Today I’m going to share my research on the best sandals for plantar fasciitis.
Nothing better than getting out in the summer and going for a walk, unless you have plantar fasciitis. Then it’s not so fun. The stabbing pain in the heel or arch of the foot can make walking a daunting task.
Fortunately, there’s a ray of hope in the form of specially designed sandals that offer both style and support.
In this article, we delve into the world of foot-friendly fashion and explore the top 21 contenders you need to add to your closet.
This is the updated 2023 version of this article. We’ve kept the sandals that are still offering that great arch support, removed the models that were discontinued, and included some newer fun sandals.
Sounds exciting?
Let’s dive right into it…
Related:
21 Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
Quick Comparison (Best 5)
Birkenstock
Are Birkenstocks good for plantar fasciitis or is it just hype?
The answer is definitely yes. A lot of people have tried Birnetsocks and confirmed the sandals’ arch support helps alleviate plantar fasciitis pain.
Birkenstock Arizona
The Birkenstock Arizona sandal is one of the most recommended summer sandals among physical therapists with good reason. You just can’t go wrong with its orthopedically designed footbed which provides outstanding arch support and proper foot alignment.
Crafted from natural cork and latex, the contoured footbed adapts to the wearer’s foot shape over time, offering personalized comfort and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
The deep heel cup ensures stability and distributes weight evenly, easing pressure on sensitive areas. With adjustable double straps, the Arizona allows for a snug fit, preventing friction and discomfort.
With its spacious toe box, timeless style, and unparalleled support, the Birkenstock Arizona is going to be that reliable companion if you have plantar fasciitis.
FYI, Birkenstock offers their styles in a regular footbed or soft footbed. See which one’s you’re more comfortable with.
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Birkenstock |
Related:
Birkenstock Gizeh
The Birkenstock Gizeh is another excellent Birkenstock for individuals with plantar fasciitis. It boasts the same anatomically shaped footbed as the Arizona and provides exceptional arch support.
The Gizeh features a thong-style design with a toe post made from soft, skin-friendly materials, ensuring a comfortable fit and minimizing potential irritations.
The EVA outsole offers shock absorption, reducing impact on the heels and forefoot, and the adjustable buckle strap allows for a customized fit.
Whether for casual outings or leisurely strolls, the Birkenstock Gizeh delivers superior support and style, making it an ideal choice for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
Cons:
The break-in period takes a couple of weeks of consistent wear. And while this process is happening, apparently the shoe is relatively uncomfortable, which isn’t great, but the payoff is amazing because the shoe fits incredibly well afterward.
So we recommend you start out slow! Put your Birkenstocks on for 5 minutes and then take them off for a few hours. After that, I’m sure you’ll wear them around the lock.
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Birkenstock |
Here’s how you can break in your Birkenstocks:
Related:
Oofos Ooahh Slide
With its unparalleled comfort and orthopedic benefits, the Oofos Ooahh Slide is a squishy heaven that’s going to provide much-needed relief from plantar fasciitis. Not only that, but the Oofos Ooahh is also great for flat feet, wide feet, and feet with bunions.
This slide sandal is crafted with a proprietary OOfoam technology that provides unparalleled cushioning and support for the feet. According to Oofos, the OOfoam material absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam, significantly reducing the strain on the plantar fascia during walking or standing.
The arch section stays really firm and dense and makes sure your arch is comfortably supported as you step into them.
The Ooahh Slide’s contoured footbed offers excellent arch support, promoting proper foot alignment and alleviating pressure on the plantar fascia, which is crucial for plantar fasciitis relief.
The footbed setup makes the Ooahh one of the best options and probably the best recovery footwear I’ve ever seen, especially after running and working out.
Also, the lightweight and flexible construction of the sandal allows for a natural range of motion, while the open-toe design ensures no pressure is applied to the toes, making it ideal for those with sensitive or painful foot conditions.
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Oofos |
Related:
Ecco Yucatan
With its combination of supportive features, customizable fit, and sturdy construction, the Ecco Yucatan delivers all-day comfort and support, making it an outstanding option for plantar fasciitis-related discomfort and your outdoor activities or everyday wear.
The Ecco Yucatan is highly regarded for its excellent features that make it a great choice for individuals with plantar fasciitis.
One of its standout attributes is the anatomically molded footbed, crafted with exceptional cushioning and arch support that lines with your feet. This design promotes proper foot alignment, reducing strain on the plantar fascia and offering relief from discomfort.
It’s even got a dual-density Agion-treated covered CMEVA footbed to add another level of support and comfort and help inhibit bacterial growth as well as give plenty of odor reduction so your feet will be nice and healthy.
The Yucatan’s adjustable straps allow for a personalized fit, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip on the foot. Additionally, the sandal features a direct-injected PU (polyurethane) midsole, which provides excellent shock absorption and enhances overall stability during walking.
Its durable rubber outsole with a reliable tread pattern offers traction and prevents slipping on various surfaces.
Overall, the Ecco Yucatan is one of the most durable and highly-rated sandals out there.
The level of support and protection provided by the Yucatan is great to accommodate relaxed arches, flat feet, heel spurs, pronation and supination issues, narrow heels, ankle issues, and back issues.
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Ecco |
Related:
Naot Kayla
Crafted with high-quality materials and renowned for durability, the Naot Kayla sandal offers the perfect combination of style and functionality, making it a top pick for those seeking relief from plantar fasciitis while enjoying the freedom of open-toe footwear.
The Kayla features a supportive and anatomically contoured cork and latex footbed, which cradles the foot and promotes proper alignment, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Its deep heel cup provides stability and cushioning to the heel, absorbing shock with each step.
The three-strap design allows for a customizable fit, ensuring optimal support and eliminating pressure points.
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Naot |
Related:
Olukai Ohana
The Ohana is one of the most talked about supportive flip flop as of late.
With its thoughtful design and high-quality materials, the Olukai Ohana proves to be a reliable companion for all-day relief and support, making it an excellent option for those seeking comfortable and plantar fasciitis-friendly footwear.
These sandals are equipped with a contoured, compression-molded EVA footbed that provides excellent arch support and encourages proper foot alignment.
The supportive footbed design helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia, alleviating discomfort and promoting a more natural gait. Additionally, the Ohana features a soft nylon toe post and a jersey knit lining for enhanced comfort and to minimize potential irritations.
The non-marking rubber outsole ensures reliable traction and stability, giving plantar fasciitis sufferers the confidence to move freely without fear of slipping.
Overall, if you want a supportive sandal that’s going to be comfortable, offer great arch support, offer a great anatomically-molded footbed, and just a variety of high-quality material from waterproof options to beautiful leather sandals you can wear anywhere, check out the Ohana.
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Olukai |
Related:
Vionic
For women who are looking specifically for a supported sandal that can go with a little bit nicer dress, check out the Amber or the Carina below…
Their sandals are super comfortable, they look nice, and they’re one of the top sandals recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association.
It’s a really popular brand among people with plantar fasciitis because their sandals are lightweight, very supportive, and they look better for going out to dinner if you’re on vacation for example.
Vionic Amber
Embracing both style and functionality, the Amber offers a reliable solution for those with plantar fasciitis, allowing them to enjoy all-day comfort without compromising on fashion.
Engineered with Vionic’s podiatric-designed Orthaheel technology, these sandals offer superior arch support and stability, making them ideal for promoting proper foot alignment and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Here’s a video about Vionic’s Orthaheel technology:
The Amber features an orthotic footbed with a deep heel cup, ensuring optimal cushioning and stability.
The adjustable hook-and-loop straps allow for a customizable fit, preventing friction and discomfort. With a durable rubber outsole that enhances traction and shock absorption, the Vionic Amber provides a comfortable and secure walking experience.
last but not least, the Amber is a fashionable alternative to those sandals that look very matronly or nurse-like. It actually feels good on the feet all day long and accommodates even the largest of feet.
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Vionic |
Related:
Lots of these styles some of these great walking sandals. Give it a read!
Vionic Tide II
The Vionic Tide II is another popular choice from Vionic for people with plantar fasciitis, offering a stylish and supportive option for warm-weather wear.
With Vionic’s podiatrist-designed orthotic footbed, the Tide II provides excellent arch support and helps maintain proper foot alignment.
The deep heel cup enhances stability and reduces pressure on the plantar fascia, alleviating discomfort. The soft and cushioned toe post ensures a gentle fit, minimizing irritation and friction.
Whether for a casual stroll or a day at the beach, the Vionic Tide II Toe Post features a durable rubber outsole that absorbs shock and delivers reliable traction.
Combining trendy design with therapeutic benefits, these sandals offer a fashionable solution for individuals seeking relief from plantar fasciitis while maintaining optimal foot support.
Sizing
Size down if you’re between sizes.
With refined style and incredible fit and comfort, while providing great support for your plantar fasciitis issues, the Amber is sure to make it to the top of your list.
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Vionic |
Mephisto Helen
With its premium materials and expert craftsmanship, the Mephisto Helen offers unparalleled comfort and support, making it an excellent choice for plantar fasciitis.
When shopping for a new sandal, you want it to be attractive and stylish but also comfortable and supportive. The Mephisto is capable of giving you all that with immediate comfort and a structure conducive to relief.
Made with high-quality materials, the Helen features a comfortable contoured, anatomically designed suede-lined cork footbed that molds to the shape of the foot, providing superior arch support and promoting proper foot alignment. This targeted support helps alleviate strain on the plantar fascia, reducing inflammation and pain and helping you to walk for miles without discomfort or blisters.
The soft and cushioned midsole further absorbs shock, minimizing the impact on the heels and arches during walking or standing.
The sandal contains the Mephisto Soft-Air technology, which means that it’s going to absorb the shock from walking, making it easy on the joints and the spine.
Not only that, but the Helen also features the Mephisto Air-Bag System, which is built in the heel and under the metatarsal arch and is designed to protect you from the jarring effects of walking.
The adjustable straps on the Helen sandal allow for a customized fit, ensuring that the foot remains securely positioned, which is crucial for maintaining stability and avoiding unnecessary movements that may aggravate the condition.
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Mephisto |
Related:
Rockport Aubrey
The Cobb Hill Aubrey is a top choice for plantar fasciitis sufferers due to its exceptional support and comfort features.
Its EVA footbed is crafted with arch support, providing much-needed stability and cushioning for the foot’s arch, which is essential for alleviating plantar fascia strain.
The adjustable buckle strap ensures a secure and customizable fit, accommodating various foot shapes and sizes.
Also, the stylish and versatile design of the Cobb Hill Aubrey allows it to be paired with both casual and dressy outfits, making it a practical choice for daily wear while offering the necessary support to combat plantar fasciitis discomfort.
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Rockport |
Rockport Ramona
The Ramona’s modern and streamlined design makes it suitable for various occasions, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a combination of fashion and functionality to alleviate plantar fasciitis discomfort.
The Ramona Flat is another great option from Cobb Hill for individuals dealing with plantar fasciitis. Its anatomical molded EVA squishy contoured footbed offers terrific targeted arch support, promoting proper foot alignment and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
The inside features a soft and breathable microfiber lining that feels amazing to the touch, so it’s going to feel great against your skin.
The adjustable hook-and-loop straps allow for a personalized fit and ensure the sandals stay securely in place during activity. With a lightweight and flexible construction, the Cobb Hill Ramona allows for natural foot movement while providing essential support.
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Rockport |
Chaco
Chaco ZCloud 2
The combination of support, adjustability, and sturdy construction makes the Chaco Z/Cloud 2 a popular choice for plantar fasciitis.
The Chaco Z/Cloud 2 is designed with a contoured LUVSEAT™ footbed made of supportive polyurethane (PU). This footbed provides excellent arch support and helps maintain proper foot alignment, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
The sandal’s adjustable polyester jacquard webbing straps allow for a personalized fit, ensuring the sandals stay securely in place without causing friction or discomfort.
Additionally, the durable rubber outsole with a lug pattern provides reliable traction and shock absorption, offering stability and cushioning during walking or outdoor activities.
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Chacos |
Related:
Chaco ZX/3 Classic
With its versatility and support, the Chaco ZX/3 Classic offers a comfortable solution for plantar fasciitis, making it suitable for various activities and terrain.
The Chaco ZX/3 Classic also features the contoured LUVSEAT™ footbed, providing the same exceptional arch support and foot alignment benefits as the Z/Cloud 2 above.
The sandal’s unique triple-strap design with an adjustable polyester webbing system allows for a customized fit and adds extra stability with the toe loop.
Similar to the Z/Cloud 2, the ZX/3 Classic has a durable Vibram® rubber outsole with a lug pattern, ensuring reliable traction and shock absorption.
Here’s our latest comparison of Chaco vs. Teva vs. Keen.
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Chacos |
This is how to tighten and loosen your Chacos:
Keen
Keen Newport H2
With its sturdy construction and supportive features, the Keen Newport H2 offers a comfortable and reliable option for plantar fasciitis.
The Keen Newport H2 is designed with a metatomical EVA footbed that conforms to the natural contours of the foot, offering exceptional arch support and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
The secure fit lace capture system ensures a customized fit, preventing slippage and friction that could aggravate the condition.
The durable rubber outsole with a multi-directional lug pattern provides excellent traction and shock absorption, making the Newport H2 suitable for various outdoor activities.
It features the recognizable protective Keen toe protection to seal and protect your toes from impacts and stubs, adding an extra layer of safety and comfort.
It is available in women’s, men’s, and children’s sizing so you can outfit your entire family for an outdoor adventure rain or shine.
What I find really interesting is that the Newport is kind of like a sandal and shoe combined and everybody seems to love it for a specific need:
- The majority get it for hiking and water activities.
- Some get it for city touring, amusement parks, festivals …
- Others find it really comfortable for running errands
- Some people wear it around the house
- Others drop it by the bed so that they won’t hobble to the bathroom in the middle of the night
- Skateboard fans skateboard in it with kids
In short, the Keen Newport is water-friendly, it’s quick-drying, and it has nonslip treads. It is great for hiking a trail, walking along a beach, walking around town, or even just doing yard work without worrying about getting your shoes wet.
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Keen |
Keen Whisper
Combining performance, comfort, and style, the Keen Whisper is a dependable companion for those seeking relief from plantar fasciitis without sacrificing outdoor adventures or everyday activities.
The Keen Whisper is another top choice for women with plantar fasciitis. The Whisper is a feminine twist on the famous Keen Newport H2 above in a slightly narrower lower profile fit tailored just for women.
Just like the Newport, the Whisper features a metatomical molded EVA footbed that provides targeted arch support and proper foot alignment. And you’ll still get the ventilation and secure fit of the Newport but in a more streamlined and slender fit.
However, the support offered by the Newport is a bit better than the Whisper’s.
The secure-fit bungee lace system allows for easy adjustment and a snug fit without causing pressure points.
The non-marking rubber outsole with a multidirectional lug pattern ensures reliable traction and shock absorption, making the Whisper suitable for various terrains.
Its closed-toe design offers additional protection, while the quick-drying polyester webbing upper adds breathability and comfort.
The Whisper and the Newport are the ideal choice for the beach, kayaking, canoeing, hiking up the trail, or just walking around town thanks to their level of support and comfort.
The Whisper is also so comfortable for sensitive feet, bad knees, hammertoes, and bone spurs. They’re also great for high instep and wide feet and have a springy rubber heel that provides enough cushioning to walk on aggressive terrains.
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Keen |
Related:
Sizing
Size up if you’re between sizes.
Teva Hurricane XLT 2
Breathe through warm-weather activities and get ready to taste that perfect fusion of comfort and performance of Teva’s Hurricane XLT 2 sandal.
With its water-ready materials, quick-drying capabilities, and supportive features, the Teva Hurricane XLT2 is an ideal choice for individuals seeking comfort and stability during their adventures while keeping plantar fasciitis at bay.
The Teva Hurricane XLT2 is designed with a great contoured drop-in EVA footbed that offers outstanding arch support, making sure your feet won’t hurt like hell at the end of the day.
This footbed cradles the foot, providing comfort from dawn till dusk while the deep heel cup and an encapsulated shock pad offer tons of cushioning, shock absorption, support, and comfort.
The sandal’s adjustable hook-and-loop straps allow for a personalized fit, ensuring a secure and snug hold on the foot.
The Hurricane sits on a non-marking durable rugged outsole which provides plenty of traction, shock absorption, flexibility, support, and stability.
This platform makes the Hurricane XLT2 suitable for various outdoor activities like walking, walking along the beach, hiking, zip-lining…
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Teva |
Alegria
Alegria Carina
Be ready to reel compliments in as the Carina is a lot of women’s go-to summer sandal.
The Alegria Carina is renowned for its superb arch support while being extremely comfy, making it an ideal option for those with plantar fasciitis. With the Carina, you can be on your feet the whole day without having discomfort at the end of the day or first thing in the morning.
The patented Alegria footbed covered with a soft material features a combination of cork, memory foam, and latex, which conform to the foot’s shape, offering customized support, reducing strain on the plantar fascia, and wicking away moisture.
The Carina’s adjustable hook-and-loop strap ensures a secure and comfortable fit, preventing slippage and friction. Additionally, the lightweight rocker outsole aids in promoting a natural walking motion, alleviating pressure on the foot.
Its fashionable and diverse designs allow wearers to enjoy style alongside the therapeutic benefits of exceptional foot support, making the Alegria Carina a favored choice for individuals seeking relief from plantar fasciitis.
The Carina is not just about the fabulous fun; it really is all about amazing built-in comfort that you’re going to want a pair in every color.
In short, the Alegria Carina doesn’t look like an orthotic or orthopedic shoe. It is supportive, comfortable, sturdy, and eye-catching, and it’s going to fit like a glove.
For the most accurate fit, make sure you check out the Alegria Size Charts & Sizing Guide.
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Alegria |
Alegria Vienna
With its versatile and stylish appearance, the Alegria Vienna offers both comfort and fashion. It’s going to help alleviate plantar fasciitis-related discomfort without compromising on style.
The Alegria Vienna is another excellent option for plantar fasciitis due to its supportive and anatomical footbed design. Like the Carina, the Vienna boasts the same Alegria footbed, offering superb arch support and cushioning.
The adjustable buckle strap allows for a customizable fit, ensuring the sandals stay securely in place without causing discomfort. The Vienna’s slip-resistant outsole adds an extra layer of stability, providing confidence in every step.
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Alegria |
Finn Comfort
Finn Comfort Gomera
The Finn Comfort Gomera is an excellent choice for plantar fasciitis thanks to its exceptional design and supportive features.
The sandal comes with a soft suede-covered contoured orthopedic footbed for a glove-like feeling of comfort all day. The footbed provides great midfoot medial and lateral arch support and helps distribute the weight evenly across the foot. This alleviates pressure on the plantar fascia, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
Not only that, but the footbed is also removable to give room for your own custom orthotics. The inside features a smooth leather lining for an abrasion-free foot environment.
The Gomera also features a sturdy and shock-absorbing midsole, which helps minimize impact on the heels and arches during walking, thus easing pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
It has three adjustable hook and loop closure straps which provide a customizable fit while the adjustable buckle back strap comes off with a great easy snap closure.
The strap system is going to ensure that your sandal remains snugly secured to the foot, providing stability and preventing unnecessary foot movements that could aggravate the condition.
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Finn Comfort |
Finn Comfort Jamaika
The Finn Comfort Jamaika is another top-notch option for plantar fasciitis. Similar to the Gomera, the Jamaika offers outstanding arch support through its contoured footbed, which helps alleviate strain on the plantar fascia.
The sandal’s cushioned midsole absorbs shock effectively, reducing the impact on the foot with each step. This cushioning is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with plantar fasciitis-related heel pain.
The Jamaika also comes with adjustable straps, allowing for a personalized fit and ensuring the foot remains securely positioned in the sandal for optimal support.
Combining comfort, support, and durability, the Finn Comfort Jamaika is a reliable choice if you’re looking for a comfortable and supportive sandal option.
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Finn Comfort |
Skechers Reggae Mad Swag
Enjoy the warm weather and hit the beach in style with the cute and comfortable Rasta. The Rasta is by far the greatest Skechers for plantar fasciitis.
Is your planned trip to Disney World worrying you?
No worries.
The Skechers Reggae Rasta is able to neutralize and prevent flare-ups of plantar fasciitis. You can wear it all day long without discomfort thanks to its great arch support and heel cushion.
What’s even more beautiful is you can enjoy all of these benefits without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money on summer sandals.
This sandal provides a ton of breathability thanks to its contoured perforated footbed that is extremely supportive and comfortable for all-day wear.
If you’re going get wet for some reason, the Reggae Rasta features a comfortable raised toe bar so your toes won’t slip over the front of the shoe.
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DSW |
Plantar Fasciitis Sandals – FAQs
What is the best sandal to wear if you have plantar fasciitis?
The best sandal to wear if you have plantar fasciitis is one that provides excellent arch support, cushioning, and stability. Sandals with contoured footbeds and deep heel cups help align the foot properly and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Some of the top brands known for their plantar fasciitis-friendly sandals include Birkenstock, Vionic, Naot, Ecco, and OluKai. However, the ideal sandal may vary depending on individual preferences and the severity of the condition, so it’s essential to try different options and consult with a healthcare professional if needed.
Are Birkenstock sandals good for plantar fasciitis?
Most Birkenstock sandals are actually good for plantar fasciitis because they offer good arch support and cushioning. However, it’s essential to note that the effectiveness of Birkenstock sandals in managing Plantar Fasciitis can vary from person to person.
While some people may find them helpful, others may require more specialized footwear with additional support and features tailored specifically for their condition.
Are Hoka sandals good for plantar fasciitis?
The Hoka Recovery sandal is an excellent choice for individuals with plantar fasciitis. The sandal features a contoured and supportive footbed that cradles the arches.
The ample cushioning in the midsole provides superior shock absorption, minimizing impact on the heels and arches during walking.
The soft and comfortable materials used in the sandal ensure gentle contact with the foot, making it suitable for those with sensitive feet or plantar fasciitis-related heel pain.
Designed specifically for recovery, this sandal is ideal for individuals seeking relief after intense workouts or extended periods of standing or walking.
What should you not wear with plantar fasciitis?
You should avoid wearing shoes that lack proper arch support and cushioning, such as flat flip-flops, unsupportive sandals, high heels, and worn-out shoes. Additionally, shoes with narrow toe boxes and inadequate shock absorption or shoes that raise your heel high above your toes may exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Here’s a checklist you need to consider when you have plantar fasciitis.
Do Teva sandals have arch support?
Yes, Teva sandals typically have some level of arch support. However, the amount of arch support can vary depending on the specific model of Teva sandals.
Some Teva sandals are designed with more substantial arch support like the Teva Hurricane XLT 2, while others may have a more minimalistic design in this aspect. It is essential you try them on to determine the level of arch support that best suits your needs and comfort preferences.
Do podiatrists recommend Oofos?
Yes, most podiatrists recommend Oofos, and in fact, every single Oofos style carries the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance (APMA).
When a shoe receives the APMA Seal of Acceptance, it means that the shoe has been evaluated and approved by the APMA’s Committee of Podiatrists. The seal is awarded to footwear products that meet certain criteria, including promoting good foot health, providing adequate support and stability, and reducing the risk of foot problems or discomfort.
There you have it. These were some of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis. If you have any sandals you swear by, please let us know down below in the comments.
I hope you’re staying safe out there, and see you in the next one 🙂
Thank you so much for these extensive explanations. This will help me make better decisions about footwear.
Glad we could help.