I developed plantar fasciitis this summer, (too much barefoot walking), which is the kind of pain that will really ruin a vacation. So, I've been on the seach for items to help me deal with it. I tried a hard boot and hated it, so I switched to a soft boot -- which is comfortable to sleep in -- but have no arch support at all, so not very effective. Also, wearing it caused pressure on my heel, causing it to hurt. (Note: Make sure the straps aren't too tight.)

Putting my thinking cap on, I set out on a search through Amazon-land to find items that might correct those issues. I came up with a winning combination.

First, the Arch Support Brace by Vive (two to a pack), can be worn with most of my sandals, and are even useful when I'm barefoot. I love them so much that I bought a pair for two other people who are also suffering with PF, and boy were they grateful!

The soft boot is: "Comfort Dorsal Night Splint for Effective Relief From Plantar Fasciitis - Small / Medium By MARS Wellness," And the heel supports are PROFOOT Plantar Fasciitis Orthotics, Women's Size 6-10 (1 Pair), Inserts to Help Support & Cushion the Heel & Relieve Pain.

Using this combo, my plantar fasciitis cleared up in two weeks, and I believe it's because I actually wore the boot at night and the braces during the day AND night; (something I wouldn't have done if they were uncomfortable). I still wear the combination of these items at night, just to make sure I don't backslide!

NOTE: I wore the braces so much that I developed blisters! Using some Tubagrip (Tubigrip Tubular Bandage Size D, 10M Box (2 Pack)) fixed that right up. Also -- be careful to use the right level of density inside the Vive braces. They come with three sets of little silicon pads that fit in a pocket in the braces, that let you control the amount of arch support. Pick the most comfortable sized pads until you can increase the arch support without pain.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Last note: I also found some amazing flip-flops created by an orthopedist, Vionic with Orthaheel Technology -Tide II Flip Flop Sandal. They have great heel cushioning and serious arch support. (They may seem hard at first but they soften up and feel amazing.) I walked all over New England in them this summer with zero discomfort!

A nice replacement to an older pair I had. Support is good at the arch. One question: the supports arrived with med. size silicon pads inside the arch area, but also included one silicon pad in size sm. and another in a size med.?? I can understand including pads in another size so the customer can customize the fit, but this makes no sense. No matter what you do, you would always need two pads in a size. Otherwise, I like the arch supports.

I'm have almost crippling pain in my arches after yoga and after work- just about anytime I'm not wearing good supportive sneakers. I've had badly sprained ankles (both feet, both inside and out) for three years now that don't want to heal, so I'm trying to find SOMETHING to give me relief. I got some arch supports that stick in my not-so-supportive work shoes that help tremendously, but need something under my arches while barefoot- especially during yoga. These arch support braces are EXACTLY what I need. They came with different size gel pads that slip easily into their little pouches on the bottom of the braces (medium is good so far). They are well made and look like they'll do good in the washing machine (in lingerie bags and air-dried). I can adjust them to the best tightness, and they are very comfortable to walk/stand barefooted, which has been painful before trying these braces. I even stood ironing for over an hour last night, and my feet were good- and I didn't wake myself up crying, not even once, from cramps in my arches or ankle pain (my normal nights, anymore). I did try them in my work shoes (dressy loafers), and it was pretty awful-looking. I don't know if it would bother anyone else, but the center of my feet are pretty wide with these braces on, so they bow the center of the shoes out and make them a really weird shape- like I have round feet. Not the end of the world, but the stick-in arch supports will be better inside dress shoes. I will be ordering another today so I will always have a clean pair ready to wear. These arch support braces are going to be life changing!

I have a flat foot and in my normal life it has never bothered me, but I am a faithful practitioner of yoga and in the positions of standing on one foot the pain and discomfort were horrible because of the flat foot, and this product is fabulous, It has helped a lot and I can use them during my yoga class

I really like these braces. When I get them positioned correctly on my arch area they definitely help with my plantar faciitis pain. Just one suggestion -- I'd actually like an instruction in the packaging on how to position---where to position---the brace on your foot. Finding that "sweet spot" a little hard. Otherwise the 4 stars would have been a 5.