BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that appropriate footwear can facilitate recovery in individuals with plantar fasciitis. This study evaluated the effectiveness of combining archsupportive, shock-absorbing flip-flop sandals with physical therapy (PT) compared to PT alone in treating plantar fasciitis. METHODS: Sixty-six participants aged 20 to 60 years with normal body mass index and plantar fasciitis (median symptom duration = 6 months) were randomised into either an intervention group (n = 33; PT plus sandals) or a control group (n = 33; PT alone). Both groups received eight weeks of PT and home exercises. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, four weeks, and eight weeks and included pain-related parameters, pressure pain threshold, the Foot Function Index, and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. The global rating of change was evaluated at weeks four and eight. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements across all outcome measures (p < 0.001). A significant time x group interaction was observed for first-step postinactivity pain (F 3.238, p = 0.042), with the intervention group showing greater improvement (mean reduction 3.71 points, d 2.01) compared to controls (mean reduction 2.82 points, d 1.30). Improvements in all other outcome measures were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: While PT effectively improves plantar fasciitis symptoms, adding sandals provided significantly greater improvement in first-step post-inactivity pain. Further large-scale trials with extended follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings and assess long-term efficacy.

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