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Plantar Fasciitis sufferers where do you buy shoes?

46 replies

SuperGinger · 01/10/2026 18:43

Shoes for plantar fasciitis sufferers that aren't trainers or very ugly. I've looked at Sole Bliss Vionics, etc and feel a bit miserable about what is on offer.

OP posts:
Footloose88 · 01/10/2026 23:55

BCBird · 01/10/2026 23:37

Have you got a special insole for your shoes?

Podiatrist here, and that was going to be my question.
Has the condition been diagnosed by a Podiatrist or are you just assuming that's what it is ? Several conditions can mimic Plantar Fasciitis.
If you want effective treatment you need an accurate diagnosis !

Utterlyexhausted · Yesterday 03:02

Specialist insoles, Oofos shoes/flipflops recommended by my specialist foot doctor, Hokas and Hrt if you're of that age.

I was going to post exactly this! 100% recommend both brands.

TwentyDunhill · Yesterday 03:14

Agreed! My son has had terrible PF since he was tiny. Definitely go to get some insoles prescribed. We had him in sketchers as they were most comfortable and got told they were one of the worst because they were too bendy.

SnowFrogJelly · Yesterday 04:04

I really think trainers are best.. try ASICS

prettydesertflower · Yesterday 07:11

I got high arch silicone insoles to support my arches and all my foot pain is gone. They are quite high so take getting used to but were less than a tenner if I remember correctly. I have quite a shoe collection and did not want to replace them all. They are similar to PRO 11 WELLBEING Silicone Foot Wedge Arch Support on Amazon but you can shop around. As long as they are silicone and have a high instep, it’ll do the sane thing.

SuperGinger · Yesterday 16:48

Footloose88 · 01/10/2026 23:55

Podiatrist here, and that was going to be my question.
Has the condition been diagnosed by a Podiatrist or are you just assuming that's what it is ? Several conditions can mimic Plantar Fasciitis.
If you want effective treatment you need an accurate diagnosis !

I'm waiting to see a podiatrist, I'm with Bupa

OP posts:
Footloose88 · Yesterday 16:49

SuperGinger · Yesterday 16:48

I'm waiting to see a podiatrist, I'm with Bupa

That's good.

familyissues12345 · Yesterday 16:55

Here for the replies! Suffering really badly with my PF at the moment, triggered by a pair of sketcher sandals I wore a couple of months ago that I thought would be absolutely fine.

I find new balance quite good, and really important not to walk bare foot at home

Maddy70 · Yesterday 18:19

Get high instep insoles then you can wear anything really

Footloose88 · Yesterday 18:49

Utterlyexhausted · Yesterday 03:02

Specialist insoles, Oofos shoes/flipflops recommended by my specialist foot doctor, Hokas and Hrt if you're of that age.

I was going to post exactly this! 100% recommend both brands.

What is a "specialist foot doctor" ?
Is that what you call a Podiatrist, because we are not 'doctors' ?

Cantonet · Yesterday 18:53

A podiatrist with specialised training in foot injuries and surgery.

Autumnallaround · Yesterday 19:00

Hi OP

I've been seeing a consultant for this. (private). Only because we couldn't establish if it was a trapped nerve or PF so I needed an MRI. It showed a ton of inflammation and a new bone spur.

The thing that has helped me more than anything is a spiky ball. I put all my weight into the sore points very morning and evening and I get far less 'start up pain'. I don't have pain during the day.

I cant recommend the spiky ball enough. Cheapo from amazon.

Netcurtainnelly · Yesterday 19:12

Footloose88 · 01/10/2026 23:55

Podiatrist here, and that was going to be my question.
Has the condition been diagnosed by a Podiatrist or are you just assuming that's what it is ? Several conditions can mimic Plantar Fasciitis.
If you want effective treatment you need an accurate diagnosis !

PF sufferer here. My podiatrist made my insoles but they didn't help at all
Waste of money. Nothing do. I explored lots of options

In the end a pair of cheap crocs helped massively. It hardly bothers me these days.

Funny how podiatrists only mention the expensive things and the things that keep them in business
If my podiatrist have told me to buy a pair of crocs at the start , I would have saved alot of money.

Ethosuximibe · Yesterday 19:35

Mine has pretty much healed now but I wear insoles recommended by the podiatrist (from Amazon) and they work with most shoes. I wear Oofos as slippers, I work from home so this is most of the time, am on my 4th pair now and I love them!

I was worried about summer as I can’t wear thin soled sandals but my Teva Midforms have been super comfy and I’ve just put them away after their 3rd summer.

Footloose88 · Today 08:06

Cantonet · Yesterday 18:53

A podiatrist with specialised training in foot injuries and surgery.

Do you mean a "Podiatric Surgeon"?
There is no such practitioner as a "Foot Doctor" in UK.

TheGirlOnTheLanding · Today 08:31

For those recommending Fitflops, what’s the width like for Fitflop trainers? I also have PF but also a bunion and wide feet (lovely!). I’m reluctant to spend £120 if they’re too narrow for me and can’t find anywhere local to try them on. I wear Birkenstocks in the house but need outdoor shoes for winter.

Footloose88 · Today 08:33

Netcurtainnelly · Yesterday 19:12

PF sufferer here. My podiatrist made my insoles but they didn't help at all
Waste of money. Nothing do. I explored lots of options

In the end a pair of cheap crocs helped massively. It hardly bothers me these days.

Funny how podiatrists only mention the expensive things and the things that keep them in business
If my podiatrist have told me to buy a pair of crocs at the start , I would have saved alot of money.

"Funny how podiatrists only mention the expensive things and the things that keep them in business"
Derogatory comments like that tells me that you don't understand the purpose and scope of insoles/orthotics. They are not magic items that cure a foot problem overnight.
They require a period of adjustment by the wearer, who must follow the advice give in the instruction leaflet that is given out with them. They may need adjustment after a certain period of wear.
In addition there must be a choice of footwear that helps the product work most effectively. Podiatrists recommend shoes for use with orthotics that have removable factory insoles, deep heel cups, and rigid heel counters.
Did you go back and request an adjustment to your products and raise any concerns.?
If you didn't feel they were helping and you chose not to go back than that's on you.
You seem to be accusing the Podiatrist of "sharp practice " before you have explored all options.
If you do feel that the Podiatrist has behaved unethically then all Registered Podiatrists are Members of a Professional Body such as the College of Podiatry which you can notify. Not only that, they are governed by the Health & Care Professions Council which investigates complaints against Members.
You can check their Register here - https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/
No-one can call themselves a "Chiropodist" or "Podiatrist" unless they are Registered with that body.
The Sale of Goods Act 1979 covers all items bought in the UK. It states that items must be suitable for the purpose for which they are bought. If anyone feels they have been subject to misrepresentation, then they can invoke their Rights under that Act and request a refund of any monies paid.

Check the Register and find a registered health and care professional

Online Register to find a paramedic, chiropodist, podiatrist, physiotherapist, psychologist, occupational therapist, dietitian

https://www.hcpc-uk.org/check-the-register/

Enko · Today 08:50

I wear a mixture of

Allegria shoes - becoming almost impossible to get in the UK now Cheerful sole has gone and legend no longer stock

Birkenstock

Fitflops

Oofos

And cross

I am not allowed to wear trainers at work and also I dislike trainers intently. They overheat my feet so badly I feel like my feet are.boiling. due to this I also can't wear boots.

I have just bought a pair of flat birkenstock mary janes and I am considering the fitflop Mary Jane too.

I do have an insert and it works in some shoes but I found the Allegria was what worked best for me. It has the support build in.

I have Vionics I use for when I need dinner/cocktail type wear they are fine for 1 event but not more than that.

I have been to a podiatrist for this so I know the diagnosis and have struggled for many years. Once I got the Allegria I found it finally began to heal

Cantonet · Today 09:15

@Footloose88 why are you questioning me?
He calls himself the foot doctor but doesn't claim to be a doctor. He's really very good and is an excellent communicator. Cured my PF/foot injury with pretty aggressive shockwave that i'd had a year after taking on a wild rescue spaniel. He was a breath of fresh air after the useless guy I went to for months.
If any of you are thinking about a specialist insole ask the podiatrist to tape up your foot first. If that helps then the insole will help too.

Footloose88 · Today 10:29

Cantonet · Today 09:15

@Footloose88 why are you questioning me?
He calls himself the foot doctor but doesn't claim to be a doctor. He's really very good and is an excellent communicator. Cured my PF/foot injury with pretty aggressive shockwave that i'd had a year after taking on a wild rescue spaniel. He was a breath of fresh air after the useless guy I went to for months.
If any of you are thinking about a specialist insole ask the podiatrist to tape up your foot first. If that helps then the insole will help too.

I am questioning you because there is no such practitioner as a "Foot Doctor". It can be a title that Unregistered practitioners use to make themselves sound more important.
Is he actually a Podiatrist?
Do you really know?
If any of you are thinking about a specialist insole ask the podiatrist to tape up your foot first. If that helps then the insole will help too.
There are different types of foot taping, so are you talking about Low Dye Taping (Rigid Support) or Kinesiology Taping (Elastic Support)? The first should be removed at night. The second can be kept on for 3-5 days.

Cantonet · Today 11:32

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