What Is the Best Footwear for Plantar Fasciitis? Expert Guide by Foot Solutions Plymouth

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, affecting thousands of people each year across the UK. If you're struggling with sharp heel pain first thing in the morning or discomfort after long periods on your feet, you may be wondering what the best footwear for plantar fasciitis is and how to choose shoes that genuinely help.


The right footwear can dramatically reduce pain, support healing, and prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Foot Solutions Plymouth specialises in helping people find footwear and custom orthotics that relieve plantar fasciitis and restore comfort to daily life.


Understanding Plantar Fasciitis and Why Footwear Matters


Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia,  the strong band of tissue connecting your heel to your toes,  becomes irritated or inflamed. This inflammation creates pain in the heel, arch, or the bottom of the foot.


Footwear plays a huge role in both the development and treatment of this condition. Shoes that lack structure, cushioning, or support place additional stress on the plantar fascia. Supportive footwear, on the other hand, absorbs shock, stabilises the foot, and reduces the strain that causes pain.


What Is the Best Footwear for Plantar Fasciitis?


The best footwear for plantar fasciitis is designed to reduce tension in the heel and arch by providing strong arch support, excellent cushioning, and stable foot alignment. Instead of simply buying cushioned or soft shoes, you need footwear built to correct the underlying mechanics that cause plantar fasciitis.


At Foot Solutions Plymouth, we guide customers toward shoes that combine scientific support, everyday comfort, and long-term durability.


Key Features to Look for in Shoes


Deep Heel Cup


A deep, supportive heel cup stabilises the heel and reduces inward rolling of the foot, easing pressure on the plantar fascia.


Structured Arch Support


Proper arch support prevents the arch from collapsing, which is one of the primary sources of strain in plantar fasciitis.


Firm-Yet-Cushioned Midsole


A good plantar fasciitis shoe has cushioning that absorbs impact without being overly soft.


Shock Absorption


Each step sends shock through the heel; supportive shoes minimise this stress.


Wide Toe Box


Allows natural toe movement, improves stability, and reduces tension across the bottom of the foot.


Motion Control for Overpronation


If your feet roll inward excessively, motion-control shoes help maintain neutral alignment.



Best Types of Footwear for Plantar Fasciitis


Trainers Designed for Support


Look for stability running shoes that combine arch support and heel cushioning.


Walking Shoes


Walking shoes with a rocker bottom or firm midsole help reduce heel and arch strain.


Supportive Sandals


Not all sandals are equal; some include built-in orthotic support ideal for plantar fasciitis.


Orthotic-Friendly Footwear


Shoes with removable insoles allow for custom orthotics, a key advantage for long-term relief.


Work and Safety Shoes


Supportive work shoes are essential for anyone who stands or walks for long hours.

Foot Solutions Plymouth carries footwear across all these categories to ensure every customer finds a solution tailored to their lifestyle.


How Custom Orthotics Improve Plantar Fasciitis Relief


Even the best footwear can be enhanced with custom orthotics, which provide targeted support where your foot needs it most.


Custom orthotics can:


  • Reduce heel pressure

  • Improve foot alignment

  • Support flat or high arches

  • Correct gait issues

  • Prevent flare-ups during daily activities

Foot Solutions Plymouth uses advanced assessment tools and expert biomechanical knowledge to create custom inserts that fit your unique foot shape. Many customers find that orthotics provide the most significant long-term improvement.


Learn more about custom orthotics here:
https://www.footsolutionsplymouth.co.uk/custom-orthotics/


What Footwear to Avoid with Plantar Fasciitis


Some popular footwear choices can worsen symptoms:


  • Flat shoes with no arch support

  • Flip-flops or soft, collapsing sandals

  • High heels

  • Very flexible shoes with little structure

  • Hard-soled shoes with no cushioning

Avoiding these styles is essential to prevent ongoing irritation.


Why In-Store Fitting Makes a Huge Difference


Finding the right footwear for plantar fasciitis isn’t as simple as picking a shoe online. An expert fitting ensures your shoes work with your foot shape, gait pattern, and pain level.


Foot Solutions Plymouth offers:


  • Personalised foot assessments

  • Pressure plate analysis

  • Gait evaluation

  • Guidance on footwear and orthotics

  • The opportunity to try shoes designed for foot pain relief

This personalised approach helps ensure you walk away with footwear that genuinely supports recovery.


Book your free foot assessment here:

https://www.footsolutionsplymouth.co.uk/free-foot-assessment/


Why Choose Foot Solutions Plymouth?


Customers choose Foot Solutions Plymouth because they offer:


  • Specialist footwear designed for pain relief

  • Custom orthotics tailored to your exact needs

  • A highly trained team with foot health expertise

  • Free, personalised assessments

  • A strong track record of helping people overcome heel pain

  • Shoes suitable for everyday wear, sport, work, and leisure

When it comes to plantar fasciitis, expert-recommended footwear makes a world of difference.


Conclusion: Start Your Journey to Pain-Free Walking


If you’ve been wondering what the best footwear for plantar fasciitis is, the answer lies in supportive, well-structured shoes designed to protect your heel and arch. With the right footwear and optional custom orthotics, you can dramatically reduce pain and get back to comfortable, confident movement.


Take the first step today,  book your free foot assessment at Foot Solutions Plymouth and let an expert help you find the ideal footwear for plantar fasciitis.



Visit: https://www.footsolutionsplymouth.co.uk/contact/

A man is holding a pair of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Steve Morgan

March 28, 2025
Steve Morgan loves attending concerts at London’s many music venues.  However, in recent years, his enjoyment has been increasingly marred by foot and back pain that prevented him standing for prolonged periods. A keen sportsman, Steve, 44, has a high pain threshold, but about a year ago the discomfort became debilitating, limiting both his mobility and quality of life. Recommended by a work colleague whose mother had been successfully treated for a similar complaint, Steve made an appointment for a free, no obligation assessment at Foot Solutions. “The assessment was detailed, rigorous and really interesting” explains Steve. “All the consultants at Foot Solutions are highly-trained specialists and really know their stuff. I learnt that I have over-pronating feet which means that my arches flatten on impact with the ground. The recommended treatment was customised arch supports. The consultant explained the benefits without applying any sales pressure. After consideration, I decided to proceed with the purchase.” Have the arch supports helped? “They’ve been an absolute godsend” says Steve, “The foot pain has been massively reduced and the back pain has completely gone. I can now enjoy a night out with hardly any discomfort. Plus, my balance and posture have improved so much that I’ve realised that I’m taller than people I thought were bigger than me!” Would he recommend Foot Solutions? “Definitely” confirms Steve, “Foot Solutions are massive in America and it’s easy to see why. The assessment process is excellent, the products are superb and the staff are outstanding.” If you’re suffering from foot, back or joint pain, contact Foot Solutions today to arrange a free foot and gait analysis.
A man holding a pair of shoes in front of a foot solutions sign

Colin Haylock MBE

March 28, 2025
Although officially retired as a Consultant Maxillofacial Prosthetist, Colin Haylock MBE still travels the world using his specialist life-changing skills to help rebuild people’s faces.  However, following a motorcycle accident which left his left foot badly deformed, Colin’s mobility was significantly restricted. “I was really struggling,” explains Colin, currently an honorary tutor at Guys Medical School. “Following the accident, my movement became painful and awkward and I had to drag my left foot sideways. The problem was accentuated during my travels when I was on my feet a lot of the time.” At first, Colin sought help from the usual channels, visiting casualty, a physiotherapist and even an orthoptist who prescribed rigid (and uncomfortable) half-sole inserts. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Then Colin decided to visit Foot Solutions in Richmond. “I’d been aware of the Foot Solutions free foot assessment offer for some time,” adds Colin “then one Sunday morning I called in to the store. I’m so glad I did because that visit changed my life for the better.” Colin was seen by Foot Solutions consultant Asif, who after taking a full case history, performed a series of tests and scans which identified in addition to the injury, a fallen arch which was exacerbating the problem. “Asif was extremely patient and thorough,” continues Colin, “he recommended custom-made arch supports and advised on suitable footwear, but applied no sales pressure.” Colin accepted Asif’s recommendations and followed his detailed instructions on how to use the arch supports. “I can now walk normally with virtually no discomfort,” says a delighted Colin, “Foot Solutions is a very good product and I am happy to endorse it.”
A woman is holding two pairs of shoes in front of a sign that says foot solutions.

Heather Paine

March 28, 2025
Food Scientist turned designer jeweller, Heather Paine was finding her mobility and comfort increasingly marred by the effect of arthritis in her ankles and feet. This was exacerbated by a painful condition known as hammer toes, where the toe joints curl downwards, causing friction with footwear. After enduring much discomfort, Heather eventually had an operation in an attempt to reduce the pain. Following the surgery, she was prescribed rigid, three-quarter length standard orthotics, which could only be used in a limited range of very unflattering footwear. “I came across Foot Solutions in Richmond, and decided to call in. I was very patiently and thoroughly taken through a detailed foot assessment process including two scans. Custom arch supports were recommended and I was shown a selection of stylish, comfortable and orthotic-friendly shoes.  After I was fitted with my new orthotics and footwear, the improvement has been dramatic. Life is a lot less painful and I can wear nice shoes, sandals and boots. I recently went to Brazil and spent a lot of time on my feet without any discomfort! I am more than happy to recommend Foot Solutions.”