What Are the Best Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common problem affecting many different individuals ranging from athletes involved in high level sports to those that exercise purely for recreation. Patient’s being treated for this pathology commonly complain of pain at the base of the heel or in the arch of the foot that becomes worse with walking or running. The source of this pain is due to an inflammation or microtearing of the deep soft tissue of the arch of the foot.

This tissue called the plantar fascia stretches from the base of the heel to the base of the big toe. The inflammation of the plantar fascia is usually the result of either the improper support of a highly arched rigid foot type or due to the loss of the arch and excessive motion at the foot seen in an individual that has what is considered flat feet.

For the person with a high arch, pain is caused by constant loading of the arch and pulling on the plantar fascia. Those with high arches typically will have what is called calcaneal varus or an inward angled heel. This can also contribute to plantar fasciitis pain.

For this foot type the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis are those that provide a cushioned arch support with a curved or semi curved last. This means that when you look at the bottom of the sneaker much of the bottom around the arch will be cut out. There will usually be a thicker more dense type of foam at the instep of the heel.

In addition to the proper sneaker shape those with a high arch may benefit from a cushioned foam arch support. I recommend the spenco arch supports as they have been very effective in helping to alleviate plantar fasciitis pain.

For those that suffer from plantar fasciitis pain due to a flat foot the problem is that the fibers of soft tissue of the plantar fascia have lost their integrity and ability to manintain the arch of the foot thereby giving the appearance that the foot is flat. This individual is said to be flat footed. With this foot type the heel is typically in an angled out position also called calcaneal valgus. The foot is usually in a pronated or toe out position.

These factors all put a strain and pull on the plantar fascia and result in inflammation and pain. The best sneakers for plantar fasciitis for a person with this foot type are those that have a straight shoe last shape. When looking at the bottom of the shoe it will appear that the sole of the sneaker is one continuous piece with no cut outs at the arch. These are also called motion control or stability type sneakers.

In the case of plantar fasciitis caused by a flat foot position a hard rigid arch support may be indicated to help mechanically form and support the arch of the foot.  An over the counter rigid arch support may be enough. If not a custom molded orthotic from a podiatrist or physical therapist may be necessary.

In both foot types care should be given to stretch the calf muscle to increase flexiblity of the achilles tendon. In addition deep massage of the plantar fascia using a golf ball as well as the application of ice is helpful in reducing inflammation.

When choosing the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis it is important to first determine if you have a high arch or a flat foot. If you have a high arch you need a sneaker with a curved or semi curved last. If you choose to use an arch support insert it should be cushioned dense foam. If you have a flat foot type you need a sneaker with a straight last with a more rigid hard arch support insert. Here are some sneakers that I recommend for each foot type below. Click on the images for more information.

Best Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis For Men With A High Arch. Click the images for more information.

Best Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis for Men with Flat Feet. Click the images for more information.

Best Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis for Women with a  High Arch. Click the images for more information

Best Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis For Women with Flat feet. Click the images for more information.

I also reccomend these items for plantar fasciitis. Click the images for more information.

To get a free exercise program to treat plantar fasciitis sent by email from a physical therapist become a registered user of NewsMicks by logging in with your email in the upper right of this page!

<