Most people in the world suffer from issues that cause discomfort to the feet like heel pain, obesity, high arches, plantar fasciitis, etc. Most may not realize it immediately, but flat feet are something that can be bought by something as simple as genetics or something complicated like working out too hard without considering the state of your feet. The worst part of this is that the pain in your ligaments and feet will only worsen as the days move on since you have to stand all day or walk to places. It is clear that dealing with problems like sensitive feet and plantar fasciitis is a full-time commitment that requires an adventurous spirit and dedication. The good news here is that plantar fasciitis symptoms be alleviated, if not eliminated altogether, with the best walking shoes plantar fasciitis.
During the day, your feet deserve comfortable and supportive shoes that are capable of tacking arduous tasks and daily operations that come with your job. After a long day at work, your feet need some relaxation that comes with a decent pair of clogs or flip flops. If you want to reverse all the negative issues that are associated with your feet, you can check out our list of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Below, we have selected the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis. However, before diving into this list, let us see what plantar fasciitis really is, what are its symptoms, and why is it important to choose the right walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.
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What is plantar fasciitis?
To understand plantar fasciitis as a whole, we first need to break down the meaning of the terms. Plantar relates to the sole of your foot, which is easy to remember since we ‘plant’ our soles to the ground. Fascia is the fibrous tissue that connects the bones and other parts of the body to each other.
As a whole, plantar fasciitis that the band of fibrous tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes at the bottom of the foot.
Because the weight of the body is centered around the soles of the feet, the Fascia acts as a body-stabilizer; a bounce-back effect is created due to its springy properties that provide a smooth ride and insulates our bodies from the ground forces while walking.
Plantar fasciitis, or also known as jogger’s heel, is a common leg disorder that brings in acute pain to the sole and heel of your foot. This disorder occurs primarily due to inflammation in the fibrous tissue.
Of course, the condition can occur due to repeated injury to the fascia. Some other common scenarios that can lead to plantar fasciitis include:
- A poorly tight Achilles tendon that can affect your ability to flex the ankle significantly, which can damage your fascia.
- When there is sudden stretching of the sole or its overuse; for instance, this case is true for athletes who want to increase their running distance or the intensity.
- Wearing shoes with minimum to no arch support or indigent cushioning, which could further damage the fascia.
- If you are overweight or obese, the excess load could put more pressure on your feet.
- If you have switched your jogging or running route/surface; changing from a plain running surface to a rocky road can cause some discomfort.
- When you are always on your feet almost the entire day, whether you are jogging, running, walking, or simply standing; this is especially for people who are not accustomed to extended walking periods or exercises.
Importance of choosing the right walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
Most people wonder why is it important to invest in the right walking shoes, especially if that person is suffering from plantar fasciitis. You might think that normal walking shoes should be good enough since you just use them for working out. However, once you compare these regular shoes with the ones made for plantar fasciitis, you will realize that the latter has a lot of benefits to offer, like:
Improved support and pain relief
The most primary reason to buy shoes for plantar fasciitis is for the best support system. With excellent support, any pressure or pain that you may usually feel in plantar fasciitis is significantly reduced.
Better ventilation and cushioning
Good-quality shoes for plantar fasciitis are designed with the best cushioning systems that will keep your feet comfortable as you are walking on hard surfaces. They are also fitted with better ventilating capabilities that will prove to be useful in hot weather conditions.
You will be able to walk longer
With the right shoes for plantar fasciitis, you will not experience any type of pain while walking. In turn, this will encourage longer walking durations. That way, you will be able to maintain your goal of distance and pacing, burning calories, and keeping up with your health.
Improves the symptoms of plantar fasciitis
While the overall design of walking shoes tends to be almost the same, shoes made for plantar fasciitis patients have been designed to improve the symptoms of the problem. With better stability and arch support, it will prevent and lessen any type of pain and will make you feel better as well.
Long durability and good design
The quality and built of shoes for plantar fasciitis are great. They consist of brilliant construction that will aid in maintaining a long lifespan of the shoes. Additionally, they are also well-designed and available in many different color variations.
10 Best walking shoes plantar fasciitis
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With the help of the New Balance Mx608v4, you will be offered optimum value, comfort, and support. Available in suede and leather, this is a pair of athletic shoes that have been approved by Medicare and features premium EVA cushioning and premium ABZORB for mid-foot support. The non-mark rubber outsole that includes flex grooves allow for natural movement.
The upper materials of the shoe consist of finely-sewn components. The upper synthetic top consists of well-adjusted patches of high-quality and durable leather, joined together to make it breathable. The shoe has also been designed in such a way that it will not tear off by daily wear-and-tear and can cope with frequent usage.
The EVA footbed insole is made of soft and supporting, yet high-quality padding. This padding will protect your toe box, mid-foot, and heel in a way that your foot will remain in its natural position and you would not have to leave in an unbalanced position, which causes irritation on the pressure points and fatigue.
The outsole is made of durable rubber that has been grafted in a way to offer you a full grip on any type of surface that you are walking or running on. The durable and flexible no-mark rubber offers enough support and will ensure that you remain safe from tripping or slipping on the ground.
The IMEVA supported midsole will ensure that your foot is resting comfortably, thanks to the high-end ABZORB cushioning technology. This technology ensures that the pressure is lowered on the foot by absorbing the impactful forces before they reach your foot.
The heavy padded tongue and neck collar offers support and comfort. Additionally, the mesh fabric ensures slip-free inner fit and breathability.
Pros
Cons
This pair of shoes by New Balance is one of the best and most comfortable pair of sneakers. The MW877 is the best option if your primary need is comfort. Whether you love brisk walking/running or simply sit at your workplace the entire day, these shoes will offer you the best comfort you need.
The outsole of the shoe is made of rubber, which is a common material used to make the outsole of almost every sneaker you will see today. The rubber ensures that the sole stays flexible and durable, no matter what activity you are engaged in. Due to the rubber outsole, the MW877 offers fantastic traction.
The midsole of the MW877 makes use of ABZORB cushioning technology. The foam has been known to be exceptionally sturdy and durable. The midsole will offer you the best shock absorption to protect your lower extremities and joints. You will not have to worry about the impact of your steps, jarring your ankles and knees, causing discomfort and pain.
The upper of the MW877 consists of a blend of mesh and suede. A major portion of the upper uses mesh materials to ensure that there is adequate flow of air throughout the foot chamber. The suede can be found in the overlays that help you get a bit more support as well as improve the overall looks of the shoe.
Overall, the shoes are quite comfortable, especially in case you love walking long distances. The foam materials will ensure that you get a decent amount of underfoot cushioning. The padded collar and tongue will offer relief to your instep as well as ankles when you are outdoors.
Pros
Cons
Keeping comfort and durability in mind, New Balance has created the MW411v2, a pair of shoes that offer overall support. This model is the best pair for an ordinary walk in the park, active bust days, and all-day-on-feet working days. With the MW411v2, you will get the classic style and all-day comfort.
Also, the pair of shoes is available in leather and suede version, with hook-and-loop fronts and lace-up fronts, in different combinations of grey, white and black colors. Thanks to its quality performance and sharp simplicity, the MW411v2 is perfect for daily wear.
The shoes are fitted with a perforated upper and the traditional company applique at the quarter panel, with the sign on the tongue that reads ‘NB 411’; the tongue and the collar are padded slightly as well. The fabric mesh lining of the shoe is almost seamless and the tongue is soft and well-padded to offer exceptional comfort and great in-shoe feel.
The upper of the shoe contains breathable perforations that control moisture, thereby keeping your feet dry and cool and adds catchy details to the overall design as well. The insole is also replaceable; this is quite an important detail for people who have problems with their feet. If the original insole does not fit comfortably or not appropriate for you, you can simply replace with it another one.
The shoe is entirely lined with breathable materials and features a cushioned footbed. The sneaker has a bulky appearance because the sole is completely solid and fitted with shock absorption systems in the midsole. The outsole is made of a durable and super lightweight rubber compound that allows for flexibility.
Pros
Cons
The Nimbus 18 is a premium cushioned pair of shoes that have been targeted towards serious runners who are looking for something that is durable and stable. This pair of shoes is the newest product in the company’s GEL-Nimbus line of shoes.
The shoes are made for both men and women and available in a wide range of colors to match your personality. The size selection is also incredible, ranging from size 6 to 16, for both men and women. The heel molding is narrower than other shoes, which is quite unique and means a slightly tighter fit.
The reason why the shoes are durable is that they are made of AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber). Another aspect that is worth mentioning is the construction of the sole. The forefoot and rear foot get cushioning work seamlessly along with sole support to allow for movement without losing out on firm control that is necessary for the sole.
The rubber sole means that the shoes can be worn for years; you do not have to worry about them wearing out any time soon. While most shoes on the list are comfortable, these particular ones are extremely snug, even after a heavy workout session. The rubber sole also offers comfortable running and standing support; this also aids in the foot’s midsole as well.
The upper of the shoe features the ASICS Fluid Fit design that makes them excellent footwear for training. The design provides a multi-directional stretch with mesh. As a result, you get shoes made of materials that ensure more comfortable and stronger jogging and running experience.
Pros
Cons
This pair of shoes for women by Dansko has been designed to provide safety and comfort in greasy, hot, and wet conditions. Dansko is one of the most reputable names in the market for shoes, sandals, and clogs for people who work on their feet the entire day.
When you buy a pair of Dansko professional clogs, there is something of a rite to passage. They fit differently than most other shoes; your heel will move up and down while walking. This will provide greater comfort, breathability, and lateral stability over a long shift in hot conditions.
One thing that you need to watch out for this pair of shoes is the leather upper. You will see many different options for leather types, as well as color. However, not all of them are suitable for greasy and wet conditions. For instance, the Cabrio leather is not suitable for these conditions. If you cannot make it out of the obvious product listing, you can tell the difference by the amount of shine.
One of the best aspects of the shoe is comfort. As mentioned above the Professional shoes will allow some movement of your heel, so you would want to order a half-size up. While it might take a bit of getting used to, this heel motion will really help the long-term comfort of the shoes, once you figured out how to walk in them.
Another nice feature of the shoes is comfortability. The toe box is quite roomy and reinforced with a thermoplastic. Since most shoes can squish your toes, they might start hurting after some time. Additionally, the toe box will start to deform over time if exposed repeatedly to heat and water.
Pros
Cons
A first-of-its-kind, this pair of shoes by Brooks is one of the most stable shoes in the market today and is perfect for people who are prone to injuries while running. The company took a step more to prevent injuries, with the addition of a new GuideRails holistic support system.
The design of the shoes is quite smart and will keep excessive movement in check. This means that the products are all about keeping your legs, especially the knees, happy and safe. A bit heavier than its previous iteration, the GTS 19 has also added a soft DNA LOFT that pairs up perfectly to the responsive and poppy BioMoGo that the company has always had in their shoes. The upper has also been revamped to include a 3D Fit Print for an unbeatable blend of structure and stretch.
As one of the most stable pair of shoes in the market, the GTS 19 has earned a well-deserved reputation and boasts of a cult-like following. The product’s new and revolutionary approach to stability changed the entire landscape when it comes to the joint and total foot support. With a low-profile and streamlined look, you are completely free to take your shoes out anywhere you like, whether it is hitting the office, tackling a trail run, or hitting the gym.
This pair of shoes is perfect for stability runners, thanks to the plush DNA LOFT cushioning and BioMoGo DNA midsole that offers a smooth and soft ride and adapts almost seamlessly to your unique strides. Additionally, the pair is also available in several different sizes and color options for both men and women.
Pros
Cons
This pair of shoes for women by Saucony is the one that will provide great comfort. They will provide a perfect fit that will allow you to walk or run effortlessly. Additionally, the flexibility of the shoes is quite forgiving as well. If you are a neutral walker, then this pair of shoes is the most perfect choice for you. The best part about the shoes is that you could be walking or jogging for hours, but you will not feel uncomfortable for even a second.
Apart from performing well, the shoes also look great. They are very smart-looking and will enable you to forget about pronation issues. They have been designed according to the biomechanics of athletes.
The shoes are made up of 100% full-grain leather. The sole is made of rubber and is non-marking. They are also fitted with a collar and padded tongue; the outsole is made of durable XT-900 material and features an offset of 12-mm. The outsole is comfortable even for walking. The upper is fitted with the forefoot Stretch Zone and top-lacing, thereby improving the fit further. The insole is cushioned to improve the comfortability.
These pair of shoes are designed specifically for women. If you have a foot condition, wearing these shoes will provide you with everything that you are looking for, especially for walking.
The right measure of support and cushioning makes it perfect for almost every type of situation. It might even help in eliminating or reversing several foot conditions and improve any type of associated pain. The shoes can be worn during any type of season as well.
Pros
Cons
Apart from women, Brooks line of shoes for men is also quite reputable, especially the Addiction Walker. This shoe is fitted with a comfortable interior, cool design and is easy to wear, thereby enabling you to feel relaxed, active, and easy while walking.
Thanks to its comfortable nature, the Addiction Walker is one of the top-selling shoes by Brooks. It has an energy-efficient midsole cushioning that ensures that your feet are provided with adequate support and they stay energized as well.
Since the company is never known to compromise the quality of its product, the Addiction Walker is made of soft, high-quality leather. They are conformed to the highest international standards to ensure that the customers are provided with nothing but the best.
The exterior part of the shoes is very rugged and fitted with appropriate curves and patches that will help you move the feet in an easy manner. The lace-up vamp will allow you to get a customizable grip on your feet; additionally, the lace-up is adjustable so that you can fit the shoes according to your preference.
The insole and outsole of the shoes are the reason why the Addiction Walker is so popular among the masses. Since the company wants to ensure that your feet remain both comfortable and safe, the shoes have been designed in such a way that it will offer you the best foot take-off and landing experience when you are walking either slowly off with full-body pressure. The outer sole is made of synthetic materials to maximize slip resistance and improve stability; the insole is covered with mesh fabric to keep the airflow constant.
Pros
Cons
The Devotion 2 shoes for women by Ryka. It is made of synthetic, 100% mesh upper and breathable materials and fitted with an EVA midsole that makes it one of the most comfortable walking shoes for women.
The shoe does not weigh a lot and has a midsole drop, which helps in reducing the impact of your heels while walking or light jogging. The neutral walking shoes offer a decent amount of arch support and have been designed specifically for people with medium to high arches. They are very supportive, comfortable and soft, something that is vital for people dealing with leg problems like plantar fasciitis.
The Devotion 2 is packed with a plush insole that has been designed to feel soft and comfortable under your feet. The material is made of textile, which offers the best amount of comfort to your foot. Additionally, the material also has enough contour to help with heel pain. For people who are looking for a softer support system or are a bit sensitive, these Devotion 2shoes are the pleasant options.
The insole is easily replaceable and can be swapped out for something firm. However, the good arch support and the lightweight design will prove to be more than enough for most ladies. Underneath the insole, the midsole is made of EVA foam that will provide additional cushioning by absorbing shock.
The upper material of the shoe is made of a combination of wire mesh, synthetic material, and high-density foam. These synthetic overlays will provide more foot support as well as improve the overall durability. The mesh is breathable and makes the shoe lightweight while keeping it cool and ventilated.
Pros
Cons
The GTS 18 by Brooks is one of the most popular shoes by the company in terms of stability. Each year, the company makes significant improvements to its latest products to provide its customers with more satisfying running experience, and the GTS 18 is not an exception.
The shoes provide a good balance of support and cushioning and great for runners who are looking for something that will improve the stability of their running performance while enjoying a great level of a responsive and comfortable ride.
One of the most notable updates about this product is the upper, which makes use of a new and improved engineered mesh to enhance fit and provide breathability. This mesh upper will provide you with the best fit since the stretchy material will hug your foot comfortably. Additionally, it will also provide a decent level of breathability.
The midsole makes use of the BioMoGo DNA foam material and has a 12-mm heel to toe drop. The company has also made small enhancements in the shoe’s cushioning system that makes it more flexible and softer. Apart from the BioMoGo DNA midsole foam, the shoes also incorporate the Progressive Diagonal Rollbar that has been designed to minimize pronation and make running more efficient and less painful.
The GTS 18 features a hard carbon rubber material for its heel and a softer blown rubber for the forefoot. These materials are placed specifically in the sole unit to deliver traction and durability. The tread and grooves in the outsole have been designed to improve traction without compromising the flexibility. Hence, you will have a reliable grip on the surface, even if it is a wet one.
Pros
Cons
How do you choose the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis?
When you are looking for shoes for plantar fasciitis, you need to remember certain features that you need to give due consideration. These considerations will help you distinguish a pair of shoes that would be great for you or not. Here are some factors that you need to remember while choosing:
Sufficient arch support
Of course, the first thing you need to check off your list is the arch support. If you want to alleviate some of the pain that you are feeling, you need a pair of shoes that offer good arch support. With firm support, excessive pronation will be prevented as well as the natural position of your foot in the course of any activity will be natural.
For this, you need to know what type of arch your foot has – the low arch, the high arc, or the neutral arch. These types of the arch have different comfort levels and fit, depending on the arch support of the shoes.
You also need to look for a midsole that is well-cushioned and will provide sufficient support to the heels. If you end up choosing a stiff one, the resulting impact of your stepping foot and the floor will be transferred to your plantar ligaments, which would result in an aggravated pain.
Comfortable shoe lining and insoles
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, you obviously need to make sure that the shoes you buy are very comfortable. If you end up with shoes that have the wrong insole, you could make the pain a lot worse than before, more so if you happen to wear them for a long time.
One of the most important considerations while looking for shoes for plantar fasciitis is the amount of comfort provided by the insoles at the pressure points. There are some shoe options that are fitted with gel cushioning systems inside the insole so that it improves the overall shock-absorbing capabilities.
If the insole is flat, it could lead to less efficient foot shape transition from your toes to the heels, thereby resulting in discomfort in your foot ligaments; this is because more pressure is being exerted on your arches.
Alternatively, you also have the choice of choosing custom-made orthotics. Your podiatrist can make certain recommendations for the most comfortable fit.
Cushioning level
As said before, the overall cushioning system of the shoes needs to be the first priority, especially for feet that are sensitive. You need to look for a cushioning system that matches the contours of your foot structure. In this case, gel cushioning is considered the best and most effective mechanism for your forefoot.
The cushioning should extend through the length of the shoes if you are looking for the most effective shock absorption. A sole made of rubber will aid the midsole to absorb most of the impacts of walking. Additionally, the rubber will also give your shoes proper ground grip so that you do not slip when the floor is wet.
Midsole made of ethyl vinyl acetate
Out of all the materials available, nothing offers better shock absorption that EVA, or also known as ethyl vinyl acetate. Soles made of EVA will offer you a better reduction of plantar fasciitis pressure than most of the other materials available.
Effective motion control
For pronation issues, the pain will only become worse if you roll off your feet while walking. Hence, motion control will prevent the inward or outward movement of your foot or pronation. This way, you will effectively reduce your chances of tearing your plantar since you will walk with the appropriate gait.
Wide toe box
Most of us have worn shoes that often cram up the toes together. The discomfort and excruciating pain that you feel later is something that can be avoided if you look for shoes with a wide toe box.
When you try a pair of shoes on for the first time, you need to ensure that your rear foot and middle-foot rolls at the front without any added effort. While a too-large toe box could be quite fancy, it might also promote the excessive extension of the big toe. This could result in a windlass mechanism that will tighten up the plantar ligament.
When you are looking for shoes at a physical retail store, you can try to bend it upwards. If the toe box bends while the remaining shoe remains intact, it means that the particular shoe has a wide toe box.
Conclusion
If you regularly feel pain on your heel after walking a few steps when you are relaxed, it is possible that you have the plantar fasciitis condition. While there are treatment options available, it is just as important for you to have the best walking shoes plantar fasciitis that will help you get some relief from the pain; you can consider it a complementary treatment.
From the above, the New Balance Men’s Mx608v4 is certainly the best choice if you are looking for shoes that will offer relief from tight plantar ligaments as you walk. The footbed is made of EVA foam for maximum support and cushioning. Additionally, this same padding will also protect your toes and ensure toes, heel, and midfoot and ensure that they remain in a natural position.
With all these wonderful features, there is no question in mind that the New Balance Mx608v4 is the best choice of shoes for plantar fasciitis condition. With the help of this review, you will be able to make the right choice for plantar fasciitis. You can share this article on your social media accounts with your friends. For sharing your experiences or asking any questions, you can do so in the comment section below. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
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