We scoured the net looking for the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis and found the best ones with the ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 26 and HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi SR being top of the list!
Have you ever gotten out of a long day of work and felt your feet going numb?
One of the most common causes is plantar fasciitis, which causes pain in the foot — specifically the heel and bottom.
That feeling is more than just annoying — it’s something that can be prevented with the right shoes. Plantar fasciitis is a common foot injury for people with jobs or hobbies that involve a lot of walking.
Unlike some other injuries, plantar fasciitis occurs more frequently in overweight people. This could be because carrying extra weight places stress on your feet and can make your plantar fascia more vulnerable to injury.
It’s also more common in active individuals such as runners and dancers that might over-stretch the tissue in their feet. And yes! Even nurses can suffer from plantar fasciitis too!
Unlike arthritis, plantar fasciitis isn’t a chronic condition that will worsen over time. In fact, most people will recover from their plantar fasciitis symptoms within 6 months of taking care of their foot, using the right shoe, and following an exercise routine designed to loosen the tissue in the area and strengthen the foot.
Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis
- ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 26 – Best Overall for Men
- HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi SR – Best Overall for Women
- New Balance Men’s MW840 v2 – Best New Balance Shoes for Men
- New Balance Women’s 1540 V3 – Best New Balance Shoes for Women
5 Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis Reviewed
Nurses should stand on their feet all day, which can lead to a serious foot condition called plantar fasciitis.
To make matters worse, many of the shoes worn by nurses don’t provide adequate support or shock absorption.
Thankfully, we’ve found some excellent nursing shoes that will keep your feet supported and comfortable — no matter how long you wear them.
Overall Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis
ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 26
A male nurse with plantar fasciitis will be looking for three things in a running shoe: excellent support, superb cushioning, and enough shock absorption to reduce the pain on their heel.
The ASICS GEL-Kayano 26 delivers these three qualities in a single pair of shoes — making it one of the best non-customized solutions for male nurses who are still struggling with plantar fasciitis even though they have already been through a recovery program.
Powered by Asics’ Flytefoam midsole technology, the GEL-Kayano 26 is engineered to return energy with every step.
The shoe’s mesh upper adapts to your foot as you run, while the Heel Clutching System secures smooth transitions and exceptional stability.
Built with wider feet in mind, Asics’ Kayano is a comfortable, reliable shoe that offers plenty of room for orthotics and an adjustable fit. It’s perfect for mild to moderate overpronators.
If you’re a male nurse who wants the best stability, comfort, and support, one of the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis out there is the ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 26 and definitely one that you might want to get!
Customers Reviews Analysis
Based on the customer reviews we analyzed, the ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 26 is a highly rated shoe for male nurses with plantar fasciitis. Most customers praised the shoe for its comfort, support, and durability. They also appreciated the wide toe box and the adjustable fit. Some customers reported that the shoe helped them reduce their heel pain and improve their gait.
However, some customers also had some complaints about the shoe. Some found it too heavy, too narrow, or too expensive. Some also experienced issues with the quality of the shoe, such as the sole peeling off or the mesh ripping. A few customers also felt that the shoe did not provide enough cushioning or arch support for their needs.
Our Verdict
Our verdict is that the ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 26 is a great option for male nurses with plantar fasciitis who are looking for a stable, comfortable, and supportive shoe. It may not suit everyone’s preferences or budget, but it has many positive features that make it worth considering. If you are interested in this shoe, we recommend that you try it on before buying it and check the size chart carefully to ensure a proper fit.
HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi SR
You can find Hoka One One on the shelves at specialty running stores and high-end athletic brands, but there are a lot of positive reviews on the brand’s website as well.
One customer even goes so far as to say that “the cushioning is firm but generous – not overkill like some brands tend to do.” The HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi SR Leather Trainers are high quality, dependable, and, most of all, comfortable.
Forefoot cushioning is just one of many features that make the Bondi SR the best all-around plantar fasciitis shoe available on the market today.
The Bondi SR also offers superior arch support and a stable heel design, making this stylish slip-on one of our most comfortable options for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis.
The women who work in the healthcare and service industries and wore this sneaker adores it — it works hard and looks good doing it.
Its ultra-plus EVA midsole is incredibly comfortable, even when walking long distances or standing for hours on end.
This sneaker’s water-resistant leather exterior keeps it looking fresh through rain or shine, and its ultra-grip outsole provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces, including those covered in oil, water, or soap.
Customers Reviews Analysis
The HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi SR Leather Trainers are a popular choice among customers who are looking for a comfortable and durable shoe that can help with plantar fasciitis. The majority of the reviews on the brand’s website are positive, praising the shoe’s cushioning, arch support, heel stability, and water resistance. Customers also appreciate the shoe’s sleek and stylish design, which makes it suitable for both work and casual wear.
Some of the negative reviews mention that the shoe is too narrow, too heavy, or too expensive. Some customers also complain that the shoe runs small or large, or that it causes blisters or rubbing. However, these issues seem to be less common and may depend on personal preference or fit.
Our Verdict
Our verdict is that the HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi SR Leather Trainers are a great option for anyone who suffers from plantar fasciitis or who needs a comfortable and reliable shoe for long hours of walking or standing.
The shoe offers excellent cushioning, support, and traction, as well as a water-resistant leather exterior that is easy to clean and maintain. The shoe also has a professional and elegant look that can match any outfit.
The only drawbacks are that the shoe may be too narrow or heavy for some people, or that it may require some break-in time to avoid discomfort. We recommend trying the shoe on before buying it to ensure a proper fit and comfort level.
Best New Balance Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis
New Balance Women’s 1540 V3
Here’s why the New Balance Women’s 1540 V3 is the best New Balance shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
They offer healthcare professionals a stylish and comfortable option for work. The shoes are made of lightweight, non-slip synthetic materials with a rubber sole that can be easily cleaned.
Inside the shoes, New Balance has added special foam padding in the forefoot and medial areas to relieve pressure and reduce foot fatigue — making it an ideal investment for nurses and doctors who are on their feet all day.
The polyurethane midsole provides ample cushioning for your foot and absorbs shock before it reaches your joints.
This is a great shoe for nurses, thanks to the soft padding in the forefoot and foot arch that really help keep your feet comfortable all day long.
It has standard, wide, and extra-wide sizing so your toes can spread out in total comfort.
Customers Reviews Analysis
The New Balance Women’s 1540 V3 is a motion-control running shoe that offers stability, durability, and comfort for runners with severe overpronation and foot issues like plantar fasciitis. It has a synthetic upper with a rubber sole that is easy to clean and non-slip. It also has foam padding in the forefoot and medial areas to reduce pressure and fatigue. The polyurethane midsole provides cushioning and shock absorption, while the ROLLBAR stability posts prevent excessive inward rolling of the foot.
The reviews of this shoe are mostly positive, with many customers praising its versatility, support, and fit. However, some customers have complained about the short tongue, the heel rubbing against the skin, and the shoelaces being too short. Some customers also found the shoe too narrow or too roomy in the toe box.
Our Verdict
Our verdict is that this shoe is a good option for nurses with plantar fasciitis who need a stable and comfortable shoe for work. However, they may need to adjust the laces or use different socks to avoid irritation or blisters. They may also want to try different sizes or widths to find the best fit for their feet.
New Balance Men’s MW840
The New Balance Men’s MW840 v2 is a walking shoe that delivers comfort and style for everyday use. That alone makes it deserving here in this list of best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
There’s a reason why it’s worth calling one of the best New Balance shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
These shoes will be the most essential of anyone who works night shifts as a nurse —they’re comfortable, durable, and versatile enough to be worn in all situations life throws their way.
It’s an update of the 840, New Balance’s classic running shoe. When it was first created, this running shoe offered the perfect combination of support and comfort. Now, the new version offers those same benefits — but with more style.
Designed with an ABZORB Foam Midsole, it cushions your feet for a softer landing. Meanwhile, advanced Blown Rubber technologies offer superior grip and durability even in high-wear areas.
This new shoe model has leather on the upper in addition to breathable mesh fabric. This allows for better air circulation and sweat evaporation, resulting in a more comfortable running experience. These new shoes also offer enhanced support and better durability.
New Balance offers a wide range of sizes and widths for their 840 v2. For men, it’s available in “D: Medium,” “2E: Wide”, and “4E: Extra Wide” widths. Women can get the shoe in “B: Medium,” “D: Wide,” and “2E: Extra Wide” widths.
With its “Fit Finder Tool”, New Balance can help wearers find the best fit for their feet. This tool takes into account wearers’ gender and foot measurements to pick out the right New Balance shoe size for the wearer. Or you could also check out our shoe size chart guide.
Customers Reviews Analysis
The New Balance Men’s MW840 v2 has received mostly positive feedback from customers who bought it online. Many of them praised its comfort, support, and quality. They also liked its stylish design and wide range of sizes and widths.
Some of the common compliments were:
- “These shoes are very comfortable and supportive. I have plantar fasciitis and these shoes help me walk without pain.”
- “I love these shoes. They are well-made and look great. I wear them for work and casual occasions.”
- “These shoes fit perfectly. I have wide feet and it’s hard to find shoes that fit me well. These shoes have enough room for my toes and don’t squeeze my feet.”
However, some customers also had some issues with the shoes. Some of the common complaints were:
- “These shoes are too heavy and bulky. They make my feet feel tired after a long day.”
- “These shoes are not very breathable. They make my feet sweat a lot and smell bad.”
- “These shoes run small and narrow. I had to return them and order a bigger size.”
Our Verdict
Our verdict is that the New Balance Men’s MW840 v2 is a good choice for nurses with plantar fasciitis who are looking for a comfortable and stylish walking shoe. It offers good cushioning, support, and durability for everyday use. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer a lighter and more breathable shoe, or those who have trouble finding the right size.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the result of a repetitive strain on the tissues in your feet, which are charged with supporting all your weight as you walk, run, and jump.
The pain usually shows up in the heel, and although it can be dull or sharp, it’s usually persistent and difficult to ignore.
What are the risk factors involved?
1. Overweight and obese individuals are more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis than those with a healthy weight. Excess weight puts undue stress on your heels, which leads to tissue damage in your feet.
2. 40+ years old people have the highest risk of developing plantar fasciitis due to age-related changes in their bodies.
3. Workers who are involved long hours on their feet, like nurses, are also prone to develop plantar fasciitis.
4. Those with flat feet or high arches are at a greater risk of developing this condition.
In addition to these, shoes that are too tight or that don’t fit properly may cause more pain, especially if you have plantar fasciitis. A common solution is to wear orthopedic insoles or special footwear.
Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
Nurses are one of the most likely groups of individuals to develop plantar fasciitis, and they’re also one of the groups that are more likely to ignore it.
Long hours on your feet with little time for breaks can make this foot problem worse. If you start feeling pain in your heel or bottom of your foot, you should visit your primary care provider as soon as possible.
Also, by choosing the right pair of shoes and getting regular foot massages, you could prevent this painful disorder from developing.
The symptoms include:
- Pain in your heel
- Swelling at the bottom of your heel
- Inflammation
- Restricted movement
In case these symptoms are not treated on time, it could lead to more serious health issues. This is why you should get all of your concerns checked by a medical professional.
Best Shoes for Nurses with Plantar Fasciitis Buying Guide
While not marketed as such, many orthopedic shoes can help with issues like plantar fasciitis. This issue is generally treated by wearing running shoes that have insoles, even though these insoles are often quite uncomfortable.
A better option might be to buy regular athletic shoes that don’t officially mention orthopedic features but employ technology that helps with similar issues.
Below are crucial factors to consider when buying the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis.
1. Shock Absorption
The plantar fascia is a ligament that extends from the bottom of your heel bone to each of your toes. It supports the arch of your foot, which can become overwhelmed with pressure from prolonged standing or intense activity.
While some people are predisposed to developing this condition, anyone can experience it. Fortunately, many activewear brands have designed shoes that are shock-absorbent and quite durable.
So find footwear with shock absorption technologies that minimize the impact on your feet so you can walk or run around without feeling any pain.
2. Custom Orthopedic Insoles
Individuals with flat feet or high arches are often recommended to use the right shoe inserts for plantar fasciitis. Foot pain can be caused by the pressure applied on your foot by your shoe.
Orthopedic insoles, or plantar fasciitis insoles as they’re more accurately known, are anatomically designed to alleviate pressure points and provide comfort during long hours of wear.
These custom orthopedic insoles are made to relieve pressure on the feet and redistribute body weight across the soles. The results are often immediate.
3. Breathability
Trainers have been subtly reimagined for the medical industry to help healthcare professionals navigate slippery floors with ease.
One of the challenges that healthcare professionals face is the lack of traction — many popular shoe materials like leather do not provide a lot of grip on slippery surfaces.
Trainers provide a stylish solution to this problem, delivering all of the stylish aesthetics of high-end athletic shoes with lots of grip on even the slipperiest floors.
But when made from leather or other tough materials, these kinds of shoes don’t allow any air to pass inside.
When it’s hot out, you may notice that your feet start to feel clammy and uncomfortable. This is because the heat combined with sweat makes your feet damp.
To keep them feeling fresh, it’s best to wear shoes made from lightweight materials that allow air circulation.
A good option would be something with mesh or nylon upper construction, as this will help to keep bad odors from forming between your toes.
If you want to wear shoes, but hate it when your feet get too stinky, try using shoe deodorizers. These magical sprays prevent your shoes from smelling like feet, no matter how sweaty they get.
4. Removable Insoles
When you have flat feet, your arches tend to rest on the ground. This can lead to pain and discomfort after only a few hours of standing or walking.
Research has proven that orthopedic insoles, or inserts, can help reduce this pain while restoring the natural shape of your arch.
Removable insoles are the solution to carrying around a pair of shoes that can be worn for medical orthotics and regular use.
By removing the insole, you can put in custom-made insoles designed for your specific feet. This lets you save time and money by only having to buy one pair of shoes rather than two different types.
It also means a longer lifespan for your shoes.
5. Good Arch Support
You need to make sure your shoes have good arch support — or else you’ll end up with soreness, tenderness, and instability.
To prevent that, the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis should have sturdy arch support that suits the shape of your foot and can bear your weight.
When you’re working, you stand for long hours on end. To keep your feet and body healthy, you need to wear the right kind of shoes.
It should be something that can keep your posture aligned while preventing muscle fatigue and tiredness.
And a clog or trainer with strong arch support can do just that: they are ideal for standing jobs because they support the foot from every angle.
Conclusion
When it comes to plantar fasciitis, you need a comfortable shoe. Luckily, there are many options out there that are perfect for your lifestyle and your feet.
If you’re looking for something that looks great on you, runs great with your lifestyle, and protects your feet from plantar fasciitis, the ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 26 and the HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi SR is your best bet.
For daily wear, the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis mentioned here are top picks for many people who are on their feet all day.
They have a thick sole and cushioning, making them a good choice for anyone who has to stand or walk around for longer than the usual workday.
Already heavily endorsed by many doctors, these sneakers are a godsend for those who spend a lot of time on their feet.
However, if they’re not within your budget or you prefer a different style, you’ll be happy to know that our picks for the best New Balance shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis are equally as great.
Hope you found the guide helpful. Take a look at this quick recap of our top picks: ASICS Men’s GEL-Kayano 26, HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi SR, New Balance Men’s MW840 v2, and New Balance Women’s 1540 V3.