16 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Avoid Heel Pain, Inflammation and Injury
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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.
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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
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
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
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
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
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
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6. Aetrex Carly Sneakers
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
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
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
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
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
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11. Chaco Z/Cloud 2 Sandals
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
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
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
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
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
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
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