These Shoes Made A European Vacation Comfy Despite Plantar Fasciitis

Forbes

6 days ago

Young Woman At Famous Fiordo Di Furore Bridge,Positano,Amalfi Coast,Italy getty
A few months ago, I couldn't walk across my kitchen without wincing in pain. Plantar fasciitis—the inflammation of the tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot—had taken hold for the first time in my life, and it felt like stepping on a hot spike every time I got up from a chair or climbed out of bed.
As someone who travels constantly and often racks up 12,000+ steps a day just getting from one city landmark to another, the timing couldn't have been worse. My upcoming four-week European trip through nine countries loomed on the calendar, and I wasn't sure how I was going to manage a single city block, let alone miles of cobblestone alleyways.
I tried everything: stretching, rolling, icing, wearing recovery slides, a brace worn while sleeping, visits to my chiropractor, and rest. Nothing provided real relief.
Then someone suggested I try the brand Hoka.
When I complained about my plantar fasciitis on Facebook, a handful of friends mentioned Hoka for their pillowy soles and performance-minded support. I wasn't hopeful—footwear 'miracles' are usually overhyped—but I was desperate enough to investigate.
I visited a specialty running store and worked with a staffer to try on several models. The difference in feel was immediate: Hokas are plush. One model, the Hoka Bondi 9, stood out from the rest. It had the highest level of cushioning in the Hoka lineup and a wide, stable base that felt noticeably better under my aching heel than anything I'd worn before. They weren't the sleekest or sexiest travel shoe, but at that point, I cared more about function than fashion.
'Hokas are very good shoes for plantar fasciitis because they provide cushioning with their thick shock-absorbing midsoles,' confirms Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, 'The High Heel Doctor' and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. 'Also they have a low heel drop and a wide base which reduces and supports the plantar fascia insertion.'
The $190 price tag made me wince almost as much as my heel pain, but I walked out with my first pair—and brought them straight to Europe with no break-in period. Testing Hoka on Cobblestones and Long Days
Over the past two weeks, I have worn my Bondis nonstop. I have walked through cities like Dubrovnik, Istanbul and Athens. I trudged up ancient stairs, wandered through historic towns, and strolled coastal promenades. I averaged between 10,000 and 16,000 steps a day—often on uneven pavement and steep hills.
And for the first time in months, I wasn't in pain.
Not at the end of the day. Not when I woke up the next morning. Not even after hours of walking with no breaks.
I had to keep reminding myself that I was the same person who, just weeks earlier, couldn't make it through the grocery store without limping. Why Hoka Bondi Helps Plantar Fasciitis, According to a Podiatrist
There's a reason so many people rely on Hoka shoes for foot pain.
While I can only speak to my personal experience, the Bondis are known for offering several features that align with plantar fasciitis relief: Maximal cushioning : That signature Hoka marshmallow midsole absorbs shock and reduces the impact on your heel and arch—key areas affected by plantar fasciitis.
: That signature Hoka marshmallow midsole absorbs shock and reduces the impact on your heel and arch—key areas affected by plantar fasciitis. Rocker sole : The curved sole helps promote a smoother heel-to-toe transition, reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
: The curved sole helps promote a smoother heel-to-toe transition, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. Wide, stable platform: Bondis are built to be forgiving on joints while offering solid arch support—an important factor when you're on your feet for hours at a time.
'I believe what really sets them apart is that the materials used to make the shoe are high in quality which makes the shoes last a long time,' says Pourziaee. 'The supportive features of the shoes will continue to give reprieve even after your symptoms subside.'
While Hokas aren't the solution for everyone, they seem to be a game-changer for a growing number of people dealing with heel pain or inflammation-related foot conditions.
'I had a patient come with me for heel pain for two months and brought in five different pairs of shoes that she had bought,' says Pourziaee. 'None of it gave relief. After examining her and reviewing her X-rays I recommended the Bondi and had her do a rigorous stretching program. The pain was gone after three weeks.' Would I Recommend Hoka For Plantar Fasciitis?
Without hesitation.
I've worn many so-called 'comfort' shoes over the years and none have given me the consistent, all-day comfort that the Hokas have. And I'm not alone—once I started talking about them, other travelers began sharing their own plantar fasciitis success stories with the brand. And I noticed tons of people on my various tours and cruise excursions wearing the brand, too.
That said, they're not perfect for every situation. They're bulkier than a standard walking shoe (I wear them on the plane, so I don't have to pack them, but this also comes in handy walking through airports in comfort) and definitely more utilitarian than stylish. But when you're facing the very real possibility of canceling travel plans or missing out on experiences because of foot pain, priorities shift fast. A New Travel Essential for Plantar Fasciitis
I still stretch after long days on my feet, but I no longer dread walking. The Hoka Bondi gave me my mobility back—and, in a very real way, saved my trip.
As soon as I get home, I'm buying a second pair, because when your feet feel good, everything else about travel becomes easier, lighter, more joyful.
For me, the proof of plantar fasciitis relief is in the steps—over 150,000 of them over the last two weeks (and two more weeks to go in Europe), pain-free.