Plantar fasciitis remains a mystery to the medical community, with podiatrists struggling to fully comprehend its cause. Nevertheless, what they do understand all too well is the intolerable foot pain it brings. Fortunately, there are various treatments available for this condition. One such method is by donning comfortable shoes that provide ample support, opposed to limiting loafers or cramped sneakers.
For those uninitiated with this ailment, we shall briefly examine what plantar fasciitis entails. Subsequently, we shall demonstrate the positive and negative effects of different footwear choices on its symptoms, before highlighting the most effective shoes for managing it.
With this article’s help, as well as guidance from your physician, reducing the agony associated with plantar fasciitis is just a few clicks away.
The Medical Overview of Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, the ligament connecting the forefoot to the heel. It comprises the natural shape of your foot arches. The inflamed ligament can engender highly acute stabbing pains on the foot.
Added pressure on the plantar fascia is the main cause of inflammation. This can result from various sources, including footwear, weight, and athletic activity.
In the context of footwear selection, flat shoes without proper arch support are the primary culprits in the emergence of heel pain. They inevitably cause overpronation, indicating flattening of the feet, eliminating arches altogether.
The Relationship Between Foot Shape and Foot Health
Foot shape plays a vital role in determining healthy feet. Flat feet can often be more painful than high arches, and can exacerbate heel pains and other conditions.
Contrary to popular belief, heel spurs, or calcifications around the heel bone, are not a factor in plantar fasciitis, displaying no influence on the inflammation.
The most telling indicator of this condition is pain; it can be intense, primarily concentrated around the heel or Achilles tendon. This pain is commonly worse after long periods of inactivity or upon waking in the morning. Failure to address plantar fasciitis may compel an individual to adopt an abnormal gait, eventually causing bunions to develop.
In the prior paragraphs, we have highlighted plantar fasciitis' effects and causes on the human body.
How Can Shoes Reduce Pain Caused by Plantar Fasciitis?
Prudent shoe selection and the utilization of orthotic insoles are the most effective means of minimizing inflammation and pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Addressing issues surrounding arch support is the orthopedic solution. This frequently involves insoles specially designed to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia, heel pads, or even tailored orthotics.
Two critical factors that impact shoe choice are the surface area of the sole and the cushioning. High heels often reduce surface area while providing nearly no cushioning. Conversely, flip-flops drastically increase the surface area while entirely eschewing arch support. Dress shoes, despite demonstrating natural arches, generally forego proper heel cushioning to maintain an aesthetically pleasing design.
In conclusion, managing the headache that is plantar fasciitis necessitates implementing a regimen of thoughtful shoe selection and regularly seeing a doctor for proper care and advice.
To assist with plantar fasciitis, using an outsole or midsole composed of foam or a similarly cushioned material can be helpful. Orthotics can benefit from a deep heel cup to simulate a proper arch, while cushioning in shoes can alleviate stress on the foot.
The hallmark of quality plantar fasciitis shoes is their ability to truly support your feet, which in turn benefits your entire body, including your calf muscles and skeletal system. A good shoe should have ample space, neither too narrow nor short, to prevent foot deformities and other issues. Simply switching from an ill-fitting shoe to one that fits properly can bring relief and comfort.
Understanding how shoes can support our comfort needs, we present our top picks of slip-on shoes for plantar fasciitis, all designed for ease of wear. When the plantar ligament is especially sensitive, slip-on shoes can be an easier option.
Slip-on shoes meant for plantar fasciitis should absorb shock to alleviate pain. Furthermore, they should meet several other requirements, including slip-resistant soles, ample toe space, and removable insoles that accommodate orthotics.
The Prague, a top choice for women’s plantar fasciitis shoes, features Kizik’s Rabbit Foam™ outsole for optimal bounceback and support. The shoe’s wide toe box and Flex Arc™ ensure a comfortable fit. With breathable knit materials and a supportive footbed, the Prague offers a comfortable shoe from every angle. Rubber traction pods on the sole ensure slip resistance. The removable insole is a bonus: it makes cleaning easy and allows for customization with orthotics.
The Roamer, our next pick, features seamless transitions in its design. With a unified material base connecting the heel and outsole, this shoe is both comfortable and stylish.
Experience a new level of comfort with the Roamer, a shoe that goes beyond the standard cushioned outsole. With a specially designed insole, your weight is supported and relieved as you move. This makes it the perfect choice for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, where pressure on the foot can be debilitating. Say goodbye to heel pain and hello to a shoe that lifts you up.
Next up, we have the Vegas, a shoe that effortlessly combines classic styling with modern quality. Made from full-grain leather with a contrast-colored outsole, it offers versatility that can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether in black, brown, white, gray, or pink, the Vegas is for those who want to take risks with style while enjoying the ultimate comfort of traction pods on the Rabbit Foam™ outsole.
Why choose slip-on shoes for plantar fasciitis? The answer is simple: ease and support. Traditional shoes can exacerbate plantar fasciitis pain, making the struggle of putting them on even more difficult. Kizik slip-on shoes are easily accessible and require minimal exertion. Plus, our removable insoles allow for additional space and support, making them the ultimate choice for your lifestyle needs.
At Kizik, accessibility and style are our top priorities. We believe in creating gorgeous footwear for people of all ages and abilities. To take a closer look at our complete range of Kizik shoes and accessories, visit our website. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to the ultimate comfort and style with Kizik.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic: Plantar Fasciitis - Symptoms and Causes
- AAOS: Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs
- PMC: The Arch Support Insoles Show Benefits to People with Flatfoot on Stance Time, Cadence, Plantar Pressure and Contact Area
