All About The Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis 2019
I am a “shoeholic”. Every time I visit the shopping mall, I spend hours in the shoe section. Unfortunately, I always get carried away with how amazing the shoe looks and I don’t always buy the best shoes for my feet.
My husband is always trying to convince me to buy comfortable shoes especially since I recently woke up with sore feet. I decided to heed his advice and look for a pair of shoe that will fit my plantar fasciitis problem and perhaps help activate the right trigger points.
These are the best sandals for plantar fasciitis that I recommend for anyone with the condition.
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Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
Product Name | Ranking | Arch Support | Brand | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
For Unisex | |||||
Editor’s Pick | Good | OOFOS |  | ||
For Man Only | |||||
Editor’s Pick | Good | ECCO |  | ||
Alternative Pick | Good | KEEN |  | ||
For Woman Only | |||||
Editor’s Pick | Good | Vionic |  | ||
Alternative Pick | Good | KEEN |  | ||
1. OOFOS Unisex OOriginal Thong Flip Flop - Editors Pick For Unisex
The first thing I noticed about this flip-flop is the comfy, cushiony feeling. I can see myself wearing them around the house or for short errands. They feel very supportive and provide good arch support. The shoe comes in different colors including my favorite color, green.
It also has a one-inch heel which I love since it makes it look a little less informal. The flop is also moisture resistant and doesn't absorb retain smell and is even machine washable. The footbed design absorbs impact and holds your arches to allow you to move naturally.
The design also allows you to wear them in different outfits from pants to skirts and still look amazing. Although they are made of rubber, they don’t look like they’re fake and still have a classic design. Another great feature is that the design is unisex.
Considering the affordability of the flip-flop and the price, it is a great option if you are on a budget but still want a high-quality product.
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2. ECCO Men's Yucatan Sandal - Editors Pick For Men
While I was looking for the perfect shoe, I couldn’t help but keep my eyes open for something for hubby. Although my husband is never been fond of sandals, I’m sure he would consider this one. The ECCO Men’s Yucatan sandal is lightweight and offers high arch support to help prevent injury. Another feature I admired is the 3 point adjustability to ensure you get the snug fit you are looking for. Unlike some sandals that have a hard footbed, the ECCO scandal has a soft microfiber cover for extra comfort and soft cushioning.
When it comes to traction, the sandal is impressive and offers a durable rubber outsole for better grip on different terrain. The sandal is also designed for all-around activities including hiking which create tension in the legs.
If Hubby considered getting sandals for plantar fasciitis, this would be among my top choices.
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3. KEEN Men's Newport Sandal - Alternative Pick For Man
If you are looking for something more closed and don’t feel comfortable with an open sandal like the ECCO sandal, the KEEN Men’s Newport sandal is a good option. The first thing I noticed is the secure fit of the sandal which almost looks like a shoe. The sandal also gives a bouncy feeling when you walk on it which is quite unique for a sandal.
Aside from the good arch support which is a must for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis, the KEEN sandal is also light and thin and yet still comfortable. The microbial footbed of the sandal also ensures that odor is eliminated so you can get your sandals wet without worrying about stinky feet afterward.
The upper is made of a softshell material which makes it very water resistant.
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4. Vionic with Orthaheel Amber Women's Sandal - Editor’s Pick For Woman
I seem to find myself having to choose between comfort and appearance but the Vionic Orthaheel Amber woman’s sandal did surprise me. Considering the fact that the sandal is designed for people with plantar fasciitis, I didn’t expect it to look pretty.
However, the sandal features a vertical strap that is embellished with stone adornments and can even be removed to convert it into a three strap sandal.
The sandal also has an EVA midsole that absorbs shock to help reduce stress on the feet and ankles. The outsole is durably made of rubber and with a patterned tread. The sandal has three straps that are adjustable around your feet and one strap that goes around the back of your foot so they won’t slip off easily. On top of that, it comes in different colors and designs including snakeskin patterns.
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5. KEEN Women's Whisper Sandal - Alternative Pick For Woman
As great as the Vionic Sandals looked, I realized that I would need something that would be more rugged to wear on hikes and the like. I was impressed by the KEEN women’s whisper sandal. The unique feature is the waterproof upper making the sandal ideal for water adventures. Another impressive feature is the lacing system which allows for easy on and off comfort.
When it comes to preventing odor, the shoe uses Cleansport technology to ensure odor control. The footbed is designed to cradle the feet in the right places providing ample arch support. The other thing I like about this sandal is it doesn’t have the big, bulky look that usually comes with outdoor sandals. Instead, the sandal is elegant and slim, ideal for women’s feet. The sole of the sandal is made of durable rubber.
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3 Things To Consider When Choosing Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
Before I went out on my sandal-searching escapade, I first did some research to learn exactly what I needed for my condition. These are three tips that I found most helpful and I hope they guide you in making your choice as well.
1. Look For Shock Absorbent Shoes
I have always thought of shock absorbent shoes to only apply to running shoes but it turns out if you have plantar fasciitis, all your footwear should have this quality. Limiting the impact of your foot prevents the over-extension of the plantar fascia which in turn prevents pain. The kind of sole the sandal has is what will determine its shock absorbing qualities. (1)
The most common sole materials are:
A word of caution when it comes to shock absorbing shoes though. Recent studies show that if you have arthritic knees, too much cushion may not be a good thing after all. (4)
2. Look Closely At The Shape Of The Footbed
Honestly, I never paid any attention to the shape of the footbed as long as I felt comfortable in the shoes. I discovered though that the ideal sandals for plantar fasciitis should be ones that follow the same profile as your feet. Compare the sandal with your foot on things like the arch, width, and length.
I found this the hard way when I purchased a pair of rubber shoes that fitted well in the store but turned out to be too narrow for me. I ended up giving them away after just a day!
3. Get The Right Fit
It has always been puzzling to me why a size 7 in one brand and one style may be too tight for me in another. I finally understand! There are actually different aspects of a shoe that can affect your size that you have to take into consideration before purchasing.
The width is personally one of my biggest issues. I have wide feet and find myself constantly with painful toes because I bought a narrow shoe. When it comes to sandals, it is good to go for something that comes with adjustable straps.
The straps you choose should be as simple as possible. If you are after something more closed, make sure the space in the toe box is enough for your feet. (5)
The height of your arch is another consideration that will make a huge difference. Make sure you select something that can support the specific nature of your arches whether high or low.
Lastly, the length of the sandal matters a lot.
Final Thoughts
The good news is just because you have plantar fasciitis, it doesn’t mean you cant find nice looking, comfortable sandals. I did and you can too. If you are after versatility, the OOFOS unisex flip flops are a good option for you. Their design is ideal for both casual and formal attires and they feature a soft microfiber cover for extra comfort.
Since I am quite a fashionista, I personally loved the Vionic Orthaheel Amber. I would recommend this sandal if you don’t plan to go on extra-long hikes and want something more girly. The shoe offers the arch support you need and also has a midsole that absorbs shock. In addition, the straps are adjustable to make sure they fit the length of your feet. For hiking however, I would definitely go for the KEEN women’s whisper sandal which still has a feminine appearance.
For hubby, I would get the ECCO Men’s Yucatan sandal. It is lightweight and offers high arch support while still being comfortable. If he wants something more snug and closed, then the KEEN Men’s Newport is the next best choice.
What sandals do you wear for your condition? I would love to hear about other options before I make my decision. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
