Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Initially thought to be a temporary inflammation, Plantar Fasciitis is now classified as a chronic condition. The possible causes include consistent high-intensity activities, aging, obesity, supinating, and hard flooring.
Regardless of the reason, what ends up happening is that the fibrous connective tissues in your soles become compromised. This is a problem because those connective tissues act as a stabilizer and shock-absorber as you move around.
Hence, you will likely start experiencing subsiding heels pain, especially in the mornings or after long periods of rest.
As you can imagine, the type of shoes you wear can make a huge difference. Although they can’t cure the condition, waterproof running shoes with ample cushioning and arch support can prevent further complications while minimizing your pain.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
Also read: Best Cushioned Shoes For Walking and Running 2022
Plantar Fasciitis Shoes Buying Guide
Choosing the right shoes can help you alleviate some of the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis. Essentially, you want to make sure that your shoes give you good arch support and plenty of cushioning.
Keep in mind that you need to get proper treatment for Plantar Fasciitis, which could take around ten months. In the meantime, the shoes you wear can help soothe your pain and prevent any further complications.
Here are some of the main characteristics of those waterproof running shoes that are Plantar-Fasciitis-friendly.
Metatomical Insoles
When you have Plantar Fasciitis, your shoes need to fit you just right. There is absolutely no room for error.
For instance, if there is space between your foot arch and the arch of the shoe, you won’t have support where you need it most. Similarly, if your shoes are too tight, they may end up exerting even more pressure on your vulnerable spots.
But with metatonical insoles, the shoes mold perfectly to the shape of your soles. At the same time, memory foam cushioning can also give you a more customized fit.
At the same time, you also need to check how the shoe fits with fastened laces and socks. Your main goal is to cocoon your feet as snugly as possible without them being too tight.
Removable Shoe Insert
Many people resort to removable shoe inserts or foot orthotics to help treat Plantar Fasciitis. As the name suggests, these are special insoles that you can purchase separately.
Some orthotics have more cushioning, while others have an exaggerated arch. Based on these characteristics, orthotics can help treat foot and joint pains from a variety of things, including arthritis, injuries, and inconsistency between leg lengths.
You can typically get over-the-counter orthotics. However, the best thing to do is to go to a doctor. Doctors can give you the required prescription for getting custom orthotics, which are much more effective than store-bought ones.
Ample Cushioning
Plantar Fasciitis essentially compromises your feet’s natural cushioning system. With nothing to break the impact as your feet strike the ground, the force of the impact radiates through your entire body.
Shockingly, your ankles, knees, back, and neck can also start to hurt as your body directly absorbs most of that impact.
As such, you will need shoes that have a fair amount of cushioning, especially in the forefoot and heels. Moreover, the cushioning material should be firm but flexible.
Good Arch Support
People with flat feet are more likely to suffer from Plantar Fasciitis.
Think about it: if you have flat feet, it means your connective tissues aren’t as elastic as they are otherwise. Consequently, they can’t act as a spring to cushion the impact of running or walking.
For this reason, you need a lot of support under that flat arch. Typically, a well-cushioned, high-arched insole will do the job.
Top 5 Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Here are the top five shoes that are suitable for people with Plantar Fasciitis.
New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v11
New Balance is notorious for its ultra-cushioned and stabilizing running footwear. The Fresh Foam 880 v11 is a prime example, featuring New Balance’s trademark Fresh Foam cushioning technology.
The dual-layer midsole consists of two separate foam layers; the top-bed foam cushioning helps the shoe mold to the shape of your feet, while the underfoot Fresh Foam provides the crux of the support.
Moreover, the molded heel counter helps secure your heels in place and supports the Achilles tendon. Coupled with the engineered knit upper, the Fresh Foam 880 is well-fitting and hence highly supportive.
Pros
- Reflective details along the shoes make you more visible during night runs
- Minimum break-in period required
Cons
- The materials aren’t too breathable in the warm weather
Hoka One One Clifton 8
The Hoka One One Clifton 8 is a revered name in the running footwear community. One look at their voluptuous profile, and you’ll know these waterproof running shoes are going to be extremely supportive.
With heavy-duty cushioning distributed throughout the shoe, these shoes are highly stabilizing. With full sole contact with the ground, the shoes will stabilize your gait. For people with flat feet, these stabilizing shoes will prevent you from supinating (or rolling your feet outwards).
Built for neutral runners, the Clifton 8 is suitable for a variety of foot shapes. Whether you have flat or neutral feet, these shoes will offer you ample arch support. If you have a particularly high arch, however, you might be better off with a removable insole.
Pros
- Extremely durable and long-lasting.
- Breathable mesh upper prevents sweat buildup
- Clifton 8 is approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
Cons
- The shoes aren’t lightweight because of their thick tongue, ample cushioning, and hefty upper.
- Not suitable for people with high foot arches
Brooks Levitate 4
True to its name, the Brooks Levitate 4 makes you feel like you’re walking on air. These waterproof running shoes are notoriously springy, functioning as a good alternative to damaged Fascias.
The Brooks Levitate 4 are bottom-heavy, meaning that they carry most of their weight in the midsoles and outsoles. Of course, this attests to their high levels of plush cushioning.
Not only that, but the Brooks Levitate comes with a wide and stable foundation. This helps correct supination, which is the motion of your feet rolling outwards as you walk or run. By correcting supination, the shoes help prevent any excessive strain on your heels and alleviate the pain from Plantar Fasciitis.
Pros
- Suitable for a wide range of activities, including training, marathons, long runs, trekking, and hiking, etc.
- They have a removable insole which you can easily replace with a customized orthotic.
Cons
- Their weight is a bit noticeable, especially during long runs.
- Unreliable traction on wet surfaces
OrthoFeet Coral Stretch Knit Running Shoes
Plantar Fasciitis is such a common ailment that some shoes are specifically built to address the discomfort from this painful condition. The OrthoFeet Coral Stretch Knit is the finest specimen of this type of footwear.
Multiple features are specifically designed to address the symptoms of a damaged Fascia, such as the anatomical arch support, ergonomic fit, wide toe box, padded interior, and reinforced heel cushioning.
Most notably, however, the midsole features OrthoFeet’s trademark Easy gait Ortho-Cushioning system. Apart from acting as a shock-absorber, this highly-cushioned midsole also offers great energy feedback, giving you that extra boost with each step.
Pros
- The antimicrobial lining keeps your feet healthy in more than just one way
- Custom-built orthotic insoles can replace the original removable insoles
Cons
- Soles tend to wear out prematurely
- The traction factor decreases over time
Loom Waterproof Running Shoes
Loom waterproof running shoes are an avant-garde brand of footwear when it comes to waterproof running shoes. These all-rounder running shoes are perfect for doing a wide range of activities while minimizing the pain and other symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis.
The star of the show is the Merino-wool-lined interior and midsole, which offers an incredibly soft and comfortable fit. The midsole cushioning system minimizes foot pressure regardless of the terrain— be it rock-hard pavement or loose, uneven mountain trails.
What’s more, the four-way stretch Merino wool interior ensures a unique fit for every wearer. The interior and the midsole are able to mold to the unique contours of your feet. As such, your feet will remain stable and secure.
Pros
- The shoe inner is fully lined with anti-bacterial and odor-fighting materials
- Merino wool lined cushioning is extremely soft
- These waterproof running shoes are 100% resistant to water and moisture while still being breathable.
Con
- Not many color choices
Conclusion
Plantar Fasciitis can be incredibly painful. With so much of your weight being carried by your heels, your joints, muscles, and connective tissues can become compromised.
The proper treatment for Plantar Fasciitis includes a minimum of 10 weeks of physiotherapy. But in the meantime, as you recover, you can minimize the excruciating pain by wearing the right waterproof running shoes.
Keep in mind that arch support, ample cushioning, and removable insoles are the key to taking the burden off your heels and stabilizing your feet.
With the right footwear, your road to recovery will be over before you know it!
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