16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (2024)

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Editor’s note: Article updated on December 11, 2023.

Finding the perfect footwear is a struggle, especially when you’re not coming into the game with tootsies in tip-top shape. They say if the shoe fits, wear it. But what they forgot to mention is if the shoe hurts, definitely don’t wear it! And one of the most common sources of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. This condition involves inflammation of the band of tissue running alongside the sole of your foot, the plantar fascia. Because this ligament connects your heel bone to the base of your toes, it supports the arch of your foot and absorbs shock as you walk. Through routine activities over time, the fascia can become irritated after losing some of its resilience. The next thing you know, even getting out of bed in the morning can feel like torture. In fact, the condition is well-known to flare up in the mornings!

Plantar fasciitis is so common, in fact, that approximately two million people receive treatment each year. If you’re experiencing discomfort from this condition, just know that you’re not alone. Many runners have suffered from plantar fasciitis at least once in their lifetime, and it can pop up in any shopper’s life when they least expect it. Sometimes, it’s accidentally self-inflicted!

According to John Hopkins Medicine, America’s first research university, the type of shoes you’re wearing can trigger plantar fasciitis. Some of the worst culprits? Flip-flops, flats, stilettos and old shoes. That’s why experts recommend replacing your sneakers every six months. We need to keep our toes to be in tip-top shape to avoid injury. Fresh footwear means better cushioning and support.

Related: 7 of the Best Plantar Fasciitis Socks for Pain-Free Feet

How We Chose the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

So, now that we know the problem, what’s the solution? Glad you asked. Well, for starters, we recommend seeking professional advice from a doctor or physical therapist to target your individual needs. Every foot is different! That being said, one form of plantar fasciitis treatment is switching to shoes with better arch support or trying orthotics that will cushion the heel. In other words, it’s time to go shoe shopping! Music to every woman’s ears.

We selected the 16 best shoes for plantar fasciitis, focusing on a few key factors: support, comfort/cushioning, style and fit. We took reviews heavily into account as well! From sneakers to sandals, these shoes will put a spring in your step! We’re head over heels (pun intended) for this fascia-friendly footwear!

1. Hoka Clifton 9 Running Shoes

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (1)

Pros:

  • Relief for plantar fasciitis
  • Comfortable and lightweight
  • Generously cushioned footbed
  • Responsive bounce
  • Supportive
  • Springy

Cons:

  • A few shoppers preferred older iterations of the shoe

Top Reviews:

  • “It’s taken me 13 years to find the right shoes after going through 8 foot surgeries. These are all I can wear.”
  • “OMG feels like walking on clouds.”

Available at: Zappos

2. Asics Gel-Contend Walker 2 Sneakers

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (2)

Pros:

  • AmpliFoam midsole for better flexibility, comfort
  • Ortholite sockliner
  • Padded collar and tongue
  • Cushioning system for shock absorption
  • Grippy rubber outsole
  • Available in black or white
  • Supportive and comfortable

Cons:

  • No fun colors

Top Reviews:

  • “Instantly all my plantar fasciitis, shin splint, heel pain problems went away!”
  • “I exclusively use them for walking about 4 miles a day on streets and sidewalks in a very hilly area.”

Available at: Zappos

3. Oofos OOahh Slide Sandals

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (3)

Pros:

  • Awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health and being of exceptional quality.
  • Designed for recovery
  • Moisture and odor-resistant
  • Helps reduce stress on sore feet, knees and lower back
  • Footbed cushioning
  • Works as pool slides or indoor slippers

Cons:

  • Not the most stylish
  • Run wide for women

Top Reviews:

  • “I have plantar fasciitis and the minute I put them on I can walk without pain. They are magic slippers. Thank you OOFOS for creating a wonderful slipper, they improved my quality of life 100%.”
  • “Right out of the box they were like heaven!”

Available at: Zappos

4. Brooks Ghost 15 Running Shoes

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (4)

Pros:

  • High energizing cushioning
  • Breathable air mesh upper
  • Supportive
  • Comfortable
  • Good traction

Cons:

  • Some reviewers said the toe box is too wide

Top Reviews:

  • “Hard to think of a more goldilocks running shoe than Ghosts. Not too cushy, not too stabilized, not too flashy, not too boring. Perfect as your only pair of running shoes.”
  • “Can you please make more like these! I love them so much. I know they’re running shoes, but they have such a cool and sleek style, that I wear them as everyday shoes. Heck, I can wear them to work events because of how sleek they are. As a bonus, more with the black bottom would be cool as well. With those, I can wear them through my workout in the morning and to work after, without having to worry about cleaning them.”

Available at: Zappos

5. Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (5)

Pros:

  • Waterproof leather
  • Tried-and-true
  • Slip-resistant sole (ideal for long days on your feet)
  • Arch stabilizer
  • Memory foam cushioning
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable

Cons:

  • Pricey
  • One shopper said they make your feet smell bad

Top Reviews:

  • “Lightweight, ergonomic, I wholeheartedly recommend this clog. After a few wearings they essentially molded to my feet. Happy and stylish feet reign!!”
  • “It’s instantly comfortable — requires little ‘wearing in’ and has extra cushion to the insole. In addition, these clogs seem to support my arches better than my previous pairs. Being waterproof is also an awesome feature as I will be using them in the healthcare setting. I am genuinely VERY happy with my purchase.”

Available at: Nordstrom

Related: The Best Shoes for Ball of Foot Pain That Are Still Stylish

6. Aetrex Carly Sneakers

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (6)

Pros:

  • Accepted by the American Podiatric Medical Association
  • Some styles on sale
  • Memory foam cushioning
  • Stylish
  • Stretchy knit fabric
  • Shock absorption
  • All-day comfort
  • Arch support to relieve heel pain
  • Machine washable
  • Padded heel counter for blister prevention and pronation reduction
  • Good support and grip

Cons:

  • Some customers had issues with fit

Top Reviews:

  • “I have high arches and plantar fasciitis. These sneakers are super comfortable for me with my current foot issues. The arch support is excellent! These have truly been a life safer for me as far as helping with my foot pain. They are also super cute!!”
  • “I have fallen arches, plantar fasciitis and peripheral neuropathies. Finding shoes that don’t cause me pain is one. of the banes of my life. These are one of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. The arch support surprisingly does an incredible job and because of the wide toe box and soft upper, I get absolutely no burning from the neuropathy. I love these shoes.”

Available at: Zappos

7. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 Running Shoes

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (7)

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly materials
  • Supreme cushioning
  • Lightweight, breathable, stretchy
  • Engineered knit
  • Supportive fit

Cons:

  • Shoe runs large — size down
  • Some shoppers had complaints about comfort

Top Reviews:

  • “I have plantar fasciitis, and these shoes were on the list of shoes approved by my podiatrist. I went down the list and these were by far the most comfortable. Feels like you’re walking on clouds. Also, very stylish as most comfortable shoes aren’t always appealing to the eye.”
  • “These are my favorite, most comfortable running shoes yet. I have worn Hoka Clifton’s for a few years and these outperform in terms of cushioning and toe box space.”

Available at: Zappos

8. Nike React Infinity Run FlyKnit 3 Premium Running Shoe

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (8)

Pros:

  • Extremely stylish
  • Lightweight
  • Very comfortable
  • Great arch support
  • Cushioning absorbs impact
  • Buoyant and bouncy

Cons:

  • Slim and snug

Top Reviews:

  • “What a great shoe, color is sweet!!! Comfort even better!!!! This blue is insane!!! No flaws is what it seems!!!! Absolutely had to have it!!!!”
  • “These shoes are great. I have terrible plantar fasciitis and they have a higher arch that feels great on my feet. Lots of cushion as well.”

Available at: Nike

9. Revitalign Holly Slippers

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (9)

Pros:

  • Orthotic Grade Footbed approved by American Podiatric Medical Association to help prevent and alleviate plantar fasciitis, and knee and back pain
  • Lined with cozy Sherpa fabric
  • Genuine leather welt
  • Easy on-off access
  • Substantial support

Cons:

  • Small/tight in instep

Top Reviews:

  • “These are THE slippers if you wished your run-of-the-mill slips had arch support. The sherpa is so soft and warm. Snug to starts but fits to your foot very quickly, and doesn’t slide off. The cork footbed with arch support, though, is why I’m keeping these. My feet have never been so comfortable in house shoes, I’m telling you.”
  • “These are very cute slippers, comfy for the home but stylish enough to wear outside! Definitely a keeper for me!”

Available at: Zappos

10. Vionic Kensley Loafer

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (10)

Pros:

  • Super stylish
  • Orthotic comfort and support
  • Leather upper with grippy lug sole
  • Trendy
  • Good shoe for the office

Cons:

  • Run very large
  • Crinkly leather look isn’t for everyone

Top Reviews:

  • “Perfect support for my feet, with a soft and smooth upper. These shoes are extremely comfortable right out of the box and are very cute and classy. I highly recommend them!”
  • “These shoes are amazing! I’ve been having a lot of problems with my feet, plantar fasciitis and Achilles’ tendon problems. They are the only shoes I can wear right now other than sneakers.”

Available at: Nordstrom

Related: 7 Fall Shoe Styles That Are Comfy, Casual and Classic

11. Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Sandals

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (11)

Pros:

  • Awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association
  • 100% vegan-friendly construction
  • Arch support
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Great for warmer weather and travel
  • Optimized traction

Cons:

  • Not the most stylish
  • Complicated to adjust straps

Top Reviews:

  • “These shoes have been a game changer. I’ve been suffering for months with chronic plantar fasciitis, nothing I did was helping until I got these shoes, my pain has improved tremendously and I am super excited.”
  • “I bought these for Disney World and they were perfect! Comfortable, cute, and perfect for walking 25,000 steps per day. I love that they are adjustable as your feet swell and shrink as the day goes.”

Available at: Zappos

12. On Cloudgo 1 Sneakers

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (12)

Pros:

  • RAVE reviews from customers (see below)
  • Extremely comfortable — feel like walking on clouds
  • Bouncy soles with a slight lift
  • Sporty and stylish look

Cons:

  • Some say the arch support is lacking

Top Reviews:

  • “These are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever worn!! I am a nurse and on my feet for an extended period of time during the day, and after wearing these sneakers, my feet are not killing me at the end of my shifts. They are extremely comfortable, roomy, lightweight and feel great on my feet. I’ve tried almost every kind of shoe you can imagine for work, but these by far are the best ones.”
  • “These shoes are INCREDIBLY WONDERFUL in EVERY way. They look cool, match everything, and it feels like I am walking on air when I wear them. They were amazingly comfy from the first second I put them on. Great arch support. So so so happy with these shoes — they are worth every penny!”

Available at: Zappos

13. Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (13)

Pros:

  • Awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance
  • Enhanced durability and strength
  • Airflow channel for breathability
  • Designed for recovery

Cons:

  • Feels a little firm, comfort is questionable
  • Not very attractive

Top Reviews:

  • “The recovery slide is amazing. The cushioning is fantastic for my plantar fasciitis.”
  • “I wear these recovery slides constantly. They have replaced my slippers, flip-flops and help so much keeping me pain free in my feet. They help my back and are the best recovery slide I’ve ever purchased. I’ve struggled with planter fasciitis in the past. It hasn’t returned since using the Hoka recovery slide. Best product ever!”

Available at: Zappos

14. Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (14)

Pros:

  • Classic outdoor shoe
  • Made with recycled materials
  • Summer sandals
  • Long-lasting durability
  • Adjustable straps for secure fit
  • Contoured footbed for added comfort
  • Great traction
  • Soft cushioned footbed

Cons:

  • Some say there’s not enough support

Top Reviews:

  • “Best sandals ever! These sandals are comfortable in every setting, I have worn them on short hikes and in the river. They always feel great and that’s a big statement because I have plantar fasciitis.”
  • “I have wide, very flat feet. Without the right arch and heel support, I will suffer with plantar fasciitis. These are perfect for keeping that horribly painful mess away. They feel like slippers. Way to go Teva!!”

Available at: Zappos

15. LifeStride Isabella Slip-On Shoes

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (15)

Pros:

  • Slip-on style
  • Memory foam
  • Arch and heel support
  • Comfortable
  • Ultra-flexible outsole
  • Good alternative to flats

Cons:

  • Not the most stylish shoes

Top Reviews:

  • “Very comfortable but not for walking long distances. I tried them out and they fit like a glove. My job entails too much walking and after one night I had to return these shoes because these are meant for light walking and feel good no pain anywhere but not for heavy walking and being on your feet for too long.”
  • “I would buy again. Im on my feet for 8 hours per work shift. I’m amazed at the support this shoe gives. Highly recommended.

Available at: Amazon

16. Aetrex Jillian Sandals

16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (16)

Pros:

  • Further back arch placement to relieve plantar fasciitis and heel and arch pain
  • Cushioned memory foam footbed
  • Comfortable
  • Padded heel for blister prevention
  • Warm-weather sandals for summer or vacation
  • Bunion pocket to relieve bunion pain
  • Slight heel

Cons:

  • Style isn’t for everyone

Top Reviews:

  • “This sandal is very comfortable because of the memory foam that forms to your foot after a few days of wearing them. I have high arches and I have suffered with plantar fasciitis in the past, so I need great arch support. The arch support in this sandal is sufficient. The quality of this sandal is top notch! The soft leather straps, the cushioned insole, and the good traction outsole are all well made with fine materials.”
  • “I love these sandals! I found these shoes last year on a list of sandals with arch support, and I can wear them all day without pain! Great sandal!”

Available at: Zappos

Other Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis We Love:

Related: The Ultimate List of Cozy Slippers to Help With Foot Pain

Looking for additional ways to elevate your closet? Check out more picks below:

  • 7 of the Best Plantar Fasciitis Socks for Pain-Free Feet

  • The Best Shoes for Ball of Foot Pain That Are Still Stylish

  • The Absolute Best (and Worst) Shoes for Back Pain

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16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Help With Heel Pain (2024)

FAQs

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for plantar fasciitis? ›

The shoes doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis are cushy and stable -- often from top-rated running-shoe brands like Hoka or Brooks. But the common dominator across every shoe doctors recommended: arch support and shock absorption.

What really works for plantar fasciitis heel pain? ›

Stretching and Physical Therapy

Stretching is one of the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. Stretching should be focused on the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. A physical therapist can show you stretching exercises that you can repeat at home several times a day.

What shoes to wear if my heel hurts? ›

Comfortable shoes with arch support, a deep heel cup, a firm heel counter, or heel support are a great choice for reducing foot pain associated with heel pain.

What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? ›

Shoes which often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes or pumps. Ugg boots are also very bad. Flip flops are bad yet remain a popular choice of footwear for many people, particularly those that live in warmer climate.

How I finally cured my plantar fasciitis? ›

If you have plantar fasciitis, don't just rest your foot. Stretch it, apply tension to the arch of your foot, and gradually return to walking while wearing a supportive pair of shoes, researchers say. Common treatments for plantar fasciitis address the inflammation, often by icing or even immobilizing the foot.

What is commonly mistaken for plantar fasciitis? ›

While it is a prevalent foot condition, it's crucial to recognise that several other conditions can mimic its symptoms. These include heel spurs, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and bursitis.

Do Hokas help with plantar fasciitis? ›

HOKA, a renowned brand known for its cushioning and support, offers a range of shoes that can provide relief and comfort for individuals dealing with plantar fasciitis.

What not to do with heel pain? ›

If possible, don't do anything that puts stress on your heels, such as running, standing for long periods or walking on hard surfaces.

Are Skechers good for plantar fasciitis? ›

A:We recommend the Skechers Arch Fit sneakers for plantar fasciitis because they offer ample arch support to alleviate pressure on the heel. They're also relatively affordable.

Is walking barefoot better for plantar fasciitis? ›

While it may seem appealing to walk barefoot when dealing with plantar fasciitis, it is crucial to prioritize the health and healing of your feet. Going barefoot exacerbates strain, increases risk of injury, disrupts gait and alignment, and lacks the necessary support and shock absorption.

Can plantar fasciitis get so bad you can't walk? ›

With time, the pain from plantar fasciitis steadily worsens. Your heel, arch, or sole may first feel a little sore. But with time, it could develop into a chronic ache that interferes with your sleep, rest, and nearly all other daily activities. Difficulty standing and walking.

Is it OK to keep walking with plantar fasciitis? ›

In fact, walking may actually inflame the plantar fascia more, leading to an extension of your treatment. While it's not walking alone that could further inflame the ligament, if you're not wearing the right shoes or are exerting yourself too much, the plantar fasciitis can flare up.

Are Hokas good for plantar fasciitis? ›

HOKA, a renowned brand known for its cushioning and support, offers a range of shoes that can provide relief and comfort for individuals dealing with plantar fasciitis.

Is it better to be barefoot or wear shoes with plantar fasciitis? ›

Likewise, most podiatrists agree that people who already have plantar fasciitis should avoid going barefoot for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces like concrete or wood floors. Why? It all comes down to a lack of arch support, cushioning, and impact.

Can certain shoes make plantar fasciitis worse? ›

Stiletto Heels or Ultra-High Heels

Stiletto heels and other ultra-high heels are one of the worst types of shoes you can wear if you have plantar fasciitis (and put you at risk for developing the condition if you don't have it yet!).

Are Skechers good if you have plantar fasciitis? ›

Skechers shoes cannot cure plantar fasciitis, but they can provide support, comfort, and pain relief. It's essential to combine footwear with other treatments like stretching exercises and rest for optimal recovery.

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