Latest news with #plantarfasciitis
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
We're Stocking Our Summer Closets With These Arch-supporting Flip-flops—From $14
Chronic foot pain sufferers know this to be true: When it comes to comfy summer footwear, flip-flops can be a total flop . Most run-of-the-mill thong-style sandals come with flimsy, thin soles, and rock-hard plastic toe separators, leaving problem-prone feet sore, raw, and in way worse shape than before. Luckily, there are plenty of comfortable, supportive sandals on the market—and Amazon happens to have some of the best orthopedic styles in stock ahead of summer. If you're looking for flip-flops with arch support to travel in this summer, keep scrolling. We handpicked 12 flip-flop-style sandals that are specifically designed for those who struggle with plantar fasciitis, knee pain, heel spurs, twist-prone ankles, and more. You'll find men's and women's options from podiatrist-approved brands like Vionic, Clarks, and Skechers—all highly-rated by shoppers who deal with foot pain on the regular. So, what are you waiting for? Treat your feet to something more supportive this season. Prices start at just $14 right now. From supportive penny loafers to wedges you can actually walk in, Vionic has mastered the art of designing cute, comfy, footwear—and these beach sandals are no exception. The High Tide II flip-flops, now 35% off, have lightweight, ultra-cushioned midsoles that absorb shock with every step, helping you cross gravel roads and pebbled streets without adding stress to feet, ankles, and knees. Deep heel cups provide extra stability while a contoured footbed offers 'great arch support', according to one five-star reviewer who said they 'practically live in Vionics at home.' These men's flip-flops boast the bio mechanically-engineered arch support, cushioning, and flexibility that Vionic footwear is famous for. The flip-fops come in four neutral, easy-to-style colors, and have genuine leather straps with a durable treaded outsole that provides traction on uneven or slippery surfaces. 'My husband has a very high arch, so it's difficult to find flip-flops that are comfortable,' wrote one Amazon shopper. 'These are the only ones he will wear.' Boating, poolside, or at the beach, these waterproof orthopedic sandals are the perfect companion for any water activity. Completely constructed from plush EVA foam, the sandals are lightweight, bendable, and easy to shove into any beach tote. On top of anti-skid grip outsoles and contoured arch-supporting footbeds, they also have textured insoles that prevent feet from slipping. Made with Oofoam, a patented closed-cell, impact-absorbing foam material, these unisex recovery sandals from Oofos have earned the APMA seal of acceptance thanks to their ability to promote good foot health. Thick midsoles reduce pressure and stress on your feet, knees, and back to help you recharge after strenuous activities (or long travel days). Bonus: They're machine-washable! Over 13,000 Amazon shoppers have deemed these Reef Cushion Breeze Flip-flops worthy of a five-star rating thanks to the comfort, style, arch support, and durability they offer. On sale for just $28, the thong-style sandals provide anatomical arch support with comfy, padded straps, and water-friendly tractioned rubber outsoles. 'I have plantar fasciitis, and 99 percent of shoes I try hurt so bad,' wrote one reviewer who gave these five stars They added that they've now purchased multiples of the 'very comfy' sandals. Clarks has been producing comfort-forward footwear since 1825, and these Breeze Sea sandals are a prime example. The sole is constructed with four layers: a durable TPR outsole, shock-absorbing midsole, layer of high-density, bouncy foam, and the brand's signature Cushionsoft footbed. In tandem, they make you feel like you're 'walking on a cloud.' Plus, the thong straps are adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit. At first glance, you might not even notice that these handsome flip-flops are actually Crocs in disguise. But believe it or not, they are, and they feature some of the best qualities we've come to know and love from the comfy clog brand while looking elevated enough to wear from the beach to dinner. They are made with the brand's famous LiteRide comfort footbed, anti-slip outsoles, and lightweight design. Reviewers who gave them five stars say they're 'the most comfortable flip-flops' they've ever owned, beating out expensive orthopedic alternatives. These Teva Olawahu sandals are a strappy take on the brand's classic two-strap flip-flops. Available in 29 different color combinations, the sandals have two additional straps that run across the top of the foot, keeping your feet securely in place as you walk. The cushioned insoles mold around the shape of your foot, giving your arches customized support, and EVA midsoles make these super lightweight, adding virtually no weight to your suitcase. These sporty and supportive Skechers flip-flops are built with the brand's signature Goga Mat design: a contoured, cushioned footbed that won't leave feet aching, tired, or hurting after a long day of walking. They are made with a woven mesh upper that's machine-washable, breathable, and soft to the touch. If your feet are on the wider side, fear not. This style comes in wide sizes, too. These Clarks Arla Glison flip-flops have a knot detail and a one-inch platform that come together for a chic look you can easily style with skirts, dresses, or trousers. The straps are made of a soft, knit fabric that won't scrape your toes. Amazon shoppers who struggle with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, and weak ankles have shared that the stylish flip-flops are 'life-changing'. Usually $65, you can now get them on sale for as low as $32 when you use the on-site coupon. Nearly 13,000 Amazon shoppers have given these cushioned flip-flops a perfect five-star rating. Available in sizes 4.5 to 17, the durable thong-style sandals have contoured footbeds and thick, leather straps that are lined with a padded jersey material to help prevent friction and blisters. 'I literally wear these anywhere, in almost any condition, and I will wear them until they literally fall off of my feet,' wrote one reviewer who gave these a five-star rating, adding that they're 'by far' the most comfortable, best-fitting sandals they've ever owned. These Kaulu flip-flops, on sale for $14, have a cushioned, contoured yoga mat-esque footbed designed to provide relief from common sources of foot pain, like plantar fasciitis. The knotted fabric straps have an elevated look, making these cute enough to wear with your favorite sundresses and skirts. Available in 27 different colors, one five-star reviewer even reported wearing them to a wedding, writing that they 'danced all night' in them without any issues. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
15 best walking shoes for women over 50, recommended by an expert podiatrist: New Balance, Nike, Hoka, Asics & more
Maintaining foot health and being comfortable is essential for overall well-being, especially for people who spend a lot of time on their feet — whether you're standing or travelling. Walking is one of the most accessible and beneficial forms of exercise but without the right walking shoes, it can lead to things like discomfort, pain or specific foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis and joint strain. According to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, our feet change as we age — and it's important to pay attention to how our feet fit in shoes to avoid long-term damage. Before we get into shoes, it's important to understand how aging affects feet — and what people should look for in a walking shoe to accommodate those changes. Pinker explains that as we grow older, the natural cushioning in the feet — typically adipose tissue — often reduces in thickness. Read on to learn more about how aging impacts your feet, and discover expert-approved picks for the best walking shoes for women over 50. How aging affects your feet What to look for in walking shoes for women over 50 How often should I replace my walking shoes Best walking shoes for women over 50: Podiatrist picks That reduction in thickness we mentioned above? It can have major impacts. "The reduction in thickness leads to less shock absorption in the forefoot and ball of the foot. Also, the plantar fascia ligaments can tighten as we age, leading to the pain and inflammation in the heel and arch regions," Pinker says. "After years of wearing shoes, especially if they fit tightly, bunions and hammertoe can develop." According to Pinker, the most common foot issues women over 50 face include plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains and metatarsalgia/bursitis, which is an inflammation of fluid-filled sacs under the ball of the foot. Other issues include bunions, hammertoes (which occur when pressure pushes the toes out of place) and neuromas — a disorganized growth of nerve cells at the site of a nerve injury. "Wearing the right walking shoes can prevent or alleviate these issues by providing proper cushioning, shock absorption, and arch support," Pinker explains. "Offering a proper width and length can also be helpful in preventing the development of bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas." Pinker says that women over 50 should look for footwear that fits properly — making sure the shoes aren't too cramped or narrow in the toe box. He also advises to make sure you look for "adequate cushioning, shock absorption and arch support," Pinker adds. He says that the flexibility of a shoe's sole is somewhat important, but it's even more important for the sole to be durable with appropriate traction and grip to prevent slippage. When selecting footwear, it's crucial to consider individual foot needs to ensure both comfort and support. "Extra wide sizes are appropriate for those with wide feet. Adjustable straps for shoes and sandals are recommended to provide a more stable and secure fit," Pinker says. "For flat feet, it is best to look for walking shoes or sneakers with added medial arch support. Meanwhile, for those with high arches, finding a shoe with a firm heel counter and a somewhat deep heel cup is recommended for a preferred fit." Pinker says that people can forget that replacing their walking shoes is a major part of foot health and preventing injuries. Over time the cushioning and support in shoes breaks down, leading to decreased shock absorption and stability. Pinker suggests that most walkers should replace their walking shoes every 300 to 500 miles — or around 480 to 805 kilometres — which in most cases is once every 10-12 months. "Sometimes, depending upon the amount of mileage, it is difficult to determine if the footwear has lost proper support as the outsole may not show signs of wear," Pinker explains. "Once the midsole begins to diminish, usually between 300-500 miles of usage, cushioning and shock absorption become reduced, and these changes are usually not visible." Need help finding the best walking shoes? Check out Pinker's picks — and reasoning — below. The New Balance Leather 928V3s are a great walking shoe for women over 50 because they feature motion control stability technologies, which help control rear-foot movement for enhanced support. "For flat feet, it is best to look for walking shoes and sneakers with added medial arch support, often found in New Balance with the Rollbar feature," Pinker says. Pinker highly recommends Hoka as a top brand for walking shoes — and the Clifton 10 is a trusted trainer for daily walking. It has a 3mm heel-to-toe drop and ultralight cushioning to keep you comfortable. Plus there's a refined heel for improved comfort and fine-tuned midsole geometry for better stability. The heel counter and tongue are padded and it comes in regular, wide and extra wide sizes. These Lululemon Chargefeel 2 Mid Workout shoes have a pressure-mapped outsole that provides excellent traction and flexibility. They also have a smooth liner that adds second-skin-level comfort, and helps with ankle support. Pinker says added ankle support is recommended in walking shoes for women with ankle instability or a history of ankle sprains. "High-top sneakers, or those with added ankle support, are usually helpful for these individuals," he adds. ZGR Womens High Top Canvas Sneakers are another great high-top option at a great price point. They feature anti-slip rubber outsoles and padded memory foam. The canvas upper is made of breathable, comfortable material — and they come in 15 different colours. The New Balance FuelCell Walker Elite sneakers are a great walking shoe option, because they have responsive cushioning and a supportive outsole. These are also a great option for those who have had foot surgery, because they feature a stability plane technology that removes the medial post, giving the shoes a softer feel without compromising cushioning and comfort. The Adidas Cloudfoam Pure Shoes feature midsole cushioning, and have a loop at the back of the shoe to help pull them on with ease. Shoppers have noted that this shoe runs small, so it's recommended to order half a size up. The New Balance 530s were originally created for athletic performance but they have quickly become a style staple, too. The shoes combine a fashion-forward look with the reliability of a high-mileage running shoes. Pinker says that New Balance is a top recommended brand for women over 50 as their shoes provide all-day comfort thanks to their special foam cushioning, which supports your feet and absorbs any impact. The Hoka Transports feature a quick-toggle lace, designed for you to get them on and off easily. They have 360-degrees of reflectivity to provide higher visibility and added safety in low-light areas. The responsive midsole foam offers cushioning and the rubber outsole provides great grip. Nike's Zoom Vomero 5s have a sculpted heel counter and Air Zoom cushioning to help provide a quick off-the-ground movement. The mesh panels and ventilation ports on the heel keep the shoe light and breathable. They also feature real and synthetic leather on the upper to add durability. The Asics Gel-NYC 2055 sneakers feature impact-absorbing silicone gel placed in the rearfoot to improve your step and create a softer feeling. Pinker recommends the Asics brand for their shock absorption, durability and comfort. Under Armour's Charged Assert 10 Running Shoes are a great option for those who plan to walk a lot. They feature a cushioned midsole to help protect against impact and use compression molded foam for responsiveness. They also feature a solid rubber outsole that is great for durability — without the added weight. The Saucony Women's Ride Millennium shoes feature a cushioned footbed for long-lasting comfort and a breathable mesh upper. The padded tongue and collar add extra comfort and support and the durable rubber outsole delivers flexible traction. Another brand that Pinker highly recommends is On — specifically for their CloudTec cushioning. This specific model uses CloudTec Phase midsole to help create a smoother roll-though from heel to toe, while the super foam adds a more bouncy and energetic feel. These shoes also have an ultra-lightweight midsole with sock-like construction and a speed lacing system. The Asics Glideride Max shoes use cushioning foam designed to help create a high energy return through every step. The Guidesole technology helps create smooth toe-offs and the Aharplus outsole improves durability. The shoes also feature a sockliner for soft step-in comfort. The Experience Form shoes from Altra have a lightweight midsole, guidance technology and a 4mm drop. The GuideRail technology encourages natural foot placement with gentle guidance. They also feature a roomy toe box and a secure midfoot so you can feel confident with every step.
WIRED
2 days ago
- Health
- WIRED
The Nike x Hyperice Hyperboots Will Give You a Heated Foot Massage While You Walk
Everybody loves a good foot massage. As an avid runner with plantar fasciitis, I often need a good foot massage. So when I heard about the Nike x Hyperice collaboration to develop a shoe with compression and heating capabilities built in, I was eager to learn more. The Hyperboots feature the same air compression technology as the beloved-by-runners-everywhere Hyperice Normatec boots ($899). The only downside to the Normatec boots are the fact that you have to chill out and remain horizontal while you wear them (which, maybe isn't exactly a downside, but it still means you can't multitask much during your recovery period). With the Hyperboots, you can enjoy the same squeezing and releasing sensation around your feet and ankles while you go about your life. Thanks to Nike's input, you can wear something that looks more like a sleek, modern sneaker than a recovery device. Retro Appeal Photograph: Kristin Canning Photograph: Kristin Canning The first time I tried on—and turned on—the Hyperboots, I was immediately giddy. There's something very exciting about a shoe with extras built in. It reminded me of Heelys and the popular light-up tennis shoes of my '90s youth. When you turn them on by pressing a power button on the inside of the heel, the shoe automatically inflates to offer a better fit and some mild compression. The compression portion covers the mid-foot at the top and sides, the sides and back of the heel, and the ankle. I got small Hyperboots (they come in small, medium, large, XL, and XXL) and they were too big for my size-8 feet, but turning on the shoe made comfortable enough to walk around in them without my foot slipping around. From there, you have the option to adjust the level of compression and heat, with three settings each, and you can press a play button to start an active air-compression massage. The boots sync settings when you have them both on. The air filling up the ankle wrap and releasing does make a droning noise, almost like an airplane flying overhead—nothing too obnoxious. You can charge them up with the two USB-C cords and wall charger they come with, and the charge lasts for up to an hour and a half. The massage and heat felt wonderful while I did chores around the house. I noticed the plush foam soles and their rocker bottoms, which helped propel me forward with little effort. The forefoot and heel provide grippy traction. The shoes don't offer much in terms of arch support, so I wouldn't recommend walking far in them if you have high, fussy arches like me (without adding some inserts), but they were comfortable enough all the times I wore them. The upper feels extremely durable, and even with the built-in tech, they can handle splashes and rain (though they aren't fully waterproof). I liked the highest compression setting for my feet, but that setting felt like a bit much around my ankles when I was walking. The top of the ankle wrap dug in a bit when I moved, but it wasn't uncomfortable if I was sitting. The massage runs for 20 minutes, and you can just press play again to start over if your dogs need some more TLC. The heat settings go all the way up to 125 degrees Fahrenheit, which was way too hot for me—I found the lowest setting of 111 degrees to be plenty to feel therapeutic. Post Workout Photograph: Kristin Canning After trying the shoes around the house, I was excited to use them after an activity that was harder on my feet. I put them on after a long day snowboarding where I racked up over 13,000 feet of vert, and I was able to drive home through the mountains while my feet warmed up and got a relaxing massage—incredible. The boots flushed out the lactic acid that had built up in my feet and ankles from all the maneuvering they were doing inside my bindings, and I was able to keep the massage going after I got home and while I did laundry and dishes.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Cleveland Guardians place outfielder Lane Thomas on 10-day injured list
CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland outfielder Lane Thomas was placed on the 10-day injured list because of plantar fasciitis in his right foot Friday before the Guardians' game against the Los Angeles Angels. The move is retroactive to Tuesday. The Guardians will fill the open roster spot before Saturday's game. Thomas has played in only 17 games this season and is batting .119 (7 for 59). He missed five weeks due to a right wrist bone bruise after getting hit by a pitch during the April 8 home opener against the Chicago White Sox. Cleveland acquired Thomas at the trade deadline last year. He had the go-ahead grand slam in the fifth and deciding game of the American League Division Series against Detroit. ___ AP MLB:
Forbes
5 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Hoka Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis, According To Medical Experts
Plantar fasciitis is a painful condition that can make it harder to run or exercise, to stand for extended periods and even make walking more painful and difficult. The best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis can't cure your feet of their condition, but they can help mitigate the symptoms, letting you better enjoy everyday activities as you work to treat the inflammation of the plantar fascia tissue. And while we named the Hoka Clifton 10 the best Hoka shoe for plantar fasciitis overall, there are numerous other options to consider, based on your condition and your preferred activities. The best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis offer cushioning and support to ease your symptoms. In order to recommend the best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis, we spoke with board-certified podiatrists and a doctor of physical therapy. Their insights are valuable to help you choose the best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis relief, and also offer a better understanding of the causes, symptoms and treatments of this painful and frustrating condition. Hoka Weight: 9.8 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 8 mm | Midsole: Molded EVA foam | Upper: Breathable Jacquard W. Zach Smith, a doctor of physical therapy and founder and owner of HIDEF Physical Therapy, says: 'My favorite Hoka for plantar fasciitis is the Clifton. It has enough stability to provide support for the foot but also enough cushion to spread out the ground contact force, which then reduces the force at the plantar fascia.' That was high enough praise for this lightweight and highly versatile shoe to be on our radar. When both of the other experts we spoke to—both podiatrists—also had high praise for the Hoka Clifton, we zeroed in on this shoe as the top contender for the top spot. The shoe has a soft and highly flexible Jacquard woven upper that comfortably but securely holds your foot in place, thus letting the thick cushioning of the compression-molded EVA foam midsole offer excellent underfoot support. The 8mm drop is ideal for running, jogging and various exercises, but is a bit much if you plan to wear these shoes primarily for walking. (Or for a job that involves long hours of standing.) The durable and nonmarking outsole has treading suitable for use on the street or track or on the treadmill and at the gym. Overall, the padding and support in this shoe gives your foot a plush feel and greatly relieves the pressure and pain of plantar fasciitis, letting you continue with physical activities. Amazon Weight: 8.2 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 5 mm | Midsole: Super critical foam | Upper: Breathable Jacquard The Mach 6 shoe from Hoka weighs just 8.2 ounces—scarcely more than a pound. That light weight translates into faster speed as you get in those runs, plantar fasciitis be damned. The shoe offers a good balance of support, cushioning and responsiveness, making it suitable for use both in mitigating the pain of inflamed plantar fascia tissue and for helping propel you forward. One critical factor here is the ultralight but very supportive super critical foam midsole, so-called thanks to the use of a supercritical fluid—in this case the liquid form of nitrogen, injected into the EVA foam. That midsole both cushions against impacts and spreads out the pressure during footfalls and helps spring you ahead—that's the whole 'responsiveness' thing. Note that many people who are generally happy with the Mach 6 say that the model tends to run a bit small, so consider going up by half a size to play things safe. Amazon Weight: 8.1 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 5 mm | Midsole: Molded EVA foam | Upper: Flat knit If you're headed to the gym for some serious circuit training and you don't want your foot and heel pain to put a damper on things, consider putting Hoka Arahi 7 shoes on your feet. These shoes provide both pain relief and excellent stability and control, keeping your feet and ankles safer as you go through any number of movements and positions. Board-certified podiatrist Dr. Jason Gold of the Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center says, 'The fit, comfort, cushioning and support is just right with the Arahi 7. It's also meant to provide motion control, so it's a good choice for people with flat feet or rolling ankles, which are common causes of plantar fasciitis flares.' The shoes have a moderate 5mm heel-to-toe drop, so they're fine for use jogging or walking, and a built in 'J-frame' helps keep your foot centered, preventing too much pronation or supination (which is when the foot rolls inward or outward, respectively), both of which can exacerbate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. The Arahi 7s have a slightly narrower toebox than many other Hoka shoes (and shoes from other brands), so if you need extra splay for comfort, be forewarned. Amazon Weight: 10.5 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 5 mm | Midsole: SCF foam | Upper: Breathable knit Many dedicated running shoes have a large heel-to-toe drop, which is the height difference between the elevated heel and lower toe. A drop of eight to 10 mm can help propel a runner forward, but that's too much of a drop for walking, which requires a more natural gait for comfort and for foot health, especially when your feet are already afflicted with a condition. 'A slightly elevated heel-to-toe drop [can] lessen the strain on the Achilles tendon and the fascia,' says Dr. Naim Shaheed of the Ankle & Foot Centers of America. The five mm drop of the Bondi 9s is ideal for many people who take long walks and the SCF (super critical foam) midsole greatly reduces the pain of plantar fasciitis. Gold says of these shoes: 'I recommend the Bondi often because it's one of the most cushioned shoes Hoka offers. It provides generous, soft padding underfoot, and that's exactly what sore heels and arches need. And the wide, stable base helps maintain alignment of the foot while you're walking.' These shoes are a tad heavier than most of the others we're covering, but they're still light enough to walk for miles. And any heat that builds up during those long walks is readily released through the generous venting in the knit upper. Amazon Weight: 9.1 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 6 mm | Midsole: EVA foam | Upper: Creel Jacquard mesh Excessive pronation, which is when the foot rolls inward with each step, can be a problem all on its own, putting excess strain on muscles, ligaments and tendons, and it can exacerbate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, the Gaviota 5 shoe from Hoka can help prevent this foot rolling. 'If you want something with a bit more structure and support, the Gaviota 5 is a great pick," says Gold. He adds, 'Its 'H-Frame' construction holds the foot in place without feeling overly rigid. For those patients who tend to overpronate or require a touch more guidance when walking, I rate it.' The Gaviota 5 has the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association and receives stellar reviews from users, who praise its stability and comfort. The upper's creel Jacquard mesh is an engineered, polyester-based mesh fabric that's often used in running shoes and is characterized by its flexibility, soft feel and breathability. This is a pricier Hoka than most, but if you have plantar fasciitis and a tendency to overpronate, it's worth the price. Hoka Weight: 6.6 ounces per shoe | Heel drop: 5 mm | Midsole: EVA foam, memory foam | Upper: Dynamic mesh A recovery shoe is a type of footwear specifically designed to aid in the recovery process after intense physical activity or long periods of standing, but they can also bring great relief from chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis. Recovery shoes are typically more comfortable than standard shoes and offer features like enhanced cushioning, support and pressure distribution to promote faster healing and reduce muscle fatigue. The Ora Recovery Shoe 2 from Hoka is a lightweight slip-on shoe with a cushioned and contoured midsole and a dose of memory foam added under the heel for even more comfort. While perfect for indoor wear like a comfortable slipper, you can indeed use these shoes while you're out and about. They have an elastic band at the ankle that adds support and keeps the shoes on your feet, and they have a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, which is ideal for walking. Hoka Weight: Varies | Heel drop: 5 to 8 mm | Midsole: 35% sugarcane EVA foam, memory foam | Upper: Ripstop and webbing Hoka's Project Transport Shoe is where style meets support and comfort. While most Hoka shoes look fine in a sporty way, few people would call them stylish. These shoes, on the other hand, make a statement even as they cradle your feet and offer the cushioning and stability you need when you have foot ailments. And don't think that because they were made with style in mind that they lack in technical chops: The Project Transport shoes have a tough Vibram rubber outsole with a tread pattern suitable for use on multiple types of terrain, while the EVA midsole, made with renewable sugarcane, offers plenty of arch support and foot comfort. The shoes lace up for a proper fit but then a zippered closure covers the laces, leaving the upper looking sleek and modern. And highly reflective detailing on the exterior of that upper catches plenty of light at night, both helping you stay visible and offering just a bit more of a fashion statement. Note that while Hoka claims these have a 5mm heel drop, many reviewers feel that it's closer to 8mm. The gear team at Forbes Vetted conducts extensive research, expert interviews, close reading of customer reviews and, when possible, hands-on testing of all products we cover. Our editors and writers have extensive experience reviewing footwear of all kinds, from the best workout shoes for women to the best dress sneakers that are still comfortable. To make sure we recommended the best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis, we broke things down by category—the best Hoka shoes for running, walking, recovery and more. We also relied on the expertise of the Forbes Vetted gear team and the experts we interviewed. Regardless of the type of Hoka shoe—or shoe from another brand—that a plantar fasciitis patient ultimately chooses, the shoe must have the following attributes in order to help mitigate the affliction. The midsoles of every shoe covered here provide excellent arch support, which is critical for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. Good arch support helps distribute weight evenly and absorb shock, reducing pressure on the plantar fascia. Ample heel, midsole and forefoot cushioning absorbs shock and provides comfort to the feet, reducing the pressure concentrated on inflamed tissue and bringing some pain relief. Hoka shoes are renowned for their cushioned feel. A heel-to-toe drop of between 5mm and 8mm is considered the sweet spot for plantar fasciitis relief, and every Hoka shoe we included here falls somewhere in that range. Just as you need ample support and cushioning under the foot when you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, you also want a flexible and comfortable upper that lets the foot move naturally. We looked for Hoka shoes with woven and flexible uppers that would keep a foot secure but not restrained. 'Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, often resulting from strain on the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot,' says Shaheed. It can be caused by strain created by repeated activities like running or dancing. Additionally, it can be caused by wearing ill-fitting footwear, excess weight or advancing age. Yes, choosing the right shoes can significantly help manage and alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Shoes with good arch support, cushioning and a wider toe box can reduce stress on the plantar fascia. With one caveat about toebox size, all of the Hoka shoes selected here meet those criteria. Heel-to-toe drop in running shoes affects plantar fasciitis because it influences how weight is distributed during foot strikes, potentially exacerbating or alleviating pain. Lower-drop shoes encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike, while higher drops promote a heel strike, impacting the load on the plantar fascia. A higher drop (as in much above 8mm) may encourage a heel strike, potentially increasing stress on the plantar fascia, especially during activities like running or walking. This can be counterproductive for plantar fasciitis.
