Traditionally, podiatrists or foot doctors will recommend sneakers to help overcome the pain that comes with plantar fasciitis. But what happens when you have a job that requires you to wear dress or business shoes daily? These are some of my favorite brands of supportive dress shoes for people with plantar fasciitis. Note: With dress or business professional shoes, due to their design, it may be more difficult to fit an orthotic or insole inside of these shoes. If wearing orthotics, it would best to try on these shoes in person with your orthotics in hand, or to order shoes from websites with a good return policy.
1. Clarks https://www.clarksusa.com/
Clarks is a very popular dress shoe brand. So much so, that they have many freestanding stores in malls and shopping centers all across the U.S. Clarks offer many different and unique designs in their dress shoes from loafers, heels, boots, booties, flats, and more. For these reasons, the ease of access, and the greatest number of shoe designs, suitable for any and all occasions, I placed Clark's in the number one spot for dress shoe brands for plantar fasciitis.
Hallmarks of Clark's Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Cushion and Shock Absorption: Clarks dress shoes for plantar fasciitis have a cushioned footbed and shock-absorbing insoles, which help to get rid of extra pressure on the heel when walking or standing. This can give people dealing with plantar fasciitis relief from pain.
Arch Support: A key feature of Clark's dress shoes, really all of their shoes, is that they include built-in arch support. This acts like an over-the-counter orthotic or inserts because the built-in arch support helps the foot remain in the correct position when standing or walking. This can help remove tension or strain on your plantar fascia, alleviate pain, and aid in the recovery process of plantar fasciitis.
High-Quality Materials: Clarks uses materials like soft and supple leathers, as well as flexible man-made fabrics, for the construction of all of their shoes. These materials make Clark's shoes extremely durable, comfortable to wear for long days, and ensure that these shoes will hold up over time.
Comes in Narrow and Wide: Wide, and especially narrow shoe widths can be more difficult to find in dress shoes. I love that Clark's is a brand that is dedicated to offering both of these widths to its customers.
2. Vionic https://www.vionicshoes.com/
Vionic is a brand that understands the importance of maximizing comfort and support for people with plantar fasciitis. Vionic offers many different styles of shoes including athletic, casual, business/dress, sandals, boots, and more. Design-wise, all Vionic shoes have a minimalist feel and aesthetic, which I personally love. Simple, clean lines, and minimal to no embellishment. Some styles do also come in a wide width. Due to not having nearly as many design options as Clark's, I placed Vionic in the #2 spot for the best dress shoe brands for plantar fasciitis. Their dress shoes have several features that make Vionic a great choice for people dealing with plantar fasciitis.
Hallmarks of Vionic Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Orthaheel Technology: Vionic shoes have a feature they designed called Orthaheel Technology. This is an orthotic or insole that gives additional arch support to the wearer and helps align your feet to the correct position. This decreases strain on the plantar fascia and therefore can be great for pain relief.
Cushioning and Shock Absorption: Vionic dress shoes, similar to Clark's, also have great shock absorption and cushioning. This feature minimizes the impact on the feet, providing relief for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
Premium Materials: Vionic also uses high-quality leathers, and suede in their shoes as well, similar to Clark's.
3. Ecco https://us.ecco.com/
Ecco is a brand that was founded in Denmark and has been around for over 60 years. Ecco doesn't just offer dress or business shoes, they also offer hiking, golf, and children's shoes as well. Ecco dress shoes are known for their comfort and support, making them a great choice for people with plantar fasciitis. Design-wise, there aren't as many dress shoe options from Ecco in comparison to brands like Clark's or Vionic. For this reason, I am giving them the number 3 brand for the best dress shoe brands for plantar fasciitis.
Hallmarks of Ecco Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Shock-Absorbption: Also similar to Clark's and Vionic, Ecco shoes have added shock absorption. This helps to cushion the heel when standing or walking, which can help relieve pain for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
Molded Footbeds: Ecco, like Vionic and Clark's, also have molded or contoured footbed, which helps align the wearer's foot, provide arch support, and can help remove strain on the plantar fascia, providing pain relief.
Quality materials: Ecco, like Vionic and Clark's, also uses high-quality materials, such as their dress shoe construction.
Having plantar fasciitis and trying to find the best dress shoes for work isn't as daunting as it may seem. There are several brands available that do make beautiful dress shoes for plantar fasciitis. Clark's, Vionic, and Ecco are all brands that I stand behind as a board-certified foot doctor, for all of their shoe offerings.
Dealing with plantar fasciitis or heel pain and in need of a podiatrist or foot doctor in Tempe, AZ? My name is Dr. Tarr, and I am the owner of Direct Podiatry Arizona. To schedule an appointment click this link directpodaz.janeapp.com or click the "Request an appointment" button above. Thank you.