The Best Shoe Brands for Dealing With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is a common foot health problem that many suffer from. In this blog, we’ve called upon the expertise of our experienced Inverness store manager Nikki. She will dive into what Plantar Fasciitis is before introducing the best brands on the market for dealing with the condition alongside her personal recommendations.

Begg Shoes are one of Scotland’s longest-standing independent shoe retailers having been established in 1866. Six generations of the Begg family later, the business now boasts a team of footwear experts – many of whom are fully qualified from The Society of Shoe Fitters.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The Plantar Fascia is the main ligament (or fascia) covering the base of your foot. There are 26 bones in each foot, as well as additional ligaments and tendons which all work together to keep our feet working as nature intended. These structures take a huge amount of strain during walking/exercising. When the Plantar Fascia becomes inflamed or damaged, this causes excruciating pain around the heel area, where the fascia inserts onto the heel bone. This pain is usually the most intense first thing in the morning when you take those first few steps out of bed.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

There are a few factors that could contribute to developing heel pain, such as:

1. Spending day after day on your feet (weight-bearing occupation)
2. Being overweight
3. Flat feet
4. High arched feet
5. Tight calf muscles

As this can be an overuse syndrome, increasing your training intensity or volume too quickly could also be a risk factor. It is now thought that it is likely a degenerative condition and not an inflammatory one as previously thought.

What Is The Best Treatment For Plantar Fasciitis?

Strengthening your foot muscles has been known to help with heel pain as studies show that there is a correlation between the two. A quick daily foot exercise is advised as well as eccentric loading exercises. Podiatrists will often strap their patients who suffer from plantar fasciitis as it is a very good method to initially reduce their pain levels to proceed with their treatment plan. Orthotics are generally beneficial in treating heel pain and if more conservative measures fail, then steroids may be considered.

Can Footwear Help Plantar Fasciitis?

When suffering from plantar fasciitis you should avoid walking barefoot and always try to wear supportive and well-cushioned shoes. You need footwear that offers great arch support, shock absorption and cushioning. Lightweight and comfortable footwear will make each step a more comfortable one and shoes that have removable insoles will allow you to use your own orthotics if necessary.

Choosing the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

When it comes to choosing the right footwear for your individual case of Plantar Fasciitis, there are a few important points to consider. Look for shoes that have:

1. Cushioned footbeds
2. Shock-absorbing heels and sole units, preferably with a broad base shape
3. Decent level of arch support
4. Lace-up fastenings provide the best level of support.

The Best Brands For Plantar Fasciitis – Our Recommendations

There isn’t one brand that is sold purely for Plantar Fasciitis. However, we do stock many different brands of shoes that offer the support required for dealing with the condition and alleviating symptoms. Here are our recommendations.

Recommendations are made by Nikki Munro, our Inverness Shoe Shop manager. She is not only an experienced store manager but also a professionally trained shoe fitter by the Society of Shoe Fitters.

Skechers for Plantar Fasciitis

Skechers trainers feature super soft cushioned footbeds for the ultimate comfort from the very first moment. Soft, expandable fabric uppers will mould around your foot to give you a unique experience. The extremely lightweight designs are shock-absorbent thanks to the EVA sole units.

Skechers Appeal Arch Fit, £87

 

Skechers Arch Fit Go Walk, £87

 

Skechers Arch Fit Go Walk Sandal, £67

Mens: Skechers Arch Fit GO Walk, £84

 

Mens: Skechers Orvan Arch Fit, £77

 

Ecco Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Ecco Shoes have removable footbeds in most styles which allows you to use your own orthotics. Built-in arch and heel reinforcements provide superior support and comfort with the optimum fit. The lightweight, durable construction has PU outer soles which will absorb impact with each step.

Ecco Soft 7 Lace, £110

 

Ecco Street 720 GTX, £140

Ecco Cozmo, £79

 

Rieker Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Rieker shoes feature Antistress technology for fantastic comfort. Certain styles feature removable footbeds for individual orthotics or additional supports. Soft, flexible and lightweight designs are built on stitch construction sole units, one of the oldest and most popular methods of shoe-making.

Rieker Hagen Evolve, £77

 

Rieker Cheerbaz, £67

 

Rieker Niton Lace, £67

 

Birkenstock For Plantar Fasciitis

Dealing with plantar fasciitis shouldn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Birkenstock is a leading summer brand and its products are designed with both comfort and fashion in mind.

Birkenstock Bend Low, £135

 

Birkenstock Zermatt Ladies, £59.99

 

Legero Shoes

Most Legero Shoes feature removable insoles, offering extra width or room for additional orthotics. The footbeds are anatomically shaped for firm support and comfort. The direct injection polyurethane sole units are lightweight, flexible, shock-absorbent and extremely hard-wearing.

Legero Tanaro5 Zip Gtx, £115

Legero Mystic GTX Chelsea, £135

Legero Novara GTX, £135

 

IMAC Shoes

IMAC Shoes are made from premium Italian leather and shock-absorbing polyurethane outer sole units. The lightweight and flexible designs are extremely hard-wearing. There are supportive and cushioned footbeds for incredible comfort underfoot.

IMAC Ellen, £79.99

 

IMAC Keniata Fur Tex, £85

 

IMAC Karenal Zip, £75

 

Conclusion

In short, whilst plantar fasciitis can be a very uncomfortable condition, you will find that there are plenty of shoes and brands out there that you will find comfortable. Knowing what features and materials to look for when shoe shopping with plantar fasciitis will give you all the tools you need for a successful shopping trip!

Sources:

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plantar-fasciitis/
2. https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/understanding-plantar-fasciitis-basics
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/plantar-fasciitis
4. https://www.shoefitters-uk.org/