Along with bunions or calluses, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot ailments and should be treated properly to avoid major problems. It is an inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel to the toes, caused by increased tension in the area, and usually generates intense pain in the heel and the bottom of the foot.
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As EL PAÍS Escaparate explains María Herreros, podiatrist and specialist in Biomechanics at Podoactiva, the causes behind this ailment are varied: “It could be the way of walking, which is not correct, for example, when the foot flattens too much (pronated feet) or, on the contrary, when we have a higher than normal arch (with an increased plantar vault). It can also be caused by a retraction of the posterior leg muscles (calves, soleus, or hamstrings), which causes increased tension in the fascia, since both structures are connected by a pulley system called the Achilles-calcaneal-plantar system.”
Herreros recalls that it is an injury they commonly treat in consultation —“at Podoactiva we see more than 10,000 cases of plantar fasciitis per year, with a resolution rate of over 95%”— and these episodes usually increase after summer, due, among other things, to “prolonged use of inappropriate footwear for walking such as flip-flops.”
How to eliminate plantar fasciitis
This ailment affects women and athletes more and, according to some studies, can affect 10% of the population at some point in their lives. The good news is that there are different types of treatments. For this, podiatrist María Herreros points out that “it is important to be able to perform a gait study of the patient to find out the origin of this tension and if there is any type of muscle shortening.”
In some cases, it will be necessary to use custom insoles “that include the function of the heel cup in the insole itself to improve biomechanics, relax the tension of the fascia and the posterior leg muscles, and cushion the heel.”
Taking these tips as a reference, at EL PAÍS Escaparate we have compiled some products marketed to reduce the tension generated in the plantar fascia and improve foot cushioning.
Pack of three pairs of gel heel cups
These heel cups are designed to reduce pressure on the sole of the foot and are indicated for cases of plantar fasciitis or heel spur, as they cushion the heel and ensure that pressure is evenly distributed across the foot. They are made with soft materials for greater comfort when walking and available in two sizes (S and L). Thanks to their non-slip design, they can be used in all types of closed footwear.
Foot roller suitable for plantar fasciitis
Portable and easy to carry, this massage roller is lightweight, so it can be used anywhere to relieve pain in the sole of the foot or stretch the muscles in the area. To do this, just place it under the arch of the foot and gently roll it back and forth while applying light pressure. It is made of a safe and high-resistance material, with internal steel bearings.
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Orthopedic sandals for women with arch support
White, black, or brown are some of the colors in which these orthopedic toe sandals can be purchased, which, thanks to their design, help maintain good foot posture. They are non-slip, very comfortable, and available in sizes from 36 to 43. “They relieve my pain a lot and don’t cause chafing,” says a user who rated them five stars on the e-commerce site.
15% discount, save 5 euros.
Orthopedic flip-flops for men with arch support
This is a similar design to the previous one but, in this case, included in the men’s collection. These flip-flops feature a deep heel cup to stabilize the heel while walking. Additionally, their insole is made of EVA, a material that helps absorb impact with each step. “Excellent support on the sole of the foot, comfortable and quality material, doesn’t make feet sweat and helps relieve pain! Highly recommended!,” assures a buyer. This footwear is available from size 40 to 49.
Frequently asked questions about these products
Are the insoles reusable?
Yes. To keep them in good condition, rinse them with water when dirty and let them dry well before using them again.
What are the dimensions of the roller?
17 x 7 x 7 centimeters.
Is the footwear in this selection waterproof?
Yes, they are water-resistant models that also offer good grip, so they can be used both in the pool and at the beach.
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*All purchase prices included in this article are updated as of August 7, 2026.
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