Introduction
Have you been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and you have no idea on how to choose the right athletic shoes, slip-on shoe or dress shoes for your needs? Plantar fasciitis is a condition that is caused by inflammation of the connective tissues adjoining your heel bone to the toes. This is due to the pressure and strain that the feet receive all day long.
This condition can be resolved by different therapies and treatments, but the best way to ensure that plantar fasciitis is gone for good is wearing the right shoes.
However, I will let you in on a not-so-good little secret:
More than 90% of the dress shoes in the market can make your condition a lot worse.
But don’t you worry! In this buying guide, I have broken down the most important characteristics you should look for in a dress shoe. I have also listed down the best men’s dress shoes for plantar fasciitis. So, what are you waiting for? Read on and learn more!
5 Best Men’s Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Keeping tabs on all of the men’s dress shoes for Plantar fasciitis available in the market. Lucky for you, you don’t have to! That’s because I already have compiled the five best men’s dress shoes for plantar fasciitis below:
1. Orthofeet Gramercy Plantar Fasciitis Men's Dress Shoes- Editor’s Choice
Orthofeet has been in the business of making supportive and comfortable shoes, and this men’s dress shoe is no exception. You can take the Orthofeet Proven Pain Relief Plantar Fasciitis Orthopedic Comfortable Diabetic Flat Feet Avery Island Men's Walking Shoes for instance.
As you can see, I have chosen this shoe as my top pick as it is said to offer precise cushioning and support. And there are a lot more to it that you should know.
Let’s start with the shoe’s cushioning properties. This pair of shoes features premium removable ortho-comfort insoles which keeps the feet properly aligned and decreases the stress received by the joints and heels.
Given the fact that the insoles are removable, you have the option to remove it and place it with your very own custom orthotic insoles.
It also has the Ortho-cushion system that features a lightweight sole with air cushioning technology which further enhances the stability of the feet and comfortably facilitates proper foot motion.
The shoe’s toe box is roomy, allowing your toes to spread as naturally as possible. The extra space allows the weight to be evenly distributed to the entire foot.
In addition to all of these features, the shoes also have removable spacers which allow you to customize the fit and comfort of the shoe. The upper portion of the shoe is made of soft leather which is non-binding and does not add pressure to your toes.
Pros:
• Seam-free lining
• Orthotic insole delivers anatomical arch support
• Fully padded sole for keeping the feet in alignment
• Ortho-cushion system that is a good shock absorber
• Roomy toe box
Cons:
• The design is not as sleek as most dress shoes
• Size runs a bit small
2. Dr. Comfort Wing Men’s Dress Shoe– Alternative Pick
I chose this as my alternative pick because of its quality craftsmanship. While these shoes only come in two different colors, you will admire its classic style pointed style. Made from 100% genuine leather, the shoes feature smooth and comfortable insoles that keep the feet in place.
Moreover, the shoes have lightweight outsoles which relieve the feet of unwanted stress and strain. The interior part of the shoes is padded and well-cushioned which keeps the feet as stable as possible. It also features a lace closure system that secures the shoes and prevents unwanted slips.
Aside from people with plantar fasciitis, these shoes are also designed for people with diabetes and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Pros:
• Stylish look
• Tight fitting lace closure system
• Flexible yet durable genuine leather
• Lightweight outsoles
Cons:
• The toe box is pointed
• Available only in two sizes
3. Dockers Gordon Leather Oxford Dress Shoes- Budget Pick
This pair of shoe may be the most affordable of them all, but it certainly does not look the part. The truth is, this pair of dress shoes is probably the most stylish pair in the list. It’s true that the shoes only come in four colors—tan burnished, black tumbled, cordovan, and black.
The shoe features the classic dress shoe look and is made up of a polished full grain leather uppers that are not just stylish but extremely flexible as well. The collars of the shoes are also padded which add extra layer of cushioning to the feet.
What makes it an excellent choice for plantar fasciitis is its durable and siped rubber outsole which boosts the shoe’s traction which will keep it stable and balanced even on wet surfaces.
Moreover, you will be glad to know that the shoes are available in wider widths and bigger sizes which is just perfect for people with plantar fasciitis.
Pros:
• Approved by American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting good health
• Flexible and sturdy enough for day to day wear
• Comes in four stylish colors and designs
• Bigger sizes and wider toe box
• Padded collars for extra comfort
Cons:
• Has a bad odor
• Laces of the shoe snap easily
4. Rockport Men’s World Tour Classic– Upgrade Pick
This pair of shoe may be the most expensive one on the list, but I tell you that it is worth it. This is because the shoe has a distinct design. It does not have the same look as most dress shoes in this list as it looks more rugged so it can also double as a casual looking shoe that is perfect for the jeans.
Even though it is designed like a dress shoe, you would be happy to know that it is also engineered to be comfortable enough to pass as a walking shoe. When you take a look at the shoes, the first thing that you would notice is the 100% imported leather that comes in thirteen different colors.
But what makes this product worth is are the technology developed to make sure that the feet would be as pain-free and comfortable as possible. For one, the shoes have padded tongues and collars to protect the wearer’s feet from blisters.
It also has a full grain leather upper which conforms to the shape of the feet, but at the same time, the toe box is roomy enough to allow the toes to move freely.
Inside the shoes, you can find a polyurethane cushioning that is highly breathable. The cushion also has a technology that makes it highly absorbent to moisture and resistant to odor.
The midsole is made of EVA foam that is highly flexible. On the other hand, the outsole is made of rubber that is designed to last for long.
Pros:
• Made of form-fitting fabrics
• Great for both casual and formal wear
• Available in wide range of widths
• Lightweight shock absorption to reduce leg fatigue
• Extended heel for motion control
Cons:
• Some people find the tongue to be a bit short
• A bit narrow than most shoes for plantar fasciitis
5. Marino Oxford Dress Shoes for Men– Best Men’s Dress Shoes for Formal Wear
If you are dealing with formal wear, the best option for you would be the Marino Oxford Dress Shoes for Men. This pair of shoes is designed by some of the best fashion experts in the industry. They work in hand to create a shoe that looks as modern and sleek as this one.
Aside from the silhouette of these shoes, one thing that you would notice is the meticulous stitching of the shoes, ensuring its longevity.
Made with 100% top grain genuine leather, you are assured that it won’t scuff up or tear easily. In the same way, the bottom of the strong rubber sole won’t scrape off too. Because of this, you would never encounter slips, maintaining the integrity of the ball of your feet.
Pros:
• Available in half sizes
• Slip-resistant rubber sole
• Meticulous stitching
• Made with high-quality leather
• Fifteen styles and color options are available
Cons:
• The toe box is narrow
• Runs a bit big
Things to Look for in the Best Men’s Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The kind of dress shoes that you will wear does not just affect the look of your outfit—it can make your condition better or worse as well. If you have plantar fasciitis, you should pay more attention to the types of shoes that you will buy.
With that in mind, here are some of the characteristics that you should look for in a pair of men’s dress shoes for plantar fasciitis:
Arch support
Your footwear must have excellent arch support. Keep in mind that if you have plantar fasciitis, your feet are at risk of pronating. With enough arch support, the shoes may prevent these occurrences and keep your feet in a neutral, pain-free position.
Contoured footbed
One of the things that you should look into when buying dress shoes for plantar fasciitis is the midsole. Feet with plantar fasciitis tend to bear most of its weight in a specific part which causes pain.
A contoured footbed can help to distribute your body’s weight across the entire foot evenly. It promotes proper body alignment as well.
Upper Cushioning
When it comes to shoes for plantar fasciitis, cushioning in the sole area is not enough. The shoes must have upper cushioning as well. The cushioning in the upper portion of the shoe keeps the foot in place and prevent improper pronation.
Deep Heel Cup
Just like contoured footbed, a deep heel cup can cradle your feet and redistribute the body’s pressure across the foot. Moreover, it also keeps your heel cushioned and stabilized as you walk.
Sole Design
If you want to decrease the impact that your foot will receive, you may need a stiffer outer sole and heel. For the outsole, I recommend that you go for one that is made of rubber as it has better traction than all the other materials used in the market.
Heel Drop
This is a term used to denote the incline of the shoe or how high the elevation of your heel is. If the shoe has zero heel drop, it means that your heel and toes are of the same level, forcing your feet to assume a flat line which is bad for you.
At the very least, the shoe must have a heel drop of one inch. This amount of heel drop will allow your feet to land in the middle or front part of your foot instead of in the heel.
Toe Box
This is the part of the shoe that houses your toes. If you have plantar fasciitis, it is a must that you go for shoes that have a wide toe box. This is to allow your toes to spread out naturally, facilitating proper balance and impact distribution to the feet when you walk.
Style
I know that fashion would be the last thing on your mind but of course, you need to consider the shoe’s style when choosing one. With that in mind, it is recommended that you consider the type of clothing that you will wear.
If you plan on wearing jeans, you can go for the rugged ones. If you plan on wearing slacks or tuxedos, you can go for the classic looking Brogue shoe.
Other Tips to Keep in Mind When Choosing Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
If you want to make sure that the shoes that you will buy will fit you well and won’t cause more pain, there are other shoe buying tips you should keep in mind:
Go shopping in the evening.
Not many of us know this, but our shoes are at its biggest size in the evening. This is because it tends to swell after a long day of walking. Since our feet also bears the weight of our body, its muscles tend to stretch, making its size bigger.
Choosing a pair of shoes at night allows you to find a pair that you will feel comfortable wearing even if your feet are already at its biggest size. This ensures that there will be enough space between your shoes and toes even if your feet swell at night.
Go for a versatile style.
I know that you are looking for men’s dress shoes but avoid going for a too formal look. In this way, you can wear your shoes not just for a black tie event but with a business casual attire as well.
If possible, go for shoes with slip-resistant grip.
This feature is not a must, but it is nice to have. As we all know, dress shoes tend to be a bit slippery. With this feature, you have an extra protective measure against slips, falls and trips—three things that may worsen your condition.
Aside from wearing the right shoes, you can help manage plantar fasciitis with the exercises you can find in this video:
Final Verdict
Which is the best men’s dress shoes for plantar fasciitis? The pair of shoe that stood out to me is Orthofeet Gramercy Plantar Fasciitis Men's Dress Shoes because it is designed for comfort and support—from its heel to the uppers.
The removable insole makes this product unique and allows the user to use an insole that would suit his condition the best.
Source : Best Men’s Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis-Reviewed
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