If You Have Plantar Fasciitis, You’re Going to Want These Podiatrist-Approved Shoes (2024)

Heel pain is no fun, but the extended hurt from plantar fasciitis is next level. While remedies like a plantar fasciitis massage can help, a pair of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis is your best option to alleviate daily aches. Finding sturdy, supportive sneakers, sandals, boots, and/or slippers that are specifically designed for people who find their feet hurt can go a long way in managing pain.

What is plantar fasciitis?

“The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, attaching the heel into the toes,” says E. Charisse Dunn, D.P.M., a podiatrist and owner of PGA Foot & Ankle, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Plantar fasciitis occurs when too much pressure damages or tears the tissue. “When it becomes inflamed, it causes tenderness when the heel is placed flat on the ground,” Dunn says. This condition affects approximately 2 million people every year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Meet the Experts: E. Charisse Dunn, D.P.M.; Stephen Bui, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S.; Sophia Solomon, D.P.M.; Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S.; Barbara Bergin, M.D.; Rebecca Pruthi, D.P.M.; Jennifer Gerres, D.P.M.; and Jay Bhuta, D.P.M..

There are several things that put you at risk for plantar fasciitis. One of the major contributors is having tight calves, especially if you wear shoes with a higher heel lift, says Stephen Bui, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a sports medicine and podiatric surgeon.

Our top picks

To help you find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, we rounded up top picks from leading podiatrists. Shop their choices, as well as top-rated options online, below.

Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Overall Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Vionic 23 Walk Classic Sneaker

Our pick for the most supportive walking shoes, this classic pair of sneakers from Vionic features full-grain leather uppers, moisture-wicking polyester mesh liners, and removable molded EVA midsoles. It also includes removable orthotics developed by podiatrists and thermoplastic heel counters for the ultimate in stability and support. Best of all it has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

“These are the most comfy shoes for walking with my plantar fasciitis,” wrote a reviewer.

Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: New Balance 1540 V3

If you want to keep up with your workouts but diminish the pain, this stabilizing running shoe may help. It’s designed with New Balance’s special cushioning in the forefoot, which reduces shock that is transferred through the shoe and up into the leg and body. There’s also a multi-density polyurethane insert that supports the arch and fascia. “These are a great choice for walking,” says Rebecca Pruthi, D.P.M. “They are supportive and cushioned, both in the forefoot and arch.”

The shoe comes in standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes, so your feet and toes will have as much room as they need to spread comfortably. Jay Bhuta, D.P.M. also notes that New Balance shoes can easily accommodate custom foot orthotics because they come in different widths, so they’re a solid choice if you’d like to use your own inserts.

Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Levitate 6

You can conquer any hill, big or small, with these running shoes, which are a favorite among Prevention editors. The midsole cushions are perfectly springy, which absorbs shock from foot strikes and gives some pep with each stride. “Having a removable insole is a big plus so that one can put their own custom or over-the-counter orthotic into the shoe, which is very beneficial for healing from plantar fasciitis,” Pruthi explains. Better yet, the upper has a padded tongue and collar for additional support and comfort—and runners absolutely love these things.

“I love the support that I get. My back doesn’t bother me when I wear these, and I am on my feet all day at work besides my workouts,” wrote one reviewer.

Best Athletic Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Bondi 8

For all-around comfort during trips to the gym, the trail, and the grocery store, these running shoes from Hoka are ideal for it all. The brand is known for its extra-comfy kicks, and these are no different—in fact, they’re the most cushioned shoes in Hoka’s running lineup. Despite their look, though, they’re lightweight, with roomy toe boxes and breathable mesh uppers. (Psst: Read an in-depth review of the shoes from our senior commerce editor).

Shoppers love how versatile they are. “I run, hike, and walk many miles each week in my Hokas,” one reviewer with plantar fasciitis said. “These shoes, along with physical therapy, made it possible to get back to my workouts.”

Best Protective Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Altra Escalante 3

Bui runs in these shoes regularly because they provide cushioning and good protection for feet. “These offer slightly more cushioning than minimal shoes and more protection on your feet, which are a great first step if you’re transitioning to a more minimal shoe,” he says. One reviewer raved that these are “so comfy and cushy.”

Bui warns that though these shoes are great, they may take some getting used to. “When I first tried on more natural footwear, I felt like my feet were swimming in the shoes because I came from wearing traditional running shoes where my feet felt imprisoned by shoes that bound the foot and toes together. After a week, I realized it was because these shoes matched the shape of my foot,” he notes.

Most Stylish Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Clifton 8

“These Hokas are a great running shoe option. The lightweight, breathable material combined with a shock-absorbing heel is great for activities you may be putting more pressure on the sole of your feet, such as running or long walking,” says Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S. They’re extra-light, they have a responsive midsole, and they have a streamlined look users love.

“I am an ER nurse, spending 13 hours on my feet,” one reviewer said. “I have a history of plantar fasciitis. I was also having knee pain before I got these...So, footwear has to go above and beyond for me. These do not disappoint. Now I know why so many nurses wear this brand.”

Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis: Fit Flop Iqushion

Certified with the APMA Seal of Acceptance, these sandals are the pair you should pack for a beach getaway. The anatomically shaped EVA footbed provides arch support while the platform helps relieve pressure from the heels. Another amazing feature? The pressure-relieving cushion is placed right where your heel needs it. It also has a dual-density midsole that aids in evenly distributing weight and absorbing shock.

“Although flip-flops are not the best shoe overall for plantar fasciitis, if one must choose a flip-flop, these are supportive,” Pruthi says. Amazon reviewers rave about these things, calling them “simply the best.”

Best Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis: Vionic Gemma

To take pressure off the fascia, you should avoid going barefoot at all times, Dunn says. That means wearing shoes as often as possible, even when you’re walking around the house. The slip-on style of the slipper also makes it easy to put on when you first step out of bed—just what foot experts recommend. They feature a deep heel cup to enhance stability, substantial arch support, and a firm yet flexible midsole.

“A deep heel cup is good for plantar fasciitis to help hug and push the fat on the heel towards the center as a way to alleviate symptoms and atrophy,” explains Bhuta. These shoes are a good choice because they can also help reduce aches and pains by placing your feet in the proper alignment. “These slippers are comfy. They have a deeper heel cup and flexible midsole—all of which are helpful in supporting the bottom of the foot,” Pruthi adds. One reviewer even says these shoes have “unbelievable support.”

Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis: OluKai Upena

The adjustable straps on these sandals help keep your foot in place and prevent you from having to grip the shoe to keep it on—something that can further aggravate plantar fasciitis. The anatomical leather footbed is also contoured and has plenty of arch support.

“These are my go-to summer sandals! I can wear them all day, every day, and my feet still love me!” said an Amazon reviewer. “I wore these sandals on an international vacation where I walked miles daily. My feet did not get sore or tired. I have not yet noticed any wear on my sandals after all the use.”

Best Recovery Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Oofos Original Sandal

These casual, comfy sandals are a great option, as they offer ample arch support, which is key when choosing a pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis, according to Kenneth Jung, M.D., an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles. They also have lots of heel support and are great for absorbing impact and reducing stress on feet, ankles, knees, and the lower back.

One of the 7,000 five-star reviewers on Amazon wrote, “These flip flops are amazing! The second I put them on, my back felt normal, no aches, no lingering pain, no pain in my knees. They definitely feel like they make you stand up a bit straighter, almost changing your gait...They are super soft yet provide incredible support for your feet/arch.”

Best Everyday Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Value Everyday Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Naturalizer Marianne Loafer

If you have plantar fasciitis, the number one thing to look for is arch support. “We place about three to four times our body weight upon our feet with each step,” says Jennifer Gerres, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in Washington, D.C. “A supportive shoe with a good arch provides pain relief by transferring those stresses on the plantar fascia to the shoe.”

The insole of this casual Naturalizer sneaker—which comes in four unique widths (regular, narrow, wide, and extra-wide) and is one of the best shoes for nurses—features that all-important arch support, plus a nonslip outsole, durable leather uppers, and elastic panels for an optimized fit.

“It’s difficult for me to buy shoes because I have plantar fasciitis,” one Amazon reviewer noted. “I’m so happy that I have finally found a nice-looking shoe that is extremely comfortable. This shoe offers good support, and I love the blush pink color that I got.”

Best Boots for Plantar Fasciitis: Born Cove

These Chelsea-style comfortable boots have a one-inch block heel, making them the perfect pair for people with high arches who need more stability. They also match effortlessly with any outfit. And you’ll want to wear them all the time, since the soft leather upper makes them super comfy, while the stretchy sides fit just about any size or shape. We also love the leather, grippy treads, and removable insole, which is great for those who use over-the-counter or custom orthotics.

“I bought a black pair last year and after realizing I wear them every single day, I decided it’s time to buy another pair,” an Amazon reviewer wrote. “The color matches the pictures and they’re comfy and so sturdy. Definitely worth the price.”

Best Flats for Plantar Fasciitis: Vionic Willa Loafer

If you’re looking for an expert-approved flat to wear daily, this one is a great bet for those with plantar fasciitis. In fact, all of Vionic’s shoes are made with podiatrist-designed footbeds that can help with plantar fasciitis in addition to bunions, heel spurs, and lower back pain, according to the brand.

“I’m thinking of buying a second pair of these comfy shoes from Vionic! The arch support is wonderful and takes the stress off my back. I bought the black, gray, and white snake-skin versions. They look nice with dress pants as well as jeans,” one customer wrote.

Best Slip-Ons for Plantar Fasciitis: Crocs On-The-Clock Work Slip-On

You can’t go wrong with a great pair of Crocs, and this version made specifically for those who stand for long hours was previously recommended by Sayed as one of the best shoes for nurses. They have an enclosed and reinforced heel and toe to protect your feet while offering arch support for comfort. They also feature slip-resistant treads for safety.

“I have flat feet and have experienced heel spurs and plantar fasciitis in the past,” wrote one Amazon reviewer. “Wearing these Crocs I’ve noticed a good improvement in terms of decreased pain and improved flexibility in my feet. I love that they’re easy to clean and disinfect.”

Best Heels for Plantar Fasciitis: Naturalizer Warner Pump

For many, heels are just part of working life—or a key element of any date night look. However, if you have plantar fasciitis, you should stay away from heels more than three inches high. “A high heel can cause shortening of the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the plantar fascia, and the shortened Achilles tendon will pull up on the plantar fascia increasing pain,” Gerres says.

These heels by Naturalizer are 2.5 inches high and both look and feel great—on or off the clock. It features the brand’s N5 Contour Fit footbed which molds to the shape of your foot while also providing added stability as you walk. The block heel also ensures stability on your feet.

The pump “offers the highest level of comfort and a perfect heel for all-day wear,” one Nordstrom Rack customer said. “There are no negatives about this shoe.”

Best Loafers for Plantar Fasciitis: Clarks Sharon Dolly Loafer

Fit for the office, these loafers have a plush, cushioned footbed with extra arch support and an EVA outsole made with Cushion Soft technology for comfort. They also have a rounded toe box and a soft suede upper to give your feet some breathing room. The EVA rubber-like outsole offers great traction for rainy weather too. “[A] rubber outsole is an especially good feature as it can act as an additional shock absorber,” Bhuta says.

“These shoes are awesome! I’ve been wanting a pair of slip-ones and these are perfect in every way,” one happy customer wrote. “Perfect fit, elegant style, beautiful color, great support. Like walking on a cloud! I like them so much that I just ordered a second pair.”

Best Clogs for Plantar Fasciitis: Dansko Professional Clog

With thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon, this shoe by Dansko has tons of fans. They’re especially great for those on their feet all day, as they provide ample room in the toe box for comfort, a padded instep collar for comfort, and a PU outsole with a rocker bottom to help urge the foot forward and offer shock absorption.

“This is my fourth pair and I love them. They fit exactly the way they should and are so comfortable. I recommend these to anyone that stands on their feet all day,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Overall Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis: Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Insoles

These plantar fasciitis insoles are a great option for those who don’t want to commit to buying a brand-new pair of shoes. These insoles fit into virtually any type of shoe, and they’re easy enough to trim, fitting your shoe size and shape, so you can wear them with all kinds of sneakers, boots, heels, and flats. Made with a contoured heel cup and special cushioning that absorbs shock, these insoles also help to stabilize the plantar fascia and prevent it from further stretching.

One of the many five-stair reviewers on Amazon wrote, “These fit like a glove in my shoes and feel like I’m walking in clouds! It feels good to be pain-free in my feet!”

Best Value Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis: ViveSole Silicone Gel Heel Cups

No matter what shoe you’re wearing, these silicone insoles will stay in place all day thanks to their self-adhesive base. They’re made of a soft, moldable gel that massages your heels and contours to the shape of your foot. They provide added cushioning around the heel to absorb pressure and minimize soreness, potentially reducing knee pain, too.

“They provide excellent cushioning and offer support around the back and sides of my heels,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “They don’t slide around in my athletic shoes.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis

Although shoes for plantar fasciitis won’t actually treat your condition, they can definitely help improve your level of comfort, says Barbara Bergin, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Austin. For most people, about 10 months of treatment for plantar fasciitis will do the trick.

In the interim, our experts recommend looking for shoes with the following characteristics:

✔️ Ample arch support. Proper support at the arches of your feet will help reduce stress on your feet, Dr. Jung says.

✔️ A firm, but flexible midsole. Similarly, a midsole with ample support and flexibility will help reduce pain throughout the foot.

✔️ Cushioning in the forefoot. The more cushioning throughout the forefoot of the shoe the better, as it will help reduce pressure and make for a more comfortable fit.

✔️ Shoes that offer natural movement and natural function. Above all else, be sure to try out a few different pairs to find a fit that works for your feet and level of activity.

What to avoid when choosing shoes for plantar fasciitis

✔️ Heels that are too elevated. Wearing shoes with short heels (no more than two inches) will help relieve strain on the plantar fascia without sacrificing comfort, Jeffrey Johnson, president of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society previously explained.

✔️ Flat shoes. Like walking barefoot, shoes that are flat and formless will only exacerbate plantar fasciitis pain as there is not enough support and cushioning around the foot.

Benefits of wearing shoes for plantar fasciitis

Shoes with extra cushion and an elevated heel can help elevate pain from plantar fasciitis, says Bui. Though this cannot solve the underlying problem, it can help relieve symptoms while you work with a doctor.

Are insoles good for plantar fasciitis?

In addition to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, you might also want to consider trying plantar fasciitis insoles, which can provide even more support when slipped into your shoes. “A shoe insert can externally support the arch, thus reducing the stress or load on the arch,” Dr. Jung previously told Prevention.

These removable insoles designed specifically for those with plantar fasciitis can provide a cushy cup for your heel in addition to support for your arch, ultimately helping to relieve pressure and providing more comfort to your feet.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Being active, and frequently walking, running, or otherwise putting stress on your heel can bring on the condition. Wearing the wrong shoes—or sporting heels often—can also make your pain even worse, especially in the morning.

How we chose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis

We consulted E. Charisse Dunn, D.P.M., a podiatrist and owner of PGA Foot & Ankle, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, FL.; Stephen Bui, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., a sports medicine and podiatric surgeon; Sophia Solomon, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist in New York City; Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist and foot and rear-foot/ankle surgeon; Barbara Bergin, M.D., a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Austin; Rebecca Pruthi, D.P.M., podiatric physician/surgeon and owner of Foot Care of Manhattan; Jennifer Gerres, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in Washington, D.C.; and Jay Bhuta, D.P.M., a podiatric surgical expert at Ankle & Foot Doctors of New Jersey. We also read through countless reviews online to find shoes that met these experts’ criteria and are well-regarded by real users.

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. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.