Plantar Fasciitis VS. walking shoes?

[ChimeneO]

Since getting my Fitbit I've gone to the extreme when it comes to walking... I used to be sedentary putting in about 3000 steps a day, but now I can't stop wanting to increase my steps. The problem is that my feet really hurt by the end of the day. I've soaked them in salts, rubbed them with menthol rubs, and even brought those compression band pads which you slip on under your socks.. They have all helped a bit but I'm looking to get my feet back to the way they used to feel..., normal with no aches or pains of discomfort.

So I'm asking what brand of shoe do you think is the best for walking lots of miles? If you have insoles what brand is it? Please also comment if you have also suffered from plantar fasciitis.

TIA

[JohnnyRow]

I question of that's really plantar fasciitis.  Have you been professionally diagnosed.  The reason I say that is that pf usually is worst when getting up in the morning, then gradually improves, but you didn't say anything about mornings.

When I did suffer with pf, one good stretch for it is leaning against a wall, keeping heels on the floor to stretch the back of the heel area.  But I'm certainly no professional so take my suggestion lightly.

[J-flex]

Occasionally I’ll have issues with Plantar Fasciitis.  If I don’t regularly do my stretching exercises I find it acts up again.  You may want to consult with your Dr. or some other professional to ensure nothing else is going on with your feet.  Properly fitted footwear makes a huge difference.

[Bill_k]

I bought some casual walking shoes from a company called S.A.S . They are the most comfortable things i've ever worn and i walk a lot. They were a bit expensive though.

[Amoore812]

My daughter and I both have this problem. I went thru PT for it a couple of years ago and now my daughter is going thru her 2nd set of PT. Our PTs said Asics were the best or getting orthotic inserts made. Reason being Asics make neutral shoes anyone can wear, but they also make shoes for people that supinate and those that pronate, meaning their ankles turn in a little or they walk on the outside of their heel. I only buy Asics now also bc the sole is sturdy enough to support your foot but not too stiff to put added pressure on your feet. However, this isn't something to mess around with. It can get really bad really fast. If you haven't already been to a podiatrist, make an appointment. You most likely have inflamed it. Even with 3 months of PT, being on a heavy duty Rx anti-inflammatory, and paying the $300 to have the orthotics made, it still took me 6 months to be able to walk enough to make it through the grocery store on my own after my initial flare up. My friend tried to ignore it, thought she didn't have time to get hers checked out and ended up having to wear an air cast for 4 months on top of PT and orthotics. Just saying there more to it than just changing shoes. You need to at least let the inflammation heal, stay off it as much as you can for a while. Good luck! Hope you heal quickly! 

[Baltoscott · Accepted solution]

Hi @ChimeneO 

Got to love Amazon.  According to my purchase history got these inserts in November 2017.  I think the planter fasciitis I had been struggling with for the prior two years mostly cleared up in about 6 months. 

But I was very focused on doing various stretches multiple times/day during that time frame and I think that probably helped more.  All the exercises I was doing can found here.

I don't know if you do have PF (agree with @JohnnyRow about the symptoms), but in my case I think excessive stepping probably contributed to developing the problem.  It is good to increase your steps up to a point, but remember to exercise other parts of your body as well.  

[Maggie681]

Hello and I hope when you read this your feet are feeling better and that you did go to see a health professional to ensure you don't have Plantar Fasciitis which is very painful. I run a lot and because of hormonal changes I used to suffer badly even after spending big money on good shoes. I found stretching using a towel and curling your toes over helped as did starting to make my own kombucha and also kefir water to drink. I was amazed that after a few weeks the pain I had been experiencing had completely subsided and I have since completed many runs and hikes with no issues. At the same time here I am not saying for everyone this will work but maybe it is worth looking into. I easily purchased the scoby (starter for kombucha) and the kefir crystals on ebay. It has become part of my every week thing to make these drinks and so so cheap to make and maintain. No more buying expensive soft drinks (soda pop) and you can create your own and impress friends and family and give the scoby's for others to benefit as well when the kefir crystals increase in volume. It is a gift that keeps giving with amazing health benefits.

[arbie3]

put a frozen can of  oj the kind you find in the frozen section put it on the floor put your foot on it and roll back and forth 3x aday its amazing

[J-flex]

Golf ball works really well. Plus its small enough to get a good workout.

[Jezok]

I don't know what plantar fasciitis cause, but I was very upset when made me such diagnosis. I tried different methods plantar fasciitis treatment. It or didn't give effect absolutely, or solved a problem temporarily. So far I studied Fast Plantar Fasciitis Cure Review. These are very good exercises and councils how to remove pain. 2 months I can fully play sports.

[gtg947h]

Can't tell if it's PF or not but the right shoes are critical.  My feet used to hurt all the time when I wore generic cross-trainers.  After one of those "analyze your stride" machines, I used "stability" running shoes all the time; now I use them only for running and working out and have walking shoes for work and general use.

Get good shoes.  Trying to walk in what passes as women's "shoes" will probably destroy your feet.

[Corney]

ChimeneO  Plantar Fasciitis is caused by hyper-pronation.  The Hyper-pronation is caused by a bio-mechanical fault, usually tight heel cords or shoes with poor arch support.  I had Plantar fasciitis after running for over 25 years, I solved the problem and went back to running by using full arch supports by Spenco.  Plantar fasciitis symptoms are extreme pain upon rising in the morning or after sitting for a prolonged period of time.  The pain usually lasts for the first 5-10 steps then goes away after the fascia stretches out due to weight bearing.

[Mech45]

Hey, My favorite choice is Hoka Clifton 7 and ASCIS shoes for plantar fasciitis. I found the following guide helpful for it.

Guide by Wearduke.com 

Hope you find it helpful and get your desired shoes.

[TeeVee3]

Highly recommend Vionics shoe brand.  I also had PF - discovered I have very high arches and must have arch support.  There are many different styles so you may need to try different ones to make sure they support your arch in the correct way.  Vionicshoes.com

This is my go to brand for constant wearing shoes - I'm never without them.