Are Skechers Good for Plantar Fasciitis?

are skechers good for plantar fasciitis

Over the years, Skechers has transitioned from manufacturing shoes exclusively for casual and athletic use, and has since started focusing on footwear for special conditions. But even with the variety of choices offered by the brand for people with these uncomfortable and often painful problems, some buyers can’t help but ask - are Skechers good for plantar fasciitis?

The short answer is yes, they are!

But if you want to find out which Skechers shoes prove to be the best for plantar fasciitis, then keep on reading. We’ve put together this complete and definitive guide to help lead you to the right choice.

What to Look for in Skechers Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis happens when a long, flat ligament that connects the heel to the toes becomes injured and inflamed. This can cause significant heel pain, and may even make it difficult for you to walk and bear weight on your feet.

That said, not every shoe will work well to help lessen the pain of plantar fasciitis. Make sure to look for these specific features in your Skechers shoes to guarantee sufficient support and comfort in the presence of plantar fasciitis:

Cushioned Heels​

According to research, a pair of shoes that provide a soft cushioned landing around the heel area are much less likely to cause any stress on the affected ligament. With that, shoes with orthotic insoles or footbeds are ideal for plantar fasciitis.

Arch Support​

The main function of the plantar fascia is to support the arch and prevent it from collapsing. When it’s inflamed, the structure will struggle to hold up the curvatures of the foot. It’s important to choose a pair of shoes that offer just enough arch support along the midfoot region in order to reduce the demand on the injured fascia.

Wide Silhouette​

Any unnecessary pressure on any part of the foot can add more stress and cause more pain to the inflamed fascia. With that, it’s ideal that you choose a pair of shoes that provide ample width so that your foot doesn’t press against the interior walls of the shoe when you weight-bear or walk.

Slight Toe Drop​

A shoe that has a slight toe drop would be beneficial for individuals with plantar fasciitis in that it allows an altered weight distribution. By tilting the foot slightly forward, a toe drop places slightly more weight on the toes and reduces the amount of pressure on the heels. The toe drop has to be very minimal though, ranging only from 5mm – 8mm.

The 3 Best Skechers Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Skechers offers a number of different designs that they claim are beneficial for individuals with plantar fasciitis. As the brand has evolved, they’ve also started to dabble in other areas of the market, going as far as designing Skechers sandals for plantar fasciitis. But based on our research, these three choices came out on top as the best designs to help manage the pain and discomfort caused by PF.

1. Skechers Flex Advantage 2.0 Sneaker

Skechers Flex Advantage 2.0 Sneaker

Boasting superb flexibility, support, and comfort, the Skechers Flex Advantage 2.0 can be a great pick for people with plantar fasciitis. One of the things that make it particularly ideal is that it’s pliable straight out of the box, so there won’t be a need to break them in before you achieve optimal flexibility.

Fit​

In terms of fit, the Flex Advantage 2.0 provides ample space to reduce pressure on different areas of the feet. Inside, the shoe comes fitted with a memory foam insole that’s responsive and soft, but still dense enough to retain its shape and integrity after months of use.

Insole​

The insole is also designed to improve air flow and maintain a cool comfortable climate inside the shoe. Slight curving and bending of the material creates the ideal topography to support the arches of the feet – a particularly beneficial feature for individuals with plantar fasciitis. If you find that the insole isn’t up to your standards though, it’s worth mentioning that it’s held in place by a light adhesive. Pulling it out might take some effort, but it will come out nonetheless. Once they’re removed, there will be ample space for an orthotic insert.

Build​

When it comes to build, the Flex Advantage 2.0 is lightweight and durable. The material used for the uppers and soles are also particularly hardy, so they’re not likely to give out too soon after you first use them. Despite that, they’re pliable right off the bat, so they will move and flex to match your step to give you superb freedom of movement.

Traction​

Traction-wise, the Flex Advantage 2.0 features deeply grooved outsoles which work as articulations to give you greater range of motion. The grooves work as joints, allowing significantly more pronounced flexion so you can do more with your feet. The rubber used is also particularly hard-wearing, said to last over 600 miles of walking.

Lockdown​

Lockdown on the Flex Advantage 2.0 isn’t as aggressive as you would find on other walking shoes for plantar fasciitis. That’s because the design focuses on providing space instead of risking the development of pressure spots that could aggravate the pain of plantar fasciitis. Nonetheless, the lacing system on the Flex Advantage 2.0 provides just enough lockdown to prevent your feet from moving around too much inside the shoe. It would be recommended to consider your choice of socks to help improve lockdown.


2. Skechers Go Walk 4 Kindle Slip-On Walking Shoe

skechers go walk 4

The Skechers Go Walk 4 footwear line-up is one of the brand’s most successful in terms of offering the right features for individuals with plantar fasciitis. The series of shoes was designed to provide users a comfortable experience for walking long distances or for extended periods of standing.

There are lots of different shoes in the Skechers Go Walk 4 series, but a common favorite for plantar fasciitis is the Kindle Slip-On Walking Shoe. The revolutionary footwear design was made to be radically lightweight. So it doesn’t cause a lot of fatigue even for long periods of use. The sleek silhouette makes use of a variety of breathable material that also helps maintain pliability.

Another thing that stands out about the Kindle Slip-On is that it doesn’t have any rough, sharp edges that could dig into the skin. Inside, the shoes have smooth, almost seamless construction that guarantees a friction-less user experience to eliminate the chances of irritation and blisters.

Comfort​

Comfort-wise, the Kindle Slip-On is nothing short of a dream come true. The design boasts a full-length 5GEN midsole that’s highly responsive, giving each step superb energy and bounce for an effortless stride. This works in combination with the brand’s latest Goga Max footbed which also provides a little extra rebound for better energy efficiency.

Odorless​

Because the brand designed the shoe for everday use, foul odors can be a very real possibility. To combat that, the Kindle boasts bamboo lined interiors which help neutralize smells. With this, the shoe can eliminate any odors before they develop, keeping them fresh and clean even after months of daily use.

All in all, the Skechers Go Walk 4 Kindle Slip-On shoe is a smart choice for plantar fasciitis because of its soft, pressure-free construction that maximizes comfort, support, and energy efficiency. These Go Walks make the daily hustle a whole lot less stressful on the feet – a benefit that anyone with plantar fasciitis would be happy to receive.


3. Skechers Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe -Men & Women

Skechers Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe for men and women

The last shoe on our list is the Skechers Go Walk 3 Slip-On Walking Shoe. Much like the kindle, this Go Walk shoe features a simple slip-on silhouette that’s perfect for effortless, casual, everday use. What sets this particular design apart though, is its FitKnit upper material which maximizes breathability and flexibility for superb freedom of movement.

GoPillars Outsoles​

Another special feature that the Skechers Go Walk 3 Slip-On walking shoes bring to the table is its GoPillars technology. This can be seen along the outsoles as evenly spaced pillars that project outwards towards from the soles to make contact with the ground. Their purpose is to provide the user with a dynamic step, compressing to accommodate weight changes, and then returning to their original height to push the user’s foot off the ground. Ultimately, the purpose of the GoPillars is to improve the shoes’ responsiveness so you get more energy out of each step.

Inside Comfort​

Inside the shoe, several features help improve comfort especially for people with plantar fasciitis. The memory foam padded heel cup is particularly impressive, designed with just enough depth to comfortably cradle the heel and reduce pressure on the sensitive structures underneath the foot. Goga Mat technology on ther other hand, is a full length footbed that features anatomical contours that perfectly support the arches of the feet.

Flexible, comfortable, and supportive, the Slip-On Walking shoes from the Skechers Go Walk 3 line-up make a sound investment for anyone who wants a suitable pair to help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. They’re also particularly more affordable now especially because they’ve been on the market for quite some time, making them much more affordable than any other Skechers shoe we’ve discussed on this short list.


In Closing

There’s a wealth of brand choices out there if you’re in search for a good pair of shoes to help manage your plantar fasciitis. With that, it still becomes valid to ask – are Skechers good for plantar fasciitis?

After all of our research, the brand does offer some impressive choices that perfectly address the issues associated with plantar fasciitis. Particularly, the Skechers Flex Advantage 2.0 comes out on top as the ultimate footwear choice for the special condition. They’re lightweight, flexible, durable, and comfortable, combining all the different features that would be perfect for combating the symptoms of PF.

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