The nation’s healthcare workers are facing an epidemic of aching feet, with sore soles and painful heels making long days feel uncomfortable and unbearable. However, there is a solution to these overuse conditions such as plantar fasciitis – investing in a supportive and cushioned pair of nursing shoes.
In this article, we will examine the symptoms and causes of plantar fasciitis and provide some effective treatment options to help alleviate the pain. Additionally, we will review 5 of the top nursing shoes for heel pain that are sure to make shifts more relaxed or comfortable.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. This develops when the plantar fascia, a strong band of tissue that spans from the heels to the toes, becomes inflamed. This ligament acts like a shock absorber, helping to stabilize the foot during movement. It is designed to provide a lot of cushioning to keep every step bouncy and light.
When the plantar fascia gets injured, however, there is no cushioning on impact, leading to intense pain around the arch and heel.
There are many potential causes of plantar fasciitis, making it difficult to identify the specific cause. However, it is often experienced by those who:
- Don shoes without sufficient shock absorption
- Possess flat feet or high arches
- Stand or walk for extended periods, particularly on hard surfaces
- Exercise with tight calf muscles or ankles
- Overstretch the soles during physical activity
Best Shoes For Nurses With Plantar Fasciitis
New Balance Women’s WX608v5 ASIN: B07B417MT7
This sneaker offers excellent cushioning and features flex grooves in the sole for increased flexibility. It is one of the top choices for nurses and comes in both suede and leather, with various color combinations. The availability of options makes it a strong contender for the title of the best shoe for nurses suffering from plantar fasciitis. New Balance is a reliable brand for those in need of comfortable and supportive footwear.
Breathability is not an issue with this shoe thanks to the small perforations in the overlays that allow for perspiration. Its traditional design includes a secure lace-up system, a double-density collar, and a padded mesh tongue.
The rubber sole and padded midsole of the shoe provide enhanced comfort and balance, without leaving marks on the floor. This makes it a great choice for nurses suffering from plantar fasciitis.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy and Durable | No arch support |
| Comfortable and well balance | |
| Great traction | |
| Available in different colors |
Skechers Sport Women’s Sneaker ASIN: B07YQBF9GC
Skechers’ shoes are among the best options for nurses with plantar fasciitis who value style, comfort, and fashion. These attractive shoes, which feature a lace-free design, offer viscoelastic foam, cushioning, and a top-quality rubber sole that is beneficial for individuals with plantar fasciitis. The rubber stem of this economic model ensures durability and shock absorption. Overall, these shoes provide a combination of form and function that is hard to beat.
Initially, the memory foam insole of this model may seem stiff, but as you walk, it will mold to the shape of your foot for a custom fit. This feature is particularly useful for nurses who are on their feet for long periods and suffer from plantar fasciitis pain. The ribbed and flexible sole of these shoes also offers good arch support & excellent ventilation. Additionally, these shoes can be thrown in the washing machine for a fresh, clean look after repeated wear.
| Pros | Cons |
| Light And Comfortable | Missing Heel Support |
| Provide Excellent Arch Support | |
| Air Circulation is Correct |
Brooks Ghost ASIN: B07L69KCHJ
One of the challenges that women who suffer from plantar fasciitis face re finding a running shoe with adequate padding and support, as the soles of many women’s shoes tend to be too stiff and can cause foot pain. The Ghost model is a rare exception, as it boasts a soft rubber sole that is both durable and able to accommodate the natural movements of the foot.
The Ghost model is a great choice for those suffering from severe heel pain, particularly those with a neutral or slightly low arch. Its arch support is specifically designed for this purpose, and the firm yet flexible sole features a unique design that helps to absorb and redistribute bumps and shocks around the heel rather than allowing them to impact directly. This makes the Ghost model an excellent option for nurses and other professionals who are on their feet all day and may be prone to plantar fasciitis.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great shock absorption in the heel | The toe box is wider |
| Soft cushioning | |
| Smooth and stable ride |
Saucony Guide 10 ASIN: B01GIPMJAO
The Saucony 10 is a great shoe to consider during the intermediate phase of plantar fasciitis recovery, as it promotes a more midfoot-centric gait that can help to protect your feet from impact. It’s ample cushioning helps to absorb shocks and protect your foot, while the flexible sole design encourages natural movements rather than restricting them. Over the Guide 10 can be a valuable asset in the healing process and may even be suitable as a daily shoe to help prevent future problems.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-term heel pain prevention | Short in the toe box |
| Supportive and comfortable | |
| An impressive precursor of minimalist shoes. |
Alegria Women’s Debra Slip-On ASIN: B08YKG5YSH
Alegria’s Debra shoes may come with a higher price tag, but they are worth the investment for nurses and other professionals who are on their feet all day. These shoes offer excellent comfort, stability, and support, with a design that is both lightweight and durable. They also come in a variety of styles and colors, making them both functional and fashionable.
One of the standout features of the Debra is its ample arch support, which is essential for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. Additionally, these shoes have the added benefit of being able to accommodate orthotics and have extra padding around heels to prevent blisters and slips. Overall, the Debra is a top-quality shoe that can provide relief from foot pain and improve stability and motion control.
| Pros | Cons |
| Robust and durable | Expensive |
| Excellent arch support | |
| Relieves pain considerably | |
| Best nurse shoes for plantar fasciitis |
Reebok Men’s ZigWild ASIN: B077ZCCKCJ
The Reebok Zigwild is a sneaker that was designed for athletes, but it is also suitable for nurses due to its comfortable and responsive cushioning, excellent fit, and fashionable appearance. These characteristics make it an ideal choice for nurses who need comfortable shoes for their demanding work environment.
The Reebok Zigwild sneakers are an excellent choice for nurses suffering from plantar fasciitis due to their ZigTech midsole, which provides cushioning and absorbs high impacts, as well as a stable memory foam heel that helps relieve pain. The carbon rubber on the heel also provides excellent traction.
Additionally, the low design of the shoe allows for greater maneuverability, and the synthetic mesh upper offers support, breathability, and comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable and best plantar fasciitis shoes for nurses | Narrow toe box |
| Available in different colors | A bit expensive |
| Great traction | |
| 100% Mesh |
Z-CoiL Pain Relief Footwear Women’s Toffler ASIN: B017YF53HS
The Reebok Zigwild sneakers are a great option for nurses who are on their feet all day, particularly those with plantar fasciitis. The patent-included rigid orthotic orthosis supports and protects the plantar fascia, relieving pain associated with the disorder.
The front padding also protects sensitive ligaments, fingers, and tendons, and the wide toe offers good comfort and helps alleviate pain in the forefoot joints. All of these features make the Zigwild the best shoe for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
The Reebok Zigwild sneakers feature a unique 0.75 cm heel called the Z-Coil, which is a patented conical heel that helps reduce impact by up to 50 percent, relieves pain from plantar fasciitis, and reduces general fatigue.
While the appearance of the shoe may not be particularly elegant, it is still highly recommended as one of the best shoes for nurses who have plantar fasciitis.
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide toe box | Expensive |
| Extra cushioning |
Nurse Mates Women’s Dove ASIN: B000MOKT6Y
Nursed Mates Dove shoes are designed particularly for nurses, but they are suitable for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis and are recommended by healthcare professionals for this purpose. These shoes provide excellent support for both body feet, are comfortable, and feature a steel shaft for safety and stability. The dirt-resistant leather layer/surface is another noteworthy feature.
However, the toes of the Mate Dove are too stiff or tight for nurses who have plantar fasciitis, and the arch support, while available, is not the best on the market. Additionally, ventilation can be a problem as your feet may tend to sweat, leading to wet blisters. Lastly, these shoes aren’t the most durable, especially considering their higher price point.
| Pros | Cons |
| Specially designed for nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis | No arch support |
| Dirt-repellent | Not durable enough |
| Comfortable shoes for nurses | |
| Best shoes for nurses on feet all-day |
Vionic Orthaheel Walker ASIN: B004L6ZZ0E
The Vionic Orthaheel Walker is a touring boot with all the classic features that you expect, including a wider width for greater stability and a wider finger box for room to spread your fingers. However, what sets it apart is the removable corset that comes with it. This corset provides extra motion control, support for the arches and heels, and helps to correct your gait so that you don’t put all the weight and impact on your heel.
The corset is removable, so once the pain subsides, you can remove it and strengthen your foot to prevent future injury.
| Pros | Cons |
| Removable orthosis | Sole is not that durable |
| 100% leather with Synthetic sole | |
| Beautiful design |
ASICS Women’s Gel-Venture 6 Running-Shoes ASIN: B077MTK5NW
Asics shoes are a reliable, cost-effective, and durable brand that offers great stability, an important feature for plantar fasciitis.
One issue with these shoes is that they may run slightly larger than typical shoe sizes, so it is important to choose the right size to avoid slipping and the risk of further injury. The heel of this model is also wider, so it may not be suitable for those people with narrower feet.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sturdy and Durable design | Wide heel |
| Great stability | Size problem |
| Works for flat feet |
Buying Tips For The Best Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Heel Height
One factor to keep in mind when selecting shoes is heel height. If you’ll be standing or walking for extended periods, it’s advisable to choose shoes with a low heel to alleviate strain on the ankles and feet and prevent potential injuries.
Size and Fit
Before purchasing nurse shoes, it is important to try them on to ensure the right fit. The shoes should fit snugly, but not be too tight. Additionally, there should be enough space in the toe box to avoid cramped toes.
Comfort
When it comes to footwear, comfort should be a top priority. To avoid any discomfort, it is advisable to select shoes that are comfortable from the get-go, rather than those that require a break-in period.
Supportive
One way to alleviate foot and ankle discomfort for nurses suffering from plantar fasciitis is to invest in supportive footwear. Arch support and a padded sole can be beneficial features to look for when shopping for shoes.
Traction
For nurses struggling with plantar fasciitis, it is crucial to find shoes with a textured sole that can effectively prevent slips on slippery surfaces. This added traction can help reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Conclusion
For those suffering from plantar fasciitis, finding the best nursing shoes is essential for maintaining comfort and stability on the job. Our top recommendation for these individuals is the Brooks Ghost 13.
Not only do these shoes offer excellent heel stability and arch support for those working long shifts, but they also feature a sleek and modern design that is sure to appeal to those who value fashion. Additionally, some variations of these shoes may allow for orthotic inserts or have extra cushioning for added comfort. Ultimately, the goal is to find a pair of shoes that allow you to focus on your work without having to worry about heel pain.
