Men's flip-flops for plantar fasciitis

September 23, 2014 2:53 PM

I want to get my husband a new pair of flip-flops before we go on vacation next week, but he has plantar fasciitis. Can you recommend a brand of men's flip-flops that are good for someone with this condition? Requirement: I need them by next Monday, so purchaseable somewhere in downtown Seattle, from Zappos, or with Prime shipping from Amazon. Thanks!
posted by skycrashesdown to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (18 answers total)

Best answer: Orthaheel is the brand I wear and I think they're great! Definitely supportive and relieve the PF pain. They come in men's, women's and unisex styling and are available from Zappos.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 2:55 PM on September 23, 2014 [2 favorites]

Must the be plastic/rubber flips? Because my plantar fasciitis loves fake Birkenstocks, particularly the Dr Scholls fake Birks.

It's the little bit of a heel that makes a big difference, but also not having to "grab" a shoe with your toes, which I kind of feel like I have to do with toe-strap sandals of any kind.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:56 PM on September 23, 2014

I have plantar fasciitis, and I swear by the fitflop brand. I can literally walk all day in them. I'm a woman, but they do make men's styles.
posted by OrangeDisk at 2:56 PM on September 23, 2014 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I like Olukai. They're spendy for flip flops, but they have good arch support and my pair is still going strong after two summers of near-daily wear.
posted by Metroid Baby at 3:02 PM on September 23, 2014

Keen makes some good sandals/flip flop types that have decent arch support, heel cradle, and cushioning. Available on Zappos, Amazon, and usually at REI although possibly not this time of year.
posted by AliceBlue at 3:04 PM on September 23, 2014

Best answer: Seconding Orthoheel.
posted by Sublimity at 3:15 PM on September 23, 2014

Best answer: I am a woman, but I have PF and I wear Orthaheels exclusively. I hear that Spenco also makes good flip flops for folks with PF.
posted by crankylex at 3:20 PM on September 23, 2014

Best answer: I can't speak to the PF, but I have high arches and the Olukai are very comfortable. Worth a look.
posted by Fleebnork at 3:24 PM on September 23, 2014

Check out Crocs flip flops. They look just like every other mainstream brand so don't picture the clogs or slides and are a life saver for me with my PF.
posted by wwax at 3:34 PM on September 23, 2014

I suffer from PF off and on, and this is going to sound crazy, but I find the Crocs flip flops are great. I have what looks like a MODI flipflop. I can't tell because I bought them at Walt Disney World and mine have Mickey Mouse on them. Yes, I am an adult. :)

Caveat: They are slippery if your feet are wet, so not best for rainy day walking or just out of the pool.
posted by kimberussell at 3:35 PM on September 23, 2014

Chaco makes flip flops with Vibram soles.
posted by Madamina at 3:36 PM on September 23, 2014

Have you looked at Oofos?
posted by juliplease at 3:57 PM on September 23, 2014

Orthaheel is the brand I wear and I think they're great! Definitely supportive and relieve the PF pain.

Agreed. I live in mine. Live.
posted by Room 641-A at 5:14 PM on September 23, 2014

I will be the voice of dissent and suggest that he should wear Chacos, which have way better arch supports compared to de flippies.
posted by oceanjesse at 6:33 PM on September 23, 2014

Best answer: n-thing Orthoheel or Chacos (i am not sure about their flops, but the Z1 and Z2 have podiatrist approved footbeds and feel great!!)
posted by NikitaNikita at 6:50 PM on September 23, 2014

Best answer: +1 for Olukai or Chaco (they make a flip flop as well).
posted by entropic at 9:13 PM on September 23, 2014

Response by poster: Thanks, all! I ordered a pair of Orthaheels and a pair of Olukais.
posted by skycrashesdown at 10:14 PM on September 23, 2014

I'm a bit late, but my husband actually loves his tevas for this. His PT suggested crocs, but he was against it. However, his sandals did just break, so I might follow the suggestions here and see if he likes these better.
posted by katers890 at 7:24 AM on September 24, 2014