The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, According to Experts (2024)

It only takes one especially uncomfortable flare-up of heel and foot pain to realize the importance of proper footwear: The best shoes for plantar fasciitis can help relieve the tension in your feet and hopefully avoid these frustrating days in the first place. We spoke with physical therapists and podiatrists to help find the right shoes for anyone who deals with this condition.

Our top picks:

1. For Walking: Kuru Quantum, $160
2. For Running: Hoka Bondi 8, $165
3. For Hiking: Merrell Bravada 2, $110

What is plantar fasciitis?

Before we get into the causes of plantar fasciitis, it’s helpful to think about the anatomy of the foot region first. The plantar fascia is a fascial band or ligament that runs from the bottom of the calcaneus (or heel bone) to the base of the toes, Susan Eby, PT, MS, owner of Eby Physical Therapy in New York City, tells SELF. It helps support the long arch of the foot and provides shock absorption while you walk and run.

Repeated stress on the plantar fascia can cause damage or small tears that may lead to inflammation. Plantar fasciitis often feels like a stabbing or aching pain in the sole of your foot, usually near your heel, which tends to be more intense in the mornings or after you’ve been off your feet for a while. Some factors that can make plantar fasciitis worse include tight calf muscles, repetitive high-impact activities like running, a rapid increase in weight-bearing activity, prolonged standing or walking, and flat feet or very high arches. Your choice of footwear can also be an aggravating factor, whether you’re running, walking, or standing for long stretches of time.

Jump to:

• Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Hiking Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
• How to Choose the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
• What to Avoid When Buying Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

The best shoes for plantar fasciitis

Below, you’ll find expert-recommended shoes (including sneakers, dress shoes, sandals, and slippers), with features that are friendly for those with plantar fasciitis—like extra padding, sturdy arch support, and secure-fitting footbeds—along with recommendations for removable insoles to make any pair more comfortable. But don’t worry, we’re not talking stereotypical, clunky orthopedic footwear (although, those certainly do the trick). Instead we’ve rounded up stylish options from brands like Teva, Hoka One One, Clarks, Oofos, New Balance, and Superfeet—all from retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, REI, and more.

Hoka shoes have deep heel counters and cloud-like cushioning that feels like a glorious hug around your feet. That snug, plush fit makes them some of the best walking shoes for people with plantar fasciitis. Carla Gamez, DPM, a podiatrist at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), recommends the Clifton because of its responsive midsole, which, despite its heavier cushion, helps propel you forward as you walk. The latest version, the Clifton 9, helped alleviate SELF’s executive editor’s plantar fasciitis pain and secured its place as her go-to sneaker.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular and wide
• Materials: mesh, polyester, EVA foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 17 options

This comfortable walking shoe from Kuru is designed to help alleviate foot pain, including the discomfort that comes with plantar fasciitis. The brand’s patented Kurusole technology hugs your heels and supports the natural cushioning of your foot, which absorbs impact while standing and walking, Bianca Beldini, DPT, a physical therapist, founder of Sundala Wellness, and a USA Triathlon level one coach in New York City, tells SELF.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: medium and wide
• Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, and rubber
• Colors available: 10 options

This New Balance pair is popular among plantar fasciitis patients for its stability, Erik Sims, DPM, managing partner of Sims & Associates Podiatry in New York, tells SELF. It’s designed to address overpronation (when your feet roll inward while you walk), which may be linked to plantar fasciitis. Although it’s technically a running shoe, many reviewers note that it performs wonderfully for walking too. “Great shoe for plantar fasciitis! I work 10-to-12-hour shifts and [am] on my feet the entire time. This shoe is one of two pairs of work shoes that don’t fall into the category of torture device,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.

• Sizes available: US 6 to 13
• Widths available: narrow, medium, and wide
• Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 4 options

With a sturdy design and a high level of arch support, Vionic’s Walk Strider can help alleviate the stabbing pain of plantar fasciitis, Gigee Bhular, DPM, a foot and ankle physician at Virtua Health in New Jersey, tells SELF. While its rigid midfoot should help prevent rolling, its flexible upper will bend with your foot when you’re on the move.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 13
• Widths available: medium and wide
• Materials: mesh, leather, nylon, EVA foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 2 options

Hoka is known for its maximalist shoes (think chunky pairs with thick soles) that starkly contrast with the more minimalist models out there. And all that extra padding makes Hoka one of the best running shoes for people with plantar fasciitis—particularly the Bondi style, which is wide and lightweight yet super cushioned, Dr. Beldini says.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular and wide
• Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 21 options

Dr. Sims commonly recommends the Saucony Echelon 9 to people with plantar fasciitis because of its solid support. It’s presented as one of the brand’s comfort shoes, meaning it has a thick foam footbed and a snug midfoot to keep your foot well-cushioned and stable. It’s also compatible with inserts, including bulkier custom orthotics, Dr. Sims says.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular, wide, and x-wide
• Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, and rubber
• Colors available: 8 options

Dr. Sims recommends the Brooks Ghost 15 to patients of all ages, saying that it strikes a fine balance between comfort and style. It uses a plush, lightweight foam to buoy feet without feeling clunky, and it has ample space through the upper (though it won’t feel like you’re swimming in them). It’s also a good pick for arch pain, he says.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 13
• Widths available: narrow, regular, wide, and x-wide
• Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 15 options

Dr. Gamez recommends Asics Gel-Nimbus running shoes for a cushioned ride. This best-selling style is built with gel technology, which absorbs shock as you pound the pavement, and thus helps reduce any stabbing pain. It also has a mesh upper for plenty of wiggle room in your toes.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular and wide
• Materials: mesh, foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 18 options

Nicholas Japs, DPT, a physical therapist at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, tells SELF that the Adrenaline GTS 22 is another popular Brooks shoe for plantar fasciitis. Its 12 mm heel-to-toe drop (a.k.a. the difference in height between the back and front of the shoe) helps shift your weight away from the heel, which should help relieve some pressure and pain, he explains. Plus, Dr. Japs adds, it has great cushioning and support overall.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: narrow, regular, wide, and x-wide
• Materials: mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 26 options

Dr. Bhular highly recommends the Gel-Excite 9 running shoe from Asics because of its ample amount of cushioning. It uses flexible foam throughout the sole and features additional gel padding in the middle and rear of the foot, to further soften the impact of your steps.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular and wide
• Materials: mesh, foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 21 options

With more than 2,000 five-star reviews, the Keen Targhee II is a popular hiking boot for Amazon customers—and it’s a particular hit among outdoor enthusiasts with plantar fasciitis because of its padded and supportive design. “Just returned from a nine-day hiking trip out West…. I have plantar fasciitis in one foot. These were the most comfortable shoes that I have,” one Amazon reviewer wrote.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 11
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: nylon, Nubuck leather, synthetic fabric, EVA foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 6 options

Merrell is a podiatrist-approved brand for hiking shoes, and the Bravada 2 is one of our top choices. We also gave it an award for Best Low-Cut Hiking Shoe in the 2022 SELF Sneaker Awards. It has extra cushioning in the heel, and according to our testers, it feels lightweight on the trail.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 11
• Widths available: regular and wide
• Materials: mesh, nylon, EVA, and rubber
• Colors available: 9 options

Both Dr. Bhular and Dr. Japs recommend Hoka’s Kaha 2 boot. They’re chiefly impressed by how light it feels while still providing plenty of cushioning, which is a fine balance to strike in a rugged, outdoorsy boot. Dr. Japs also points out its durable treaded sole and ankle-wrapping cuff, both of which should help you feel more stable on the trail.

• Sizes available: US 6 to 11
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: mesh, polyester, Nubuck leather, EVA, and rubber
• Colors available: 6 options

This sporty sandal is comfortable, includes arch support, and is easy to clean, Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, owner of Marko Physical Therapy, tells SELF. The strap system across the top of the foot and around the back of the heel is adjustable for a secure fit around your ankle, even after walking longer distances. Unlike a standard flip-flop—which can exacerbate plantar fasciitis by requiring your foot to grip in order to keep the shoe on—the Teva Verra uses a backstrap to keep your foot comfortably in place.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 11
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: polyester, nylon, EVA foam, and rubber
• Colors available: 8 options

This cushiony, cloud-like Oofos sandal is a SELF Fave for workout recovery (and just wearing around the house, honestly), thanks to its thick soles, versatility, and fun range of colors. According to Dr. Marko, it checks off plenty of plantar fasciitis boxes too. It features a wide strap at the top that holds your foot in place, plus it has good arch and heel support. For a slimmer profile, try the OOlala sandal (a recommendation from Dr. Sims). And if you don’t love the feel of a thong sandal, Dr. Gamez recommends trying Oofos Ooahh slides.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 16
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: foam
• Colors available: 8 options

Dr. Sims likes the highly cushioned Hoka Ora 3 slide specifically for wearing around the house. He says they’re a great alternative to walking around barefoot, which can be an added strain on your plantar fascia. And we like them because they come in just about every color of the rainbow.

• Sizes available: US 6 to 15
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: foam and EVA
• Colors available: 19 options

Another great pair for indoor and outdoor use, according to Dr. Sims, is the Birkenstock Arizona—a classic comfy sandal with some plantar-fasciitis-friendly features. Its soft, suede footbed has a deep heel, supportive arch, and plenty of space around the toes, while its outsole is designed to absorb shock from your footsteps.

• Sizes available: EU 36 to 42
• Widths available: medium/narrow and regular/wide
• Materials: leather, suede leather, cork, latex, foam, and EVA
• Colors available: 7 options

Dr. Japs likes Kuru’s entire collection of shoes, but specifically recommends their sandals. They have a very sturdy, treaded sole that’ll prevent slipping, even on damp surfaces, as well as the same flexible heel cup that comes with Kuru sneakers. On top of that, the Current sandal also features quick-drying adjustable straps, so you can wear them on all your water-adjacent adventures.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: Lycra and rubber
• Colors available: 5 options

Powerstep’s slide has a well-cushioned midsole and a deep contoured heel cup that’ll help your foot feet secure, even in a backless shoe. That’s why Dr. Bhular recommends it for anyone with plantar fasciitis. We happen to like it for everyday wear because of its goes-with-anything, minimalist look.

• Sizes available: US 6 to 11
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: synthetic fabric and rubber
• Colors available: 1 option

The Sharon is a dressier shoe that dodges the pitfalls of most flats (which, in general, can be aggravating to people with plantar fasciitis). It has a half-inch heel drop, an elastic strap across the instep (to secure the shoe), and a cushioned insole with moderate arch support, Eby says. These shoes are also lightweight, come in two widths, and are relatively inexpensive.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular and wide
• Materials: synthetic fabric and EVA
• Colors available: 7 options

Comfortable heels may seem like an oxymoron, but these LifeStride pumps are just that, Dr. Marko says. “While these particular shoes don’t have arch support, the cushioning is like walking on pillows,” she says. “Just having your foot in the heeled position makes the plantar fascia create more of its own arch.”

• Sizes available: US 5 to 11
• Widths available: regular and wide
• Materials: faux leather, synthetic fabric, and rubber
• Colors available: 4 options

Dr. Japs considers the Vionic brand to be “above average in support and comfort,” and this applies to even its dressier shoes. The Kensley Loafer, with its thick lug sole, supportive arch, and padded insole, is a particular standout for people with plantar fasciitis. The fact that it’s stylish certainly doesn’t hurt. “Sometimes orthopedic shoes aren’t the most fashionable, but Vionic does great work,” Dr. Japs says.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular and wide
• Materials: leather, synthetic fabric, EVA, and rubber
• Colors available: 9 options

The Torhill Penny Loafer is a “perfect dress shoe for someone with plantar fasciitis,” according to Dr. Bhular. Not only is it supportive (the footbed is contoured to better fit the shape of your foot), it’s also durable and aesthetically pleasing, she says. To her last point, this is definitely a shoe you can dress up or down.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 11
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: Nubuck leather, synthetic fabric and materials, and rubber
• Colors available: 3 options

This comfy slipper is covered in spa-like terry cloth material, and it’s a great option for people with plantar fasciitis to wear around the house. They have built-in arch support and deep heel cups that hug and cushion the fat pad under your heel, Eby says. The ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole is shock-absorbing for the heel, and a Velcro closure allows for a custom fit so it stays snug on your feet.

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: polyester terry cloth, EVA, and rubber
• Colors available: 16 options

If you have wide feet, this may be the slipper for you. The OrthoFeet comes in three widths, and the orthotic-like inserts provide arch support and foam cushioning, particularly at the heel. “The suede uppers are lined for comfort, and the low heel counter allows for use of alternate insoles or orthotics and gives some heel stability while still allowing you to slide in and out of the slipper,” says Eby. “The toe box is also extra deep to accommodate any toe issues, with Velcro adjustment to fit this slipper snug to your feet.”

• Sizes available: US 5 to 12
• Widths available: regular, wide, and x-wide
• Materials: suede, faux fur, foam, and polyurethane
• Colors available: 2 options

Superfeet’s insoles come highly recommended by podiatrists as great over-the-counter shoe inserts. The green and blue versions have different heel cup depths and degrees of arch support. The blue ones may be easier to tolerate and get used to at first before trying the green, Dr. Marko says.

• Sizes available: US 4.5-6 to 12.5-14
• Widths available: regular
• Materials: polyester and foam

Dr. Gamez recommends adding gel heel cups to your less plantar-fasciitis-friendly shoes. These provide support and create a softer footbed to reduce pressure and pain through your heels.

• Sizes available: small/medium and large
• Widths available: N/A
• Materials: silicone

If you’re on your feet for long periods of time, Dr. Japs recommends these reliable insoles from Dr. Scholls, which are designed to absorb shock and support your arches. He says that those features should relieve tension in your feet and help you feel more comfortable.

• Sizes available: US 5.5-6 to 13.5-14
• Widths available: N/A
• Materials: rubber

Dr. Bhular recommends the cushioned Pinnacle insole from Powerstep, in no small part for its supportive heel, which is made to cradle the back of your foot so it stays in place. Its arch is sturdy yet flexible, so it’ll pair well with both your favorite workout sneakers and work shoes.

• Sizes available: US 5/5.5 to 13/13.5
• Widths available: N/A
• Materials: polyester and EVA

How to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis

By selecting better (read: more supportive and well-cushioned) shoes, you can take a solid step (heh) toward reducing this annoying foot pain in the future. If you’re still on the lookout for the right pair for you, here’s some general criteria to keep in mind while you shop. In general, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis will fit correctly—make sure they’re not too small, are wide enough to fit your foot comfortably, and have the right amount of support. “You’ll want a shoe with a deep heel counter and plenty of midfoot arch support,” Dr. Gamez says.

You can consider pairing your shoes with orthotics or insoles that have substantial heel cups to help with cushioning and shock absorption to avoid heel pain, Eby says. They’ll also provide additional arch support, which can offer further relief from plantar fasciitis pain, Yolanda Ragland, DPM, podiatrist and founder of Fix Your Feet in New York City, tells SELF.

What to avoid when buying shoes for plantar fasciitis

Avoid flat, non-supportive shoes or sandals, Dr. Gamez says. Those cute flip-flops that sell for $1? Probably not the best plantar fasciitis shoes. The same generally goes for sneakers without arch support (unless you add orthotics, heel cups, or insoles), and flats. If you need dressier shoes for work or a special occasion, look for those with a slight heel (around a half inch) to minimize stretching on the plantar fascia, as well as styles that stay on your foot without toe gripping (i.e. ones that have elastic or other straps to secure the shoe to your foot).

Related:

• 15 Best Walking Shoes for Maximum Comfort
• The 12 Best Sandals With Arch Support That Are Still Stylish
• 5 Running Injuries Every New Runner Should Know About