A lot of people tend to use Minimalist shoes to help treat Plantar Fasciitis. The theory is, that if you bring your foot to a more natural state it will help cure the plantar fasciitis. I am not a big fan of the Minimalist treatment for Plantar Fasciitis. I think orthotics, insoles, NSAIDs, and cortisone shots are all more effective treatments. But, if you are going to do this treatment you want to do it right. So I have written about what I consider the best minimalist shoes for Plantar Fasciitis. What you look for in a minimalist shoe for Plantar Fasciitis is a shoe that allows the foot to contour to its natural shape, while providing minimal support to the arch and also some shock absorption to take some stress off the plantar fascia. Below are a couple minimalist shoes I recommend for Plantar Fasciitis:
New Balance MX20v3 Minimus Cross Training Shoe– I also recommend New Balance sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis. So, I will recommend their minimalist shoe for Plantar Fasciitis as well. I like the contruction of this shoe, as the rocker bottom like appearance will take stress off the plantar fascia. Additionally the RevLite insole will help reduce some of the stress on the plantar fascia.
Merrell Bare Access Trail Running Shoe– This shoe uses a material in the footbed called EVA. I like EVA in shoes when you have Plantar Fasciitis. The EVA will contour and mold to the natural shape of your foot and then provide support and cushioning to the natural shape of your foot.
TevaSphere Rally Cross Training Shoe– This shoe combines two elements of the sneakers above that I like. It has an EVA insole as well as a Rocker Bottom appearance. These two properties will combine to help reduce stress on the plantar fascia while also taking stress off the foot during propulsion.