Plantar fasciitis and summer shoes!

[Krumbum]

I have bad pain from it so usually wear the inner soles from my podiatrist in shoes. But I'd really like some sandals for in the heat. I've read good things about fitflops, is this because the sole is shaped like supportive inner soles? I don't want to make the pain worse. They are hugely expensive though. Does anyone know of cheaper summer sandals or shoes that are good for ppl with plantar fasciitis? I've seen some reebok fitflops that look ok, anyone tried those?
Thanks

Birkinstocks are very good for foot support - but they are not cheap...they are my summer staple...

Birkenstocks are good but not as good as proper shoes with insoles. I am not convinced fit flops are any good and they are fugly.

I have had a significant number of patients with plantar fasciitis who have worn fitflops with good results. Most actually wear them even as sort of slippers and then any other sandal with reasonable arch support for out and about.

I find Birkenstocks the worst thing I own for my plantar f problems. I am fine if I wear runnning trainers with the correct sort of insoles but can hardly walk after a day in Birkenstocks.

I am very interested to hear other options. I can't wear toe post sandals either [awkward emoticon]

fitflops are worth every penny for plantar fasciitis
I can walk miles in mine.

I agree they aren't gorgeous .

I also find M&S footglove comfortable , nice cushioned insole.

Rocket what do you think about Birkenstocks?

I tried a pair of fit flops but felt a bit achy is it worth having another go? I am desperate

I go for birkenstocks or a sandal with a strap at the back to stop me 'clawing' my toes.

as ever, I agree with the lovely ggirl.

Fitflops - people with PF rave about them on their Facebook page.

I've found some fit flops on eBay, as you all say they are the best! I wear either a 7 or an 8 do they come up big, small? Not sure which to order.

fit flops are your friend if you have pf - although they are ugly. They come up big.

I wore them, as rocket says, as slippers around the house for a year (winter and summer - I was cold but comfortable!). My advice is NEVER GO BAREFOOT. Always have something with good support/padding on your feet. When you are a bit better, then Havianias flip flops are good quality and well padded.

I would go for the 7 deffo

birkenstocks 'relax' i have them in about 4 colours

fitflops for bliss. i have the white and yellow ones and have had them 4 yrs, they clean up so easily.

i just picked up the black sequin one's on ebay for £26, brand new. they are 45 new in shops, or more.

do you have a high instep, i think they say go up if you do.

oh and the Birki's i suggested help alot with the arch.

Ok, I am now the proud owner of some fugly fitflops purchased from tk max!

I had (have, it comes back if I wear the wrong shoes, especially if I am pg) PF, I have tried all-sorts, Birki's killed my feet, fit-flops are good and so are Ecco's.

Ecco are not always the prettiest but when I was pg it was that or pain. Mind you some of the Ecco's are not bad and I've spent all day out and about in them, with the added weight of my DS in the sling too, so I've found them pretty good.

Gabour are also comfortable...you have to pick carefully with those too. Uggs/Uggs style in the winter kill my feet, something to do with them being too flat so ditto for cheap ballet pumps.

Fitflops all the way!! Have chronic PF and they've been my saviour for the last 3 years (summer and winter).

Fitflops vote here too!

thank you to every one on this thread who recommended fitflops they are amazing! my pain has reduced dramatically.

I found the American brand Keen really really helped. But wanted to add... Get ahold of the recommended exercises and DO THEM. I did them in the mornings before getting out of bed and can honestly say that within a week I could tell a big difference. When I went back to the physio he just laughed and said that he wished his other patients would do the same... They really do work.

What exercises did you do? I do simple calf stretches which do seem to help?

Well it was a few years ago but I seem to remember most useful was alternating holding a toe point stretch and flex exercise. Done slowly and held for quite awhile. I got the exercises from an NHS physio so I assume it would be standard stuff.

Fitflops all the way! Like you, I have chronic PF and they are soooooo comfortable. I have 2 pairs of sandals (not toepost), 4 pairs of boots, 2 pairs of trainers and their leather clogs. I need a 'normal' life after months of pain.

I hear the Avon version of fit flops are very good.

Agree fitflops are so comfy, got a pair from soletrader with big glassy beads for £32 last week.
but when I had pf, the advice from chiropodist was Ibroprufen for 2 weeks and ice pack twice a day for 10 minutes each time.