Best Shoes For Heel And Ankle Pain

The best shoes for heel and ankle pain are the ones that help you feel confident, even when you’re on your feet all day. They should be comfortable enough to wear without socks in the summer, but sturdy enough to protect you from the cold in winter. We’ve put together a list of our favorite shoes for heel and ankle pain so you can find the right pair for your needs!

Best Shoes For Heel And Ankle Pain

Regardless of your occupation, physical fitness, or body type you could fall victim to heel pain. How can you prevent or reduce heel pain? The answer is simple, by wearing comfortable and supportive shoes. Those who are active on their feet or stand for long periods are at a higher risk for heel pain, especially when wearing unsupportive footwear. Not to mention, physical activity from standing, walking, and running on hard surfaces often contributes to heel pain. Not only does heel pain affect your foot health, but it also contributes to other issues like knee, hip, and back pain.

What is heel pain?

Heel pain is a common foot problem that is often caused by a couple of foot issues and conditions: plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, or Achilles tendonitis. Most commonly, heel pain is usually experienced at the bottom of the heel (plantar fasciitis) or just behind it (Achilles tendinitis), where the Achilles tendon connects to the heel bone. For one thing, heel pain may become so severe for some that just standing up first thing in the morning is unbearable.

What Causes Heel Pain?

There are several factors that can lead to heel pain after wearing the incorrect shoes for certain activities. Some of the most common causes are: Achilles tendinitis is a pain in your heel after your Achilles tendon, which connects the heel bone to your calf muscles, is overused or stretched too far. Common in runners and hikers who recently increased the intensity of their workout. Heel bursitis is another ailment that afflicts people doing workouts that involve hard landings or wearing shoes that distribute your weight unevenly and towards the heel after standing and walking for long hours. It happens when the bursa, a cushion in the back of the bone that is full of fluid, becomes inflamed. A note: heel bursitis is not the same as heel spurs. Heel spurs are growths that develop on the heel. They’re not bone but the accumulation of calcium. Nonetheless, then can cause sharp heel pain, especially in runners after suffering from ligament and muscle strains without recovery. Plantar fasciitis is closely linked to the development of heel spurs and heel spur pain. Plantar fasciitis is the main cause of heel pain in most cases of it. It results from your plantar fascia, the ligament linking your heel to your toes, being inflamed. This leads to plantar fasciitis symptoms such as sharp pain in many areas of the foot, including the heel and the middle of the foot.

Can Heel Pain Be Caused By The Wrong Footwear?

Wearing the wrong footwear is almost always the cause of plantar fasciitis and other foot problems that are the most prevalent in people who work on their feet throughout the day or do high-impact exercises like running or hiking. Any podiatrist or foot and ankle physician will right away ask about your footwear if you come in with heel pain. Although the first to notice they’re wearing the wrong shoe are people with conditions such as flat feet or naturally high arches, sooner or later, anyone caught wearing the wrong footwear will suffer the consequences. A lack of cushioning and support from your shoes when you stand, walk, or run, means your arches and heel will receive the full force of any impact, injuring the structure of your feet. This will lead to plantar fasciitis or other problems. The incorrect footwear can also change your gait, increasing the risk of walking strangely or making you roll your feet inward and outward, causing a variety of other issues. Another big problem is constantly wearing shoes meant for a specific function or sport and not using them correctly. Only use footwear for its purpose, and avoid footwear that’s either too loose or too tight, that pushes toes together, that lacks support (flat and inflexible insoles and midsoles), are not durable, worn out, is poorly insulated, and not breathable. And just avoid old shoes that have seen better days.

How Do Shoes Help Your Heel Pain?

In some cases, physical therapy in explored as an option to treat heel pain. But in most cases, you can solve heel pain and get eventual pain felief simply by correcting the cushioning that your heel gets from the insole of your shoe. It’s even possible to give your foot too much cushioning, making your gait too unstable, for example. Rather than only looking for extra cushioning, you need to look for a shoe that provides stability and comfort to your sole and heel, and many of the brands on this list check these boxes. In some cases, custom-made orthotics might be a good option. A lot of the shoes on the list come with removable insoles, which means you can use your orthotics to support and correct problems like ankle overpronation or high arches; and alleviate pain in the process. Some are made to complement your already comfortable shoes and give the heel or ball of your foot extra support, like ankle-foot orthotics that extend from the heel to the lower calf.

Other Ways to Prevent Heel Pain

• Do warm-ups before any exercise and practice daily stretching techniques to improve calf and leg flexibility.
• Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight puts extra strain on your feet and heels.
• Avoid high heels and always go for comfy shoes and good support.
• Avoid high-impact workouts like running and basketball. Swimming and biking are preferable.
• Wear insoles or inserts inside your shoes that will fix abnormal foot movements, helping you diminish the stress on your heel.

Best Shoes for Heel Pain

Comfortable shoes with arch support, a deep heel cup, a firm heel counter, or heel support are a great choice for reducing foot pain associated with heel pain. The best shoes for heel pain will align your feet to their natural position and evenly distribute your weight across your foot. Thus, reducing the pulling of your plantar fascia, which is a primary cause of heel pain. Now that you understand the importance of wearing supportive shoes, below is a list of the best shoes for heel pain.

1. Sovella PF Sandals

The new wave in comfort is here with the Sovella PF Thong and Slides. These high-quality sandals are biomechanically engineered to help alleviate heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. Made from rebound foam, these sandals absorb the shock on impact. The subtle rocker bottom mimics the natural motion of walking, helping to alleviate stress from your feet. The contoured footbed with arch support and heel cradle helps to support your plantar fascia and helps to alleviate heel pain with every step. This light-weight sandal is the perfect shoe to keep by your bed and to slip on first thing each day. Your feet will feel the difference from the very first step.

2. Sovella Cork Shoes

Exclusive to Lucky Feet Shoes, Sovella is on the rise to be a household name in quality footwear. This classic cork sandal is lightweight but still sturdy and supportive thanks to its contoured footbed with heel cup and built-in arch support.In addition to superior comfort, these shoes are stylish and great to wear at work or on the go.

3. New Balance 990v5

New Balance 990v5 is ranked as one of our best shoes for heel pain for its superior comfort and technology. The 990v5 features motion control, great for heel stability or keeping your heels in place. In addition, the midfoot cushioning keeps your heels supported while providing instant comfort. Made with removable insoles, the New Balance 990v5 can accommodate most over-the-counter arch supports and custom orthotics.

4. HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7

The HOKA Bondi 7 is their most cushioned shoe yet! The game-changing Bondi 7 delivers a smooth, balanced ride over any distance. The full EVA midsole offers a ton of shock absorption, great for keeping Plantar Fasciitis pain at bay. Its internal firm heel counter provides a supportive, locked-in fit midsole. The signature HOKA Meta-Rocker technology mimics your natural walking motion, allowing your foot to relax and let the shoe do the walking. Added to this already popular style is a supremely plush collar. Made from ultra-soft memory foam designed to accommodate a narrower heel, the collar conforms to a wide variety of ankles, cradling the Achilles in cushy comfort.

5. Aetrex Jillian

Aetrex shoes and sandals are known for their super comfort and “Healthy 3”: Lynco arch support, Memory Foam, and Aegis Antimicrobial Technology. The Jillian is our pick as they are great for heel pain for thanks to their built-in arch support. Your feet will love the memory foam layer customizes to your heels and feet. Overall, these shoes and sandals are great shoes for heels for their excellent arch support, memory foam insole, and rubber outsoles. The Aetrex Jillian Black is APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) approved.

6. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Not only is Brooks a top brand in athletic footwear but also in comfort footwear. We recommend their go-to shoe, the Adrenaline GTS 22. Responsive cushioning and soft crash pads stacked above it work together to provide a touch of spring underfoot while cushioning each footfall. It also has a firm heel counter which makes for great heel stability. With removable footbeds, the Adrenaline GTS 22 makes it easy to put in custom or over-the-counter orthotics.

7. Dansko Henriette

The Dansko Henriette is a sport-inspired walking shoe that’s packed with performance features. The Henriette is great for heel pain as they help eliminate it with their solid arch support and shock absorption capabilities. The durable rubber outsoles offer shock absorption for your heels, feet, and knees on a variety of surfaces. Not to mention, their unique constructions support your whole foot – toes, arch, and heel.

8. ECCO Soft 7

One of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, the ECCO Soft 7 offers top-notch innovation by continually inventing and engineering new materials that provide durable construction, shock absorption, natural support, and superior comfort. The built-in arch support and lightweight design making this a great option for those struggling with plantar fasciitis foot pain. The soft, comfortable lining construction ensures a perfect inner climate.

9. OluKai Ohana

OluKai provides sandals and flip flops with handcrafted island-inspired designs that don’t skimp on quality & comfort. OluKai’s Ohana sandal is a thong sandal with arch support built-in! This makes the Ohana great for many foot problems like heel pain, Plantar Fasciitis, flat feet, and bunions. The Ohana features a compression-molded, EVA midsole footbed that provides anatomical fit for sustained comfort.   Whether you prefer to shop online or in-store, at Lucky Feet Shoes we have a large selection of the best shoes for heel pain for both men and women. But, if you prefer personalized shoe fittings, great customer service, we have nine orthopedic shoes and comfort shoe stores located in Southern California. Which are located in  Anaheim Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside, San Dimas, Long Beach, Temecula, and Palm Desert. Therefore, we invite you to stop by our shoe store for a free foot analysis and try on our best shoes for heel pain. In addition, we have a large selection of orthopedic shoes, comfort shoes, wide shoes, arch support, shoe inserts, and custom orthotics! We carry a wide selection of comfortable footwear ranging from the best walking shoes, sandals, heels, running shoes, casual sneakers, clogs, wedges, flats, booties, and boots. Therefore, we encourage you to shop in-store for our personalized customer service and free foot analysis! Schedule a free foot analysis today!

Finding the Best Shoes For Heel Pain

When it comes to heel pain, investing in a good pair of shoes that provides adequate arch support, cushioning, stability, and other benefits, can significantly impact your lifestyle. Consider the next features before buying the best shoes for heel pain:

Cushioning

Both feet are frequently off the ground at the same moment while you run. The impact is absorbed and dispersed with the perfect cushioning. Shoes with inadequate cushioning are commonly worn by those who suffer from heel pain, or they run heel-to-toe and wear shoes worn down at the heel. Wearing shoes with shock-absorbing technology delivers soft and springy cushioning and is a great way to provide extra support for your feet. This type of cushion is designed to protect the heel and the midsole, allowing the wearer to absorb shock more effectively.

Wide Toe Box

There are several shoes with a narrow toe box, such as high heels and dress shoes. This inhibits the movement of the toes and can cause pain in the tendon that runs from the heel down to the toes—shoes should have ample room for your feet’s natural movement. Get footwear with a wide toe box and plenty of wiggle room that provide a comfy and pain-free experience, no matter your activity.

Arch Support

Some pain reduction can be gained by wearing shoes with adequate arch support. Especially if you have flat feet and are experiencing heel pain. Arch support in the midsole of your everyday running or walking shoes is essential. As a result, the surrounding ligaments and tendons are less likely to be damaged, and your ankles will also become more stable, reducing your chance of heel pain. Technology such as a triple-density dynamic support system in the midsole provides structure and stability for your feet. Also, soft but stable foam is ideal in a supportive shoe for cushioning the impact of each step.

Stability Features

Some individuals may find that stability characteristics like medial posts, dual-density midsoles, or shanks are useful, but this is not the case for everyone. In the event that the stability provided by your shoes is not sufficient for your feet, placing a device known as an orthotic into the shoe may be of assistance. You can acquire orthotics from a drugstore or work with your physician to have orthotics that are built precisely for the shape of your foot.

Elevated Heel

The Achilles tendon and the area where it joins to the heel bone can be relieved of stress by wearing shoes with somewhat thicker heel padding. If you’re experiencing heel discomfort on the back of your foot along the Achilles, you may benefit by reducing the pressure on this area. An Achilles notch, which is simply an indent in the back of the shoe, is also something to check for if you’re shopping for shoes.

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