Shoes are not only fashion statements, but wearing a properly supportive pair of shoes is essential to prevent many painful foot conditions. Clogs are especially good for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, and the classic style remains a fashion favorite for shoe lovers.
Clogs have been around for centuries. Since the early days when Dutch farmers wore wooden versions to tend to their crops, clog shoes remain the preferred choice of footwear for professionals who are on their feet for most of their working hours.
Today, clogs come in a variety of styles and designs. From trendy to orthopedic, there are numerous models of the iconic footwear for every social and professional occasion. While many clogs are made strictly for fashion, others combine fashion and functionality to promote foot health.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Your feet are made of a lot of bones and connective tissue, including the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It supports the arch while absorbing shock.
Plantar fasciitis occurs when this fascia is repeatedly overstressed, causing tiny tears and over stretching of the tissue. Signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis include inflammation, pain, and stiffness. If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can restrict your activities, change how you walk, and eventually cause problems with your ankles, knees, hips, and back.
Ill-fitting shoes are a common cause of plantar fasciitis. Wearing proper footwear is essential to preventing and treating this painful condition, especially if you are on your feet for long periods. Clogs are great shoes for plantar fasciitis and wearing them brings many benefits.
Stegmann's cork footbed is doctor recommended for plantar fasciitis and foot pain
“Cork will help with shock absorption and is lightweight, which is a great natural material for shoe gear,” said Dr. Bradley Schaeffer (pictured below) of TLC's "My Feet are Killing Me."
Dr. Bradley wears Stegmann Ecowool Clogs in Stonesheep
He’s right. Those shock-absorbing qualities can reduce ongoing distress to the foot’s muscles. The extra bounce, therefore, alleviates pain attributed to Plantar Fasciitis.
Cork is also a very supportive material. The cork footbed is lightweight and molds to the bottom of your feet for customized support of the whole foot. The more you love your shoes, the more they’ll love you back.
“Cork has just enough firmness to provide the support you need and just enough elasticity to give cushion and not fatigue,” says Dr. David Farnen, Foot & Ankle Specialist from Nashville, TN. “I use it often for my custom orthotics for patients who continually have foot and ankle pain.”
There are so many health benefits in a Stegmann clog:
Arch Support
Clogs are designed to support the natural arch of the foot. The insole is sculpted to meet the foot's positioning so that the fascia is not hyper- or hypo-extended during movement or long periods of standing.
Lighter Soles
The soles of some clog shoes are made of polyurethane or Cork/Latex, a lightweight material that cushions your feet and absorbs shock. Since the material is lighter, it does not add extra weight or increase the amount of force put on your feet as heavier shoes do.
Shock Absorption
Walking on man-made, rigid surfaces that do not cushion or conform to your foot’s shape can cause problems with your feet, calves, knees, hips, and back because they strain connective tissues. Clog heels are made to support and cushion your foot’s natural positioning while standing or moving on every surface type. The softer material absorbs the shock from moving on hard surfaces while allowing your feet to move and flex in their normal position. These features make clogs an ideal pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Heel Support
Supporting the heel in its natural position is also important to prevent plantar fasciitis. Many shoe styles elevate the heel so that it is resting higher than the ball of the foot. That not only overstretches the plantar fascia, but it also damages the calf muscles. Clogs are designed to support and cup the heel in its normal position, so it does not move above or below the ball of the foot.
Ample Toe Room
Many shoes pinch the toes or squeeze them in overly confined spaces. This pinching and restriction of toes cause numerous issues with foot bones and connective tissues. Clog-style shoes for plantar fasciitis are designed with wide, closed fronts so that the toes can be supported in the normal length and spacing.
Since the plantar fascia connects the heel of your feet to the toes, wearing footwear that adequately supports and protects the digits is important to prevent many foot ailments, including overstretching of connective tissue.
Prioritize Your Health When Shoe Shopping
Your feet are subjected to excessive pressure and stress every day. Standing, walking, and exercising for prolonged periods on hard surfaces stresses the tissues, causing overstraining and small tears to the connective tissue. The plantar fascia is especially vulnerable to the excessive burden placed on your feet because it runs along the bottom of your feet from the heel to the toes.
Wearing shoes that fit properly and provide adequate support to the entire foot will help reduce your risk of injury to the plantar fascia. Wearing clogs, which are excellent shoes for plantar fasciitis, will reduce your risk of long-term problems because they are made to properly fit and support the entire foot so that the tissues are not overly strained throughout the day. Clogs are a preferred shoe for professionals who stand for most of their working hours. Visit us in-store or online for help choosing shoes for plantar fasciitis and other lifestyle considerations.
