You can imagine in our field how often we get questions about shoes.

Which brands are the best? Is a particular brand better for me? Is what the company is advertising really true?

We don’t endorse any one brand, but we do have specific principles we follow.

Although it is easier now than ever to purchase shoes online or walk into a store and purchase without talking to anyone, it’s definitely not for everyone.

Getting your feet measured at least once a year is a good rule to follow. Studies have indicated that upwards of 75% of people are wearing the wrong size shoes.

Our feet change over our lifetime. There are many reasons for foot pain to occur, but don’t let it be from something avoidable like poorly fitting shoes.

Recommending athletic shoes is the easiest one for us. You typically can’t go wrong with brands like New Balance, Brooks, Asics and Saucony, just to name a few.

Hoka is an athletic brand that has gained popularity the past few years. They are bulkier than most brands, making them a little trickier to get used to. There have been cases of serious injury from people falling in these shoes. The quality of the Hoka brand may be worth taking some time learning to walk properly in them.

That being said, some people are comfortable wearing a much less expensive brand. We feel that the best shoes for you are the ones that make your feet feel good, no matter the brand name or cost.

If you have to stand a good part of the day, look for shoes with cushion, good arch support, and heels that are somewhat raised. Shoes with these specifications can help prevent plantar fasciitis or make it hurt less.

Standing or walking a ton in shoes that are flat and flimsy isn’t recommended for most people. We highly recommend a good supportive pair of sandals in the home for people who prefer to be shoeless but have foot pain such as plantar fasciitis. Being shoeless regularly on a hard surface such as the kitchen floor isn’t good for your feet.

Our feet are two of the most precious assets we have. Treating them as such by investing in quality foot gear at all ages gives us the best chance they’ll keep us mobile our whole lives long.

Shoes and Plantar Fasciitis