The Best Shoe Brands for Dealing With Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot health problem that many suffer from. In this blog, we’ve called upon the expertise of our experienced Inverness store manager Nikki. She will dive into what Plantar Fasciitis is before introducing the best brands on the market for dealing with the condition alongside her personal recommendations.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
The Plantar Fascia is the main ligament (or fascia) covering the base of your foot. There are 26 bones in each foot, as well as additional ligaments and tendons which all work together to keep our feet working as nature intended. These structures take a huge amount of strain during walking/exercising. When the Plantar Fascia becomes inflamed or damaged, this causes excruciating pain around the heel area, where the fascia inserts onto the heel bone. This pain is usually the most intense first thing in the morning when you take those first few steps out of bed.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
There are a few factors that could contribute to developing heel pain, such as:
- Spending day after day on your feet (weight-bearing occupation)
- Being overweight
- Flat feet
- High arched feet
- Tight calf muscles
As this can be an overuse syndrome, increasing your training intensity or volume too quickly could also be a risk factor. It is now thought that it is likely a degenerative condition and not an inflammatory one as previously thought.
What Is The Best Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis?
Strengthening your foot muscles has been known to help with heel pain as studies show that there is a correlation between the two. A quick daily foot exercise is advised as well as eccentric loading exercises. Podiatrists will often strap their patients who suffer from plantar fasciitis as it is a very good method to initially reduce their pain levels to proceed with their treatment plan. Orthotics are generally beneficial in treating heel pain and if more conservative measures fail, then steroids may be considered.
Can Footwear Help Plantar Fasciitis?
When suffering from plantar fasciitis you should avoid walking barefoot and always try to wear supportive and well-cushioned shoes. You need footwear that offers great arch support, shock absorption and cushioning. Lightweight and comfortable footwear will make each step a more comfortable one and shoes that have removable insoles will allow you to use your own orthotics if necessary.
Choosing the best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
When it comes to choosing the right footwear for your individual case of Plantar Fasciitis, there are a few important points to consider. Look for shoes that have:
- Cushioned footbeds
- Shock-absorbing heels and sole units, preferably with a broad base shape
- Decent level of arch support
- Lace-up fastenings provide the best level of support.
The Best Brands For Plantar Fasciitis – Our Recommendations
There isn’t one brand that is sold purely for Plantar Fasciitis. However, we do stock many different brands of shoes that offer the support required for dealing with the condition and alleviating symptoms. Here are our recommendations.
Recommendations are made by Nikki Munro, our Inverness Shoe Shop manager. She is not only an experienced store manager but also a professionally trained shoe fitter by the Society of Shoe Fitters.
Skechers for plantar fasciitis
Skechers trainers feature super soft cushioned footbeds for the ultimate comfort from the very first moment. Soft, expandable fabric uppers will mould around your foot to give you a unique experience. The extremely lightweight designs are shock-absorbent thanks to the EVA sole units.
Skechers Arch Fit Comfy, £84
PROS
- Built-in Arch Fit support
- Lightweight, sporty design
- Flexible textile upper
- Secure lace fastening
- Memory foam footbed
CONS
- Not waterproof
Skechers Synergy Arch, £84
PROS
- Breathable ubuck leather upper
- All black colour suitable for work
- Secure lace fastening
- Memory foam footbed
CONS
- Not waterproof
Skechers Bobs Squad 3, £67
PROS
- Attractive plum and coral colour
- Breathable textile upper
- Secure lace fastening
- Memory foam footbed
CONS
- Not waterproof
Skechers Trego Base Camp, £87
PROS
- Waterproof
- Metal lace holes for durability
- Adjustable lace fastening
- Rubber outsole for improved traction
- Padded collar
- Memory foam footbed
CONS
- Not as lightweight as other Skechers styles
Skechers DLux Walker Tex, £97
PROS
- Waterproof
- Vegan
- Wide Fit
- Memory Foam footbed
- Sporty, lightweight design
CONS
- The white sole may get dirtier more easily in the winter
- Higher price point
ECCO Shoes for plantar fasciitis
Ecco Shoes have removable footbeds in most styles which allows you to use your own orthotics. Built-in arch and heel reinforcements provide superior support and comfort with the optimum fit. The lightweight, durable construction has PU outer soles which will absorb impact with each step.
ECCO MX WOMENS Gore, £115
PROS
- Gore-Tex is guaranteed waterproof
- The sole unit is hard-wearing and durable
- Reflective details for night-time
- Removable insole
- Built-in arch support
CONS
- The white sole may get dirtier more easily in the winter
- Higher price point
ECCO Soft 7 Lace, £110
PROS
- Super soft leather upper
- Versatile style
- Adjustable laces
- Built-in arch support and cupsole
- Removable footbed
- Lightweight and flexible
CONS
- May get dirtier more easily in the winter
- Higher price point
ECCO Soft 7 Tred GTX, £140
PROS
- Gore-Tex is guaranteed waterproof
- The sole unit is hard-wearing and durable
- Grooved outsole for improved traction
- Removable insole
- Built-in arch support
- Warm lining
CONS
- Higher price point
Rieker Shoes for plantar fasciitis
Rieker shoes feature Antistress technology for fantastic comfort. Certain styles feature removable footbeds for individual orthotics or additional supports. Soft, flexible and lightweight designs are built on stitch construction sole units, one of the oldest and most popular methods of shoe-making.
Rieker Munziclo, £65
PROS
- Lightweight and flexible
- Easy zip fastening
- Rubber details on the outsole for extra traction
- Sporty silhouette and support
CONS
- Not to everyone’s taste
- No adjustable fastening
Rieker Cheerbaz, £67
PROS
- Supportive sole unit
- Bungee lace fastening
- The black design is ideal for work
CONS
- Not leather
- No adjustable fastening
Rieker Niton Lace, £67
PROS
- Secure lace fastening
- Chunky platform sole offers support underfoot
- Stylish design
CONS
- Not leather
Birkenstock For Plantar Fasciitis
Dealing with plantar fasciitis shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Birkenstock is a leading summer brand and its products are designed with both comfort and fashion in mind.
Birkenstock Bend Low, £135
PROS
- Secure lace fastening
- Breathable Leather Upper
- Anatomically shaped footbed with built-in arch support
CONS
- Higher price point
Birkenstock Zermatt Ladies, £59.99
PROS
- Easy slip-on fit
- Perfect for wearing at home
- Anatomically shaped footbed with built-in arch support
CONS
- No adjustable fastening
Legero Shoes
Most Legero Shoes feature removable insoles, offering extra width or room for additional orthotics. The footbeds are anatomically shaped for firm support and comfort. And the direct injection polyurethane sole units are lightweight, flexible, shock-absorbent and extremely hard-wearing.
Legero Tanaro5 Zip Gtx, £115
PROS
- Gore-Tex = Guaranteed waterproof
- Breathable Suede Leather Upper
- Zip and lace fastening
- Durable, shock-absorbent sole unit
- Built-in arch support and cupsole
- Available in a variety of colours, lace-only or non-waterproof options
CONS
- Suede is not as easy to clean compared to other materials
Legero Mystic GTX Chelsea, £135
PROS
- Easy slip-on fit with side zip
- Breathable leather upper
- Guaranteed waterproof Gore-Tex membrane
- Stylish and versatile
- The removable insole is padded and features arch support
CONS
- No adjustable fastening
- Higher price point
Legero Novara GTX, £135
PROS
- Cosy winter style
- Secure lace fastening
- Waterproof Gore-tex membrane
- Grooved outsole for improved traction
- Built-in arch support
CONS
- Suede is not as easy to clean
- Higher price point
IMAC Shoes
IMAC Shoes are made from premium Italian leather and shock-absorbing polyurethane outer sole units. The lightweight and flexible designs are extremely hard-wearing. There are supportive and cushioned footbeds for incredible comfort underfoot.
IMAC Ellen, £79.99
PROS
- Zip and lace fastening
- Padded lining and footbed
- Shock absorbent outsole
- Superb comfort
- Excellent value for money
CONS
- Not a well-known brand
IMAC Keniata Fur Tex, £85
PROS
- Cosy winter style
- Waterproof and breathable
- Secure lace fastening
- Hard-wearing and durable
- Removable insole
- Wide Fit
CONS
- Not a well-known brand
IMAC Karenal Zip, £75
PROS
- Smooth leather upper
- Zip and lace fastening
- Removable insole
- Padded lining and footbed
- Shock absorbent
- Ideal for work
CONS
- Not a well-known brand
Conclusion
In short, whilst plantar fasciitis can be a very uncomfortable condition, you will find that there are plenty of shoes and brands out there that you will find comfortable. Knowing what features and materials to look for when shoe shopping with plantar fasciitis will give you all the tools you need for a successful shopping trip!
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