If you don't suffer from plantar fasciitis pain, 'Plantar Fasciitis shoes' are probably a completely foreign concept to you. Shoes that help with a condition more difficult to spell than 'super cali fragilistic expialidocious' (and not nearly so fun to say)? What's that?
Well, if you do experience Plantar Fasciitis pain (and 1 in 10 adults do), Plantar Fasciitis shoes are kicks that'll help you stay active and mobile without putting more strain on your tootsies. And thank god. The debilitating sensation caused by over-stressing your arches is enough to make even the most resilient person wince, let alone want to run on already inflamed feet.
Best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
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Under Armour Women's UA HOVR™ Infinite 4 Running Shoes
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Altra Torin 4 Women's Running Shoes
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What is Plantar Fasciitis?
It's painful AF is what it is. But medically speaking it's the inflammation of and trauma to a specific ligament in your foot.
'The Plantar Fascia is a fibrous band or aponeurosis that acts very much like a ligament, and plays an important role as one of the support structures of the foot arch or instep,' says Mr Rohit Madhav, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Foot and Ankle Specialist at The Princess Grace Hospital.
'When injured by repetitive micro-trauma, stress or excessive strain/ load, the Fascia undergoes degenerative change, even possibly have partial tear in it. This presents as medial heel pain which is called Plantar fasciitis.'
What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Whilst tight and ill-fitting (and this includes worn out, too) shoes can cause trauma to the fascia, it's more muscular imbalance of the leg, foot and ankle that overload the arch and cause pain.
However, there are a couple of common scenarios that exacerbate the risk of Plantar fasciitis pain.
- Sudden and prolonged footwear changes
'Any sudden change in type of footwear can create stress injuries and so it is important to vary or rotate the styles of shoes regularly. The most common example of this is walking in flip flops during summer, which you don’t regularly use, then return to your normal routine and then the heel starts to hurt,' explains Madhav.
- Regular switching between flats and heels
'Another type of presentation is going from predominantly heels to flats bringing out the imbalance in your muscles which then strain the arch starting with the fascia. The pain commonly starts a short time after.'
- Changes in daily routine
'Sudden changes in intensity or terrain of activities can also do this despite wearing your normal footwear such as having a city break and walking around the sights for hours, or rapidly changing your type of exercise, level or routine,' says Madhav
What should you look for in a pair of shoes?
According to Madhav there are a number of things to look for in a pair of kicks comfortable enough for you and your PF pain to gad about in:
'Once you have the diagnosis made, it is important to support the arch structures and reduce the forces of the muscle imbalance,' he says. 'Therefore try to use structured supportive footwear, not too soft, with thicker preferably cushioned heel and support under the instep/arch area.'
Are there any types of shoes to avoid if you have plantar fasciitis?
Madhav suggests steering clear of barefoot activities and flat, think shoes or sandals such as:
- Bedroom slippers
- Plimsolls
- Flip-flops
- Ballet pumps
Now that you're clued up on exactly what plantar fasciitis is, let's get you booted-up in the best treads for your feet. And yes, the price does run slightly higher than your run-of-the-mill shoes but that's because these gems are engineered with added cushioning, stability and tech to keep you trotting along in pain-free peace. Which, we're sure, you'll consider worth it. Ready? Let's shop.
Designed for: Running
A soft, responsive underfoot keeps you free from unwanted impact as you run, walk or jog around your route of choice, whilst the fit helps you feel secure but not locked in.
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NORTIV 8 NORTIV 8 Women's Hiking Shoes
Designed for: Hiking
With a flat sole and an EVA insole that provides optimum cushioning, your footbed will be protected as you hike on any terrain. Lightweight, with a cord lacing system your whole foot will also be snug as you walk.
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Jack Wolfskin Vojo 3 Texapore Low W Walking Shoe
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Jack Wolfskin Vojo 3 Texapore Low W Walking Shoe
Designed for: Hiking
Whether you choose to head to the trails, road or gravel tracks, this hiking shoe has great grip, as well as good cushioning and support to keep you trekking on. (Geddit?) They're also waterproof which is a mega-bonus.
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Designed for: Running
Sustainable California brand, Allbirds, designed these trainers with a supportive dual-density midsole (made of sugarcane!) to support your every stride and flex with your gait.
Designed for: Outdoor running
If plantar fasciitis isn't going to stop you getting out there, we doubt wet weather will either. These wind and waterproof shoes are not only breathable but the foot-hugging design and midfoot stability tube keeps you supported throughout, too.
Designed for: Running'
Flexible, supportive, and versatile, these New Balance sneakers will carry you through an ever-changing workout routine. Available in standard and wide widths, there's something for every runner who wants cushion, comfort and technology all baked into one shoe.
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Under Armour Women's UA HOVR™ Infinite 4 Running Shoes
Designed for: Running
A more budget friendly option, Under Armour designed these kicks to be perfectly cushioned and reactive whilst the internal heel counter keeps your foot in a firm and upright position for added protection and durability.
Designed for: Running
Double down on stability with these shoes with streamlined heel clips that work to keep you upright and balanced with a durable cradling and cushioned midsole.
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Altra Torin 4 Women's Running Shoes
Designed for: Running
A wide toe-box to let your feet naturally splay out? Where do we sign up! More toe. space allows the foot to relax and spread which reduces over-pronation and adds stability. Basically, you're in for one smooth, comfortable ride.
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Designed for: Lifestyle
Go from smart-casual to straight up casual with these extra-cushioned shoes. Specifically designed for those suffering with Plantar Fasciitis, you'll be looking stylish and feeling comfortable.
Designed for: Light activities
If you're looking for a lightweight shoe that has been designed for low impact activities like jogging and walking, these Pace trainers could be for you.
A memory foam footbed and soft lining make for a breathable, ultra-comfortable fit that shapes to fit your foot.
Designed for: Special occasions
Finding comfortable shoes for special occasions when you have Plantar Fasciitis can be a real chore. Traditional high heels are usually out of the questions and for formal events sneakers just don't cut it.
These low wedge, softly cushioned shoes provide a good level of support while still looking dressy.
