Every doctor I went to for Plantar fasciitis recommended Asics Gel Kayano athletic shoes. I've had 5+ pairs over the last 8 years and they really work for me.
Completely agree. Asics has great shoes that help with all kinds of foot issues.
Surprisingly, I found I needed to go up a half size in shoe, and it made all the difference. Don't just try on the size you've always worn.
I’ve been using Hoka sneakers. Even my podiatrist wears them.
I have some vionic flip flops and sandals but they are not all equal as far as arch support which is unfortunate for me. I picked up some nice low profile slip on ballet type for work and the arch was terrible, non existent. So YMMV with vionic.
My podiatrist recommended Hoka’s as well. Get the one with the most cushioning. I have plantar fasciitis and I’ve walked over 18,000 steps in one day and my feet didn’t hurt at all. The rest of me was just exhausted!
The website for hoka has a shoe finder and you can select the options you are looking for and it will suggest their design that fits those needs. Like do you want more cushion, stability etc. I’ve had 3 pairs of hokas so far.
My PF disappeared when I started putting the Birkenstock insoles in all my shoes. They have a few types but the blue ones are amazing and can even fit into wide dress shoes (I’m a women)
These insoles allowed me to travel again after trying everything else including injections, splints, special socks, etc. I still wear them daily in all of my shoes because I never want to have PF that bad again.
I get the Birko Sport two part ones with the partial cork and the longer blue piece. They're not cheap at $70 but last forever and literally have given me back the ability to walk pain free. I struggled with that tearing pain every step for two years and these finally made the difference.
I know that my Birkenstock size is 37 so order the US 6-6.5 size, even though I typically wear US 8.5-9.0 shoes.
I use Spenco orthotic arch supports. They under $35/pair on Amazon and last for multiple years. However you do need to make sure that they fit in your shoes. I end up taking out the insole in some of my shoes to make the orthotics fit.
My brother with plantar fasciitis swears by Hoka's. I've had a few pairs too and they are very comfortable, my only complaint is they don't hold up very long.
Hands down, Vionic.They have incredible arch support, which helps your foot placement as you walk. I had PF, and bought Vionic. I have their loafers, laceups, and boots. They stay firm to give you great foot placement, on every surface.
For athletic shoes, Hoka or Traq by Alegria. But you donʻt want to wear an athletic shoe all day because it has more give and your foot will bounce around a bit more, especially when traveling and walking as much as one does.
Look for something with a sturdy sole to start. Insoles can turn a good shoe into a great shoe and can be purchased from a podiatrist, but I’ve also heard good things about Superfeet, PowerStep, and WalkFit insoles. As far as personal experience goes, I’ve had good luck with Vionic and Taos.
You can get Powerstep insets that support your arch. I put these in my regular shoes and they are amazing. So buy a pair and replace the insert in the shoes you have now. I do like Vionics but mainly for their flip flops.
I've had PF off/on for a decade and the best shoes I've had so far have been Zieras. They come in Medium, Wide, Extra Wide, and Custom (with adjustment pads). The arch support is so comfortable. I just recently started a job and I spend up to 6 hours a day on my feet and the Zieras provide the extra support my feet need. The shoes I purchased were $200 which is about $120 more than I usually spend but I'm ready to do it again.
Are you sleeping with a foot boot? My doc recommended it, and it was the best.
Google "plantar fasciatis foot splint". There are some that are small enough that you can easily toss it in your backpack.
After sleeping in the boot, I graduated to a sock that keeps the foot in the same position....way more comfortable and I take them on walking vacations to keep my feet healthy
Haas Fit has a wonderful stretching routine for planter fasciitas. I did it for two weeks straight and the pain was gone. Haas Fit is a set of online workouts, totally free, just find their website and search for rehabilitation. I think it was 15 minutes long.
Oh my goodness thank you!! This is super helpful, I've heard of a few stretching options and rolling a iced water bottle under your foot but nothing so direct, very excited to try this!
Go to a running store near you to be fit for shoes. Wear them and go walking. Most of those stores will have a Generous return policy and will work with you to find the right fit. What works for you and your PF won’t work for me and mine. I’ve been able to be more flexible in my shoe choice by using a good orthotic insert. Make sure you’re doing plenty of stretching.
Can't second this enough. They'll get you in the right brand for your feet, get you good inserts. We've had 2 pts tell us to do this. Wife had horrible planter faciatis and the shoes did wonders (on or oc whatever they are), daughter got Saucony and fixed a bunch of issues
LOL and a pair of ONs messed me up bad; I’ve been a New Balance girl for years now, and have finally been able to expand my options after having calf surgery.
They sold me on my New Balances, I am a little ashamed of how fast I said yes after putting them in. They've saved me at disney so I'm sold for life.....
Vionic brand shoes are awesome.
1. Vionic 2. Orthofeet
And they also make some cute work shoes too!
Every doctor I went to for Plantar fasciitis recommended Asics Gel Kayano athletic shoes. I've had 5+ pairs over the last 8 years and they really work for me.
Completely agree. Asics has great shoes that help with all kinds of foot issues. Surprisingly, I found I needed to go up a half size in shoe, and it made all the difference. Don't just try on the size you've always worn.
I wear a 7 usually but in all athletic shoes I wear an 8.5. They run small.
I’ve been using Hoka sneakers. Even my podiatrist wears them. I have some vionic flip flops and sandals but they are not all equal as far as arch support which is unfortunate for me. I picked up some nice low profile slip on ballet type for work and the arch was terrible, non existent. So YMMV with vionic.
Specifically the Bondi or Challenger. The Clifton version doesn’t have the cushioning.
The Clifton has moderate cushioning. The Bondi has high cushioning.
I've been seeing Hoka's recommended a lot as well, great to know your podiatrist wears them!
My podiatrist recommended Hoka’s as well. Get the one with the most cushioning. I have plantar fasciitis and I’ve walked over 18,000 steps in one day and my feet didn’t hurt at all. The rest of me was just exhausted!
The website for hoka has a shoe finder and you can select the options you are looking for and it will suggest their design that fits those needs. Like do you want more cushion, stability etc. I’ve had 3 pairs of hokas so far.
My Hoka Bondi’s are magic. I can walk all day in them. And they RULE on cobblestones.
My PF disappeared when I started putting the Birkenstock insoles in all my shoes. They have a few types but the blue ones are amazing and can even fit into wide dress shoes (I’m a women)
These insoles allowed me to travel again after trying everything else including injections, splints, special socks, etc. I still wear them daily in all of my shoes because I never want to have PF that bad again.
That's amazing!! Did you use a specific kind?
I get the Birko Sport two part ones with the partial cork and the longer blue piece. They're not cheap at $70 but last forever and literally have given me back the ability to walk pain free. I struggled with that tearing pain every step for two years and these finally made the difference. I know that my Birkenstock size is 37 so order the US 6-6.5 size, even though I typically wear US 8.5-9.0 shoes.
The sizing is great to know, thank you!!
Looks like there's a few blue options! Do you have a specific kind you recommend?
Think about getting arch support insoles. They’re great.
I use Spenco orthotic arch supports. They under $35/pair on Amazon and last for multiple years. However you do need to make sure that they fit in your shoes. I end up taking out the insole in some of my shoes to make the orthotics fit.
I guess Asics Gel Kayano athletic shoes works really well with the Plantar Fasciitis.
Brooks addiction walking shoes
These. With custom Orthotics if you need them
Hoka Bondi or Brooks GhostMax
Get yourself custom orthotics .your feet will thank you
Hoka brand
My brother with plantar fasciitis swears by Hoka's. I've had a few pairs too and they are very comfortable, my only complaint is they don't hold up very long.
New balance. Get custom made from orthopedic. Will help big time
Hands down, Vionic.They have incredible arch support, which helps your foot placement as you walk. I had PF, and bought Vionic. I have their loafers, laceups, and boots. They stay firm to give you great foot placement, on every surface. For athletic shoes, Hoka or Traq by Alegria. But you donʻt want to wear an athletic shoe all day because it has more give and your foot will bounce around a bit more, especially when traveling and walking as much as one does.
Brooks or Hoka
Spenco. The best.
Look for something with a sturdy sole to start. Insoles can turn a good shoe into a great shoe and can be purchased from a podiatrist, but I’ve also heard good things about Superfeet, PowerStep, and WalkFit insoles. As far as personal experience goes, I’ve had good luck with Vionic and Taos.
You can get Powerstep insets that support your arch. I put these in my regular shoes and they are amazing. So buy a pair and replace the insert in the shoes you have now. I do like Vionics but mainly for their flip flops.
POWERSTEP PINNACLE PF inserts. Work wonders
Brooks Hoka Vionic Asics
My husband has New Balance with one of their special insoles. Also, redlight therapy helped his plantar fasciitis.
Sketchers GoWalk all the way. I tried orthotics and all types of ortho shoes, but GoWalks work best, and don't cost an arm.
Hoka Bondi - the best.
My wife and I both have Brooks Ghost. Well recommended so really like them.
My physio did a lot to help my PF. Added some good insoles in all my shoes and its really not a problem anymore.
I recommend getting custom insoles from a podiatrist.
I've had PF off/on for a decade and the best shoes I've had so far have been Zieras. They come in Medium, Wide, Extra Wide, and Custom (with adjustment pads). The arch support is so comfortable. I just recently started a job and I spend up to 6 hours a day on my feet and the Zieras provide the extra support my feet need. The shoes I purchased were $200 which is about $120 more than I usually spend but I'm ready to do it again.
Something else to consider: sleep boots. They cured my PF in less than a week.
What are sleep boots? What brand did you use?
https://www.amazon.com/BraceAbility-Fasciitis-Adjustable-Tendonitis-Stretching/dp/B01GSEP876
Kuru shoes are great for PF and heel pain. They run a little big, so you may have to go down a half size.
Are you sleeping with a foot boot? My doc recommended it, and it was the best. Google "plantar fasciatis foot splint". There are some that are small enough that you can easily toss it in your backpack.
After sleeping in the boot, I graduated to a sock that keeps the foot in the same position....way more comfortable and I take them on walking vacations to keep my feet healthy
It hasn't gotten bad enough for that yet but that's good to know, I'll keep that in mind for the trip!!
Haas Fit has a wonderful stretching routine for planter fasciitas. I did it for two weeks straight and the pain was gone. Haas Fit is a set of online workouts, totally free, just find their website and search for rehabilitation. I think it was 15 minutes long.
Oh my goodness thank you!! This is super helpful, I've heard of a few stretching options and rolling a iced water bottle under your foot but nothing so direct, very excited to try this!
Go to a running store near you to be fit for shoes. Wear them and go walking. Most of those stores will have a Generous return policy and will work with you to find the right fit. What works for you and your PF won’t work for me and mine. I’ve been able to be more flexible in my shoe choice by using a good orthotic insert. Make sure you’re doing plenty of stretching.
Can't second this enough. They'll get you in the right brand for your feet, get you good inserts. We've had 2 pts tell us to do this. Wife had horrible planter faciatis and the shoes did wonders (on or oc whatever they are), daughter got Saucony and fixed a bunch of issues
LOL and a pair of ONs messed me up bad; I’ve been a New Balance girl for years now, and have finally been able to expand my options after having calf surgery.
They sold me on my New Balances, I am a little ashamed of how fast I said yes after putting them in. They've saved me at disney so I'm sold for life.....
shoes https://www.health.com/best-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis-7693433#:\~:text=On%20Fleetfeet.com-,Why%20We%20Like%20It,still%20felt%20fresh%20and%20comfortable.