Looking for nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis that will make your workdays a lot more bearable?
After years of spending most of your work time standing or walking on hard surfaces, are you a nurse who is experiencing heel pain? Then most likely, you have damaged your plantar fascia, the part of the foot that helps absorb shock and suffer from plantar fasciitis. By now, you know that heel pain is no joke, and would definitely benefit from the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is a condition that entails swelling of the tissues at the bottom of your foot and is a major cause of heel pain. Nurses already wear special uniforms, scrubs, and/or footwear. That said, if you’re a nurse who wears shoes with inadequate support, you might have experienced this condition before.
It is quite common for nurses to be diagnosed with plantar fasciitis due to their demanding and laudable profession. The repeated tearing and stretching of the plantar fascia increases the risk of developing plantar fasciitis, which is exactly what occurs to most of them. In order to mitigate the pain and live with the condition, the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis are key, in addition to treatment.
Luckily, there’s good news for nurses who struggle with heel pain thanks to manufacturers that have come up with proper footwear, that’s right, you can rely on the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis, what are the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis to save the day. But where do you find them, and what features should they have? Continue reading, and we’ll be happy to share with you some of the best-rated options currently available on the market.
Best Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Reviewed In This Guide
- Best Overall Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Anywear SRANGEL Women’s Healthcare Professional Closed Back Clog
- Best Seller on Amazon Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Dansko Women’s XP 2.0 Clogs
- Best Affordable Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: YUNGPRIME Men’s and Women’s Slip-Resistant Work Shoes
- Best for Walking Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Nurse Mates Women’s Velocity Medical Professional Shoe
- Best Rubber Insert Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Nurse Mates Women’s Dove Oxford
How To Choose The Perfect Nursing Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis For You?
When hunting for the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis, you want to look for a number of features that can offer the comfort your aching feet need. With numerous styles out there, how do you identify the one that will help your condition and not worsen it?
Nurses should wear shoes that have good support to minimize the risk of attracting plantar fasciitis. These are designed to maximize comfort on your feet, knees, and lower back while conducting your regular occupation routines.
Some models feature a two-way lacing system with adjustable straps on the shoe’s side and heel, allowing for a custom and adjustable fit.
With the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis, you have support around your foot placement to help with poor positioning and eliminate heel pain. Thanks to the two-way lacing system and closure, you can easily fasten the plantar fasciitis shoe with shoelaces.
Keep an eye out for additional comfortable padding which provides extra support and comfort. That specifically designed arch helps alleviate plantar fasciitis in nurses.
Sturdy leather materials help to enhance your professional appearance, which doesn’t hurt to keep in mind as you navigate a hospital.
Types Of Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Clogs Best Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Many healthcare professionals wear clogs daily. Clogs offer excellent comfort, support, and a protective design for those working in the healthcare field. Overall, clogs feature a roomy toe box, sturdy construction, and supportive heel. These features improve comfort and stability and prevent the shoe from slipping off during work.
Some nursing clogs also offer progressive slip resistance, reinforced toe guards, and waterproof/stain-resistant materials. These shoes comprise various materials, including resin, synthetic leather, or suede.
Every material has pros and cons to accommodate specific situations and user needs.
Conclusively, clogs offer numerous advantages for nurses requiring footwear with exceptional comfort, support, and built-in protection.
Medical Crocs Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Crocs comprise a solid resin base that’s great for medical professionals. Naturally, crocs feature a vented air portal front and an open or low-level heel design. It allows for excellent breathability, comfort, and support.
However, closed crocs accommodate healthcare providers working in settings requiring full foot coverage and protection. Besides that, crocs comprise a foam/resin base to adjust quickly and flex with the wearer’s foot.
As a result, it provides exceptional comfort and mobility when walking on different flooring and terrain. It’s vital because nurses work on hard flooring and require comfortable footwear to protect their feet and remain relaxed.
Numerous podiatrists and people experiencing medical ailments have declared the benefits of wearing crocs.
Tennis Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Many nurses love wearing tennis shoes around work. It’s because tennis shoes balance comfort, support, stability, and performance among highly active individuals.
They also offer excellent shock absorption, a lightweight design, and a versatile foundation.
It makes them ideal for healthcare settings that require lots of walking daily. Depending on the tennis shoe design, it may offer various benefits such as ankle support, memory foam insoles, super grippy outsoles, and ultra-lightweight materials.
Nurses that are athletic or used to wearing tennis shoes regularly may want to stick with these performance sneakers for work and personal use.
Everyday Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Everyday footwear is a good alternative for nurses who are moderately on their feet and spend a decent portion of time sitting or resting.
These shoes include walking shoes, slip-on loafers, or any shoe designed for a comfortable casual experience. Everyday footwear is generally very comfortable and has a flat but grippy outsole that complements casual walking.
Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis List
1. Anywear SRANGEL Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
- Rubber Sole
- Cushion
- Platform
- Non-Slip
Cons
- They Run A Little Small
All day, every day, any day is a great day to delight your feet with Anywear. This lovable footwear brand quickly developed a loyal following of healthcare fans devoted to its fit, comfort, ease, and irrepressible energy.
Anywear has since expanded to include multiple collections in many patterns and colors, worn by millions who spend their days on their feet.
What Our Testers Say
The minute I put this right shoe on, I knew I made the right decision! SO HAPPY! I don’t usually write reviews, but I had to sit right down & do one on these. Besides being absolutely the CUTEST shoe ever, it is so comfy & the memory foam or whatever is inside on the sole is wonderful, to say the least. I just ordered a 2nd pair of exactly the same shoe & am also going to order the cool tie dye one as well. I am so pleased!!!
High Rebound Injected Molded EVA upper & midsole provide exceptional cushion and shock absorption for your feet every day. Ditch your old-school heavy, clunky clogs for this super lightweight, very cushioned, slip-resistant supportive nursing shoe clog.
Tips
The shoes fit snugly. If you are in between, buy a size up.
2. Dansko Women’s Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Pros
- 100% Leather
- Man Made Sole
- Slip-Resistant
- Lightweight
Cons
- Expensive
From the brand that launched a comfort revolution with the Dansko Professional, the XP 2.0 clog features a lighter weight construction, an ergonomically designed, removable dual density PU footbed with Dansko Natural Arch technology for exceptional support and comfort, and an outsole that is slip-resistant on wet, dry, and oily-wet surfaces.
To confirm the correct size and a proper fit, there should be about a pinky finger width between your heel and the back of the clog.
Your heel should move up and down freely (like an open back clog) when walking. Relax your feet and resist the urge to curl your toes.
What Our Testers Say
I can’t even count the compliments I got for these superbly comfortable shoes. I have severe plantar fasciitis, and only Dansko Pro clogs help me forget I even have a problem. I love the iridescence on these too! Very satisfied with this purchase!
In both clogs, stand with equal weight on both feet. The clog’s arch should be under your arch, and you should not feel the back of the shoe on your heel or your toes touching the front of the clog.
Tips
The wide toe box was great for me because there was space for my bunyon. If you have the same problem, you will love these.
3. YUNGPRIME Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis For Men And Women
Pros
- Unisex
- Durable
- EVA Material
- Silent
Cons
- Not For Wide Feet
Patented outsole designed for maximizing slip resistance. YUNG outsoles are made of rubber with a patented design pattern so you can focus on your work without worrying about slippery floors. This outsole is slip-resistant, water-resistant, and oil-resistant.
Optimized blend of high-grade rubber and EVA(Ethylene-vinyl acetate). These work shoes are not easily deformed by harmful substances and maintain traction on slippery surfaces.
High-Grade EVA Foam Body gives you the best experience for lightweight shoes (only 0.5lb for size 9). YUNG work shoes are designed to be extremely light to provide the best walking experience during your long work hours.
What Our Testers Say
These are great! The fit is good, the arch support is good, and they are very comfortable. I use them for yard work and mowing. The enclosed fit ensures foot safety and prevents debris from getting inside – very happy I took a chance on these. Thanks for such an excellent product.
The best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis are extremely flexible, easy to clean, and easy to slip on/off, ideal for long hours of work. These nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis are also designed to prevent noise when walking.
Tips
These are completely washable inside and outside, and quick-dry after cleaning.
4. Nurse Mates Velocity Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis For Women
Pros
- Fill-Grain Leather
- Adjustable Stretch Laces
- Stabilizing Composite Shank
- Lightweight EVA Bottom
Cons
- Not Waterproof
- Not For Wide Feet
You will love these nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis. The sole is manufactured with polyurethane material and features the addition of an aligned corrective orthotic.
Made up of full-grain or printed leather with laces that are of stretchy material which makes them, adjustable. The shank is stable and has a lightweight bottom. The shoes have adjustable stretch laces that you can rearrange according to your convenience.
What Our Testers Say
For the price point and the quality and features, you’re going to get, this is a no-brainer. I hate shoes that need to be “broken in.” They should be comfortable from day one. With that said, I have high arches and a history of plantar fasciitis. The insoles are very supportive of my arches. My feet are comfortable all day. The design gets a lot of compliments. They sparkle in just the right light as if they have diamond dust on them.
I like that this style has a black sole to cover up smudges and dirt. I imagine they look cleaner longer than if you buy a white-soled design. I have somewhat narrow feet, so I had to tighten the laces to keep it a slip-on shoe. They don’t really tell you what to do with the extra lace, so I just wound it into the criss-cross laces to hold it in.
The shoes are manufactured with printed polyurethane or full-grain leather that seems to be quite durable.
The sole is made up of polyurethane as well. It comes in many shades of gray, brown, and white, providing you with a wide variety of colors to choose from. It has a lightweight bottom, making walking easy without being worn down by the added weight.
Tips
Machine washing isn’t necessary, they clean easily with soap and water on a washcloth.
5. Nurse Mates Dove Oxford Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis For Women
Pros
- Rubber Sole
- Shock Absorbing EVA
- Stain-Resistant
Cons
- Need To Break-In
What Our Testers Say
I have been wearing this shoe for what seems like FOR-EVER! I love them. For my feet, this is THE shoe. I have purchased this shoe at least six times over the years. It is well made, lasts quite a long time, and is easy on my budget. I have paid high dollars for many designers and popular nursing shoes, but I return to my Nurse Mates Dove every time because of comfort issues. I have a history of plantar fasciitis, and also have had metatarsal-phalangeal joint replacements in both feet (all resultant of being a nurse on my feet 12 hours a day for 35+ years)
Last year I had a total knee replacement. These shoes still keep me upright and walking through every shift I work. I am a full-time Clinical Nurse Specialist, so you know I am on my feet a ton of time! I buy these shoes and put them on straight to a full work day. No break-in period; that’s how well they fit for me! Highly recommend.
This pair of nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis is absolutely comfortable. These will keep you standing through hours of surgeries and are also merciful on the back and feet.
If bodily fluids fall, like blood, they wipe off easily. The leather prevents a possible falling tool from slicing through the shoe, so they protect your feet in more ways than one.
Tips
These shoes off a little tight around the top of the foot, but they loosened up after 2-8-hour shifts.
Best Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Buying Guide
What Are The Best Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis?
In general, nursing shoes are very important to protect your feet or simply walk around.
The best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis are those that have exceptional comfort and heel support. An excellent nursing shoe should have exceptional comfort when used for prolonged periods of time.
The best choices are those that are comfortable enough for long hours of working and have enough shock absorption to reduce the strain on your knees and feet while having enough springing power to allow for the least amount of wasted forward momentum.
How Do The Best Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Work?
The best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis can ease the pain and even prevent it from happening by giving your feet proper support and cushion. These shoes are sturdy yet well-cushioned and lightweight so that your foot stays well-cradled even when walking on hard floors.
These shoes are ergonomically, and lightweight, and the foot soles are designed to maintain the natural alignment of your foot.
A lightweight structure takes much of your pain away, moreover a comfortable interior, and soft lining work magic on your aching feet. A rolling front design also helps relieve your muscles, stresses joints, and isolates bones.
Features To Look For In A Nursing Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
Shoe Type
Shoes that are similar to clogs are also popular options for nurses because they are easy to slip on and off, durable, and can be comfortable when standing on one’s feet for long periods of time. But the problem is they can be heavy and do not always work well in people with high insteps or people with ankle instability.
Most places will require slip-resistant shoes and a protective design covering your entire foot. Everyday footwear may not be ideal for traveling over long distances on foot. Therefore, you must understand the shoe’s purpose before making a buying decision.
Easy To Clean
Shoes created with material that is easy to clean should be a top priority for nurses who find themselves interacting with bodily fluids. This will help prevent unwanted stains from lingering on the surface of the shoe. Also, several shoes that are made for nurses are fluid resistant, meaning the material is difficult for liquid to penetrate.
Comfort
The best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis with a footbed made up of PU foam will offer optimum temperature control so you never have to sweat in your shoes which can be highly discomforting. Look for an additional polyurethane rocker bottom sole that takes in and absorbs all shock that comes with the impact and reduces fatigue.
Arch Support
If your shoes lack arch support, you can face a ton of foot-related problems. You can either look for shoes that already have this built-in or use insoles in your existing pair. Shoes with removable insoles are also a good idea as you can customize this feature according to your preference.
The arch is a unique feature added to the shoes for maximum comfort. Any orthopedic would recommend shoes with an arch sole that provides comfort and support, stabilizing your gait.
Higher Heel
Shoes that have a higher heel than the forefoot, referred to as positive drop in athletic type of shoes, are recommended as plantar fasciitis is a pain mainly in the heel area, you need a shoe whose heel is deep, wide, and well-cushioned. Your heel needs all the cradling it can get to prevent further pressure.
Desing
Some individuals are particularly influenced by the looks of shoes. Some nursing shoes have absolutely nothing to be conscious of. They’re manufactured, keeping their appearance’s aesthetics and pleasantness in mind, so you never have to be ashamed of wearing anything that might look ugly. The shoes are stitched to make them look fabulous as well as roomy.
Cushioning
Something soft for your feet to rest on is ideal because you don’t want them to be in direct contact with the ground and lose feeling in the nerves. EVA memory foam midsoles that are soft, firm, and flexible are a great option as they often conform to your foot shape and lie snug.
Someone who has plantar fasciitis needs extra rigidity in the sole and cushioning of the midfoot to prevent impact on the heel, where there is pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Soft Impact
In addition to comfort, nurses with plantar fasciitis should look for a shoe that provides the least impact when the foot strikes a hard surface. For example, if you have a higher arch, the joint is at an angle that restricts the range of motion, so rigid arch support would cause further restriction. On the other hand, people with flat feet and plantar fasciitis should look for shoes with adequate arch support.
Affordable
Buying shoes that put a dent in your wallet isn’t worth it at all, especially if you’re a medical worker. Therefore, shoes like these at such an affordable price would be your best purchase.
Contoured Insoles
Contoured footbeds are designed according to the shape of your feet. They’re provided to plantar fasciitis patients who have high arches or extremely flat feet. In recent years, multiple studies have investigated the benefits of contoured insoles. Research reveals that custom-made orthopedic insoles help to reduce plantar pressure. This ensures your weight is properly distributed across your feet.
Removable Insoles
Shoes with removable insoles allow you to easily slip the medical orthotics on whenever you need them. Otherwise, you’d have to carry around two different shoes for this purpose.
Breathable Material
Trainers make it easier to rush around the hospital without any slips or stumbles. One of the problems is that shoes made from leather or other tough materials don’t allow any air to pass inside the shoes. The best idea is to select shoes made from breathable material with tiny holes in them.
Common Questions About Best Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Are soft or hard shoes better for plantar fasciitis?
If you have a fairly rigid foot with a high arch, you may need a softer shoe, since a firm surface will put a lot of localized stress on your forefoot and heel, which will translate into tension in the plantar fascia.
Do nurses get plantar fasciitis?
Physicians and nurses had a period prevalence of plantar fasciitis of 8.14% and 13.11% during the 7-yr period, respectively. Any individual whose job requires standing up and walking for long periods of time is prone to get plantar fasciitis.
Nurses spend most of their work time standing or walking on hard surfaces as they attend to patient needs. Over time, they start damaging their plantar fascia, the part of the foot that helps absorb shock.
Should you wear shoes all the time with plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the biggest risk factors for going barefoot for people with healthy feet. Likewise, most podiatrists agree that people with plantar fasciitis should avoid going barefoot for long periods, especially on hard surfaces like concrete or wood floors.
Enjoy Your New Best Nursing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
There you have it, if you are a nurse in search of the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis, feel free to choose any of the options listed above.
When making your selection, remember essential features and remember that the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis can ease the pain and even prevent it from happening by giving your feet proper support and cushion.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to send us a message. We are always excited to hear from you and hope you have found this information useful in your hunt for the best nursing shoes for plantar fasciitis.
