The Most Stylish and Supportive Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Put Your Best Foot Forward!
Experience Comfort & Style The Top 7 Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2023
7 top shoes for plantar fasciitis in 2023
| Photo: Rachel Mendelson/Insider
Are you tired of seeing people strut around in flat flip-flops, oblivious to the fact that their choice in footwear could be doing serious damage? Well, my dear fashionistas, fear not! I’m here to enlighten you about the perils of unsupportive shoes and introduce you to a world of stylish and comfortable options for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Picture this: you’re strolling down the street, rocking a pair of fashionable kicks with arch support that would make Cinderella jealous. Meanwhile, everyone around you is grimacing in pain, clutching their poor feet like they’ve just stepped on a pile of hot coals. You, my fashion-forward friend, know the importance of proper support and are reaping the benefits.
Now, let’s dive into the fabulous world of plantar fasciitis-friendly shoes. We’ll explore a range of options, from running shoes to sandals, and even stylish dress shoes for those sophisticated soirées.
The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Where Comfort Meets Style
1. Running Shoes: Brooks Glycerin GTS 19
Pros: Sleek, strong arch support, lightweight, all-day comfort
Cons: Stock limitations, slightly less cushion than bulkier brands
Looking for the perfect running shoes that will make you feel like you’re flying? Look no further than the Brooks Glycerin GTS 19. These beauties provide the ideal balance of cushioning, arch support, and style. Plus, they’re so lightweight, you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. Trust me, you’ll be the envy of every runner on the block.
2. Sneakers: Dansko Pace
Pros: Extremely supportive footbed, fits well with various arch types
Cons: Not the cutest shoe
Who says supportive shoes can’t be trendy? Not Dansko! The Dansko Pace sneakers are the perfect blend of style and functionality. With their stiff footbed and strong arch support, these sneakers will have you strutting your stuff in comfort. Sure, they may not win any beauty pageants, but who needs frills when you’ve got fabulous foot support?
3. Sandals: Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal
Pros: Supportive arch, prevents sliding when wet
Cons: Stretches out over time, less cushion for initial PF phase
When the sun is shining and you want to show off those perfectly pedicured toes, slip into a pair of Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandals. These babies are a dream come true for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Not only do they provide excellent arch support, but their grippy “beads” keep your foot securely in place. Be sure to size down for maximum comfort and minimal flippy floppiness!
4. House Shoes: HOKA Recovery Slide
Pros: The cushiest shoe for serious foot pain, no slipping or sliding
Cons: Not the most attractive, slightly bulky, not winter-ready
Why settle for ordinary slippers when you can pamper your feet in style with the HOKA Recovery Slide? These babies were designed for runners, but they’re perfect for lounging around the house too. Their cloud-like comfort will make even the grumpiest plantar fasciitis pain disappear. Sure, they may not win any beauty contests, but who needs to look good when you’re in pain? Plus, you can wear them in the shower—how’s that for versatility?
5. Dress Shoes: Naot Oz/5041
Pros: Hugs your foot, supports your arch, perfect heel height
Cons: Seasonal
Formal occasions no longer have to be your arch-nemesis (pun intended) thanks to Naot Oz/5041 dress shoes. These stunning wedges offer superior arch support and a perfectly cushioned heel bed, ensuring pain-free elegance at weddings or work meetings. The added bonus? They’re adjustable for a custom fit. Now you can RSVP “yes” to any event without worrying about your feet.
6. Winter Boots: Dansko Bessie Taupe Burnished Nubuck
Pros: All-weather friendly, fuzzy roll-down option, strong arch support
Cons: Slightly clunkier and heavier than other boots
Stay warm and stylish in the winter months with the Dansko Bessie Taupe Burnished Nubuck boots. These beauties provide the perfect blend of fashion and function. With their memory foam cushioning and solid arch support, your feet will thank you for choosing comfort. Plus, they can be worn rolled down or all the way up, depending on your mood and outfit.
7. Shoes for Men: Ecco Soft 7 Men’s Street Sneaker
Pros: Cushy all-day comfort, heel and arch support, versatile style
Cons: Prone to getting dirty, short shoelaces for double knotters
Gentlemen, we haven’t forgotten about you! The Ecco Soft 7 Men’s Street Sneaker is the ultimate choice for men with plantar fasciitis. These sneakers offer the perfect balance of cushioning and support, ensuring your feet stay happy all day long. And, with their versatile style, you can rock them with any outfit, from casual to business casual. Just be prepared to give them a little TLC to keep them looking their best.
But Wait, There’s More!
We’ve only scratched the surface of the fabulous world of plantar fasciitis-friendly shoes. Here are a few more honorable mentions:
- Naot Aura Rivotra: The perfect bootie-dress shoe hybrid with solid arch support.
- Vionic Shawna Bootie: A trendy and stylish option that bridges the gap between casual sneakers and boots.
- Hoka Clifton or Hoka Bondi 7: Hoka’s running shoes that provide heavenly cushioning and support, perfect for long-distance runners.
Features to Look for in Plantar Fasciitis-Friendly Shoes
You might be wondering, “What makes a shoe truly plantar fasciitis-friendly?” Let me break it down for you:
- Perfect Fit: Your shoes should fit snugly, with enough room for your toes to wiggle. No more rubbing or squished feet!
- Orthotic Inserts: Look for shoes with removable foot pads that allow you to insert your own customized orthotics for maximum comfort.
- Solid Support: Your shoes should provide excellent heel and arch support, ensuring your ligaments and tendons get the relief they deserve.
- Sturdiness: Avoid flimsy and bendable shoes like flip-flops or ballet flats. Opt for shoes with structure and durability.
- Heel Height: A heel height of 1-2 inches strikes the perfect balance, reducing strain on your tendons while still maintaining a stylish look.
How We Tested
Rest assured, dear readers, that we’ve put these shoes to the test to ensure they deliver on their promises of comfort and support. Our rigorous testing included the following criteria:
- Pain Prevention and Relief: Wearing each pair of shoes for extended periods allowed us to assess their effectiveness in relieving plantar fasciitis pain.
- Arch Support: We evaluated each shoe’s arch support to ensure they met the needs of individuals with varying arch types.
- Heel Cushioning: Stepping down on each shoe provided crucial insights into the level of cushioning and comfort they offered.
- Style and Attractiveness: Let’s face it, fashion plays a crucial role in our shoe choices. We made sure to select shoes that were not only comfortable but stylish enough to make heads turn.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered!
What shoes should you avoid with plantar fasciitis?
Say goodbye to flimsy footwear that offers no support! Stay away from flip-flops, ballet flats, and high heels—they’re no friends to your arches. Instead, opt for shoes with excellent arch support, cushioned heels, and a heel height of 1-2 inches.
What kind of shoes should I wear for plantar fasciitis at home?
When it comes to plantar fasciitis, support should be a round-the-clock affair. Don’t neglect your feet at home! Look for house slippers with arch support and heel cushions. Our top pick for luxurious lounging? The HOKA Recovery Slide—is there anything more comforting than walking on clouds?
What aggravates plantar fasciitis?
The number one culprit? Lack of proper support! Wearing shoes without cushioning or arch support and spending long hours on hard surfaces can exacerbate plantar fasciitis. But fear not, my stylish comrades. With the right pair of shoes, you can keep those flare-ups at bay.
Expert Advice: Our Podiatrists Weigh In
We sought wisdom from the experts to guide us in our quest for the most fabulous plantar fasciitis-friendly shoes. Here’s what they had to say:
- Dr. Kenneth Cornell, DPM, podiatrist at Austin Regional Clinic in Austin, TX
- Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM, human movement specialist at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine in New York
- Dr. Summer Bochat, DPM at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists in Illinois
Take a Step Towards Fashionable Comfort!
Now that you’re armed with knowledge about the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, it’s time to kick off those unsupportive kicks and slip into something stylish and comfortable. Your feet will thank you, and you’ll be the envy of all your fashion-forward friends. Remember, darlings, fashion and comfort can coexist—it’s all about making the right choices for your fabulous feet!
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