What are the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?

ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 16 Running Shoe

In an average human’s lifetime, they will walk around the world 4 times! That’s over 115,000 miles! If you’re suffering from severe heel pain, or plantar fasciitis, these numbers are terrifying and show how important it is to find the right pair for your feet.

If you've found yourself here you're no doubt suffering from the dull and sharp pains that come from an inflamed plantar fascia. I feel your pain. Literally.

As someone who has been a runner for years, I've experienced an awful amount of heel pain which has led me to share some tips and insights and ultimately help you find the best shoes and foot support accessories that will help you rein in the pain and bounce back after every single step. Trust me, a stabbing pain in your heel is not the right way to start your day.

If you're here to try and prevent the onset of plantar fasciitis, you're also in the right place. You can rest assured knowing that the products listed here often help delay, or prevent, the onset of pain associated with an inflamed plantar fascia. Pain from plantar fasciitis is usually the worst in the morning after we take the first few steps after getting out of bed, but the pain can also be bad just from getting up from a chair or couch.

When it comes to heel pain, plantar fasciitis is usually the most common culprit. The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that connects your toes and your heel. It's designed to absorb shocks, but high levels of pressure or activity can cause it to tear which leads to inflammation. People who are at risk for plantar fasciitis include athletes-especially runners and people doing high impact activities like Crossfit- as well as people who are overweight.

What's interesting, and scary, to note as well is that you are can put yourself at risk just by wearing the wrong footwear! That's why it's always crucial to find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis that have great midsole support, enhanced shock absorption in the heels and superb arch support. Also, make sure that you are buying from a brand that you can trust, a brand where you're paying for innovation, technology and research, not just the most eye catching billboards. In addition the finding the right shoes, healing compression socks and plantar fasciitis night splints, there are also some great plantar fasciitis treatment exercises you can do to ease your heel pain. 

Different Types of Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

When we talk about finding the best shoes for plantar fasciitis it's natural to immediately think of running shoes. Runners are one of the largest groups associated with plantar fasciitis and, usually, the only time that we come into contact with such words as "arch support" or "midsole stability" is while shopping in athletic stores or seeing the ad for the latest and greatest running shoe. While it can't be overstated just how important it is to take these aspects into consideration when buying a pair of runners, the track and treadmill aren't the only places where plantar fasciitis can creep up and try and immobilize your feet. Finding the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis is essential for your comfort and well being if you've got heel pain.

As I mentioned earlier, a risk factor for the onset of plantar fasciitis is simply not wearing the right pair of shoes! Being an Olympic runner isn't the only profession where you are spending a majority of the day on your feet, think of chefs, construction workers, doctors and nurses. These are all workplaces where it's easy to forget our feet and certainly the hardest to shell out the extra money to keep your feet comfortable, healthy and secure. Find the best shoes for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis will make your heel pain much more managable.

If you are working on a construction site, you want to make sure that have the best work boots for plantar fasciitis which are protecting more than just your toes. You want a pair that will keep absorb the shocks and impacts that your heel makes when striking the concrete, gravel or whatever other surface you're working on. You need a pair with a deep molded heel cup. You also need a pair that is flexible since a stiff pair will put more stress on the bottom of your feet which will make your workday even worse. If you're an avid hiker, these are also great guidelines to keep in mind if you're in need of a new pair of hiking boots, although you can probably skip the steel toe, unless you're an extreme hiker!

When it comes to plantar fasciitis tennis shoes , there's more you can do for heel pain than just freezing water in an empty bottle of tennis balls and rolling your foot on it after you plan, although this is a great technique to add to your regime to bring relief to heel pain.

Just like running shoes, if you want to stay pain free on the court, you need to find a pair of tennis shoes that has stable and secure motion control and a strong arch support.

For women, there are some great options for shoes that will help relieve the pain from plantar fasciitis and the options aren't limited to one style or particular brand. When shopping, be sure to be looking out for a pair that features great arch support, a firm ankle and great cushioning so your feet will feel pretty inside and out! Don't compromise, make sure you find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis for women.

Top Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

1. ASICS Gel Nimbus 16

ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 16 Running Shoe

ASICS is a brand that started in post war Japan and has delivered excellence ever since. If you are a runner, or any casual athlete, suffering from heel pain or plantar fasciitis, the ASICS Gel Nimbus 16 is the shoe that you've been waiting for. This shoe features incredible midsole stability, superior heel support and cushioning and a strong arch support.

Additionally, you will find stride correction in its design and all the technology put into this shoe makes it an absolute marvel to look at and a joy to wear. This technology includes the Fluid Ride Sole, Fluid Fit Upper and, with their plush feel, they are known to be one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes around for active people suffering from plantar fasciitis. If you're looking for an in-depth ASICS Gel Nimbus Review, click here.

2. Timberland PRO Men's Hyperion Waterproof XL ST Work Boot

Timberland PRO Men's Hyperion Waterproof XL ST Work Boot

As one of the most trusted names in the footwear industry, Timberland's Hyperion Waterproof XL ST Work Boot is uncompromising in its rugged durability, comfort and stability while keeping your feet safe and dry.

Timberland’s unique “Anti-Fatigue Technology" helps this pair of boots absorb not only absorb the shocks that face your feet, but also return the resulting energy to your door to help you bounce back from every step. This shock absorption lessens the impact on your plantar fascia and will make the long hours on your job site go by even easier.

This pair of industrial workbooks is safe, flexible, waterproof and will stand tall against the wear and tear that you will drag them through in your demanding work environment.

3. K-SWISS Men's Bigshot II

K-SWISS Mens Bigshot II

The K-Swiss Bigshot 2 in an incredible improvement on the original Bigshot which is much lighter than the first model. The Durawrap technology greatly improves the shoe's longevity, especially amongst anyone who drags their toes on the tennis court.

The entire shoe and tongue are highly ventilated and will let you play comfortable while feeling the breeze which is great when you're spending lots of time on the court in the summer. You can count on your heels staying stable with the heel grip technology and the 360 PSC (plantar support chassis) will keep your feet stable while keeping the weight of the shoes down. This is a top rated pair for any tennis player and I can't recommend it enough.

4. New Balance Men's M990v3 Running Shoe

New Balance Men's M990v3 Running Shoe

New Balance is a American brand name that has been associated with quality footwear since their founding in 1906 and the M990v3 Running Shoe can be considered a star in their crown. This is a classic running shoe built by American craftsmanship with stability in mind.

The M990v3 is great for night runs as it is highly reflective and it will keep your feet comfortable and stable on ever step of your run with its dual density cushion system which uses both hard and soft foam to help the shock absorption during every stride. The classic look comes from the pigskin upper and the mesh inserts will keep your feet cool wherever you are running to.

5. Vionic with Orthaheel Womens Walker Athletic Shoes

Womens Walking Shoe by Orthaheel

Vionic shoes uses their sophisticated Orthaheel technology to bring comfort and relief to the feet of anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis or heel pain. The Orthaheel was designed by Phillip Vasyli, a well respected Australian podiatrist and this leading orthotic technology is based on more than 30 years of podiatric research and success and combined with constant customer satisfaction.

This shoe is everything that you need to bring a smile back into your stride and features a EVA midsole boasts a built-in .5" elevation for a smooth transition in heel-to-toe strike zone which will help diffuser the pressure on the bottom of your feet during each stride. Known for their moisture control, this pair will also keep your feet dry and fresh while or compromising the comfort or support. This is definitely the best shoe for plantar fasciitis

Buying guide

Relief for the pain associated with plantar fasciitis isn't limited to footwear that you need to lace up. In addition to ice massages, shots from doctors and other medication, there are a number of solutions that will help you ease your pain not only in the morning, but also throughout the day.

These solutions include night splints, compression socks and shoe insoles. When looking for a night splint, there are a few important things to take into consideration since you-and possibly, your partner-will be getting to intimately know this device while you wear it all night. Finding the best insoles for plantar fasciitis will make an impact on your pain from the moment you slide them in your shoes. You want to buy a night splint based on your condition and comfort preferences. Some options equipped with space for removable ice packs and are made in a variety of materials which range from softer fabrics to hard plastic. Since you will be sweating throughout the night, you need a night splint that will be breathable.

Compression socks are also a source of pain relief and prevention. Although usually associated with marathon runners, the elderly and diabetics, due to their ability to increase blood circulation, they are also a great resource for you if you're suffering from plantar fasciitis. People who wear compression socks throughout the night are often amazed by the decreased amount of pain during their first steps in the morning.

Additionally, shoe insoles also play a healing factor for heel pain sufferers. The right pair of insoles will stabilize your feet with a custom, and contoured shape and will work to reduce the shock absorption and friction on your plantar fascia and are usually able to be applied to most brands and styles of footwear.

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis is no joke. Waking up everyday with sharp pains in your heels is painful for your body and your morale. Thankful there are solutions to help you not only find pain relief, but also to help prevent the onset if you lead an active lifestyle that includes running, tennis, Crossfit or any other high impact activities. These solutions aren't just limited to shoes that will help you stay pain free and comfortable at work, while running, hiking or while on the tennis court, they also extend into assistive measures such as compression socks, shoe inserts, night splints and more. While the pain sucks the energy out of you, there's no need to give up. Trust me, as a runner that has ran over 70 miles in the last month alone and suffers from heel pain, there are lights on the horizon and you can find them here. Here's hoping that you have found the best shoes for you heel spurs or plantar fasciitis and you heal your heel pain soon!

Product images sourced from Amazon.com

Paul Curran
 

An avid, artist, writer and fitness junkie, Paul hails from the Vancouver, British Columbia. He has been running since the second grade and has now runs Half-Marathons. When he isn't running, you can find Paul tending his Bonsai trees on his patio.