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Tips for Walking with Heel Pain on Vacation

Last Updated on June 20, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Traveling with plantar fasciitis isn’t easy. Check out these tips for walking with heel pain and find out my choice for the best shoes to wear.

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a woman walking on the beach

Tips for Walking with Heel Pain on Vacation

A few years ago, I noticed my heel hurt occasionally. I didn’t think much of it. I thought maybe I had stepped on a rock or something and not noticed it.  

Eventually, instead of my heel hurting occasionally, it started hurting all the time. I wasn’t able to walk barefoot any longer and had to be certain I had shoes or slippers on at all times.

 I chalked it up to old age and tried not to think about it. Eventually, after ignoring it for too long, my heel hurt all the time, even when wearing shoes. I decided I needed to talk to a doctor about it.

person holding their foot with heel pain

What is plantar fasciitis?

The doctor informed me that I had plantars fasciitis or a heel spur. I immediately had visions of never being able to enjoy long walks again.  I love walking whether it’s on our dirt road on a summer afternoon or through the museums on vacation.  

So, I was miserable at the thought that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy these things any longer. After doing some research, I realized that walking with heel pain is possible.

 There are things that you can do to help decrease the pain so that you can continue to enjoy walking.

Tips for walking with heel pain

  • Be realistic. If you have heel pain, it may not be possible for you to spend eight hours on your feet walking. Know your limitations and what you’re capable of before you make plans.
  • Prepare for your vacation.  In the days leading up to your vacation, minimize the amount of time you spend on your feet.  Baby your feet as much as possible.
  • Stretching exercises.  Speak to your doctor about stretching exercises to help with your heel pain. Don’t overdo it though.
  • Reduce inflammation.  Try using ice and ibuprofen or an NSAID to help reduce inflammation.
  • Avoid walking on uneven surfaces.  If possible, walk on paved roads or sidewalks rather than across grass or other uneven surfaces.
  • Take frequent breaks. Many attractions have benches that you can sit on while you rest for a few minutes. Don’t be afraid to sit down when you need to.
  • Wear shoes made for people with foot pain. It’s very important that you have the proper cushioning and support. Shoes made for foot pain will provide that for you.

Good Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur Pain

Best shoes for plantar fasciitis

The Orthaheel Technology built into every pair of Vionic shoes and sandals (and that was previously built into Orthaheel and Dr. Weil Integrative Footwear) has been truly life changing for many.

It not only alleviates foot, back and leg pain, but also prevents it. One of the most notable conditions Orthaheel Technology relieves is plantar fasciitis.

The often debilitating foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis affects people of all ages and athletic conditions – and Vionic with Orthaheel Technology has these sufferers regain their walking lives without pain!

Tips for walking with heel pain

Wearing Vionic shoes has allowed me to enjoy walking again.  Spring is one of my favorite times of the year because I can walk up our dirt road and enjoy the flowers and scenery.

 I can also enjoy our summer day trips with the family. I love visiting museums and local attractions.  And, I plan on visiting the Shelburne Museum and the Vermont Wildflower Farm this summer with my Mom.

That wouldn’t be possible without my Vionic shoes. This summer I’ll be vacationing in style in my Aubrey Slide Sandals from Vionic.

Traveling with plantar fasciitis isn't easy. Check out these tips for walking with heel pain and find out my choice for the best shoes to wear.

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57 thoughts on “Tips for Walking with Heel Pain on Vacation”

  1. Awesome tips here that are helpful. I usually take breaks when walking for long periods of time. I also always make sure I have the right shoes on and usually have inserts in them to help more.
    Reply
  2. I have plantar fascitis in both of my feet from running. It can make a lot of walking, which we tend to do while traveling, excruciating.
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  3. It's been a long time since I could walk barefoot :( These definitely take care of the heel pain for me!
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  4. This is such a cute sandal!  I admit, I wear the wrong shoes WAY too often and the hippie in me prefers no shoes, but if it'll help with leg and back pain, I'm all about it!
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  5. I have this also and after 6 cortizone shots, ortho I still don't have relief going to check out these shoes!
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  7. I have Plantar Fasciitis, too, and let me tell you, it's no fun! I definitely have a hard time finding the right shoes. I will have to check these out.
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  11. Oh I just remembered my days as a pregnant lady! Oh the heel pain was horrible then! Having the right shoes and not over doing it is so important!
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  13. These are very helpful tips. I need to get these shoes for my grama. She suffers with all kinds of foot pain.
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  14. I always have suffered from heel pain, these are great tips. I need some new walking shoes for my upcoming vacations. These look great!
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  15. Oh my goodness, those shoes look so comfy. A few months ago, hubby and I had a weekend away. When I planned my wardrobe I only planned on things I knew I looked good in, like my cowboy boots. Well after one full day of walking around the town, my feet hurt so badly. We ended up having to go shop to buy me new shoes... UGh
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  16. I love slip on shoes. I wear them from April to November and some days in between. These look super comfy!
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  17. Those shoes look really comfortable! I am sorry that you have heel pain but yay for finding a way to deal with it!
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  20. It is so important to have comfortable and supportive shoes. Can't just think of cute factor. Need to be cute and feet friendly.
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  21. Those shoes look comfortable. When I walk for long periods of time in the heat my feet start to hurt worse. I try to always wear comfortable shoes.
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  22. I was just thinking the other day that I need to get a comfy pair of sandals for our big trip this summer... these look awesome, will have to check them out and hopefully I won't get any heel pain but will also keep your tips handy in case I do... Thanks for sharing 
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  23. Oh goodness, that sounds so painful. Thanks for these tips, my mom would really benefit from these shoes as well. I am going to have to tell her about Vionic shoes!
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  25. Ever since I found Orthaheel and Chaco sandals what a difference my feet have felt. Love Love Vionic by Orthaheel.
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  26. I have a lot of general foot pain issues so finding the right shoes is very important! Thanks for the tips, the shoes look pretty!
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  27. These look great, I have a cone spur on my heal and it kills me when I walk a lot. These look comfy. 
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  28. I am always looking for a great shoe for walking. My feet seem to have issues if I walk too far, so I will have to look into a pair like this.
    Reply
  29. I still have flashbacks of uncomfortable shoes when I had a trip to London. I've learned my lesson - comfy shoes is a top priority on vacations now!
    Reply

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