Twenty years ago, I suffered from plantar fasciitis.  After going through a lot of injections and orthotics, and not looking forward to an operation, I decided to try my Birkenstock sandals.  After two weeks, the pain was gone.  I went back to sneakers and orthotics, and my "Birkie" sandals and dress shoes.  I've had no trouble with my feet--'til recently, when I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis.  I've had two injections and many weeks of physical therapy, then the light went on--TRY THE "BIRKIES" AGAIN!  The pain was gone within a week.  I LOVE MY BIRKIES!  CAVEAT:  This is NOT a recommendation that, if you suffer from foot/ankle/leg pain, you should not seek medical help--YOU SHOULD!  This is my history with Birkenstock sandals:  my shoe of choice.