Nothing can dampen a day of running errands, working in your feet, or strolling around town like realizing—only after heading out the door—that your shoes simply don’t feel great. If you could have plantar fasciitis, this might be much more of a difficulty, since that uncomfortable feeling can quickly escalate to aching, stinging, and even pain. That’s why playing the preventive game is so vital: The very best shoes for plantar fasciitis may help relieve the strain in your feet (especially your heels) and hopefully show you how to avoid these most annoying of days.
What’s plantar fasciitis?
Before we get into the causes of plantar fasciitis, it’s helpful to think concerning the anatomy of the foot region first. The plantar fascia is a fascial band or ligament that runs from the underside of the calcaneus, or heel bone, to the bottom of the toes, Susan Eby, PT, MS, owner of Eby Physical Therapy in Recent York City, tells SELF. It helps support the long arch of the foot and provides shock absorption whilst you walk and run.
Repeated stress on the plantar fascia could cause damage or small tears that may result in inflammation. Plantar fasciitis often looks like a stabbing or aching pain in the only real of your foot, normally near your heel, which tends to be more intense within the mornings or after you’ve been off your feet for some time. Some aspects that could 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 selection of footwear may also be an aggravating factor, whether you’re running, walking, or standing for long stretches of time.
The best way to select the most effective shoes for plantar fasciitis
By selecting higher (read: more supportive and well-cushioned) shoes, you possibly can take a solid step (heh) toward reducing this annoying foot pain in the longer term. On the whole, the most effective shoes for plantar fasciitis will fit appropriately (i.e., not too small and wide enough to suit your foot comfortably) and have the suitable amount of support. “You’ll be wanting a shoe with a deep heel counter and lots of mid-foot arch support,” Carla Gamez, DPM, a podiatrist at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), tells SELF.
You’ll be able to consider pairing your shoes with orthotics or insoles which have substantial heel cups to assist with cushioning and shock absorption to avoid heel pain, Eby says. They’ll also provide additional arch support, which may offer further relief from plantar fasciitis pain, Yolanda Ragland, DPM, a podiatrist and founding father of Fix Your Feet in Recent 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 most effective plantar fasciitis shoes. The identical generally goes for sneakers without arch support, like Converse or Vans (unless you add orthotics, heel cups, or insoles), and flats. For those who need flats for dress shoes or work, nonetheless, search for those with a slight heel (around a half inch) to attenuate stretching on the plantar fascia, in addition to a shoe that stays in your foot without toe gripping (i.e., one which has elastic or other straps to secure the shoe to your foot).
The very best shoes for plantar fasciitis
Below, we asked physical therapists and podiatrists what they consider the most effective shoes for plantar fasciitis (including sneakers and workout shoes, dress shoes, sandals, and slippers), together with their recommendations for removable insoles to make any shoe more plantar fasciitis friendly. You’ll find stylish options from brands comparable to Teva, Hoka One One, Clarks, Oofos, Recent Balance, and Superfeet from retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom, REI, and more.
Hoka is understood for its “maximalist” shoes (think chunky pairs with thick, outsize soles) that starkly contrast with the various minimalist models (those with little or no cushioning) on the market. All that extra cushion makes Hoka shoes an amazing selection for individuals with plantar fasciitis. And the Bondi line specifically is among the best trainers for plantar fasciitis victims, as they’re wide and light-weight yet super cushioned, Bianca Beldini, DPT, a physical therapist, founding father of Sundala Wellness, and a USA Triathlon Level One coach in Recent York City, tells SELF.
• Sizes: US 7 to 16 • Width: regular, wide, and additional wide
Erik Sims, DPM, managing partner of Sims & Associates Podiatry in Recent York, commonly recommends the Saucony Echelon 9 to individuals with plantar fasciitis due to its solid support. It’s presented as one in all the brand’s “comfort shoes,” meaning it has a thick foam footbed and a comfortable midfoot to maintain your foot well-cushioned and stable. It’s also compatible with inserts, including bulkier custom orthotics, Dr. Sims tells SELF.
• Sizes: US 5 to 12 • Width: regular, wide, and additional wide
Dr. Sims recommends the Brooks Ghost 15 to patients of all ages, saying that it strikes a high quality balance between comfort and elegance (you will discover it in greater than two dozen colorways). It uses a luxurious, lightweight foam to buoy feet without feeling clunky, and it has ample space through the upper foot (though it won’t feel such as you’re swimming in them). It’s also a very good pick for arch pain too, he says.
• Sizes: US 5 to 13 • Width: narrow, regular, and wide
Dr. Gamez recommends Asics Gel-Nimbus trainers for a cushioned ride. This best-selling line is built with gel technology, which absorbs shock as you pound the pavement and thus helps reduce that stabbing pain. It also has a mesh upper for lots of wiggle room in your toes.
Hoka shoes have deep heel counters and that iconic cloudlike cushioning, which provides the feeling of your heels feeling “hugged.” That snug, plush fit makes them a number of the best walking shoes for individuals with plantar fasciitis. Dr. Gamez recommends the Clifton for walking due to its responsive midsole, which helps bring energy into your feet and legs as you walk. The newest version on this line, the Clifton 9, helped alleviate SELF’s executive editor’s plantar fasciitis pain and secured its place as her recent go-to sneaker.
This comfortable walking shoe from Kuru is designed to assist alleviate foot pain, including the discomfort that comes with plantar fasciitis. The brand’s patented Kurusole technology hugs your heels and provides strong arch support that helps you walk on a wide range of surfaces. It supports the fat pad in your foot (which absorbs impact to your heel) while standing and walking, explains Dr. Beldini.
The Recent Balance 940v4 is a well-liked pair amongst Dr. Sims’s plantar fasciitis patients for its stability. It’s designed to deal with overpronation, which occurs when your feet roll inward whilst you walk and should be linked to plantar fasciitis. Even though it’s designed as a running shoe, many reviewers note that it performs splendidly as a walking shoe too. “Great for shoe plantar fasciitis! I work 10–12 hour shifts and [am] on my feet all the time. This shoe is one in all two pairs of labor shoes that don’t fall into the category of ‘torture device,’” wrote one Amazon reviewer.
• Sizes: US 6 to 13 • Width: narrow, regular, wide, and additional wide
With greater than 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Keen Targhee II is a well-liked mountaineering boot—and it’s a specific hit amongst outdoor enthusiasts with plantar fasciitis, because of its padded, supportive design. “Just returned from a nine-day mountaineering trip out West…. I actually have plantar fasciitis in a single foot. These were essentially the most comfortable shoes that I actually have,” one Amazon reviewer wrote.
Merrell is a podiatrist-approved brand for mountaineering shoes, and the Bravada 2 is one in all our top decisions. (We gave it an award for Best Low-Cut Mountain climbing Shoe within the 2022 SELF Sneaker Awards.) It has extra cushioning within the heel and, in accordance with our testers, feels lightweight on the trail.
This sporty sandal is comfortable, includes arch support, and is simple to wash, Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, owner of Marko Physical Therapy, tells SELF. The strapping system across the highest of the foot and across the back of the heel is adjustable for a sturdier fit, so your ankle stays secure and your foot comfortable, even after walking longer distances, Dr. Marko says. Unlike an ordinary flip-flop, which may exacerbate plantar fasciitis by requiring your foot to grip as a way to keep the shoe on, the Teva Verra uses a backstrap to maintain your foot comfortably in place contained in the shoe, Dr. Marko says.
This cushiony, cloudlike Oofos sandal is a SELF Fave for workout recovery (and just wearing across the house, truthfully), owing to its thick soles, versatility, and fun range of colours. In accordance with Dr. Marko, it checks off loads of plantar fasciitis boxes too: a large strap at the highest of your foot to carry it in place and good arch and heel support. For a slimmer profile, try the OOlala sandal (a advice from Dr. Sims). And should you don’t love the texture of a thong sandal, Dr. Gamez recommends Oofos Ooahh slides as a solid alternative.
Dr. Sims likes the highly cushioned Hoka Ora 3 slide specifically for wearing across the house. He says they’re an amazing alternative to walking around barefoot, which might be an added strain in your plantar fascia. And we like them because they are available in nearly every color of the rainbow.
One other great pair for indoor-outdoor use in accordance with Dr. Sims, the Birkenstock Arizona Birkibuc is a classic cozy sandal with some plantar fasciitis–friendly features. Its soft, suede footbed has a deep heel, supportive arch, and lots of space across the toes, while its outsole is designed to soak up shock out of your footsteps.
Here’s one example of a dressier shoe that dodges the pitfalls of most flats, which on the whole might be aggravating to people plantar fasciitis: It has a half-inch heel drop, an elastic strap across the instep to assist keep the shoe in your foot, and a cushioned insole with moderate arch support, Eby says. These shoes are also lightweight, are available in two widths, and are relatively inexpensive.
Comfortable heels may look like an oxymoron, but these LifeStride pumps are only 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 within the heeled position makes the plantar fascia create more of its own arch.”
This cozy slipper is roofed in spa-like terry cloth material, and it’s an amazing around-the-house option for individuals with plantar fasciitis, because of its built-in arch support and deep heel cup that hugs and cushions the fat pad under your heel, Eby says. The EVA midsole is shock-absorbing for the heel, and a Velcro closure allows for a custom fit so it stays snug in your feet.
If you could have wide feet, this stands out as the slipper for you. The Orthofeet is available in three widths, and the orthotic-like inserts provide arch support and foam cushioning, particularly on the heel. “The suede uppers are lined for comfort, and the low heel counter allows to be used of alternate insoles or orthotics and offers some heel stability while still allowing you to slip out and in of the slipper,” says Eby. “The toe box can also be extra deep to accommodate any toe issues, with Velcro adjustment to suit this slipper snug to your feet.”
• Sizes: US 5 to 12 • Width: medium, wide, and additional wide
Superfeet’s insoles come highly beneficial by podiatrists as an amazing over-the-counter option for shoe inserts. The green and blue versions of this insole have different heel-cup depths and degrees of arch support. The blue ones could also be easier to tolerate and get used to at first before attempting to the green, Dr. Marko says.
Armstrong Amerika Gel Heel Cups Plantar Fasciitis Inserts
Dr. Gamez recommends adding gel heel cups to your less plantar fasciitis–friendly shoes. These add support and create a softer footbed to show you how to feel less pressure and pain through your heels.
