If you suffer from sharp heel pain, you may well be suffering from a common foot condition known as plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting your heel to the front of your foot. Plantar fasciitis occurs when this tissue is damaged or torn, which causes pain when your heel hits the ground.
Your heel guards the plantar fascia tissue, but walking barefoot does not give your feet the same support, protection or cushioning that shoes do. It's so important to wear good shoes for plantar fasciitis!
Running or even walking barefoot on hard surfaces for long periods of time are the main causes of strain to your fascia. Other risk factors include a rapid increase in weight-bearing activities and repetitive impact from activities such as running.
If you already have plantar fasciitis, walking barefoot on hard surfaces can worsen the condition and delay the healing process. To help prevent the worsening of plantar fasciitis, it is important to wear suitable shoes for plantar fasciitis.
If you are looking for the best women's shoes for plantar fasciitis, there are several factors which you need to consider. While the idea of shoes for plantar fasciitis may conjure up connotations of unfashionable, orthopaedic shoes for plantar fasciitis, fear not! Cute shoes for plantar fasciitis exist and there are plenty of fashionable options out there.
Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with arch support
Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with underfoot cushioning
Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with shock absorption
Wear wide-fitting shoes
Buy the right shoe size
Avoid minimalist shoes
Avoid walking barefoot
Look for a firm heel counter
Look for a deep heel cup
Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with a lighter design
Wear shoes with high quality materials
Look for wide toe-box shoes
Wear flats or heels lower than 2 inches
Video: Type of Shoes to Wear for Plantar Fasciitis
Founder and Designer of Sole Bliss, Lisa Kay shares her top tips on how to choose shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
1. Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with arch support
If you are looking for supportive, comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis, it is essential that they have arch support. Arch support helps to distribute pressure evenly across your foot and prevent straining any particular part of your foot, including the heel.
Plantar fasciitis shoes with arch support also provide stability and balance which contributes to improving your posture. Better balance and posture can reduce the likelihood of foot problems, including plantar fasciitis.
Sole Bliss shoes feature a superior arch support mechanism, which makes them ideal for women with plantar fasciitis. All our closed-back shoes contain an anti-pronating arch support. This is a memory foam pillow which is designed to provide support for your arches and counter the inward rolling of your feet (pronation) as you walk.
2. Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with underfoot cushioning
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis are both supportive and comfortable. We recommend looking for plantar fasciitis shoes with plenty of underfoot cushioning. This extra padding will make you feel as comfortable as wearing slippers, while providing the support your feet need.
For women with plantar fasciitis, it is particularly important to have cushioning under the heel. This is where the plantar fascia tissue has been torn or damaged, and therefore needs more cushioning and support. Shoes with cushioning in the forefoot provide a more comfortable fit too.
Sole Bliss shoes for plantar fasciitis feature triple-layer underfoot cushioning for maximum comfort and support. On our flats for plantar fasciitis, this triple-layer cushioning runs across the entire length of your foot.
Our trainers for plantar fasciitis feature a luxuriously padded, anatomically contoured footbed which cushions and cradles your sensitive feet.
3. Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with shock absorption
Shock absorption is a must-have feature for good shoes for plantar fasciitis. Shock absorption softens the impact of your feet hitting hard surfaces and reduces the risk of injury or worsening of plantar fasciitis.
While a lot of trainers for high impact exercise such as running are likely to have shock absorption, it is less common to find shock absorption in shoes such as heels, boots and flats.
Sole Bliss shoes feature triple-layer underfoot cushioning. The base layer of this podiatrist-approved cushioning system is designed for shock absorption. This creates a much softer impact with the ground, dramatically reducing the pain of plantar fasciitis.
The best women's shoes for plantar fasciitis should allow your feet to breathe. If you have a wider foot, it is essential that you buy wide-fitting shoes for plantar fasciitis. If your toes are constricted at the front of the shoe, you create further stress and pressure on this painful part of your body.
Similarly, it is important to make sure you are buying the right shoe size. It may sound obvious, but shoes which are too tight can create further foot pain. If your shoes are too big, there may be room for heel slippage, which can wear down the protective pads under your feet.
Your first step on the search for shoes for plantar fasciitis is to ensure you find the right shoe size!
6. Avoid minimalist shoes
Your shoes for plantar fasciitis should not be minimalist shoes. These light-weight shoes have reduced cushioning and thin soles which make you feel like you are walking on the ground.
Shoes for plantar fasciitis require extra support and soft underfoot cushioning to protect and comfort your feet. Minimalist shoes are not designed for sufferers of plantar fasciitis.
7. Avoid walking barefoot
In order to take the pressure off the plantar fascia tissue, you should avoid spending too much time walking around barefoot. Even when you are walking around the house, podiatrists recommend that you wear supportive shoes. Your feet require the same protection from hard surfaces such as the kitchen floor as they do from walking outdoors.
Slippers are generally not designed for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Instead you should look for plantar fasciitis shoes with the qualities we have discussed (arch support, cushioning, etc.)
A lot of orthopaedic shoes for plantar fasciitis have a firm heel counter, which is the back part of the heel surrounding the Achilles. If you need extra foot support for plantar fasciitis, a firm heel counter will minimize any stretching of the plantar fascia, this thick fibrous band, and reduces inflammation of the heel.
9. Look for a deep heel cup
Another feature of good shoes for plantar fasciitis is a deep heel cup. A deep heel cup provides extra stability and foot support for plantar fasciitis. It can help push the fat on the heel towards the centre as a way of alleviating pain, absorbing shock and enhancing stability.
10. Wear shoes for plantar fasciitis with a lighter design
Cute shoes for plantar fasciitis should be lightweight too. Look for lightweight materials which still provide the comfort and support you need. We love leather because it's light and breathable yet durable. All our women's shoes for plantar fasciitis are handcrafted from the finest lightweight Italian leathers and suedes.
High quality shoes are always important, but this is especially true when it comes to finding shoes for plantar fasciitis. We recommend leather because it is soft yet durable and breathable. High quality shoes made from leather will also mould to your feet over time, providing extra comfort for sensitive feet.
Shoes with wide toe boxes tend to be the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. This extra room across the forefoot prevents toe cramping and gives your feet extra room to breathe.
13. Wear flats or heels lower than 2 inches
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis tend to be flat or low heels. If you wear very high heels, you may place excessive stress on your lower extremities and impair your balance. This is especially true if you are not used to wearing high heels.
Flat shoes or heels lower than 2 inches tend to be the best shoes for women with plantar fasciitis. However, if you are more accustomed to wearing heels and you need to wear a high heel for a special occasion, then we would recommend browsing our collection of heels for plantar fasciitis.
Sole Bliss heels for plantar fasciitis all contain 3 layers of soft and supportive memory foam cushioning to soothe the pain of plantar fasciitis, even the higher heels! They are also wide toe-box shoes to prevent foot cramping. If you have any questions about our shoes' suitability for your feet, please do not hesitate to reach out.
If you are suffering from severe foot pain, you may be wondering what causes plantar fasciitis. It is caused by straining the part of your foot which runs between your heel bone and your forefoot and toes.
Plantar fasciitis may develop without an obvious cause. However there are various known causes of plantar fasciitis.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis:
Wearing unsupportive shoes with thin soles or no cushioning
Recently started exercising on hard surfaces
Recently started long-distance running
Spending many hours standing on your feet
Obesity
Age (Plantar Fasciitis is most common in adults aged 40-60)
The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is acute pain at the bottom your heel. The pain is also sometimes felt at the bottom of the mid-foot area. Plantar fasciitis can affect either both feet or just one foot. If you do not wear good shoes for plantar fasciitis, the symptoms can be worse.
These are the main symptoms of plantar fasciitis:
Morning heel and foot pain
Heel and foot pain after periods of rest
Contracted plantar fascia
Tight Achilles tendon
1. Morning heel and foot pain
The pain of plantar fasciitis is usually the worst first thing in the morning when you take your first steps. Plantar fasciitis heel pain tends to improve after you have walked a few steps but it can worsen if you suddenly over-exercise or spend too long on your feet.
2. Foot pain after periods of rest
Similarly, the pain of plantar fasciitis can be felt most acutely after long periods of sitting or lying down.
3. Contracted plantar fascia
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue which connects your heel to the front of your foot. When you first wake up or after a period of rest, you may feel pain across the bottom of your foot as the plantar fascia has tightened up. The symptoms of plantar fasciitis pain can be dull or sharp.
4. Tight Achilles tendon
Many women with plantar fasciitis report problems with their Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel and this can be painful too.
Plantar fasciitis has several side effects, including swelling, redness and difficulty going up and down stairs. This is in addition to foot pain, tight calf muscles and a painful Achilles tendon. The pain is often worse after exercise, including running, walking or standing for long periods of time.
If you don't wear good shoes for plantar fasciitis, there can be side effects. Follow our simple steps to finding the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and you will be able to reduce the pain.
How to Relieve Plantar Fasciitis
If you want to relieve plantar fasciitis rather than letting it slowly resolve itself, there are a few home remedies you can try to relieve the pain. Our main recommendation is to wear comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis. The importance of wearing comfortable, supportive orthotics shoes for plantar fasciitis cannot be underestimated!
Other ways to relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis include resting your feet, exercising or stretching to improve flexibility, applying ice to relieve inflammation or taking a paracetamol. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used too. If the pain of plantar fasciitis persists, you can discuss receiving a corticosteroid injection with your doctor.
Sole Bliss recently launched the Miracle Trainer - a specialist trainer designed to soothe sensitive soles and protect painful feet. Our Miracle Trainer is the best trainer for plantar fasciitis, thanks to its ultra-cushioned and anatomically contoured footbed.
In addition to this specialist footbed for plantar fasciitis, the Miracle Trainer features a deep and wide toe-box, our iconic Bunion Bed stretch panel for bunions (hallux valgus) and soft leather lining and uppers. It's not just the best trainer for plantar fasciitis; it's the best trainer for bunions, wide feet, hammer toes, flat feet and all sorts of foot conditions.
Here are just a few of our favourite trainers for Plantar Fasciitis. The Miracle Trainer Collection includes more than 40 colour combinations. Some of our favourite trainer shoes for plantar fasciitis are: Hero, Star, Harley and Sprint.
Hero is the original Miracle Trainer in the Sole Bliss collection and is one of the best trainers for plantar fasciitis. Hero features our signature anatomically-contoured and ultra-cushioned footbed which soothes this painful foot condition.
Harley is our dark-soled Miracle Trainer. Harley fits just like Hero and is a fantastic trainer for plantar fasciitis. The only difference is the dark platform sole which we designed at the request of our customers!
Star is an equally comfy trainer for plantar fasciitis and features all the award-winning components of our Comfort Technology. These stand-out trainers are distinguished by their on-trend leather star detailing. Choose your favourite colour today!
Sprint is a very comfortable trainer, constructed on a lower platform sole. These wonder-working shoes feature our signature anatomically contoured and cushioned footbed too, simply on a lower sole unit. So for a more sporty aesthetic, why not try Sprint?
If you are looking for the best boots for plantar fasciitis, Sole Bliss has got you covered. From ankle boots to long boots, flat boots to heeled boots, these are your best options for plantar fasciitis boots.
All Sole Bliss boots for plantar fasciitis are handcrafted in Italy from luxuriously soft leathers and suedes. They are fully leather lined and feature our signature anatomically contoured and ultra-cushioned footbed.
In addition to our Miracle Trainers, Sole Bliss has a wide variety of flats for plantar fasciitis. From ballet flats to elegant flats, loafers to trainers, take your pick of this season's most comfortable flats for plantar fasciitis.
Treat your feet to three layers of soft and supportive underfoot cushioning which contours and comforts sensitive feet suffering from plantar fasciitis.
During the warmer months of the year, comfortable sandals are a must. For women with foot pain, finding comfortable sandals for plantar fasciitis can be very difficult. A lot of open toe shoes do not offer enough support - flip flops should always be avoided - so it can be a challenge finding suitable footwear.
Fortunately Sole Bliss has designed the ultimate collection of comfortable sandals for plantar fasciitis. Every pair contains the same luxuriously padded and contoured footbed as our boots and Miracle Trainers, so that your feet remain comforted and supported all summer long.
If you are looking for comfortable work shoes for heel pain, then shop Sole Bliss' collection of heels and smart flats for plantar fasciitis. Whether you need an elegant heel, a practical block heel or a smart flat, Sole Bliss has got you covered for best work shoes for plantar fasciitis sufferers!
We are often asked whether women with plantar fasciitis can wear high heels? The answer is yes! The best high heels for plantar fasciitis have a wide toe-box and luxuriously soft and supportive underfoot cushioning. Follow our advice for finding the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and you will be guaranteed to be comfortable in your high heels!
Wearing good shoes for plantar fasciitis can alleviate the discomfort and reduce the symptoms of this painful foot condition. However, there are lots of shoes which do not provide sufficient support for plantar fasciitis.
You should avoid wearing flip-flops. Flip-flops are flimsy and offer no support for your heels, arches or any part of your foot. They rarely have shock absorption so excessive wear can lead to your feet becoming more inflamed.
Shoes which have been worn out will cause similar problems. Worn-out shoes will have lost their cushioning and absorption properties.
Can shoes help with Plantar Fasciitis?
Finding the right shoes for plantar fasciitis can certainly help alleviate the pain and discomfort of this foot condition. By wearing soft and cushioned shoes, you can ease this heel pain. And by wearing supportive shoes (with arch support and shock absorption), you can help prevent the worsening of plantar fasciitis. If you continue to suffer from acute heel pain, consider visiting a physiotherapist or foot specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plantar Fasciitis
Is it possible to permanently get rid of Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is not a permanent condition. It generally lasts between 6-18 months. There are lots of ways to treat plantar fasciitis, including wearing plantar fasciitis support shoes and it typically responds well to treatment.
How long does Plantar Fasciitis last?
Plantar fasciitis usually lasts less than 18 months. For most patients, plantar fasciitis lasts between 6-18 months.
Are there any treatments for Plantar Fasciitis?
There are lots of treatments available for plantar fasciitis. From resting and stretching to wearing the right shoes for plantar fasciitis to consulting your doctor.
What causes Plantar Fasciitis flare-ups?
There are a number of reasons for plantar fasciitis flare-ups. Activities including running, walking or standing for long periods of time in unsupportive shoes can lead to plantar fasciitis flare-ups.
How will my shoe choice help my Plantar Fasciitis?
It is so important to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and you should never go barefoot. Supportive, comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis will soothe the pain in your feet and prevent it getting worse.
What are orthotics and should I use them?
An orthotic is a medical device that you wear inside your shoe to correct biomechanical foot issues. They are designed to remove pressure and stress from painful areas of your feet, so they can be very helpful. However, high quality shoes like Sole Bliss contain memory foam insoles which provide a custom support
What aggravates Plantar Fasciitis?
Activities that can aggravate plantar fasciitis include running, walking or standing for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces. These activities will aggravate plantar fasciitis even worse if you are wearing unsupportive shoes to run, walk or stand.
Are soft or firm shoes better for Plantar Fasciitis?
If you are suffering with a tender type of plantar fasciitis pain, shoes with soft cushioning is preferable. The best plantar fasciitis shoes also have proper shock absorption to counteract the pressure of walking on hard surfaces. Flimsy shoes will not provide adequate support.
Sole Bliss shoes have 3 layers of memory foam cushioning to provide total softness and protection for your feet. You can read more about How Our Shoes Work here.
Can I do something about my Plantar Fasciitis other than changing my shoes?
Although wearing comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis is the best remedy, there are plenty of ways you can alleviate this foot pain. You should rest your feet, stretch them to improve flexibility, apply ice to relieve inflammation or take a paracetamol.
Sole Bliss Customers with Plantar Fasciitis
For those struggling to findshoes for plantar fasciitis, discovering the right product is a game-changer for comfort and relief. Sole Bliss shoes are tailored to tackle the challenges linked to foot conditions like plantar fasciitis offering triple layer cushioning, which provides shock absorption to help ease sensitive soles.
Rather than just taking our word for it, thisplantar fasciitis customer review below shares a first hand experience, showcasing the transformative impact of Sole Bliss shoes for plantar fasciitis.
"Just ordered my second pair of trainers. Now I've found Sole Bliss, there is no going back! They are amazing. I've suffered with plantar fasciitis and struggle with shoes. Not anymore! Delighted with my trainers, thank you!" – Lucy
If you have any questions about finding the best shoes for your feet, please contact our Customer Care team who are highly knowledgeable and here to help!
When it comes to comfort, Lisa Kay knows it all! Lisa has been a Shoe Designer for over 20 years. She has used her own experience dealing with bunions to create Sole Bliss - the shoe brand dedicated to women with bunions, wide feet and sensitive soles. Lisa has worked with Italian and Spanish artisans and the world’s leading podiatrists to create the best shoes for women with bunions and wide feet. Every pair of Sole Bliss shoes contains an award-winning, podiatrist-approved Comfort Technology.
Dr Brad Schaeffer is a Certified Foot Surgeon with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He trained at Hoboken University Medical Center with a 3 Year Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Reconstructive Surgical Residency.
After residency, Dr Schaeffer has continued training and crafting his skillset in cutting edge surgical techniques and regenerative medicine.
Dr Schaeffer was also discovered for the hit TV show, "My Feet Are Killing Me". He is known for bringing his eye of aesthetic medicine and attention to detail to every patient that he treats.
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