Are Birkenstocks Good For Plantar Fasciitis?

While walking around with your feet exposed to the elements all year may sound like a recipe for painful bunions and corns, it’s also been shown to contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis—a painful inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of your foot.

This condition is often treated through physical therapy. Still, one of the most common recommendations is to switch from flat-soled shoes to those with extra arch support. If you’re struggling with plantar fasciitis, you might be tempted to throw out your old sandals and invest in a pair of Birkenstocks—but are Birkenstocks good for plantar fasciitis?

Birkenstocks are the perfect solution for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Their unique design allows the footbed to mold to the shape of your foot, providing support to all parts of your foot, from your toes to your heel.

The six components of Birkenstocks—the heel cup, the lateral longitudinal arch support, the medial longitudinal arch support, the transverse arch support, the toe grip, and the front footbed edge—work together to support your entire foot.

Want to learn more about the footbed of Birkenstock sandals? This video tells you all about it.

Let’s go over the features one by one.

Features of Birkenstocks

1. Firm support for our feet

Since you were a kid, you’ve probably always heard that you should wear soft shoes. But Birkenstocks are firm, which is a good thing because your foot needs to be stable when you walk. And that makes sense, too, because your feet benefit from the proper arch supports, deep heel cups and roomy toe boxes that Birkenstocks offer.

2. Contoured footbed encourages foot health

The Birkenstock footbed is made from cork, a renewable resource, and latex. This footbed molds to support your foot’s unique characteristics for a truly individualized fit. Many customers who have worn Birkenstocks for years say their sandals become more comfortable over time.

3. Sizing guide

When you shop for Birkenstock sandals, you’ll find that the company has published a publicly accessible sizing guide. The guide makes it easy to determine which size fits your foot best. You can find the guide here or at physical stores around your area.

Here’s a handy chart that shows you how to find the right size of Birkenstock sandals.

Birkenstock US vs. UK vs. EU Sizing Chart

The company recommends choosing sandals whose footbeds meet your foot arches at a comfortable point. Also, adjust the straps until they sit snugly (neither too tightly nor too loosely) on your feet.

How Do These Features Benefit Someone with Plantar Fasciitis?

If you have plantar fasciitis and are looking for a long-term remedy, you should consider Birkenstocks. Here’s why: they restore foot comfort, stability, and health to their customers. These shoes have been around since 1774, so they are reliable and time-tested.

Let’s give them some credit. Birks match everything in your closet and can take you anywhere. They have unbelievably comfortable footbeds, too! And they flatter both men and women—which means you don’t have to worry about looking for “woman” or “man” shoes.

Finally, they’re designed to last. If you’re someone who walks around a lot or only owns one pair of slippers, Birks are your best bet!

Yara Birkstocks

How do any of these features not benefit someone with plantar fasciitis?

Birks can be difficult to break in, but most say that after a few weeks of wearing them for short periods every day, they become much more comfortable.

In one of her articles, Jessica Furseth describes her experience with Birkenstock sandals. She says that although it took her some time to adjust to their fit, she loves the way they mold to her feet.

She even mentions that the creator of these sandals, Johann Adam Birkenstock, made them with a unique footbed composed of cork and latex so that as you wear them, they adjust to your feet and arch.

Florida Women’s Sandal

What professionals recommend Birkenstocks?

It may surprise you to learn that nurses, podiatrists, and other doctors alike are recommending that you wear an entirely different type of shoe when going out for the night: Birkenstocks.

While it might not seem logical at first glance, these healthcare professionals enthusiastically recommend Birkenstocks since they offer great support.

Nurses wake up before the sun rises and are on their feet for half of the day. Most say that wearing uncomfortable shoes causes pain and blisters. This is why nurses prefer Birkenstocks for their contoured footbeds and all-around protection.

Arizona Jade Oiled Leather Birkenstocks

Are Birks with a soft bed or regular footbed better for plantar fasciitis?

Many people with plantar fasciitis find that wearing Birkenstocks with regular footbeds relieves their heel pain. This is because the ample arch support in these shoes supports the foot where it needs it most. You can also try:

Not going barefoot (yes, not even in the shower)!
Stretching your heel muscles and performing other exercises before getting out of bed in the morning.
Placing an ice pack on the affected area to reduce its swelling.
Wearing shoes with additional arch and heel support.
Keeping your weight at a healthy level.
Avoiding running on rugged or uneven terrain.

Arizona Birkenstocks (Pull-Up Stone)

Causes of plantar fasciitis (with source evidence)

When you’re pregnant and gain weight, or when your body fat percentage increases, your center of gravity changes. As a result, your feet aren’t as stable, and your arch and heel don’t get enough support. This can result in plantar fasciitis.

Aging, excessive exercise, flat feet, high arches, and tight calves can also cause plantar fasciitis. Some of these factors are beyond your control, but others can be improved upon.

For more information on plantar fasciitis, please visit this website.

Other types of shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Now, I bet you want to know what shoes to buy for plantar fasciitis, don’t you? Well, your curiosity is about to be satisfied. Below is a list of shoes that can help reduce plantar fasciitis resultant pain.

These are just a few of the shoes recommended by various shoe experts. There are plenty of other options out there, so don’t limit yourself to this list.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an orthopedic pair of shoes that can see you through the struggle with plantar fasciitis, Birkenstocks are calling your name.

Don’t trust me? Let reviewers do the talking: 9 out of 10 people who own a pair of Birkenstocks recommend it to friends and family members. Why continue living in discomfort and pain? Today, take action and request a consultation with your doctor to find the best Birkenstocks (or other shoes) for you.