Top Closed Toe Women’s Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
Our favorite closed toe sandal for women is Verona. It has been a best seller for several years and customers swear by its ability to eliminate plantar fasciitis pain as well as its comfort and quality. It is a versatile style that can be worn on a 3-mile walk, the beach, or a trip to the grocery store.
It features a state-of-the-art orthotic system to reduce a significant amount of tension on the fascia. The multi-layered soles with air pocket technology provide extra cushioning, reducing pain when standing and walking. The minimal heel to toe drop design ensures correct biomechanical movement dispersing pressure from heel strike to the toe lift, making every step easier. The orthotic is even removable for those that need to replace it with a custom one.
Verona is super comfortable with an open back, ventilated design, and partial fabric upper. A quick lace bungee cord allows you to adjust the fit according to your instep and the heel strap fully opens to easily slide your foot in.
Your feet will benefit from the wide toe box, extra depth and available wide widths, providing ample space for toe movement and a pressure free fit.
Best Overall: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Why We Like Them: Highly regarded by both our experts, Birkenstocks have a contoured footbed that delivers arch support and a heel cup, durable straps to cover the whole forefoot, and a timeless design that’ll last you years.
It’s Worth Noting: The design lacks a heel or ankle strap, which our experts recommend.
Birkenstock was the only brand recommended by both of the podiatrists we consulted, with Dr. Parthasarathy adding that she pretty much lives in Birks for the summer.
These shoes hit every feature on both expert’s must-have list: For starters, they’re supportive and shock-absorbing, Dr. Parthasarathy points out. The contoured footbed provides arch support, and the heel cup will mold to your foot’s shape over time. The straps cover the entire forefoot to prevent your tendons from straining with every step, and the straps are leather, which Dr. Levine loves for its durability. Birkenstock’s regular sizing is wide enough for most feet, and they have the option for a narrower fit.
Style-wise, Birks tend to go with everything. Although they don’t have the bonus of an ankle strap, which Dr. Parthasarathy recommends, the slide design means they’re easy to pop on as you run out of the house but still more supportive than flip-flops.
These sandals aren’t cheap, but most Birkenstocks last for years, so they are a very sound investment for your foot health for many seasons to come.
What Else We Tested
What else we recommend
Naot Aura Rivotra: Part bootie, part dress shoe, these boots offer solid arch support in a true-to-size, well-fashioned style. It has a cushioned heel, but this may not be cushioned enough for a full-blown PF flare-up. In my experience, they are excellent for day-to-day living with PF.
Vionic Shawna Bootie: This trendy bootie was a cross between the casual sneaker and boot category, leaving it as a middle ground that didn’t have a home in this guide. But it deserves some serious love anyway: Sitting at a slight angle, the slightly lower arch support might be better for people with a flatter foot. It’s also certainly the most stylish shoe we tested, with serious daily wearability that can be dressed up or down.
Hoka Cliftons or Hoka Bondi 7: Hoka’s running shoes have long been recommended by foot specialists for PF heel pain relief. Originally meant for long distance runners, the brand focuses on shoes that provide support without sacrificing the feel of the shoe they are like walking on a cloud. There are multiple inches of cushion before your foot is anywhere near the ground. They also have memory foam meant to accommodate a narrower heel and they cradle the Achilles, which can sometimes get sore with PF.
Hoka Toa GoreTex Hiking Boots: We tested in the winter, so hiking boot trials are forthcoming. But we did initially love this HOKA hiking boot and look forward to testing others to compare to later.
What we don’t recommend
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What Happens If You Leave Plantar Fasciitis Untreated
Treating plantar fasciitis can be done at home and you should definitely be taking preventative measures to make sure it doesnt reoccur.
If you dont change your shoes, limit your high-impact activity, and take other precautions, theres a chance of the plantar fascia tearing or rupturing. This can also cause your arch to collapse, which can alter your gait and lead to pain and injury.
Remember, its a tendon and wont just heal by itself! While it may take some time and effort to get it back to a state of feeling good and being well-supported, youll need to make the effort to treat it and take measures to prevent reoccurrence.
Best Dressy Sandal: Abeo Britta Sandal
Fashionable and supportive shoes are hard to come by these days, but the ABEO Britta Sandal ticks both of those boxes.
“They have a more dressy look while still providing arch support, slip-resistant soles and an ankle strap to keep the shoe in place on the foot,” Dr. Kuizinas says.
This pair features a neutral footbed to accommodate most foot types, and the lightweight EVA midsole is made of memory foam. This allows the shoe to conform to the shape of your foot and equally distribute pressure.
You know you’re in good hands with this shoe because it has been approved by the APMA for supporting good foot health.
âBuy it:â ABEOFootwear.com âPrice:â $129.95
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Extra Rigidity In The Sole And Cushioning In The Midfoot
When it comes to choosing shoes, Dr. Nelya Lobkova, DPM, says someone who has plantar fasciitis needs extra rigidity in the sole and cushioning of the midfoot to prevent impact on the heel, where there is pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
A shoe that has a thick midsole or rocker bottom is an ideal shoe for someone with this condition, she says.
What Special Features Do Plantar Fasciitis Sandals Need To Have
Helping the plantar fascia function, a band of tissue that connects the toes and heel, is key to maintaining a healthy foot and treating plantar fasciitis. Repetitive stress, excess body weight and shoes without support can increase tension on the fascia, cause it to overstretch, tear and become inflamed. Sandals for plantar fasciitis are designed to support the arch, absorb shock forces, and distribute pressure evenly to minimize pain and discomfort.
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Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
Maybe the shoes on this list are pricier than what youd find in the bargain bin at your local big-box store. But a supportive and durable sandal is well worth the expense.
Summer is rough on feet, and if you have plantar fasciitis, the last thing you should skimp on is proper footwear.
Besides wearing the right shoes, consider addressing your plantar fasciitis with the at-home treatment routine I recommend to my patients. You can also help treat plantar fasciitis pain at home with a deluxe foot and calf massager.
Best Breathable Design: Oofos Oolala Luxe Sandal
OOFOS
The OOFOS Luxe Sandal is an easy, slip-on shoe thats ideal for walking and everyday wear, which is why we selected it as our top pick. Made with the brands signature foam technology and footbed, the shoe absorbs 37 percent more impact than other footwear options and reduces stress on the knees, ankles, and joints. This sandal stands out from others on our list because its machine washable and features a closed-cell design. This means that the foam has no openings to minimize odor, moisture, and bacteria.
From magenta to aqua blue, the shoe comes in seven fun colors. Its also available in seven sizes, between 5 and 11. And if youre unsure of the fit, you can try the pair for 30 days and return it if youre not satisfied with your purchase.
Material: Foam | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: None
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Propet Mens Vero Sandal
These sandals come from a well-known company in the world of walking shoes. Theyre another one of our best walking sandals for plantar fasciitis due to all the support they offer.
Theyre fully adjustable on top, where they feature two velcro straps, which have a hook-and-loop closure system for keeping your feet secure in the sandals. Theres also a raised heel supported by an ergonomically designed rubber outsole to fit your foot with ease.
The top portion is made from 100 percent nubuck leather with a soft neoprene lining. Microfiber lines the EVA insole, further adding to the comfort of these sandals.
If you struggle to find shoes to fit the width of your foot, there are regular, wide and extra-wide sizes available, running from an 8 to a 15.5.
Do you suffer from swollen feet? If so, I recommend sizing up, so you have enough space to account for that.
Pros
How To Find The Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
Its not impossible, says Jacqueline Sutera, D.P.M., a podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City. People with plantar fasciitis should look for sandals that have a thicker and more cushioned sole. The sandal should also have arch support and some flexibility in the midsole, she explains. Sandals with a slightly higher heel that tapers down in the forefoot are also a good option. This slightly shifts weight away from the painful heel areas, says Dr. Sutera. Some sandals even have a deep heel cup and straps, which can help keep the natural heel pad in place and keep the foot in a more neutral position to reduce pronation as you walk.
Keep this checklist handy when shopping for sandals if you have plantar fasciitis:
- Contoured footbed to support the natural curves of your feet
- Deep heel cup to cradle your foot
- Firm, flexible midsole to match your gait
- Cushioning in the forefoot and arches
- Adjustable straps and soft, breathable uppers
- Water-resistant material if you plan to wear it to the beach or pool
Ready to find your new favorite pair? Ahead, the best sandals for plantar fasciitis that are both stylish and supportive:
Perfect for brides or bridesmaids , these block heels prevent you from sinking into grass during garden ceremonies and give you solid support all day long. Theyre designed with Naturalizers signature contoured, cushioned footbed and have a synthetic lining for extra comfortas much as you can get with a heel, anyway.
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Best For Summer Travels: Teva Verra
Why We Like Them: With arch support, added shock absorption in the heel, and quick-dry material on its many straps, this shoe properly supports your feet whether you’re hiking, in the water, or on other long summer adventures.
It’s Worth Noting: The rugged design isn’t ideal if you need comfortable summer sandals to take you from day-to-night on your next getaway.
Summer adventures mean hiking, river soaks, and long treks to find a cold beverage. That means you need a shoe that can handle a lot of different terrains, different weather patterns, and long miles.Teva is one of the original adventure shoe companies, and its Verra is a single bullet to take on every adventure.
The podiatrist-approved EVA foam midsole is contoured to provide high arch support and has a specific shock-absorbing pad in the heel. The outsole has good, reliable traction to handle different types of terrain, from asphalt streets to rocky mountain sides.
We also love these Tevas because of their straps: Not only do we have straps from every angle, including cupping the heel and ankle, so your foot is better kept in place with every stride, but the straps are also quick-dry and breathable, so it won’t give you blisters if you have to tromp through a river or get your feet wet in the ocean. They’re also made from recycled materials and infused with Microban® zinc-based protection, which prevents the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Chaco Mens Flip Ecotread Sandal
The Chaco is a lightweight, low profile sandal that is pretty good across the board. Its a straightforward and reasonably priced option. And its a great pair of sandals for plantar fasciitis.
If you look at its construction, it ticks all the boxes in terms of things youre looking for. Its midsole is a LUVSEAT Care+ EVA midsole which provides a nice bit of cushioning and support for your feet. The rubber soles offer additional support as you walk as they have 2mm lugs within them, ensuring that you dont lose your feet whilst walking in the wet. And the contours in the footbed provides further support to your feet as you walk.
Those looking for good arch support in their sandals shouldnt fret either. The Chaco has good arch support for those of you who need it.
Pros
- Rubber lugs for non-slip support
Cons
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Do Birkenstock Sandals Have Arch Support
Its got four arches built into the footbed its got a metatarsal arch, medial arch, the lateral arch, and a transverse arch. The medial arch support is to keep you from overpronating or supinating.
Probably, you may know that excessive pronation causes plantar fasciitis, plantar fibroma, heel spur, and other foot problems. These Birkenstock Arizona sandals are so comfortable and provided excellent arch support. No doubt, it is one of the healthiest footwear that you can put on your feet.
What To Look For In Good Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
What makes a comfortable, supportive PF-friendly shoe? Our experts say the below factors are crucial to alleviating your pain and helping the tendon find relief in the long term. Any shoe, whether it be a sandal, boot, or sneaker, should:
- Fit correctly left to right and front to back, meaning your heel and toe aren’t rubbing against the ends of the shoes, and your foot has enough wiggle room on each side of the shoe, but it isn’t too wide if you have a narrow foot.
- Have orthotic inserts or the ability to remove their foot pad and add your own insert. Inserts help with cushioning and shock absorption to avoid heel pain.
- Have solid heel and arch support. Dr. Summer Bochat, DPM at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists says that you should be able to literally feel the arch in the shoe. If you have high arches, you’ll want more arch support than someone with flat feet. This helps support the ligament causing the issue so it’s not getting too much strain on the heel.
- Be hard to bend. This denotes that the shoe has good heel and arch support, as you want to avoid flimsy and thin shoes such as flip flops without any structure
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What To Avoid In A Shoe If You Have Plantar Fasciitis
As far as what you should avoid, Lobkova says the most important shoe to avoid is a minimalist shoe, such as the Vibram FiveFingers.
There is minimal stability in the sole, no cushioning under the heel, and maximum stress on the heel bone, she says. All of these factors could exacerbate preexisting plantar fasciitis.
However, its important to keep in mind that minimalist shoes may work for some people. Work with your doctor to figure out the best style of shoe for your feet.
No matter the type, any shoe that causes uncomfortable pressure points or makes your feet hurt should be swapped for something more comfortable.
Vionic Womens Rest Bella Toe Post Orthotic Sandal
Vionic orthotic sandals have many health benefits and that has made them popular with many people.
If you are looking for the best Vionic sandals for plantar fasciitis, you can get the Rest Bella Toe Post Orthotic flip flops.
Here are some of their benefits:
Paneled sole is anti-slip
The paneled design of the soles is anti-slip, so you can wear them in wet weather without trouble. However, the toe post design, it might irritate the delicate space between your toes, because of the water.
If you have been asking: What sandals do podiatrists recommend? These would be probably one of the top choices. They come with the highest recognition as they have APMA Seal of Acceptance.
Encourages your natural walking posture
When you have an inflamed band of tissue on your foot, you tend to land and roll your feet on the areas that are less painful. Unfortunately, this does not encourage faster recovery from plantar fasciitis. Rather, it makes it worse.
These Vionic sandals encourage your feet to roll naturally because they adapt fast to your walking gait and stride. This enhances recovery and with time, it lessens the pain associated with the tenderness from the inflamed tissue.
A sandal for every outfit
These walking sandals for plantar fasciitis come in a wide variety of colors. Women love to match their footwear with different outfits, so it always helps to have more variety.
They reduce plantar fascia pain
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Why Should I Buy A Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis Men
You can tell if you need or want a best sandals for plantar fasciitis men by looking at your existing inventory. You probably dont need it and should reconsider buying it. If you can’t bear to go with the old one, you could always sell it and put the money toward the purchase of a replacement.Finishing your project in this manner is a lot of fun and simple to do.
