Birkenstocks are often popular sandals for plantar
Podiatrists and plantar fasciitis sufferers can't recommend them highly enough. Jump to: 👣 Why Birkenstocks are good 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."
Stiletto Heels or Ultra-High Heels
We podiatrists like to call it shoe-icide.” And shoe-icide is right! Stiletto heels and other ultra-high heels are one of the worst types of shoes you can wear if you have plantar fasciitis (and put you at risk for developing the condition if you don't have it yet!).
Birkenstock footbeds are made of strong cork/latex and are designed to create a healthy walking environment 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.
They are regarded as one of the best sandals for long-distance walking, provided that they have been properly broken in. If you haven't had a chance to break them in, wear your Birkenstocks on shorter trips to avoid discomfort when you do take them on longer ones.
Carrying a heavy object or gaining weight. Increasing your running or walking volumes too suddenly. If the muscles in your feet or legs are weak. If the muscles along the back of your legs are excessively tight (glutes, hamstrings, calves)
If you have plantar fasciitis, the number one thing to look for is arch support. “We place about three to four times our body weight upon our feet with each step,” says Gerres. “A supportive shoe with a good arch provides pain relief by transferring those stresses on the plantar fascia to the shoe.”
You want to avoid going barefoot when you have plantar fasciitis, especially on hard floors. Instead, you can get shoes with a rocker bottom or a thick midsole. These provide the needed cushioning and rigidity that will contribute to pain relief. You can also use insoles with your shoes.
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.
In many medical professions, closed shoes or clogs with heel straps are mandatory for good reason. This prevents the foot from sliding out of the heel cup and provides firm support.
For years, the stereotype was that the thick and chunky slide-on sandal was beloved by lesbians across the globe. Now though, that's definitely not the case. Today, Birkenstocks can be worn by anyone, without anyone thinking anything about that person's sexuality.
Elevated heels
But a slightly elevated heel may lower the strain and help alleviate heel pain. According to a 2022 study, shoes with a heel height from 0.1 to 1.5 inches may be best for plantar fasciitis. You can find a slight heel in a range of footwear, including running and walking shoes.
Check It Out Wedge Sandal
You can still rock them with plantar fasciitis. "Heels should be 1.5-to-2 inches tall, with cushioning in the arch. The thicker, chunkier heel is better," Levine said. This pretty pair offers lots of arch support and anatomical cushioning to take the pressure off your tootsies.
Yes, cork footbeds can help with plantar fasciitis by providing the necessary cushioning and support for your feet. They can also help distribute your body weight evenly across your feet, which can reduce the pressure on your plantar fascia.
Most people who have plantar fasciitis recover in several months with conservative treatment, such as icing the painful area, stretching, and modifying or avoiding activities that cause pain.
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.
Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament, too. What causes that ligament strain? Plantar fasciitis is often caused by repetitive motion or anything that puts a lot pressure on the arch of your foot.
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by: A lack of arch support. A sudden injury. A tendency to roll your feet one way or another.
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.
Our Contoured Footbed Encourages Foot Health
Therefore, over time, the footbed yields to the characteristics of an individual foot. Many long-term Birkenstock wearers find that the longer you wear them, the more comfortable they become. The shape of a Birkenstock follows the contours of a healthy foot.
Birkenstock's take time to break in and mould into ones foot. When you first purchase them, they will feel stiff and inflexible. Once they start to mould into your feet and adapt to your walking pattern, they will become more comfortable and flexible.