The 19 best shoes for plantar fasciitis
Best walking shoes: Asics
Asics GEL-Nimbus 27
This high-cushion shoe has a rather rigid footbed, offering a great blend of arch support, shock absorption, and stability for the tendons of your foot. The upper is well-ventilated and roomy for hours of comfortable walking, and the sockliner very soft around the ankle.
Check price at Asics
A good walking shoe to support plantar fasciitis has all the same components as a good running shoe: Solid arch support, enough cushioning to absorb the shock of walking, a rigid foundation to maintain structure, and a supportive heel cup. But a good walking shoe should also have a wide toe box so your toes can spread out naturally and a breathable upper.
Asics is one of the most highly-recommended brands to help relieve plantar fasciitis pain, including from Dr. Fuchs. Like Brooks, it does an excellent job of providing cushioned support, but the structured sole and heel counters work well to reduce strain on the tendon. Asics also uniquely have a firm midsole, which helps to limit movement — key in relieving pain, Dr. Fuchs says.
Asics also has adaptive stability technology to provide the amount of support your foot needs without overcorrecting, which gives you plenty of room to add your own orthotic for more arch support. The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 performed great on long walks, maintaining its rigid but soft support. As someone with high arches who walks 10,000+ steps a day and prefers a higher-cushion walking shoe, I found Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 to be incredibly comfortable and supportive underfoot, even on long days out.
Honorable Mention: Hoka
On one hand, both our podiatrists agree that having a well-cushioned shoe is crucial for treating plantar fasciitis, because this helps your shoe absorb the impact of walking rather than your tendons. That said, one of the most common mistakes Dr. Daughtry says she sees in people trying to heal their PF is opting for a shoe with an excessively cushioned or thick sole but not enough support underneath.
Hoka, a brand known for excessive cushioning, can be troublesome if the foundation isn't supportive enough underneath, but part of that is personal biomechanics. I know multiple people with PF who only found relief wearing Hokas, but many others say Hokas made their PF worse. Dr. Fuchs does recommend Hokas for certain people with plantar fasciitis, and, considering Hoka makes some of the best women's walking shoes we've tested, it's worth considering if you haven't found the other walking and running shoe brands on our list to work for you.
In general, Hokas are likely a better fit for someone who overpronates and needs a stability shoe. That's because these are built with more arch support, and you don't want to add in a rigid arch support orthotic overtop a squishy sole.
Best running shoes: Brooks
If you're trying to keep plantar fasciitis flare-ups down as you get back onto the track, it's definitely smart to replace your running shoes. Wearing worn-down shoes makes PF much worse because they've lost all the elements of a PF-supportive shoe, Dr. Daugherty says — namely, the ability to support your arches and absorb the shock of running so your plantar fascia doesn't have to strain to work overtime.
Brooks running shoes hit the perfect balance of what podiatrists recommend in a shoe: A supportive, shock-absorbing amount of cushion alongside a rigid sole and a supportive heel cup. Dr. Fuchs recommends the brand, and as I've been running in Brooks for years, I can attest that, even after 300 miles, they hold their structure well and feel supportive on long miles.
Dr. Daugherty notes that many people with plantar fasciitis find that a small heel lift can help take the strain off the tendon; most Brooks models have a 12mm drop from the heel to the ball of the foot.
Also, while supporting your natural gait is crucial when picking a running shoe, Dr. Daugherty recommends people opt for a neutral shoe that can be customized by adding personal arch support. One reason Brooks is the best running brand for people with plantar fasciitis is that many of its neutral models use a unique adaptable guide rail system ("GTS") to correct your gait as much as is needed without cranking the physical support up. This allows you to add the amount of arch support your foot personally needs while still scoring the motion control individual to your gait.
Best for around the house: Oofos
One thing people with plantar fasciitis often overlook is that they should be wearing shoes at all times, including around the house. "I personally suffer with plantar fasciitis, and if I do not wear some type of supportive sandal or sneakers with arch support around home, my pain will flare up," Dr. Daugthry says.
For an around-the-house shoe, in addition to the basics of arch support, well-cushioned, and a stiff sole, you want a shoe that's easy to slip on and off and comfortable to move around in. Recovery footwear brand Oofos makes shoes that are incredibly lightweight but absorb way more impact than traditional foam footwear.
During testing, I appreciated not only how fatigue-fighting their shoes are — the support feels incredibly rejuvenating on tired feet — but also that all of their styles, from slides to sneakers, are really easy to slip on and off.
Best sandals: Fitflop
Fitflop LULU Resin-Buckle Leather Back-Strap Sandals
This elevated, all-around summer sandal is crafted with a triple-density cushioning that's extra firm at the heel and toes, provides natural arch support, and a slight heel-to-toe drop for plantar fascia relief. This double-strap, buckled sandal will also work keep your feet secure in the shoe.
Check price at Fitflop
Like our podiatrists mentioned earlier, if you have plantar fasciitis, you should wear shoes anytime your feet touch the ground. Sandals with adequate arch support are crucial for warm-weather activities when you just want to slide your feet into something breezy and go.
Fitflop is a stylish ergonomic brand that uses smart, impact-absorbing cushioning and a rigid footbed in its shoes. Their bread-and-butter are sandals (hence the name) and offer everything from casual pool-side flip flops to wedge sandals you could wear to a wedding. Moreover, the majority of their sandals have a 1-2 inch heel drop, which both our podiatrists say can be very helpful in reducing strain on the plantar fascia (though any higher of a heel and it'll cause more strain).
I found their RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals to be incredibly comfortable to wear all day and found myself slipping them on whenever I needed to run out of the house but still feel supported. Their sandals, across the board, provide very solid arch support for my high arches, but you could easily add an orthic for more. Mostly, I was very impressed with their range of supportive sandals and quality of style; there's truly a style for everyone, which is great to nix the excuse that you have to wear unsupportive shoes for a certain occasion.
Best shoes for women: Dansko
There's a reason the classic Dansko clog has a chokehold on nurses and restaurant workers: The brand's backbone is a contoured footbed that provides stiff but well-placed support, alongside a rocker shape that allows for a more natural motion of the foot — both things Dr. Daugthry says she recommends to help treat plantar fasciitis.
Though best known for its classic clog, Dansko makes a wide range of shoe styles for women, from summer sandals to Chelsea boots to ballet flats to loafers. Pretty much any kind of women's shoe you need, Dansko likely makes one — and a supportive one at that. In the models I tested, the footbed was soft but very stiff with a sturdy heel cup.
The only downside: I found the heels run narrow on some models.
Best shoes for men: Kuru
Rachael Schultz/Business Insider
Kuru specializes in shoes crafted to alleviate pain — heel pain, back pain, flat feet, and, yes, plantar fasciitis. Its support lies in its unique construction: a lightweight EVA foam outsole; a supportive and elevated heel cup; and a dual-density foam insole for solid arch support.
The brand makes a range of shoes for both men and women, from slip-ons to boots to sandals, but we love its range of supportive sneakers. During testing, Kuru's sneakers were incredibly comfortable — stiff but cushioned underfoot with the perfect amount of support to minimize pressure across the knees, ankles, and foot.
Best dress shoes for men: Amberjack
Amberjack Loafer
Easy to slide on, sleek enough to wear to the office, and as comfortable as sneakers, these classy loafers have insoles that mold the arch support with your body heat, an anti-slip athletic outsole, and a supportive heel cup. They come in 11 colors, either full-grain leather or water-repellent suede.
Check price at Amberjack
If you have plantar fasciitis and need men's dress shoes, there's really no need to look anywhere else: Amberjack was built for this exact target.
With styles ranging from traditional, lace-up dress shoes to sleek Chelsea boots and clean-looking loafers, all of Amberjack's shoes have built-in medium-height arch support, extra thick (removable) insoles that mold to the shape of your foot as you wear them, a custom TPU outsole that's stiff but comfortable like a hiking boot, and a firm heel counter. Most of its shoes also have a 2.5-inch average heel height for less strain on your plantar fascia.
Ergonomic footbeds aside, their shoes are incredibly sleek and professional-looking. The leather is A-grade and full-grain, sourced from top-rated tanneries in Portugal and Italy, while the suede is Italian and water-repellent. No one will ever guess you bought them for comfort.
How to shop for Plantar Fasciitis shoes
The right footwear is crucial for helping treat plantar fasciitis and reduce the pain. Here's what makes for a good shoe for plantar fasciitis, according to Dr. Daugthry and Dr. Fuchs:
Arch support: The plantar fascia is what supports the arch of your foot. When you wear shoes without arch support, this tendon has to work overtime, causing strain, inflammation, and pain. Great arch support can help relieve the plantar fascia from its duty, allowing it to calm down.
Shock absorption and cushioning: Another major function of the PF tendon is helping with shock absorption. Solid cushioning in your shoe helps absorb the impact from walking or running so your tendon doesn't have to work as hard.
Stiff soles: A firm sole or a shoe with a stiff bottom can help your foot move forward more easily and keep it from bending or moving too much. This takes pressure off your plantar fascia (the band of tissue on the bottom of your foot). Look for shoes with a solid, supportive base and some cushioning on top for comfort. A good rule of thumb: You shouldn't be able to bend the shoe like a taco.
Heel stability: A firm heel cup will help prevent excessive movement, keeping your foot aligned and supported.
Possibly 1-2 inches of heel: While you want to steer clear of high heels, which alter your foot mechanics and put pressure on the forefoot, many people with PR find a slight heel on their shoe — 1 to 2 inches — helps alleviate the strain on their plantar fascia tendon.
Stability vs Neutral: Many people's foot naturally rolls inward or outward when they walk rather than staying neutral. Running and walking shoes are built to help offset this and keep your foot in a neutral position. If you overpronate (meaning you roll inward as you step), look for a stability shoe, which will have extra arch support. If you supinate — your foot rolls outward as you step — look for a neutral shoe.
How I tested
As a longtime health and fitness product journalist, I have tested countless types of shoes, including the best walking shoes for women, winter boots, and the best shoes for standing all day.
To test for this guide, I first spoke with two board-certified podiatrists:
Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic
Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and founder of LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, Florida
Dr. Daughtry and Dr. Fuchs set the foundation of what features the best shoes for plantar fasciitis should have, such as arch support, a stiff but cushioned footbed, and a rigid heel cup. From there, I researched brands and individual shoes people with plantar fasciitis like the most, including sourcing from many people I know who suffer from the condition.
I tested every shoe on this list (my husband tested the mens), wearing each pair to run errands, go on long walks, and work at my standing desk. As someone with high arches, I adequately tested for which shoes had significant arch support, in addition to being able to asses the stiffness and cushioning of each shoe's foundation.
FAQs
iStock; Gilbert Espinoza/Insider
What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis?
The pain of Plantar Fasciitis comes from the ligament that runs from your toes to your heel, the plantar fascia, becoming tight and inflamed. Every step causes the ligament to tear more, and wearing shoes that don't have proper support will make it worse.
Dr. Fuchs says people with plantar fasciitis should avoid flip-flops that lack enough cushioning or arch support, high heels that increase pressure on the forefoot and heel, and ballet flats that often lack arch support and cushioning.
Instead, our experts advise looking for shoes with arch support you can feel, cushioning in the heel, and a 1-2 inch heel.
What kind of shoes should I wear for plantar fasciitis at home?
Wearing shoes any time you're walking around — even just from the bed to the kitchen — is crucial to help alleviate the strain on your plantar fascia, both our docs agree.
Look for house slippers, slides, or even house sneakers that have arch support and heel cushion. Chances are your regular slippers won't cut it. We love Hoka's Ora Recovery Slide, which is easy to slip on and off and feels like clouds underfoot. They have layers of dense EVA foam to provide both support and keep the shoe lightweight with every step, and Hoka's signature rocker design helps work with your foot's natural movement.
What aggravates plantar fasciitis?
The number one thing that aggravates plantar fasciitis is not giving your feet enough support. This can mean wearing shoes without enough cushion or arch support or standing on hard surfaces, like concrete, for hours without rest. A supportive pair of shoes, like all those included in this guide, can go a long way to avoiding a plantar fasciitis flare-up.
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Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
The 19 best shoes for plantar fasciitis
Best walking shoes: Asics Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 This high-cushion shoe has a rather rigid footbed, offering a great blend of arch support, shock absorption, and stability for the tendons of your foot. The upper is well-ventilated and roomy for hours of comfortable walking, and the sockliner very soft around the ankle. Check price at Asics A good walking shoe to support plantar fasciitis has all the same components as a good running shoe: Solid arch support, enough cushioning to absorb the shock of walking, a rigid foundation to maintain structure, and a supportive heel cup. But a good walking shoe should also have a wide toe box so your toes can spread out naturally and a breathable upper. Asics is one of the most highly-recommended brands to help relieve plantar fasciitis pain, including from Dr. Fuchs. Like Brooks, it does an excellent job of providing cushioned support, but the structured sole and heel counters work well to reduce strain on the tendon. Asics also uniquely have a firm midsole, which helps to limit movement — key in relieving pain, Dr. Fuchs says. Asics also has adaptive stability technology to provide the amount of support your foot needs without overcorrecting, which gives you plenty of room to add your own orthotic for more arch support. The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 performed great on long walks, maintaining its rigid but soft support. As someone with high arches who walks 10,000+ steps a day and prefers a higher-cushion walking shoe, I found Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 to be incredibly comfortable and supportive underfoot, even on long days out. Honorable Mention: Hoka On one hand, both our podiatrists agree that having a well-cushioned shoe is crucial for treating plantar fasciitis, because this helps your shoe absorb the impact of walking rather than your tendons. That said, one of the most common mistakes Dr. Daughtry says she sees in people trying to heal their PF is opting for a shoe with an excessively cushioned or thick sole but not enough support underneath. Hoka, a brand known for excessive cushioning, can be troublesome if the foundation isn't supportive enough underneath, but part of that is personal biomechanics. I know multiple people with PF who only found relief wearing Hokas, but many others say Hokas made their PF worse. Dr. Fuchs does recommend Hokas for certain people with plantar fasciitis, and, considering Hoka makes some of the best women's walking shoes we've tested, it's worth considering if you haven't found the other walking and running shoe brands on our list to work for you. In general, Hokas are likely a better fit for someone who overpronates and needs a stability shoe. That's because these are built with more arch support, and you don't want to add in a rigid arch support orthotic overtop a squishy sole. Best running shoes: Brooks If you're trying to keep plantar fasciitis flare-ups down as you get back onto the track, it's definitely smart to replace your running shoes. Wearing worn-down shoes makes PF much worse because they've lost all the elements of a PF-supportive shoe, Dr. Daugherty says — namely, the ability to support your arches and absorb the shock of running so your plantar fascia doesn't have to strain to work overtime. Brooks running shoes hit the perfect balance of what podiatrists recommend in a shoe: A supportive, shock-absorbing amount of cushion alongside a rigid sole and a supportive heel cup. Dr. Fuchs recommends the brand, and as I've been running in Brooks for years, I can attest that, even after 300 miles, they hold their structure well and feel supportive on long miles. Dr. Daugherty notes that many people with plantar fasciitis find that a small heel lift can help take the strain off the tendon; most Brooks models have a 12mm drop from the heel to the ball of the foot. Also, while supporting your natural gait is crucial when picking a running shoe, Dr. Daugherty recommends people opt for a neutral shoe that can be customized by adding personal arch support. One reason Brooks is the best running brand for people with plantar fasciitis is that many of its neutral models use a unique adaptable guide rail system ("GTS") to correct your gait as much as is needed without cranking the physical support up. This allows you to add the amount of arch support your foot personally needs while still scoring the motion control individual to your gait. Best for around the house: Oofos One thing people with plantar fasciitis often overlook is that they should be wearing shoes at all times, including around the house. "I personally suffer with plantar fasciitis, and if I do not wear some type of supportive sandal or sneakers with arch support around home, my pain will flare up," Dr. Daugthry says. For an around-the-house shoe, in addition to the basics of arch support, well-cushioned, and a stiff sole, you want a shoe that's easy to slip on and off and comfortable to move around in. Recovery footwear brand Oofos makes shoes that are incredibly lightweight but absorb way more impact than traditional foam footwear. During testing, I appreciated not only how fatigue-fighting their shoes are — the support feels incredibly rejuvenating on tired feet — but also that all of their styles, from slides to sneakers, are really easy to slip on and off. Best sandals: Fitflop Fitflop LULU Resin-Buckle Leather Back-Strap Sandals This elevated, all-around summer sandal is crafted with a triple-density cushioning that's extra firm at the heel and toes, provides natural arch support, and a slight heel-to-toe drop for plantar fascia relief. This double-strap, buckled sandal will also work keep your feet secure in the shoe. Check price at Fitflop Like our podiatrists mentioned earlier, if you have plantar fasciitis, you should wear shoes anytime your feet touch the ground. Sandals with adequate arch support are crucial for warm-weather activities when you just want to slide your feet into something breezy and go. Fitflop is a stylish ergonomic brand that uses smart, impact-absorbing cushioning and a rigid footbed in its shoes. Their bread-and-butter are sandals (hence the name) and offer everything from casual pool-side flip flops to wedge sandals you could wear to a wedding. Moreover, the majority of their sandals have a 1-2 inch heel drop, which both our podiatrists say can be very helpful in reducing strain on the plantar fascia (though any higher of a heel and it'll cause more strain). I found their RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals to be incredibly comfortable to wear all day and found myself slipping them on whenever I needed to run out of the house but still feel supported. Their sandals, across the board, provide very solid arch support for my high arches, but you could easily add an orthic for more. Mostly, I was very impressed with their range of supportive sandals and quality of style; there's truly a style for everyone, which is great to nix the excuse that you have to wear unsupportive shoes for a certain occasion. Best shoes for women: Dansko There's a reason the classic Dansko clog has a chokehold on nurses and restaurant workers: The brand's backbone is a contoured footbed that provides stiff but well-placed support, alongside a rocker shape that allows for a more natural motion of the foot — both things Dr. Daugthry says she recommends to help treat plantar fasciitis. Though best known for its classic clog, Dansko makes a wide range of shoe styles for women, from summer sandals to Chelsea boots to ballet flats to loafers. Pretty much any kind of women's shoe you need, Dansko likely makes one — and a supportive one at that. In the models I tested, the footbed was soft but very stiff with a sturdy heel cup. The only downside: I found the heels run narrow on some models. Best shoes for men: Kuru Rachael Schultz/Business Insider Kuru specializes in shoes crafted to alleviate pain — heel pain, back pain, flat feet, and, yes, plantar fasciitis. Its support lies in its unique construction: a lightweight EVA foam outsole; a supportive and elevated heel cup; and a dual-density foam insole for solid arch support. The brand makes a range of shoes for both men and women, from slip-ons to boots to sandals, but we love its range of supportive sneakers. During testing, Kuru's sneakers were incredibly comfortable — stiff but cushioned underfoot with the perfect amount of support to minimize pressure across the knees, ankles, and foot. Best dress shoes for men: Amberjack Amberjack Loafer Easy to slide on, sleek enough to wear to the office, and as comfortable as sneakers, these classy loafers have insoles that mold the arch support with your body heat, an anti-slip athletic outsole, and a supportive heel cup. They come in 11 colors, either full-grain leather or water-repellent suede. Check price at Amberjack If you have plantar fasciitis and need men's dress shoes, there's really no need to look anywhere else: Amberjack was built for this exact target. With styles ranging from traditional, lace-up dress shoes to sleek Chelsea boots and clean-looking loafers, all of Amberjack's shoes have built-in medium-height arch support, extra thick (removable) insoles that mold to the shape of your foot as you wear them, a custom TPU outsole that's stiff but comfortable like a hiking boot, and a firm heel counter. Most of its shoes also have a 2.5-inch average heel height for less strain on your plantar fascia. Ergonomic footbeds aside, their shoes are incredibly sleek and professional-looking. The leather is A-grade and full-grain, sourced from top-rated tanneries in Portugal and Italy, while the suede is Italian and water-repellent. No one will ever guess you bought them for comfort. How to shop for Plantar Fasciitis shoes The right footwear is crucial for helping treat plantar fasciitis and reduce the pain. Here's what makes for a good shoe for plantar fasciitis, according to Dr. Daugthry and Dr. Fuchs: Arch support: The plantar fascia is what supports the arch of your foot. When you wear shoes without arch support, this tendon has to work overtime, causing strain, inflammation, and pain. Great arch support can help relieve the plantar fascia from its duty, allowing it to calm down. Shock absorption and cushioning: Another major function of the PF tendon is helping with shock absorption. Solid cushioning in your shoe helps absorb the impact from walking or running so your tendon doesn't have to work as hard. Stiff soles: A firm sole or a shoe with a stiff bottom can help your foot move forward more easily and keep it from bending or moving too much. This takes pressure off your plantar fascia (the band of tissue on the bottom of your foot). Look for shoes with a solid, supportive base and some cushioning on top for comfort. A good rule of thumb: You shouldn't be able to bend the shoe like a taco. Heel stability: A firm heel cup will help prevent excessive movement, keeping your foot aligned and supported. Possibly 1-2 inches of heel: While you want to steer clear of high heels, which alter your foot mechanics and put pressure on the forefoot, many people with PR find a slight heel on their shoe — 1 to 2 inches — helps alleviate the strain on their plantar fascia tendon. Stability vs Neutral: Many people's foot naturally rolls inward or outward when they walk rather than staying neutral. Running and walking shoes are built to help offset this and keep your foot in a neutral position. If you overpronate (meaning you roll inward as you step), look for a stability shoe, which will have extra arch support. If you supinate — your foot rolls outward as you step — look for a neutral shoe. How I tested As a longtime health and fitness product journalist, I have tested countless types of shoes, including the best walking shoes for women, winter boots, and the best shoes for standing all day. To test for this guide, I first spoke with two board-certified podiatrists: Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and founder of LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, Florida Dr. Daughtry and Dr. Fuchs set the foundation of what features the best shoes for plantar fasciitis should have, such as arch support, a stiff but cushioned footbed, and a rigid heel cup. From there, I researched brands and individual shoes people with plantar fasciitis like the most, including sourcing from many people I know who suffer from the condition. I tested every shoe on this list (my husband tested the mens), wearing each pair to run errands, go on long walks, and work at my standing desk. As someone with high arches, I adequately tested for which shoes had significant arch support, in addition to being able to asses the stiffness and cushioning of each shoe's foundation. FAQs iStock; Gilbert Espinoza/Insider What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? The pain of Plantar Fasciitis comes from the ligament that runs from your toes to your heel, the plantar fascia, becoming tight and inflamed. Every step causes the ligament to tear more, and wearing shoes that don't have proper support will make it worse. Dr. Fuchs says people with plantar fasciitis should avoid flip-flops that lack enough cushioning or arch support, high heels that increase pressure on the forefoot and heel, and ballet flats that often lack arch support and cushioning. Instead, our experts advise looking for shoes with arch support you can feel, cushioning in the heel, and a 1-2 inch heel. What kind of shoes should I wear for plantar fasciitis at home? Wearing shoes any time you're walking around — even just from the bed to the kitchen — is crucial to help alleviate the strain on your plantar fascia, both our docs agree. Look for house slippers, slides, or even house sneakers that have arch support and heel cushion. Chances are your regular slippers won't cut it. We love Hoka's Ora Recovery Slide, which is easy to slip on and off and feels like clouds underfoot. They have layers of dense EVA foam to provide both support and keep the shoe lightweight with every step, and Hoka's signature rocker design helps work with your foot's natural movement. What aggravates plantar fasciitis? The number one thing that aggravates plantar fasciitis is not giving your feet enough support. This can mean wearing shoes without enough cushion or arch support or standing on hard surfaces, like concrete, for hours without rest. A supportive pair of shoes, like all those included in this guide, can go a long way to avoiding a plantar fasciitis flare-up.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
US children struggle to catch up educationally while poverty further burdens Kentucky's kids
The Annie E. Casey Foundation's latest report on child wellbeing finds a decline in the share of Kentucky kids in preschool. (Photo by Getty Images) This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Kentucky's kids are struggling in school more than they did pre-pandemic, according to a new report on child wellbeing from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. While Kentucky children improved in the last few years on a few measures — more have health insurance, for example — every measure of education worsened, according to the KIDS COUNT County Data Book, released Monday. From 2019-2023, about 63% of Kentucky's children ages 3 and 4 were not in school, an increase from 58% from 2014-2018. In 2024, 67% of Kentucky's fourth graders were less than proficient in reading. That's up from 65% in 2019. That same year, most — 76% — of eighth graders in the state weren't proficient in math, up from 71% in 2019. From 2021-2022, 10% of high school students did not graduate on time, an increase from 9% in 2019, according to the report. Terry Brooks, the executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates, told the Lantern that this new data is a 'very authentic litmus test for legislators and the governor to put up or shut up when it comes to a commitment to kids.' 'The child poverty level is really … the canary in the coal mine. It tells you not just where kids are today, but it tells you where kids are going,' Brooks said. Kentucky is the 44th worst in the nation for child poverty; one in five Kentucky children live in poverty. 'That flat out means that that is an unacceptable condition — if we care, at all, about kids,' Brooks said. Lisa M. Lawson, the president and CEO of The Annie E. Casey Foundation, wrote in the latest national report that 'while progress is uneven, the direction is clear.' 'We know what kids need to grow up healthy and connected: stable homes, strong schools, nutritious food, meaningful relationships and opportunities to learn, play and grow,' Lawson wrote. 'These are shared needs across communities — and meeting them is a shared responsibility.' In several ways, Kentucky's data is similar to the national trends. In both, the education category fared the worst — 'consistent with the pandemic's well-documented toll on student learning and school experiences' — while family and community improved. Democrat Beshear renews push for universal preschool in Kentucky Trends for Kentucky, revealed in the report, include: One in five children live in poverty, ranking them 44th on this measure. From 2019-2023, 63% of young children were not in school. That number was 58% in 2014-2018. Kentucky Youth Advocates says this shows 'a continued need for a robust early childhood education infrastructure that prioritizes early learning and care for our youngest learners.' Last week, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order to establish an advisory committee that will explore support for universal pre-kindergarten programs in Kentucky. There is an 'unprecedented learning loss following the pandemic and the toll of chronic absenteeism on academic performance' resulting in 67% of fourth graders scoring below proficient in reading and 76% of eighth graders not proficient in math. Kentucky has the third highest rate among the states of children who are covered by health insurance; in 2023, 3% of Kentucky children were without coverage. The death rate for children and teenagers ages 1-19 increased by 28% in 2023 from 2019. There are fewer kids living in homes with a household head who doesn't have a high school diploma — the number dropped from 11% in 2019 to 9% in 2023. There were fewer teen births in 2023, with a rate of 21 per 1,000 ages 15-19. Despite the drop, Kentucky Youth Advocates says, 'this remains the Commonwealth's worst-ranked measure relative to other states at 46th in the nation.' In 2023, there were more Kentucky babies born below optimal weight, which can lead to health problems, than in 2019 — an increase from 8.7% to 8.8%. 'This moment calls for focus, creativity and commitment,' Lawson wrote in the national report. 'It calls on leaders at every level to act boldly where improvement is needed and rely on what we know works.' The COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered school buildings and sent kids home to learn remotely, certainly played a role in delaying youth, Brooks said. But, he added, 'to blame it on COVID is a cop-out.' 'I don't think we can continue to blame a virus for low academic achievement,' he said. 'It may have (been) exacerbated under COVID, but it wasn't created by COVID.' In the 2017-18 and 2018-19 school years, about 17% of Kentucky children were chronically absent, the Lantern previously reported, meaning they missed more than 10% of their enrolled time at school. During the 2022-23 school year, nearly 30% of Kentucky's students were chronically absent. During the 2023-4 year, it was down to 28%. Meanwhile, the Kentucky General Assembly is too focused on 'every hot button social issue there is,' Brooks said. They need to spend more time thinking about deep policy work that can improve education marks, he said. 'It's easy to criticize schools, but it takes some imagination to improve schools,' Brooks said. A retired educator and longtime advocate for children, Brooks said the poor education outcomes Kentucky is seeing now come from multiple factors, including children's poor mental health and an inadequate teaching workforce. Other items could use lawmaker attention, Brooks said, such as the SEEK formula for funding public schools, 'both in terms of adequacy and equity,' and assessment protocols. These aren't trendy policies to work on, Brooks acknowledged: 'The assessment system is deep policy work. It's not a way to grab attention.' 'In a lot of ways, forces around education are playing chicken with one another and seeing who blinks first,' Brooks said. 'And that's not the landscape for positive change.' There are some immediate policies Brooks would like to see Kentucky lawmakers consider in 2026, which is a budget year. Those include a state earned income tax credit and also a dependent child care tax credit to address childhood poverty. 'The '26 budget is probably being crafted in the General Assembly right now. I want to see if there's any dedicated effort to address childhood poverty in this budget, as well as what the governor presents,' Brooks said. 'If there is such an attempt, then kudos go to whoever is proposing that. If not, frankly, Frankfort leaders just need to be quiet about childhood poverty because they don't really care.' Not every issue facing Kentucky's kids can be fixed with a 'magic wand' from Frankfort, Brooks said, including the high mortality rate among children. The death rate for Kentucky youth 1-19 increased by 28% in 2023 from 2019. In 2023, there were 395 deaths per 100,000, the data shows, which includes suicides, accidents and homicides. There were 22,841 deaths nationally per 100,000. The pandemic hit kids hard, leading to high rates of depression and anxiety in those separated from peers and support networks. In addition, as the Lantern has reported, access to guns and medications kill kids. 'What we see is an alarming rise in children dying either because of access to medication — and I'm not talking illicit drugs, I'm talking (about) what they get out of the medicine cabinet in their parents' bathroom — and also unsafe storage of guns,' Brooks said. A variety of medications — including over the counter pain relievers like Tylenol — can hurt kids if not taken according to directions. Experts recommend securing all medications where children cannot access them, keeping bullets separate from guns and using gun locks. 'While there's certainly an abundance of responsibility that (goes) to lawmakers and the governor, there's also an abundance of responsibility to go to moms and dads and grandmas and grandpas,' Brooks said. 'Be diligent. Use common sense when it comes to making sure that little boy or little girl can't get to your gun and shoot themselves, and they can't get to your medication and overdose.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
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Travel + Leisure
02-06-2025
- Travel + Leisure
We Asked Disney Cast Members for the Best Walking Shoes—and These Are the 11 Comfy Styles They Swear By
If anyone knows the importance of a good pair of walking shoes, it's Disney cast members. These pros easily clock tens of thousands of steps a day, whether they're working long shifts around Cinderella's Castle or spending a well-earned day off park-hopping with friends. So when it comes to finding the best shoes for walking all day at Disney, they know which styles actually hold up under pressure (and humidity). We asked current and former Disney employees to share the walking shoes they rely on most, both on and off the clock. From ultra-cushioned Hoka shoes that feel like "walking on marshmallows" to the supportive Asics pairs that can handle 35,000-step shifts, these are the shoes that Disney cast members actually wear. Whether you're planning a trip to Magic Kingdom or just need a pair of sneakers that won't quit halfway through your errands, these are some of the best walking shoes for Disney World and beyond. There's a reason Hokas are the go-to shoes at Disney parks, including for cast members. One current employee called the Hoka Clifton 9 Shoes 'a game changer,' adding that 'they're like walking on marshmallows from rope drop to fireworks.' They're lightweight, ultra-cushioned, and surprisingly supportive for long days on your feet. The Bondi 9 shoes are the second most popular Hoka pick among Disney employees. Fans say this version feels lighter than previous Hoka Bondi styles while still delivering plush support and a bit of extra lift, perfect for all-day wear, whether you're working a shift or hitting every park in one day. If you want a high cushion without bulk, the Hoka Rincon 4 is a standout, according to Disney employees. Designed with soft, springy foam and a snug fit, this ultra-light trainer is ideal for long walking days. Bonus: The breathable upper and sleek silhouette make it a stylish choice beyond the parks, too. With built-in stability and cushioned support, the Hoka Arahi 7 is a favorite among cast members who log serious steps. One park regular noted they hit 17,000 steps in these and still felt great. Amazon carries them in six color options—so whether you want to go neutral or bold, there's a pair for you. You might not think of Nike Air Force 1s as theme park shoes, but they're a quiet favorite among cast members. The classic style features Nike's signature lightweight air cushioning and a streamlined look that works just as well with Minnie Mouse ears as it will with jeans and a tee back home. While Asics might fly under the radar, plenty of Disney insiders swear by them, particularly the Gel-Nimbus 26s. One former cast member said, 'I averaged 25,000 to 35,000 steps per shift. These lasted longer than my Skechers and were lighter than most other options I tried.' The Gel-Nimbus 26 delivers soft cushioning and stability without extra weight. The Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 is a great option if you want a well-cushioned shoe without the premium price tag. One Amazon reviewer said they rival $200 shoes in comfort. With a smooth ride and breathable build, these sneakers are ideal for long walks and everyday wear alike. The latest version of Brooks' popular Adrenaline GTS 24 stability shoe is also this year's pick for the brand's DisneyRun collection. With nitrogen-infused foam and a GuideRails support system, these are built for comfort, stability, and high mileage—perfect for marathon park days. The Pegasus 41 is one of Nike's most beloved shoes for good reason. This latest version features a breathable upper and new ReactX foam for a more energy-returning, springy ride. Dual Air Zoom units add even more bounce, making them a great option for full days of walking (and snapping Disney pics for your Instagram). The New Balance 327 offers a great blend of comfort and style, especially if you're not used to being on your feet all day. A lightweight upper and grippy outsole make these breathable and great for hikes, too. One reviewer even wore them to an all-day golf tournament and said they felt amazing. Spotting On Cloud shoes at Disney parks has become common, and the Cloud 6 style is one of the most-worn styles. The newest version features a roomier step-in, a better heel fit, and the same signature cloud-like cushioning. They're comfy, supportive, and easy to wear straight from the teacups to a fireworks show, and dinner after. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.