Things You'll Need:
- Any of various comfort shoe brands with good arch support for plantar fasciitis:
- Birkenstock
- Mephisto
- Drew
- Propet
- New Balance running shoes
- Brooks running shoes
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Step 1
Learn the idiosyncrasies of your own feet. Determine if your problem is flat feet or overly high arches, over pronation or over supination, or a foot or stride problem or posture problem. See a physical therapist or get a recommendation from a podiatrist as to what type of corrective shoe would help your heel pain. Chances are, you'll need shoes with arch support.
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Step 2
Avoid going to a regular shoe store. Go to a shoe store specializing in comfort shoes with arch support. Stores that sell Birkenstock sandals and shoes, Mephisto shoes, Ecco shoes, Clarks, Dansko clogs or other European comfort shoes may have sales people who are knowledgeable about plantar fasciitis and your particular type of foot pain.
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Step 3
Try on the shoes and walk around indoors (so you can return them if they don't feel right). The best shoes for your plantar fasciitis will fit securely without being too loose or too tight, not pinch anywhere, and in some styles slide slightly off at the heel, such as with Birkenstocks.
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Step 4
Take time to gradually adjust if you've never worn shoes with corrective arch support before. Wear the comfort shoes only for a few minutes the first day, gradually increasing the time until your feet have adjusted to the foodbed.
