Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in Vancouver

If you have plantar fasciitis or recurring heel pain, the shoes you wear can make an important difference in how your feet feel during walking, standing and everyday activities.

Supportive footwear can help provide a stable foundation for the foot, while poorly fitting or unsupportive shoes may contribute to increased stress on an already irritated plantar fascia.

At Vancouver Orthotics, Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates assess foot structure, biomechanics, footwear and individual needs when helping patients with plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

Vancouver Orthotics also carries APEX orthopedic footwear and provides custom orthotics when clinically appropriate.

What Shoes Are Good for Plantar Fasciitis?

There is no single shoe that is appropriate for every person with plantar fasciitis. Foot shape, arch characteristics, activity level, occupation, symptoms and biomechanics can all affect which footwear is most suitable.

When evaluating shoes for plantar fasciitis, features that may be helpful include:

The goal is not simply to find the softest shoe. A shoe should provide an appropriate combination of comfort, support, fit and stability for the individual wearing it.

Why Footwear Matters With Plantar Fasciitis

The plantar fascia is a strong band of connective tissue extending along the bottom of the foot from the heel toward the toes. It contributes to the function and support of the foot during standing and walking.

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes pain around the bottom of the heel and may be particularly noticeable with the first steps after getting out of bed or after sitting for an extended period.

Footwear is only one factor that may influence symptoms. Foot structure, activity levels, training changes, standing and walking demands, body mechanics and other factors can also contribute.

For a broader discussion of the condition, visit our plantar fasciitis treatment page.

APEX Footwear for Plantar Fasciitis

Vancouver Orthotics carries APEX footwear, a line of stock orthopedic footwear designed with features intended to accommodate a variety of foot shapes and support needs.

Depending on the particular APEX model, footwear may provide features such as additional interior depth, removable footbeds and room to accommodate an orthotic device.

For someone with plantar fasciitis, the appropriate shoe depends on much more than the brand name. The shoe must fit the person's foot properly and be appropriate for their activities, symptoms and any orthotics they may be wearing.

Our clinics can help patients consider footwear in conjunction with their overall foot and biomechanical assessment.

Are APEX Shoes Custom-Made?

No. APEX footwear sold by Vancouver Orthotics is stock, off-the-shelf orthopedic footwear. The shoes themselves are not custom-made for an individual patient's feet.

This is different from a custom orthotic, which is individually prescribed and manufactured for the patient based on their assessment and foot information.

Vancouver Orthotics provides custom orthotics and sells stock orthopedic footwear, but we do not manufacture or sell custom-made orthopedic shoes.

Learn more about orthopedic shoes and footwear available through Vancouver Orthotics.

Plantar Fasciitis Shoes and Custom Orthotics

Supportive footwear and custom orthotics perform different roles, although they can often be considered together.

The shoe provides the external environment in which the foot and orthotic function. A custom orthotic is placed inside appropriate footwear and is prescribed based on the individual's assessment.

When custom orthotics are being considered, Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates may assess factors including foot structure, biomechanics, symptoms, activities and existing footwear.

A 3D digital foot scan may be used as part of the custom orthotic process. At select locations, an electronic walking gait assessment may also form part of the overall biomechanical evaluation.

Learn more about custom orthotics pricing and assessment fees.

Do You Need Orthopedic Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?

Not necessarily. Many people with plantar fasciitis can wear conventional walking, athletic or everyday footwear provided the shoes fit properly and provide appropriate support for their needs.

Other people may benefit from orthopedic footwear because they require additional depth, width, accommodation or other footwear features.

The appropriate choice depends on the individual rather than the diagnosis alone.

Running Shoes and Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis

Running shoes and sneakers are common choices for people dealing with plantar fasciitis because many models provide cushioning, stability and removable insoles. However, no particular style is appropriate for everyone.

A shoe that works well for one person's foot structure and walking or running mechanics may not be appropriate for another person.

If you intend to wear custom orthotics in athletic shoes, bringing the shoes to your appointment can help determine whether there is adequate room and whether the shoe and orthotic work appropriately together.

Men's and Women's Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

The basic footwear considerations for plantar fasciitis are similar for men and women: appropriate fit, stability, comfort and enough room for the foot and any prescribed orthotic.

Rather than choosing footwear based only on whether it is marketed as a men's or women's plantar fasciitis shoe, consider how the individual shoe fits your foot.

Width, depth, heel fit, toe-box space and the shape of the shoe can all affect comfort.

What About Work Shoes?

People who spend much of the day standing or walking may place different demands on their footwear than someone who works primarily while seated.

Healthcare workers, retail employees, teachers, tradespeople, hospitality workers and others who spend many hours on their feet may want to pay particular attention to shoe fit, support, cushioning and wear.

Workplace requirements should also be considered. Some occupations require specific footwear characteristics or safety footwear that may limit the available choices.

Can Shoes Cure Plantar Fasciitis?

It is better to think of footwear as one component of managing plantar fasciitis rather than as a guaranteed cure.

Plantar fasciitis can have multiple contributing factors, and simply changing shoes may not address all of them.

Depending on the individual, management may involve modifying aggravating activities, stretching or exercise recommendations, footwear changes, custom orthotics or other treatment approaches following an appropriate assessment.

When Should Heel Pain Be Assessed?

Not every case of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. If heel or arch pain is persistent, worsening, interfering with normal activities or repeatedly returning, an assessment can help determine what may be contributing to the symptoms.

Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates have a special interest in foot biomechanics, custom orthotics and conditions associated with foot and heel pain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

What are the best shoes for plantar fasciitis?

There is no single best shoe for everyone with plantar fasciitis. Appropriate footwear depends on your foot shape, biomechanics, activities, symptoms and fit requirements. Support, stability, cushioning and proper fit are important considerations.

Does Vancouver Orthotics sell shoes for plantar fasciitis?

Vancouver Orthotics carries APEX orthopedic footwear. Whether a particular APEX shoe is appropriate for your plantar fasciitis depends on your individual feet, symptoms and footwear requirements.

Does Vancouver Orthotics make custom shoes?

No. Vancouver Orthotics does not manufacture or sell custom-made shoes. We provide custom orthotics and sell stock orthopedic footwear, including APEX footwear.

Can I wear custom orthotics in regular shoes?

Many custom orthotics can be worn in conventional footwear, provided the shoe has sufficient room and is appropriate for the orthotic. Shoes with removable factory insoles can often provide additional space. The appropriate combination depends on the shoe, orthotic and individual foot.

Should I bring my shoes to my orthotics appointment?

Yes. Bringing shoes that you commonly wear for work, walking, exercise or other important activities can be useful when evaluating footwear and planning custom orthotics.

Are expensive shoes always better for plantar fasciitis?

No. Price alone does not determine whether a shoe is appropriate for your feet. Fit, construction, support, comfort and suitability for your activities are more useful considerations.

Can I use APEX shoes with custom orthotics?

Some APEX footwear is designed with removable footbeds and additional interior space that can help accommodate orthotic devices. The suitability of a particular model should be considered together with the orthotic and the individual patient's foot.

Footwear, Plantar Fasciitis and Your Individual Assessment

Choosing footwear for plantar fasciitis should not be based on a shoe label alone. The goal is to find footwear that fits your feet appropriately and works with your individual needs, activities and any prescribed orthotics.

Dr. Michael Horowitz & Associates provide foot and biomechanical assessments at Vancouver Orthotics clinic locations throughout Vancouver and the Greater Vancouver area.

Information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for an individual clinical assessment or medical diagnosis.