Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis

What are the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis? We'll share some of our favorites and highlight the footwear features that can ease foot pain and help you avoid future injuries.

With important work to do and patients depending on them, nurses don’t need foot pain slowing them down. However, those 12-hour shifts can be tough on feet, and nurses are more likely than the general population to experience plantar fasciitis. If you suffer from this common condition, it's important to select nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis that can reduce pain and protect against further inflammation. In this guide, we'll cover the following:

• What is Plantar Fasciitis?
• Features of Nursing Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
• The Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis
• Dansko Clogs
• Soft Walk Meredith Sport Nursing Clogs
• Nurse Mates Align Velocity
• Nurse Mates Cally Slip Resistant Slip On Shoes
• Cherokee Infinity Footwear Echo Lace Up Shoes

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the tissue that runs lengthwise along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes, is one of the most prevalent causes of foot pain. Your age, weight, and foot shape can all contribute to your risk of developing the condition, but another leading cause of plantar fasciitis is having a job that keeps you on your feet for hours at a time, especially on hard surfaces.

Features of Nursing Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

The best shoes for nurses with foot pain due to plantar fasciitis have thick soles and supportive cushioning to reduce the tension that's placed on the fascia – that band of tissue – with every step. Your shoes also need to have good arch support to distribute pressure evenly across your feet. Read on for a list of some of the best nursing shoes for heel pain or arch pain. These shoes will help keep you comfortable, even through the longest shifts.

The Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis

Dansko Clogs

Dansko clogs are famous for support and quality construction. Frequently recommended because of their excellent arch support, they also feature a patented outsole that carries the seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association. Available in both natural leather and a rainbow of fun patent leather colors and patterns, Dansko clogs offer nearly endless options to coordinate with your work wardrobe.

These shoes are awesome! I am a nurse who is constantly on my feet and never reminded that I have shoes on! My feet never hurt! – Arlene S.

Soft Walk Meredith Sport Nursing Clogs

If you like the look of clogs but not the break-in period of traditional European-style clogs, Soft Walk's Meredith Sport clogs are an excellent choice. Their comfort features include a cushioned footbed with arch support, soft leather uppers, and elastic goring to ensure that they stay securely on your feet. They're also slip resistant and include an antimicrobial lining to reduce odor, even after a long day on your feet.

Very comfortable. I wear them for 12-hour shifts and they are fabulous. They are a must have! – Delores B.

Nurse Mates Align Velocity

Nurses often recommend the Nurse Mates Align line for comfort and durability. These shoes have flexible materials and a multi-level arch that can ease plantar fasciitis symptoms. Heel cups – often added as inserts to shoes – can reduce tension on the plantar fascia and protect your heel by offering shock absorption. With Align Velocity's built-in heel cup, you get that cushioning without having to fuss with inserts. They also have a sporty lace-up look and slip-resistant traction inserts to protect you from falls as well as foot pain.

I absolutely love these shoes!! These are the second pair I bought after 4 years of my first pair. I work in a hospital and these shoes saved my feet from pain and slipping! – Becca

Nurse Mates Cally Slip Resistant Slip On Shoes

The Nurse Mates Cally is an excellent nursing shoe for plantar fasciitis thanks to its shock-absorbing bottom, pillowtop insole, and cushioned arch support. With a professional look and stylish details, this shoe also manages to be both sporty and polished while keeping you comfortable for long hours on the job.

These shoes are extremely comfortable, easy to wipe clean and fit true to size. Highly recommend for people on their feet all day! – D.E.

Cherokee Infinity Footwear Echo Lace Up Shoes

Sneakers can often be the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis thanks to their shock-absorbing soles. The Cherokee Infinity Footwear Echo is one of our favorite nursing sneakers because it's comfortable and supportive enough for recreational running, but has a more relaxed look than a running shoe. It has a removeable shock-absorbing insole with arch support, and heel cupping to reduce foot tension.

Foot Comfort Within Reach

It's easy to feel frustrated by foot pain stemming from plantar fasciitis, especially if you're a healthcare professional who needs to be mobile throughout the workday. Be comforted that the right nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis can help ease your symptoms and get you back on your feet. We've recommended some of the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis, but you may want to browse our full selection of nursing shoes for other stylish and comfortable footwear options. If you have questions for us, don't hesitate to get in touch with our friendly customer service team.

Sources

• Industrial Health. "Plantar fasciitis in physicians and nurses: a nationwide population-based study" https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. 25 October 2021.
• Mayo Clinic. "Plantar Fasciitis" https://www.mayoclinic.org. 25 October 2021.
• OrthoInfo. "Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs" https://orthoinfo.aaos.org. 25 October 2021.
• Foot Pain Explored. "Orthotics for Plantar Fasciitis" https://www.foot-pain-explored.com. 25 October 2021.