Plantar fasciitis refers to an inflammation of a thick web-like ligament known as the plantar fascia. It is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the front of your foot. It serves as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot to help you walk.
The first symptom of plantar fasciitis is usually a stabbing pain in the heel, typically first thing in the morning. It’s a very common ailment among runners. Professionals that involve a lot of standing or walking can lead to plantar fasciitis. The condition also affects overweight and people who wear shoes with inadequate support.
While the cause of plantar fasciitis discomfort is still undefined, Birkenstocks are known to be very comfortable and provide reliable arch support. But can these shoes help someone with plantar fasciitis?
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Are Birkenstocks Good for Plantar Fasciitis
Birkenstocks are Good for Plantar Fasciitis because of the inherent arch support they provide, which is designed to straighten your foot and counteract the inward curving shape it takes when bearing weight. Essentially, this means that your foot is less likely to put undue stress on your plantar fascia — a primary source of pain in Plantar Fasciitis sufferers.
What Makes Birkenstocks Good For Feet?
Perhaps this is because of the toe bar. Birks are designed to allow your toes to grip and flex naturally. This, in turn, exercises the leg thereby helping you maintain balance during movements.
They’re designed with a deep heel cup that keeps your foot’s natural padding comfortable and secured under the heel to deliver better stability. These features allow the heel bone to bear the weight of the body so that the legs and the legs are properly aligned.
While people generally love fashion with functionality, the versatility level offered by this brand has kept it popular for a long period. The fact that they’re incredibly comfortable and eco-friendly also makes them among the most reliable footwear in the market.
Nowadays, new Birkenstocks are equipped with Velcro fastening and black leather with contrast stitching to provide that extra touch of elegance that the shoes may have been lacking before.
Birks Benefits for Plantar Fasciitis
Birkenstock provides various products that may help in soothing plantar fasciitis and manage heel pain in general. A good example of such models is the Birkenstock Arizona Sandals: they are particularly ideal for the recovery from plantar fasciitis.
Mayari is yet another option that’s highly recommended. The cork and latex employed in the making of these shoes allow them to conform to the shape of your feet.
This, in turn, subsides the pressure that leads to the development of plantar fasciitis. The arch support and the cushioning are designed to cradle and protect your feet against impact shock during performances
The shoes are also equipped with deep cupping to help achieve proper gait and facilitate equal weight distribution. Alleviating pressure from the feet can be soothing for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
One thing worth mentioning is that plantar fasciitis and heel pain are closely related. Plantar fasciitis, as mentioned above, refers to an inflammation caused by excessive stretching of the plantar fascia (the band of tissues that runs over the entire length of the bottom of the foot. Heel pain, meanwhile, is a common condition where the weight-bearing on the heel causes extreme discomfort. This is usually at the point where plantar fasciitis connects to the heel bone.
While plantar fasciitis is one of the most diagnosed foot ailments, we recommend checking with your health care professional if arch support or Birkenstock shoes for that matter, may be appropriate for you. You might also want to contact your local Birkenstock retailer regarding their healthy footwear recommendations.
Best Birkenstocks for Plantar Fasciitis
Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Essentials Eva Sandals
The Birkenstock Unisex Arizona is one of the best-selling Birks sandals for both men and women. One of the most notable features of these shoes is the anatomically correct footbed, which is made of EVA material. This footbed is meant to accustom nicely to the shape of your feet. The sole is soft and the ergonomic design will come in handy to help your plantar fascia condition.
Another important benefit stems from the raised toe design: it facilitates the circulation of the blood in the feet, which is really important considering that when you have torn and inflamed tissue, you want the necessary nutrients supplied to them.
The sandals also feature a heel cup, which aside from soothing your heels keeps your feet aligned in the most natural way. The arch support is also reliable, so every area that requires support will have it, including the ball of the foot.
Birkenstock Women’s Florida Sandals
Perhaps the most important thing to someone suffering from plantar fasciitis is a pair of sandals that fits nicely, without the feet necessarily having to touch the squeeze the sides. The Birkenstock Women’s Florida Sandals are designed to deliver a roomy and comfortable feel. So if you’re looking for something to help you recover fast, be sure to give these sandals a try.
Birkenstock Women’s Arizona-Birkibuc
While the title says “Women’s”, these Birks are Unisex. It is an excellent shoe suitable for plantar fasciitis, especially if you love simplistic design. The shoes are simple to wear and remove with just two leather straps and metal buckles on top.
Another best thing is that they feature nicely engineered soles that make them suitable for plantar fasciitis. The only catch is that they might tend to feel a bit hurtful when you wear them first, but after breaking them in, they will start to get very comfortable on your feet. Moreover, these sandals run true to size, so you can order your regular size.
Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Sandals
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Mayari sandals is that they are very comfortable. The sandals are equipped with a cork footbed that is purposely designed to facilitate foot health.
Plus, the shoes are anatomically correct, so you don’t have to stress about improper posture. They will carefully conform to the shape of your feet; encompassing them such they’re almost massaging them.
We also love the fact that the adjustable leather straps are held together at the top using a metal buckle. The footbed also features an agreeable suede lining that adds to the overall comfort as the shoe conforms to the shape of your foot.