If you're feeling the brunt of plantar fasciitis, believe me, you're not the only one experiencing heel pain. With the amount of time we spend on our feet, it's no wonder the heel bone rebels from time to time.
Shoes like Birkenstocks are often recommended for going out. So are Birkenstocks good for plantar fasciitis?
Birkenstocks are good for plantar fasciitis. A few lifestyle changes, such as wearing shoes with proper heel support, can greatly improve foot health. Birkenstock sandals are one of the most recommended shoes. With a combination of innovation and evolution, they have achieved well-deserved worldwide fame.
In this article, we go into detail about Birkenstocks for Plantar Fasciitis and provide some of the top recommendations at the end of the article. Keep reading…
What's there:
Plantar fasciitis, what exactly is it?
Plantar fasciitis is a particular type of heel pain that involves a ligament called the plantar fascia. It is a thick web-like band that serves as the link between the ball of the foot and the heel. By supporting the arch of the foot, it facilitates walking. Its functions also include frequent shock absorption.
Exercise like jogging, jogging, and even regular walking causes wear and tear on the plantar fascia. In fact, it is common for ligaments to go through this tearing process.
But it becomes a big problem when the wear rate is too great for the natural healing process to compensate. The result is inflammation, stiffness, and pain. This is the orthopedic condition that doctors refer to as plantar fasciitis.
Causes of plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is caused by a variety of reasons; many of these have yet to be discovered. But repeated tears, stretches, and pulls on the plantar fascia are the immediate source of this pain. Below are some of the causes responsible for this tape damage.
Operation
The rope-like band bears the brunt of any impact your foot absorbs. It goes without saying that the foot takes a lot more impact when running compared to most other exercises.
Since running impacts are frequent and rhythmic, the ligament is under particularly high stress. Therefore, running is one of the main causes of plantar fasciitis.
obesity
Stress is weight divided by area. As body weight increases, the size of our feet does not increase with it. So the heavier you are, the greater the pressure on your feet. So, obesity has a direct and proportional relationship with plantar fasciitis.
To alter
Like many other health problems, plantar fasciitis also affects the elderly. This is due to the stresses they have endured over the years. The heel bone becomes particularly fragile later in life and cannot take as much pressure as before. This increases the pain even more.
Dance
Plantar fasciitis is common among professional dancers. The reason is pretty obvious, isn't it? They spend most of their time on their toes and heels. Both are on opposite ends of the same band.
For this reason, despite leading a relatively healthy lifestyle and physical activity, dancers are more likely to face this disease than normal people.
Stop
It may come as a surprise to many that even standing can cause severe heel pain. The caveat is: if you stay still for a long time. Because of this, teachers and factory workers are often on the receiving end of plantar fasciitis.
And
An everyday activity like walking, if not done correctly, can cause chronic foot pain. A clumsy way of walking can deprive the foot of adequate support. Unknown barefoot walking can also damage the ligament.
What are Birkenstocks?
Birkenstocks, a German brand known for its ergonomic shoes. Its orthopedic insole, also known as a Birkenstock insole, is valued for its incredible ability to add cushioning and stability to the foot.
Since the late 19th century, the brand has stood the test of time and earned a worldwide reputation for overcoming foot problems like bunions, foot pain, ingrown toenails, and calluses. It is widely recommended in many circles as an easy fix for plantar fasciitis.
Birkenstocks can be incredibly comfortable without sacrificing aesthetics. Orthopedically designed and available in a variety of styles, it forms a perfect synergy between functionality and fashion.
Birkenstock Shoes Foot Features
Birkenstock shoes have a whole range of features that make them the most recommended sandals for comfort and stress relief. These features include toe box, arch support, cushioning, insole, ample space, etc.
toe bar
Birkenstock sandals have specially optimized toe caps, also known as toe caps. The bar allows a natural support of the shoe. This is especially helpful when you are in a relaxed state, as the toe grip stimulates blood flow.
Together with the strap, the finger bar provides additional finger clearance, allowing for a comfortable finger position. The tip also helpsuserfor better balance when standing or walking.
injured
With their generous cushioning, Birkenstock shoes guarantee comfort throughout the foot. The shoes offer so much cushioning that it can be uncomfortable at first.
But after wearing it for a while, the pad will adapt to your foot and finally give you the highest level of comfort.
Bookend
Thanks to the excellent arch support, the sandal supports the entire weight of the body. This feature provides even support, helping to improve the turf. Even weight distribution is directly related to proper foot alignment.
This, in turn, alleviates foot pain, particularly problems like plantar fasciitis, which are directly related to imbalance caused by stress from misaligned feet.
template
Birkenstocks insoles are made of high-strength latex mixed with cork. Its flexible construction material guarantees maximum comfort. The cork insole is also sensitive to body temperature and helps dissipate heat from the foot naturally.
The contoured insole follows the characteristics of the foot and becomes more comfortable over time.
nice cup
Equipped with a deep heel, the sandal can perfectly protect the natural padding of the foot. This also helps stabilize the foot and ensures proper alignment between the hip, knee and ankle. Proper foot alignment also facilitates pain relief by combating supination and overpronation.
Space
Things like arch support, soft insole, low heel, cushioning, toe box, etc. These are qualities that make Birkenstocks so great to own. Then there is the space factor. That is, the sandals do not have excessive functionality. Instead, it offers ample space to ensure precise alignment and proper support.
size chart
Good arch support or a really soft insole won't do you any good if your shoe size doesn't match your foot size. To get you out of this quandary, Birkenstocks offers a sizing guide called the Birkenstock Sizing Guide. Use them and discover the exact sandal size you need for your feet.
adjustable straps
In addition to size, the shape of the foot is also essential to guarantee maximum comfort and safety. Proper arch support simply isn't possible if the sandal's contour doesn't match your foot.
This is particularly important in cases ofPie planoohigh arches. To ensure proper arch support, all Birkenstocks sandals have adjustable straps that make it easy to get the right fit.
All these properties help Birkenstocks to relieve your feet when running, walking or standing. These are also very easy to use for the elderly and overweight.
the detailed judgment
Here we briefly review the features of Birkenstocks shoes to see if and how they can help relieve plantar fasciitis pain.
The toe box allows for a natural fit and provides balance. Footbed and straps provide comfortable arch support. The deep heel provides optimized cushioning and clearance facilitates good alignment. To add the icing on the cake, there are women's Mayari sandals from Birkenstock that are designed specifically for women.
All of these are perfect for providing relief to patients suffering from plantar fasciitis. However, it is worth noting that if the size and shape of the foot is not taken into account, the support will be insufficient, regardless of the brand of footwear used. This is where the Birkenstock measuring guide comes into play.
So it goes without saying that people with plantar fasciitis can definitely wear Birkenstock sandals for plantar fasciitis and expect a change in their experience for the better.
Questions About Birkenstock Plantar Fasciitis
What is special about Birkenstock?
A combination of features like toe box, insole, hill tops, adjustable straps, etc. make Birkenstocks sandals ideal for plantar fasciitis. This, along with the perfect combination of comfort and style, is what makes Birkenstocks so amazing.
Are Birkenstocks shoes orthopedic?
Birkenstocks definitely have a particular focus on orthotic support. Its precise alignment and comfortable toe space provide support and pressure relief for ligaments such as the plantar fascia.
The sandals are specifically patented for the beveled toe hem, zero-drop sole design, and anatomical foot support. This is why they are often recommended for plantar fasciitis.
How comfortable are Birkenstock hiking shoes?
When it comes to walking on level ground and in urban settings, few brands can match Birkenstocks. Even people with severe plantar fasciitis can usually walk comfortably. Walking isn't one of his specialties though, though he can certainly handle slightly rough terrain.
before you leave
By now you know in detail how and why Birkenstocks make great sandals for plantar fasciitis. As a culmination of orthopedic knowledge and optimized shoe design over the years, Birkenstocks has perfected the art of shoemaking.
When someone asks you:Are Birkenstocks good for plantar fasciitis?"You definitely know the answer.
So if you have plantar fasciitis, Birkenstock is the brand to choose. But what specific model? Well, there are a lot of them, and you are the one who makes the final decision. But if you ask me personally, I recommendSpenco Rxfor women andrev premiumfor men.
why i choseSpenco Rx? Look how beautiful. Aboutrev premium, is characterized by its optimized design for reflex zones.
Related reading:
- The 7 best Birkenstocks to buy flat feet
- Are Birkenstocks good for metatarsalgia?
Nathan Griffin
Myself, Nathan Griffin, a shoe professional with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I have worked in all aspects of the business, from designing and manufacturing shoes to selling them in stores. I am passionate about shoes and I think they are an essential part of any look. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with others and helping them find the perfect pair of shoes for their style.
FAQs
Can you wear Birkenstocks if you have plantar fasciitis? ›
Birkenstocks are often popular sandals for plantar fasciitis runners for this reason—the cork molds to your foot's shape and reduces strain on your arch by providing firm, rigid support along the length of your foot.
Which Birkenstock is best for plantar fasciitis? ›Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal
Birkenstocks are our top choice for comfort and style when it comes to shopping for sandals for plantar fasciitis.
"They're really good for if you have a flat foot or you have arch pain, because they have a supportive longitudinal arch. But I would recommend them to most people — unless you have some kind of severe ailment that obviously needs a more personalized approach."
What shoes do doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis? ›- Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2023.
- New Balance 410 Trail Running Shoe.
- 3D Sootheez Extremely Comfy/Thick Slippers.
- Oofos OOlala Luxe Sandal.
- Crocs Unisex-Adult Literide Flip Flops Sandals.
- Hoka Clifton 8.
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22.
- Vionix Kalina Braided Slide Sandal.
Not wearing supportive shoes
You should avoid shoes that put a lot of pressure on your feet, such as high heels. You should also avoid wearing cheap flip flops, which usually lack sufficient arch support.
Start by wearing them around your house and increase the time you wear them gradually. It can take time for your foot to adjust to the contours of the footbed, and for the cork/latex to flex and mould. Ideally an hour or two at a time until you feel comfortable to increase to a longer period.
What do podiatrist recommend for plantar fasciitis? ›Treatment Methods
Most of the time, plantar fasciitis is treated through nonsurgical means. These methods include rest, icing, anti-inflammatory medications, supportive footwear, and cortisone injections. Rest is the best way to heal a damaged plantar fascia.
Birkenstock and Finn Comfort have footbeds which provide superior arch support. Both have similar lateral and metatarsal arch support, but vary in their medial arch support. If you identify your arch type as “Flat” or "Normal" you will find the most comfort from wearing footwear with a soft footbed.
Is walking in Birkenstocks good for your feet? ›Birkenstocks are a fantastic option for walking as they're supportive, prevent pronation of the foot (which helps support the ankle), and they're also shock absorbing. The cork/latex blend in the footbed is pliable and reacts to natural body warmth.
What shoes do most podiatrists recommend? ›- Brooks.
- Asics.
- New Balance.
- Rockport.
- Merrell.
- Ascent.
- Mizuno.
Can Birkenstocks cause foot problems? ›
Besides weakening your foot musculature, the intense arch support and thick sole in a Birkenstock also limits your foot mobility.
Are Birkenstocks good for being on your feet all day? ›Birkenstocks have evolved over the years to continually deliver the best quality products with the highest possible support for your feet. So we can confidently say that they're good for your feet.
Should I wear a boot for my plantar fasciitis? ›Occasionally, I prescribe a walking boot for plantar fasciitis patients as it can take some pressure off the heel. But that can backfire. If you're wearing the boot all the time and not doing the stretching exercises, your calf muscles may weaken. That won't help with the pain.
What aggravates plantar fasciitis? ›When you exert pressure on your feet without proper arch support or padding, you can put too much stress on your plantar fascia. Wearing shoes that are too tight or shoes that raise your heel high above your toes may also aggravate the condition.
Is walking in bare feet good for plantar fasciitis? ›Most podiatrists believe that persons with plantar fasciitis should avoid being barefoot for extended periods of time, particularly on hard surfaces such as concrete or wood floors. Put on supportive slippers. Wear supportive plantar fasciitis slippers instead of bare feet when you're ready to kick back and relax.
What is the fastest way to cure plantar fasciitis? ›...
Treatment
- Physical therapy. ...
- Night splints. ...
- Orthotics. ...
- Walking boot, canes or crutches.
While complications associated with plantar fascia release surgery are not common, risks include: Recurring heel pain. Slow wound healing. Nerve issues, such as nerve entrapment.
Do Birkenstocks weaken Arches? ›"Even though your jaw may drop when you see a friend walk into a party with Birkenstocks on, they're actually good for your feet. They provide good shock absorption and arch support.
Should I get regular or narrow Birkenstocks? ›The regular fit is perfect for those with normal to wider width feet and can be identified by the empty foot symbol located on the footbed. The narrow fit is suitable for those with slim/narrow width feet. This can be identified by the coloured in foot symbol on the footbed.
Why are Birkenstocks so uncomfortable at first? ›They will not be extremely comfortable when you first wear them as they have not moulded to your feet and adapted to your walking pattern. Wearing them in slowly will allow them to become more comfortable, flexible and will give your feet time to get used to the contoured footbed/arch support.
What is the best anti inflammatory for plantar fasciitis? ›
Plantar fasciitis pain responds well to ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). These can ease any pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Who is the best person to treat plantar fasciitis? ›If plantar fasciitis does not get better, a GP might refer you to a physiotherapist or foot specialist (podiatrist). A physiotherapist can show you exercises to help ease your symptoms. A podiatrist can recommend things like insoles and the right shoes to wear.
Which Birkenstocks have the best support? ›Birkenstock Arizona Suede
The contoured cork footbed adapts to the shape of your foot and provides support, while the EVA outsole is shock-absorbent and lightweight. The shaped heel cup, exceptional arch support, and raised toe grips help distribute weight across your feet for premium comfort.
Florida Sandals by Birkenstock
The Florida sandals are made for support and structure, as their cork-latex footbed, their raised toe bar and their foam-latex cushioning all demonstrate. The Florida sandals are great if you're regularly on your feet but find yourself missing out on strong support from other footwear.
Do you wish you could wear your comfortable orthotics in the summer in stylish sandals? Our North American lab partners will fabricate your custom Birkenstock sandals and in a few weeks we will fit them to your feet and discuss proper usage.
How long does it take for your feet to get used to Birkenstocks? ›Wear the sandals for 30-45 minutes the first day and then 1-2 hours the next, gradually increasing the time till they become comfortable. It might take 2-3 weeks. After the break-in period the shoes will feel custom made, you won't even realise you are wearing them.
Should your toes touch the front of Birkenstocks? ›Your toes on the trailing foot should approach the toe rim at the front of the sandal, or touch it gently. If they are over the rim at that point, or pushing hard against it, the sandals are probably too short.
Are Skechers good for plantar fasciitis? ›We recommend the Skechers Max Cushioning Elite if you have severe symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis. The lightweight Ultra Go cushion platform softens the impact on the heel when walking for pain relief from Plantar Fasciitis.
Why do podiatrists not like Skechers? ›Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Are Crocs good for your feet? ›They lack heel support
“Crocs are backless and do not support or control the heel,” Weiser adds. As a result, you could develop heel pain and tendonitis of the heel. The lack of heel support can make it more difficult to maintain stability as you walk, so you may be more likely to trip or fall.
Can wearing Crocs cause plantar fasciitis? ›
Long-term wear of Crocs may also cause other serious foot conditions. “You're not thinking about it, but when you're wearing a shoe that wide, you're gripping with your toes, and when you grip with your toes to keep a shoe on, you can get tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and hammertoes in the long-term,” Dr. Barrow notes.
What are the benefits of wearing Birkenstocks? ›The unique style of the Birkenstock foot bed allows it to mold to your foot's shape, thus becoming more and more comfortable over time. With thick cork soles and leather or suede uppers, Birkenstocks are an investment that will keep your feet happy for years to come.
Should I size up or down in Birkenstocks? ›Birkenstock's sandals fit true to size, so you do not need to size up or down in them. Again, taking note of the width of the sandals is important. If you're wearing the sandal straps at their tightest and your feet are still slipping to the side, you should try a narrow pair instead.
When should you throw away Birkenstocks? ›If you notice that the sole and tread on your Birkenstocks is wearing down evenly to roughly less than 1cm (when the tread pattern of the soles can no longer be seen) then it is time for a sole replacement.
Can I walk in the rain with Birkenstocks? ›Are Birkenstocks waterproof? We offer water-friendly styles made of EVA. Most styles should not be immersed in water as over-saturation can compromise the integrity of the sealant materials. Hydrophobic styles are water-resistant, but still should not be submerged.
How long should you wear a walking boot for plantar fasciitis? ›Current treatment recommendations for a complete tear are for patients to be treated for 2 to 3 weeks non-weightbearing using a removable cast boot.
When should you wear a walking boot for plantar fasciitis? ›Walking boots are most helpful in cases where the pain from plantar fasciitis is very severe and has not responded to conservative treatment methods like stretching, icing, and orthotics.
Can you wear a plantar fasciitis boot during the day? ›For patients with plantar fasciitis that has lasted for several months, Dr. Huppin suggests that they wear the splint during the day with a walking boot.
Are Birkenstocks good for plantar fasciitis? ›Birkenstocks are often popular sandals for plantar fasciitis runners for this reason—the cork molds to your foot's shape and reduces strain on your arch by providing firm, rigid support along the length of your foot.
What is the number one cause of plantar fasciitis? ›Plantar fasciitis is often caused by repetitive motion or anything that puts a lot pressure on the arch of your foot. So, activities like running, jogging and walking, or consistent long periods of standing or being on your feet, can often lead to plantar fasciitis.
How can I get instant relief from plantar fasciitis? ›
- Massage your feet. ...
- Slip on an Ice Pack. ...
- Stretch. ...
- Try Dry Cupping. ...
- Use Toe Separators. ...
- Use Night Splints at Night, and Orthotics During the Day. ...
- Try TENs Therapy. ...
- Strengthen Your Feet With a Washcloth.
Along with rest, icing is one of the best treatments to relieve plantar fasciitis pain and promoting healing. That's because icing constricts blood vessels, which can bring down swelling and inflammation-related pain. You can apply a bag of ice or a cold pack wrapped in a towel to the bottom of your arch and heel.
Should you massage plantar fasciitis? ›Since plantar fasciitis is essentially a repetitive strain injury to the fibrous tissue on the underside of the foot, massage therapy is a helpful treatment for relieving that strain. In particular, deep tissue massage is the technique of choice for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Do and don'ts in plantar fasciitis? ›DOs and DON'Ts in Managing Plantar Fasciitis:
DO rest your foot more, lose weight, and wear the right footwear, such as soft-soled shoes and insoles. DO reduce your exercise for a while. Stop running or run for shorter distances. DO call your health care provider if symptoms don't get better with treatment.
Relief from Plantar Fasciitis begins when you wear footwear that provides stability and has the proper medial arch support. Birkenstock and Finn Comfort have footbeds which provide superior arch support.
Can you walk around in Birkenstocks all day? ›The cork footbed allows your feet to feel cushioned with firm arch support while walking, making them comfortable for long periods of time when exploring cities or wandering the countryside. Other benefits for choosing Birkenstocks for travel: Require no break-in period.
How do I permanently get rid of plantar fasciitis? ›- Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can put extra stress on your plantar fascia.
- Choose supportive shoes. Buy shoes with a low to moderate heel, thick soles, good arch support and extra cushioning. ...
- Don't wear worn-out athletic shoes. ...
- Change your sport. ...
- Apply ice. ...
- Stretch your arches.
People with plantar fasciitis will likely require extra cushioning in their shoes to provide support and minimize foot and heel pain. Some people may also benefit from orthopedic shoes or other alternatives, such as insoles, to help manage plantar fasciitis.
Should you walk a lot with plantar fasciitis? ›In fact, walking may actually inflame the plantar fascia more, leading to an extension of your treatment. While it's not walking alone that could further inflame the ligament, if you're not wearing the right shoes or are exerting yourself too much, the plantar fasciitis can flare up.
How long does it take for Birkenstocks to stop hurting? ›Here are a few ways that will help you break into your Birks:Walk in them daily, gradually increasing the time to reduce the hurting time. Wear the sandals for 30-45 minutes the first day and then 1-2 hours the next, gradually increasing the time till they become comfortable. It might take 2-3 weeks.