The flat band of tissue, called plantar fascia, that supports the arch of the foot is a rather delicate piece that can fall prey to various injuries and other problems due to wear and tear of the tissue. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes a lot of pain in the heel. If the plantar fascia gets inflamed due to strain or any other form of injury, it can lead to this condition.

Many athletes are prone to plantar fasciitis due to constant movement of this part of the foot and the wear and tear that takes place with the physical strain.

Purpose: The main purpose of this kind of footwear is to give support to the arch of the foot and help in better movement of the heels. It also supports the ankles so that the plantar fascia does not get constantly hammered with all the running and walking. So, you must look for shoes that give you arch support rather than mid-sole support and mere heel support.

Best shoes for plantar fasciitis: The ideal shoes for this condition will do a variety of things that will help the foot. The shock absorption feature is one of the most important ones that a patient must check before buying such footwear. Also, the footwear should not be too lightweight; however, it should be sturdy and firm. This will give the right kind of flexibility, which will also support the arch rather than leaving it susceptible to injuries in this area.

Gel-based sole: The gel-based sole is one that gives good support to the arch, which is especially helpful during running and other jumping activities. This is one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis as the gel gives a good amount of cushion to the arch and helps the heel fall in a better manner.

Night splint: The night splint is a kind of warp that holds the foot in a good position so that constant moving does not hamper the injury further to cause pain later on. This can be adjusted as per the shape and size of the foot so that you get good support while you sleep.

Warp around sole: This kind of sole extends from the ankle and wraps the heel so that the arch is well supported. This is a good device that can be used in a variety of shoes, sandals and other kinds of footwear. This should be used by runners when they are running as it will hold the foot in the right position while running and jumping. Also, one should take care not to wear heels too often or for a long time while suffering from this condition.