Walk Easily in These Podiatrist-Approved, Editor-Tested Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (2024)

• Our Picks

• Where We Stand

• How We Selected

• What to Look For

• Our Experts

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Health

Key Specs:

Materials: EVA, leather | Sizes: 5-11 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Moderate

Why We Recommend It

Made with the brand's ultra-plush EVA midsole, the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi SR Leather Trainers provide comfort and stability with each step, making it our best overall pick. Dr. Paden says that this pick is from a newer brand and that they're very supportive with firm soles and generous cushioning. He maintains that they are excellent for people with all kinds of foot conditions. and that they're dependable and have good longevity, too.

The shoe is also ultra-grippy and has been tested for slip resistance on surfaces with water, oil, and soap. Moreover, its water-resistant leather exterior keeps your feet dry while looking fresh. It's no wonder these are top-rated shoes for nurses who are on their feet all day.

Keep in Mind

The soles are on the stiffer side and may take some time to break in.

Key Specs:

Materials: Polyester, foam, mesh | Sizes: 5-12 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: High

Why We Recommend It

The Asics GT-2000 8 is our top women's pick thanks to its heel-stabilizing design and cushion that's plush without weighing you down. The Asics gel technology cushioning at the front and back of the shoe reduces impact as you land, which is great for lessening pressure on the heel and lower leg for those with plantar fasciitis.

Available in both wide and narrow sizes, this shoe also ensures you'll get a perfect fit no matter your foot shape. It's also available in eight colors for easy wear.

Keep in Mind

They run on the narrow side.

Key Specs:

Materials: Foam, rubber, mesh | Sizes: 6-15 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Max

Why We Recommend It

Asics Gel-Kayano 28 low-profile running shoes are a great choice for curbing plantar fasciitis symptoms. With a 10 mm heel drop, they take the stress off your foot without being bulky. The brand's FF Blast foam cushioning in the midsole keeps feet arches supported and comfortable.

We also like the shoe's external heel counter and Dynamic DuoMax Support System stabilizes feet as you walk, which is great for pronation and flat feet—a condition that's linked to plantar fasciitis. They're also available in three widths—standard, wide, and extra wide—for perfect fit and support.

Keep in Mind

You might find the toe box a bit small if you have wide feet.

Key Specs:

Materials: Polyester, foam | Sizes: 5-13 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Moderate

Why We Recommend It

Dr. Peden maintains that Asics are great sneakers for anyone on a budget. The Asics Gel-Nimbus is one of their more popular running shoes and is a great option for anyone who suffers from heel pain. The shoe is supportive and well-cushioned, featuring the brand’s FlyteFoam Propel Technology and exoskeletal heel counter that targets the problem area. As far as aesthetics, it is available in a wide range of color combinations, all with reflectivity in order to enhance visibility.

Keep in Mind

The mesh that covers the toes is comfortable and breathable, but it also wears down quickly.

Key Specs:

Materials: EVA | Sizes: 5-13 | Cushioning: EVA Foam | Arch Support: Moderate

Why We Recommend It

The Brooks Ghost collection earned its name for one reason: They're so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing shoes at all. It's the sneaker brand’s best-selling model and is incredibly popular at specialty running stores.

The Ghost 14 is the latest offering in the collection. It features DNA Loft cushioning, keeping the bottom of your feet—from the heel to the forefoot—comfortable no matter what type of surface you're walking on. The shoe is also incredibly breathable, made out of air mesh that clings to your foot. The Brooks Ghost is offered in a variety of colors, sizes, and widths, making it easy to find just the right fit—ideal for those who need a wider shoe to accommodate conditions like a hammertoe.

Keep in Mind

If short shoe laces bother you, you'll probably need to replace the ones that come with these shoes.

Key Specs:

Materials: Leather | Sizes: 5-12 | Cushioning: Gel | Arch Support: Max

Why We Recommend It

The Brooks Addiction Walker is a doctor-recommended, patient-endorsed walking shoe for people of all ages, particularly those with diabetes-related foot issues. While the shoe is incredibly simple in appearance, the construction of the highly-rated walking shoe is more complex. It features midsole HydroFlow technology, which adds extra cushioning with dynamic gel units in the heel and forefoot.

As for arch support, which is key for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, its Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar will cradle your tendons offering ample support.

Keep in Mind

If you prefer shoes with a lot of color and fashion sense, these might not be your favorite pick. The design is pretty basic, and they only come in two colors.

Key Specs:

Materials: Leather | Sizes: 5-12 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Moderate

Why We Recommend It

While Clarks shoes are more costly, they're also well made and built to last, according to Dr. Peden. In fact, he wore them for years during his training. The brand dates back to 1825 and is still one of the best-selling shoe brands nearly 200 years later for a reason.

Their popular Clarks Emslie Warren style is a heeled bootie, that offers a dressy look with the comfort level of a clog or sneaker; you get all the benefits of a comfortable shoe without sacrificing style. It features the brand's trademark Cushion Soft foam comfort footbed, offering ample support as well as a durable TR rubber traction outsole to keep you from slipping. It is available in a few color options as well as whole and half sizes and different widths, so you can customize it to your foot and desired aesthetic.

Keep in Mind

The shoes run a bit small and narrow, so consider sizing up if you are between sizes or have wider feet.

Key Specs:

Materials: Leather | Sizes: 6-10 | Cushioning: Leather | Arch Support: Light

Why We Recommend It

If you are looking for a timeless boot that doesn’t resemble an orthopedic shoe whatsoever, Dr. Peden suggests the Nisolo brand, which incorporates supportive leather footbeds in their stylish boots. He loves the brand because they're as stylish as they are ethical.

The Nisolo Chelsea boot is the most comfortable version of that trendy boot you see in every magazine. Available in nutmeg suede and smooth leather black and brandy, it is a perfect addition to any outfit, ranging from jeans and leggings to skirts and dresses.

Keep in Mind

The boots are made from real leather and may take a few wears to break in.

Key Specs:

Materials: Leather, polyurethane foam | Sizes: 5-12 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: High

Why We Recommend It

If you're looking for a pair of slippers that actually help your feet while being cozy, Orthofeet's Charlotte Slippers are a podiatrist favorite. They offer plenty of arch support, vital for those with high arches, and an anatomical orthotic that provides proper foot alignment.

Although these slippers are a great pick for wearing around the house, we love that they're also suitable for short walks outdoors. They feature a plush faux fur interior and a sturdy sole perfect for continued support if you take them outside. They're a perfect pair to keep by the door for short morning walks in cooler temperatures.

Keep in Mind

The padding is warm and cozy, but might be too hot for long-term wear if your feet tend to sweat.

Key Specs:

Materials: Suede, rubber, leather | Sizes: 5-11 | Cushioning: Leather | Arch Support: High

Why We Recommend It

Vionic Reyna Flatform sandals prove that shoes don't have to be full coverage to be supportive. The straps on the top and back of the sandal keep the sandals in place with every stride, which is a crucial quality to look for when you're dealing with plantar fasciitis. The more your sandals slip and slide, the harder your feet will have to work to keep them in place, but that's not an issue with this pair.

We love the thick suede footbed, which provides just the right amount of support, cushion, and shock absorption. The arch support is also a welcome feature for anyone who has high arches. Despite the sturdy soles, we didn't find these sandals required a break-in period, and we wore them comfortably right out of the box.

Keep in Mind

Like most platform shoes, these sandals are on the heavier side. The arch support might also be a bit too intense if you have flat feet.

Key Specs:

Materials: EVA Foam | Sizes: Men's: 4-15; Women's: 6-14 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: High

Why We Recommend It

If you want to transform one of your current shoes into one that is plantar fasciitis friendly—or you just want to up your comfort level—inserts can be incredibly helpful for alleviating a host of bottom-of-foot pains. For those who prefer a softer insert, Walk Hero is a popular brand for plantar fasciitis support.

The super supportive insoles feature a soft EVA foam layer and a deep heel cup, which helps align your body and give your feet proper positioning. It also provides support and cushioning, transferring pressure away from high-impact areas, such as your heels. They're sized in regular shoe sizes, so you can order the size you normally wear.

Keep in Mind

As with most insoles, the shape of these might not perfectly match your foot, but it's easy to trim the insoles to get a better fit.

Key Specs:

Materials: Polyester, foam | Sizes: Men's: 5.5-15; Women's: 4.5-13 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Medium

Why We Recommend It

For those who aren’t a fan of soft inserts, Dr. Peden suggests Superfeet insoles because they tend to be a bit firmer, he says. Superfeet are available in a variety of “colors,” each with a different combination of thickness and arch support. Blue is their most popular style catering to medium thickness and arch or medium volume and profile.

Constructed out of high-density foam to support and cushion the foot, they are shaped to take the pressure off problem areas while offering all the support you need to comfortably get through the day which can help reduce plantar fasciitis flare-ups.

Keep in Mind

The heel support is may be too firm for some.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do you treat plantar fasciitis?

  Giving your feet a break from any activities that may be aggravating the condition and allowing them to rest can help along with icing your heel to tamp down swelling and taking over-the-counter pain medication like Aleve (naproxen), Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen). Adam H. Kaplan, DPM, a podiatrist and Verywell Health Medical Review board member recommends an ice bottle massage and repeating this for as long as you want (but watch out for frostbite). You may also try some foot and ankle exercises to help stretch and strengthen your foot, beginning with your toes. With a toe stretch, sit in a chair with just your heel on the floor.
  

• What shoes should I avoid if I have plantar fasciitis?

  When treating plantar fasciitis, you should avoid shoes that put too much pressure on the foot, like high-heeled shoes and sneakers with a significant heel drop. Tight or poorly-fitting shoes can also stop the foot from moving naturally, aggravating plantar fasciitis symptoms.