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Plantar fasciitis is an unfortunate, but yet painful foot condition. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia, a large band of tissue or a ligament that starts at the bottom of your heel and ends at the ball of your foot. The plantar fascia is key for giving the foot structure, this includes creating the arch of the foot.
Causes of plantar fasciitis include overuse, strain, and wearing the wrong type of shoes for your foot type. In addition to conservative treatment options for plantar fasciitis like stretching, icing, and changing your activity temporarily for your foot type, cortisone injections can also be used.
Shoe type and finding the right shoes for your foot type are key to overcoming plantar fasciitis. Wearing athletic shoes for plantar fasciitis is ideal because athletic or tennis shoes can fit a possible orthotic, and will provide your foot with the most protection during the recovery process. Boots for plantar fasciitis are also ideal as well for similar reasons.
But what if you can't athletic shoes to work? Certain flats can be a possible option as well to wear during plantar fasciitis recovery. If you were prescribed orthotics by your foot doctor, especially orthotics not designed with fitting into a dress shoe or flat in mind, an athletic shoe or boot is still best to wear when overcoming plantar fasciitis. But if you have an orthotic that is designed to go in a dress shoe, or aren't wearing orthotics at all, the right kind of flat can actually be a shoe option for plantar fasciitis. Here is my list, as a foot doctor, for the 5 best flats for plantar fasciitis.
5 of the Best Flats for Plantar Fasciitis
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The Dansko Larisa Flat is my top pic for flats for plantar fasciitis. This flat comes in four colors. The Dansko Larissa flat also comes with Dansko's Natural Arch technology which is like a built-in over-the-counter orthotic inside of the shoe. This feature helps to align your foot in a way to prevent excess strain or stress on the plantar fascia.
The Dansko Larisa Flat has received the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, meaning that this shoe keeps foot health and proper biomechanics in mind. The footbed is removable, which is great if you have a custom dress orthotic that you would like to wear with these shoes instead of the original footbed.
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The Anita flat from Vionic is my number 2 pick for best flats for plantar fasciitis. The Antia flat comes in many different styles and colors including the woven metallic leather seen above, suede, and patent leather. The flats can be worn in so many different situations from work to a night out.
The footbed on the Antia flat is also removable, great for possibly fitting an orthotic. Vio-Motion Technology is the built-in orthotic, or molded footbed that comes standard of all of Vionic's shoes. The Anita flat from Vionic has also received the Seal of Acceptance from the APMA.
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The Vionic Callisto flat is another beautiful flat from Vionic great for people with plantar fasciitis. The Callisto flat comes in several fun colors. The footbed of this flat is removable, which is a good feature for a possible custom dress orthotic to go in its place. The Callisto flat footbed contains Vio Motion technology, Vionic's version of a built-in orthotic.
4. Clarks Ubree 15 Step Ballet Flat - $110.00
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The Clarks Ubree 15 Step Ballet Flat is a very cute option and number 4 on my list of best flats for plantar fasciitis. Clarks is a brand that's well respected and loved by podiatrists or foot doctors for their commitment to foot health. The molded footbed from Clarks is also removable and provides additional alignment to your foot while in the shoe.
Unfortunately, the Ubree 15 Step only comes in one width, a medium. Also, for people with bunions and hammertoes, the boxy toe bed may pose a problem due to the smaller amount of space available.
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The Vionic Arielle flat is my last pick of the best flats for plantar fasciitis. As with all Vionic shoes, the footbed is removable and has Vio-Motion technology. Though beautiful, the Arielle flat isn't for everyone, and that's why I placed it at number 5. For those with wide feet, a neuroma, or severe bunions or hammertoes, the Vionic Arielle flat with its tapered toebox can possibly aggravate these problems.
The End
Here are my options for the best flats for plantar fasciitis. All of these options offer style plus support and comfort when overcoming plantar fasciitis. Many design options and looks are available with these flats, for women across many different settings and lifestyles.
Schedule Your Appointment At Direct Podiatry Arizona
Are you looking for treatment for plantar fasciitis in the Phoenix area? My name is Dr. Tarr, I am a board-certified foot doctor, and the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona. To view available appointment times, click here.
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