5 Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis (2019)

Even as a nurse, it’s quite possible that you’re at loss on how best to manage the frequent pains associated with your plantar fasciitis (PF).

You may have used the best pain remedies and even limited your movement at work in order to rest your legs yet the pain seems to always come back.

Using the wrong pair of shoes at work is one of the easiest ways to sabotage your own efforts at managing plantar fasciitis effectively. So, your best bet is to invest a pair of top-quality nursing shoes that will not only protect and provide comfort for your feet, but will also provide support for plantar fasciitis.

Even if you don’t have plantar fasciitis, using the right pair of shoes can help you prevent the painful condition, which is already plaguing many nurses.

In this review, we’ll be looking at some of the basic things you need to understand when buying the right pair of shoes with plantar fasciitis support. We’ll also be reviewing some of the best options you have at the moment.

Why do nurses with plantar fasciitis need to wear the right shoes?

Well, the rigors of work often predispose nurses to plantar fasciitis. As a matter of fact, the constant stress of having to walk or stand for long hours tends to build up pressure on your feet that can cause heel pain and other PF related pain.

Interestingly, one of the ways to mitigate these aches and pain isn’t by using a stronger pain medication but by buying wearing the right work shoe. Unfortunately, the process of getting the right shoes for most people (nurses inclusive) is often based on trial and error; yet it could really be more straightforward than that.

One of the things you need to do is to take note of some important specifications, but the question you might be asking now is: what exactly are these specs?

What to look for when buying the right shoe for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a highly individualized condition and the shoe that fits a colleague with the same condition may not necessarily be suitable for you.

However, there are several specifications that can guide you in making the perfect choice. And if you get this right; then you can seamlessly manage this condition no matter the demands of your work.

• Fit

Getting the right fit isn’t just about the right shoe size because you also need to know your foot type. You can visit a foot specialist or podiatrist to ascertain this. It will go a long way in helping you buy the right fitting shoe that particularly suits your condition.

• Shock absorption

If you move around at a frenetic pace during work, you’ll need a pair of shoes that can protect your feet from the impact of shock. Your ideal shoe should be made with components that will cushion these effects as you walk across different surfaces.

• Arch support

Different shoes come with different arch supports. The kind of support you need typically depends on your foot arch. Predominantly, you could either have a high or flat arch.

Also, your type of arch support depends on whether you are protonator or supinator. I guess you’re wondering what all of that means. Well, your podiatrist can help you know which of the categories you belong.

• Toe box

One of the major causes of your recurring PF pain could be your shoe’s toe box. Your ideal shoe should be designed with a roomy toe box that allows the toes sit comfortably in it without being cramped.

• Price

Finally, the shoe you buy is greatly determined by your budget however you shouldn’t settle for a cheap shoe because of this. It is very possible to buy an affordable shoe that provides the right function and quality.

Best tennis shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis: Our top 5 picks

Using the criteria above, we did an extensive research on the many shoes in the market that have been said to be beneficial in plantar fasciitis and our findings have produced these top 5 shoes.

#1. Apex Women’s Athletic White Periwinkle Shoe

Constructed with multiple removable layers, the Apex Women’s Athletic White Periwinkle Shoe is a top quality shoe that excellently combines comfort with flexibility. The shoe is made with superior leather and comes with a synthetic sole.

It doesn’t matter whether you have plantar fasciitis or some other foot conditions, you’re sure to enjoy the necessary comfort with this pair of shoes.

Also, the optimal cushioning and the V last of this shoe provides support, stability and cushioning.

In cases, where you’d like to install custom orthotics, the flexible insole can be easily removed and replaced with your orthotics.

If you overprotonate which can exarcebate plantar fasciitis, this shoe comes with a medial support that helps to reduce the impact of overprotonation.

Overall, we’ve highlighted the pros and cons of this Apex shoe.

What we like

• Ideal for those with conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunion, arthritis and other foot conditions
• Provides premium comfort
• Offers the necessary stability and flexibility

What we dislike

• The sole seems a lot stiff

>> Check Best Price on Amazon.com

#2. Vionic Women’s Walker Classic Shoes

Finding a shoe that combines style with comfort isn’t always easy however, it seems Vionic has discovered the solution to this problem with the Vionic Women’s Walker Classic Shoes.

The shoe is made with premium leather and comes with a durable synthetic sole. Additionally, the EVA mid sole and the flexible rubber out-sole gives this pair of shoes the necessary cushioning and stability.

If you’re a nurse that moves around a lot, comfort is certainly a key feature with your ideal shoe. Interestingly, you’re rest assured that this shoe will ensure your feet are as comfortable and pain free for as long as you’re on your feet.

Also, this Vionic shoe is built with a polyester upper lining and has a sock liner that gives you the superior comfort you need.

Importantly, this shoe isn’t lacking in elegance in fact, the components have been exquisitely assembled to create a pair of cute looking shoes.

Overall, we’ve highlighted this pros and cons of this shoe.

What we like

• Great design
• Offers excellent flexibility and you can put your custom orthotics

What we dislike

• The underside of the toes seem to wear out quickly
• The arch support might be insufficient for some foot types

>> Check Best Price on Amazon.com

#3. Apex Women Athletic

If you’re wondering what comfortable alternatives are available to your lace-up shoes, then you don’t have to look any further than the Apex Women Athletic.

This shoe is made of leather and comes with an amazing range of qualities. It has stretchable double straps instead of laces and it is loved by many due to its customized comfort. This is as a result of the mosaic pressure relief layer. In fact, you don’t have to worry about how well your feet will cope with the demands of work if you’re wearing this shoe.

Additionally, the Apex Women Athletic shoe is particularly built for those with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, bunion and other foot conditions. This is as a result of the X last which provides optimal stability.

Also, the shoe has 2 removable layers which allows for flexibility. It also comes in white making it look quite classy and you can easily match it with your scrubs.

What we like

• Customized comfort
• Optimal stability
• Classic

What we dislike

• Seems a bit heavy

>> Check Best Price on Amazon.com

#4. Vionic Women’s Motion Venture Active Lace Up

Vionic is a brand that pays particular attention to making shoes that meet the unique needs of people with foot-related conditions like plantar fasciitis and one of such shoes is the Vionic Women’s Motion Venture Active Lace Up.

This shoe comprises a set of special features that provides the necessary cushioning and comfort for those that spend a lot of time on their feet. For instance, the sole is constructed with the 1^st Ray Flexor Technology which promotes forefoot mobility and gait efficiency

Also, if you’re a nurse that needs a suitable shoe to meet the demands of work, then you just might have the answer with this footwear from Vionic.

Built with the orthaheel technology, the manufacturers have integrated a biomechanic orthotic footbed that helps relieve heel pain especially with those that overprotonate.

Additionally, the shoe has a breathable mesh that gives your feet the necessary ventilation. Plus it is lightweight and makes you feel super comfortable as you effectively discharge your duties at work.

Very importantly, Vionic doesn’t compromise with standard as this shoe has been made to meet the necessary guidelines as a result it has the APMA seal of acceptance.

Overall, we’ve highlighted the things we liked and didn’t like about this shoe.

What we like

• Super lightweight
• Breathable
• Alluring design
• Top quality

What we dislike

• Not as durable as we would like

>> Check Best Price on Amazon.com

#5. Z-CoiL Pain Relief Women’s Legend Tennis Shoe

The Z-Coil White Leather Tennis Shoe is particularly built to alleviate the associated symptoms of foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and arthritis.

It is made with soft and full grain leather which gives a plush feel. Also, the shoe is made to be quite flexible with the manufacturers putting into consideration the many foot types.

Additionally, the inbuilt Z-Orthotic serves as a protection to the plantar ligament. Also, the padded tongue offers the necessary comfort while the flexible toebox ensures your toes stay comfortably in your shoe.

If you’ve had a difficult time choosing the right shoe because of your sensitive feet, then your solution might just be with this amazing footwear. The toe box has been constructed in such a way to prevent any form of irritation.

Also, this shoe comes with a very unique design that many users have come to love.

Finally, we’ve briefly highlighted the pros and cons that we observed with this shoe.

What we like

• Flexible toe box
• Unique design
• Offers premium comfort

What we dislike

• Feels narrow for those with wide feet

>> Check Best Price on Amazon.com

Wrapping up

It can be quite challenging getting the right work shoes especially if you’re managing a condition like plantar fasciitis and you may have read and heard many things on what to do and what not to. However, we’ve streamlined the process of getting your ideal shoe in this review and we’re certain picking the right shoe won’t be a difficult task anymore.