Plantar fasciitis can become a major problem, especially for those people who walk or stand all day long. This is quite true for golfers, as they need to stand to drive the ball down the fairway into the waiting hole. If you have aching feet or plantar fasciitis, you may need to buy a special pair of golf shoes. Check out our article on the twenty-one best golf shoes for plantar fasciitis, and take a more comfortable step onto the next golf course.
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What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
According to Mayo Clinic, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when there is inflammation of a tick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, and connect the heel bone to the toes. The inflammation causes stabbing pain that is usually coinciding with your first steps in the morning. It may go away after moving your feet more, but it may return after long periods of standing.
Should You Play Golf with Plantar Fasciitis?
If you have severe plantar fasciitis you probably should go to a doctor or buy some insoles before getting back out on the course. You can play golf with plantar fasciitis, but it will inflame that band of tissue more because you will be constantly standing. If you are ever experiencing pain in that area, going to your primary care doctor or a podiatrist and talk about next steps.
What Did Tiger Woods Do for His Plantar Fasciitis?
When Tiger Woods dropped out of the Master’s in April, it was a little alarming. The reason he did drop out was due to plantar fasciitis, and the pain he was experiencing by constantly standing. Woods believes in a non-surgical approach, where you stretch and relax the foot, and give some time to heal.
Though this can work sometimes, you may have to resort to other options such as cortisone shots or eventually surgery, in order to loosen up that band of tissue in the foot.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis in Golf?
Since your plantar fascia is the tissue that supports the arch of your foot, if your feet are mis-aligned and flat the plantar fascia becomes over-stretched and strained, leading to inflammation. Golfers may get plantar fasciitis from standing too long, being overweight, having improper footwear, or standing incorrectly for long stretches of time.
You will want to correct at least one of these causes to help prevent getting plantar fasciitis, or you will need to buy shoes that are designed for supporting the foot.
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What Are the Best Golf Shoes on the Market for Plantar Fasciitis?
Check out our top four picks for women’s and men’s best golf shoes for plantar fasciitis:
4. Women’s Spikeless: Ashworth Women’s Cardiff ADC, $35
The best women’s spikeless shoe is the Ashworth Women’s Cardiff ADC golf shoes, which are made with rich and soft tubled leather on the top of the shoe and a newly-designed spikeless outsole on the bottom. In terms of comfort for your plantar fasciitis, the softer EVA midsole and full-length cushioning on top will make walking eighteen holes a breeze.
3. Woman Spiked: Adidas Women’s W Tech Response, $50
The Adidas Women’s W Tech Response shoes have a 6-spike thintech outsole with Adiwear for long-lasting abrasion resistance and traction, along with climastorm water resistant protection to keep you dry on any type of green. The best part is the cloud foam insole that provides ultra-light cushioning and comfort, so the walk to the next hole isn’t as bad.
2. Man Spikeless: Cole Haan Zero Grand Overtake, $150
Though these shoes are a little on the expensive side, they really are worth it for a great day of golf with no foot pain. The water-resistant mesh bootie with custom stretch zones will provide a sock-like feel, and the engineered GRANDFØAM midsole features responsive cushioning for all of your plantar fasciitis pain. The other interesting feature for the Cole Haan ZeroGrand Overtake shoes is the ergonomically designed tread pattern that ensures traction through your whole swing.
1. Man Spiked: Adidas ZG23, $140
For our men’s best spiked golf shoe, we have chosen the Adidas ZG23. Made with recycled materials, the waterproof SprintSkin synthetic upper will keep your foot dry all day. Six-cleat spikes deliver confident gripping of the green, and the Lightstrike cushioning and Boost midsole charges each step, so you’ll never have the need to stop golfing.
What to Look for in Golf Shoes if You Suffer from Plantar Fasciitis
The best golf shoes for plantar fasciitis will need to have soft midsoles and insoles that cushion your feet. They will also need to have good padding around the heel area and have support around the ankle so your feet do not move too much. The best shoe will be comfortable yet snug, so it can support every step you take on the green.
Are Hard or Soft Soles Better for Plantar Fasciitis?
Rigid orthotic insoles are better for those who have plantar fasciitis. It does take a little more time for your foot to get used to the rigid surface, but over time it becomes quite comfortable. Soft orthotics are usually made with EVA, a more rubber-like material, and fits closer to the foot than rigid inserts. You can get rigid insets at a podiatrist, or at a store.
How Can Golfers Prevent Plantar Fasciitis?
Preventing plantar fasciitis is important for golfers, since you are constantly standing and playing. You can schedule an appointment to a podiatrist and get prescription orthotics in order to prevent getting plantar fasciitis, or just invest in a store-brand insole that can support your feet. The insoles will help distribute your body weight, and help correct your stance so that you do not develop problems with your feet.
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Should I Buy Spiked or Spikeless Golf Shoes?
Buying spiked or spikeless golf shoes comes down to mostly a personal preference, and the courses that you are playing on. As time and new styles of shoes have passed, spiked shoes are now lighter than ever and spikeless have even more traction than before.
Spiked shoes will do better on unstable or wet ground, while spikeless will allow you to move freely on drier courses while still getting that essential grip. Many golfers have several pairs of shoes, in order to best fit their environment, but if you’re on a budget you might want to try out the spikeless shoes as they will provide comfort and grip most environments.
Top 7 Best Spikeless Golf Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2023
Check out our top choices for spikeless golf shoes below:
7. Puma Ignite Elevate, $75
If you want grip without the spikes, try out the Puma Ignite Elevate golf shoe, which has its outsole traction built into a concentric pattern, gripping the ground no matter the motion or force put onto the shoes. The other bonus for plantar fasciitis golfers is the IGNITE foam, a revolutionary midsole foam that provides energy, comfort, and cushioning for all day wear.
6. New Balance Fresh Foam Contend, $90
Try out the New Balance Fresh Foam Contend‘s if you’re looking for a shoe with a cloud-like feel, due to the 10mm drop Fresh Foam innovative midsole. The performance mesh upper and microfiber leather protect against wet and sweaty feet, and the molded CUSH+ insole provided superior comfort on the whole course.
5. Under Armour Charged Phantom SL, $130
Spikes can sometimes cause the shoe to become stiff and uncomfortable, but with the Under Armour Charged Phantom SL golf shoes, they provide a spikeless outsole for a lighter, more flexible feel without compromising traction. The best part about these shoes for plantar fasciitis golfers though is the Charged Cushioning midsole, which uses compression molded foam for superior responsiveness and durability.
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4. Under Armour Hovr Drive SL, $140
If you struggle with plantar fasciitis a lot and need suitable support for your feet, try out the Under Armour Hovr Drive SL golf shoes. The molded heel is anatomically designed to improve fit, and the UA HOVR placement supports the natural motion of the foot during a swing, and helps eliminate impact that could cause pain. The breathable microfiber material will keep you cool all day long.
3. Ecco Biom H4 2023, $160
Due to the success of the 3rd version of this shoe, Ecco has come out with the BIOM H4 made in durable Ecco leather and GORE-TEX waterproof technology. On the inside, a PU midsole and TPU inserts will securely hug your foot and offer added stability while walking to the next hole. With high tech and an understated design, your feet will be thanking you in no time.
2. G/Fore MG4X2 Shoes, $195
If you have plantar fasciitis, sometimes you’re willing to pay for a pricier shoe if it means the pain will go away. This is the perfect reason to go for the G/Fore MG4X2 golf shoes, which have a responsive EVA midsole with Aexetic sidewall and a 360° molded heel cup to prevent heel slippage. Another unique feature of the MG4X2’s is the sawtooth traction pattern on the outsole, providing ultimate traction over the green.
1. G/Fore Gallivanter, $225
If you want to be the most stylish golfer on the green, or just prize loafer-like golf shoes, try out the G/Fore Gallivanter golf shoes. Made with waterproof pebble leather, you still won’t have to worry about getting your feet wet. The cleat design on the outsole will keep you steady, while the triple density foam cushion footbed with massaging foot nubs will keep those aching feet comfortable all day long.
Top 7 Best Spiked Golf Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2023
Would you rather have spikes on your golf shoes? Check out these seven options for plantar fasciitis:
7. Callaway Solana TRX V2, $99.99
Lightweight with Fast Twist 3.0 removable cleats, the Callaway Solana TRX V2 shoes are perfect for any golf course conditions. The spikes are specifically a five spike dura-rubber outsole, while your plantar fasciitis is addressed through the 5mm PLUSfoam insole for all the comfort you need. Plus, this shoe is waterproof ready for both rainy and sunny days.
6. Skechers Pro 5 Hyper, $120
Similar to the other Skechers on this list, the Skechers Go Golf Pro 5 Hyper has a waterproof synthetic upper and removable Arch Fit insoles. The plus to the Pro 5 Hyper’s is that there is also high-performance Resamax cushioning in the soles, so your plantar fasciitis won’t get a chance to make your feet hurt. The soft spikes on the shoes are replaceable, so you will always have traction on the green.
5. Under Armour Men’s Tempo Sport 2, $150
The Under Armour Tempo Sport 2 shoe is 100% synthetic, but still breathable with its Clarino microfiber upper and waterproof membrane. Another plus with the Tempo Sport 2 is the bootie fit with sock-like construction that provides close to foot comfort, and will prevent you from sliding right out of the shoe.
4. Payntr X-006, $160
If you need a sturdy yet comfortable shoe on the green, try out the Payntr X-006 golf shoes. With ventilated dual-density PMX FOAM midsoles, you will get responsive underfoot cushioning all day for your plantar fasciitis, and if you use custom orthotics the insole easily removes. Another plus of the Payntr shoes is the new SoftSpike Tour Flex Pro spikes that have ten points of ground contact, keeping you in the perfect position for each swing.
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3. Footjoy Men’s Hyperflex, $170
The Footjoy Men’s Hyperflex golf shoes will be your best friend with molded high density EVA FitBed cushioning and Stratofoam top layer to keep your plantar fasciitis supported and happy. This shoe aims to be comfortable but stylish, with an added toe spring for a more athletic profile. Finally, the spikes are Pulsar Low Profile cleats with Fast Twist 3.0, for easy removal and changing if they spikes get dull.
2. TravisMathew Cuater the Ringer, $200
Starting to get into the more expensive end of golf shoes is the TravisMathew Cuater the Ringer golf shoes. Designed for premium performance, there is sweetspot cushioning that offers all day comfort for your plantar fasciitis. The air-mesh lining will allow your feet to breathe on all nine holes, and lessen the amount of sweat present in your shoes at the end of the day.
1. Ecco Biom G5 Shoe, $210
Even though this is our most expensive choice for the best golf shoes for plantar fasciitis, the ECCO Biom G5‘s removable and washable Ortholite inlay sole is what really makes these shoes worth the cost. Their is GORE-TEX technology to ensure that your shoes are waterproof, and with the BOA Fit System you will never have to worry about tying your shoes to get the perfect fit.
Top 3 Best Skechers Golf Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2023
If you like Skechers, then this top three list is for you:
3. Men’s Pivot Spikeless, $80
The Skechers Go Golf Pivot are the perfect shoes for a rainy day on the course. The classic spikeless design features a water-resistant upper construction, along with Ultra Go® cushioning and a Goga Max insole. You’ll have no trouble beating the constant plantar fasciitis pain with these sneakers.
2. Women’s Go Golf Elite 5, $90
The GRIPFLEX spikeless traction outsole will prevent you from slipping on the grass with the Skechers Go Golf Elite Sport 5 shoe. The sleek shoes have a lace-up golf design, with a mesh and synthetic upper and removable Arch Fit insole that will support your feet all day long.
1. Go Golf Arch Fit Elite Vortex, $120
If you want shoes that have replaceable soft spikes, look no further than the Skechers Go Golf Arch Fit Elite Vortex shoes. Though they are a little pricier, they are worth the money in terms of comfort and style. You will also enjoy the waterproof synthetic upper material, and a removable Arch Fit insole.
Are Ecco Golf Shoes Good for Plantar Fasciitis?
Ecco shoes are great for plantar fasciitis, as they have removable footbeds that allow you to put in your own orthotics. If you don’t have orthotics, the built-in arch and heel reinforcements will provide superior and lasting support for hours on end.
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What Type of Shoes Are Bad for Plantar Fasciitis?
Shoes that often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes, pumps, crocs, or Uggs. Basically, you need to have a shoe that properly supports your foot with adequate cushioning and a comfortable fit. If you look at all of these golf shoes, they all have a bunch of padding for all parts of your foot, and prize that they shoe will allow you to stand on the green all day.
If you have plantar fasciitis but still want to play golf all day, then try out one of these best golf shoes for plantar fasciitis, and who knows, you might find a perfect fit.
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