A diagnosis of plantar fasciitis doesn’t have to go hand in hand with a pair of boring, expensive heavy orthotic shoes. With light, reusable orthotics inserts, almost any pair of shoes can be transformed into a plantar-fasciitis-fighting machine!
But what about when summertime rolls around, and those toes need some sunlight?
We think your pedicure deserves to be seen too.
Which is why we’re exploring your options for sandals that are compatible with healing from plantar fasciitis.
Click here to get the only sandals that target heel pain!
Can I Really Wear Sandals If I Have Heel Pain?
The short answer? Absolutely yes!
The longer answer? You need to find the right sandal. Cost, effectiveness at healing plantar fasciitis, and style are top considerations when it comes to summertime, sandals, and plantar fasciitis.
The Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
Specialty Supportive Sandals
Specialty sandals provide more support and cushioning than the average sandal, but aren’t specifically made to treat plantar fasciitis.
Cost: The cost for specialty supportive sandals is higher than your average, running between $40 and $100 for a good pair (of course, the sky’s the limit when it comes to shoes!)
Effectiveness: For max effectiveness, look for sandals that have a thick, cushioned sole, at least some arch support (read: not pancake flat!) and straps that keep your foot from sliding around while you walk. While these sandals won’t do much to heal your plantar fasciitis, they are much less likely to exacerbate or cause the condition.
Style: Birkenstocks are the classic supportive sandals–wide straps, thick soles, and support for your heels. However, many manufacturers and brands make more supportive sandals now, so style options are growing!
Orthopedic Sandals
Orthopedic sandals are made especially to support plantar fasciitis:
Cost: The cost for most orthotic sandals can be pretty steep and will set you back between $100 and $150 per pair. Luckily, you can get sandals with Fascia Bar Technology for only $54.95.
Effectiveness: Heel Seat Sandals are guaranteed to reduce pain from plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. However on the lower end, sandals branded as “orthopedic” are simply a cushioned, supportive sandal. Higher end orthopedic sandals help with heel and foot alignment to reduce the pressure on the plantar fascia while adding cushioning and support for painful feet.
Style: While there are more styles available than ever, the world of orthopedic sandals is still quite limited. It may be difficult to find a pair of orthopedic sandals that fit your unique style.
Regular Sandals With Heel Seat Wraps
Heel Seat Wraps are neoprene, lightweight wraps that are specifically made for healing plantar fasciitis. They can be worn with virtually any type of footwear–including sandals!
Photo shared by customer Kristi D.
Cost: A pair of heel wraps are $34.95 and can be easily washed and reused. Best of all they can be worn with your favorite pair of sandals.
Effectiveness: Heel Wraps turn almost any pair of sandals into orthopedic footwear that’s both lightweight and inexpensive. Fascia-Bar Technology supports your feet and allows you to free your toes while supporting your heels.
Style: Style options are essentially limitless with Heel Wraps. Wear them with your favorite pair of sandals, or even wear them barefoot (the non-slip neoprene means that you can wear these handy wraps even on slick hardwood.)
Are your feet feeling happy yet? Make this the best summer yet by giving your toes a chance to enjoy those summer nights as much as you do this year–and in style to boot (no boot needed!)
Please don’t forget Danskos! They continue to offer more styles every year. Without my HTC heel seats and Danskos,I’d still be miserable!
Abeo brand shoes are another terrific, supportive option. All styles are offered with your choice of 3 built-in orthotic options: neutral, metatarsal, posted heel. They have styles from flip-flops and sandals to wedges and boots. My feet have never been so happy!
I just bought several pairs of Abeo shoes and sandals. They are great!
I find Ariat boots are really comfortable. I buy the lace ips as they support my ankles. Ariat makes shoes as well.
I have bought a lot of Spenco sandals. They have a flip flop type of sandal as well as others that help me feel slightly in style. Between that and the heel seats I get along pretty well!
Vionic were introduced to me last year. I have three pair of flip flop style but they now offer running shoes, slippers, full sandal and shoe styles. I find them very, very comfortable. I continue to use the heel seats in my walking shoes.
The best sandals that I have found are S.A.S. Sanibel. I have had bilateral plantar fasciitis for about 10 years, and they are the most comfortable sandals I have found.
ecco sandles are great, on my third pair
I bought a pair of heel that pain sandalso lazy year, very uncomfortable. On podiatrist advice wore my Burke stocks for a day and the pain afterwards was brutal. I door like your heel seats, but have found better sandals.
I agree wholeheartedly with the comments about Danskos. I walked miles in a pair of Dansko sandals, sometimes with an Abeo compression foot sleeve, which was helpful, and sometimes without. I also have a pair of Olukai leather flipflop sandals that have a very high and supportive arch, which are great for shorter distances and around the house.
I second the Olukai flip flop comment…have only found them at Nordstrom but on my 2nd pair of the same style. Also enjoyed a Dansko sandal that I could wear all day!
I have high arches as well as plantar fasciitis, and Keens are the only ones for me. Believe me I have tried so many different kinds.
You make sandals with the Fascia-Bar, adjustable heel straps and I’m in.
Can you show me more slyes
I have 70+ pairs of shoes made by fit flop. I have Sandler’s, tennis shoes, boots, as well as leather clogs and wallaby-type shoes. I even have bedroom shoes by fit flop. They are the only shoe brand that Give me any plans ar fascia pain relief.