In this blog, we’ll be showing you some quick and relatively inexpensive footwear solutions for Plantar Fasciitis, so you can say goodbye to pain and focus on the job in hand.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition involving inflammation of the plantar fascia - a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes. This pain typically occurs in the heel or arch of the foot (see image) and is often worse after periods of rest, such as first thing in the morning. Causes include:
- Long hours standing or walking
- Inadequate foot support
- Repetitive strain on the plantar fascia
Find out more about Plantar Fasciitis below from lecturer in Podiatry Emma Cowley.
THE FACTS
Plantar Fasciitis affects around 10% of people, and it's more common in those who work on hard surfaces like concrete. According to NHS data, jobs requiring prolonged standing or walking can significantly increase the risk.
A survey by the University of Bath found that 94% of safety boot wearers are on their feet for 8 hours or more per shift, so without proper foot support, pain and inflammation can get quickly worse if you're a work boot wearer.
Two Proven Solutions for Safety Boot Wearers with Plantar Fasciitis
1. Insoles DesignED for Arch Support
The right insole can reduce pain and strain by cushioning the plantar fascia. However, generic insoles aren’t always effective, because people have different arch heights - meaning their insoles need to specifically match this to offer the right support.
V12’s Dynamic Arch™ Insoles
V12 Footwear developed Dynamic Arch™ insoles in collaboration with motion analysts and podiatrists to address this issue.
Key features:
- Available in three arch types: Low, Medium, High
- Made with open-cell foam for long-lasting cushioning
- Offers specific male and female fit for accurate support
Pictured: Maximum support for low, medium and high arches with V12’s Dynamic ArchTM insoles.
“The choice in workwear for women is limited in terms of footwear... It’s difficult to find insoles that provide enough support for the arch.” Nicola Parsons, Health, Safety and Environment Manager
Watch Nicola talk about how learning her arch height and Dynamic ArchTM insoles helped her Plantar Fasciitis quickly disappear.
SOLUTION 2 - THE RIGHT FIT
A poorly fitting boot can increase strain on the foot, worsening Plantar Fasciitis symptoms. Boots designed to accommodate different foot shapes - like V12 Footwear's safety boot range - can reduce foot fatigue and pain quickly.
What to look for in safety boots:
- A contoured fit specific for male and female foot shapes
- A cushioned mid-layer
- A flexible, lightweight midsole
- A built-in shank for extra support and stability
Pairing boots with these features alongside the correct arch-supporting insole can create the complete foot comfort solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can safety boots cause Plantar Fasciitis?
A: Not directly, but long hours on hard surfaces in unsupportive footwear can trigger or worsen it.
Q: Are custom orthotics necessary?
A: Not always. Many wearers find relief with affordable, arch-specific insoles like V12’s Dynamic Arch™ - once they find their arch height.
Q: How fast does pain reduce with proper arch-supporting insoles?
A: Many users report a noticeable reduction in foot discomfort within days.
Summary: A Fast and Affordable Fix FOR FOOT PAIN
Plantar Fasciitis can be distracting, debilitating and disruptive, especially for workers on their feet all day. But often, the solution is simple - the right combination of insoles and footwear. So invest in comfort to avoid long-term pain.
