Shoes For Heel Pain Sufferers

I often get asked what shoes are best for those who suffer with heel pain, or plantar fasciitis. Sometimes it's easier to say what to stay away from than what you should look for. Here is a short list of shoes I would recommend to patients suffering with heel pain:
1. ECCO Mobile Shoes

ECCO shoes and boots are perfect for work. This model is a lightweight, flexible leather shoe with an anatomic footbed and moisture wicking lining. They are perfect for times when you are taking a walk during a lunch break. Received the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

2. Kuru Insight
Kuru shoes have an insole that flexes with the heelstrike, providing great cushioning and ergonomics. They work for casual office, school, travel, and walking commuters. There is a generous toe box.
3. Nike Free 5.0

Nike Free shoes replicate you walking barefoot and fit your foot like a glove. There is extreme flexibility in the grooved sole that allows your foot to move as it wants. The shoes come with a recommended breaking in schedule to allow your feet to acclimate to the new freedom in these shoes. These shoes are lightweight and have minimal cushioning. Oprah Winfrey named them as one of her favorite things in winter 2010.

4. Balance Walking Shoe: Dr. Weil Integrative Footwear
This is a lightweight walking shoe that can be worn for everyday walking. It comes with the Orthaheeel tri-planar footbed, which provides arch support and motion control. They also come with a regular footbed as well. The shoe is flexible in the forefoot for optimal walking stride and are flat with a low heel.

5. Tenevis La Jolla Shoes
Tenevia La Jolla shoes are known for their super cushioning and motion control. These shoes have a balance bone/balance chip replaceable heel, which is a separate piece from the sole. La Jollas encourage good posture and proper foot alignment.

6. Z-Coil
Z-Coil shoes have a spring in the heel, cushioning in the forefoot, and a stiff orthotic. They are a popular shoe among nurses, store clerks, and other people who are on their feet all day. However, they are individually fit by a distributor to make sure there is the proper fit. The negatives of these shoes are they look odd and are heavy. There are other styles for comfort walking as well as fitness and trail walking.

7. Earth Shoes
Earth Shoes have KALSO Negative Heel Technology, which claims they promote natural walking.

8. Rockport Walker
These shoes have also won the APMA Seal of Acceptance. Rockports can sometimes be too stiff in the sole to promote proper roll-through of the foot when walking, but they are great for standing and walking.
9. MBT Sport Walkers by Swiss Masai
MBT, Masai Barefoot Technology, mimics the way the Masai tribe walks barefoot. These shoes have a stiff fiberglass in the sole and no heel, which forces you to roll-through from heel to toe with every step and enforces good walking technique. They are a heavy shoe, which will take time to get used to. The designers claim that these shoes will help you feel better from head to toe.
If you are experiencing heel pain, call our Rocky Hill or Middletown office to make an appointment.
Jeffrey S. Kahn, DPM
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Heel Pain Doctor in CT
Podiatrist in Rocky Hill and Middletown, CT
Visit our website, follow my tweets on Twitter, and friend or like our page on Facebook.

Related articles

• Treating Heel Pain

  ---