The Right Shoes: Best Arch Support For Plantar Fasciitis
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Do you suffer from almost unbearable heel pain?
Do you find that your shoes often exacerbate the problem?
It’s possible that you’re experiencing the condition known as plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that supports your arch. It is one of the most common causes of heel pain.
Due to the fact that everyone’s feet are different, finding the best arch support for plantar fasciitis can be quite a process, and a very individualized one.
The good news is that more than 90% of people with plantar fasciitis improve within 10 months of simple treatments, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Supportive shoes are one part of that, along with stretching.
Whether you’re a runner or are simply on your feet all day, the shoe below may help ease your pain.
Read on to find out more.
What Makes a Good Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis?
Unfortunately, there’s no single solution for every sufferer of plantar fasciitis.
A lot will depend on how you walk and what type of activities you’ll be doing in your shoes.
However, there are some general considerations to help you find the shoe that fits best!
Strong Heel Support
Considering this is where you feel the most pain with plantar fasciitis, it’s important that your shoe provides support for the heel area.
It needs to be firm, yet comfortable enough to absorb any impact during walking, running, and even doing daily chores.
Good Arch Support
This will provide support for your fascia ligament and help absorb any shock that comes with regular walking or running.
Shoes and inserts with good arch support reduce strain on the plantar fascia with each step. If you also have painful flat feet, an orthotic arch support placed in the shoe may help.
Soft Cushioning
Look for a shoe that’s comfortable and helps minimize damage caused by impact.
Stretching Still Matters
Stretching your calves and the bottom of your foot is considered one of the best ways to ease plantar fasciitis pain. Some people also use a night splint that keeps the fascia gently stretched while they sleep.
Look Good
This may seem a little silly. However, if your shoe is super supportive yet ugly, you’re unlikely to wear them. That kind of defeats the purpose.
Consider where you’ll be wearing the shoe and combine it with your preferred style to find something that you know you’ll wear everyday.
Asics Gel Nimbus 18
Even though it’s a running shoe, the Asics Gel Nimbus 18 is a versatile, well-cushioned choice for many people with plantar fasciitis.
They offer firm heel and arch support. There’s extensive cushioning to help protect your feet from impact.
The FluidRide Midsole allows your feet to bounce back from any impact. It gives the shoe extra stability and durability.
The outer skin of the shoe is flexible mesh material.
It comes in a wide range of sizes, including some wide widths.
Heel Clutching System Technology means these shoes provide extensive support around the heel. That helps where plantar fasciitis pain is usually worst.
The shoe is well made, but cushioning wears down with use. Asics suggests you replace running shoes after you’ve walked about 450-500 miles!
These shoes come from one of the most known and trusted brands in footwear. There are multiple colors to choose from. The Nimbus 18 has since been replaced by newer versions, which follow the same cushioned design.
Pros & Cons
The huge range of colors means that there’ll be a shoe that suits your taste. They come in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Asics is a highly reputable brand. They offer the newest technology to ensure that every part of your foot gets support.
These are running shoes, but they suit many people with plantar fasciitis who want comfortable all-day footwear.
In saying that, the style is quite athletic. Despite the large range of colors, they may not be to everyone’s personal taste, especially if you intend to wear them casually.
The shoes also appear to run small, meaning you’ll most likely have to purchase a size larger than normal.
Price varies by model year and retailer, so check the current listing.
In Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis can be painful, but most people get better with simple, nonsurgical care.
Protecting your feet with supportive, cushioned footwear is one important part of that, alongside stretching and rest from activities that make it worse.
The Asics Gel Nimbus line offers good arch and heel support for plantar fasciitis, as well as comfort and durability.
If your heel pain doesn’t improve after a few weeks of home care, or you can’t walk normally, see a doctor or podiatrist for a diagnosis.
Sources
- Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo)
- Flat Feet, MedlinePlus
