by: Melissa Gaffney, DPM
With warmer weather approaching, many of us will be turning to sandals, but it’s essential to choose ones that offer adequate support especially if one is dealing with plantar fasciitis or other foot issues. So many sandals offer little to no support and can make a foot condition worse.
If you gave read my previous posts or have seen my you tube videos on how to stop plantar fasciitis Will My Heel Pain Ever Go Away? (Part II plantar fasciitis that’s becoming chronic) Short Answer: most likely ! See what worked for thousands of my patients! My plantar fasciitis playlist on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjZfNvFfmTR4auaAkDjDAsrgZ0GIryvFs, you already know how crucial it is to provide continuous support to the strained plantar fascia ligament.
For this reason, I’m excited to share my top 5 picks for sandals that I recommend to my patients that can help with plantar fasciitis. But before we dive into that, let’s cover a few important points.
Firstly, it’s important to note that this list isn’t exhaustive. There are many good quality sandals that did not make my top 5. Also, footwear is highly individual, and what works for one person may not work for another. It often requires some trial and error to find the right shoe or sandal for you.
Secondly, it’s worth emphasizing that when it comes to footwear, quality matters. While the sandals I’ll be discussing may come with a higher price tag, they offer excellent value in terms of comfort and durability. Investing in high-quality sandals can save you money in the long run compared to constantly replacing cheaper alternatives.
That being said, I understand that cost can be a concern for many people. Fortunately, there are ways to find these brands at discounted prices, such as shopping at discount shoe stores or looking for sales at local retailers. If you happen to live near Johnson City, TN , there is a discount shoe store called Beaty Shoe Warehouse where they buy returned shoes from major department stores and resell them at fraction of the original cost. I believe there is also a discount shoe store in Farragut, TN as well.
In fact, I just bought these Birkenstock sandals normally over $100 , I got for $69 at Beaty’s:
Now, let’s talk about the common features among my top picks. A recurring theme is the presence of an anatomical footbed with arch support, which helps alleviate strain on the ligament. Additionally, a recessed heel in the footbed ensures proper alignment and support for the heel bone.
As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts and you tube videos, addressing inflammation in the heel may be necessary before using orthotic-friendly sandals.
However, support remains crucial in the healing process. It’s essential to work closely with your doctor to manage inflammation effectively. See my you tube video on how to apply a arch strapping that can act like an orthotic. https://youtu.be/bdrYjut1wsI
Furthermore, adjusting to arch support may take time, so it’s advisable to gradually increase the duration of wear if you’re not accustomed to it. However, there were many lucky patients of mine that can tolerate orthotics and orthotic friendly sandals right away.
Now without further ado, here are my top 5 favorite sandals for plantar fasciitis in descending order:
5. Vionics:
Developed by a podiatrist, Vionics offer superior support with their orthotic footbed, although I’ve noticed a slight decrease in quality over the years but still good..
https://www.vionicshoes.com/women/sandals.html
4. Chacos:
These versatile sandals are not only supportive but also waterproof, making them ideal for various outdoor activities like kayaking. They have a rubber anatomical footbed but their heel cup could be more recessed. I have a love/ hate relationship with the big toe strap on the chacos. Sometimes I like it for patients with big toe joint arthritis because it acts like a splint to support this area. But also sometimes this strap bothers me personally when I wear my chacos. Most do not find it a problem and one can get chacos without the big toe strap.
3. Orthofeet:
Known for their orthopedic footwear, Orthofeet sandals provide excellent support, recessed heel, and comfort for those dealing with plantar fasciitis. Link to their website : http://ORTHOFEET LINK https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?
Here is a ORTHOFeet link for LINK $15 off purchase of $50 or more
Coupon code: WELCOME
https://www.shareasale.com/u.cfm?d=1063182&m=112334&u=4107345
(disclosure: I am an orthotfeet affiliate and earn a small amount from qualified orthofeet purchases)
2. Birkenstocks:
A classic favorite, Birkenstocks never go out of style, thanks to their reliable support and durability. They have a very supportive cork and leather foot bed. The heel is what is called zero drop meaning there is no heel lift in the sandal. This means there is no undo pressure on forefoot/ ball of the foot as well. Personally, I like this because it does not aggravate my neuroma ( pinched nerve in my forefoot). One downside is that Birkenstocks are European sized so there are no half sizes. This may cause the arch support to hit a person in the wrong spot and cause discomfort.
1. Sandals with a Removable Footbed to accommodate your custom molded orthotic or over the counter orthotic :
These sandals allow you to insert custom orthotics, offering personalized support tailored to your needs. ***Be cautious when searching for orthotic-friendly sandals, ensuring that the footbed is removable to accommodate custom or over-the-counter orthotics effectively. Many of the foot beds that come with these sandals are very good but do not offer enough support to those trying to recover from plantar fasciitis.
My favorites in this category are Alegria, Naots, Drew, Revere, and Propet. These all can be found on https://www.zappos.com/
Naots are my all time favorite type of footwear. https://naot.com/
In conclusion, finding the right sandals for plantar fasciitis can significantly aid in your plantar fasciitis recovery. Remember to constantly support for the plantar fascia and work with your doctor for personalized guidance. With the right footwear and timely proper care, you can effectively manage and alleviate plantar fasciitis.
Stay tuned for more valuable tips and insights on my you tube channel : https://youtube.com/@drgaffneybestfoot/?sub_confirmation=1, and don’t forget to subscribe to my you tube channel for future updates!
Thanks for reading and here’s to your Best Foot Forward!
DISCLAIMER: