11 Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis In 2023, Per Podiatrists (2024)

Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Women:

On the days when we wanted something a little less confining than a traditional shoe, we found that these slides were just what we needed. In fact, these Oofos OOahh Slides were extremely springy and great at propelling us forward. They also did a great job absorbing impact, which helped relieve stress from our arches throughout the day. While we loved the higher arch support, it could be a little too much support for some people. These shoes aren’t super flexible, which is a good trait for people with plantar fasciitis but could be too much for others.

Below are the seven best shoes for plantar fasciitis, including picks for a variety of use cases. Having suffered from PF for years, these seven were the only footwear that actually provided me some much-needed relief. I’ve also included insights from podiatrists, as well as answers his response to a few FAQs, at the end of this guide. We loved that the heel is slightly elevated, allowing you to maintain great motion with each stride. Our editor who has both plantar fasciitis and flat feet found the cushioning to be a perfect balance of firmness and flexibility.

If you need extra support for high arches, we recommend the Fresh Foam 880v13 from New Balance, a brand known for excellent cushioning and shock absorption. These shoes have a very plush midsole and mesh upper that provides support and breathability. When testing this pair, they fit true to size with plenty of room in the toe box and a secure fit around the heel, so they never gave us blisters or hot spots. We noticed a unique heel cup rim around the edge of the heel, with a small oval cushion in the center of the heel for extra comfort. A heel cup that hugs and supports while the extra cushion gives plenty of softness with each footfall.

Plus, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has given this sneaker its seal of approval. If you’re looking for a sport sandal that allows your toes to breathe while supporting your heels and arches, this pair from Kuru Footwear is a great pick. Unlike most sandals, these slides are designed to absorb impact, reduce stress on joints and support the arches of your feet. This is thanks in large part to the foam material they’re made of, which not only provides firm comfort but also helps prevent foot odor. If you’re looking for a shoe with plenty of underfoot support at a noticeably low weight, try the Arahi.

Dr. Sims likes the highly cushioned Hoka Ora 3 slide specifically for wearing around the house. He says they’re a great alternative to walking around barefoot, which can be an added strain on your plantar fascia. And we like them because they come in just about every color of the rainbow. The Torhill Penny Loafer is a perfect dress shoe for someone with plantar fasciitis, according to Dr. Bhular. Not only is it supportive (the footbed is contoured to better fit the shape of your foot), it’s also durable and aesthetically pleasing, he says. The sole of these sandals is pretty inflexible, and the platform style makes them stable to walk around in.

We also appreciate that the curve on the sole promoted a seamless and smooth transition between surfaces. The shoe did a great job propelling us into the next stepwe rarely felt any plantar fasciitis pain while wearing these shoes consistently. And as an added bonus, our heel felt cradled and cushioned, and the inside support of the shoe is very comfortablenot the slightest bit rigid or cramp-inducing. Plus, these shoes do a great job of absorbing the impact of walking on a variety of surfaces.

In fact, they’ll make you feel like you could just keep walking without your feet ever getting tired. This is the first pair we’ve worn that felt just as good as our other shoeswithout the need for orthopedic insoles. One of the most common causes of heel and arch pain that runners deal with is plantar fasciitis. While plantar fasciitis stretches can help manage the pain, you can often prevent it from getting worse by choosing the right shoesrunning sneakers with plenty of cushioning and support.

During our test, the shoe fit great right out of the box and was true to size. This pair is form-fitting without being too tight, and the heel counter is secure and prevents our heels from slipping or rubbing. The toe box is roomy, and we love that the arch support is so good that we don’t need extra inserts. With lots of cushioning, Mizuno’s Wave Inspire 19 is our top pick for walkers and runners looking to combat heel pain.

We didn’t notice any pain or instability in our knees or ankles while walking around, and we appreciated the shock support provided by the sizeable platform. The sole of the sandal is wavy, which gives a decent grip on various walking surfaces. While these sandals are extremely comfortable, they are not well-suited for long walks due to the lack of heel support.

Ideally, you’re looking for a cushioned but rigid midsole paired with good arch support. This is the vertical difference between the heel and the front of the shoe. The ideal drop for people with plantar fasciitis is 34 centimeters (11.5 inches), he says. To help you find your right shoe, we researched, polled, and reviewed more than 30 pairs from the brands most trusted by podiatrists and beloved by people with plantar fasciitis.

The only thing is, the range of eye-catching colors makes it difficult to choose. As WH editors, we’re constantly testing the latest and greatest running sneakers on the market. For this story, we combed through our years of aggregate testing to find the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. We considered sneakers’ cushioning, arch support, heel-to-toe drop, and just how well they fit. We also consulted with Schaeffer and Kendter on their professional recommendations. That technology also features additional cushioning from the heel to the ball of the foot, which helps lessen the impact on your plantar fascia.

At the beginning of my PF journey, I found doctor-recommended HOKA Bondis or Cliftons to be saviors. While Hoka will always hold a place near and dear in my heart, the Brooks Glycerin offers similar foot support at the same price point but feels lighter underfoot. On Running Cloudflyer 4 shoes are true to their name, and they definitely put a spring in our step. Orthofeet provides a 60-day money-back try what he says guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the shoes, as well as free shipping, returns, and exchanges on all products purchased on their website. The OOahh Slides are also machine washable and moisture- and bacteria-resistantin other words, built to last. In addition, we noticed that our heels stayed inside the slide as we walked, which doesn’t always happen in slides without a back strap.

Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, the Gel-Nimbus 24 was made to fit every style. There’s also a knit tongue for additional support across the top of your feet. We like that they have reflective details for running in low-light conditions. However, These come in at a higher price point, and it’s also worth noting that some wearers have found that the shoes run small.

He says he advises patients that a supportive arch may not feel 100% comfortable from the start but it will be an important part of recovery. The primary goal of cushioning is to reduce the impact here and stress on your foot. The shoe also should provide shock absorption, offer comfort, and protect your feet. Because everyone’s feet are different, the type and amount of cushioning will vary.