Best summer shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

[MistyB]

I injured my knee last year and as a result of limping, I damaged my plantar fascia ligament in my right foot. Last year, I was in constant daily pain through the summer. This stopped in the Autumn when I started wearing better supporting shoes, I have lived in my Sorel snow boots all winter!!!

Now that it is sunny again, I am back in Birkenstocks, plimsoles and canvas trainers but I can feel the pain starting again.

Any long term suffers care to share their wisdom / experiences good and bad?

You need a small heel I believe.

I have it too, and have yet to find anything. I live in birkies, but even they hurt now.

You can get insoles that help I'm told. Try a schol shop or something.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

Fitflops are good for PF.

I tried fit flops but the pain was excruciating.

I lived in birkenstocks four 4 months after I first got PF, the trouble I had was finding a good winter alternative! I'd always go for a design without a toe post and with an ankle strap e.g. Bali, Pisa, Genua, Rio as I think this gives the foot the best opportunity to move naturally. I love the support of the shaped sole and found it difficult to go back to ordinary shoes when summer ended.

I was told not to wear Birkies when I had PF. I found my fitflops were easy to wear.

go to a Scholl shop to buy some half insoles, which have a lift at the instep which will support your foot, it may hurt a little more for a while, while your foot gets used to its new position and the support, try and wear them in as many shoes as you can, certainly in canvas trainers and the like, it may be enough that you can wear strappy sandals on certain occasions if the weather gets hot enough (please God) for occasions when you don't have to walk miles. This was enough to stop my PF really hurting over the summer. Avoid walking miles in flip flops, which I'm sure was what gave me it in the first place.

Thank you all!!

My mother has custom insoles, and also goes to a shop in London on wigmore street who sell trainers with custom made footbeds. In the summer she wears black mesh Nike trainers. They aren't gorgeous but she can walk without doing herself any more damage.

I can barely walk due to PF. The birkies I was wearing last year caused it because of the lack of cushioning

I'm now wearing Skechers Shape Ups and am saving up for a pair of MBTs.

Alegria shoes

Some of these are horrendous, but the maryjanes and flip flips have been a godsend. They're quite 'quirky'.

Those shoes are lovely mrscumberbatch

I feel stuck in ugly trainers. I can't wear skirts or anything summery. It's so annoying.

I don't even have plantar fasciitis, I just saw a pair of purple leopard print ones in the store and they have been hands down the comfiest most supportive shoes i've ever owned!

I get positive comments on them all of the time, and wear them 5 days a week for work and after a a year the soles are starting to crack....but I think that's pretty good for an everyday shoe.

Just realised that was the US website- here's the UK one as well

uk

Have to agree with everyone who said Birkenstocks horrendous for PF.

Bought some last time I had a bout a couple of years ago and they were way too hard - agonising - whereas my Fitflops were much more comfortable and supportive.

I can't find a decent uk website but PF Flyers also very comfy... looks a bit like converse only have much more padding in the footbed.

I tried on some Sketchers Go Walk last week. They were the most comfortable shoes I have ever tried.

I've found the Dr Foot half insoles good for plantar fasciitis -- easy to wash too (made of latex).

www.drfoot.co.uk (there are some exercises on the site too, including the classic keeping a rolling pin under your desk and rolling the sole of your foot on it - strangely addictive!)

No good for in sandals, unfortunately, however I highly recommend Hotter shoes (if you don't mind being the only customer under 90 in the shop). They have much better arch support than other ones, and last for ages.

Go see an orthopedist. You can probably even get a referral on the NHS given your condition. They can advise. I went to one, got orthotics, and not only is my plantar fasciitis cured, but my posture is greatly improved, too.

Bunbaker the Shape Ups are even more hardcore and your heel hardly touches the ground at all. You feel like you're walking on air

I bought some Ecco shoes a few weeks ago and I can't even wear them

Agreed. Skechers Go Walk are sooooooooooo comfy.

I don't have PF, just generally crap feet. You want to see a podiatrist (definitely not a physio!) and get orthotics. The best are custom made, but that's pretty £££ or you can get specialist off-the-rack orthotics. I have Vasyli ones.

There is very limited orthotic provision on the NHS, so chances are you will have to pay. If you an find a way to afford it, it's definitely worth it.

I'm a fan of Skechers, Merrells and Rockport shoes. I have also worn several pairs of Birkenstock to death.

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions.

Hi...I've had recurring PF for quite a few years and I find Skechers trainers & sandals....the proper walking type...and Flyflots very good - they give good arch support and cushioned heel.
Pavers have a good selection,