:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/health-best-shoes-for-plantar-fasciatis-tout-2ea29117286945028c4bdd192b3d1ccf.jpg "Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis")
It’s a staggering number, but it’s true: Plantar fasciitis is responsible for 80% of all cases of heel pain—a condition exacerbated by wearing the wrong shoes. Conversely, choosing the right footwear can help you feel more comfortable, making it much easier to stay active.1
Though there are many different causes for this overuse injury of the thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot—such as a change in weight, activity, or footwear—you want to be sure your shoes allow you to heal instead of making the condition worse. To do that, you need shoes that offer a firm sole, adequate cushioning, appropriate arch support and comfort enough to wear consistently.
Our extensive list of the top plantar fasciitis shoes was compiled by analyzing more than 100 pairs of shoes according to factors including fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality, and affordability. In addition, we consulted with other podiatrists and foot-ankle specialists. The content of this article was evaluated by a podiatrist on our Medical Expert Board at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and evaluated.
The Editor’s Take
As the Senior Commerce Editor for Health and a former triathlete and marathon runner, I’ve had bouts of plantar fasciitis. According to Jason Spector, DPM, MS, AACFAS, a fellowship-trained, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle expert with Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists, athletes are more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis. And people with certain foot types, like those with flat feet, high arches, or Achilles tendonitis, are also prone to the condition at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed. Between testing shoes myself and talking to podiatrists, I’ve learned that the most important elements for selecting shoes to ease the pain are to choose options with a lot of cushioning and arch support. That means I avoid flip-flops in the summer. I opt for OOFOS OOahh Slides or Birkenstocks and always select running shoes appropriate for plantar fasciitis at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
—Jessica Wozinsky Fleming, Senior Commerce Editor
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
ABEO MXV Shift Metatarsal at Amazon ($120)
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Best Overall Runner-Up:
Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe at Amazon ($110)
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Best Sneaker:
On Running Cloudflyer 4 at On-running.com ($170)
Jump to Review
Best Arch Support:
WalkHero Wide Toe Box Shoes with Arch Support at Walkhero.com (See Price)
Jump to Review
Best for Wide Feet:
Vionic Tokyo Sneaker at Zappos ($43)
Jump to Review
Best for Running:
ASICS Gel-Venture 9 at Amazon ($75)
Jump to Review
Best Stability:
Dansko Pace Walking Shoe at Amazon (See Price)
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Best for Work:
FitFlop Superskate Loafers at Fitflop.com (See Price)
Jump to Review
Best Boots:
Chaco Fields Chelsea Boot at Amazon (See Price)
Jump to Review
Best for High Arches:
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 at Amazon ($140)
Jump to Review
Best Overall
ABEO MXV Shift Metatarsal
$120 at Amazon
$120 at Abeofootwear.com
View on Thewalkingcompany.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 5/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 8/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
Having a solid set of sneakers is key to be able to enjoy everyday life with plantar fasciitis. From the moment we put the AVEO MXV Shift Metatarsal sneakers on to test them, we fell in love with them. Not only did they fit perfectly, but they also were extremely light and comfortable, without causing any chafing or blisters. We especially appreciate that the heels of the shoe are slightly elevated, while the grip on the back of the shoe keeps your foot stable.
Even more importantly, the arches on these shoes molded to our feet and did not cause any cramping that can sometimes occur in shoes designed for plantar fasciitis. The toe box also is roomy, providing just enough space for our toes at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
But what really impressed us about these shoes was the stability they provided. They were so supportive and stable that we even tested them out at a Zumba class and they allowed us to get our groove on, without any stumbling, pain, or catching on different surfaces. We were able to enjoy the class with no plantar fasciitis pain to spoil the fun at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
The only downside with this shoe is the fact that there aren’t many color options, so there are limited opportunities to express yourself.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sneaker
- Sizes: 6 to 11 (women’s)
- Widths: Medium
- Materials: Knit upper, EVA midsole, rubber outsole
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best Overall Runner-Up
Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe
$110 at Amazon$140 at Zappos$120 at Orthofeet.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 5/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
The Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit shoe’s inserts let us personalize the fit, making it as close to a custom sneaker as you can get. If your arches need it, the insert can function as a sort of booster. We particularly valued the shoes’ stability and the way they supported our ankles and feet.
The curve of the heel also caught our attention because of the way it absorbed the shock from walking—so much so that we felt like we were walking on soft carpeting despite the different terrain. The editor who tested these often has a pins-and-needles feeling while walking, but not so when moving around in these supportive everyday sneakers at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
Even wearing these shoes with just one insert for an extended time did not compromise the support these shoes provide. We are confident that those who want a little more cushion and support will appreciate the option of an extra insert as much as we do.
It’s Worth Noting
Some people may find that while they need the extra insert for support and cushioning, it causes the shoe to fit differently. When you order them, definitely take the time to try a few configurations to make sure the sizing is appropriate for the level of support you need at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sneaker
- Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s)
- Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide
- Materials: Knitted upper, fabric lining, rubber outsole
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best Sneaker
On Running Cloudflyer 4
$170 at On-running.com$127 at REI$170 at Fleetfeet.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 8/5
- Value
- 7/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
During testing, these On Cloudflyer shoes put a spring in our step. The extra grippy sole serves a dual purpose of providing stability and cushion. Wearing these springy yet supportive shoes left us feeling energized and ready to go. Not once did we feel hindered by our plantar fasciitis. We could do what we wanted and then some at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
And as an added bonus, our heel felt cradled and cushioned, and the inside support of the shoe is very comfortable—not the slightest bit rigid or cramp-inducing. Plus, these shoes do a great job of absorbing the impact of walking on a variety of surfaces.
It’s Worth Noting
Unfortunately, we did not have the same experience when running, as our editor’s arches were less supported than we would like. Still, these are great shoes and provide the support needed while walking, running errands, or playing with the kids.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sneaker
- Sizes: 5 to 11 (women’s)
- Widths: Medium and wide
- Materials: Recycled content, polyester, helion foam
- Heel drop: 10 mm
Best Arch Support
WalkHero Wide Toe Box Shoes with Arch Support
View on Walkhero.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 5/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
These Walk Hero shoes fit like a glove, and we immediately felt the cushion and support in the arch in particular. And that feeling only got better as we took our first steps in these shoes. Plus, these shoes provided ample room for our feet to breathe and our toes to move—yet didn’t compromise on stability in the process. Our knees, ankles, and feet felt fully supported. The editor who tried these is also a CrossFit instructor, who spends a lot of time on his feet. Even while doing squats, he noticed less pain in our knees and improved form, as these shoes allowed him to stay on his heels with no pain at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
The curve of the sole helped our feet to relax as we walked, so we were able to enjoy longer walks on different terrains with no pain. The shoe also was efficient at both absorbing the shock of our movements and propelling us forward. We were able to push into the next step with minimal effort, as the cushion of the arch acted like a springboard at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
The only downsides to this shoe are its overall aesthetic and the limited color options, which leave us wanting something a little more stylish. Still, during a plantar fasciitis flare, it’s hard to beat the comfort and support of these workhorse shoes.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sneaker
- Sizes: 8-13 men’s, 5-12 women’s
- Widths: Narrow, medium, wide
- Materials: Mesh, leather, foam, rubber
- Heel drop: 8 mm
Best for Wide Feet
Vionic Tokyo Sneaker
$43 at Zappos$78 at NordstromView on Dsw.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 4/5
- Value
- 4/5
- Comfort
- 8/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
When it comes to shoes for plantar fasciitis, we were impressed with the arch support provided by the Vionic Tokyo sneakers. The shoe did a great job not only supporting the arch of our foot but also providing counter pressure that helped ease our plantar fasciitis pain. What’s more, our heels felt like they were being hugged by a cushiony pillow. This combination of arch and heel support results in a one-two punch in defeating plantar fasciitis pain.
As a fairly responsive shoe, these Vionic Tokyo Sneakers also did a great job rocking us into our next step. This motion allowed us to ease into each step without strain or pressure on our feet. Overall, the sole absorbed the impact of our steps without feeling too squishy and did not feel like it was going to collapse at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
While we appreciated the wide toe box, we did find that our feet tended to slip while wearing these shoes, especially when particularly active. Consequently, the wide profile of this shoe is not really suited for narrow feet. If you have bunions or wide feet, though, you may find these shoes are ideal for you.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sneaker
- Sizes: 5-12 women’s
- Widths: Medium, wide
- Materials: Mesh, rubber, EVA
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best for Running
ASICS Gel-Venture 9
$60 at Amazon$60 at ZapposView on Shoemall.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 5/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
Out of the shoes we tested, these Asics Gel-Venture 9 shoes were some of the most form-fitting, comfortable shoes we tried. Not only did they fit perfectly, but our feet did not slide around at all. Plus, our heels remained secure and well supported.
It is also worth noting that the arch support is exceptional and the toe box is roomy. We never experienced any foot pain while wearing these shoes and they do not rub or slip at all—which are great characteristics when running. In fact, our expert loved these shoes so much that they have become their go-to shoe. We also love the relatively affordable price point.
We also appreciated that the heel cup hugged our heel and the soles were great at absorbing the shock of our movements. Even the transitions in these shoes were a breeze due to the curve of the sole and the responsiveness of the shoe at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
These shoes aren’t super flexible, which is a good trait for people with plantar fasciitis but could be too much for others.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sneaker
- Sizes: 5-12 women’s
- Widths: Standard
- Materials: Synthetic and rubber
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best Stability
Dansko Pace Walking Shoe
View on Amazon$140 at Zappos$140 at Nordstrom
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 5/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
With their supportive cushioning, a pair of Dansko Pace walking shoes provides both arch support and solid security for people with plantar fasciitis. We love the unique rim around the edge of the heel cup as well as the small oval cushion in the heel for extra comfort. These features do a great job of reducing pain from plantar fasciitis.
We also were impressed by the fact that the arch support is solid and firm and doesn’t flatten out with wear. What’s more, the sides of the tongue are attached with wide, elastic material to the sides of the shoe allowing the shoe to provide an extra snug and supportive fit. This feature gives the shoe extra stability and discourages slipping at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
The only downside to the shoe is that it only contains a very small reflective strip on the back of the shoe. This hinders the shoe’s visibility at night, should you be a big fan of evening walks.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sneaker
- Sizes: 5-12 women’s
- Widths: Medium
- Materials: EVA midsole, rubber outsole
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best for Work
FitFlop Superskate Loafers
View on Fitflop.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 5/5
- Value
- 4/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
For people who have to be on their feet a lot every day, we love these Fitflop Superskate Leather Loafers. Not only do they allow easy transitions from one type of flooring to the next, but they also are supportive, alleviating pressure and pain in the feet, heels, and ankles.
We also found these shoes to be comfortable with adequate room in the toe box for our toes—which is particularly important if you are going to be on your feet a lot. Overall, we loved how our feet felt while wearing these shoes. We were able to walk around all day and didn’t experience any pain at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
Our only complaint about these shoes is that they do not offer many colors other than black and white. It would be nice to have a tan or brown option as well. But when looking for a loafer for work, we felt these shoes were top-notch.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Loafer
- Sizes: 5-11 women’s
- Widths: Standard
- Materials: Leather, cotton twill
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best Boots
Chaco Fields Chelsea Boot
View on Amazon$140 at Zappos$65 at Nordstrom
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 8/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
Chaco Women’s Fields Chelsea boots were definitely made for walking—our feet, ankles, heels, and arch all felt good even after spending a considerable amount of time walking around. Not only do these boots provide good stability and support, but the tread on them is extra grippy and supportive. We also appreciated the shock absorption they provided and the fact that our feet could roll through each step despite being nestled inside a pair of boots.
Because these are boots, they are heavier than other everyday footwear, but they still provide some squishiness and kept our feet and legs from taking a pounding like more traditional boots might have. Plus, they do a great job alleviating the pain and discomfort of plantar fasciitis at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
We do wish the boot wasn’t quite so high on the leg so that we could have a little freer movement. But even with that minor design issue, we thought these waterproof boots did a great job keeping our feet comfy, even in inclement weather.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Boot
- Sizes: 6-11 women’s
- Widths: Medium
- Materials: Leather, canvas, EVA midsole, rubber
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best for High Arches
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
$140 at Amazon$112 at ZapposView on Sunandski.com
Why We Like It
These New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers have a dual-layer foam midsole that cushioned our feet when we were walking around—which was exactly what we want to alleviate the pain and pressure caused by plantar fasciitis. Even after all-day wear, our feet still felt fresh and comfortable. Plus, these shoes offer excellent support and stability, particularly for people with high arches.
They also provide a natural bounce that does a fantastic job of absorbing the shock of our movements, even when jogging on pavement. And while these shoes offer plenty of support on their own, we found that there was still room for orthotic inserts. Overall, these truly are adaptable shoes that help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain and promote healing. And they’re stylish, too. While most shoes for plantar fasciitis are designed for comfort over style, the editor who tested these had to steal them back from her teen daughter, who liked the look of them at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
While we loved the higher arch support, it could be a little too much support for some people.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sneaker
- Sizes: 5-11 women’s, 7-16 men’s
- Widths: Narrow, medium, wide, extra wide
- Materials: Mesh, rubber, foam
- Heel drop: 10mm
Best Slip-on
KURU ATOM
View on Kurufootwear.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 8/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
For people who enjoy the convenience of a slip-on shoe, you cannot go wrong with the Kuru Atom Slip-On shoes. Not only is the arch support in these shoes solid, but the heel is also cushy, making them an extremely comfortable pair of shoes. This makes them ideal for walking longer distances, especially since they are lightweight and breathable.
We also loved the fact that these shoes are so easy to take on and off—perfect for busy people or folks who might have reduced mobility. But despite the ease of use, they’re also surprisingly stable and transition seamlessly between different surfaces at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
We fell in love with the balance of the arch and the comfy cushioning they provided. That said, they do tend to feel a little on the larger side, so they may not be ideal for people with narrow feet or those who prefer a snugger fit.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Slip-on sneaker style
- Sizes: 6-11 women’s
- Widths: Medium
- Materials: Mesh, rubber
- Heel drop: 8mm
Best Slides
Oofos OoAhh Slide Sandal
$57 at Amazon$60 at Zappos$60 at Nordstrom
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 5/5
- Value
- 4/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
On the days when we wanted something a little less confining than a traditional shoe, we found that these slides were just what we needed. In fact, these Oofos OOahh Slides were extremely springy and great at propelling us forward. They also did a great job absorbing impact, which helped relieve stress from our arches throughout the day.
As far as low profile shoes are concerned, these slides are exactly what we wanted and are easy to wear on a consistent basis. One nice bonus: they’re machine-washable, making them easy to clean if you wear them to cook or to the beach at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
While these sandals are extremely comfortable, they are not well-suited for long walks due to the lack of heel support. We also noticed that the design of the toe could lead to some tripping, especially when walking uphill.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Slides
- Sizes: 5-16 women’s, 3-14 men’s
- Widths: Standard
- Materials: Foam
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best Podiatrist-Approved
Altra Paradigm 6
$154 at Amazon$125 at ZapposView on Sunandski.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 2/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 8/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
As a podiatrist-approved shoe, these Altra Paradigm shoes did an excellent job of supporting our feet, heels, ankles, and knees. We also felt very stable and secure when walking on all types of terrain including cracked streets and gravel. Even after our expert was on their feet for more than 10 hours, they still did not feel any of the dreaded heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
We also appreciate that the curve on the sole promoted a seamless and smooth transition between surfaces. The shoe did a great job propelling us into the next step—we rarely felt any plantar fasciitis pain while wearing these shoes consistently.
It’s Worth Noting
The only downside of this shoe’s supportive arch is that it can take some time to get used to, especially when driving. Our feet seemed more restricted than we were used to, but once we adjusted to the feeling it became less of an issue.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sneaker
- Sizes: 5.5-12 women’s, 7-13 men’s
- Widths: Standard
- Materials: Mesh, rubber, foam
- Heel drop: 0mm
Best Clog
Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs
View on Amazon$155 at Zappos$145 at Nordstrom
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 7/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
Dansko XP 2.0 clogs received top marks from us across the board. Not only did we experience zero pain from our plantar fasciitis, but our feet, heels, ankles, and knees also felt stable and supported every time we wore them out and about. They also provided adequate shock support and stability.
The clogs did a nice job propelling us from one stride to the next. And despite being comfy, they are rigid enough to provide the support our plantar fascia craved. As a bonus, our expert noticed a vast improvement in their plantar fasciitis while wearing them at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
While these clogs are great for everyday wear, long days on your feet, and running errands, they may not be ideal for long walks.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Clog
- Sizes: 4.5-13 women’s, 8.5-14 mens
- Widths: Standard
- Materials: Nubuck leather uppers, EVA midsole,
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best Recovery Shoe
Oofos OOmg Sport
$140 at ZapposView on Oofos.comView on Dillards.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 7/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
Why We Like It
Springy and supportive, Oofos OOmg Sport slip-on shoes are designed for athletes to wear post-training for recovery, but they’re also great for everyday wear. The shoes provided instant and continuous relief from our plantar fasciitis, even after a full day at the office. Plus, theylig’re htweight, cushy, and moderately responsive.
We especially appreciated the way the shoe gently cradled and cushioned our arch and our heel. The shoe construction provides a snug and comfortable fit ideal for daily wear. Overall, we enjoyed the ease of use with these recovery shoes and found they improved our symptoms at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
Due to the slip-on design, there’s not a lot of additional cushioning on the sides of the shoe, so they may not be optimal for those with a severe case of plantar fasciitis.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Slip-on sneaker style
- Sizes: 5-11 women’s, 8-14 men’s
- Widths: Standard
- Materials: Mesh, foam
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best Sandal
Vionic Reyna Flatform Sandal
View on AmazonView on Shoemall.comView on Marylandsquare.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 9/5
- Value
- 3/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Quality
- 8/5
Why We Like It
If you live in a warm climate, it can be difficult to find sandals that provide enough support for plantar fasciitis. Vionic Reyna Flatform Sandals are designed to provide arch support and cushioning for plantar fasciitis and other conditions that require extra support. The soft leather and suede feel luxurious on your feet, and they were comfortable right out of the box at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
The sole of these sandals is pretty inflexible, and the platform style makes them stable to walk around in. We didn’t notice any pain or instability in our knees or ankles while walking around, and we appreciated the shock support provided by the sizeable platform. The sole of the sandal is wavy, which gives a decent grip on various walking surfaces.
It’s Worth Noting
Due to the added support these sandals provide, the design isn’t exactly flattering and they’re a bit on the chunky side. They’re also only available in women’s sizes.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Sandal
- Sizes: 5-11 women’s
- Widths: Standard
- Materials: Leather
- Heel drop: Not listed
Best Heels
Rothy’s The Lug Loafer
View on Rothys.com
Our Ratings
- Fit
- 5/5
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Value
- 5/5
- Quality
- 5/5
- Design
- 5/5
Why We Like It
Our arches and feet felt incredibly supported in Rothy’s The Lug loafers. The quality of these shoes is high, and we loved the padded insoles and the added grip and traction on the durable outsoles. The 1.5-inch heel height is stylish but also practical for longer days on your feet, and they’re versatile enough to wear to work, on errands, or to brunch or dinner out.
What impressed us most about these shoes was their durability. They’re way more sturdy and durable than any other heeled loafers we’ve worn, and they’re also machine-washable. You get comfort, support, versatility, and style all in one pair at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
It’s Worth Noting
We found the pair we tried was on the smaller side, so it might be worth sizing up if you’re in between sizes. We also had a small blister on the back of our heel after the first break-in wear, but after that we didn’t experience any other issues with blisters or chafing.
Product Details
- Shoe Type: Loafer
- Sizes: 5-13 women’s
- Widths: Standard
- Materials: Knit, merino wool uppers
- Heel drop: Not listed
Our Testing Process
To find the best shoes for people with plantar fasciitis, we tested over 100 pairs of shoes based on several critical factors, including fit, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, comfort, quality, and value. After assessing each testing attribute, we then rated each shoe and used these ratings to guide our recommendations.
We documented every detail of the shoes we tried, from the cushioning and the construction to the responsiveness and the arch support. We also paid close attention to the shoe’s fit and toe box and considered how comfortable the shoes were on our feet as well as how our plantar fasciitis responded to wearing the shoes.
Finally, we looked at each shoe’s price point compared to its overall quality and allowed these factors to help determine our ratings and recommendations.
Our Experts
- Throughout the testing process, we also gathered input from the following experts and used this information to inform our recommendations:
- Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist and surgeon at NYC Health + Hospitals in New York, New York
- William Spielfogel, DPM, board-certified podiatrist, chief of podiatry in the department of orthopaedic surgery, at Northwell Health Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, and medical advisor for The Good Feet Store
- Jason Spector, DPM, MS, AACFAS, a fellowship-trained, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle expert with Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists
- Bruce Pinker, DPM, founder and owner at Progressive Foot Care in New York and a teaching faculty member of the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center Podiatric Surgical Residency Program
What to Know About Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury, and one of the most common causes of heel pain, Dr. Speilfogel says. This occurs when the plantar fascia—which is a thick band of tissue attached to the heel bone that runs along the bottom of the foot to the base of the toes—becomes strained and inflamed.
The pain is typically worse after resting and occurs when the foot first touches the ground. Activities such as sports, running, or standing for extended periods of time also put strain on the foot—all of which can cause plantar fasciitis at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
People with plantar fasciitis often report debilitating pain that can range from mild to significant, Dr. Spector adds. Common characteristics include sharp, burning, or stabbing sensations most prevalent after being off your feet for a while. This condition affects patients of all ages and activity levels, with an estimated 1 million physician visits in the United States per year, Dr. Spector says.2
Cushioning
The primary goal of cushioning is to reduce the impact and stress on your foot. The shoe also should provide shock absorption, offer comfort, and protect your feet. Because everyone’s feet are different, the type and amount of cushioning will vary. For instance, those with higher arches might need more cushioning than those with a normal arch.
Ultimately, the amount of cushioning you need in your shoes will come down to personal preference. But, Dr. Pinker indicates that a cushioned midsole can be a very beneficial feature in a shoe and suggests looking for one with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
Firm Sole and Arch Support
If you have plantar fasciitis, it is important to select a shoe that has a firm sole and good arch support, Dr. Spielfogel says. Ideally, you don’t want the shoe to collapse under your weight or when you are moving or allow your foot to move or roll.
In fact, proper arch support that hits the foot in the right place means less stress and strain are applied to your foot. When a shoe lacks arch support, this leads to reduced inflammation, pain, and discomfort, Dr. Spielfogel adds. He says he advises patients that a supportive arch may not feel 100% comfortable from the start but it will be an important part of recovery.
If you cannot find a shoe that gives you the support and stability you need, there is a chance that you could benefit from custom-made orthotics or inserts to ensure your foot is supported.
What to Avoid
People with plantar fasciitis should avoid shoes that have no support, as they will exacerbate plantar fasciitis, Dr. Spielfogel says. For instance, shoes such as flats, ballet slippers, or flip flops do not provide adequate support for the plantar fascia and should be avoided.
You also should avoid shoes that fit loosely and lack proper cushioning, Dr. Pinker adds. And watch out for poorly constructed shoes or those that lack durability. He suggests his patients look at New Balance, Asics, Brooks, and Saucony because they are well-constructed, durable shoes.
More Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Consider
Here are four more shoes we tested. While these styles had some notable characteristics, they also fell short in key areas at The 17 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed.
- ABEO MXV Cruise: At first blush, these shoes are comfortable and breathable with supportive arches, cushy soles, and a roomy toe box. They also offer good stability and we loved how they seemed to propel us forward with each step. But the heels tended to rub our expert’s foot making them uncomfortable for extended periods of time.
- Mizuno Wave Inspire 19: As soon as we slipped these shoes on, we felt like they were welcoming our feet, hugging them in a way that not only provided stability, but also boosted our confidence when walking. Plus, the insole is cushy and comfortable. These shoes did take a few days to get used to and the heel bothered our expert’s ankle. They also seem to be lacking some arch support.
- Kuru Kivi: This shoe offers some cushioning and arch support, but they did not quite support our feet or provide the stability we had hoped for. Additionally, our expert noted that wearing these shoes caused pain in their knees, ankles, toes, and the balls of their feet, which could have been due to an improper fit. We recommend trying these shoes on first to see if they are what you need.
- Naot Koru Tama: These shoes are comfortable, lightweight, and supportive. They also are a durable shoe that is easy to walk in and seemed to propel us forward as we were walking. That said, we did notice a slight lack of stability in these shoes due to a small slip in the heel, which ultimately resulted in a blister.
