Affecting around 1 in 10 adults, it’s no wonder that Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common foot conditions we struggle with day-to-day.
From everyday discomfort to long-term injury, we spoke to our in-house foot expert, Amanda Lau, to find out what causes Plantar Fasciitis, what you can do about it and how to choose the best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis when you don't want to compromise on style. It’s important to bear in mind that if you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis, you should seek professional support from a podiatrist who will be able to provide you with a personalised diagnosis and, if required, recommend medical-grade shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (which are most likely to give you the best outcomes). If on the other hand, you're looking to update your wardrobe with stylish shoes that are also likely to give pain relief (or at least not exacerbate this condition), we've got you covered.
PLANTAR FASCIITIS SHOE RECOMMENDATIONS
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What are the best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?
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Make sure you pick a shoe with a slight heel as completely flat footwear won't provide the necessary arch support for Plantar Fasciitis. Heels shorten the Plantar Fascia stretch and help to avoid it becoming inflamed. If you’re a confident heel wearer you can even go for a heel with a bit of extra height.
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A shoe with extra cushioning will go a long way to easing discomfort, particularly if the padding is located around the heel.
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If you’ve been prescribed orthotics to help specifically with Plantar Fasciitis, make sure your shoe has a removable insole so that it can accommodate any inserts comfortably.
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To reduce the impact on the Plantar Fascia, a heel with a rubber base will help to absorb some of the shock generated with each step.
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The best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis will hold your feet in as much as possible. Adjustments like buckles, laces and straps will often be crucial to ensure that the shoe conforms to the unique dimensions of your foot. Accordingly, closed-toe shoes will generally be a better choice for those who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis as they help to hold the foot in place. If the occasion calls for an open toe shoe, try to find straps that adjust and hold your foot (especially the back of your foot) in place to avoid slipping and need to grip your toes to hold on.
ASK THE EXPERT
Amanda Lau
Podiatrist
Amanda is a Specialist Musculoskeletal and Sports Podiatrist who’s worked with the likes of Nike and the RAF. After treating everyone from professional athletes to busy working mums, she knows first hand how crucial your footwear is for avoiding daily discomfort or even damage to your feet.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a band of connective tissue that runs from your heel to your toes. When this tissue becomes strained or inflamed, whether through over-exercise or otherwise, the condition is referred to as Plantar Fasciitis. Usually described as a feeling of bruising in the heel and/or arch area, Plantar Fasciitis can range from being a bit uncomfortable to causing debilitating pain. Regardless, the symptoms are often noticeable enough to interfere with how you go about your day. The worst symptoms are often felt first thing in the morning, last thing at night, or when you stand up after a long period of sitting down.
If you suffer from any these symptoms, it’s likely you’ll have spent countless hours researching to find Plantar Fasciitis shoes for women. While those with severe symptoms might find that specialist advice and footwear is necessary, many Plantar Fasciitis sufferers can often find some relief by switching up their day-to-day footwear with some more accommodating styles.
Taking up running, over-exercising or simply being more active than usual can all cause a flare-up Plantar Fasciitis.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis?
As with most conditions affecting the foot, Plantar Fasciitis can happen for a variety of reasons:
Overload
If you’ve recently changed up your daily routine, you might have experienced some of the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis. Taking up running, over-exercising or simply being more active than usual can all cause a flare-up of this condition.
Foot type
Unfortunately, certain foot types, such as flat feet and collapsed arches, are more prone to experiencing Plantar Fasciitis due to a lack of support running along the plantar fascia tissue.
Poor biomechanics
Whether it’s caused by an injury or from day-to-day strain (like carrying a baby on one hip vs. the other), imbalances in the body can often change the way you stand and walk. If you’re shifting your weight more frequently onto one foot or compensating for a weak area in your body, it’s possible you could be putting pressure on your plantar fascia, further straining the tissue.
Poor footwear
Wearing footwear that doesn’t provide support to the heel and foot arch, such as flimsy flats or shoes made from poor quality materials, can leave you more susceptible to Plantar Fasciitis. The best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis are those that provide adequate cushioning and arch support to limit painful inflammation.
How can you treat Plantar Fasciitis?
Once Plantar Fasciitis becomes a problem, there are a few solutions for managing discomfort and symptoms:
Work with an expert
Before anything else, it’s important to seek advice from a medical professional. A good podiatrist, physio or osteopath can help you to identify the root cause of the issue, which could be due to your foot type or compensation elsewhere in the body. Often, prescribed stretches and exercises can help to manage the symptoms and relieve some discomfort.
Purchase the right footwear
Making sure your shoes fit correctly (both length and width-wise) and provide adequate support is essential. If you’re unsure of what to look for when buying Plantar Fasciitis shoes for women, our diagram breaks down the essential things to know about shopping for your foot type.
