Sneakers with arch support

[Darsa]

Hi there!

I'm hoping someone here might be able to direct me. I was recently told I'm looking at something called Plantar Fasciitis (my own fault, started running and my feet disagreed with the notion), and one of the recommendations is footwear with good arch support.

Can anyone recommend sneakers that have very good arch support? The ones I wear now (New Balance) tend to be a bit on the wide side, and I don't think that's helping my arches any. I can't really afford to have orthotic shoe inserts made, which was another suggestion.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

 

[HM]

Go to a good athletic shoe store and get some help choosing a good shoe for your foot. And also get "Good Foot" (I think that's the name...they are about $40 and can be cut to fit the shoe) inserts for the shoe (to replace the ones in it). I did this a month ago because my PF has been acting up bad in one for for months now. I decided that I needed better footwear. It has helped. Good Luck!

 

[daisax]

Believe it or not, I used to have great success with Avia sneakers that I'd get from Kohls - not even particularly expensive. I don't know if they changed something or my foot changed, but they stopped working for me. So now I'm wearing Brooks cross trainers (about $75 from a local big retail shoe store - not a chain)

The key with plantar fascitis is really to NOT walk or stand for any length of time barefoot. I remember my doc asking me if I was barefoot a lot, and I said just sitting around watching tv, or doing dishes, and he said the doing dishes would be bad for the p.f.

In the past I also had great success with simple Dr. Scholl's rigid inserts, but again had trouble finding them.

In a real pinch, you can have orthotics made, but frankly, the Dr. Scholl's and the later these better quality sneakers did just as well for me.

 

[HunnyPots]

I have achilles tendonitis and also have a terrible time finding shoes that don't agravate it further. Two must haves are good arch support and a slightly raised heel. The best athletic shoes I've found in a long time are Rykas. They are only made for women, no men's sizes. They are made of light weight material so they breathe. I spent five days walking around New Orleans in July and had the least amount of pain I've had in years!

 

[sbell111]

New Balance worked for me. They make them in all widths. You just want to find a pair that fits you.

Also, you'll want to do these stretches regularly. Even if you find yourself not being able to fit all of them into your schedule, at least take a few minutes to knock out the stair stretch.

BTW, I added the plain gel insoles to my New Balance shoes (without removing the 'stock' insoles). It really helped with the pain.

 

[Deb in IA]

After years of running, I recently had a bout of plantar fasciitis and I know how you feel.

I was able to get prescription orthotics that my health care benefits covered. They have really helped.

Stretching, rolling a tennis ball in the arch of the foot, regular ibuprofen and a wearing a night splint can all help.

But the biggest thing to do is NO RUNNING for at least a week, maybe two. Sorry, but the more you continue to run on it, the more inflammed the insertion of the fascia to the calcaneus (heel bone) will become, so you have to lay off it and let it heal. Then start back slowly. Building up milage too fast will also get you right back to where you are.

 

[Darsa]

Deb, do you think I'd be alright to use the elliptical machine at the gym? I would think it would be okay to do so, since there's no "pounding"...

I figure I'll get a quicker answer here than waiting for my doctor's office to call back

Thanks everyone!

 

[Imzadi]

I once got a diagostic by one of the world marathon runners, Stu Middleman who set some world record for running. He sold me these sports orthotics which have a high arch in which I can insert into any sneaker or shoe. (Take out the stock insole.) They are wonderfully springy & cushy and do the trick. My sneakers last longer as I don't just wear the inner side of the heels down faster than the rest of the shoe and I no longer have arch pain.

http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=Lynco+sports+orthotics&_sacat=0&_trksid=p3286.m270.l1313&LH_IncludeSIF=1&_odkw=Apex+orthotics&_osacat=0

Believe me, they are worth the price - and it is even a discounted price on eBay.

 

[Deb in IA]

Deb, do you think I'd be alright to use the elliptical machine at the gym? I would think it would be okay to do so, since there's no "pounding"...

I think elliptical would be OK. I did stationary biking during my healing time.