Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is something that many people deal with.
Some might not even know why they feel a sharp burning sensation in the feet and continue about life like normal. However, it is a daunting feeling that radiates from the tarsal tunnel with inflammation, causing weakness in the foot and forcing you to take the strain off your feet.
Tarsal tunnel can increase the rate at which fatigue occurs. It is harder to stay on your feet for prolonged periods and reduces productivity. The best shoes for tarsal tunnel are an orthotic or supportive shoes. This is the best way to counteract the pain. It helps relieve the strain, and in this article, you can find some of the best shoes that could help you deal with tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Making a shoe more comfortable for someone with tarsal tunnel syndrome is a hard process. Simply replacing the insole is the easiest option, but the top manufacturers try to design a shoe for the issue. The special considerations are in the buyer’s guide, but the shoes are a lot more interesting to start with.
6 Best Women’s Shoes for Tarsal Tunnel
Vionic Women’s Brisk Miles Lace-up Active Sneaker
A man made shoe is much more comfortable to work with when you have tarsal tunnel syndrome. The Vionic Women’s Brisk Miles Lace-up Active Sneaker has a textile upper, with integrated mesh for ventilation. It features an EVA footbed that molds to the shape of your feet and retains the shape for added comfort.
The shoe has orthotic arch support hidden inside the upper layer of fabric. It is slightly thicker than most shoes but will keep your feet compressed. With the APMA Seal Of Acceptance, it is a shoe that many doctors also recommend. However, the price is a little steep, but worth it if you want the best comfort for long walks.
- Lightweight shoe
- Orthotic arch support
- EVA footbed
- APMA seal of approval
- Shoe runs very short
- Steep Price Tag
CLARKS Women’s Sillian Sway Ankle Bootie
The ankle bootie is part of everyday attire that most women enjoy. However, these shoes are often loose when it comes to fit with limited support. Fortunately, the CLARKS Women’s Sillian Sway Ankle Bootie makes use of Ortholite technology for the footbed. It remains stable for long periods and offers decent comfort.
The boot has a large opening of around 11-inches. It can stretch from one side to the other to give you comfort if you have wider feet. With EVA forming part of the insole and the outer sole, the shoe simulates walking on clouds. On top of all this, it is an affordable shoe that fits almost any type of wardrobe you have.
- Wide opening
- Ortholite Technology
- EAV inner and outer sole
- Affordable
- Matches all wardrobes
- It is a little loose with no compression
- Lacks secure ankle support
Vionic Women’s Pacific High Tide Toepost Sandals
Very few things beat the comfort of wearing sandals on a hot summer day. However, sandals have limited arch support to keep your feet from swaying around. The Vionic Women’s Pacific High Tide Toepost Sandals has a thick 2-inch platform. The platform is layered with EVA to mold and adjust to the shape of your feet.
Faux Leather forms the upper part of the shoe. It helps improve the durability with double stitching on the sides. The shoe is available in a multitude of different colors to match your wardrobe. It has an affordable price that almost anyone can work with.
- Durable Faux Leather upper
- 2-inch EVA platform
- Available in numerous colors
- Affordable
- Sizes run large
- Limited arch support
Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoe
Nike is a brand that emphasizes sport but also designs shoes that can help with foot problems. The Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoe uses ST foam for premium cushioning while adding the Nike Air Technology for comfort. A comfortable sock liner not only wicks away moisture but contours to your foot shape.
The shoe itself is lightweight, with an additional layer of mesh for breathability in the upper. The inner sole is removable. Still, with a standard EVA footbed, there should not be any need to remove the comfortable inner sole. Unfortunately, it is an expensive boot with the Nike logo on the side.
- Nike Air Technology
- Contoured sock liner
- Lightweight
- EVA footbed
- Expensive
- The fit is narrow
Skechers Women’s Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker
The best sneakers are often a great way of helping you deal with tarsal tunnel syndrome. One of the top options is the Skechers Women’s Ultra Flex Salutations Sneaker, with a flexible textile construction and a mesh overlay for comfort. The low-cut design still offers decent ankle protection and comfort all around the foot.
One of the standout features that anyone with a foot disability will enjoy is the flexible outer sole. Not only does the inner sole contour to the shape of your feet, but the outer sole will also mold. The shoe is one of the most affordable for tarsal tunnel syndrome.
- Flexible outer sole
- Affordable
- Think EVA Insole
- Stylish Construction
- Slightly oversized
- Lacks arch support due to loose fit
Vionic Women’s Rest BellaII Toepost Sandal
The hiking sandal is one of many top range shoes that everyone needs in their closet. However, the hard sole is often uncomfortable for those with a tarsal tunnel. The Vionic Women’s Rest BellaII Toepost Sandal features a leather upper with textile integration to provide a comfortable it over your feet.
It has a soft inner sole that forms layers of EVA stacked upon one another. With a tanned color, it provides you with a dressier look than most common sandals at an affordable price. These sandals have a narrow fit that should be accounted for when buying.
- Dressier look than normal sandals
- Reasonably priced
- Layered EVA sole
- Flexible
- Narrow fit
- Lacks arch support due to loose fit
6 Best Men’s Shoes for Tarsal Tunnel
Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
Men find it hard to deal with pain in their feet, as it can ruin an entire mood. However, the Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes provide a solution with a thick outer sole and MoGo Technology to reduce fatigue. The EVA promotes comfort by forming around the shape of the foot to create a comfortable fit.
The shoe feature 100% leather construction for durability, with a slight mesh overlay that promotes ventilation through the sides. Additional arch support provides extra stability for those with weak feet, while the affordable price makes it great for anyone to buy.
- MoGo Technology
- Thick outer sole with air cushioning
- Ventilated mesh ports
- Size runs true
- Lacks durable stitching
- Basic running shoe style
New Balance Men’s M1540v2
New Balance is a brand that everyone uses for sports. They specialize in running shoes with direct arch support and cushioning. The New Balance Men’s M1540v2 takes support to the next level with the introduction of Rollbar Technology in the arch. Much like the other tarsal tunnel shoes, EVA is preferred for the insole.
The shoe is available in a wide range of stylish colors and designs. The durable textile upper is lightweight while providing a host of breathable mesh holes. The foot control enables you to control how much effort you put in. However, these shoes come with a steep price.
- Stylish design
- Rollbar Technology
- EVA footbed
- Offers foot stability and control
- Expensive
- Insole is not removable
ASICS Men’s Dynaflyte 2 Running Shoes
Running is synonymous with the ASICS brand. The brand competes with some of the top sporting companies for the top shoes. The ASICS Men’s Dynaflyte 2 Running Shoes have an Ortholite Sockliner that combines with the inner sole. The inner sole works the same as memory foam by retaining the shape of your feet.
The FlyteFoam Midsole Technology adds additional thickness to the outer sole. It offers a 45-degree platform that surrounds your feet from all sides. ASICS designs these shoes in a variety of colors that will draw attention to your wardrobe. It also helps to combat issues like plantar fasciitis that many people deal with.
- Works for plantar fasciitis
- Stylish colors
- Enhanced foam technology
- Affordable
- Ortholite Sockliner
- They run ½ a size too small
- Fit is also narrow
Dunham Men’s Addison Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot
The majority of the time, people spend on their feet is at work. However, work boots tend to be rugged for taking on a variety of tough terrains. Fortunately, the Dunham Men’s Addison Mid-Cut Waterproof Boot combines the ruggedness and waterproof overlay with a softer touch. It features an EVA midsole with additional shock-absorbing pads.
Durability is the main feature of the shoe, and it has a durable leather exterior with a Vibram outer sole. The outer sole is slip-resistant in almost any weather condition. These shoes have no metal components, making them ideal for working or traveling through airports.
- Airport friendly
- Mid-cut design for ankle protection
- Slip-resistant
- Features addition shock-absorbing pods
- They are heavy
- No inner support shank
Saucony Men’s Redeemer ISO Road Running Shoe
Saucony is a wildcard brand that has been making strides in the world of off-road running. The Saucony Men’s Redeemer ISO Road Running Shoe has a nylon textile upper with a waterproof mesh overlay. The overlay also wicks away moisture while allowing air to pass through.
PWRGRID Technology forms part of the inner sole. According to the manufacturer, it provides 20% more cushioning than standard EVA. Small TPU pillar adds support to the medial part of the foot, helping to relieve the pain caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome.
- Lightweight
- PWRGRID Technology
- Added support in the outer sole
- Moisture-wicking capabilities
- Affordable
- The outer sole is soft and may wear out
- The mesh overlay lacks long-term durability
Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe
A shoe that everyone needs is a dress shoe that can be used for walking. One of the leading options for those with foot problems is the Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe. Made from 100% San Crispino leather, it brings a new look to your wardrobe, while providing a latex-infused EVA midsole for comfortable walks.
The entire shoe helps with the absorption of impact while adding structural support from the sides to keep your feet firmly planted. The outer sole is much thicker than competitors are, but also flexes with the movement of your feet. It is one of the most affordable dress shoes that anyone can have in their closet.
- Durable leather construction
- EVA midsole
- Slip-resistant
- Provides arch support
- Affordable
- Sizing is smaller than other Rockford shoes
Buying Guide: Finding The Right Shoes For Tarsal Tunnel
Tarsal tunnel attacks the medial part of the foot, which can make finding the right shoes hard for many people. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the right shoes. In this guide, you will find some of the tips and tricks for dealing with tarsal tunnel and how to look for the best shoes:
What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
The tarsal tunnel is a small section located next to the anklebone. A large ligament covers the area to keep it protected. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve compresses or when it is squeezed anywhere along the path that runs through to the foot. The more this happens, the more inflammation occurs, leading to consistent pain and often a sharp burst of pain when the foot is in a specific motion.
What Are The Symptoms Of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Many people might live with tarsal tunnel syndrome and not even know that they have it. However, there are a couple of symptoms that one can look for. While the symptoms can be very intricate, these are some of the most common that many people might experience:
Pins and needles felt on the inside of the foot (A tingling sensation might also be present)
Sharp pain through the ankle into the foot
Swelling of the ankle (In severe cases that are not treated)
Joint pain in the ankle and the knees
Weakness of the ankle when bent outwards
How To Deal With Tarsal Tunnel
There are varying factors that may lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome occurring in your ankles. However, it is generally a weakness of some sort in either your knees or your ankle muscles. There are a couple of things that you can do to help you deal with tarsal tunnel and prevent it from reoccurring once the pain subsides:
Get Medical Help: A medical doctor can advise you on the best method to deal with it before it gets out of hand.
Strengthen Muscles: The muscles in the knee and around the ankle can be the root cause of the problem. A few strength exercises can alleviate pain.
Supportive Footwear: By investing in the right footwear, it is much easier to deal with the issue as it is happening.
What To Look For In Shoes For Tarsal Tunnel
Comfort and Fit
The comfort and fit are one of the most important features that need to be considered. If the shoe has a narrow fit, it might put a lot of pressure on the tibial nerve, which leads to more pain and inflammation. It is best to look for something that has a wide fit, but enough support to provide stability. A nylon shank or similar technology is the perfect option.
Cushioning
It is no secret that tarsal tunnel can reduce the comfort of the natural cushioning underneath your feet. One thing you will notice with tarsal tunnel shoes is the additional cushioning in the inner sole. EVA technologies work the best, by molding to the shape of your feet. Additionally, memory foam can also help achieve similar results.
Weight
A heavy shoe puts a lot of strain on your feet; the constant motion of lifting your feet will eventually take a toll and cause fatigue. People dealing with tarsal tunnel syndrome could benefit from a lightweight shoe to reduce fatigue. However, you don’t want to remove all the support features, as this could aggravate the issue.
Durability
Durability is not a feature that specifically works for tarsal tunnel syndrome. However, these shoes tend to be expensive due to the orthotics in the shoe. It can be costly to replace the shoes constantly, but with a durable upper and decent stitching, the shoes can last a couple of years. Leather and synthetic textiles are lightweight and comfortable.
Support and Stability
The final feature is the stability and support that many people need for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Pronating the feet might lead to enhanced pain on the inside and aggravate the injury. However, a stable shoe with a nylon shank can keep your feet rigid. Additionally, you need a firm outer sole that does not flex too much to cause more injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
With all that said and done, you can find the right shoe for tarsal tunnel syndrome and alleviate the pain until you get medical help. However, many people are new to the issue, and they might have a few unanswered questions. These are some of the popular questions that people have about tarsal tunnel shoes.
- Do compression socks help tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Yes, compression socks will compress the area along the ankle, which leads to more blood flow to the area. The result can be reduced inflammation and, eventually, less pain.
- Can you walk with tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Your ability to move and walk will be the same, but it can come with a lot of pain. At first, one might not pay too much attention to it. However, it is painful as the syndrome continues to expand.
Conclusion
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is something that people can recover from with the right shoes and support. However, it takes some effort to find the right shoes to do it. These shoes and features will help you find the right shoes and alleviate the pain before it gets too much to bear. Drop a comment in the comment box if you have any more questions or tips about dealing with tarsal tunnel syndrome.
