Need Sandal/Flip Flop for Plantar Fasciitis

jiminyC_fan · Apr 18, 2015

Do yourself a favor and go to a store that sells Orthaheel. They are the only flip flops I have been able to wear since my two surgeries for plantar fasciitis. Keen sandals work great but if you want flip flops Orthaheel is amazing for me.

qtwns · Apr 18, 2015

Has anyone had an issue with a chemical smell with the Vionics? I've been reading reviews because I'm trying to decide, and this issue keeps popping up.

My last couple of WDW trips, I've worn only Teva Mush and LOVE them. I need a new pair of something for this summer, but I think I need a little more support. Maybe some new Mush. :confused3

Dis703 · Apr 20, 2015

qtwns said:
Has anyone had an issue with a chemical smell with the Vionics? I've been reading reviews because I'm trying to decide, and this issue keeps popping up.

My last couple of WDW trips, I've worn only Teva Mush and LOVE them. I need a new pair of something for this summer, but I think I need a little more support. Maybe some new Mush.

I have purchased a few pairs since starting this thread and never noticed a smell. Not chemical at least. The only thing I haven't liked about the shoes so far is that the material seems to make my feet sweat more so I find I need to use some sort of foot powder or something to keep my feet from getting stinky.

BTW, if you are unsure Vionic has a 30 day money back guarantee. I returned my first pair of flip flops because it fit too loose and because of that wasn't offering support in the right areas. They often have free shipping and always have free returns.

lelesansan · Apr 20, 2015

Teva's are my go to for long days of walking! they have never let me down!

maryandtyson · Apr 20, 2015

I've struggled with plantar fasciitis for a couple of years now. Amazingly, I bought Dr Scholl's heel inserts for Pafand put them in my sneakers for all the walking I do at home. They helped so much! Even when I'm wearing other shoes, they feel better, in general. I was shocked by how much they have helped me. The other thing that has given some relief has been to massage the bottom of my feet. Specifically, the tendon that runs along the arch.

Just got back from 6 days at the world, walking up to 8 miles a day. I wore New Balance sneakers and Keen Whisper sandals. Alternated daily. No pain!

NJtoATL · Apr 20, 2015

Bump

Sore and tired feet. Interested in the different sandals.

cerph1 · Apr 21, 2015

In addition to the advice you've received from others, let me give you another very important practical piece of advice...

A number of years ago I suffered from plantar fasciitis- so bad that sometimes I literally had to crawl across my floor because I could not put any weight on my feet! The BEST advice that my physician gave me was that I could NEVER go walking barefoot. It took a full 18 months before the pain completely subsided in my feet, but ever since I've stopped walking around in my bare feet, I haven't had the problem since.

Dis703 · Apr 21, 2015

cerph1 said:
In addition to the advice you've received from others, let me give you another very important practical piece of advice...

A number of years ago I suffered from plantar fasciitis- so bad that sometimes I literally had to crawl across my floor because I could not put any weight on my feet! The BEST advice that my physician gave me was that I could NEVER go walking barefoot. It took a full 18 months before the pain completely subsided in my feet, but ever since I've stopped walking around in my bare feet, I haven't had the problem since.

I'm having the hardest time with this but I am trying. I hate shoes or even wearing socks. At home I'm barefoot as soon as I walk in the door. And I wore flip flops or sandals even in cold weather because my feet get so hot so easily. I'm looking for a pair of Vionic slippers or sandals to wear just indoors also as we are a no shoe household. In the meantime, I'm breaking in my new Vionics for Disney just while at home and have a pair of Futuro arch supports so I'm never entirely without support.

It's a hard habit to break but I'm trying. Thanks for the advice.

cerph1 · Apr 21, 2015

Sounds good Dis703... I've also got flat feet, so I even have arch supports in my slippers...lol! I miss not being able to walk barefoot but it definitely ended the pain in my heels! Good luck and enjoy your trip!

qtwns · Apr 25, 2015

Dis703 said:
I have purchased a few pairs since starting this thread and never noticed a smell. Not chemical at least. The only thing I haven't liked about the shoes so far is that the material seems to make my feet sweat more so I find I need to use some sort of foot powder or something to keep my feet from getting stinky.

BTW, if you are unsure Vionic has a 30 day money back guarantee. I returned my first pair of flip flops because it fit too loose and because of that wasn't offering support in the right areas. They often have free shipping and always have free returns.

I bought some Vionic sandals. After wearing them at work for a week I am SOLD. Actually, after the first day I was sold. My foot pain had greatly diminished. I have ordered the more casual Vionic Wave to start breaking in for my WDW trip.

kboo · Apr 27, 2015

millerette said:
I am surprised that no one has mentioned Olukai!
I have high arches and discovered these gems about 4 years ago. I wore them ALL day at WDW and do daily until it's too cold. These flip flops were created by a podiatrist who wears them in marathons! They are super comfortable and the BEST I have found.
http://www.olukai.com/
I recommend the Ohana shoe. http://www.olukai.com/shop/womens/sandals/ohana
You can get them wet, which comes in real handy in rainy WDW days. You can buy them at Takkens Shoes, online or even Amazon. I highly recommend trying them on. I have 4 pairs of these flip flops and LOVE them!!

Another vote for Olukai here! I use them as slippers at home, and I am an avid Birkenstocks/Merrell/Teva wearer. But Olukais with the neoprene sole are so soft yet supportive. Love love love them.

Disneygal27 · Apr 30, 2015

my mom has really bad PF and had surgery a couple years ago for it, a few trips ago she got abeo BIO (i think thats the right name) sandals that she LOVES. even more than her tennis shoes. a bit pricey, but theyve held up for years, and she has worn them on numerous trips, even when we went in the ocean at aulani. and she loves that they are a blend of sandal and athletic shoe, she likes the support (and the breeze on hot days!)

Dis703 · May 15, 2015

We just got back from our trip with 8 park days plus 2 travel days and an evening at DTD and I made it through with very little pain/discomfort thanks to my Vionics! I also made sure to take some ibuprofen in advance first thing in the morning and in the afternoon as an anti inflammatory and made sure to wear my boot at night but the combo was great and it felt way better on vacation than it was in the weeks prior. Thank goodness!

Thanks for those who recommended them. I now have 3 pairs and it may be all I wear for a while. I tried a few others that were recommended but they didn't have a high enough arch for me. So far the Vionic seem to be the only shoes with arches high enough to keep constant support in the right place.

cadawson · May 15, 2015

bartleby1 said:
I have plantar fasciitis and a plantar fibromas. The MOST important thing for me to remember is to stretch really well before getting out of bed in the morning.

For disney, the most comfortable shoe I've found for me is a clarks sandal. http://www.amazon.com/Clarks-Womens.../ref=lh_ni_t?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I have never been able to do a flip flop of any kind without making my PF act up. Most likely, something with a strap would be better for you. Good luck finding something that works for you! I tried for years to do sneakers in disney thinking they would offer the most support but no matter what brand I tried, I couldn't walk by the end of the day, plus I'd always get blisters. I originally bought my clarks as a 'just in case' or to wear around the resort but ended up using them all day every day. I will be very upset if they stop making them!

These are my sandals too! I also cannot do a flipflop, so these strapped shoes work for me at Disney!

Fantasia79 · May 17, 2015

Birkenstocks. Best shoe for in the parks of you have plantar fasciitis. I prefer the Milano so you have a heel strap.

I've had plantar fasc for a few years, heel spur that's been successfully worked on and patella tendinitis. Combination of running injuries. I have in-house Birks I wear everyday, and custom orthotics, makes a huge difference. Minimal problems after making changes.

M&MGirl1 · May 19, 2015

I ordered a pair of Vionics on the advice of this thread and just got them today. I LOVE them. The minute I had them on half the pain in my heels and all the pain in my hip were gone, and I have horrid plantar fasciitis issues as I teach, so I can't ever stay off my feet long enough for things to really heal up. Between these and my Brooks tennis shoes, I'm no longer dreading trudging around the parks!

bamastar · May 20, 2015

I'm a PF sufferer with flat feet and love my Keen shoes. Especially since they can get wet.

LSKN · May 21, 2015

Thanks for all of the helpful suggestions here. I have PF and have been looking for a shoe/sandal that will help manage the pain during my August trip to WDW.

ashmarie06 · May 21, 2015

I'm not sure if you are looking for flipflops or sandals only-- but TOMS have been a life saver for me and I have PF. I wear the canvas slides or the lace ones. They are comfortable and breathable and look cute with almost every outfit!

brittbrat63 · May 25, 2015

Do any of you have experience with Vionics on rides like Kali River Rapids? Did they dry quickly? Did they hold up after?

Need Sandal/Flip Flop for Plantar Fasciitis

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