Managing Plantar Fasciitis for Busy Women: How the Right Footwear Can Help

If you're a mum juggling the demands of kids, errands, work, and everything in between — or a grandmother trying to stay active and involved with your family — foot pain is the last thing you need. But for many women, especially those on their feet all day, plantar fasciitis is a common and often painful condition that can really affect your quality of life.

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. When this tissue is overused, stretched too much, or not supported properly, it can become irritated or inflamed, leading to sharp heel pain — often most noticeable when you take your first steps in the morning.

There are a number of things that can cause or contribute to plantar fasciitis, including:

• Wearing unsupportive shoes (especially flat or worn-out ones)
• Prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces
• Increased activity levels (like chasing after children or walking long distances)
• Flat feet or high arches

For mums and grandmothers, slowing down isn’t always an option. Whether you're navigating school drop-offs, walking the dog, heading to the shops, or simply spending time outdoors with the grandkids — staying active is part of daily life. The trick is being kind to your feet while doing it.

At Natural Fit Footwear, we understand how frustrating foot pain can be — especially when life doesn’t slow down for it. While we’re not able to diagnose medical conditions, we can help guide you into supportive, comfortable footwear that helps manage and relieve plantar fasciitis.

We stock a wide range of orthotic-friendly and arch-supportive shoes and thongs from trusted brands like:

• Vionic: Known for its built-in orthotic support, great for managing plantar fasciitis. Styles like the Miami sandal or the Brisk Miles active sneaker provide cushioning, arch support, and shock absorption — perfect for all-day wear.
• Revere: Designed with comfort in mind, Revere footwear offers removable insoles and extra depth to accommodate custom orthotics — ideal for women who need added support with a stylish look.
• Birkenstock: A favourite for casual wear, the Arizona features a contoured cork footbed that supports the arches and helps align your foot naturally. It's a great choice for anyone needing structured, long-term comfort.
• Archies: These stylish and simple thongs are far from your average flip-flop — Archies have built-in arch support and cushioning, making them a great option for around the house or quick trips out.
• Lightfeet innersoles: If you have a favourite pair of shoes you just can’t give up, adding the right innersole can make a world of difference. Brands like OS1st and Lightfeet offer great support and cushioning to help relieve pressure and reduce pain.
• Sonoma by Scholl Orthaheel: A supportive thong with built-in arch support, perfect for women who want a more relaxed option without sacrificing comfort. The Sonoma is a great everyday companion during the warmer months or around the house.

Supportive footwear is one part of the puzzle. Making sure you’re wearing the correct size, have a good fit, and are choosing the right style for your lifestyle is where our team at Natural Fit Footwear really shine. Our team is trained to help you find the perfect fit to support your feet and your life.

Whether you're looking for a cushioned sneaker for long walks, a supportive thong to wear at home, or stylish sandals that don’t compromise on comfort — we've got options to help keep you active and on your feet.

You don’t need to accept heel pain as part of a busy life. With the right footwear, you can manage plantar fasciitis while staying active and doing what you love. Visit us in-store or online at Natural Fit Footwear and let our experienced team help you step into comfort today.