If you listen to advice from any podiatrist, they will tell you to never walk barefoot around the house. The reason is vey simple. When we are barefoot, we put our feet at risk from so many different dangers that are naturally present around the house. Sharp objects may be on the ground and can puncture our skin, furniture can stub our toes, and hot or cold surfaces can impact the soles of our feet. Therefore, slippers are highly recommended and can offer us a lot of protection. But slippers can do a lot more and that is comforting and offering pain relief from common foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Those of us who have plantar fasciitis are familiar with the pain and inflammation it causes in the plantar fascia, a thick ligament on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone with the base of the toes. Since the ligament is involved in every step you take, if you suffer from this condition, you will want relief even when you are not performing any outdoor activity and just relaxing around the house.
This is where plantar fasciitis slippers come into play. But what are plantar fasciitis slippers, what features do they have and where can I get them? In this blog we will outline all of this and recommend the best slippers for plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis slippers are orthopedic shoes that are designed with many unique features that provide relief from plantar fasciitis pain and comfort our feet when we are inside the house. Wearing plantar fasciitis slippers will ensure we have continued support for our feet during all waking hours.
The basics in wearing plantar fasciitis slippers might seem a bit obvious, but so many people fail to follow these guidelines.
• Always wear slippers that are new and do not have signs of wear and tear.
• Plantar fasciitis slippers need to fit correctly. Most often people wear slippers that are too short or too tight which can affect the big toe joint function which damages the fascia, as can over pronation.
THE BEST HOUSE SLIPPERS FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS ARE DESIGNED WITH THE FOLLOWING FEATURES:
• Orthotic support: bedroom slippers for plantar fasciitis must have some form of arch support built in them. The footbed of the slipper should be an orthotic or orthopedic insole with a defined arch to hug the arches and provide support at the correct location under the foot. This will prevent excessive pronation (the motion of the foot and ankle rolling inwards) and alleviate strain on the plantar fascia.
Since heel pain is usually present with plantar fasciitis, a deep heel cup will cradle the heel, reduce impacts and provide cushioning.
• Cushioning footbed: if the included orthotic insoles is a good one, it will be constructed from several layers of various materials that are able to disperse shock forces from heel to toe. Foams, carbons and gels are mostly used and have properties that support and cushion the foot from the constant pounding our feet are subjected to with every step we take. Foam that conforms to your specific foot shape over time is even better as it offers customized comfort and a perfect fit.
• Extra depth: slippers designed with extra depth throughout the shoe provide ample room for the foot and create a pressure free and comfortable environment for the foot. This also allows one to fit a custom orthotic to treat other specific foot problems if required.
• Wide and round toe box: slippers for foot pain of any sort should always have a forefoot that is round in shape and wide so that the toes are not being squeezed. This ensures the toes are properly aligned and “sit” comfortably without overlapping other digits which can lead to hammertoes and bunions.
• Ergonomic sole: helps to limit ankle and midfoot motion and reduce the force on the heel at heel strike. An ergonomic sole makes walking easier, allowing our feet to exert less pressure when we walk. So even when we are home and not involved in much physical activity, we want our feet to work as little as possible.
• Durable outsole: although the purpose of slippers is support and protection inside the house, they still need to be designed with a durable outsole for a variety of everyday surfaces. After all, how many times have we forgotten to take off our slippers when we left the house?
• Upper material: what material are the slippers made of? Most of us want comfort around the house which people tend to equate with stretchable and flexible materials. While that is correct, we want to make sure there is also some structure to provide motion control and protect the foot. Stretch fabric and soft leathers are best in conforming to the foot, will support the feet and be the most scuff proof.
There are additional factors to consider when deciding what slippers are best for plantar fasciitis.
Do they have an open design in the front and back? Slippers with an open forefoot are definitely more breathable and can be great for summer, but they will not offer the same protection to the toes as a closed toe slipper. An open back is great for easy foot insertion but will provide less support to the heel area or prevent heel slippage.
What type of lining do they have? When we think of slippers we think of cozy feet. Slippers with warm linings such as wool and fur (can be synthetic too) will help retain heat which is appropriate for the cold months but can be uncomfortable in hot temperatures. Slippers with moisture wicking properties in their footbed linings are ideal as they keep the feet cool and dry and prevent the buildup of odor and bacteria.
OUR BEST SLIPPERS FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS FOR 2021
1. Women’s Louise Stretchable Slippers
If you have additional problems with your feet such as bunions or hammer toes, this is the slipper for you. The fabric uppers are infused with elastic stretch materials that expand and conform to the shape of your foot no matter its size and shape. This minimizes pressure being placed on any protruding bones and toes, creating a comfortable fit.
The Louise slippers incorporate an orthotic insole that will ensure the best pain relief for your plantar fasciitis discomfort. Designed with an anatomical arch, they support the arch, prevent excessive pronation, and align your body from the ground up. The cupped heel will cushion the source of pain and provide comfort with every heel strike.
The well thought out design includes a wide and round toe box that gives your toes all the room they need to move about, and extra depth for a relaxed fit that also accommodates custom inserts if needed.
For sensitive feet, those with diabetes and neuropathy, they are ideal as they are constructed with a seam free interior – no protruding stitching and overlays – that may irritate the feet and cause blisters and ulcers.
The airy mesh uppers will keep your feet feeling cool and dry throughout the summer and the slip-on design makes taking them on and off a breeze!
Shop Women’s Louise Stretchable Slippers.
The Louise slipper is also available in a mens version. Shop Men’s Hudson Stretchable Slipper.
2. Charlotte Slippers
Slip into comfort and relieve your morning plantar fasciitis pain the minute you wake up with the Charlotte slippers.
The plush linings will keep your feet cozy and warm, especially when the temperatures start to dip. Even the orthotic insole is lined!
These innovative slippers have a true orthotic insole in them to support the fascia and ensure it doesn’t over pull the heel bone insertion. It will prevent overpronation and unlock a dysfunctional big toe joint which can worsen plantar fasciitis.
The Ortho-Cushion System utilizes state-of-the-art materials and a unique sole design with shock absorbing properties that protect the heel for all day relief. The ergonomic sole design prevents the weight transfer to the forefoot and helps you walk more effortlessly.
Charlotte slippers are by far the easiest slippers to put on! A wide monk strap across the instep completely opens up and allows you to step into the shoe. You can also adjust the fit, creating a secure one for your specific foot type. Although a slip-on style, they are designed with a back lip at the heel to offer added protection.
Made with soft and durable suede uppers and decorative stitching, the Charlotte slippers will be your go to slipper for plantar fasciitis around the house!
Charlotte is available in two classic staple colors, black and camel.
Shop Charlotte Slippers now.
Looking for the men’s style of the Charlotte slipper? Shop Men’s Asheville Slippers.
3. Capri Moccasins
The Capri Moccasins are the perfect cross between a shoe and slipper for the upcoming winter months. The luxurious faux fur lining throughout the slippers as well as on the footbed top cover and shoe tongue will spoil your feet, they won’t want anything else!
The enclosed shoe design envelopes your foot from all sides and offers 100% protection. Whats more, they are made with a durable rubber outsole that is used in non-slipper shoes allowing you to wear them with confidence outside the house. Take it from us – you’ll forget they’re on your feet.
How do they help with plantar fasciitis? The premier orthotic insole that is nestled in this slipper hugs your arches and reduces the arch drop that lengthens the foot which stretches the fascia causing pain and discomfort. The thick and trampoline like pad under the heel fat pad provides protective cushioning for the heel bone and arch.
The Capri is engineered with a wide last, extra depth and wide forefoot which creates a pressure free space for the foot and toes, even with problematic foot conditions. If you require specially made custom insoles, simply remove the included orthotic and replace it with your own.
Elegantly designed with a brushed suede upper and lace up vamp that allows you to tighten the grip for a custom fit, they pair with any outfit to give you a casual yet polished look.
Shop Capri Moccasins now.
The Capri Moccasin style is also available for men. Shop Men Tuscany Slippers.
Slippers are a fantastic invention. They are comfortable, cozy and protect our feet around the house. If you have plantar fasciitis and experience much pain from the condition, most probably you have invested in a pair of plantar fasciitis shoes. You will want to experience the same pain relief in the home too. The best slippers for plantar fasciitis such as the ones listed above will do all that without compromising the health of your feet.