Living with tarsal tunnel syndrome can be painful, and it’s essential to give your feet the comfort they need when suffering from this condition. It can also be very frustrating when you’re someone who is used to spending long periods on their feet running or walking.
We have looked at the best shoes for tarsal tunnel to find the most suitable ones for all occasions. Our favorites are the super comfortable running shoes ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe. These will allow you to run comfortably without any pain.
You can find our reviews for the best shoes for tarsal tunnel in this guide, along with lots of helpful information to make your life a little easier when suffering from this condition.
The best shoes for tarsal tunnel are:
What Is Tarsal Tunnel?
The tarsal tunnel is part of your ankle and is formed by the ligaments and your ankle bone. The nerves, tendons and blood vessels that provide flexibility to the foot go through the tarsal tunnel.
When your posterior tibial nerve that travels through the tarsal tunnel is compressed, this creates tarsal tunnel syndrome. This can cause pain, numbness and tingling in your foot.
The compression of this nerve can be caused by different kinds of swelling or strains; some of these conditions are:
- Arthritis.
- Diabetes.
- Flat feet.
- Fallen arches.
- Ankle strain.
- Varicose veins or cysts.
You can relieve the swelling and pressure of tarsal tunnel syndrome by using anti-inflammatory medication or steroid injections. Ultimately, your doctor may advise that you have surgery to release the pressure.
You can ease the pain of tarsal tunnel syndrome by using braces or splints. Wearing the correct footwear will also help to reduce the pain and make you more comfortable.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Shoes for Tarsal Tunnel
Finding the best shoes for tarsal tunnel can help to ease your pain significantly, especially when walking or running. These should be cushioned for comfort and still have the stability needed to keep your feet in place.
The right shoes will be able to absorb any shock felt when hitting a hard surface. They will also help to keep your body aligned, correcting your posture. This will help to relieve pressure on the inflamed tarsal tunnel.
Make sure that the shoes you choose have the elements that are needed to reduce the pain. The things to look for are below.
Fit
Your shoes should fit perfectly to relieve any pain felt from tarsal tunnel syndrome. They shouldn’t be too tight as this will squeeze the area, putting extra pressure on the tarsal tunnel. They also shouldn’t be too big as this will allow the foot to move around in the shoe, causing further pain.
Check out our article on the terrifying effects of shoes that are too big for more details.
You should have room in the toe box for your toes to move. This can be painful if your toes are squeezed, and you’re not able to move them.
Material
You should make sure that the shoes you choose are made from a quality material. This will improve the comfort and durability of the shoe.
The best materials are breathable as this allows the air to flow throughout the shoe. Materials that are not breathable will make your feet hot and sweaty, which could result in fungal infections or skin diseases like Athlete’s foot. This will make you uncomfortable and could add to your pain.
Cushioning
This is an important factor when choosing the best shoes for tarsal tunnel; your foot should be cushioned at all times. Make sure that you have lots of cushioning around your ankle and the ball of your foot. This will reduce the stress and pressure in your tarsal tunnel.
Many companies use specific materials to add cushioning to the insoles in the shoes. However, your podiatrist may also suggest an orthotic support to be added to your shoe to increase the comfort and support.
Outsole
The outsole of your shoe should be solid and shock-absorbing to ease any pressure felt when walking or running. It should be flexible to be able to bend your foot when moving but not too flexible that you have no support.
The outsole should stop you from going over on your shoes, this increases the pain and further adds to your problems.
Lightweight
A lightweight shoe will put less weight on your feet and, as such, will reduce stress and pressure. This will make walking easier and will reduce any pain and distress on your feet.
A heavier pair of shoes will be difficult to lift and will increase the pressure felt on your feet.
Stability
Your shoe should have good stability as this will help to keep your foot in place when wearing the shoe. This will align your body correctly and will improve your posture. A good posture will reduce any pressure on your tarsal tunnel, which will then relieve the pain.
Durability
Your shoes should last a long time, especially when you have taken the time to select the right shoes for your condition. Specialist shoes are quite expensive and you generally get what you pay for. With this in mind, they should last longer and continue to add comfort and support to your everyday life.
Review of the Best Shoes for Tarsal Tunnel in 2021
We have taken a look at all the shoes available, and the best shoes to ease tarsal tunnel available right now are below
Our Overview
The ASICS Gel-Venture 6 shoe is a comfortable, sturdy shoe that can be used for running or walking. It has rearfoot Gel technology that offers great comfort and is shock absorbent on hard surfaces. This allows a smooth transition from heel to toe when walking or running.
The shoe has a removable sock liner that can be taken out when using a medical orthotic. It also has a solid and durable outsole that can be used on the most uneven terrain with plenty of traction. The AHAR (ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) rubber will keep your feet stable and give you an effective way of walking.
These shoes are available in different colors and are also available for women.
Pros:
- Great cushioning for the heel with the Gel technology.
- Arch support.
- Good fit with a sturdy grip.
- Lots of room in the toe box.
- Durable sole.
Cons:
- Not suitable for vigorous road running.
- Not available in different widths.
Our Overview
The Nike Revolution 4 shoe is a lightweight, comfortable shoe that’s suitable for both running and walking. It has lots of cushioning in the heel for shock absorbance when walking. It also has a good grip and padding for comfort around your ankle.
The soft midsole is built with injected Phylon (IP) foam to give responsive cushioning, making it comfortable as you move. Horizontal bellows included in the foam provide a response for each step you take. Even better, the upper is made from a mesh fabric that gives a water-resistant finish along with breathability for your feet.
These shoes come in many different colors and designs and are also available for men.
Pros:
- Lightweight design.
- Breathable material.
- Room in the toe box for movement.
- Comfortable when used for long periods.
Cons:
- Little arch support.
- Not suitable for long runs.
Our Overview
The Skechers Go Walk Joy is made from a soft textile material upper that offers great comfort. It has responsive 5Gen cushioning for extra comfort and a flexible outsole that’s shock-absorbing.
It’s a lightweight shoe that gives you the support that you need with padding around the collar to support your ankle. The shoes are comfortable enough to be worn all day without feeling any pain. The textile upper is breathable, offering good ventilation, and the shoes can be machine washed for convenience.
They come in numerous different colors to suit any occasion and are also available for men.
Pros:
- Soft and comfortable.
- Good fit.
- Breathable material.
- Machine washable.
Cons:
- Outsole is not heavy-duty.
- Shoes stretch out after lots of wear.
Our Overview
The Propét LifeWalker Strap walking shoes are made with comfort and stability in mind. The upper is leather and has a soft brushed nylon lining. The shoes have a padded collar and tongue for a comfortable grip. They have a velcro strap across the shoe to keep your feet in place.
There is an EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) midsole with a durable arch support that absorbs any impact from walking on hard surfaces. The material is breathable, keeping your feet cool, even when on them all day.
The shoes come in black or white and are available in five widths, so you can get a customized fit.
Pros:
- Padding for support and stability.
- Lots of width choices for a perfect fit.
- Breathable material.
- No seams on lining for comfort.
Cons:
- Velcro straps are not durable.
- Narrow tongue.
- Stitching came undone according to some buyers.
Our Overview
The Adidas Terrex Skychaser Lt GTX shoe is made to keep your feet comfortable, warm and dry at all times. The GORE-TEX lining is waterproof, meaning that you can walk in the rain with no issues. In addition to this, the shoes are built for comfort with their energy-returning boost cushioning midsole.
They are a good fit, according to users, and the textile upper is breathable to let the air flow. They have an EVA frame for stability, which will help to keep your foot in place and your posture correctly aligned.
The shoes are also available for men.
Pros:
- Waterproof GORE-TEX lining.
- Good fit.
- EVA frame increased stability.
- Good traction.
Cons:
- Pricey.
- A little stiff at first.
- Not very wide.
Our Overview
The Orthofeet Avery Island shoes are built for comfort and come in a huge range of sizes to fit everyone. The ortho-cushion system helps to move the foot forward with ease, adding a spring to your step. Plus, the orthotic insoles offer multi-layers of cushioning and are shock absorbent to help with your tarsal tunnel pain.
There is an arch support in the insole, but you can also add the arch booster to lift the arch further. This gives additional support and reduces pressure on the ball of your foot and heel.
The shoes come in two colors and are available in five different widths.
Pros:
- Good range of sizes.
- Ortho-cushion system for comfort.
- High-quality stitching on shoes.
- Room in the toe box to move your toes.
Cons:
- Not breathable.
- Pricey.
- Soles are not durable, according to some users.
Our Overview
The Ryka Devotion Plus 2 shoes are a lightweight, comfortable shoe that offers great value for money. They have a mesh upper that is breathable, letting the air flow through your shoe. The lycra-lined tongue is smooth for comfort, and the padded collar gives your ankle the support it needs.
The cushioned footbed gives good shock absorbency when moving, giving you a soft landing with every step. The EVA outsole feature offers a stable base for your feet, and users say they offer strong support compared to other shoes.
The shoes are available in a large variety of designs and colors and two widths.
Pros:
- Good value for money.
- Breathable material.
- Excellent stability.
- Good design.
Cons:
- Small sizing.
- Not amazing traction on some surfaces.
- Narrow toe box.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Tarsal Tunnel?
Some forms of tarsal tunnel can be managed with over-the-counter medication. If the medication works along with cold compresses, you should be back on your feet in two to three days. However, you should continue to care for your feet to reduce the chances of recurring issues.
If you require surgery on your tarsal tunnel, you will be able to start walking again after one week. The distances walked and speed should be slowly increased over the next few weeks as you recover. You may be able to start some running at approximately six weeks following the surgery.
All cases differ, and you should always check with your doctor for advice.
Can I Wear Medium or High Heels When Suffering From Tarsal Tunnel?
You should avoid wearing any kind of heel when suffering from tarsal tunnel. This can increase the pain and make the condition worse.
Try to wear flat shoes with lots of cushioning and support to keep your feet comfortable.
Can I Go Running When Suffering From Tarsal Tunnel?
The best way to relieve the pain from tarsal tunnel is to rest your feet completely. You can do light exercise if you feel up to it. This could include swimming as a substitute for running. Running and walking long distances will increase the pain and inflammation.
There are specific exercises and stretches that you can do to ease the pain that you are feeling when suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome.
What Happens if Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Is Not Treated?
Once diagnosed, you should treat tarsal tunnel syndrome as advised and rest up for a period. If you don’t treat it correctly, the condition could deteriorate and result in permanent nerve damage. There are different ways to treat the condition at home:
- Rest: You should stay off your feet to prevent further injury and help the condition to heal.
- Oral medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken to reduce the inflammation.
- Cold compress: Applying ice to the affected area will ease the pain and help to reduce inflammation.
- Stretching: You can use an exercise band to stretch out the foot.
Conclusion
We hope you found this guide interesting and it has helped you find the best shoes for tarsal tunnel for you. The right shoes will make walking easier and less painful.
Our favorites are the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe, as they give you great comfort and support. The Gel technology absorbs the impact when walking or running on hard surfaces.
A close runner-up would be the Nike Women’s Revolution 4 Running Shoe, which is a lightweight, comfortable shoe.
The best shoe for tarsal tunnel will ease your pain and the inflammation caused by tarsal tunnel. This will make walking far more manageable and less painful.
