Vent over plantar fasciitis and the cost of shoes.

I bought a pair of Dansko clogs after so many CC recommendations. I can’t wear them. I don’t think I’ve ever had a shoe that was more painful. I mostly wear Merrels in the winter, but whatever I wore this summer was not good for my feet.

I wear my garden clogs (rubber and similar to a croc) with a pair of socks on in the house in the winter. I have a hard foam insert that my podiatrist gave me to use while waiting for my orthotics to be made - that I use with them.

Agree with the person who said their podiatrist said to never wear flats.

My mom had plantar fasciitis a few years ago and it went away, so she gave me her shoe inserts when I developed trouble. I’m a teacher and on my feet all day. They are very helpful and I don’t think they are expensive. Sandals, of course, are tougher because you can’t use inserts. Mom insists on SAS shoes, and they ARE expensive!

LLBean?

Also agree with the bra complaint lady. Yup. Good = expensive. I envy people who don’t need support.

Ooflos flip flops, I will take a look, thanks

They aren’t cheap (but are cheaper when on sale), but Vionics are sandals and flip flops that won’t give you this problem. I swear by them.

They also make shoes and boots. I have the sandals, flip flops, shoes, boots, booties, and shooties.

They’re orthotics and designed by a podiatrist.
http://www.qvc.com/shoes/vionic/_/N-1douxZ1z139ej/c.html?storeId=10251&viewType=gallery&langId=-1&catalogId=10151&pageSize=96&keyword=Vionics&uattrmb=LNULLCS1&mt.end=&ddkey=https:OrderView

A cheaper version of flip flops that won’t give you this problem is the brand, Cheeks.

I get the 2 pair set and also send a 2 pair set to my youngest sis who has the same issue.
http://www.hsn.com/shop/tony-little-cheeks-footwear/7463

I got my first PF symptoms last fall after hiking for miles in fairly expensive Timberland hiking boots. I did not know what was going on and researched on the Internet to get an idea of what was going on. All symptoms pointed to PF.

I had been away in the summer at some National Parks wearing Clarks and Merrills sandals. Had no problem.

This summer, went to the Grand Canyon and walked miles in my Clarks and Merrills. No problem. Now that it us fall, I’m a bit concerned to wear the hiking boots again.

Any suggestions for hiking boots besides Timberlands?

Alegria makes very high quality, comfort shoes. Like Vionics, but better

I hike in my Hokas. Hoka now makes hiking boots, too.

The FootSmart catalog/website has helpful items for PF sufferers. About ten years ago, I had a bout of it and the PT gave me a great tip: roll your foot on a can for a few minutes a day. I keep a can of baked beans under my desk at work and do this for about ten minutes every day… I have not had PF since. Convenient and cost- free! :wink:

I’ve had good luck with Oboz and Merrell brands. I’ve spent more time in my Oboz and have been pleasantly surprised at how good my feet feel even after a long hike.

I am bookmarking this thread, so I review the recommendations the next time I buy shoes!

@morrismm Merrell’s makes hiking boots, since they seem to work for your feet maybe you should try them.

Merrell’s hiking boots are quite different from their sandals and not in a good way. I have a gently used pair of Merrell hiking boots that I will never wear again - too stiff and not enough toe room. My running Hokas have doubled as my hiking shoes. Awesome shoes! You just have to get used to the look. :slight_smile:

My mom and I both have PF. We also have very flat feet. She swears by Birkenstock. I find them comfortable but nothing super great.

One of her doctors (I can’t remember which…) recommended Kuru shoes. We’ve never tried them or know anyone who has though.

I have to wear expensive shoes too, due to pes cavus. My podiatrist told me that I was going to have stop buying $40 shoes, and start thinking of them as an investment in my health. The new good ones are so much better made and last so much longer, and have cured not just my foot problems, but also my ankle and knee problems. My favorite brands are Mephisto, Munro, and Asics, all recommended by the doctor.

I’ve never been a “shoe girl” so the transition to less-cute shoes hasn’t been too traumatic for me.

Look into Lowa for hiking boots. Big time hiker here with foot problems and I cannot recommend them enough. Short break in time, super comfortable and they last forever. I personally like the Renegade model.

I am loving this thread! I have a terrible time finding shoes I can wear and there are some really great suggestions in here.

Just ordered 2 Vionics from Zappos to try out. I love having reviews to read before hitting send!

Oofos are on zuilly today. Be careful as they have some styles on sale and some are full price.

I love my Birkenstock’s, don’t care if others don’t. What helped me was to go to a store and get fitted. Made all the difference in fit. I thought I couldn’t wear them as my feet are pretty narrow. I also like spring step sandals. I have a pair of olu’kai flip flops and boots that are super comfortable.

Vionic Flip Flops are the thing that save my feet all year round (I will even wear them in the house in the winter if my feet are starting to feel twingey). I have been wearing them for about 4 years and have not had a full blown flare up. I am afraid to try any of their other shoes due to mixed reviews, but I might one day. I have Merrell shoes for other seasons and they do a good job. I even have Merrell snow boots.