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- Sizes available: small/medium and large | Widths available: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Materials: silicone
If you’re on your feet for long periods of time, Dr. Japs recommends these reliable insoles from Dr. Scholls, which are designed to absorb shock and support your arches. He says that those features should relieve tension in your feet and help you feel more comfortable.
- Sizes available: US 5.5–6 to 13.5–14 | Widths available: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Materials: rubber
What is plantar fasciitis?
Before we get into the causes of plantar fasciitis, it’s helpful to think about the anatomy of the foot region. The plantar fascia is a fascial band or ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot, from the calcaneus, or heel bone, to the base of the toes, Eby says. It helps support the long arch of the foot and provides shock absorption while you walk and run.
Repeated stress on the plantar fascia can cause damage or small tears that may lead to inflammation. Plantar fasciitis often feels like a stabbing or aching pain in the sole of your foot, usually near your heel, which tends to be more intense in the mornings or after you’ve been off your feet for a while. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this pain can be constant, but sometimes it’ll abate after you get up and walk around or exercise.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Some factors that can make plantar fasciitis worse include tight calf muscles, repetitive high-impact activities like running, a rapid increase in weight-bearing activity, prolonged standing or walking, and flat feet or very high arches. Your choice of footwear can also be an aggravating factor, whether you’re running, walking, or standing for long stretches of time.
How to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis
By selecting well-cushioned and more supportive shoes, you can take a solid step (heh) toward reducing this annoying foot pain in the future. If you’re still on the lookout for the right pair of shoes for you, here’s some criteria to keep in mind while you shop. In general, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis will fit correctly (i.e., not too small and wide enough to fit your foot comfortably) and have the right amount of support. “You’ll want a shoe with a deep heel counter and plenty of midfoot arch support,” Dr. Gamez says.
You can consider pairing your shoes with orthotics or insoles that have substantial heel cups to help with cushioning and shock absorption, too, Eby says. They’ll also provide additional arch support, which can offer further pain relief from plantar fasciitis, Yolanda Ragland, DPM, a podiatrist and founder of Fix Your Feet in New York City, tells SELF.
What to avoid when buying shoes for plantar fasciitis
Avoid flat, non-supportive types of shoes like sandals or backless clogs, Dr. Gamez says. Those cute flip-flops that sell for $1? Probably not the best plantar fasciitis shoes. The same generally goes for sneakers without arch support (unless you add orthotics, heel cups, or insoles), and flats. If you need dressier shoes for work or a special occasion, look for those with a slight heel (around a half inch) to minimize stretching on the plantar fascia, as well as styles that stay on your foot without toe gripping (i.e., one that has elastic or other straps to secure the shoe to your foot).
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