Plantar fasciitis a condition that causes the victim pain in the heel or bottom of the foot. It usually starts out really painful when you take the first steps in the morning, then eases gradually as you go about your day. The seriousness of the condition is worsened by the statistics. One in every three people has plantar fasciitis. In this feature, we review some of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis available on the market for both men and women.
Sandals are basically everyday shoes. What we slip on when we need to get someplace fast on foot. Choosing the most comfortable sandals is vital to plantar fasciitis victims. It makes their lives a lot easier. Seriously.
Best sandals for plantar fasciitis for women
1. OOFOS Unisex OOahh Slide Sandal
This sandal is renowned for reducing stress on sore feet, and the lower back. It is designed to revitalize and relax the feet after a long day or workout.
The patented OOfoam foot-bed cushioning technology absorbs impact, cradles the arch of the foot and enables natural foot movement. The traction pattern on the outer sole guarantees no slipping meaning they are shower ready and good on all types of surfaces.
The sandal upper is made from man-made materials. It is both moisture and odor resistant. Add on a very modern and stylish slide-on construction and you have one hell of a sandal.
OOafoam absorbs 37% more shock than other materials, this is especially handy to people with plantar fasciitis. The material is also extremely durable and will give you years of service. This makes the OOFOS one of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis.
2. DAWGS Womens Arch Support Loudmouth Z Sandals
The DAWGS Womens Arch Support Loudmouth Z Sandals gets the name from the ‘z’ strap pattern across the top of the sandal. This gives it a stylish look while ensuring none of the primary objectives that make it suitable for plantar fasciitis victims are compromised.
The sandal is easy to slip on, airy because they are open, and provide excellent arch support. They have an ultra-thick sole that guarantees proper arch support and a massaging footbed for added comfort.
They are available in a wide range of colors and unlike some of the competition, this is a sandal you can actually wear from day to night.
3. Birkenstock Arizona Unisex Soft Footbed Birko-Flor Sandal
The Birkenstock Arizona Unisex Soft Footbed Birko-Flor is a suede German sandal with a lightweight EVA synthetic sole that is built for both cushioning comfort and shock absorption. Birkenstock are reknowned for making some of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis, and this sandal is no exception.
The upper is crafted from a durable synthetic material with a leather-like finish. It comes with a footbed that conforms to the shape of the wearer’s foot.
The sandal has a deep heel cup and a very roomy toe box that will accommodate most foot sizes. Add pronounced arch support to all this and you have a sandal that primarily suits the needs of people with plantar fasciitis.
4. CLARKS Women’s Leisa Cacti Slide Sandal
CLARKS as a company is renowned for durability in their wide range of shoes. The Clarks Women’s Leisa Cacti Slide Sandal is no different. It features full grain leather uppers, adjustable Velcro straps, and an Ortholite cushioning footbed.
The outsole is made from rubber and has excellent traction as a result of the pattern. The upper has contrast stitching and studded accents for added style. It features three hook and loop closures ensuring a unique fit for everyone.
The sandal has the patented OrthoLite footbed and a lightweight Eva outsole that cushions the foot in comfort. It has fabric lining on the inner to avoid scratching against the leather and ultimately adding comfort. With these features, Clarks is among the best sandals for plantar fasciitis on the market.
5. VVFamily Women Elastic Sandal Slipper
The VVFamily Women Elastic Sandal Slipper is a very good go-to sandal for people with plantar fasciitis. This shoe features an elastic top which is thick but can accommodate most foot sizes. It holds the foot down but allows for flexibility during walks. It gives a good fit that does not cling to the skin as to cause sweating.
This sandal has a cow suede insole which is more moisture-absorbent, more breathable and a lot softer than your traditional suede. The foot-bed is cork and rubber which is non-slip ensuring the foot does not move around on the sandal, and very durable.
The sandal has an EVA outsole and has excellent traction across various surfaces making it a great choice for buyers looking for the best sandals for plantar fasciitis.
6. KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandal
The KEEN Women’s Whisper Sandal boasts the best arch support you will find. The patented METATOMICAL FOOTBED DESIGN is an internal support mechanism that comes with the sandal. It is engineered anatomically to provide excellent arch support and cradle the natural contours of the foot.
The sandal also features clean sports NXT technology for natural odor control. Traction is taken care of by the multi-directional lug pattern on the outer sole. The upper is made of polyester webbing that is both durable and machine washable.
The elastic cording of this polyester upper gives this lightweight performance sandal a firm secure fit. It is easily adjustable so can fit various foot sizes. The foot-bed is adequately padded for added comfort.
The upper is hydrophobic meaning it won’t soak water on wet surfaces.
Best sandals for plantar fasciitis for men
1. ECCO Men’s Yucatan Sandal
The ECCO Men’s Yucatan Sandal comes with hook and loop straps at the toes which ensure a proper fit for all foot sizes. The insteps and heels also adjust to personalize the fit.
The foot-bed- which is EVA- is covered with soft polyester micro-fiber which adds cushioning for overall comfort and has the patented Aglon treatment that keeps odors at bay. The soft spandex and nylon linings on the inner wick moisture off the foot and is quick drying. The effect is a really comfortable feel.
The outer sole delivers solid traction on both wet and dry surfaces. The midsoles are basically direct-injection polyurethane which features full-length hard EVA shanks to support the foot while allowing you to experience the terrain.
The icing on this shoe is that it carries the seal of acceptance from the AMERICAN PODIATRIC ASSOCIATION making it one of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis for men.
2. OluKai Ohana Sandal – Men’s
The OluKai Ohana Sandal is the embodiment of your everyday sandal, and definitely a top contender when it comes to the best sandals for plantar fasciitis for men. This sandal is both simple and comfy. They are essentially made from soft nylon toe post webbing and custom embroidered detailing.
The sole has adequate traction as a result of the coral reef lug design. Add an EVA midsole with ICEVA drop-in footbed which ensures the wearer has a personalized fit and you have one hell of a sandal.
This sandal uses 100% high-quality synthetic materials while using 0% animal products. This means it is vegan and environmentally friendly. All this while not compromising on all other important features.
It is also water friendly as a result of the lightweight, breathable and quick-drying materials that make up the sandal.
3. Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Men’s Ryder Thong Sandals
Vionic sandal is practically custom made for people with plantar fasciitis. It is ideal for those who deal with the aches and pains caused overpronation, flat feet or plantar fasciitis. Essentially it is a casual motion control sandal that enables a natural restricting of the lower limbs for a healthier stride.
The EVA midsole, also a feature of the shoe, lessens the pressure felt by the knees, ankles, and feet. On the back of the sandal is a deep heel cup that helps to control the motion the feet to curb pronation.
The rubber outsole provides excellent traction on a wide range of surfaces.
4. Chaco Men’s Flip Ecotread Flip-Flop Sandal
The Chaco Men’s Flip Ecotread Flip-Flop Sandal stands out primarily because of the upper straps which seat back under the mid-foot of the patented anatomical LUVSEAT footbed. This footbed also provides reliable arch support.
The upper is made of polyester jacquard webbing with high tensile webbing around the toe post. This is both durable and comfortable on the skin.
The EVA midsole wraps perfectly around the feet to ensure comfort and natural movement.
Conclusion
As a person with Plantar Fasciitis disorder, which is two in every three people, choosing the right sandal determines how the rest of your day goes. It could be as smooth as possible, or irritating and uncomfortable to the extent of affecting your mood.
Choose whichever sandal you are most comfortable in and enjoy the experience. If you work in the medical field, be sure to check out our article on the best shoes for nurses here.