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Looking for the best golf shoes for plantar fasciitis? It can be a real pain, literally!
According to the Foot and Ankle Institute, investing in new shoes is the most important tip to improving your heel pain on the green.
Since this is a common issue among golfers from 40 to 70 (including the golfers at Senior Golf Source), we looked into the most comfortable shoes available on the market. We will also share our personal top picks.
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What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia).
Risk Factors & Who it Affects
Plantar Fasciitis commonly occurs in golfers, runners, dancers, and other athletes who put repetitive stress on their feet. It also can occur in people who stand for long periods of time on hard surfaces, such as concrete. Occupations like mail carriers, nurses, teachers, etc. who spend a lot of time on their feet.
Plantar fasciitis affects both men and women, but it tends to be most prominent in those ages 40 to 70 years old. You can be more prone to plantar fasciitis if you have high arches or even flat feet.
Cause
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the Plantar fascia is overloaded and subjected to too much tension and repetitive stress, which causes strain. This leads to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
Plantar Fascitis Symptoms
Plantar fasciitis usually develops gradually, but it can sometimes come on suddenly. The most common symptom is pain and tenderness on the bottom of your foot near your heel. The pain is usually worst when you take your first steps after getting out of bed or sitting for a long period of time. Plantar fasciitis typically affects just one foot.
If you have Plantar fasciitis, you might feel pain when you stand or walk on hard surfaces. You might also feel pain when stretching your foot or toes. Plantar fasciitis is a progressive condition, which means that it gradually gets worse over time.
Treatment
After a full day on the golf course, UC Health physicians recommend a treatment referred to as RICE.
This simple at-home process should help with symptoms:
- Rest your feet
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevate
Daily stretches and rolling your feet are also recommended as well as orthotic inserts which you can buy over the counter. However, we recommend seeing your physician or podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and personalized recommendations.
Best Golf Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis can make it very difficult to walk, let alone swing a golf club. But don’t despair, there are some great golf shoes on the market that can help alleviate the pain and discomfort.
Some of the best golf shoes for Plantar Fasciitis feature special cushioning and support in the heel area to help absorb impact and reduce stress on the Plantar Fascia. Look for shoes with good arch support and a cushioned insole.
New golf shoes are truly an investment to improve the long-term outcome of your condition. They are well worth the cost if you are able to enjoy your time on the golf course.
Below we listed our top picks, but keep in mind your style and design choices may outweigh some of our pros and cons.
Amazon also offers Prime Try it Before You Buy – on many of these golf shoes. You can be 100% confident in your purchase by giving them a trial run on the golf course.
Skechers Go Golf Elite Tour SL Golf Shoes
The new Skechers Go Golf Elite Tour SL are fully waterproof and has a 236-point grip outsole. The lightweight Ultra Go cushioning and Goga Max insole guarantees comfort despite the low-drop design.
With its reasonable price point, waterproof technology, and comfort reviewers love this shoe. It’s no wonder why the Sketchers frequently rank among the best golf shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Waterproof | Doesn’t have a differentiator from other shoes |
| Stylish | |
| The brand is known for its comfort | |
| Budget-friendly |
Ecco Biom H4 Men’s Golf Shoes
Ecco Biom Hybrid 4 are very comfortable like a plush Cadillac for golf shoes. Fluidform Technology forms specialized fluid materials around the foot to provide cushioning and bounce.
The top is breathable and waterproof, and the midsole stability provided by X-Tensa TPU promotes comfort.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Good grip in conditions | Expensive |
| Stylish | |
| Quality brand | |
| Try before you buy the option |
Adidas Men’s Tech Response Golf Shoes
The Adidas Men’s Tech Response Golf Shoes is lightweight, flexible, and breathable multilayer mesh.
A thin coating on top offers waterproof protection and durability. It also repels water and dirt, making it simple to clean.
Amazon currently offers the Try Before You Buy option with these golf shoes. It makes it easy to see if they work for you before paying a penny!
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Cheap price | Standard Adidas style |
| Stylish | |
| Waterproof protection | |
| Amazon Prime Try before you buy option |
FootJoy Mens Flex XP Golf Shoes
The FootJoy Stratos Golf Shoes are versatile and comfortable. The lightweight performance mesh delivers incredible comfort, breathability, and easy-to-wear comfort. There is complete support which is why it is one of our best shoes for golfers with plantar fasciitis.
The outsole has multi-directional nubs for traction, while the soft leather top adds flair. FootJoy offers four color options for men and women.
With the ability to try before you buy, you can get a few holes in and really see what these golf shoes are made of!
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Soft & comfy | Tend to be bulkier |
| Versatile | |
| Quality brand | |
| Try before you buy option |
Ecco Biom G3 Golf Shoes
Ecco Biom G3 Golf Shoes uses a variety of technologies to give round-after-round performance. The silky feel of the Yak leather is nice and the shoe’s natural motion last, which gives adequate room for your foot. Wide-footed people will appreciate the removable insole.
People are continually amazed by the wonderful comfort. The neoprene heel collar is excellent. It’s a one-piece shoe, meaning there’s no glue or stitching between the outsole and midsole, making it more flexible and lightweight.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Spikes don’t pick up dirt | Limited colors |
| Quality comfort | Price |
| Excellent reviews |
Skechers Torque Men’s Golf Shoe
The Skechers Torque Golf Shoes are water resistant allowing you to be comfortable in all types of weather. These golf shoes are lightweight allowing you to move freely. These shoes are highly regarded for being super comfortable and keeping your feet dry.
These golf shoes are synthetic which provides an extra layer of comfort for your feet. They have quite a bit of room that allows your foot to breathe.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Ultra flight foam | Not waterproof (water resistant) |
| Budget-friendly | |
| Replaceable soft spikes | |
| Multiple colors | |
| Try before you buy option |
Callaway Men’s Solana Xt Golf Shoes
Callaway Solana Xt Golf Shoes are an excellent choice for a comfortable and durable shoe. It feels soft underfoot, making it a great shoe for walking 18 holes and beyond.
The 3D cage system provides maximum stability and also makes the shoe breathable. Midsole and Insole make for increased feel and comfort. Dura-rubber offers excellent traction on the course.
The comfort and support for the foot, combined with the spikeless sole, make these shoes an excellent choice for golfers that spend a lot of time on their feet.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Good grip in conditions | Expensive |
| Spikeless golf shoe | |
| Quality brand | |
| Try before you buy option |
New Balance Breeze Men’s Golf Shoes
The New Balance Breeze Golf Shoes provide great alleviation for plantar fasciitis due to their rubber sole and breathable mesh upper portion. The shoe is very lightweight and comfortable.
The shoe will keep your feet cool while you play. There is enough room in these shoes that you can add inserts to make them even more comfortable if you wish.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Reduces pain and fatigue | Does not look like a golf shoe |
| Comfort | |
| Quality brand | |
| Try before you buy the option |
Final Thoughts: Best Golf Shoes for Plantar Fascitis
If you suffer from Plantar fasciitis, it is important to see a doctor or podiatrist to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. In some cases, Plantar fasciitis can be resolved with some simple at-home treatments, such as icing the affected area and stretching exercises.
However, in more severe cases, you may need to see a doctor for more aggressive treatment, such as physical therapy.
No matter what level of Plantar fasciitis you are dealing with, there is a golf shoe out there that can help. And with the right golf shoe, you can get back to enjoying your game pain-free.
