Plantar fasciitis a condition that causes the victim pain in the heel or bottom of the foot. It usually starts out really painful in the 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. Without further to say, let’s look at some of the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
Nurses are on their feet practically all throughout their shifts which may run over 12 hours. A nurse with this condition needs shoes that are built for comfort so as to help alleviate the pain. In this feature, we review some of the best options currently on the market.
Here is our pick for the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis
1. New Balance Women’s WX608v4
This shoe prides itself on comfort and balance. The shoe features top of the line cushioning and outsole flex grooves for additional flexibility.
The shoe comes in both leather and suede, plus in a variety of color combinations. This gives the wearer a choice which is always a good thing.
Aeration is not a problem with this shoe. The overlays have small perforations for breathability.
The design of the shoe is traditional. A secure lace-up with a soft padded mesh tongue plus a dual-density collar.
The bottom of the shoe has a cushioned midsole and a non-marking rubber outsole. This enhances both balance and comfort. This plays right into the hands of nurses with plantar fasciitis
Traction is another feature that the shoe excels in. the non-marking rubber traction outsole complimented by flex grooves ensures the shoe has a confident grip on almost all surfaces.
Add durability to the equation and you have a safe reliable and comfortable shoe that you won’t go wrong with. The internal shank adds durability along with balance, while the upper of the shoe is partially covered in synthetic overlays which guard against damage. This makes the New Balance one of the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- Good comfort and balance
- Great traction
- Very durable
Cons
- Nothing really
2. Reebok Men’s ZigWild
The Reebok Zigwild is specially designed for the track. This is not to say it won’t serve the needs of a nurse. To the contrary.
The shoe combines comfortable responsive cushioning with a great fit and comfort-ability. All this is complemented by the sleek fashionable look
The design is low cut for increased mobility, while the synthetic and mesh upper guarantee breathability, support, and comfort.
The ZigTech midsole is especially suited for plantar fasciitis due to the superior cushioning and shock absorption. The Stable-Fit molded memory foam at the heel of the shoe soothes the pain of the condition making it one best shoe for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
The traction on this shoe is also excellent thanks to the carbon rubber on the heel.
Pros
- Good fit and comfortability
- Great traction
- Sleek look
Cons
- Slightly expensive
3. New Balance Women’s WW1105 Toning Shoe
The shoe incorporates True Balance. This is a breakthrough balance board technology offering superior comfort and enhanced toning. With this shoe, every walk is exercise since calories get burnt.
The upper is made from premium genuine leather for maximum durability. It features a seamless phantom liner, an ultra-light midsole foam and a patented N-DURANCE rubber heel and fore-sole again for durability.
The shoe’s look is stylish sleek and fashionable. Most importantly, it actually looks like a woman’s shoe.
Nurses with plantar fasciitis need a shoe that caters for comfort. The New Balance Women’s toning shoes do exactly that. The toning technology means the shoe works on your posture as you walk in it.
The downside to this shoe, some have complained, is that the arch support is too close to the heel not where the arch is actually located. The shock absorption is also a problem area.
Pros
- premium genuine leather
- stylish, sleek and fashionable
- toning technology for extra comfort
Cons
- arch support is too close to the heel
- not the best shock absorption
4. New Balance Women’s WT10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoe
Tailor-made for the rocky outdoors. The upper is made of flexible synthetic and mesh material. This ensures breathability is covered. A patented Vibram outsole with flex grooves that ensures maximum surface contact. This addresses traction and durability.
The shoe has a mid-foot wrap that guarantees your foot stays in place, plus a premium performance foam that provides lightweight support. The midsole, Acteva-also patented- is 24% lighter than the typical compression molded foam. Lighter is always a good thing. Antimicrobial treatment acts to reduce odors.
The main downside is the fitting. Customers have complained that they need to order half a size bigger for the best fit.
Pros
- Flexible synthetic and mesh material
- Great traction and durability
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fitting issues. Confirm the shoe size before buying
5. Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear Women’s Toffler
As the name suggests, this shoe is built for the needs of women with plantar fasciitis. The built-in rigid Z-Orthotic- patented- protects and supports plantar ligaments. This eases the pain associated with the disorder.
The shoe has a heel that is 0.75 inches long. Unlike ordinary heels, this one has a conical heel spring called the Z-Coil-also patented- it serves to reduce up to 50% of impact hence easing the pain of plantar fasciitis and reducing overall fatigue.
The forefront cushioning shields delicate toe joints, ligaments and tendons. The wide toe box provides a good comfortable fit and relieves joint pain in the forefoot.
The only downside is the look, it is not exactly stylish. And the price. Although the shoe is not as cheap as some of the other featured shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis, it’s one of the most recommended shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- Most recommended plantar fasciitis shoes
- Pain easing and reduces overall fatigue
- Wide toe box providing a comfortable fit
Cons
- Not exactly the most stylish shoe
- Quite pricey
6. Nurse Mates – Womens – Bryar
Another shoe tailor-made for nurses. The shoe is a stylish slip-on made of soft leather with a stain resistant finish and shock-absorbing sole with incredible traction. Plus a patented pillow-top comfort footbed.
The upper comes with three options, either full grain leather, printed polyurethane or patent leather. The outsole is made of slip-resistant polyurethane. The shoe has a fashionable wedge heel with a height of 2 ½ inches with a half inch platform to ease the arch on the foot.
The wearer also has the luxury of choosing from five different color combinations. Add this to the very friendly price and you have yourself one of the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- pillow-top comfort foot-bed
- Slip resistant outsole
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Nothing to mention
7. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 20
The ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 20 is officially classified as a road running shoe. It features a lightweight gradient mesh upper. This provides for aeration and breathability. The shoe also comes with the patented ASICSFluidFit technology on the shoe upper. This guarantees a proper fit.
The tongue of the shoe, in addition to the collar, are moderately padded for increased comfort and a secure foot lockdown. The shoe also features an enhanced heel counter tailor-made to support and secure the rear section of the foot. This plays right into the needs of plantar fasciitis victims.
When it comes to the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis, traction is paramount. The traction on the ASICS is to say the least, impressive. The midsole is made using FLYTEFOAM technology. This is basically organic fiber that allows light and soft cushioning on the underfoot. It acts as an outstanding shock absorber.
The downsides to this shoe are the laces, tongue and affordability. The tongue tends to slide out of place after wearing it for a while. The laces are also difficult to adjust due to the unnecessarily complex lacing system.
Pros
- Great aeration
- Impressive traction
Cons
- Complex lacing system
- the tongue tends to slide out of place after wearing it for a while
8. Orthofeet Coral Women’s Comfort
The Orthofeet Coral Women’s Comfort is constructed with stretchable knitted fabric uppers that provide a comfortable fit that is not too binding. This means the toes have extra room for movement and the pressure point like bunions, hammer-toes, and any other foot sensitivities are properly protected.
The insoles are made from anatomical orthotic material for outstanding cushioning and anatomical arch support. The gel padded heel-seat makes walking an experience. The sole is ergonomic and offers excellent stability.
Additionally, the orthotic insole is contoured. This means it forms to the contours of the feet and helps with pain alleviation from the foot all the way the way to the hips and lower back.
The protective interior features a soft seam-free lining. This works to get rid of pressure points, and friction against the skin.
The shoe comes with two sets of removable spacers to guarantee an accurate fit. A handful of reviewers have stated that the Orthofeet Coral go a long way in easing foot pain. This cements these shoes in the top when it comes to the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
Pros
- Outstanding cushioning and anatomical arch support
- Contoured insoles
- Protective interior features a soft seam-free lining
Cons
- Slightly expensive
9. Saucony Women’s Grid Omni Walker
The shoe provides superior foot cushioning, and ensures a safe and balanced stride due to heel centered stability. The Asymmetrical sole guarantees a bio-mechanical fit, plus a patented outsole, the Walk Trac, promises a smooth transition when walking.
The makeup of the shoe is responsive EVA/rubber. A compound that gives plenty of cushioning and support to all pressure points. The shoe comes in white/silver or black which will go well with almost all trends.
The heel cup on the shoe is deep and wide. This offers maximum support and provides sufficient shock absorption. The closed-cell foam serves to support and cushion the foot for increased and long lasting comfort.
The stabilizer cap located at the base of the insole that offers support to the rearfoot and provides stability and proper structure to the foam layer. The coating on the insole is natural and this eliminates odor-causing bacteria.
Another plus on the shoe is the great look and very affordable pricing. Oh and it is a great fit for all sizes of feet, both wide and narrow.
Pros
- Superior foot cushioning
- Natural insole coating
- Great look and very affordable pricing
Cons
- Nothing worth a mention
Conclusion for the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis
As a nurse with Plantar Fasciitis disorder, choosing the right shoe 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 and how you treat your patients.
Choose whichever shoe you are most comfortable in, and that is reasonably priced according to your means. Shoes are tools and without the correct tool, you are more prone to injury and things are likelier to go wrong. Good luck.