Are you suffering from heel pain? It might be because of the shoes that you’re wearing. Yes, the shoes!
The type of shoes that you wear has a significant impact on your feet’ health. Therefore, you need to make sure to choose the right kind of shoes.
The shoes will make you feel comfortable walking, and exercising on a daily basis.
So, what are those shoes and where can you buy them? What are their features? After reading this article, you’ll learn.
If you are suffering from various pain on foot, check our article on: Orthopedist Recommended Best Shoes For Foot Pain Relief
What Does Heel Pain Mean?
Heel pain is when you feel a pain in the center of the heel bone, which is located in your foot. This type of pain can make you limp or cause you to fall. Though this type of heel pain is more common in women. It can be encountered in both genders.
The heel is where your ankle, foot, and calf bones come together. To get an accurate diagnosis, visit your doctor. It is also important to note that heel pain is an injury. It is not something that can be ignored.
In some cases, a doctor will refer you to physical therapy or crutches to avoid the pain.
How Heel Pain Develops Gradually?
Heel pain may develop gradually because of the type of shoes that you wear.
When you wear ill-filling and non-supportive shoes, it causes plantar fasciitis and heel spurs. Wearing high heels and pointy-toed fashion shoes can also develop such pain.
Wearing high heels makes your legs look beautiful but it increases pressure on the toes and disturbs your balance. Therefore, it causes heel pain and uneven gait and encourages heel spurs.
Any type of shoes that aren’t flat can lead to heel pain. It is because the heel is the part that holds the foot in place. The higher the heel the more the pressure is on the toes and it is said to make them less flexible and weak.
Causes of Heel Pain
The are several causes of heel pain, the most common of which are the following:
- Plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the body doesn’t properly align the big toe (also known as the hallux) and causes it to bend (or overpronate).
- Sprains and strains.
- Achilles tendonitis, which occurs in an Achilles tendon and causes pain, limp, swelling, or stiffness in the heel.
- Other causes of heel pain include obesity, running and jumping on hard surfaces, pregnancy, certain bone conditions, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
Who is More Likely to Suffer from Heel Pain?
You are more likely to suffer from heel pain if you are overweight or obese. People who are overweight tend to have a bigger build, which can place more stress on the heel.
Moreover, they tend to move around more which often leads to more stress on the back. It is therefore not surprising that heel pain often affects people who are overweight and obese. You are also more prone to developing heel pain if you are on your feet for long hours or wearing uncomfortable shoes.
More commonly, people who wear heels also tend to have a long history of osteoarthritis, which can further contribute to heel pain.
Different Types of Shoes That You Need
If you have heel spurs, then you need to wear different types of shoes for various activities such as walking, running, playing sports, working, etc. These specific shoes have various features which makes them suitable for these purposes.
For walking
For walking, you need to wear shoes that are soft and provide support to the arch, heel, and forefoot. Avoid shoes that include leather, low heels, and flat soles with heels in them.
For work and standing all day
If your work requires you to stand for long stretches of time every day, then it’s time for you to buy yourself some comfortable shoes that would protect you from developing heel spurs.
- So, if you’re a woman, then wear leather shoes that have a padded instep collar for comfort.
- Men should wear lightweight shoes that are balanced, soft cushioning which provides softness underfoot without any loss of durability.
For tennis
If you’re a male tennis player, then the best overall shoes for you would be the one that has a Seamless Primeknit sock-like constructed upper; this provides great flexibility and support.
For female tennis players, the best shoes for them are the ones that provide support and breathability to the feet. The shoes should have a soft foam which is ideal for changes in direction.
For Nursing
Nurses need to wear shoes that provide great support, comfort and have shock-absorbing features as well.
For Basketball
Basketball players need to wear shoes that have a responsive cushion and a minimal feel which makes them a great fit for any position.
The player should feel comfortable while running and changing direction. The upper portion of the shoe should be designed in such a way that it provides maximum flexibility.
During pregnancy
During pregnancy, you would need to wear shoes that are comfortable and breathable and they should have great arch support.
If you would want to wear heels, they must be lightweight, low, and skid-free for you to save yourself from developing heel spurs. The shoes should give you added support and comfort during pregnancy.
For Trainer
If you’re a trainer then the best shoes for you are the ones that will let you squat, jump, or run with ease and comfort. These shoes should have thick foam cushioning with a unique outsole shape that braces your foot for impact along with supporting the sideways movement. Moreover, it must have a light and breathable soft mesh.
Running
The ideal shoes for running need to pass various tests for sweat, cushioning, durability, and height and weight. The particular kind should pass the aforementioned tests and is an ideal fit for runners to protect them against developing heel spurs.
The shoes should be light and have low-slung, snug, and have a slim carbon-fiber plate that gives you a springy, snappy ground contact while you’re running.
How to Choose the Best One?
The following points should be considered while choosing the best shoes for heel pain:
1. Is it effective in relieving heel pain? How to know?
You need to ensure that you wear the type of shoes that helps ease your heel pain. That particular kind of shoe will distribute your weight across the foot and align your feet to the natural position.
2. Which one is the best? Sneakers, slippers, flip flop, or boots?
Comfortable slippers, made from foam, which absorb the shock of the impact are the best. If you are wearing sneakers, they should be designed as such to keep your heel stable and in place. The boots should have a comfort system with a removable insole.
3. What brands to choose from?
Nike is the best brand, famous for making various types of shoes that are the ideal footwear for people suffering from various kinds of heel injuries. The second best is Asics, the third is Hokas, and the fourth is Kuru.
4. What to wear during severe foot disease?
If your foot disease is severe then is best for you to order custom-made shoes from a particular brand, based on the advice of your physician.
Best Shoes For Heel Pain Reviews
For Men
For Walking: Orthofeet Proven Heel and Foot Pain Relief Shoes
Orthofeet, Inc. is globally known for the construction of quality shoes with fantastic features over the years. This pair of shoes from Orthofeet has amazing features that will help relieve heel pain on your feet while wearing them while walking.
Features and benefits
• Heel cushioning: It will increase comfort and ease your foot and heel pain while walking.
• Roomy toe box: it will allow your toes to move naturally as you walk.
• Anatomical arch support: It will help control overpronation and improve the alignment between your leg and foot hence alleviating heel pain.
• It only weighs 4 pounds: you will walk with the shoes without feeling any weight on your legs since it is lightweight hence easing the pain on your heels.
Orthofeet Proven Heel and Foot Pain Relief are breathable, adjustable, and with non-binding uppers. With this pair of shoes in your possession, you will be able to walk comfortably without having any pains on your heels. In pain, the shoes are equipped with features that will increase comfort and reduce pain on your heels while walking.
For Running: New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker
New Balance is one of the renowned brands for the construction of shoes for running. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneaker is constructed with your feet and heal comfort in mind thanks to its great features.
Features and benefits
• Ultra-heel design: this feature will help in hugging the back of your foot for a supportive fit as you jog.
• Fresh foam midsole cushioning: it will help keep the shoe light and close to the ground while running.
• Endurance rubber outsole technology: you will be able to use the shoes on any surface without worrying about slipping and hurting your foot and heel.
• It only weighs 13.4 ounces: you will be able to run for long durations without your foot and leg getting fatigued.
• Adjustable lacing system: you will easily adjust the laces of the shoes while running to suit your comfort and increase blood flow to your feet while alleviating pressure and pain on your heel while running.
The shoes’ unique features will offer your comfort and soothe the pain in your heels as you run during any time of the day.
For Work: Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Men’s G-Defy Mighty Walk Shoes
While working, you may have to walk on various surfaces. For you to work or walk on various surfaces comfortably, you will need to have shoes that will offer your feet and heels maximum comfort. Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Men’s G-Defy Mighty is constructed with remarkable features that will ensure you have a comfortable working experience.
Features and benefits
• VersoShock Technology: this technology will help relieve pains on your heels by absorbing shock from the ground while working.
• Front rocker sole: it is supported with midfoot hence it will help prevent and relieve any pain on your heels while working.
• Extra-depth and roomy toe box: it will allow your toes to move naturally while working and allow blood to circulate freely between your toes and heels.
• Breathable mesh: it will allow proper air circulation on your feet while working.
Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Men’s G-Defy Mighty are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. With these shoes on while working, you will have an enjoyable and comfortable working experience without any pain on your feet and heels.
For Athletic Trainers: Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer
Reebok is among the leading brands globally when it comes to the construction of shoes for athletic trainers. This pair of shoes is equipped with unique and essential features that will ensure your maximum stability and comfort during training.
Features and benefits
• Raised heels: it will reduce pressure impact on your heels while training. It will help in shock absorption and providing arch and heel bone support.
• Full-length rubber sole: the sole features a tread pattern that will help keep your feet grounded while training.
• TPU heel cup: it will help provide better support to your heels while training.
• Cushioning: the insole of the shoe has thin foam, which makes the footbed comfortable, and it will also prevent your feet from sliding during the training session.
Reebok Men’s Legacylifter Cross Trainer is constructed with essential and unique features that will offer stability, support, and comfort to your heels while training.
For Nursing: Skechers Men’s Cessnock Food Service Shoe
Skechers Men’s Cessnock Food Service Shoe is a versatile and flexible shoe for heel pain. Its construction’s remarkable features will ensure an easy, swift, and comfortable nursing experience.
Features and benefits
• Memory foam insole: The insole’s foam padding will help alleviate pain on your heel wheel nursing.
• Breathable mesh: it will help allow airflow to your feet hence keeping your feet comfortable since it will not suffocate while nursing for a long duration.
• Relax fit: your feet will experience blood circulation, making your foot comfortable, and the strains on the heels will be reduced. With bungee lacing, you can easily adjust the lacing to suit your feet comfortably and to allow proper blood flow to your heels.
• Rubber sole: the sole is slip-resistant; therefore, you will not have to strain your heel and feet while walking or working on slippery or oily surfaces.
Skechers Men’s Cessnock Food Service Shoe is non-slip, breathable, and adjustable. This will reduce the strains on your foot and heels that may be brought by nursing-related activities hence leaving you feeling comfortable for long without any worries about heel pain.
With Arch Support: BRONAX Men’s Stylish Graffiti Personality Sneakers
The arch is a sensitive part of your feet. Any shoe without proper arch support will lead to heel pain and affect your walking style and posture in the process. BRONAX Men’s Stylish Graffiti Personality Sneakers is one of the best shoes with arch support that will reduce pressure and strains on your heel.
Features and benefits
• Durable rubber outsole: the outsole is slip-resistant and has tractions that will reduce any resistance and enhance stability while working or walking on various surfaces to minimize accidents and injuries to your arch that may result in heel pain.
• High-quality midsole cushioning: it will help absorb and reduce impacts on your heels while walking.
• Roomy and a relaxed fit: it will reduce resistance to the footbed’s overpronation while wearing the shoes as you work or walking anytime.
• Lacing design: you can adjust the lacing design to allow your foot muscles to relax and allow blood flow to your heels, hence alleviating your heels’ pain.
BRONAX Men’s Stylish Graffiti Personality Sneakers are not only stylish, but they are slip-resistant, lightweight, and roomy. With these shoes, you will be able to enjoy working, sitting, or walking without having any pain on your heels.
Powerstep Fusion Men’s Sandals Flip-Flop
The men’s sandals are not only affordable and easy to wear but are also possess unique and fantastic features that will ensure your heel maximum comfort while you are wearing them during any activity at any time of the day.
Features and benefits
• Contoured footbed: it has a built-in arch and heel cup that will offer you support and stability while wearing the sandals.
• Cushioned midsole: The midsole cushioning will help in absorbing shocks and impact that may result in the muscles of your foot fatigue. Due to muscle fatigue, you may have heel pain.
• Non-slip grip sole: the non-slip tread will ensure better traction when using the sandals on wet or slippery surfaces. The chances of injuring your feet and heel will be reduced.
• It only weighs 5.4 ounces: you will be able to walk or work wearing the sandals for extended durations without the muscles on your feet and heels getting fatigued.
Powerstep Fusion Men’s Sandals Flip-Flop are lightweight, cushioned, and feature a non-slip outsole. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, this is one of the best sandals that you can use to walk or work without having to worry about heel pain.
Vionic Unisex Wave Toe-Post Sandal
Vionic Unisex Wave Toe-Post Sandal – Flip-Flop is designed with your feet’ maximum safety and comfort in mind. The sandal has outstanding features that will offer you an enjoyable and comfortable experience.
Features and benefits
• EVA Footbed: the biomechanical orthotic footbed is curved at the heel to offer you better positional fit and three-zone support.
• Textured bumps: the pattern will provide grip and stability to your feet, hence reducing your heels while wearing the sandals during various activities.
• Rubber outsoles: the wave-pattern texture will offer you firm traction while walking on any surface without having to strain the muscles on your legs and feet that will bring pain to the heels.
• Tri-planar motion control: it will ensure proper alignment of your foot while standing or walking.
With Vionic Unisex Wave Toe-Post Sandal – Flip-Flop, you will have maximum comfort without feeling any weight on your feet and heels. The sandals’ great features will help alleviate and reduce pressure on your heels, thus making them the best for heel pain.
Under Armour Men’s Ignite Iii T Flip-Flop
Under Armour Men’s Ignite Iii T Flip-Flop is designed with unique and compelling features that will help your foot and heel comfort while standing or walking for long durations.
Features and benefits
• Cushioned footbed: the 4D foam will reduce muscle fatigue of your feet and legs hence alleviating heel pain.
• Anatomical contours: it will help control over-pronation, improve the alignment of your feet and leg while alleviating the pains on your heels.
• Synthetic strap: the soft foam underneath and the strap will offer comfort to your feet while reducing strain on your heels.
• Rubber soles: the outsole has durable traction that will offer you stability while walking on various surfaces.
Under Armour Men’s Ignite Iii T Flip-Flop are available in various colors that you can choose from to suit your preference. The sandals are comfortable and have great features that help prevent and alleviate heel pain.
For Women
For Running: ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 6 Running Shoes
ASICS is among the brands that are renowned worldwide for the construction of the best shoes for heel pain that are suitable for running. Here are the features that make ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 6 Running Shoes great.
Features and benefits
• AmpliFoam midsole: it will offer flexibility and comfort to your feet while running. Maximum comfort to your feet leads to a comfortable heel.
• Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning system: it will help smooth transition while running and attenuating shock impacts on your heels.
• Mesh upper: this will offer your feet maximum breathability and dryness for better airflow to your heels while running.
• Lacing system: you can easily adjust the lacing system to reduce muscle strains and increase blood flow, thus alleviating strain and pains on your heels while running.
ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 6 Running Shoes are lightweight, comfortable, and breathable. These are among the features that make the shoes the best for running when you have heel pain.
For Work: Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk Shoes
Maximum comfort is all you need to be productive at work. Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk – Shoes is equipped with features that will make your work easier without feeling any pain on your heels even when working for long durations.
Features and benefits
• Front rocker sole: it is supported with midfoot hence it will help prevent and relieve any pain on your heels while working.
• Roomy toe box: it will allow your toes to move naturally while working and allow blood to circulate freely between your toes and heels.
• VersoShock Technology: this technology will help relieve pains on your heels by absorbing shock from the ground while working.
• Breathable mesh: it will allow proper air circulation on your feet while working.
Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy is lightweight, stylish, comfortable, and stable.
For Athletic Trainers: New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize Sport V1 Sneaker
New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize Sport V1 Sneaker construction features make it the best shoes for heel pain if you are an athletic trainer.
Features and benefits
• Multi-layer cushioning: it will help contour your heel while training, hence reducing hell pain.
• It only weighs 6.4 ounces: the shoes are lightweight, and therefore you will be able to train for long durations without having strains on your heel, legs, and foot.
• Raised heels: it will reduce pressure impact on your heels while training. It will help in shock absorption and providing arch and heel bone support.
• Mesh materials: your feet will be dry and comfortable since the moisture that may lead to the heels’ injury and pains will be wicked away.
Being lightweight, comfortable, and stable is among the features that New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize Sport V1 Sneaker has that makes it the best for a trainer with heel pain.
For Nursing: Women’s Comfortable Working Nurse Shoes
Nursing involves standing, walking, and working for long durations. Women’s Comfortable Working Nurse Shoes is designed with remarkable features that will make your easy and hassle-free.
Features and benefits
• Air CUSION heel: this will help increase the shock absorption and protect your feet from an injury that may result in heel pain.
• Wide toe box: your toes will be able to move naturally, and the blood flow will increase between your toes and heels hence making you comfortable while standing for a long time.
• Non-slip sole: the diamond rubber sole is non-slip. This will ensure your stability when walking or working on slippery surfaces.
• Ergonomic design: you will be able to easily adjust the closure system of the shoes to suit your comfort and to allow blood flow to your feet, heels, and toes.
Women’s Comfortable Working Nurse Shoes are available in various colors to choose from to match your outfit. The shoes are stylish, comfortable, lightweight, and non-slip, making them ideal for long hours without heel pain.
With Arch Support: Saucony Women’s VERSAFOAM Cohesion 12 Road Running Shoe
Saucony Women’s VERSAFOAM Cohesion 12 Road Running Shoe is an incredible shoe with several features that will reduce the pain on your heels.
Features and benefits
• VersaFoam cushioning: this will help contour your feet while doing various activities and alleviating your heels’ pain. It will also help reduce muscle fatigue on your feet and legs that will lead to heel pain while walking.
• Rubber outsole: The outsole’s non-slip design will ensure your stability while working or walking on various surfaces. This will reduce the chances of slipping and injuring your feet and bringing pain to your heels.
• It weighs 1.32 pounds: you will be able to use the shoes for long durations without your feet and leg muscles getting fatigued hence having no strains on your heels.
Saucony Women’s VERSAFOAM Cohesion 12 Road Running Shoe lightweight, breathable, stylish, and comfortable. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5, these shoes are the best for heel pain, thanks to the outstanding features it is equipped with.
SOLLBEAM Fuzzy House Slippers
To avoid any strains on your heels while doing various activities, you will need sandals with magnificent features. SOLLBEAM Fuzzy House Slippers is equipped with the necessities to prevent and alleviate heel pain.
Features and benefits
• Deep heel cup: it will help keep your heel padded and absorb shock and impacts while using the sandals.
• 3 CM heel: it will help minimize and absorb any harmful shock from the ground up while wearing them while walking or doing various activities.
• Contoured footbeds: this will help distribute your body weight evenly across your foot hence reducing the strain on your heels.
SOLLBEAM Fuzzy House Slippers’ remarkable and essential features make it one of the best gear for heel pain. The features will ensure the weight and strain are evenly distributed across your feet while doing various activities, alleviating the pain on your heels.
LLSOARSS Plantar Fasciitis Feet Sandal
LLSOARRS is renowned for constructing premium quality sandals with amazing features. The amazing features in LLSOARSS Plantar Fasciitis Feet Sandal make it the best for heel pain.
Features and benefits
• Heel cup: it will help cradle your feet while ensuring your feet stay in one place and for shock absorption purposes. It will also help in reducing pronation and supination. While reducing the pressure on your arch will alleviate heel pain.
• Generous toe box: your toe will spread naturally while wearing the sandals. This will lead to reduced muscle strains between your toes and heels.
• Raised heel: It will help shock absorption and provide arch and heel bone support.
LLSOARSS Plantar Fasciitis Feet Sandal is a must-have sandal if you have heel pain. With amazing features such as raised heels, lightweight and comfortable, this is the best shoe for heel pain you can never miss.
Crocs Women’s Reviva Flip Flop
Crocs have become one of the best Chappals in the modern-day for heel pain. They are constructed with comfort and stability in mind.
Features and benefits
• Reviva footbeds: this feature will help improve the alignment of your legs and foot hence alleviating heel pain by reducing the muscle strains.
• Raised heel: It will help in shock absorption and providing arch and heel bone support.
• Croslite foam: this will help in shock absorption and reducing impacts to your feet while reducing strains on your feet muscles.
• It weighs 4.4 ounces: you will use the crocs for a long duration without any fatigue to the muscles between your feet and legs hence alleviating heel strains and pains.
Crocs Women’s Reviva Flip Flop has a massage effect that will help in soothing and alleviating strain on your heels, leaving you feeling and walking comfortably.
Specific Heal Pain and Diseases That You May Have
There are different types of heel pain and diseases that you may have and you. You would need to take care of your feet. Right from shoes, socks, heels, sandals to the tight dress, you must take proper care of your feet. Achy feet or heel pain can be due to numerous causes.
1. Calcaneal fracture
A calcaneal fracture is a complete fracture of the medial and lateral aspects of the heel bones of the foot. It occurs in a variety of foot ailments including runner’s heel and plantar fasciitis.
2. Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a tendon injury that occurs in one or both of the tibialis posterior muscles, which attach the foot to the heel, and the infrapatellar tuberosity in the hips, and frequently in the patellar tendon in the knee.
3. Plantar fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is an uncommon injury in the foot. It results from damage to the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that attaches the sole to the heel bone and acts as a shock absorber.
Best Treatment for Heel Spurs
The best treatment for heel spurs includes various kinds of physiotherapy, which involves rolling the heel on a special pad, or a special shoe, or wearing insoles that move the sole of the foot.
But some experts say that should be used only as a temporary measure, and that surgery to remove the spur and loosen the ankle joint is the only way to cure the condition.
Some people have been treated by wearing orthotic shoes while the heel spur is treated. These shoes have inserts that keep the foot from rolling forward excessively.
Accessories You Need to Reduce Heel Spurs
To reduce heel spurs, you need to make use of different accessories and a proper walking style If you are diabetic, you may develop heel spurs or the problem could increase with overactivity in the muscle around your heel bone. However, experts say that with correct walking styles and taking a few tips, it is possible to minimize or cure heel spurs and their pain.
1. Heel cups
You can use padded heel cups to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by heel spurs. The heel cups provide support to the ligaments and tendons surrounding the heel bone. The best heel cups that you can buy for heel pain are Heel That Pain Heel Seats which is ideal for people suffering from heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, and other heel conditions.
2. Heel lifts
Adjustable Orthopedic Heel Lift is the best choice for you if you have heel pain or heel spurs. It has a comfortable insole and is made from high-quality rubber construction that provides superb heel support.
3. Ball of foot cushion
These easy-to-use pads are the best choice for you if you are wearing high heels as they will support your foot. Also, if you have higher arches, and are wearing sneakers and flat shoes then they can provide relief to your foot. The best one is Brison ball of foot cushions which, with its ergonomic design, and soft silicone gel will reduce pressure on the front of your foot.
4. Shoe inserts
If you’re dealing with heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, using specialized insoles in your shoes can help you relieve pain. One of the best picks for you is Physix Gear Sport Full Length Orthotic Inserts with Arch Support. These popular insoles will provide the right amount of support and cushioning to your feet.
Should People with Heel Pain Wear Chappals or Flip Flops?
If you have heel pain then you should avoid wearing chappals and flip flops because they may cause pain to your heels and may lead to heel disorders.
Numerous studies have shown that women who wear flats or chappals experience heel pain when walking longer distances. You may wear flat shoes for a short period of time or even for walking on city roads. However, if you wear chappals all day and walk distances then you may experience heel pain.
Conclusion
Picking the right shoes for heel pain brings great benefits, whether for working or for exercise. If you still have trouble picking the best one, here are the final recommendation:
For men, Orthofeet Proven Heel and Foot Pain Relief Pain can be the best choice if you intend to find a functional one for walking or for running.
For women, ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite Running Shoes offers maximum flexibility and comfort to effectively relieve heel spur.
