With all the time we spend on our feet each day, it’s almost certain that we are bound to develop a few aches along the way. Sometimes these aches come in the form of torn tissues, ligaments, or muscles. While a trip to the doctor may be the best thing to do, another option you should consider is wearing the right kind of shoes to help you with your pain.
Shoes are incredibly important when it comes to taking care of your feet, as the right shape and comfort of the soles can play a role in your everyday attempt to avoid strain in your feet. If you are unfortunate enough to be suffering from plantar fasciitis, then you may have heard someone suggest Birkenstocks to help with the pain.
You’re probably asking yourself, “can these shoes really help?” The answer is yes, some people with plantar fasciitis vigorously recommend Birkenstocks for heel spur recovery as it prevent and treat injury to the plantar fascia by providing good arch support.
Here is all you need to know about your condition and the shoes that could help.
WHAT IS PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Plantar fasciitis is simply described as pain in your heels. It is a very condition, though it is most likely to occur in runners, people who suffer from obesity, or anyone who wears shoes with a lack of proper support. Plantar fasciitis involves the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes.
You are most likely to feel a sudden shock of pain when you take your first few steps in the morning, but the pain tends to reduce over time. However, if you spend your days standing, walking, or running for long periods of time, then the pain may return later in the day.
The cause of plantar fasciitis comes from the repeated straining, stretching, and tearing of the thick band of tissue which takes the shape of a bowstring. Since these tissues are the ones to absorb the shock of every step you take when walking or running, it is understandable how easily they can be damaged.
WHO ARE AT MOST RISK OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
As stated earlier, runners and those suffering from obesity are most at risk because they both put extra strain on their heels, whether it’s in the form of the pounding of the heels during a run or the extra weight when the body is too heavy.
However, they are not the only ones who are at risk. Elderly people are most likely to develop plantar fasciitis, due to all the strain their heels have endured over the years. The pain, unfortunately, only catches up with them late in life.
A surprising fact is that ballet dancers are also at risk of plantar fasciitis, even though they spend most of their time on their toes and not their heels. Well, as mentioned before, the thick band of tissues connects the heel to the toes, so the strain of being on your toes all the time can also tear those bowstring-shaped tissues.
Other dancers can experience the same thing, as well as those who live very active lifestyles. Any form of activity that involves shock impact to your heels or strain on the arch of your foot can lead to plantar fasciitis.
Even if you’re not a runner, and you’re not overweight, and you’re not a prima ballerina – if you don’t treat your feet right, then you are still at risk of this painful condition. If you find yourself with a job that literally keeps you on your feet all day, like factory workers or teachers, then you can strain those tissues.
Even walking in an awkward way or wearing shoes with inadequate support can tear the plantar fascia and you will find yourself in pain every time you wake up and take your first step of the day.
ARE BIRKENSTOCKS GOOD FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS?
Birkenstocks are a German brand of shoes that pride themselves in offering all the support your feet need. They are popular among people, whether or not they suffer from plantar fasciitis, because they combine fashion with functionality.
Not only will your feet be supported in incredibly comfortable shoes, but you’ll also look good wearing them. Don’t worry, their variety of styles cater to everyone’s fashion sense.
The following are some of the features of Birkenstocks that help with plantar fasciitis:
- Birkenstocks have a toe bar that allows your toes to naturally grip the shoe or flex when you are relaxing, stimulating good blood circulation while also allowing you to have proper balance when standing and walking.
- Birkenstocks usually have a deep heel cup that secures your foot’s natural padding underneath so that you feel stable in your stance and stride.
- The shoes consist of more than adequate cushioning for your entire foot, as well as arch support in order to bear all the weight of your body and any exercise you find yourself participating in.
- The cushioning might feel uncomfortable at first, but as you walk, they begin to take the shape of your foot to provide maximum comfort and support.
- There is sufficient space for your toes so that they are properly aligned and so that they can grip the shoe properly for the best balance.
- The arch support can assist when you have weakened muscles, not to mention they can also improve your posture in general.
- You can always trust the Germans to make high quality products, and Birkenstocks are made in various styles and sizes – this means that you can easily find a shoe that suits your sense of fashion and that is true to your size.
- Birkenstocks offer classic and soft-footbeds. This means that you can decide on how much cushion your shoe has. An extra layer of cushion is neither better not worse: all it does it cater to your comfort preference.
All the features of Birkenstocks mentioned above assist you whether or not you have plantar fasciitis. The cushioning, the support, the design – they all aid in the even distribution of weight, as well as the absorption of shock everytime you walk or run.
Birkenstocks were designed to offer you better padding on your feet so that you can enjoy every activity you want without having to worry about the impact the said activity can have on your feet. These shoes are not only suitable for preventive measure, but also in recovery as they ease the burden your body and lifestyle have on your feet.
Some of the Birkenstocks that are recommended specifically for plantar fasciitis are the Arizona Leather Sandals (unisex) and the Mayari Sandals (women) which you can easily find on Amazon. Some might find the price to be a little expensive as the shoes range between $85-$400, but that’s the price you have to pay for shoes with proper support.
Here are a number of Birkenstock for planter fasciitis.
BIRKENSTOCK Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals
BIRKENSTOCK Unisex Arizona Leather Sandal
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Leather Sandal
BIRKENSTOCK Women’s Mayari Sandals
BIRKENSTOCK Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals
Birkenstock Unisex Arizona SFB
BIRKENSTOCK Unisex Gizeh Essentials EVA Sandals
BIRKENSTOCK Women’s Florida Birko-Flor Sandal
Birkenstock Betula Licensed Women’s Leo Soft
BIRKENSTOCK Women’s Gizeh Thong Sandal
BIRKENSTOCK Women’s Arizona Brown Leathersandals 8 B(M) US
Birkenstock Unisex Boston Soft Footbed Leather Clog
Birkenstock Betula Licensed Mia Soft Black Birko-Flor 38 (US Women’s 7-7.5) Narrow
Birkenstock Betula Licensed Mia Soft Navy Birko-Flor 41 (US Women’s 10-10.5) Narrow
Conclusion
So, to answer the question earlier – Yes, Birkenstocks are really good for you on a daily basis, and they are most certainly a great choice of footwear when you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. They are comfortable, well-designed, and helpful in the easing of pain. Owning a pair or two will be a smart investment.
