Plantar fasciitis is a serious foot condition that can affect the way you walk and run. However, it is manageable and you can continue your walking exercises as long as you have the right walking shoes. But how do you know which one is right for you?
Read on as I’ll be showing you some tips and important factors to consider on how to choose walking shoes for plantar fasciitis!
How to Choose Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Owning a good pair of walking shoes, like FootGearz, for plantar fasciitis offers a ton of benefits. However, you can’t get the support and comfort you need if you don’t own the right pair! It is advisable to make use of a source dedicated to shoes only. At shoeadviser.com you’ll find an extensive list of the best footwear specially designed to cover these medical conditions.
Before you select a pair of shoes, consider the following aspects:
1. Arch and Heel Support
The first thing to prioritize is the chosen shoe’s arch support, which alleviates the pain and symptoms of plantar fasciitis. With good arch support, it prevents any excessive pronation, maintains your feet’s natural position as you walk.
You’ll need to identify the type of arch you have and the shoe that suits best for it. For those with plantar fasciitis, you most likely need a shoe with better stability and motion control to keep your feet free from discomfort.
2. Extra Firmness
Those with plantar fasciitis require motion control shoes, which are extra rigid and a bit stiffer than neutral shoes. You will need the extra rigidity around your sole and cushioning, which will prevent too much impact on your heel, where plantar fasciitis pain is felt the most.
Besides this, it’s best to get shoes with a firmer heel counter, which is the shoe heel’s back part that surrounds your Achilles tendon. This minimizes any abnormal stretching of your plantar fascia, lessening any pain and inflammation on your heel and feet arch.
3. Softer Impact
Invest in walking shoes that give the least impact as your feet strike on hard surfaces. It should have better shock absorption and energy control, which depends on its soles and cushioning.
You may require shoes that have good insoles, gel cushioning, and/or removable sock liners to accommodate orthotics if your plantar fasciitis condition is severe. Do NOT choose shoes with flat insoles, as it doesn’t perform well in transitioning while walking.
4. How Much Cushioning?
Those with plantar fasciitis need to prioritize cushioning for their sensitive feet. As mentioned, gel cushioning is highly recommended for shock absorption.
While you may want the thickest cushioning, take note that the more cushioning, the heavier the shoe feels. This can impact your walks and tire your feet. Fortunately, some shoes are made with foam technologies, offering more cushioning that conforms to your feet well without it being too heavy.
5. Wide Toe Box and Good Fit
If you have plantar fasciitis, you may have flat or wider feet. Because of this, narrow or medium shoe lengths won’t work well for you, as it pinches your toes, causing pain and discomfort.
Select a walking shoe that offers a wider toe box and at the appropriate shoe size. Look into the brand and shoe model’s size charts, as some brands may not run the same standard sizes. You can also check reviews to see if you need to order a size higher or lower.
6. Breathability and Design
You’ll want our shoes to look amazing to show off as you walk, so select shoes that come in your desired style and design.
However, don’t forget the way your shoes are made! It should have the mesh upper and extra comfort to keep your feet cool. Keep breathability in mind to prevent overheating during intense walking sessions.
7. Your Budget
And lastly, consider how much you can spend on your chosen walking shoes. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on it, but avoid getting the cheapest, since you still get what you pay for.
Good walking shoes can range between $40 to $200, so set the reasonable budge based on what you can afford and only the essentials YOU need. You can also base your choice on trusted brands such as Nike, Saucony, Adidas, among many other reputable names in the sports industry.
Do you want to learn more about the importance of choosing the right walking shoes for plantar fasciitis? Check out this informative video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXzk7OdZ0Hs
Wrapping It Up
Selecting a pair of shoes to accommodate your plantar fasciitis doesn’t need to be difficult with the right knowledge. Hopefully, this article on how to choose walking shoes for plantar fasciitis helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and start following these tips to get a suitable pair for your walks.