In addition to stretching, ice and anti-inflammatories, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis help minimize pain and manage discomfort. To find the most effective options, we spoke to multiple board-certified podiatrists, tested many pairs ourselves and analyzed footwear data. After in-depth reporting, we determined that Hoka’s Bondi 8 is the best shoe for plantar fasciitis overall. We found additional picks for specific needs as well, all of which were medically reviewed by Dr. Lady Paula DeJesus, D.P.M., a triple board-certified podiatric surgeon.
As those who suffer from this condition are well aware, plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a connective ligament that supports the arch of your foot, becomes inflamed, says Deena Horn, D.P.M., an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. This can cause pain whenever you walk, run or stand. Proper footwear is crucial for keeping inflammation and heel pain at bay. At Forbes Vetted, we’ve extensively written about supportive footwear and Forbes Vetted contributor Becky Eaton, who has plantar fasciitis, tested all the shoes on this list. We also rounded up buying tips for from our panel of podiatrists and answers to commonly asked questions at the end.
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Editor’s Picks
Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Overall: Hoka Bondi 8
Best Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Orthofeet Stretch Knit Sneaker
Best Walking Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Ghost 15 Running Shoes
Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Court FF 3 Tennis Shoe
Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Draft Slipper
Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis: Oofos Ooahh Slide
Best Flip Flop For Plantar Fasciitis: Olukai Ohana Women's Beach Sandals
Other Top Picks To Consider:
Asics Gel-Kayano 29: best for stability | Vionic Walker Classic: best for arch support | Cole Haan OriginalGrand Platform Wingtip Oxford: best dress shoes
Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Overall
A Shoe That Delivers All-Day Comfort
MOST POPULAR
Hoka Bondi 8
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4.5 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Medium, wide | Materials: Recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 4 mm | Cushioning: High
What’s notable:
- Available in regular and wide fits
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Rear crash pad absorbs impact
What could be better:
- The cushioned sole might lose some support after months of frequent wear.
“It’s a delicate balance to find an optimal walking shoe for plantar fasciitis,” says Dr.Nelya Lobkova, D.P.M., an American Board of Podiatric Medicine certified surgical podiatrist. The Hoka Bondi 8 is a top pick for a few reasons: The memory foam collar reduces foot strain and a rear crash pad at the back offers balanced landing during heel-to-toe movements, and the shoe’s neutral support structure dials in the stability. Hoka’s curved ‘metarocker’ sole also prevents your feet from stepping flat—hopefully saving you from a spell of pain—and The American Podiatric Medical Association(APMA) provides a Seal of Acceptance, so the Bondi 8 has passed reviews from podiatrists who endorse its benefits. Overall, these shoes are meticulously engineered seam by seam, which justifies the high-end price tag.
What our tester says: “This is an excellent shoe. The wide toe box left plenty of room for my toes to spread out and breathe, and with each step, my whole foot felt fully supported and delightfully cushioned, especially in the heel where I feel most of my plantar fasciitis pain. The only negatives to speak of are the slightly high price and oversized sole, which might feel bulky for some people.”
Expert tip: This brand offers two widths, so for optimum comfort and fit, be sure you have the right width before fully committing.
Best Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Designed With Support In Mind From Heel To Toe
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide | Materials: Stretch knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: N/A (not listed) | Cushioning: Moderate
What’s notable:
- Wide toe box allows your foot to splay
- Cushioned sole reduces impact forces
- Stretch knit upper promotes flexibility and breathability
What could be better:
- Updated sneaker has less padding than previous versions
“If there is no arch support in the shoe, the plantar fascia pulls causing stressful irritation and pain,” finds Dr.Lady Paula DeJesus, D.P.M., a triple board-certified podiatric surgeon in Greenwich, CT. Outfitted with the cushion system for comfort and support, Orthofeet’s Stretch Knit sneaker is designed for plantar fasciitis. Specifically, it helps relieve pressure on sensitive feet with foam padding around pressure points and includes a removable anatomical arch booster for re-aligning the foot. This shoe has a wide toe box to accommodate other foot conditions, such as bunions, and a stretchable knitted upper that allows your foot to flex freely without constricting movements.
What our tester says: “This sneaker felt loose for me at first, but thanks to the supplied ⅛ inch spacer that fits under the removable insole, I could easily adapt the fit, which reduced heel slippage. The Coral Stretch Knits also include a flexible plastic arch support that can be added under the insole for extra support and plantar fasciitis protection, a great feature for me since my feet pronate. While the tongue and collar aren’t as padded as some of the other pairs I tested, my feet still felt comfortable and supported while walking and doing light cardio.”
Expert tip: Take time to try out all the provided inserts as they will give this shoe more of a custom fit feel.
Best Walking Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis
Support For Your Entire Foot, Step By Step
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 5 | Sizes: 5 to 13 (women’s) | Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 10 mm | Cushioning: High
What’s notable:
- Mid-foot foam support
- Designed to give you a bit of extra rebound
- Comfy, secure upper that wraps around your foot
What could be better:
- The standard width feels narrow, so you may want to size up or choose a wider option than usual.
New Balance’s Fresh Foam line is their newest innovation. According to the company, instead of absorbing and dissipating the energy you might put into each step, Fresh Foam gives it back to you with more cushion; think of it as a bit of extra rebound. There’s additional foam in the mid-foot section of the shoe, which is where many people with plantar fasciitis experience the most pain. Reviewers also like that the Fresh Foam’s upper keeps your foot cradled, which means the shoe stays firmly beneath your mid-foot, and you’re less likely to roll an ankle.
What our tester says: “Walking in the Fresh Foams really felt cloud-like thanks to the soft bounce-back sole. With just the right amount of padding at the tongue and ankle, my feet felt comfortably supported. I like how back of the heel counter flares out a bit, reducing any risk of blisters or rubbing. This is a reliable daily gym sneaker with a smooth ride, great cushioning and multiple widths to fit different foot shapes. Sizing note: I found that these run large, so consider sizing down. I’m usually an 8.5 or 9 and the 8 fit perfectly with enough breathing room.”
Expert tip: Your socks play an important role in the fit of a shoe, so be sure to try these on with whatever socks you’ll typically wear them with. Also, bear in mind the thickness of the sock can impact comfort; if you typically wear no-show socks, you may want to choose one that comes up a bit higher on the heel with this shoe.
Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
For The Smoothest Ride And Comfort
Brooks Ghost 15 Running Shoes
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4.5 | Sizes: 5 to 13 (women’s) | Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 12 mm | Cushioning: Moderate
What’s notable:
- Medium and wide fits available
- Enhanced, lightweight cushioning for long runs
- Neutral, cushioned support accommodates different feet
What could be better:
- Not waterproof
The Brooks Ghost 15 is the latest in its award-winning series, designed to provide comfort, support and a smooth ride. The updated cushioning, known as the DNA Loft V2, is a precise balance of rubber, air and light foam to buffer your landings, which is crucial if you’re prone to plantar-related flare-ups. Also great: Its 12mm heel-to-toe drop diverts stress away from the heel, encouraging your weight to land in the forefront of the shoe. Some customers find the Ghost line is roomier than other brands, which can be helpful, too. “If you are standing long periods of time, I recommend a wide toe box,” says Dr. DeJesus.
What our tester says: “Whether you wear these to run or not, the Ghost 15 is a well-built, low-profile sneaker that offers a lot of support with minimal weight. My ankle felt fully supported and I could feel the responsive cushioning both in the heel and ball of the foot when I moved and took a step. Even in rainy weather, the sole has good slip resistance. Bonus points for the many fun color options to choose from if you want to make a statement.”
Expert tip: Don’t be afraid to customize the fit of these with how you lace them at different points. For instance, you can lace the performance mesh upper snugly near the bridge of your foot and at your arch, but then let the lace out slightly near where you tie the bow so you don’t cause uncomfortable pressure on the top of your foot.
Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Excellent Outsole Grip Support System
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 3.5 |Sizes:5 to 12 (women’s) |Widths:Medium |Materials:Polyester and synthetic mesh upper and lining, rubber outsole |Heel drop:N/A (not listed) |Cushioning:Moderate
What’s notable:
- Excellent support and stability features
- Sock-like feel for comfort
- Padded collar and tongue for extra cushioning
What could be better:
- Only comes in one width
If you play tennis and want to keep pain from getting in the way, Asic’s Court FF 3 has a lot of smart, plantar-fasciitis-friendly features. According to Dr. DeJesus, it “has an outsole grip support system and a sock-like feel for comfort.” There’s also a removable footbed boosted with “Flytefoam” for lightweight cushioning and a midsole that’s designed to maximize bounce-back and responsiveness, so you can switch between playing styles easily.
What our tester says: “I liked how the Asics Court FF 3s have a sock-like interior surrounded by a synthetic, flexible shell-like exterior, so my foot felt extremely secure during any type of movement. The mesh upper also encourages airflow, which kept my feet cool. Overall, this is a stable, flexible and well designed pick for both playing at the baseline and moving around the court. It can be difficult to slip into this sneaker at first, since the padded collar and tongue are connected in a way that offers minimal stretch, but I found this area loosens up with repeated wear.”
Expert tip: Tennis involves lots of lateral movements and starts and stops, which can sometimes cause trauma to your toenails. When trying these on, make sure you’ve got ample room at the forefoot to allow your toes to spread out.
Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis
Specifically Made To Prevent Heel Pain
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4 | Sizes: 6 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Mesh or fleece upper, polyurethane insole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 10 mm | Cushioning: High
What’s notable:
- KuruSole supports your foot while padding it
- Energy return foam gives your midfoot extra bounce
- Soft inner-lining
What could be better:
- They run small and narrow for those with wider feet
At home, Dr. DeJesus advises “avoid barefoot walking as you will lose the support and stray backwards on foot health.” Kuru’s slippers use an “energy return foam” in their slippers. It’s similar to the New Balance Fresh Foam in function, and gives you a bit of rebound without a lot of bulk. Kuru’s slippers have a reinforced arch, which gives flat-footed people a bit of extra support, and its signature KuruSole is designed for plantar fasciitis, as it keeps your foot in line while also padding each footstep. This keeps your heel bone and foot pad from flattening while you walk, which is something that can exacerbate plantar fasciitis.
What our tester says: “I usually have plantar fasciitis pain first thing in the morning and the Kuru Drafts provided instant support and all-day comfort. The cushy insole felt soft to the touch and I liked how the upper wraps around the heel, creating a little nook that hugs the heel while keeping your foot aligned. The soft upper moved with my foot and hard-bottom soles meant I could wear this slipper outside, too.”
Expert tip: Since these run small, you may want to size up for optimal comfort, and especially to avoid any annoying rubbing at the back of your heel caused by a too-small shoe.
Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
A Slip-On That Cradles Your Arches
Oofos Ooahh Slide
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 5 | Sizes: 5 to 16 (women’s) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Foam | Heel drop: N/A (not listed) | Cushioning: High
What’s notable:
- OOfoam offers impact-absorbing technology
- Slip-on style makes it easy to pop sandals on and off
- Machine-washable design keeps materials fresh and clean
What could be better:
- They don’t come in half sizes, so the fit might not be precise.
Style and orthotic support aren’t usually synonymous, but the Oofos OOahh Slide Sandals may be onto something. Sleek in design yet intricate in technology, this sandal absorbs up to 37% more impact compared to similar foam shoes on the market—so it literally takes a load off your feet. Meanwhile, a propriety footbed reduces stress on your lower-half joints. The sturdy base cradles your arches, which can take some getting used to, especially if you tend to walk on flat shoes—but that’s part of the secret to reducing achy feet.
What our tester says: “These slides provided high-cushion recovery with a soft, massage-like quality. You can wear them all day without injuring your feet and they can even relieve pain: after a night of dancing, my sore feet and tight lower back felt healed after just a few minutes of wearing these slides. Just note that they’re made from one piece of foam without any adjustable straps, so if your feet are narrow, they could slip off easily.”
Expert tip: You may feel as if these cause you to pitch forward at first, but give them time and you will reap the benefits of the cushy foam footbed.
Best Flip Flop For Plantar Fasciitis
Bestselling Podiatrist-Recommended Pair
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4 |Sizes:5 to 12 (women’s) |Widths:Medium |Materials:Synthetic, nylon, rubber outsole |Heel drop:N/A (not listed) |Cushioning:Moderate
What’s notable:
- Molded footbed for all-day comfort
- Anatomical fit to prevent foot strain
- Razor-siped edges to enhance traction on wet surfaces
What could be better:
- On the expensive side
Dr. DeJesus recommends Olukai flip flops, pointing out that they have “a thick sole for shock absorption with adequate arch support.” Each pair is made with a compression-molded EVA midsole and drop-in footbed to create the ideal anatomical fit. They’re also quite durable, with water-resistant synthetic straps, quick-drying jersey knit lining and a soft nylon toe post.
What our tester says: “These sandals put the flat flip flops of my teen years to shame. There’s arch support that prevents pain, a cushioned foam insole that my foot comfortably sunk into, and the surrounding outsole is made of a hard, grippy rubber that felt durable with high traction. The thong between the toes is made of a soft nylon that prevented any rubbing, which I appreciated. If you wear flip flops a lot, this pair is worth it—it’s a game-changer for comfort and a huge improvement over board-like flip flops, which offer no support and can exacerbate foot issues.”
Expert tip: Flip flops are notoriously iffy for those with plantar fasciitis, so to experience the benefits of this cushy, supportive pair, make sure the straps aren’t too loose on your foot when trying them on as that will force your toes to grip too hard to keep the shoe on.
Other Top Picks To Consider For Plantar Fasciitis
There’s no single perfect shoe for everyone. While these picks didn’t make our initial cut for testing, they all come highly recommended by readers and reviewers, and might be right for your needs.
Best Walking Sneaker With Built-In Stability
Asics Gel-Kayano 29
Sizes:5 to 13 (women’s) |Widths:Medium|Materials:Synthetic leather and mesh upper and lining, rubber outsole |Heel drop:10 mm |Cushioning:High
What’s notable:
- Maximum cushioning delivers impact absorption
- External heel counter offers improved stability
- Designed to support neutral/overpronating stances
What could be better:
- Some say the toe area is a bit narrow
Although it’s described as a running shoe, the Asics Gel-Kayano 29 is a great choice for walking if you’re prone to bouts of plantar fasciitis. Kitted with Asics’ lightweight midsole to curtail a forceful impact, this shoe is built to provide maximal cushioning and to support a neutral or overponating stance. It actually stops your foot from turning too far inward, which can place stress on certain regions of your foot, causing plantar fasciitis. The sneaker is also quipped with gel technology cushioning for amplified shock absorption, all but eliminating those harsh landings.
What the reviews say: Support and comfort are two hallmarks of this shoe’s design, according to reviewers. One says, “they have a wide toe box, I don't need to replace the inner sole with an orthotic and I'm able to walk without pain,” while another raves that “this pair is of excellent quality and arch/heel support is exceptional.” Others, however, wish this style was more generous in the toe box and say that it runs shorter in length than previous iterations of the shoe.
Expert tip: This shoe works well for those with narrower feet, so if that’s not the case for you, you may want to look elsewhere.
Best Arch Support Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Vionic Women's Walker Classic
Sizes: 5 to 13 (women’s) | Widths: Medium, wide | Materials: Leather or suede upper, polyester liner, EVA midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 0.5 inches | Cushioning: High
What’s notable:
- Proprietary EVA foam supports your midfoot
- Breathable mesh means less sweat
- Shock absorption and cradled midfoot
What could be better:
- Like all leather shoes, it requires a bit of break-in time to fully mold to your foot.
Vionic’s Walker Classic boasts the right amount of support, with shock absorption and a cradled footbed, all of which are highly rated by foot specialists. In particular, the mid-foot section of the Classic has a system with rubber bracing, which prevents you from rocking your foot inward or outward, causing pronation. This same rubber bracing can also be found on the heel, which keeps your foot in place, and Vionic also uses a proprietary EVA foam that helps give you a bit of rebound.
What the reviews say: This shoe earns praise across the board from some reviewers, with one saying, “very comfortable right out of the box. Lots of toe room. Serious arch and heel support.Lightweight—great for walking.” Another says, “these shoes have excellent arch support and are great to prevent over pronation.” But some are not a huge fan of the style of this shoe, calling them “bulky” and “rigid.”
Expert tip: This shoe has an orthotic insole for extra arch support. If you wear custom orthotics, be sure to remove it before inserting your own.
Best Dress Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Cole Haan Women's ØriginalGrand Platform Wingtip Oxford
Sizes: 5 to 11 (women’s) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Leather upper, textile-covered footbed, rubber outsole | Heel drop: N/A (not listed) | Cushioning: Moderate
What’s notable:
- Attractive Oxford style
- Durable leather upper
- Foam midsole with rubber treads
What could be better:
- Some say their heel moves a little in this pick so make sure you size accurately.
Cole Haan’s popular OriginalGrand is a sophisticated, sleek Oxford on the outside. But hidden under the leather upper is a heavily padded, foam-y midsole that provides the support of a walking shoe. There’s also rubber in the heel and forefoot, to keep you from sliding around, and the overall design is incredibly lightweight and comfortable, whether you’re in the office or not.
What the reviews say: This shoe score major fashion points with reviewers, who say it has a “timeless look without sacrificing comfort. It's also lightweight and easy to travel with,” and it’s “like walking on a cloud and fashion-forward.” However, some say these run a half-size small and the back of the shoe is too roomy, commenting that “the heel area is a bit loose.”
Expert tip: Wear this shoe from work to out at night, as it will give more stylish support than many other dressy options.
The Bottom Line
We chose the Hoka Bondi 8 as the best overall shoe for plantar fasciitis for its excellent fit and well-placed cushioning. We particularly like that it’s a stable neutral shoe that’s available in medium and wide widths, which makes it a good choice for a variety of wearers. This sneaker also features lightweight, springy foam for a comfy ride whether you’re walking, running or doing errands, and it has an extended heel and rear crash pad that absorbs impact for soft landings, helping to keep heel and foot pain at bay. The rocker sole also enables an efficient stride so you don’t step flat-footed and exacerbate foot discomfort. The Hoka Bondi 8’s breathable performance mesh and cool colorways—in both brights and subdued neutrals—make it an all-around winner for both specialized and everyday use.
How We Chose The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Sourcing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis was the result of expert advice from podiatrists and deep research into brands that specialize in this type of footwear. Based on customer and expert reviews, footwear features, enhanced functionality and price point, we narrowed down top picks across multiple categories to keep your feet comfortable no matter the situation. Forbes Vetted contributor Becky Eaton—who herself suffers from plantar fasciitis—then personally tested all of our top picks, evaluating and rating each for comfort, stability, support and pain relief. This list is regularly updated (most recently in February 2024) to ensure we’re including the most accurate information and prices throughout.
For expert advice on selecting the best shoes, we turned to the following panel of podiatrists:
- Dr. Lady Paula DeJesus, D.P.M., a triple board-certified podiatric surgeon with Northeast Medical Group, part of Yale New Haven Health and Greenwich Hospital in Greenwich, CT.
- Dr. Deena Horn, D.P.M., is board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery/American Board of Podiatric Surgery and is an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.
- Dr. Nelya Lobkova, D.P.M., is an American Board of Podiatric Medicine certified surgical podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare located in Manhattan, New York.
- Dr. Anne Holland Johnson, M.D., is a foot and ankle surgeon specializing in sports medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York. She is a physician for USA Women's Ice Hockey and served as the team physician at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. She is currently a team physician for the New York Liberty (WNBA) professional basketball team.
- Dr. Elisa Kavanagh is a board certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon based in Harrison, New York. She’s been the Foot and Ankle Specialist for the Radio City Rockettes since 2002 and has treated many performers from the NYC Ballet.
Additionally, the co-author of this article, Leoni Jesner, is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer and Pilates instructor. Our deputy editor, Kari Molvar, updated and edited this piece, drawing on her experience as a former health writer, current runner and fitness walker who has written extensively about everything from the best walking shoes for women to the most comfortable sandals.
What To Consider When Buying Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, which can be alleviated by choosing the right footwear, according to Dr. DeJesus. Here are the essential features to look for:
Find A Supportive Design
First, look for specific features in shoes that minimize plantar fasciitis. A thick heel for shock absorption, a stiff arch for support, adequate cushioning and a lightweight yet firm structure are crucial. Dr. DeJesus emphasizes, "A rocker sole shoe, with a thicker-than-normal sole and a rounded heel, is beneficial and supportive."
Get A Proper Fit And Width
An improper fit can exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms. Dr. DeJesus advises trying on shoes “at the end of the day when your feet are largest, and ensure there's a thumb's width of space from your longest toe to the end of the shoe." A wide midsole base is also recommended for additional support.
Stick With Top-Rated Shoe Brands
All of the shoes included in the guide above can be helpful and effective in managing plantar fasciitis. Dr. DeJesus is a fan of those from Hoka, Asics, Brooks and New Balance, which she says are known for their supportive features tailored to alleviate discomfort brought on by plantar fasciitis.
Replace Your Shoes Periodically
Dr. DeJesus underscores the importance of regularly replacing shoes to maintain support and manage plantar fasciitis. "Footwear should be replaced every 200 to 300 miles," she says. “[Shoes are] basically the tires to your body. We change tires on our cars due to the wear and tear—same thing should be done with our shoe gear.”
Breaking In Shoes Slowly
Supportive insoles and exercises can further alleviate symptoms and promote foot health. Over-the-counter insoles like Superfeet Orthotics or Powerstep Orthotics can be sufficient, although custom orthotics offer a more tailored fit. Additionally, supportive footwear should be worn consistently, even at home, to maintain foot health, says Dr. DeJesus. It can also help to gradually break-in new shoes. “Wear [them] one hour the first day, two hours the next day, three hours the third day and so forth,” advises Dr. DeJesus. “Basically, add an hour each day leading up to a week. After one week of breaking in, you can transition to wearing the shoe all day, every day.”
How To Compare The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
There are a variety of standout shoes for plantar fasciitis. To help determine the best for you, first gauge which features are at the top of your list:
For Cushioning And Support: Several brands have impact-absorbing technology, ample arch support and cushion at the heel. The Boka Bondi 9, New Balance Fresh Foam x880 v13, Asics Gel Kayano 29, Kuru Draft Slipper and Oofos Ooahh Slide all have a high degree of cushioning and a springy feel.
For Specific Width Options: One of the biggest things that can impact fit from the outset is having a well-fitting length and width in your shoe. If you know that need a slightly narrower or wider shoe, brands such as Brooks, New Balance, Vionic, Orthofeet and Hoka all offer shoes in varying widths.
For Breathability: If you have feet that tend to heat up quickly and get sweaty, look for those with a breathable performance mesh upper like the Brooks Ghost 15 or New Balance Fresh Foam x880 v13.
For Affordability: The shoes on our list range from $60 (the Oofos Ooahh Slide) to $190 (the Cole Haan OriginalGrand Platform Wingtip Oxford). Most running and walking shoes range from $85 to $140.
For Durability: Leather tends to be more durable than performance mesh, but in some cases it may not be as comfortable. On our list, the Vionic Walker Classic—which comes with a leather or suede upper—receives high marks for durability.
Expert Answers To Commonly Asked Questions
What’s The Best Heel Drop In A Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis?
Finding the right heel drop of plantar fasciitis is “a delicate balance,” says Dr. Lobkova. “A zero drop shoe would be detrimental because of the excessive stress on the heel. [But] a high heel-to-toe drop can cause the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon to contract and shorten over time, further worsening plantar fasciitis.” To find the right middle ground, Dr. Lobkova recommends a 4 to 8mm heel-to-toe drop as the most beneficial option for those with plantar fasciitis. “This places less stress on the Achilles tendon and allows for more efficient transfer of energy through heel-lift and toe-off in the walking cycle,” she says.
Where Does Cushioning Matter The Most?
“Cushioning at the heel acts as shock absorption to minimize ground reactive forces going up the kinetic chain, to the other weight bearing joints, such as those in the knees and low back,” says Dr. Lobkova, who helped design a walking shoe, called Klaw to address this issue. “It has a deep heel cup and medial and lateral arch support in the insole, an ultra-light cushioned midsole and a slight forefoot rocker for efficient walking propulsion,” she says. The goal is for the sneaker to “benefit all foot types to help with plantar fasciitis, knee, and low back pain,” says Dr. Lobkova.
How Can You Determine The Right Fit?
“When you put on the ‘right’ walking shoes your feet are well supported with ample room in breathable, accommodative material,” says Dr. Johnson. “The right shoes will allow you to forget about your feet.” Similarly Dr. Lobkova says, “the ‘right’ shoe will keep you walking pain-free.” She says to take note of the space at the toes, since too little space or a narrow walking shoe may cause pain in the ball of the foot. Also consider the flexibility of the shoe. “Look for a sneaker with a plush platform-like sole, metatarsal-rocker, which is a platform, concave-shaped sole at the area of the ball of the foot,” says Dr. Lobkova. “This allows for the smoothest possible transition from heel to toe.” If there is pain or swelling that does not resolve, it’s best to see a podiatrist “in order to make sure all the right measures are being taken,” she adds.
Should I Wear Different Shoes For Different Activities, Such as Walking Or Running?
It’s a good idea, according to Dr. DeJesus. For example, “Road running and walking shoes should not be capable of bending or twisting,” she says. “A stiff arch is beneficial for motion control. Rocker soles for running may help with a smooth stride and reduce stress to your plantar fascia [since] rocking forward stimulates a rolling motion during your gait cycle.” Adequate cushioning for shock absorption and protection is also essential. “Running shoes should be lightweight. A heavy weighted shoe requires more body energy due to the weight on your feet,” says Dr. DeJesus. “If you’re standing long periods of time, I recommend a wide toe box, heel cushion and a supportive arch. Nothing flat.” Wearing shoes with a small heel or wedge can relax the calf muscle and prevent plantar fascia pain as well. As for the fit, “snug but not tight is best,” she adds. “You do not want your foot to move around too much in the shoe because this can cause an imbalance in your musculature and cause pain to the plantar fascia.”
Is Plantar Fasciitis The Same As Having Flat Feet?
No, it’s very different, says Dr. Kavanagh. “Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of plantar fascia, while having flat feet means your entire foot is flat to the ground and you have almost no arch,” she says. “Plantar fasciitis has nothing to do with the arch—it’s heel pain not arch pain.”
Is Plantar Fasciitis More Common In Men Or Women?
Neither. “I see it in every foot type, whether you have flat feet or high arches,” says Dr. Kavanagh. “It’s not something you get from high heels or something like that. If you’re barefoot a lot, that can kind of set it off, but people who are barefoot often don’t always get it.” Typically your foot needs support no matter what type of foot it is, she says.
Is Plantar Fasciitis Related To Achilles Pain?
“They’re not the same thing, but the ideology of plantar fasciitis is from having a tight Achilles or tight calf muscle,” says Dr. Kavanagh. The Achilles is a tendon and the plantar fascia is a ligament. “People with a tight Achilles or tight calf tend to have plantar fasciitis. The more you stretch the back of your leg that’s how you treat the plantar aspect of the foot.”
Can Certain Stretches Help Alleviate Plantar Fasciitis Pain?
Stretching is the first line of treatment. “I often tell my patients to do calf stretches before they get out of bed, starting by dorsiflexing the foot,” Dr. Kavanagh says. “I’ll also tell them to stand against the wall and do a runner’s stretch to stretch their calves.” In addition, you can take a frozen water bottle and roll it on the bottom of your foot from the toes to your heel and back again over and over. “Do it for 15 minutes and it really helps,” says Dr. Kavanagh. “Most patients get better with stretching alone.” Another tip that can help, she says, is to get a night splint from your podiatrist to wear while sleeping. This will keep your foot at 90 degrees under the sheets, which will help prevent you from waking up with heel pain in the morning.
Can Icing Or Heat Help Alleviate Plantar Fasciitis?
“Icing definitely helps,” says Kavanagh. “Do not use heat. Try to roll your foot over a frozen water bottle two to three times a day, including for 15 minutes before bed.” If multiple icing sessions isn’t doable, she says, stick to one session at night.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we strive to make shopping easier, especially when it comes to choosing the best shoes for your specific needs. We’ve written, researched and first-person tested an extensive collection of shoes that promote good health and help minimize aches and pains. When we evaluate products like the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, we look at all the features that make this footwear ideal for people who suffer from this condition in order to present a comprehensive review that’s also fact-checked, frequently updated and carefully reviewed by the Forbes Vetted team.
More Stories To Shop:
Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis
Best Shoes For Standing All Day
Best Workout Shoes For Women
Best Walking Shoes For Men
Everlane
Link to Coupon
Everlane
Link to Coupon
","scope":{"name":"Everlane","itemLink":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/everlane.com/","image":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vfiles/255647/merchant_image-merchant_logo_large.png","position":0,"styles":"color: #fff; background-color: #ffffff;","trackingLabel":"ExternalCoupon1Link:https://www.forbes.com/coupons/everlane.com/"},"id":"9n2656k5qco000"},{"textContent":"
","scope":{"name":"Brighton","itemLink":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/brighton.com/","image":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vfiles/150160/merchant_image-merchant_logo_large.png","position":1,"styles":"color: #fff; background-color: #ffffff;","trackingLabel":"ExternalCoupon2Link:https://www.forbes.com/coupons/brighton.com/"}},{"textContent":"
","scope":{"name":"Vince Camuto","itemLink":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vincecamuto.com/","image":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vfiles/255149/merchant_image-merchant_logo_large.png","position":2,"styles":"color: #fff; background-color: #ffffff;","trackingLabel":"ExternalCoupon3Link:https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vincecamuto.com/"}},{"textContent":"
","scope":{"name":"Crocs","itemLink":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/crocs.com/","image":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vfiles/11793/merchant_image-merchant_logo_large.png","position":3,"styles":"color: #fff; background-color: #85bd46;","trackingLabel":"ExternalCoupon4Link:https://www.forbes.com/coupons/crocs.com/"}},{"textContent":"
","scope":{"name":"Boston Proper","itemLink":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/bostonproper.com/","image":"https://www.forbes.com/coupons/vfiles/255750/merchant_image-merchant_logo_large.png","position":4,"styles":"color: #fff; background-color: #ffffff;","trackingLabel":"ExternalCoupon5Link:https://www.forbes.com/coupons/bostonproper.com/"}}],"breakpoints":[{"breakpoint":"@media all and (max-width: 768px)","config":{"inView":1,"slidesToScroll":4}},{"breakpoint":"@media all and (max-width: 1024px)","config":{"inView":1,"slidesToScroll":4}}]};
