Here are my recommendations for the best beach shoes for plantar fasciitis, for others who are suffering from the same problem as I
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Plantar fasciitis can be a troublesome problem. As a patient of this condition, I know that it can be challenging to perform many activities like walking, running, jumping, that exert more pressure on the feet.
The tissues running across the sole and the heel are inflamed in plantar fasciitis, resulting in stabbing pain in the heels, which you can feel immediately when you wake up in the morning. There are more than 1 million people in America who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis.
I am also amongst these 1 million Americans and suffer from excruciating pain. Going out on beaches was very tough for me until I started using special beach shoes.
I have personally tried, tested, and then reviewed some of the best beach shoes available online in this article. You can learn about such shoes in detail in this article.
What To Look For In Beach Shoes When You Have Plantar Fasciitis
Comfort
Comfort is a feature that holds high value for me and any buyer with plantar fasciitis. It is our expectation to get comfy shoes for beaches. Ideal water shoes have special insoles in them.
These insoles have extra cushioning on them so that the tissues in your feet are not affected. Water shoes should also be able to dry quickly so that you don’t catch a cold or disease.
Arch support
In my experience, having arch support is incredibly essential for people that have plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that mainly affects the tissues in the heel and the feet of the patient.
Additional heel support removes pressure and strain from the weaker tissues of the patient and distributes that pressure to other parts of the feet. All of the water shoes mentioned above have arch support along with heel support. I felt less pain in my feet while wearing them due to these features.
High quality
The best water shoes are highly durable, and they are designed to sustain damage sustained by water. Beach shoes need to undergo a lot of strenuous activities such as swimming, kayaking, motor boating, and so on.
You should always go for water shoes that are made from reliable material. I have picked water shoes that are made of mesh, fabric, and rubber in the above list.
Convenient
In my experience, the closure style of the shoes has a significant impact on the convenience offered by a shoe. The closure style should ideally make the beach shoes easy to wear and remove.
Beach shoes also have thick and grippy rubber soles for the protection of the user. A unique design on the bottom sole can increase the grip and traction offered by the shoes to the user.
Breathable
I prefer water shoes that have a mesh upper. All the shoes listed above have a breathable upper. It is very important to have a breathable upper for maintaining the hygiene of the user.
Sweat and foul odor can be major contributors to bad hygiene. I like water shoes that can make my feet dry quickly. The best water shoes are able to soak the excess water as soon as you step out of the water.
Answers to Other Questions You May Have
Is walking on the beach good for plantar fasciitis?
Walking on the beach can be associated with a lot of health and physical benefits. If you regularly walk on the beach, the chances are that you have a good cardiovascular system than most people.
Walking can also decrease the stress levels a person is going through. But long walks on beaches can take a toll on your feet.
Like me, if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, then you go through a lot of pain and discomfort. Dealing with this condition can be quite painful for you.
However, you can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by walking on beaches by going for special beach shoes designed for such activities.
What shoes should I avoid if I have plantar fasciitis?
You should go for shoes that have good support. Going for shoes with enhanced stability is always a good option. Shoes with slightly larger toe boxes are also ideal as they will offer ample space for your feet to move freely.
You should avoid putting excess pressure on your feet at all costs. Don’t wear high heels, as that would aggravate the pain and discomfort you feel. Don’t wear cheap shoes that lack arch support in them.
Is memory foam good for plantar fasciitis?
Shoes that have memory foam in them increase your comfort massively. These shoes are designed to act on your pressure points. The main purpose of this memory foam layer is to exert as little strain as possible on your feet.
Although you may face some issues with such shoes that they can get warm very easily. So wearing them on beaches for water activities might not be a good option.
#1 Simari Water Shoes For Beaches: Best Sole
Features
- Comfort: 9.5/10
- Quality: 10/10
- Lightweight: 9.7/10
- Arch Support: 9.9/10
- Breathable: 10/10
- Overall Score: 9.7/10
Technical Specifications
- Fabric type: 92% polyester
- Sole type: Rubber sole
- Sizes available: 4.5-15 inches for women, 3.5-14.5 inches for men
- Colors: Black, gray, white, purple, and more
- Drainage: Yes
Bottom Line
The rubber soles of these shoes were very soft hence it helped relieve my pain to a great extent. It is one of the few shoes that have arch support, so it helped keep my flat feet steady.
It is also excellent for outdoor activities. I could participate in activities such as swimming, kite surfing, pool, sailing, and many other water adventure sports while wearing these shoes.
Pros
- The outer fabric on these shoes is made from mesh
- These shoes have a high heel and arch support.
- Its sole has a uniquely bumpy texture.
- These beach shoes have extra holes to ensure drainage
- Elastic shoelaces for convenient wearing
Cons
- Some people can face issues with sizing.
- The color might fade in some cases.
Features In Detail
- Arch support: I found the insoles in these beach shoes to be very supportive for my ankle. Due to these soles, I experienced less stress and pain in my ankles.
- Breathability: The mesh upper on these beach shoes made my feet dry quickly. My feet felt very warm and dry even after a few seconds of coming out of the water.
- High quality: I felt the grip and the sole on these beach shoes to be very supportive—this sole protected my feet from the hot beach, dirt, and grit on land and water. The sole on these shoes have a unique bumpy design. This is an excellent feature for maintaining balance on slippery surfaces.
- Convenience: I was quickly able to wear and remove these shoes because of their elastic shoelaces. These shoes also have an elastic neckline to put my feet in quickly.
- Comfort: One of the unique things about these shoes, in my opinion, is that they have eight holes in the bottom. These holes act as a drainage system keeping the feet dry and cool.
#2 Watelves Quick Dry Beach Shoes: Perfect Fitting
Features
- Comfort: 9.5/10
- Quality: 9.2/10
- Lightweight: 9.3/10
- Arch Support: 9.4/10
- Breathable: 9/10
- Overall Score: 9.3/10
Technical Specifications
- Fabric type: Mesh and elastic
- Sole type: Thermoplastic elastomer sole
- Sizes available: 4.5-13.5 inches
- Colors: Blue, green, black, green, red, and more.
- Drainage: Yes
Bottom Line
If you have struggled with the sizing of your water shoes earlier then I personally recommend these shoes. Water shoes can be tricky to fit, as they can either be too big or too small. These water shoes have excellent fitting and sizing options.
Pros
- Excellent sizing options in these shoes.
- Slip-resistant sole for better protection.
- Unique design for air permeability.
- Easy to wear design
- Arch support and heel support.
Cons
- People who don’t need arch support might find these shoes a little uncomfortable.
- Some people will have to purchase one size bigger.
Features In Detail
- Arch support: In my experience, the arch and heel support in these water shoes was beneficial to reducing plantar fasciitis symptoms and pain. The flexible ankle column in these shoes exerts minimal pressure on your feet.
- Breathability: The mesh upper on these water shoes allowed my feet to remain dry. There was no sweat build-up while wearing these shoes.
- High quality: I found the sole on these shoes to be extra thick. This protects the feet from sharp objects on both land and water.
- Convenience: I liked the pull-on closure style of these water shoes. This style allowed me to wear and remove these shoes when necessary quickly.
- Comfortable: My feet were protected while wearing these water shoes at all times. The solid TPR sole in these shoes ensured that I didn’t slip even on wet and slippery surfaces.
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#3 Zhuanghlin Water Shoes For Beaches: For Your Orthotic InSoles
Features
- Comfort: 8.9/10
- Quality: 8.9/10
- Lightweight: 8.6/10
- Arch Support: 8.8/10
- Breathable: 8.7/10
- Overall Score: 8.7/10
Technical Specifications
- Fabric type: Fabric 90%
- Sole type: Rubber
- Sizes available: 6-11
- Colors: Black, blue, gray, and so on.
- Drainage: No
Bottom Line
In my experience, these water shoes are ideal for beaches as they have a comfortable sock liner. This sock liner creates a more relaxed and drier environment in your shoes.
Pros
- Your feet will not remain wet with these water shoes on beaches.
- Air mesh upper for allowing the foot to breathe.
- These shoes have a solid midsole to provide your feet with arch support.
- A unique water grip outsole for protection on wet and slippery surfaces.
- These water shoes have a drawstring closure.
Cons
- Some people can have some size-related issues.
- Some people may not be used to being comfortable with the drawstring closure.
Features In Detail
- Arch support: The thing that attracted me in these water shoes was the solyte midsole in them. Someone with mobility issues such as plantar fasciitis can get the extra bounce with these water shoes.
- Breathability: I found the breathable and durable mesh upper on these water shoes quite ok. This mesh will allow your feet to breathe and dry quickly while on the beach.
- High quality: The shoe quality was up to mark. The upper fabric and the rubber sole were of standard quality. I am sure the shoes will last for quite some time if you plan to buy it.
- Convenience: The drawstring closure style on these water shoes impressed me. I was able to tie and untie these drawstrings very efficiently.
- Comfort: I was able to get the ideal amount of cushioning from these water shoes as they have a comfordry sock liner. This sock liner creates a healthier shoe environment.
#4 Zhaunglin Quick Drying Water Shoes: Perfect Heel Support
Features
- Comfort: 8.3/10
- Quality: 8.4/10
- Lightweight: 8.1/10
- Arch Support: 8.2/10
- Breathable: 8.3/10
- Overall Score: 8.4/10
Technical Specifications
- Fabric type: 90% fabric
- Sole type: Rubber
- Sizes available: 7-14
- Colors: black, gray, white, blue, etc.
- Drainage: Yes
Bottom Line
I found these beach shoes to be comfortable enough to use everywhere. They have a classic pull-on design. This design eliminates all the hassle of tying up laces and provides superior fitting.
Pros
- Durable upper for longevity.
- Classic pull-on design.
- Brilliant arch and heel support for people with weak feet tissues.
- Sole that is slip-resistant.
- These shoes will maintain a more fantastic environment in your shoes.
Cons
- Some people complained that these shoes fold near the toe region, however, I didn’t face any such problem.
- These water shoes are not that great for people with smaller feet.
Features In Detail
- Arch support: After wearing these shoes for almost 5 to 6 hours I was quite impressed with them as they were gentle on my feet. They offered extensive arch and heel support.
- Breathability: All the time I wore these shoes, my feet never had any sweat. I could feel the cool breeze from outside on my feet because of the mesh upper on these shoes. There is some extra open mesh on the upper of these water shoes to increase the air permeability.
- High quality: I found these water shoes to be highly durable as they have a durable upper. This upper makes these shoes highly flexible and suitable for all kinds of surfaces.
- Convenience: I found the pull on the design of these shoes to be elegant and classic. It takes significantly less to put these water shoes on, especially on a beach.
- Comfortable: In my experience, these shoes will keep your feet dry even if you just came out of water. As there is a particular hole on the sole of these shoes. This hole will drain out all the water that gets inside these shoes.
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#5 ALeader Water Shoes: Fastest Drying
Features
- Comfort: 7.9/10
- Quality: 8.0/10
- Lightweight: 8.2/10
- Arch Support: 7.6/10
- Breathable: 7.9/10
- Overall Score: 7.9/10
Technical Specifications
- Fabric Type: Mesh
- Sole type: Rubber
- Sizes available: 5.5-11 inches
- Colors: Aqua blue, black, gray, green, purple, and so on.
- Drainage: Yes
Bottom Line
I found these water shoes to be comfortable as these shoes are quick drying. You will see these shoes are pretty lightweight as well. And they did a pretty great job in alleviating the pain for some time.
Pros
- There is a durable mesh on the upper of these shoes.
- I found these shoes to be very breathable as well.
- You can use these shoes on wet and slippery surfaces.
- These water shoes will provide you with superior drainage.
- A unique sock liner in these water shoes will give you additional cushioning.
Cons
- These water shoes may not be ideal for some heavy water activities.
- Some people may experience slight rusting on these shoes.
Features In Detail
- Arch support: I found these water shoes to be very comforting for my heel and ankle pain. Your weakened tissues will not undergo the additional pressure. The unique arch and heel support in these water shoes keep them lightweight.
- Breathability: A breathable air mesh on these water shoes allowed my feet to remain calm. I did not face any sweating issues while wearing these shoes.
- High quality: In my experience, these water shoes are very tough and durable. These shoes are specially designed to work on all types of surfaces.
- Convenience: I found the classic closure style on these water shoes. I was able to wear and remove these shoes in an instant. I even found the outsole on these shoes to be extra grippy, as its water-grain pattern prevents the shoe from slipping on wet surfaces.
- Comfort: These water shoes have an extremely light midsole for extra comfort and cushioning. I could feel the additional bounce effect on my feet while wearing these water shoes.
#6 Sobasa Water Shoes For Beaches: Best Value For Money
Features
- Comfort: 7.5/10
- Quality: 7.7/10
- Lightweight: 7.0/10
- Arch Support: 7.3/10
- Breathable: 7.4/10
- Overall Score: 7.3/10
Technical Specifications
- Fabric Type: Mesh fabric
- Sole type: Rubber
- Sizes available: 5-10.5 inches
- Colors: Grey, black, yellow, green, and so on.
- Drainage: Yes
Bottom Line
I included these water shoes in my list because I found them to be a great value for money. I could perform multiple water sports and activities freely while wearing these water shoes for the entire day.
Pros
- These water shoes are pretty lightweight.
- I found these water shoes to be very protective.
- A non slippery sole is reliable on all surfaces.
- These shoes dry quickly, ensuring your comfort.
- There is an open mesh on the upper of these water shoes allowing the feet to breathe.
Cons
- The elastic on these shoes might not suit everyone.
- These shoes have an excellent grip, but users can have some fitting issues.
Features In Detail
- Arch support: People like me who suffer from plantar fasciitis and love to go out on beaches will appreciate the arch support available in these water shoes that offers whole day comfort.
- Breathability: I was fascinated by the open mesh design of these water shoes. This mesh allowed the air to pass through it freely, keeping my feet dry and comfortable. It is an excellent feature for people with diabetes as they have a higher tendency to suffer from sweating issues.
- High quality: My feet were protected while wearing these shoes on all types of surfaces. There is an additional thick rubber sole on these water shoes. This rubber sole offers excellent traction and stability on water and wet surfaces.
- Convenience: My journey with these water shoes was very convenient as I could adjust them quickly because of their unique elastic shoelaces. You will not have to think about tying and these shoelaces falling.
- Comfort: I was able to rely on these shoes while wearing them on beaches and in water for drying quickly. They have a unique design that soaks up all the water very quickly.
#7 Vionic Store Water Shoes For Beaches: Lightest Beach Shoes
Features
- Comfort: 7.0/10
- Quality:7.0/10
- Lightweight:7.1/10
- Arch Support:6.8/10
- Breathable:7.2/10
- Overall Score:7.0/10
Technical Specifications
- Fabric type: Rubber
- Sole type:Synthetic Rubber, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, Rubber
- Sizes available: 5-12 wide
- Colors: Coral, green, gray, black, and so on.
- Drainage: Yes
Bottom Line
These shoes were extremely lightweight, and I did not feel the need to take them off even once in the whole day.
Pros
- The particular midsole on these shoes makes them lighter.
- Extra heel collar and support on these water shoes.
- Durable and highly absorbent mesh upper on these shoes.
- Rubber sole for better grip and traction.
- EVA footbed for cushioning and comfort.
Cons
- According to some people, the footbed might be slightly thin.
- Some people faced sizing issues with these water shoes.
Features In Detail
- Arch support: I went for these water shoes as they have an extra heel collar for protecting the heel. This is an excellent feature for plantar fasciitis patients that also like to engage themselves in a lot of activities.
- Breathability: I was able to wear these water shoes throughout the day in the scorching heat because of a durable mesh upper. A breathable mesh upper increases the capacity of air flowing through it. This feature is also helpful for people that have stinking feet.
- High quality: The weight of these water shoes was lighter than other shoes of the same category. There is a padded tongue on the midsole of these water shoes that will allow you to wear and remove these shoes in an instant.
- Convenience: The outsole on these shoes is made from high-quality TPR rubber. This rubber sole is responsible for increasing the grip and traction. I was able to protect myself from slipping on wet surfaces with these water shoes.
- Comfort: My feet felt very pleased while wearing these water shoes partly because of the unique EVA footbed with removable twill-covered technology.
My Top 3 Choices
Choosing the right water or beach shoes for yourself can be really tricky, especially when you have a physical condition such as plantar fasciitis. As a fellow patient, I personally used and reviewed all the products mentioned in this article.
Let me highlight three options as a final summary of my review:
The best option is the Simari Water Shoes For Beaches. This is because the rubber soles of these shoes were very soft hence it helped me relieve pain up to a great level. It was also excellent for outdoor activities.
The Watelves Quick Dry Beach Shoes is another great choice. It offers excellent art and heel support thus helping alleviate the pain.
If you are looking for a value for money option, you can also consider the Sobasa Water Shoes For Beaches, which offers great breathability, ample arch and heel support, and all this at a very reasonable price point.
