It’s surprising, but plantar fasciitis causes 80% of all heel pain. It often worsens when you wear the wrong shoes. Therefore, finding the best slippers for Plantar Fasciitis can help you stay active. Plantar fasciitis is an injury to the tissue at the bottom of your foot. Weight changes, increased activity, or poor footwear can trigger it.
However, to aid healing, choose shoes with a firm sole, good cushioning, proper arch support, and enough comfort for regular use.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
According to Dr. Mufaddal Gombera, MD, “Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes heel and foot pain. It happens when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue along the bottom of the foot, gets inflamed or irritated.”
Best Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
Dr. Gombera says, “Walking barefoot on hard floors is not recommended for Plantar Fasciitis. This is because the foot doesn’t have enough natural cushioning to absorb the impact.”
Therefore, it can cause sharp heel pain and stiffness in the arch. The best slippers for plantar fasciitis are designed to shift weight off your heel and provide arch support. Following are some recommended ones you can find online:
1. Kuru Draft
Sizes: 6 to 12
Materials: Mesh or fleece upper, rubber outsole, polyurethane insole
Heel drop: 10 mm
Width: Medium
What’s notable: The arch support and cushioning make these slippers super comfortable right out of the box.
What could be better: Some reviews mention they run small, so you might want to size up. They can also feel slightly heavy.
The Kuru Draft slippers can be a bit pricey. However, their pain-relieving and supportive features set them apart. The heel-hugging design protects the sensitive heel pad, while the dual-density foam insole offers both arch support and shock absorption. The slip-on style makes them convenient for everyday use. You can also choose between mesh or fleece uppers for year-round comfort.
2. Isotoner’s Terry Hoodback Slippers
Sizes: 6.5 to 10
Materials: Microterry upper, EVA, memory foam, rubber outsole
Heel drop: 1 inch
Width: Medium
What’s notable: The breathable lining helps keep your feet cool, and they come in seven colors, giving you plenty of choices.
What could be better: These slippers tend to run small. So it’s a good idea to size up.
For an affordable option, Isotoner’s Terry Hoodback Slippers offer the required support and cozy comfort for under $20. The memory foam insole cushions your heels from impact, while the soft, moisture-wicking microterry lining adds warmth. Plus, they’re machine-washable, making it easy to refresh the memory foam over time.
3. Crocs Classic Cozzzy Sandal
Sizes: 4 to 12
Materials: Foam footbed, synthetic liner
Heel drop: Not listed
Width: Medium
What’s notable: These provide good support when walking on hardwood floors.
What could be better: The fuzzy liner can sometimes attract debris.
Whether you love them or not, Crocs are known for their supportive design. This is great for those with plantar fasciitis. The Classic Cozzzy Sandal combines slipper-like comfort with the breathability of a sandal. With Crocs’ signature lightweight flexibility and a stylish elevated outsole, these sandals offer both comfort and support.
4. Orthofeet Charlotte Slippers
Sizes: 5 to 12
Materials: Suede, faux fur
Heel drop: Not listed
Widths: Standard (B), Wide (D), Extra Wide (2E)
What’s notable: This cushioned style provides ample room for your toes to spread out, and it’s available in four widths.
What could be better: These slippers aren’t machine-washable, so you might want to wear them with socks to avoid odors over time.
Orthofeet specializes in supportive footwear. The Charlotte Slippers come with orthotic insoles that help realign your feet and provide arch support. With a roomy toe box and an adjustable strap for a custom fit, these slippers offer comfort and support. The faux fur lining adds a cozy touch. Plus, Orthofeet offers a 60-day trial period, so you can return the slippers if they’re not right for you. For a snugger fit, consider ordering a half-size down.
5. Vionic Gemma Slippers
Sizes: 5 to 12
Materials: Polyester terrycloth, TPR outsole, rubber sole
Heel drop: Not listed
Width: Medium-Wide
What’s notable: The adjustable strap on top allows you to customize the fit.
What could be better: Some users say these slippers feel a bit heavy and stay on better when worn with socks.
Vionic’s Gemma Slippers are designed with built-in orthotic soles that offer podiatrist-approved arch support and help realign your feet. The deep heel cup adds extra cushioning for the heel, which is often sore after a long day. These slippers also carry the seal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, ensuring they promote foot health.
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Causes of Plantar Fasciitis
The main cause of plantar Fasciitis is overtraining the thick tissue band that connects the heel bone to the toes. Following are some other causes and contributing factors:
• Overuse: Repeated activities like running, walking, or standing for long periods can cause tiny tears in the plantar fascia.
• Foot Mechanics: Issues like flat feet, high arches, or an unusual walking pattern can put extra strain on the plantar fascia.
• Obesity: Extra weight adds more pressure on the plantar fascia, increasing the risk of the condition.
• Tight Achilles Tendon: A tight Achilles tendon can reduce ankle flexibility, putting more stress on the plantar fascia.
• Improper Footwear: Shoes without proper arch support or cushioning can lead to plantar fasciitis.
• Sudden Activity Increase: Rapid changes in physical activity, like starting a new workout or increasing intensity, can trigger symptoms.
• Age: People between 40 and 60 are more likely to get plantar fasciitis, as the plantar fascia loses flexibility with age.
• Occupational Factors: Jobs that require long periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces can raise the risk of plantar fasciitis.
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise can weaken the foot’s muscles and tissues, contributing to the condition.
“A great number of plantar Fasciitis sufferers find comfort when they start exercising. However, it’s always wise to consult an orthopedic doctor before you attempt any, ” says Dr. Gombera.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The symptoms of plantar fasciitis mainly involve pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. The following are the key symptoms:
• Heel Pain: The most common sign is a sharp or stabbing pain near the heel. It is often worse with the first steps in the morning or after sitting or standing for a long time.
• Pain After Rest: Many people notice that the pain is most intense when getting out of bed or after sitting for a while, known as “first-step pain.”
• Pain After Activity: Although the pain may ease during activity. It can return and get worse after long or intense activities, like running or climbing stairs.
• Stiffness: Stiffness in the foot is common, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time. This makes it hard to walk comfortably at first.
• Tenderness: The affected area, particularly near the heel, may feel tender when touched.
• Radiating Pain: In some cases, numbness, tingling, or swelling might occur, but these symptoms are less common.
How Does Wearing the Right Footwear Help?
You might enjoy walking around the house barefoot. However, doing it too often can hurt your feet. Our feet have 26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles, and 109 ligaments. Therefore, they can easily be overworked. Common causes of foot pain include arthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, neuromas, hammer toes, bunions, painful metatarsals, corns, and calluses.
To relieve foot pain, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it. Sometimes, simply changing shoes can help. Wearing the right shoes resolves problems like ankle instability and thinning fat pads on the bottoms of our feet. This naturally happens as we age. Finding the best slippers for plantar fasciitis can support your foot arch.
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Final Word
When looking for the best slippers for plantar fasciitis, comfort should be the priority. If you have foot pain or issues, see an orthopedic for an evaluation. “A proper evaluation can help guide you to the right treatment to relieve the pain,” advises Dr. Gombera.
Depending on the cause, stretching, supportive shoes, inserts, orthotics, or physical therapy can help reduce pain. Foot recovery techniques, like rolling a tennis ball under your foot, can also be beneficial. Additionally, home remedies like foot soaks, massages, and pain relief creams can provide some comfort.
