These Podiatrist-Approved Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis Are Both Comfy and Stylish

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The arrival of warm weather means it’s time to break out those walking sandals—but finding the right pair that’s comfortable and supportive is crucial, especially if you have a painful foot condition like plantar fasciitis. Fortunately, the best sandals for plantar fasciitis can help minimize heel pain and provide more comfort in every step.

“Plantar fasciitis is a tightening of the plantar fascia, which is a band on the bottom of the foot that extends from the heel bone to the ball of the foot,” explains Mia Thouvenot, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Next Step Foot and Ankle Centers in Highland, IL. This ligament supports the arch of the foot and absorbs shock, according to Silas Espino, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Strash Foot and Ankle Care in San Antonio, TX. “Think of the plantar fascia as a rubber band—if you continue to stretch the rubber band over time it starts to fray. That fraying is what happens to the plantar fascia which causes pain and inflammation,” he says.

Meet the Experts: Mia Thouvenot, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Next Step Foot and Ankle Centers in Highland, IL; Silas Espino, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Strash Foot and Ankle Care in San Antonio, TX; Emily Splichal, D.P.M, board-certified podiatrist at the Center for Functional & Regenerative Medicine in Chandler, AZ; Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist at the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Mid-Atlantic in Silver Spring, MD.

To help prevent and reduce this heel pain, it’s important to wear the right type of shoes—one that “helps reduce stretching and put less stress on the plantar fascia,” says Espino. When it comes to sandals in particular, podiatrists generally recommend looking for pairs with good arch support, stability, and adjustable straps. Here, we’ve rounded up the best top-rated, expert-recommended picks that offer both comfort and style.

Arizona

Many of our podiatrists recommend Birkenstocks for plantar fasciitis, especially for the brand’s signature contoured cork footbed that molds to the shape of your foot. “[These sandals provide] great arch support and are made of cork, which is great for absorbing impact forces,” says Emily Splichal, D.P.M, a board-certified podiatrist at the Center for Functional & Regenerative Medicine in Chandler, AZ. “The adjustable straps and many different styles make finding the right fit for you easier,” adds Thouvenot.

The Arizona sandals are a best-selling customer favorite, too. “I have troublesome feet with high arches, advanced arthritis, and a tendency to get plantar fasciitis. These shoes have made it possible for me to take walks again,” raved one Zappos shopper. “They feel as though they were made for me, and the adjustable straps allow me to personalize the fit that much more.”

Venice Sandals

Splichal recommends sandals from Orthofeet—a “great brand that has many styles of shoes for feet that have bunions, arthritis, flat feet or plantar fasciitis,” she notes. The Venice sandals feature premium orthotic insoles with built-in arch support, as well as three adjustable straps for a highly customizable fit. Not only that, the straps also have a two-way system for easy on and off.

Reviewers especially love the adjustability of these shoes. “These sandals are amazing. They are beautiful and easily adjustable,” wrote one satisfied customer. “The extra arch support they give you really helps my fallen arches. I highly recommend!”

Torrance Platform Lug Comfort Sandal

Equal parts stylish and comfy, these platform sandals from Vionic have the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health. “This sandal not only provides support through the midfoot, but also has a deep heel cup for better rearfoot positioning,” says Thouvenot. “It also has additional strapping that can be adjusted to different sizing. Rearfoot straps will hold the foot in place, decreasing likelihood of hammertoes.”

“I have a high arch and these are very comfortable and very cute, while giving you just a little height,” said one reviewer. “I like the velcro closure for adjustability and the top strap is also adjustable. I have very narrow/bony feet and I was able to adjust these to fit very well.”

Lulu Leather Toe-Post Thong Sandals

Looking for a pair of comfy flip-flops that’s good for plantar fasciitis? “FitFlops are definitely a better option compared to your flat, bendable summer flip flops,” says Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist at the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Mid-Atlantic in Silver Spring, MD. “They are elevated in a wedge-like design, instead of being completely flat like other flip flops, [and] have a shock-absorbing footbed and provide arch support. The thong straps are also wide and well-placed to give you additional arch support in the midsole which needs it the most.”

“I wanted a pair of flip flops that looked ‘cute’ but also kept my feet from being in pain...I’ve dealt with plantar fasciitis so I’m very careful with the shoes I wear,” wrote an Amazon reviewer. “Let me just say, I’ve walked miles in these already over pavement, cobblestone and even climbed over 200 stairs... Zero pain. Totally comfortable. I’m rather amazed.”

Flowt 2 Band Sandal

Designed with a lightweight sole and a soft, comfy microfiber footbed, these sandals from ECCO are said to provide a great, comfy fit right out of the box—thanks in part to two adjustable, quick-fastening Velcro straps at both the ankles and toes. They also boast a minimalist, sleek design, with seven different color options to choose from.

“Super comfortable, supportive, and adjustable for foot width,” one Amazon shopper wrote. “The velcro straps on these sandals allow for me to get a perfect fit. I also have plantar fasciitis, and these shoes are like therapy to wear.”

OOriginal Sandal

Splichal says these best-selling sandals from Oofos—a brand she notes is “a leader in recovery footwear”—are great for arch pain, thanks to their comfy cushioning material and rocker-based sole. “This sandal provides excellent support through the midfoot,” adds Thouvenot, noting that it’s a popular recovery sandal for professional athletes. “The material absorbs impact and the rocker bottom shape of the shoe facilitates walking.”

The pick also has over 19,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. “As soon as I put these Oofos on, my feet felt immediately better,” said one reviewer with plantar fasciitis. “These flip flops/recovery sandals are very comfortable. They are cushiony soft under your feet. It’s like walking on a marshmallow. ”

Vania

Parthasarathy recommends these sandals from Aetrex for its comfy memory foam and cork footbed which features built-in arch support to help relieve heel and arch pain. “The ankle strap and adjustable straps are a bonus for added stability,” she adds. Available in five classic colors, these stylish sandals also come in a trendy platform style with a chic braided design on the outsole.

Customers with plantar fasciitis note that these shoes provide “amazing” arch support. “I’ve been looking for a shoe that is stylish and comfortable. Not an easy thing with Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis, and bunions. Buying comfortable shoes is a struggle,” shared one reviewer. “These shoes fit like a dream and they look chic. I’ll be buying them in other colors.”

Ohana Women’s Beach Sandals

For a pair of sandals that you can wear during beach outings and pool days, you can’t go wrong with Olukai’s Ohana. These beach sandals are made with water-resistant and quick-drying material, and feature a durable rubber outsole with non-slip traction on wet surfaces. Available in a wide range of colors, these shoes also provide all-day comfort with a molded EVA midsole with a smooth drop-in footbed.

“I work by the beach and need to be on my feet the whole day. In the past wearing poorly constructed sandals lead me to suffer from plantar fasciitis,” shared an Amazon shopper. “After wearing these sandals, I experienced a dramatic difference. My plantar fasciitis is gone and can even go for walks after work.”

Aetrex Sydney

If you’re looking for a sandal with some heel, Parthasarathy recommends opting for wedges over a thin or narrow heel, and also looking for adjustable ankle straps for added stability. Her “go-to wedge for the summer” is Aetrex’s Sydney sandals, she says. Boasting the APMA Seal of Acceptance, they offer built-in arch support that’s designed to relieve plantar fasciitis and other foot pain issues.

“These sandals are amazing! I have plantar fasciitis and the heel bed is so soft and supportive. The arch support is the best I’ve found and I’ve tried them all,” wrote a Zappos customer. “They are stylish and beyond comfortable and the wedge is the perfect height.”

How to choose the best sandals for plantar fasciitis

When shopping for sandals that are best for plantar fasciitis, here’s what to specifically look for:

✔️ Good arch support. If you have plantar fasciitis, experts recommend looking for sandals with built-in, contoured arch support. “Sandals with arch support help to take tension or stress off of the plantar fascia and brings stability to the foot,” explains Splichal.

✔️ Adjustable straps. Adjustable straps can help ensure a secure, comfy fit—and can also accommodate swelling, adds Parthasarathy. She recommends choosing sandals with adjustable straps at the ankle and back of the heel “for added stability.” You’ll also want to consider what type of straps are ideal for your needs: Some sandals are designed with quick-fastening Velcro straps to allow for easy on and off, while others may feature a hook-and-loop belt buckle design.

✔️ A comfy heel height. If you want a sandal with some heel, Espino recommends sticking to the 1-3 inch range—ideally a 1/2 inch or 1-inch height for everyday wear. “Having too high of a heel may cause other issues such as increased bunion pain,” he says. Parthasarathy also recommends opting for a wedge heel over a thin heel for more stability.

✔️ Breathable construction. Look for sandals made with lightweight, breathable materials—especially if your feet tend to get hot and sweaty in the summer. “Breathable materials or natural fibers are helpful as the warmer months are more prone for athlete’s foot,” says Thouvenot.

What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis?

If you have plantar fasciitis, Espino recommends avoiding shoes that are extremely flexible. “I always tell patients the best way to look for good shoes is to make sure the shoe only moves in the toe box or the first one-third of the shoe,” he says. “If the shoe is able to fold in half like a taco it has no support and your feet may be in pain later.”

Podiatrists also advise against shoes made solely with memory foam, gel, or other “squishy” material, as these materials by themselves won’t be supportive enough for your feet. “That material will not be doing anything to assist with the functionally of the foot and plantar fascia complex,” explains Thouvenot. “I always recommend patients use a more harder supportive orthotic or insert, and if they have some pain from them, use something like a memory foam or gel for comfort on top of the orthotic/insert,” says Espino.

Do Birkenstocks help plantar fasciitis?

Many podiatrists recommend Birkenstock sandals for plantar fascitiis, especially for the brand’s signature contoured cork footbed. “Birkenstock has been making sandals with contoured arch supports since 1902,” says Thouvenot. The cork footbed is great for plantar fasciitis as it “provides shock absorption and arch support,” explains Parthasarathy, who notes that she personally “lived in them postpartum” when she developed plantar fasciitis over the summer.

Birkenstocks sandals also feature adjustable straps and come in many different styles, which makes it easier to find the right fit for your feet, adds Thouvenot. Along with the Arizona Sandals, Parthasarathy also recommends the Gizeh Oiled Leather Sandals if you’re looking for a thong style rather than slides.

How we chose the best sandals for plantar fasciitis

We consulted Mia Thouvenot, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Next Step Foot and Ankle Centers in Highland, IL; Silas Espino, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Strash Foot and Ankle Care in San Antonio, TX; Emily Splichal, D.P.M, board-certified podiatrist at the Center for Functional & Regenerative Medicine in Chandler, AZ; and Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist a t the Foot and Ankle Specialists of Mid-Atlantic in Silver Spring, MD. Additionally, we combed through hundreds of online ratings, reviews, and product specs to find the best sandals for plantar fasciitis.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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