When plantar plate tears, the fascia is pulled away from the bottom of the shoe, and pain and inflammation can cause serious injury.
It is important to have the correct support system in place to help your plantar plate repair properly.
When trying on footgear for this injury, it is important to understand how much support you can afford.
If the support appears too little, your fit could be compromised as the tissue in your feet continues to separate from the bottom.
If too much support is given, blood flow through the tissues below the plantar plate could be restricted causing an ineffective healing process.
For this reason, there are numerous footwear built to support this.
The system has been specifically designed to provide the perfect fit for injured plantar plate and heat exhaustion injuries such as heat-related to eccentric training for recovering runners especially.
| S/no | Shoes suitable for Plantar Plate Tear | Ranking | Rating (1-10) |
| 1 | Adidas Runfalcon | Best for running (shoes) | 8/10 |
| 2 | ASICS’ Gel Contend 5 | Best for walking (shoes) | 8/10 |
| 3 | The Adidas Duramo 9 | Best for casual (shoes) | 8/10 |
| 4 | ONCAI Slides | Best for durability (slides) | 9/10 |
| 5 | Hoka ORA Recovery Slides | Best for performance (slides) | 8/10 |
| 6 | Mahabis Breathe Classic Slipper | Best for breathability (slipper) | 8/10 |
| 7 | Salomon TECH Sandals | Best for design (sandals) | 9/10 |
| 8 | Telic Energy Flip Flops | Best footbed (flip flops) | 8/10 |
| 9 | Revs Massage Flip Flops | Best affordable (flip flops) | 7/10 |
Top 9 shoes for Plantar Plate Tear (Detailed Review)
Table of Contents
Adidas Runfalcon (For Running)
This one is for runners. Still want to keep in shape and a small tear can’t stop you? The Adidas Runfalcon is a shoe designed for runners with these problems.
Running produces a great deal of pain in the form of inflammation.
The Runfalcon provides an alternative to anti-inflammatory pain medication and helps speed up healing time.
It is a shoe well-designed and it did reduce the pain of my injury. Plantar plate is commonly present in athletes as it can cause pain, swelling, and a lack of flexibility.
The goal of Adidas Runfalcon is to minimize the discomfort I felt when doing light workouts and its lightweight played a major role in that.
The Runfalcon is the top cycling shoe that will provide versatility and a good deal for your money.
The footbed of this shoe is specifically designed to carry the weight of an athlete while giving you seamless arch support.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Very affordable
- Multi-purpose footwear
Cons
- Not very durable
- Not made of premium quality
ASICS’ Gel Contend 5 (For Walking)
Next up is the ASICS’ Gel Contend 5. This shoe features gel materials that can be found in all ASICS brands.
The Contend 5 is well-designed, long-lasting, and will surely please the runners.
In contrast to being durable, these shoes tend to be stiff and should be substituted when worn for long periods of time.
Some exceptions to this rule include runners who use these shoes regularly and need no change in shoe style or stiffness.
If your shopping list has a pair of expensive or limited-use running shoes, the ASICS Gel Contend 5 might still be worth a look.
The most prominent feature of this shoe is its outsole, which is made from an advanced rubber compound.
This gives runners more flexibility when they land, reducing energy absorption or pain in the event of the infamous tear.
The gel compound does make the shoe more abrasion-resistant until you are fully recovered.
But the function and design come together to make an extremely comfortable shoe even when worn for long periods.
Pros
- Quality materials
- Durable than most running shoes
- Great design for protecting injuries
Cons
- Stiff heels
- Not a great idea for long-period usage
The Adidas Duramo 9 (For Casual)
The Adidas Duramo 9 is a classic running shoe. It’s lightweight, stable, and durable making it the ideal shoe for plantar plate trauma.
The minimalist design allows runners to pick up and carry around the shoe without having to worry about chaffing.
These are the best runners for plantar plate whether you have experienced the injury before or are experiencing symptoms of plantar plate injury for the first time.
The Adidas Duramo offers affordability and good quality. Adidas is well known for producing the best running shoes in the world.
Here, they took things like space, comfort, and breathability into stark consideration given its awesome midsole.
Plantar plate tears are nagging, an annoying little ache that will sap your energy and will ultimately leave you looking like an old man at the pool.
Duramo will give you some needed cushioning to keep the pin minimizes while you recover.
Pros
- Great cushioning
- Superb midsole
- Breathable shoe
- Affordable
- Fashionable
Cons
- Stubborn fabric
- Not ideal for narrow feet
ONCAI Slides
Like all shoes made for human beings, there are some things in the design that are engineered for things other than running – like just moving around the house.
We are now gradually coming to familiar territory. Some folks facing the plantar plate injury prefer to sit and home while the tear recovers.
The most common shoes used to treat plantar plate tears possess solid support and intend to increase ankle flexibility and stability.
These are coupled with increased mobility in the other two major planes of motion (front and back). One of the best walking shoes that combines both of these features is this slide.
This slide will help you walk again so you can get back on the playing field or a jogging path. They combine fashion and performance which makes them a bit pricey for recovery shoes.
Who knows? You might want to keep them for your next outfit.
Pros
- They are fashionable
- Very comfortable for injury recovery
- Cool design
Cons
- They are a bit expensive
Hoka ORA Recovery Slides
Hoka One Slides is one of those shoes that every recovering runner needs, no matter how much you weigh. They are already well-known for their awesome cushioning system.
Their insoles are specifically designed to improve the health of your plantar plate and prevent further injury.
Even if you’re an experienced runner, there are still things you can do to improve your gait and efficiency in general.
And when running, injuries can occur from improper technique or from an excessive weight that is placed on the injured part of the foot. This is why the Hoka ORA is a top choice.
If you have a torn plantar plate on your foot, it is important to find the best shoe for plantar plate recovery slides.
Slides free up your toes and like I said this footwear is directed to the folks recovering indoors.
This shoe has a built-in support system so that you can walk with ease without painful sensations.
It is pointed at the back of the insole to aid in healing and correction of misalignment as well as a padded insole for comfort during the process. It is affordable too.
Pros
- They are very affordable
- They are lightweight
- Functional design
Cons
- Not fashionable
Mahabis Classic Slipper
When it comes to caring for your feet, there can be an enormous range of shoes to suit your needs.
You want warmth and support, but also some flexibility to get your day going.
That’s why Mahabis has come up with its own range of plantar plate tear cushions – designed to help improve the look of your already stunning style.
Curved along the sides to ease pressure on the arch and toe area respectively, these cushions will also reduce the risk of injury during engages in extreme weather conditions like skiing or walking on ice.
Shoes made specifically for this purpose are meant to be comfortable with some good covering.
The Mahabis are made to protect and correct your gait in all types of weather including hot and humid weather.
They are designed with a thin layer of cushioning gel on top of what would otherwise be an indistinguishable barefoot.
The added gel acts as a shock absorber and adds comfort as well as promoting breathability during the healing process.
Pros
- They are very breathable
- They are lightweight
- Fashionable
- Good arch support
Cons
- Lacks cushioning
Salomon TECH Sandal
To treat plantar plate issues more efficiently, runners must have a treatment tailored specifically to their needs.
The Salomon TECH sandal is designed with this purpose in mind. This type of treatment does have some benefits over others, however. Let me explain…
Plantar plate tears are painful in and of themselves, but most people with plantar plate tear suffer from chronic constant pain in their lower leg bones because the muscles there are so taxed in daily activities.
This is due to the fact that most runners do not stretch their muscles correctly after exercise to prevent further degradation of the muscle cells.
This results in the muscles becoming extremely tight and painful after only a short duration of activity.
After a period of time without correct stretching, muscles start to cramp and become inflamed resulting in pain even when the person is otherwise active.
With the TECH Sandals, the open-toe design kept my feet dry, stretched out, and comfortable.
This is because of the excellent breathability while maintaining a more impressive concept for injury recovery.
Pros
- Fashionable
- Affordable
- Excellent shoe design
Cons
- A little weighty than most
Telic Energy
Restoration of normal foot function with a properly fitted shoe can take up to six weeks but will almost always benefit from being brought into accordance with Telics’s recommended energy flip flops.
This shoe was specifically designed with a great footbed with an efficient way to treat their foot pain, reducing swelling and alleviating joint discomfort.
In addition, you will be able to complete any activity you attempt without concern for further damages, leaving your plantar plate in better shape for increased performance.
Not only do they provide excellent cushioning but they also provide a secure fit for long-period usage.
If you are in pain due to this kind of injury then you need a pair of flops that help relieve the pain when your plantar plate is tender.
The most important thing to remember when choosing these shoes is that the cushion centered on the base of your foot should be soft and comfortable as this will reduce the chance of an infection creating further pain and swelling.
Also, the design ensures that your arch supports are in place so that it reduces the feeling of pressure when walking as well as increasing your energy levels during physical activity.
Pros
- Affordable
- Orthopedic design
- Very functional
- Excellent footbed
Cons
- They are not fashionable
Revs Massage Flip Flops
Plantar plate tears can occur at any time during your shoes’ lifespan which is why choosing the right pair takes time and consideration.
Sometimes the healing process requires you to change the style.
Revs are quite good at designing real pressure and reflex footwear system and these flip flops are one of them.
This is an option for folks who don’t prefer the slides. These flip flops possess a great footbed and well-done pressure points to keep the pressure on, increase blood circulation, and also minimize pain.
It is one of the best orthopedic shoe brands out there.
When the time comes to repair or replace your plantar plate in the most simplest and affordable way, this might just be the best option.
The Revs flip flops will provide you lasting relief from pain and swelling but as a flip flop, it might not reduce the risk of future injuries.
Pros
- Very cheap
- Easy to use and maintain
- Maximum durability
- Excellent pressure points
Cons
- Not fashionable
- Little or no protection
What Causes Plantar Plate Tear?
Plantar plate tear is one of the most common orthopedic surgical conditions caused by too much pressure on the region.
When this happens, the toe bone in your foot is damaged, requiring surgical repair or serious homemade attention.
You are going through a hard time with your plantar plate and the prospect of another two months of discomfort is not appealing.
At the same time, there are a number of factors that make it difficult to determine which shoe will be best for treating plantar plate tear.
The first factor is how bad the tear is. If there is minimal end-of-sole wear, then a simple slip-on shoe will be sufficient for treatment.
If the sole is badly scuffed, however, then a higher-end men’s leather shoe may be needed. Simply try to apply padding to the area and avoid rigorous activities that would increase the pain.
Professional runners would still love to engage in light workouts while their foot heals.
That is why I will be reviewing some specially designed shoes to sustain that. Also, these lots will need some anti-inflammatory meds.
Having a severe plantar plate tear demanded special footwear for my recovery. My typical running shoes did not do a fantastic job of protecting these areas.
I then set out to look for a shoe with the suppleness and breathability to repair the damage and provide long-lasting comfort that supported my runners of all abilities.
We will now be taking a little tour of the best shoes to aid rapid recovery from plantar plate. Lets’ begin…
How to Choose the Best Footwear
Keep warm and dry when walking on hard surfaces. Avoid shoes with thin soles or noticeable design flaws.
The most advanced insoles can be resistant to wear and tear and offer support for days after your footwear has cleared.
Look for shoes with soft felt-covered footpads that do not have sharp edges.
Final Words
The best shoes for plantar plate tear are the ones that are breathable, comfortable, and supportive without imposing an immense weight on your arch.
You want lightweight shoes that offer excellent flexibility without sacrificing energy absorption. The type of arch support you need will depend on how much you sweat.
To determine the right weight shoe for your arch, check out the chart above to and pick the shoes that fit your foot physique.
If you noticed, all brands I reviewed are of different designs and concepts so your pick solely depends on personality.
Some prefer to still be active while recovering from the tear while some would rather take the recovery much safer. I belong to the latter group.
So for my final verdict, I was having a difficult time choosing between the Salomon TECH Sandals and the ONCAI Slides, but the TECH Sandals came out tops.
This is mainly due to its dual design. It combines a breathable cover that performs the functions as well it gives me protection. It is fashionable too!
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