Plantar fasciitis is caused by an inflammation of the tissue known as the plantar fascia, which is located along the bottom of your foot in the area that connects your heel bone to your toes.
Unfortunately, this condition can cause a tremendous amount of pain for the person who suffers from it. While this is a condition that is difficult to “cure”, it can be maintained and controlled by certain lifestyle changes.
One of those changes includes wearing the right kind of shoes. Before we take a look at some of the best dress shoes on the market for those that suffer from plantar fasciitis, let’s take some time to discuss a few of the things that you should be looking for when buying shoes to help ease the pain caused by plantar fasciitis
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a pathology, with the symptoms like: feel pain in the bottom of the foot, or in the heel. The pain will become severe especially after waking up or after a long period of rest, and it will increase when you try to bending up your foot.
The cause of that symptoms is the disorder of the plantar fascia. This is a fascia in the bottom of your foot, its function is a padding, to protect the bone of the foot from the heavy of our body.
And it help us step smoothly. But sometimes, we harm our fascia accidentally, example, standing for a long time, overwhelming exercises, our loosing control of our weight and become obesity. One more reason is, wearing the wrong size of shoes.
If your shoes are too tight or too wide, they both affect on the movement of your foot. Your movement will not be natural and it will stretch the muscles of your feet.
All of that reasons will cause the micro tears on your fascia, and create the small scar on it, and they harm the collagen of the fascia also. And that is the reasons of the pain you have to suffer.
Editor Choice Top 5 Dress Shoes
Buying Guide of Plantar Fasciitis
When looking for shoes to help ease the pain of plantar fasciitis, it’s important to keep your arch in mind at all times. With that being said, here are some helpful tips for finding the right shoes for yourself.
Cushioning
When you have enough cushioning in the sole of your shoes it can decrease the amount of pain you feel from the impact. The cushioning in the upper part also helps to keep your foot in a healthier position, which can help prevent improper pronation.
Sole Design
When it comes to looking for features that decrease the impact, you’ll want to focus your attention on the bottom of the show. Finding a shoe that has a stiff outer sole and a heel that is capable of redistributing the shock of impact are the most important things that you want to keep in mind.
Heel Drop
When you hear the term “heel drop” it’s referring to the actual incline of the shoe, meaning how much your heel is raised above your toes. If a shoe were to have a zero heel drop, then your heel and toe would be level, causing your whole foot to form a flat line. When it comes to someone with plantar fasciitis, finding a shoe that has a higher drop would be more beneficial.
Toe Box
As the name suggests, the toe box is the part of the shoe where your toe is located. For those that have plantar fasciitis, it’s important to find a toe box that is a bit on the wide side.
Our toes spread naturally when we walk, so if the toe box is too narrow, your foot can stretch as it needs to, putting strain on your foot and weakening your toes.
Now that you have an idea of what you should be looking for, let’s take some time to look at some of the best dress shoes for plantar fasciitis available on the market today.
Top 10 Best Dress Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Reviews
1. Rockport Men’s Sharp and Ready Colben Oxford
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It can be quite a task to find a pair of shoes that you can walk comfortably in, but it can be almost impossible when you suffer from plantar fasciitis. Almost impossible, but not quite. This pair of Men’s Sharp and Ready Colben Oxford shoes by Rockport are made from 100% leather, with a synthetic sole, and are impressive enough to satisfy all of your needs.Not only are these shoes extremely flexible, allowing you to move freely and confidently, but they’re also lightweight, so you won’t feel like you’re carrying the world on your foot every time you take a step.
These shoes from Rockport are designed with a comfort system able to provide your feet with lightweight shock absorption, which is undeniably important for those that suffer from plantar fasciitis. If you’re looking for a sleek shoe that won’t have you in tears by the end of the day, then these shoes from Rockport might just be the right shoes for you!
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Pros
- 100% leather
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Comfort system to provide lightweight shock absorption
Cons
- Polish on the shoe may rub off
- Shoes may squeak when walking
- May be difficult to size
2. Dr. Comfort Wing Men’s Therapeutic Diabetic Extra Depth Dress Shoe
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It goes without saying that those that suffer from plantar fasciitis have a difficult time finding dress shoes that don’t make their feet scream at the end of the day. Dr. Comfort understands the importance of making shoes that their customers can wear for hours on end without the pain that usually affects those that have this painful condition, which is why they created this Men’sTherapeutic Diabetic Extra Depth Dress Shoe. Crafted from only the finest leathers, Dr. Comfort’s Mens Dress Collection offers sophistication within a timeless design. Not only is this shoe lightweight enough to not cause the wearer pain, but the padded lining provides enough cushion to feel comfortable all day long. If you’re looking for a dress shoe that will allow you to stay pain-free all day long, then you should look into purchasing these impressive Men’s Therapeutic Extra Depth Dress Shoes from Dr. Comfort.
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Pros
- Gel insert included
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Great for those that suffer from feet or leg pain
Cons
- There may be visible signs of glue
- The heel of the shoe may rub, causing discomfort
- Some people may not like that it has a rubber sole
3. Dunham Men’s Revdare
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It can be difficult to look good and feel confident doing so when you can’t find a pair of dress shoes that allow your feet to be pain-free throughout the entire day. No one wants to suffer while they’re at the office or on a date, which is why Dunham created these Men’s Revdare shoes suitable for those that suffer from plantar fasciitis. The shoes themselves are made out of full grain leather, but that’s not where the magic comes in.Thanks to the nylon shank in the midsole, your arch is provided with plenty of support, allowing you to have a stable stride. Also, the shock-absorbing EVA rubber sole will ensure that you’re able to spend the day walking around without having to take the following two days off for the pain in your legs and feet to recover.
No matter what you need the shoes for, Dunham promises that you’ll feel comfortable and free from pain the entire time. So what are you waiting for? Check out these Men’s Revdare Shoes from Dunham as soon as possible!
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Pros
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Shock-absorbing EVA rubber sole
- Plenty of arch support
Cons
- Shoes may run larger than other comparable products
- The sole of the shoe is a bit on the heavy side
- Shoes may rub against the heel
4. Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Men’s Turner Black
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The Vionic Turner is a sporty men’s athletic walking shoe with breathable mesh upper and resilient rubber sole. This is an elegant shoes with royal design, such as premium leather outside, sock liner was made by leather, a nice padded collar, and a rubber sole looks like it was made by leather.This pair of shoes is suitable with plantar fasciitis because this kind of shoes is integrated a shock-absorbing inside to help protect your feet from pain and injury. And it also has a big-toe function, which one will support your movement when you are walking.
The other highlights of this model are the top pads, they will reduce the friction on your feet. And the orthotic was made by leather to keep your feet dry and clean all day long.
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5. Orthofeet Gramercy Mens Dress Cordovan Leather
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This is a leather pair of shoes with scientific design to support plantar fasciitis tremendously. Its orthotic with an anatomical arch design, and its heel-seat has a pad with gel inside, all of them will support your feet and reduce your pain significantly.The light rubber sole of it will reduce the weight that your legs have to bear, and its lining was designed with an extra foam to remove the pressure on our feet, and it will eliminate the friction with our skin also.
The soft upper design will help to reduce the pressure, and one more special thing is the adjustable fit of it, the shoes have two sizes of spacer (1/16 inch and 1/8 inch), and we can remove them to adjust the most suitable size for our feet.
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6. Vionic Noble Laurie Backstrap Sandal
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If you’ve ever had to buy therapeutic or orthotic shoes before, then you’ve probably run into one major problem: it’s unbelievably difficult to find an attractive pair of shoes when you suffer from a painful foot condition. More often than not, therapeutic shoes tend to be quite bulky, which isn’t exactly a nice strappy sandal that you would wear on a first date.Well, Vionic understands women and their need for an attractive shoe, which is why they created this Noble Laurie Backstrap Sandal. Made from leather, this lightweight shoe has a flexible EVA midsole that is capable of absorbing shock and reducing stress on the ankles, knees, and feet. As an added bonus, the deep heel cup and the enhanced forefoot contour provide plenty of support to the wearer.
If you’re looking for a pair of shoes that will not only provide comfort to your feet but will also allow you to feel confident, then these Noble Laurie Backstrap Sandals from Vionic might just be the perfect shoes for you to add to your collection.
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Pros
- Comes in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns
- Made out of leather
- Absorbs shock
Cons
- Lacks arch support
- Foot may slide down
- Sizing may be difficult
7. Dansko Women’s Loralie Wedge
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There’s no reason why a woman who suffers from plantar fasciitis shouldn’t be able to wear a classy shoe that they feel comfortable and confident wearing. With that being said, if you’re a woman who suffers from plantar fasciitis and you’re looking for a classic dress shoe, then this Women’s Loralie Wedge from Dansko might be worth looking into.This shoe is made out of 100% leather with a synthetic sole, so you don’t have to worry about receiving low-quality shoes, which is an extremely important feature when you’re looking for something to help ease the pain from plantar fasciitis.
Thanks to the leather and soft textile linings, your feet will be provided with all-day comfort, allowing you to enjoy your day instead of thinking about all of the pain you’re in. If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable dress shoe, then these Women’s Loralie Wedges from Dansko might be the perfect match for you!
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Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Comes with a removable, contoured footbed
- Classic Mary-Jane appearance
Cons
- Top of the shoe doesn’t have any padding
- The strap may cause blisters
- The leather may be too tough for some
8. Naot Women’s Madison Wedge Sandal
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Finding a fun and flirty shoe can be difficult for anyone who has comfort in mind, but it’s especially difficult when someone suffers from plantar fasciitis. While most therapeutic shoes are clunky, bulky, and not the most attractive thing to put into your feet, Naot made it their goal to create a shoe that can be worn in the office or for a night out on the town.This Women’s Madison Wedge Sandal from Naot is not only attractive, but it also has an anatomic cork and latex footbed that is encapsulated in suede. This comfortable footbed actually molds to the shape of the foot, allowing you to comfortably wear these shoes for several hours at a time.
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t have a gorgeous pair of shoes that you feel confident wearing. With that being said, these Wedge Sandals from Naot would make the perfect addition to your closet.
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Pros
- 100% leather
- Padded back
- Comes in a variety of colors
Cons
- May rub the toes
- Inside stitching may have small knots that irritate the foot
- Leather may be too stiff for some
9. Vionic By Orthaheel Women’s Joan Fabric
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This model is imported from China. This kind of flat shoes was made of fabric and leather, all of its uppers and liners are handmade. It was decorated with a little buckle to increase the femininity. And this model of shoes has a biomechanical technology, which will keep your feet in a natural sharp, protect them from the pressure of your body weight, and other external forces also.A light rubber sole is one of the highlight of this pair of shoes and makes it become more suitable with plantar fasciitis.
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10. LifeStride Women’s Farrow Wedge Pump
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This pair of shoes is imported from China also. But it was made by Faux leather, and its style is very versatile. You can use it in working environment, because the professional design with squared toe, but you can even use it for a picnic outside also, due to the flexibility in its styles.The highlight of this shoes is the podiatrist design, biomechanical technology, motion controller, full ground contact rubber sole and the removable design, all of them totally support, protect and keep your feet in a perfect condition. With this pair of shoes, the plantar fasciitis patients will not worry about their pain anymore.
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Choosing dress shoes for plantar fasciitis
As mentioned, plantar fasciitis cause pain in the foot, therefore it is hard to find a suitable pair of shoes for the patient. Inappropriate shoes could make the condition become worse.
Fortunately, with the improvement of science nowadays, there are so many kinds of special dress shoes for plantar fasciitis patient. And in this article we will recommend some ways to find a good dress shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Go shopping in the evening to find a suitable pair of shoes. In the evening, your feet will become bigger than other times in a day.
The reason is after a long day, standing, working in your workplace, your foot bear the weight of your body, and its muscles and bones was stretched, so the size of your foot will be increased.
Therefore this is the best time in a day to choose a suitable pair of shoes. Remember to choose a pair of shoes that you feel totally comfortable with it, and make sure that there is enough space between your toes and the shoes.
Do not use the high heel shoes. Because this design will cause unnatural condition of your feet, and this is the reason why the muscles of your feet was stretched and make the plantar fasciitis become worse.
The shoes without heels or too flat is also a problem. Because one of the function of the heels is absorb the force, cause by the weight of our body. So wearing a pair of shoes without heels could harm our plantar fascia also.
Choose a pair of shoes with the high of its heels is at least one inch. And the material of the heels is rubber, because this is the best absorbing material. It will help to protect your feet. Or you could ask the seller for more advices.
Check the flexibility of the shoes carefully, and choose a pair of shoes that you can bend it easily. It is very important, because a flexible shoes will make your feet feel comfortable and will not cause pressure on your feet.
Finally, please remember that a good pair of shoes is very important to the treatment process of plantar fasciitis. Because you will wear it all day long, and with a suitable pair of shoes,
You may reduce the pain of plantar fasciitis significantly, or even do not feet it. A good pair of shoes will protect your plantar fascia well, to avoid the upcoming injury, and it will help the treatment process a lot.
Some good dress shoes for plantar fasciitis
As we mention above, choosing a good pair of shoes is very important for plantar fasciitis people. It may take a long time to search the information of the shoes, and compare a lot of shoes with each other. So in this article, we will help to make your life become easier by giving you the introductions about the shoes of some good brands that we have experienced.
Some tips for people who have plantar fasciitis
With people who have plantar fasciitis, the pain is familiar with them. But there are some methods to make your life become easier. Try them to reduce the pain you have to suffer and to support your treatment process.
Ice will help to reduce inflammation and pain. Use an ice bag and put it on your feet 5-10 minutes per time, do it 4 times a day.
Massage your feet after waking up with a cold golf ball. As mentioned, after waking up may be the worst time of day because of the pain you have to suffer. Put a golf ball in your freezer before you go to sleep, and then take it out after you wake up. Sit on your bed, and put the golf ball on the floor, then put your feet on it. Gently press your feet down, and then slowly move your feet, so that the cold golf ball can massage your plantar fascia. And its chill will help to reduce your pain rapidly.
Plantar fasciitis can be cured by using inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen as the direction of your doctor, and restrict moving or standing several days. You should use a splint to fix your foot at night, and a spacer to cover your foot when moving also.
Practice exercise to stretch the muscles of the fascia, hamstring and calf to strengthen them, it will help to improve your treatment process and prevent the future injury.
Inject steroid is one solution to reduce the pain if the other methods cannot help. But please remember do not to abuse it, because it could harm your plantar fascia.
Do not practice hard bearing exercises like weightlifter through your treatment process, try some light activities like swimming instead.
Use a foam ring, you can find it in a drug store, to reduce the shock on your feet, then protect it and decrease your pain.
Visit a physiotherapist, and ask him for advice. He may help you by taping your foot or guide you some massage methods to reduce your pain and improve your treatment.
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by another natural reasons, like the natural construct of the foot bone of each people. Too flat or too curve are also cause much more vibration, and affect badly on the plantar fascia.
Other reason is the ages, when we get older, the endurance of our body will be decreased significantly. Then our plantar fascia will become weaker and easily to be harmed. So do not worry if someday, you find out that you got plantar fasciitis. Just visit your doctor as soon as possible, follow his instructions, and comply with an appropriate activities schedule, then everything will be alright.
The Benefits of Wearing the Right Shoes
Now that you’ve had a chance to take a peek at some of the best dress shoes available for those that suffer from plantar fasciitis, it’s time to talk about why wearing the right shoes when you have this painful condition is beneficial.
Support for Your Feet
When you don’t provide the proper support to your feet, then you could end up making your condition even worse. Over time, continuously causing strain to your feet can actually cause limitations to your mobility, which is certainly something that you want to avoid. While most people believe that orthopedic shoes simply support the arches in the foot, they actually help in other ways, as well. Orthopedic shoes should cushion the entire foot, which could allow you to minimize the pain you feel, as well as, keep the problems you suffer from at bay.
Less Pain
One of the main reasons why people with plantar fasciitis suffer is because they don’t have enough room in the toe box portion of the shoe. If your toes are squeezed together, then they won’t be able to stretch out, causing them to become cramped and painful. Finding a pair of shoes that provide plenty of room in the toe box is one of the most important things you could do for yourself when you suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Better Mobility
The greatest benefit of wearing the proper shoes when you have plantar fasciitis is being able to have better mobility. Plantar fasciitis is extremely painful, causing people to not want to go anywhere or do anything. When you have the right footwear, you can feel confident knowing that you can walk around all day without suffering for hours or days on end afterward. While having the right shoes isn’t a cure-all for plantar fasciitis, it certainly helps more than you could ever imagine.
How to Use Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
While most people believe that orthopedic shoes for plantar fasciitis only come in ugly, bulky styles, we’re happy to say that that’s simply not true. As long as you follow these guidelines,
You should have no problem finding a dress shoe that suits you well, and won’t cause your plantar fasciitis to have a flare-up. Finding a pair of dress shoes that have almost all of these characteristics will ensure that you’ll be able to go to work or on a date pain-free for the duration of the activity.
– Look for a shoe that has appropriate support of the arch
– Find a shoe that has a broad heel base capable of absorbing shock
– Lighter designs benefit those that have plantar fasciitis, so avoid shoes that are too heavy
– Removable insoles are a great added benefit to those looking for dress shoes
– Look for a pair that have back straps or support
– A deep heel cup is important
– We can’t stress this enough, wide toe boxes are key!
– Contoured and cushioned footbeds
– Heels shouldn’t be more than two or three inches tall
As long as you follow these simple guidelines, a nice pair of dress shoes could put an end to, or at least ease some of the pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Dress Shoes After Use
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, then you certainly understand the importance of finding a pair of shoes that you can rely on. Finding a supportive pair of shoes that don’t cause you pain is key, which is why it’s important to keep them looking nice. If you’re unsure of how to properly clean your dress shoes after you use them, then check out this helpful step-by-step guide on how to do so.
Cleaning and Polishing Leather Shoes
1. Brush or Wipe Away Surface Dirt.
Using a horsehair brush, which can be found in most shoe cleaning kits, or another type of soft-bristled brush, clean the surface debris off of the shoe. The more often you can take this step, the easier it will be to clean them thoroughly, and your shoes will last longer, as well. You can also use an old shirt or clean rag to achieve the same results.
2. Remove the Laces from Your Shoes
The laces are just going to get in the way, so make sure that you remove them before continuing on with the next step.
3. Get the Stubborn Dirt
Slightly moisten a clean clothe and using leather shoe cleaner or saddle soap, rub the stubborn spots on the shoe. Make sure to rub firmly, but not aggressively. If there seems to be caked-on clumps of old polish, you can try adding a little bit of nail polish remover to the mix.
4. Nourish the Leather Once they Dry
After allowing the shoes to dry fully, apply your chosen product to make the leather softer. You can use saddle soap, leather conditioner, or even an oil renovator. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle before putting it onto your shoes. And always remember, a little bit goes a long way.
5. Polish the Shoes
Using either a wax or cream polish, it’s time to polish your freshly cleaned shoes. Apply a small amount of the polish to a brush or cloth, and work it into the shoe using a circular motion. Once again, a small amount goes a long way. Once you’re done applying the polish, buff the shoes with a different clean cloth in a circular motion.
What’s the Difference Between Dress Shoes and Casual Shoes?
As you can probably assume, wearing a nice dress shoe to the office certainly isn’t exactly the same thing as wearing a casual shoe to the movie theatre. While it may seem pretty cut and dry, there are definitely a few distinguishable characteristics between the two if you’ve never had to buy a pair of your own before.
Dress Shoes
As the name suggests, dress shoes are typically worn for an occasion that would require “dressing up.” Whether you are required to dress up for work, or you’re planning a romantic evening out with your partner, dress shoes would accompany the outfit that you choose to wear. Men’s dress shoes are typically characterized by brown or black leather, and while most of them are usually made entirely of leather, some dress shoes consist of a rubber sole. Women’s dress shoes, on the other hand, can come in a variety of different colors, styles, and materials. All in all, if you would wear them to an event, on a date, or in the office, then they’re most likely dress shoes.
Casual Shoes
Casual shoes are used for, you guessed it, casual things. Whether you’re heading to the ball field to watch your son play baseball, or you’re doing groceries with your wife, or you’re in the midst of a family vacation, there’s a good chance that you’re going to be wearing casual shoes. Boat shoes, sneakers, moccasins, loafers, and some types of boots are all considered casual shoes.
As you can clearly see, there isn’t too much that goes into finding out the difference between a casual shoe and a dress shoe. If all else fails and you’re still not sure, if you wouldn’t wear them to a funeral, they’re most likely not a dress shoe.
FAQ
Q: Is a Dress Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis Better?
Ans: This question kind of has a pretty broad, yet simple, answer. When it comes to wearing the right shoes when you have plantar fasciitis, you have to take your own needs into consideration.
Whatever shoe you buy, whether it’s a casual shoe or a dress shoe, you want to make sure that you’re comfortable with it in every way.
You want it to fit right, provide support, and you want it to look nice, as well. With that being said, if you’re more comfortable in a dress shoe, then a dress shoe is better for you.
Q: Why Are Dress Shoes So Expensive?
Ans: Obviously, like anything else in this world, the cost of dress shoes is dependent on the quality of the material. If you have an excellent pair of genuine leather shoes that provides incredible support, then you’re probably going to spend a little more money than a pair of shoes that rips after a few uses.
Q: What are the Most Comfortable Dress Shoes?
Ans: While there are certainly plenty of options to choose from, the truth needs to be told. It goes without saying that Rockport knows what they’re doing when it comes to making comfortable shoes, and the proof is in the pudding when it comes to their Oxfords. If you’re looking for a quality pair of dress shoes and you suffer from plantar fasciitis, then we would definitely recommend looking into whar Rockford has to offer.
Q: How Can I Get Rid of Plantar Fasciitis Fast?
Ans: Even though there are things you can do to ease the pain, there isn’t too much of a cure if you suffer from chronic plantar fasciitis, but there are things you can do to eliminate the flare-up.
1. Rest and stretch
2. Wear proper footwear
3. Ice your feet
4. Wear a splint
Q: What are the best Dress Shoes for Walking?
Ans: As we said before, Rockport can definitely get the job done when it comes to comfortable dress shoes. Luckily, the same can be said for their dress shoes meant for walking.
If you’re looking for a pair of dress shoes that you can use while walking around the office all day, or for a night out on the town with your lady, then you should check out Rockford’s wide collection of dress shoes.
Conclusion
Through this article, we can see that plantar fasciitis is an uncomfortable pathology. It causes pain in your feet and affect seriously on your working life, especially with people whose job need to stand for a long time, or need to bear heavy weight.
A suitable shoes is very important with people who have plantar fasciitis, and in this article, we have already suggested 6 models of shoes, these are the best dress shoes for plantar fasciitis. Choose one and let them help your life become more comfortable.