Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis

Mehnaz

Explore with us some of the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Are you looking for the best sandals for plantar fasciitis ?

Nurses stay on their feet all day long to look after their patients and maintain several side works. They constantly stand, walk, and dash against the unforgiving and hard surface to keep everything in order.

Hence, they end up with achy and sore feet. Their toes swell, arches quell, and heels burn. These symptoms indicate plantar fasciitis, which calls for proper and best shoes for nurses.

Improper shoes can cause plantar fasciitis, " Other factors include poor fitting or poorly supportive shoes and a recent increase in weight bearing activity (i.e. a new running or exercise program)", as commented by Megan Giovanelli Doble, MSN, CRNP, FNP-C, AGACNP-C.

Podiatrists suggest a range of best orthopedic shoes for plantar fasciitis. This article shall illuminate what are the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.


Top 5 Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis

1. Dansko Women's Professional Clog - Link

Dansko Women's Professional Mule, Lightning Patent, 39 M EU / 8.5-9 B(M) US
Dansko Women's Professional Mule, Lightning Patent, 39 M EU / 8.5-9 B(M) US

Dr. Lucy Meier, a podiatrist at Milwaukee Foot And Ankle Specialists, recommended this Dansko nursing shoe.This classic leather pair-which has a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association-features a roomy toe box, a comfy platform, and an antimicrobial lining to ward off odor after all-day wear.

If you dig retro styles, then Dansko Women's Professional Clog with a classic theme will be the perfect happy-feet for you! Millions around the world love Dansko shoes for plantar fasciitis.

You may want to call it the best work shoes for plantar fasciitis as Dansko comes in 100% leather upper with versatile designs and professional looks.

Available sizes ensure feet comfort. Its exceptional arch support will take you through the hectic long work hours.

Amazingly, its polyurethane rocker bottom reduces fatigue and offers shock absorption. Besides, its padded instep collar ensures energized walk whereas the PU foam footbed controls temperature.

The manufacturer suggests not to wet the shoe, rather use damp soapy cloth or sponge for wiping off dirt.

Pros:

  • Its polyurethane rocker bottom makes the shoe anti-fatigue while offers shock absorption.
  • PU foam footbed takes off the pressure and controls temperature.
  • Versatile designs and vibrant textures give it a professional and classic look.
  • 100% leather upper shows the aesthetic making of the brand.
  • The front is roomy enough for toes to move and wiggle freely.
  • Works well for aches in the joints and lower feet.
  • It can accommodate the replaceable orthotics and insoles when required.

Cons:

  • Possible feet numbness
  • Not fully slip resistant
  • Imperfect sizing

2. Alegria Women's Paloma Flat - Link

Alegria Paloma Womens Mary Jane Shoe Gothic Steel 10 M US
Alegria Paloma Womens Mary Jane Shoe Gothic Steel 10 M US

This Mary Jane style Paloma Flat shoe is timeless. The super cute collection of happy-feet shoes has put the name among the best women's shoes for plantar fasciitis list.

The hand-stitched making of this shoe collection is so amazing that it comes with a number of upper designs with unique ornamentation. The vibrant upper section is available in leather, print, suede, and emboss.

The rubber outsole and square toe shape have made this shoe a comfortable and suitable footwear for the long-hour working nurses and other professionals.

You can consider Alergia Women's Paloma Flat as the best shoe to wear for plantar fasciitis but nurses with bunions may benefit from this shoe as well.

Pros:

  • It offers the old and good adjustable hook-and-loop system for suitable fitting.
  • Its multiple leather, print, suede, and emboss upper textures make a go-and-get appeal to the nurses.
  • Its rubber outsoles give the nurses a perfect gear for long and tedious shifts.
  • Square toe shape makes ample space for the toes and prevents post-work numbness.
  • Available sizes of Alergia come in all variations between size 5 and 9.

Cons:

  • May squeak
  • Feet look bigger

3. Brooks Womens Levitate 2 Running Shoe - Link

Brooks Women's Levitate 2, Pink/Purple, 9 B
Brooks Women's Levitate 2, Pink/Purple, 9 B

It's obvious by its name what this shoe aims at. Nonetheless, this sprint-friendly shoe alleviates various leg ailments too. You can term it as an alternative plantar fasciitis work shoes for nurses.

Brooks Women's Levitate consists of energized cushioning that preserves your running energy. Its Fit Knit heel collar wraps around the heel to prevent Achilles tendon from injury. The comfort of this shoe remains stealth within its smooth making.

The sleek crystal rubber outsole is fit for mid to high arch feet. Moreover, the sole has quick transition formula aiming at saving the heels, arches, and toes from stress while walking or running.

Pros:

  • It Fit Knit making gives it a perfect sporting and stylish look.
  • The comfort remains in Incognito mode within the vitalized cushioning and overall making.
  • Its outsole is made with sleek crystal rubber, ensuring slip resistance.
  • The sporty and flexible making makes it suitable for runners and hardworking nurses.
  • Its Achilles guard and heel tab secure heel tissues, ankles, and Achilles tendon efficiently.
  • Its durable materials have turned this shoe into a long-term footwear for nurses and runners.
  • Springy DNA and AMP cushioning have transformed it into a perfect sport and working footwear during prolonged

Cons:

  • Unsuitable for long day work
  • No ankle support
  • Heels may ache after long wear

4. KLOGS Footwear Women's Naples Leather - Link

KLOGS Footwear Women's Naples Leather Closed-Back Nursing Clog
KLOGS Footwear Women's Naples Leather Closed-Back Nursing Clog

KLOGS Footwear Women's Napels Leather are aesthetic and best women's shoes for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

What makes the KLOGS Women's Napels amazing is their vibrant designs! Medical students and nurses would love the range of colors and designs KLOGS Napels has to offer.

The pure leather upper section is slip, oil, and stain resistant, which ensures the nurses a worry-free workday. Its extra cushioning secures full arch support and comfortable movement.

The other distinct features of KLOGS Footwear Women's Napels are its TRUBase outsole and the odor-free, removable TRUComfort insole.

Nurses with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, bunions, or hammer toe have acknowledged their best experience with this shoe during work.

Pros:

  • Various textures and designs have made it a must-buy shoe for the women.
  • Its TRUBase outsole works as a shock absorber and prevents feet from toil and tear.
  • It has an antimicrobial and odor-free insole for worry-free long shifts of work.
  • Superior cushioning can efficiently support the arches for proper walking.
  • Its slip resistance makes safe movement whereas the oil and stain resistant surface has less cleaning hassle.
  • Genuine leather upper part ensures durability and standard outlook.
  • Size matters and that's why Klogs shoes are true to size.

Cons:

  • Texture may peel off
  • Scuff or cracks within short wear-time.

5. Nurse Mates Women's Velocity Medical Professional Shoe - Link

Nurse Mates Velocity Grey 7.5 B (M)
Nurse Mates Velocity Grey 7.5 B (M)

Style and utility- if both are your concern for nursing shoes, Nurse Mates Women's Velocity Medical Professional Shoe gives you just that!

Also Read: FAQ Footcare

Love sneakers? Then Nurse Mates Women's Velocity has it! The pairs come in various sneaker styles with a professional touch. It warrants comfort and longevity during long work hours.

Velocity's ergonomic Align corrective orthotic puts the feet into the right position and balance. This fabulous feature makes it a highly recommended shoe by the podiatrists and experts.

Nurses suffering from plantar fasciitis, knee and ankle pains, back and joints fatigue, etc. can benefit from the Women's Velocity. Its full grain leather surface and sturdier outer sole secure appropriate stature and movement.

Pros:

  • The combination of sneaker like design and stylish leather texture makes a perfect work shoe feature.
  • Its multiple colors and sizes offer women with a range of options.
  • Its sole is slip resistant and lightweight, which ensures safe and long hour footwork on the floor.
  • The surface is stain resistant, so the nurses can worry less about daily washing and wiping.
  • It has a unique feature of Align corrective orthotic for keeping the feet in right posture and balance.
  • It comes with laces with adjustable stretch, so putting on and off the shoes are easy.
  • Its stable composite shank ensures of the lateral balance of the feet.

Cons:

  • Narrow toe area
  • Surface coating may peel off soon

6. Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford - Link

Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford, White 8 Medium US
Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford, White 8 Medium US

The Nurse Mates Women's Dove is comfortable and nice fitting. The 100% leather pair goes amazingly well with the nursing professionals.

Speaking of the nursing jobs, the Mates Dove makes a perfect happy-feet for the long hours at the clinics and hospitals. Standing and dashing into 10-12 hours duties wearing these useful shoes prove efficient.

Its lasting comfort and utility come from its contoured footbed hugging the arches for proper balance. Besides, its tempered steel shanks maintain the lateral support while walking.

Nurse Mates Women's Dove can save your feet from the loose-hand falling tools. The sharp edges of the surgical blades or razors wouldn't cut through the shoe surface, keeping your feet from unwanted injuries.

Pros:

  • Its synthetic and slip resistant sole makes it a safe footwear for the ever-running nurses.
  • This happy-feet shoes are ultra-lightweight, meaning the nurses can walk and run with minimum stresses on their feet.
  • Several color options make it a favorite individual choice.
  • If anything spills over the shoe surface, one can easily wipe it off.
  • It proves to be durable for the long-shift nurses.
  • Its 100% leather upper makes it an authentic brand shoe for nursing professionals.
  • The accidentally tripping razors or knives wouldn't cut through the upper surface.

Cons:

  • Patent metallic surface cracks soon.
  • No lace
  • Unfitting to narrow heel

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN NURSING SHOES FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Podiatrists and foot experts have contributed over the years in developing appropriate nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis.

In this section, we shall cover some points that regulate the selection of the right shoes for plantar fasciitis. If you follow and maintain these aspects, you can end up having the best pair of nursing shoes for your foot ailment.

What are those vital points?

Well, they are:

  • Motion Control
  • Proper Heel Support
  • Proper Arch Support
  • Slip Resistance for Safety
  • Replaceable Insole
  • Lightweight for Easy Footwork

Let's get down to what these aspects mean in choosing the correct nursing shoes:

1. Motion Control

Motion control establishes a nice alignment between your feet and the rest of the body. It makes sure your footwork is easy and that it does not stress your knees, hips, or back. It especially supports the tissues below your feet.

An appropriate motion control in a pair shoes has 3 principles: durability, firmness, and off-limits to over-pronation.

Besides, a good motion control shoe comes with the right midsole, which should be made of leather, rubber, or a fusion of both. Such midsole is important in shock absorption when your duties involve prolonged standing or walk.

Nurses with plantar fasciitis should consider the motion control factor when buying the perfect shoes for them.

2. Proper Heel Support

Your heels play a vital role in bearing the full weight of your body when standing or walking. Nurses face trouble with their heels due to prolonged standing and walking throughout the day.

So, you have to make sure the nursing shoe you want to buy has a contoured heel support. There should be enough cushioning for limiting the pressure on the heels.

Besides, the shoes must grip the heels in a way that they do not slip frequently while walking.

3. Proper Arch Support

If you want to keep your ligaments from getting stressed while walking, then a proper arch support is obligatory in your nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis.

It is natural how dreadful impact can the continuous standing may have on your arches and their tissues. Hence, nursing shoes that have comforting support to arches, make the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Nurses require both standing and moving as per the changeable duties throughout the shifts. Here, nice padding on the arch as well as to the toe areas are optimum so your plantar fasciitis do not exacerbate.

4. Slip Resistance for Safety

Shoes for plantar fasciitis should also cover the safety during your work hours.

Nurses work in OTs, Labs, Cabins, etc. where unwanted spills or other voids lay on the surfaces. If the nursing shoes do not possess enough resistance to slips and skids, you are most likely to trip over and worsen your plantar fasciitis condition.

Make sure the nursing shoes are slip resistant and they actually perform what they claim of.

5. Replaceable Insole

Remember, your nursing shoes must have replaceable insoles and orthotics (if required). Insoles will wear out within a certain time, hence, should be replaced with the new one.

Unreplaceable insoles are useless and it will literally nullify your shoes for further use.

6. Lightweight for Easy Footwork

Imagine, trudging along the hospital floors with a pair of heavy-feet. Such awkward movement will not only hamper your productivity, it will increase pressure on your feet, ending up with fatigue and severe aches.

Look for shoes that are lightweight and easy to carry with your feet. Nurses with plantar fasciitis must soften the footwork as they go about in their daily workplaces.

Mind the following

  • Do not force your feet into the shoes until you find the most comfortable sizes and spaces.
  • Feel your toes inside the shoes if they are roomy enough for natural movements.
  • Surprisingly, the best trial time for shoes is the late afternoon or the evening. Feet expand throughout the whole day's movement, so trying and fitting the biggies should be perfect after your work.

Buying Guide - Best Shoe for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis

1. Proper Measure

Scaling your feet with a measuring tool is a wise step before buying one.

Having known the right size, nurses can check each pair properly they wish to buy.

2. Insole Removability

Shoes with removable insoles are among the best choices for nurses. Once the insoles are worn off, your shoes will be worthless unless you can replace them.

3. Soft Cushioning

If it's hard, it will hurt. Soft and cozy cushioning will lessen the pressure on your heels while giving you the productivity throughout the work shift.

4. Arch Upkeep

Flat feet or regular arch, nurses should select shoes with adequate arch support to keep the plantar fascia healthy.

5. Contoured Footbed

The contouring of the shoe's footbed should be aligned with the foot. Improper footbed can create imbalance for the nurses while in a moving.

6. Roomy Toe Box

To avoid numb and grumpy toes, nurses should find shoes with enough space for toes. Hardened toes can worsen the plantar fasciitis or develop this condition.

7. Stress Reduction Tech

Ask or research about your desired shoe if it comes with a rocking motion technology to absorb shock and reduce stress on the feet.

WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Plantar fasciitis is a medical heel condition that occurs in the plantar fascia, a fibrous band of tissues at the bottom part of the foot.

The plantar fascia abridges the heel, arch, and toe while supporting the trio for natural movement. When the fascia gets inflamed due to prolonged standing or other injuries, the person experiences stabbing pain on the heel and arch.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

People might end up misinterpreting usual nerve compresses or stress fractures as plantar fasciitis. That's why it is necessary to observe your symptoms and determine what's causing the discomforts in your heels.

The most frequent symptom is the spasm occurring usually in the morning, especially when you wake up and are about to put your first step on the floor. People with plantar fasciitis complain about pain in the heel, which may stretch through the arch and up to the toe.

Another sign of plantar fasciitis is tight toe that happens to stretch short due to inflammation or tear in the plantar fascia, the fibrous band of tissue.

WHAT CAUSES PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

Imagine a bowstring or an elastic ribbon, which you are stretching up to its limit. Any moment now, the string is going to get a tear-shot.

Excessive stress on the fascia can tear your fascia in the same fashion. Prolonged use of your feet tends to lead you to plantar fasciitis.

Let's get to know the facts that cause plantar fasciitis:

  • The lifelong foot stresses accumulate in the people after 40s. So, age can be a contributory factor behind plantar fasciitis.
  • Certain physical activities and sports such as running, aerobics, ballerina, sprinting, etc. can put significant stress on your heels, leading to plantar fasciitis gradually.
  • Work responsibilities that involve long standing or walking can inflame the tissues under your feet.
  • Walking regularly with hard or tight footwear can harden the heel and toe, which may lead to plantar fasciitis.
  • Obesity may not directly affect your foot tissues but it surely stresses the heels, arches, and toes. Constant pressure on feet like this can progress to joint problems and interrelated tissue inflammation.
  • Some accidents may injure your feet and its tissues with long term effect like slipping over, ankle twisting, or jump-landing. These injuries can lead to plantar fasciitis if left untreated.
  • Certain diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis or reactive arthritis can cause plantar fasciitis.

[ Mayo Clinic] [ MedicineNet]

Medical Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis may go on its own if the tissue injury is not that bad. But what if it doesn't?

Doctors may treat plantar fasciitis to alleviate its sharp pain and enable the patient getting back to his/her regular activities.

Below are some medical treatments for plantar fasciitis:

1. Medication

Doctors may prescribe non-steroidal drugs for several weeks to treat the inflammation in your fascia. You may need to take the med more than once a day.

Following the medication course will ward off the plantar fasciitis within a short time.

2. Therapies

Some doctors may suggest you to take physical therapies from the experts considering your plantar fasciitis condition. Usually, you may seek therapies when medicines or steroids are not having any positive effect.

Therapies include simple stretching on the arch, toe, and heel. These stretches vitalize your lower leg tissues and muscles, heels, and Achilles Tendon. Ultrasonography, massage, contrast baths, etc. may also integrate the therapies for plantar fasciitis.

3. Steroids

If non-steroidal drugs cannot heal your plantar fasciitis condition, doctors may opt for steroid injections.

Steroid injections are administered onto the most aching part of your foot, which subdues the inflammation for a long time.

4. Shock-wave

In order to spring the blood flow to your lower leg, doctors may even go for shock-wave therapy, which involves sound waves. The resulting blood flow eases the pain in the heel by healing the tissue.

Besides, a shock-wave will stun your pain receptors for a while to stop the pain in the heel.

5. Ultrasound

Ultrasound is applied for removing the inflamed tissue from the foot. A tiny cut is done for this removal, which ends in a very short time.

You will get back to your happy-feet within next 10-12 days after the ultrasound is successfully done.

6. Orthotics

Orthotics can be beneficial in healing the plantar fasciitis. Some random studies reported substantial healing results of plantar fasciitis by wearing orthotics.

Orthotics prove to be cost-effective for those who suffer from chronic plantar fasciitis. Custom orthotics is preferred to OTC orthotics as it lasts longer.

7. Medical Shoes

Since shoes are constant feet gears throughout the day, it carries more weight in causing leg complications. Unfitting shoes can cause plantar fasciitis as they pressurize the tissues and muscles of the heels, toes, and arches.

Owing to the fact, doctors have developed shoes that not only support the feet comfortably, rather are able to heal the plantar fasciitis to great extent. Numerous brands of shoes are available in the market today offering several benefits for your feet.

8. Surgery

Surgery is the last option for treating your plantar fasciitis for good. Doctors take this measure when other options fail to lessen the pain and relevant complications.

For outdoing the stubborn pain, the surgery takes the plantar fascia off. After removing the root of pain, doctor may allow your discharge the same day from hospital.

Splint or boot may be prescribed as post-surgery care so no pressure is put on the operated heel.

[ AAFP] [ WebMD]

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis
Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis

Alergia comes with an old and good loop-and-hook system and many catchy designs. Nurses love this shoe for its comfortable rubber soles and square toe shapes. Besides, the vibrant textures come in leather, print, and emboss.

But most importantly, Alergia works well for the nurses with plantar fasciitis as its easy-walking rubber sole alleviates the foot ache. It enables the nurses to go about the long shifts with minimum stress on the legs.

So, you can take Alergia under consideration for healing plantar fasciitis.

What are the best shoes for someone with plantar fasciitis?

It's hard to decide upon the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists have been developing various orthotic shoes with beneficial features.

Some popular shoes for someone with plantar fasciitis could be:

  1. Vionic (Orthaheel) Vionic
  2. Aetrex.
  3. Dansko
  4. OOFOS
  5. New Balance
  6. Hoka
  7. Brooks

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for nurses?

Usually, podiatrists suggest orthotics for the nurses if they suffer from any leg injuries or tissue inflammation.

A couple of recommended shoes by podiatrists for nurses are:

  • Nurse Mates Women's Velocity Medical Professional Shoe
  • Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford

Are Danskos bad for plantar fasciitis?

Danskos is considered as one of the top work shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis. Its anti-fatigue polyurethane rocker bottom offers a shock absorption for the heels.

Danskos leather shoes have classic style with roomy and comfortable foot gear. Nurses can happily wear these shoes if they have plantar fasciitis or other foot ailments.

It can accommodate the replaceable orthotics and insoles when required .

What are the best shoes for a nurse?

Among numerous brands and features, the following 6 brands have considerable benefits to offer for plantar fasciitis:

  • Dansko Women's Professional Clog
  • Alegria Women's Paloma Flat
  • Brooks Womens Levitate 2 Running Shoe
  • KLOGS Footwear Women's Naples Leather
  • Nurse Mates Women's Velocity Medical Professional Shoe
  • Nurse Mates Women's Dove Oxford

How do I keep my feet from hurting while breastfeeding?

  1. Do a light walk twice a day while you're not nursing your baby. This will stimulate the natural blood flow in your legs and prevent stiffness.
  2. Do not bend over while breastfeeding as it may stress your back and hip. Lean on your back on the chair so your back muscles can relax and the spine takes less pressure.
  3. Take calcium, vitamin D, multivitamin, and other vital supplements as per your doctor's suggestion.
  4. Avoid bearing weights, otherwise it may put pressure on your joints and muscles.

What are the best shoes for walking and standing all day?

Several shoes and sandals are available in the market nowadays that are suitable for daylong standing and walking. Below are some of the popular names you can reflect upon:

  • New Balance 998 Women's Walking Shoe
  • Brooks Ghost Running Shoe for Standing All Day
  • MBT Rocker Bottom Shoes
  • Dansko Ema Work Shoe for Standing All Day
  • Mephisto Prudy Sandal with Arch Support
  • Ziera Innes Women's Strap Sandal
  • Aetrex Jillian Women's Low Wedge Sandal

Buy now at eBay, Walmart, Etsy (limited quantity)

Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women's G-Defy Mighty Walk Salmon Gray Athletic Shoes 8 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Ryka womens Devotion Plus 2 Walking Shoe, Grey/Teal, 7 US - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Orthofeet Proven Plantar Fasciitis, Foot and Heel Pain Relief. Extended Widths. - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Nurse Mates - Womens - Velocity Grey,8 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Brooks Ghost 13 Alloy/Oyster/White 7 B (M) - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

ASICS Women's Gel-Nimbus 22 Knit Running Shoes, 7, Sheet Rock/Rose Gold - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Skechers Women's Comfort Flex Sr Hc Pro Health Care Professional Shoe,black/white,8 M US - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Conclusion for Nurse Shoes with Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis has become an orthotic phenomenon worldwide. In the U.S. alone, over 1 million patients are diagnosed and treated with plantar fasciitis condition every year. Naturally, aging generation, particularly over 60s, are prone to this disabling condition. [ Plantar Fasciitis]

Researches are still underway to conclude why some victims of plantar fasciitis are curable by surgeries other than conventional medication. Perhaps, different lifestyle, genetics, individual response to certain treatment, etc. contribute to this fact.

Podiatrists, therapists, and experts, however, have been trying to develop more convenient and budget gears such as medical shoes and orthotic.

Shoes, by the way, are vital in developing or improving the plantar fasciitis condition in individuals. Numerous brands are flooding the market with their best shoes for nurses, professionals, and home dwellers.

But it's important to choose the best shoe for the plantar fasciitis or other heel complications. Follow the guidelines in this article, and do consult your doctor more often about your plantar fasciitis.

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