Flip Flops are often said to be summer footwear, and weigh in at very light and flimsy, with low support and comfort. Yet there are many excellent models, often referred to as “water shoes”, which offer much better support features for foot conditions like Plantar Fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis and How it Affects Your Feet
Plantar fasciitis is a very common disorder of the foot that can be caused by many different factors, including overuse, sports injuries, and obesity. This condition is characterized by a sharp pain in the heel, arch, or bottom of the foot that typically occurs when you get up in the morning after sleeping.
The pain often gets worse with activity, especially after running, jumping, or climbing stairs. Plantar fasciitis is also known as “heel spur syndrome” because of the presence of tiny bone spurs at the point where your heel connects to your toes.
Treatment and Prevention – Resting, icing, and stretching are important components of treating this condition. A doctor may also prescribe a night splint, orthotics, or cortisone injections to help treat plantar fasciitis and provide relief from pain. The best way to prevent plantar fasciitis is to wear shock-absorbing shoes with plenty of arch support.
What to Look for in a Flip Flop for Plantar Fasciitis
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis and looking for a flip flop to relieve the pain, consider these factors before making your purchase.
Arch and Heel Support – Good arch support along with a heel cushion or cup is ideal in plantar fasciitis flip flops. Extra cushioning in the midsole will also add comfort to your feet. Many of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis have a strap that can be adjusted to give you more support.
Rigid Sole and Midfoot Cushioning – A less flexible and cushioned sole with a supportive and cushioned midsole reduces pressure on the plantar fascia. This is especially important for those who are overweight, as excess weight adds stress to the plantar fascia.
Stability and Cushioning – Those suffering from plantar fasciitis should also look for stability features to prevent overpronation as well as some cushioning. Avoid sandals that encourage overpronation, which tends to exacerbate the condition, by supporting your arches with a rigid sole or platform under your heel.
Additionally, it may be helpful to wear supportive shoes during the day such as running shoes or athletic shoes in lieu of wearing flip-flops.
Features of a Good Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
There are many different styles of flip flops available today. This can make it difficult to find one that is comfortable for your feet and helps prevent plantar fasciitis. Here are some things you want to look for when choosing a style of flip flops for plantar fasciitis:
Comfort: A Flip Flop should have a soft upper and footbed. This will help cushion the foot and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Look for a model that has a contoured or anatomically shaped footbed, or built-in orthotic support.
Wearability: You’ll want to look for a sandal that isn’t too wide in the toe area, but isn’t too narrow either. If it’s too narrow, your toes might cramp up. A good fit should be snug but not tight, with the heel fitting well within the shoe.
Outsole: For optimal comfort and support, choose an outsole patterned with treads that provide good traction while walking on wet or dry surfaces. Some models also have gel inserts. These inserts add shock absorption and additional arch support.
Heel Cup: A reinforced heel cup provides added cushioning at the back of your heel. It can also reduce friction as you walk by keeping your heel from sliding forward within the shoe.
Heel Cushion: Heel cushions are designed to provide extra shock absorption under the heel of your foot, where you are most likely to feel pain from impact when walking or running.
Arch Support: The proper amount of arch support can help distribute weight evenly across your foot, reducing fatigue and stress on muscles and joints.
Reviews: The Best Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
In this review, we will be looking at 10 different flip flops that are designed to make wearing them more comfortable for people who have Plantar Fasciitis.
FitFlop Iqushion Ergonomic Flip-Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
The FitFlop Iqushion Flip Flops are perfect for those with foot pain problems, such as plantar fasciitis! The anatomically designed midsole delivers superb support and cushioning, and the impact pillows ensure even better shock absorbency. Available in a number of colors, these lightweight flip flops offer excellent slip resistance and traction.
Vionic Tide 2 Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
The Vionic Tide 2 is one of the best Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis due to its supportive footbed that accommodates a wide range of foot types. This durable men’s Flip Flop features a Deep heel cup with vertical arch support and an EVA midsole that absorbs shock to reduce foot pain. The top-quality leather material and a TPR outsole make it perfect for beach walks or other outdoor activities.
Skechers Plantar Fasciitis Flip Flops
The Fit reggae Belano for men and the On the Go 600 for women both have a soft and comfortable textile upper, have a 360 Memory Foam footbed for cushioning, and are available in a few color options. The Belano also has a Plush 360 Memory Foam footbed for cushioning and is very lightweight and flexible for easy movement. They can be worn when working out, exercising, or just hanging at the beach.
Leather Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
The Clarks Malone Flop is the perfect choice for a formal flip flop, but still comfortable enough that it can be worn every day. Featuring Cushion Soft technology in the footbed, this shoe is great for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. The Breeze is an excellent choice as well, with EVA cushioning and textiles uppers for a stylish look and ultimate comfort.
Plantar Fasciitis Outdoor Flip Flops
The Under Armour Marathon Key 2 and the Marbella, two sporty design Flip Flop sandals, have been crafted specifically for plantar fasciitis. The Marathon Key 2 features synthetic uppers, with a HeatGear lined strap that wicks away moisture, while the sculpted supportive and cushioned EVA footbed creates a comfortable fit with every step. In the Marbella, there is great arch support in the footbed that is built with two layers of performance 4D foam and removable contour inserts, along with a sculpted EVA sole and durable rubber outsole.
Crosslite Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
The Crocs Unisex Duet Flip Flop is a soft, water-resistant shoe made for casual wear. This unisex shoe features comfortable and supportive Crosslite materials for everyday wear. A contoured footbed provides cushioning as you walk, and an outsole tread design is built to last with good grip and slip-resistant patterns.
Skechers Ridgewell Flip Flop Sandal
Skechers has created a comfortable and supportive Ridgewell flip flop for those who have plantar fasciitis. The Memory Foam in the footbed provides ample cushioning, while the Comfort Core technology in the sole provides all-day comfort. They also have stable outsoles that are puncture-resistant, which allows you to cover more ground. These flip flops offer good support and comfort while still being stylish.
Footminders BALTRA Flip Flop Sandal for Plantar Fasciitis
Footminders BALTRA Flip Flop Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis are a great orthopedic addition to your footwear. They can help take the place of your everyday flip-flops while relieving pressure on your foot. They are designed with compression-molded EVA footbeds and an anatomical shape for proper arch support, deep heel cups for better lateral stability, and a removable black and brown color option available for men and women.
Outdoor Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
Kona flip flops help improve foot health and cushion those with plantar fasciitis. The foam midsole absorbs shock and adds stability while the contoured, foot-shaped EVA footbed supports your arches and cushions your feet from heel to toe. Many shoes will irritate plantar fasciitis, not these. They offer mild support and relief for a painful problem.
Orthopedic Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
The great thing about these Orthopaedic Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis is that they are designed to give your feet the extra support and cushioning that they need. This can be especially beneficial during long days at work or even just during regular activities. They also offer versatile comfort wear for every day, so you can easily slip them on whenever you want to feel better soon. Plus, they are relatively affordable and will not cost you too much money either.
