The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, According to a Physician (2024)

If you struggle with plantar fasciitis, a common type of heel pain that occurs when the tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes gets inflamed, the right footwear can make all the difference. We spoke with Dr. Jordan Metzl, M.D., a sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, who says it’s one of the most frequent problems he sees at his office. Because the pain can linger for months (even years, ugh!), you'll save yourself a lot of discomfort if you invest in supportive shoes.

Our Lab's top pick is the Vionic Splendid Midi Perf slip-on shoe. This brand of orthotic footwear has designs that you’ll actually want to wear, like this slip-on sneaker with a stylish leather top. Even better, the built-in arch support gives your foot proper alignment so you don’t have to sacrifice function for fashion.

Know that you're more at risk of plantar fasciitis if you have a high arch, but those with flat feet can get it, too. If you’re not sure what kind of arch you have, step on a paper towel with a wet foot. If you only see the ball of your foot and your heel in the footprint, you have a high arch. If you see the entire shape of your foot, you have flat feet.

Wearing a shoe that corrects your arch should instantly relieve foot pain, says Dr. Metzl. But because no two cases of plantar fasciitis are alike, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Your best bet is to try on a bunch of styles to see which shoes fit you correctly and are the most comfortable.

Based on Dr. Metzl’s medical advice, along with the shoe-shopping expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we found the five best everyday shoes designed to correct your arch and get rid of that pesky foot pain, plus two seasonally appropriate options.

This brand of orthotic footwear has designs that you’ll actually want to wear, like this slip-on sneaker with a perforated leather top. Even better, the built-in arch support gives your foot proper alignment so you don’t have to sacrifice function for fashion. There are lots of other styles to choose from, too, like sneakers, loafers, heels, and sandals. One online reviewer who says she has wide feet and a bunion wrote: "Like they came straight from heaven! I'm a loyal Vionic customer, and this is their most comfortable shoe yet! Cute and on trend style." We recommend wiping down the outer soles regularly to keep the white looking bright.

This clog is a favorite of restaurant workers, hospital staff, and other people who have to be on their feet all day. It’s roomy at the toe, has a shock-absorbing sole, and is padded inside for extra comfort. You can choose from tons of different solid color or print options. With more than 4,000 positive reviews on Amazon, one verified purchaser who struggles with plantar fasciitis in her left foot wrote: "I had been hobbling around using various braces, inserts, and shoes recommended by my podiatrist without much relief — until I found these shoes. I now can walk normally, without a limp and without pain."

This walking shoe has everything you need in a sneaker: shock absorption to reduce stress on your joints, arch support for pain relief, and a roomy toe box for wiggle room. The insole is removable in case you need to use your own orthotic and it comes in a variety of widths, include extra wide. "I have a big arthritic joint on my right foot and plantar fasciitis in my left," writes one verified purchaser on Amazon. "The fasciitis is hugely improved and I haven’t even had the shoes for very long. Very soft and cushiony inside, nothing that puts pressure on any joints. Whoever invented these is genius!"

Orthofeet also offers an assortment of shoe styles, but this slipper is a bestseller thanks to its orthotic insole and comfy cushioning around the heel and ball of your foot. Users swear that wearing these at home instead of going barefoot has helped alleviate their plantar fasciitis pain. Writes one verified purchaser who struggles with plantar fasciitis: "Comfortable shoes are a serious subject to me. I bought these slippers in 2014 and have worn them every day. I've washed them in the washing machine many times and they are still going. My new pair came today. I will keep the old slippers for messy jobs, but look forward to at least 3 or 4 years of comfortable feet."

No one will know you’re opting for a supportive shoe with this on-trend bootie. The cut-outs at the opening make it easy to slide on, there’s a memory foam footbed, and it’s available in both medium and wide sizes. The leather-wrapped stacked heel measures about 1 inch. "I literally wear these five days out of the week, they are so comfortable," writes one Amazon reviewer. "[They're] more comfortable than my running shoes. And the olive color goes with everything!" If you're not solid on olive, they also come in "putty" (beige) and black.

Vionic also makes great winter gear, namely these cozy-lookin' boots with faux-fur trim. They're made with water-resistant suede on top of a rubber sole for better traction against snow and ice. Importantly, they incorporate Vionic's Orthoheel Technology to support your foot's natural alignment. Your feet will be warm and toasty with its flannel-lined interior, and the footbed is removable if you want to throw it in the wash after a long day of snowman-building with the kids.

This sandal is made of a foam that cushions your foot and supports your arches. It’s designed to be worn after exercise to help your feet recover, but it’s safe to get wet and can be worn to the pool or beach. They come in eight colors including lime green, hot pink, and purple. One Amazon reviewer calls it a must-have for plantar fasciitis: "This flip flop has saved my life in regard to summer fun. I developed plantar fasciitis about one year ago in my right heel. While I am standing up straight I feel no direct pressure on my heels, [and] as I walk the shoe provides amazing comfort."

Click here to learn more about the Good Housekeeping Institute and our testing methods.