep up with the customer’s demand and comfort, they are designed by expert shoe designers along with good sports physiotherapists, orthopedics, etc. A lot of resources in research and development on the designing these shoes are put b these brand that makes them a convenient and preferable option for you. Furthermore, they make sure that your shoes are comfortable and efficient regarding providing you relief from the pain and avoiding any further injuries.
The Bending Test
To have a proper bending test, you need to hold the front part of the shoe with your one hand and the back part with another hand. Now, try to bend the shoe, as shown in the figure. If it bends completely, then it is not a good shoe and may cause pain and other foot-related problems.
It is considered that only the toe box of the shoe should be flexible enough to bend. The rest part of the shoe sole (from arch to the heel part of the shoe) should be strong and rigid i.e., the base of the shoe is well supported while the toe box is flexible.
The toe box should be wide so that there is no compression on the metatarsal bones (long bones of the foot)
[Diagram name: bending test-good example, bending test-bad example]
The Twisting Test
The twisting test is also called Torsion Test. This test is done in order to check the stability of the sole of the shoe. To do this test, you need to hold the front part of the shoe in your one hand, and the back part in another hand and now try twisting it as shown in the figure. If the shoe twists easily, then it is a bad sign as it indicates that the sole of the shoe is not strong enough.
This may cause the pronation and supination that can further lead to excessive strain on the plantar fascia ligament. This would, in return, increase the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
[Diagram name: twisting test-good example, twisting test-bad example]
[Explaining pronation and supination separately in another articles]
Heel Counter Test
The heel counter of the shoe should always be rigid. A rigid heel counter reinforces the heel cup of the shoe and thus increases the support and stability of the foot. A firm and strong heel counter support the heel and arch. This avoids the pronation of the foot.
To do a heel counter test, you need to hold the heel counter of the shoe and apply pressure on it with your fingers. If the counter collapses with little resistance, then it’s not a good shoe as the shoe is not supporting the heel properly.
This may lead to instability, along with an increase in the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Proper arch support of the sole
The middle part of the inner sole, which sits inside the shoe is called arch support. It supports the arch of your foot. The inner sole of the shoe must have good arch support. If there is no proper support available, then this may lead to the collapse of the foot arches and thus causing stress and inflammation on the plantar fascia ligament.
Nowdays you can also use special insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
Transition Bridge
Here we have to take into consideration 2 important points.
1) The medial transition bridge should be hard and rigid, which supports the foot arch properly and thus prevent excessive pronation of the foot.
2) Whereas the lateral transition bridge should be soft and gel-like substance as this will help in the supination of the foot. Moreover, it will take away stress and load from the plantar fascia and thus keeping it relaxed.
Proper sole of the shoe
You should make sure that the sole of the shoe should either not be completely flexible or completely rigid. A complete flexible sole would not support the base of the foot properly, whereas a rigid sole will restrict the necessary movement of the foot, which may cause more problems in plantar fasciitis. Avoid such shoes at any cost.
Heel height
The heel of the shoe should be of proper height. The ideal height of the shoe heel can be around 2 cm approx.
It should not be too high or too low because it might increase the load and stress from back to the front of the foot.
Cushioned heel
The heel of the shoe should be idly cushioned or soft for better shock absorption. An adequate amount of cushioning will absorb all the stress and shock that hits the heel of foot whenever it touches the ground.
Good Gait efficiency
Gait is defined as the way a person walks. In the case of plantar fasciitis, sometimes the gait of the patient might be affected. A good pair of shoes will improve the gait efficiency of the patient.
Comfort and proper fitting Shoes
And finally, after you take into consideration the above points while buying a shoe, you should also make sure that you buy proper sized and comfortable shoes.
Our team of expert sports physiotherapists and trained designers have reviewed some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis for you. They are as follows:-
1) ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 22 Lite-Show Running Shoes
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 22 Lite-Show Running Shoes
Product dimensions: 12.44 x 6.3 x 4.75 inches
Product weight: 1.44 Pounds
The ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 22 Running Shoes are made from synthetic-and-mesh. They are known to be a rubber sole shoe that comes with multi-directional engineered mesh that has a soft and breathable upper part. These running shoes are designed for plantar fasciitis that is lace-up closure for a secure fit with independently discrete eyelets that help you to disburse the lace tension.
They are equipped with Flyte Foam Lyte Midsole Technology that ensures optimal comfort and a responsive ride. Moreover, there is a 45-degree full-length Speva Foam that is a 45 lasting material for a soft platform feel and for your improved comfort.
The Guidance Trusstic System Technology is accommodated along with Guidance Line construction, which in turn enhances the gait technology while providing you a midfoot structural technology. The lightweight and engineered mesh upper features your feet to experience improved breathability. Furthermore, it offers you a supportive and adaptable fit. The design is done by keeping in mind the high mileage runners. The GEL-NIMBUS 22 shoe implements more foam in the midsole in order to reduce the severity of harsh impact. Additionally, a lightweight AHAR outsole reduces the overall level of wear, allowing you to spend more time focusing on your running workouts.
2) Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Shoes
Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Shoes
Product dimensions: 12 x 9 x 6 inches
Product weight: 1.3 Pounds
The Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk that are made as shoes for heel Pain, foot pain, and plantar fasciitis. It comes with Verso Shock Technology that is a patented spring system to absorb shock from the ground and later converting it into renewed positive energy. It has a seamless interior for sensitive feet along with diabetic Neuropathy to prevent any further irritation.
Moreover, the shoe comes with removable insoles in order to accommodate any custom orthotic support. There is a front rocker sole with a supported midfoot to prevent and relieve the plantar fasciitis. The Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk has some extra roomy toe box for bunions, diabetes, or just a little extra for wiggle room. In order to take the stress off your plantar fascia, these Mighty Walks have a rigid midsole and heel cup, while on the other hand, the ergonomic rocker design helps you to reduce the strain caused by every step. The company offers you with identified important design factors that help you with Plantar Fasciitis—support, stability, motion control, and shock absorption.
The product comes with Verso Shock Absorbing Sole Technology that, in return, reduces harmful foot impact. Furthermore, it includes an ergonomic rocker design that is known to reduce the pressure on toe joints with a low heel to toe differential for an improved ground reaction. It also has some roomy toe-box that improves circulation while relieving stress on toes and arches. The extra-depth interior plus removable insoles are replaced with custom orthotics for improving stability.
It’s a Diabetic Friendly Shoes as it can to prevent injuries and alleviate symptoms affecting diabetic foot health and longevity. The company even has product features that delve into taking care of Oversensitivity, Edema (swelling), Neuropathy (nerve pain), Morton’s neuroma, ulcers/inflammation open wounds bunions, calluses, ingrown toenails, foot pain, ankle pain, knee pain, and back pain.
These shoes are specially made for Standing all day. You no longer have to go home sore after a long day of standing or walking. Unlike other shoes that send all that harmful force right into your body, leaving your knees, back and feet uncomfortable and sore after a long 8 hour day, these absorb all that harmful energy and leaves you feeling restored, revitalized, and ready to get back on your feet.
3) Slow Man Store Women's Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers
Slow Man Store Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers
Product dimensions: 11.5 x 8 x 2 inches
Product weight: 14.11 ounces
The Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers have meshed slip-on air cushion lady girls that feature modern jazz dance easy shoe platform with loafers mesh fabric. As per the claims, the shoe’s sizing is equivalent to street shoe size. The width is between medium and wide.
There is a boxed toe for toe stands that are super lightweight and flexible, just like socks. They are the breathable and smooth fabric that provides you great freedom and comfortable feeling. This lets you enjoy your long travel on holidays. The walking shoes include some MD out-sole that features you with air cushion. There is a high-quality rubber material that is ensured to be non-slip and wear-resistant. The shoe’s platform measures approximately 1.96″.
The company also offers you a perforated arch that gives space for proper ventilation and breathability. The Classic air cushion design makes these shoes perfect work shoes for people like you who need to stand or walk for a long time. They are a perfect option for daily usage such as long time standing work, walking, casual, floor shoes, or for plantar fasciitis.
The design accompanies the Air Cushion Platform of approx 0.78 inches with a heel high about 1.96 inches and anti-skid MD-outsole. These shoes use air cushion technology to make the shoes more light and elastic, relieve impact, and protect the feet from injury. Apart from being made from a breathable mesh upper, it has a wide round toe that makes it more comfortable and suitable for standing for a long time. They are water resistance with easy shoes, slip-on features.
4) Sticky Nursing Shoes Women
Sticky Nursing Shoes Women
Product dimensions: 9.45 x 7.48 x 3.54 inches
Product weight: 1.28 Pounds
The Sticky Comfortable Work Shoes for Women are specially made for nursing and chef. It is waterproof non-slip pro shoes. They are synthetically made with imported rubber sole. The platform measures to be approximately 1.00″. They are available in all women’s sizes. It is super comfortable, and lightweight shoes typically run true to size. It is generally recommended to order these a half-size smaller if you usually wear half-size. The letter M on the size means medium width for women.
You don’t have to worry about wetting your feet anymore as the upper and outsole are waterproof. The footbed is made with an absorbent material to keep your feet dry all day long. The Sticky Comfortable Work Shoes are equipped with a sole that has a shock absorber and anti-torsion system. Your entire body will definitely feel the difference once you will put them on. They are really light and made with great support for your arch and your entire feet. These exclusive shoes will provide comfort to you even on your busy day.
5) Skechers Men's Afterburn M. Fit
Skechers Men’s Afterburn M. Fit
Product dimensions: 10 x 15 x 6 inches
Product weight: 2.3 Pounds
The Skechers Men’s Afterburn Memory-Foam Lace-up Sneaker is made from 100% Leather/Synthetic. It has a rubber sole with heels that measure approximately 2″. The Lace-up sneaker features you with mesh upper along with supportive overlays and padded collar. It has a cushioned mesh tongue and memory foam inside. Skechers is known to be following the principles of comfort, style, innovation, and quality in its footwear.
The company has an expanding range of apparel and accessories that have been growing into a complete lifestyle brand. Skechers provide men, women, and kids with all the type of shoes that ranges from sport, casual and dress casual looks to slip-resistant work shoes, playful children’s styles and advanced comfort and performance technologies.
Moreover, it has smooth leather, synthetic, and mesh fabric upper in a sporty training sneaker along with perforated details, stitching, and overlay accents. There are a padded collar and tongue for comfort and fabric lining with memory foam insole.
6) Keen mens Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof
Keen mens Targhee 3 Low Height Waterproof
Product dimensions: 14 x 10 x 6 inches
The KEEN men’s targhee III are waterproof shoes made with 100% leather and textile. They are first made in the USA and then imported to various parts of the world. Just like most of them, they come with rubber sole. The KEEN DRY is completely waterproof, along with being breathable membrane that keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long. They allow the vapor out without letting water in.
All leather that comes within is treated with a PFC-free water repellent so that you still get the same protection without the use of harmful chemicals. The rubber outsole of Keen shoes provides you with high-traction grip in muddy environments and on rocky surfaces with 4mm multi-directional lugs. Moreover, it is equipped with non-marking rubber outsoles that leave no trace or imprints when you are walking indoors, which ensures full cleanliness.
The shoes have Torsion stability external support shank (ESS) that provides you with support on uneven surfaces. Furthermore, the injected TPU heel-capture system provides next-level stability to your feet. There is a low-profile upper for comfort and a secure fit with a padded tongue and collar. Excellent arch support and cradles to the natural contours of the foot are given by the removable and metatomical dual-density EVA footbed.
Even though the company has carefully selected the leather uppers design for longevity, but it is still believed that if you’re wearing your KEENs daily, they won’t always be scuff and dirt-free. Therefore, it is recommended to use a common leather cleaner and conditioner to treat day to day wear and tear, especially on lighter color leathers.