10 Absolute Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Reviewed

As a family and sports medicine doctor, I see patients for a variety of different ailments and injuries. For years, I’ve helped patients in my office find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Shoes matter.

However, finding a suitable shoe can be a challenge. Digging through hundreds of reviews can take forever.

If you are short on time, here are Sporty Doctor’s top recommended shoes for plantar fasciitis:

Whether you’re an athlete or simply on your feet all day at work, you need to think about what you’re putting on your feet. I have lived with plantar fasciitis. I know that nothing is more debilitating than an inflamed arch or heel.

Finding comfortable shoes is key to staying active. I really hope that this article will help you find a good pair of shoes for your needs. I frequently pull up Amazon to show my patients recommendations and to help them find exactly the right shoes. I decided that putting my top recommendations online would save time and help more people.

In general, I recommend that my patients avoid wearing high heeled shoes. But did you know that going barefoot and not wearing supportive shoes at home can really flare plantar fasciitis? Wearing shoes inside, especially on hard floors, is a must.

Since I’m an Amazon Associate, anything that you buy through the links on this page will go to support the site and the causes we support. 

Best Women’s Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Expectations for style and an appropriate wardrobe don’t change just because of your fasciitis pain. Thankfully, there are shoes designed for comfort in every occasion.

HOKA ONE ONE Women's Bondi 6 Running Shoe

I have and love these shoes. They are made for marathoners, but they are great for walking and standing all day as well. They’re the perfect shoes for a day at Disney or any other time that you’ll be standing and walking a lot.

These high-quality women’s shoes can perform whether you’re running a marathon or taking a marathon-like walk through a theme park. If you’re looking for shoes that can transition from a workout to casual work, look elsewhere. These fat sneakers aren’t the most low profile shoes.

Pros

• Full-EVA midsole offers a balanced, smooth ride and keeps pressure off the heel
• Meta-Rocker technology act like wheels for your feet. It drives you forward while you run and helps to establish a normal gait
• Great for running and also a good standing and walking shoe

Cons

• These high-quality shoes for plantar fasciitis aren’t cheap
• Not the most stylish running shoes, with its boxy design
• Big, bulky shoes which take some getting used to

Orthofeet Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes

These practical sneakers are great for a walk or jog. They can also transition smoothly into casual outings or even a relaxed work environment.  These shoes have a seam-free lining, which makes them a great choice for people with diabetes as well.

If you have more foot concerns than plantar fasciitis, such as Achilles tendon injury or problems with your toes, these might be the best shoes for you. They are designed to cater to several foot concerns.

Pros

• 60-day wear test and a full refund if you’re not satisfied
• The lightweight and ergonomic sole features air cushioning to offer the best cushioning without adding weight
• The wide toebox is great for toe concerns like bunions

Cons

• Some people find that they take some time to break-in
• Don’t come in many color options for such a stylish tennis shoe
• Very expensive orthopedic shoes

Vionic Women's Tide II Toe Post Sandal

These flip flops for plantar fasciitis enable you to enjoy wearing stylish sandals without aggravating your heels. They offer a lot of support in a sleek sandal so you can look and feel great.

These flip flops offer surprisingly strong arch support and comfort for your heel. They have even been proven to be effective in alleviating heel pain. They’re easy to take on and off, making them a good choice for the beach or wearing around the house.

Pros

• Designed by a podiatrist for foot health and support
• Deep heel cup to offer exceptional support to the heel
• Biomechanical orthotic footbed for healthy arches
• Leather and synthetic construction looks stylish but stays clean

Cons

• Can’t replace quality tennis shoes for long-term support and comfort
• Bands may cut into the foot a bit at first, so they need to be broken in
• Squeak a lot if they are damp

Not the sandals for you? Consider these other options in great sandals for plantar fasciitis. 

Orthofeet Comfortable 2 Inch Low Heels Vera

If you can’t wear your tennis shoes to work, these dress shoes for plantar fasciitis are the next best thing. These shoes are designed to give your feet comfort and support and look great doing it.

If you have pain not only in your heels and feet, but throughout your knees, lower back, and hips, these might be the best shoes for you to wear to work and on formal occasions. They provide sufficient support and shock absorption to relieve pain from pressure throughout your body.

Pros

• Two-month wear test and full refund if you’re not satisfied
• The ergonomic sole uses air to cushion, so these shoes are as light as possible
• Multiple layers of cushioning with large spacers for exceptional shock absorption throughout your body

Cons

• Some women find that these shoes run small. Take advantage of the opportunity to send them back for replacements if they’re not the right fit
• May hurt the ball of your foot due to the higher heel

Dansko Women's Sophie Sandal

Just because you have heel spurs and pain from plantar fasciitis doesn’t mean that you don’t want to have fun with your footwear. These stylish shoes come in lots of colors and patterns to match your individual style. They’re the perfect shoes for casual, everyday wear or for work.

When you want to look great, have some fun with your wardrobe,  and feel comfortable too, you’ll be sure to turn to these shoes. When considering stylish, casual shoes, these are some of the best women’s shoes for foot pain.

Pros

• Dri-Lex technology creates a sock lining to manage moisture, keeping your feet dry and comfortable
• Midsole features shock-absorbing foam to reduce impact and give you comfort all day
• The charming wood look of the platform makes these appear to be stylish shoes not made for plantar fascia or flat feet

Cons

• May run small, so consider sizing up when you order
• Takes some time to break in the straps
• A little too casual to be used as formal shoes

Best Mens’ Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is painful, so you need shoes that can help alleviate pain while still standing up to everything that you need to get done. From running and walking shoes to flip flops and formal shoes, here are the best men’s shoes for plantar fasciitis. 

New Balance Men's Mx608v4

If you’re looking for the best walking shoes that plantar fasciitis pain can’t get through, these New Balance might be it. Not only are these shoes great for supporting the heel bone gently, but they have excellent arch support and look stylish with a 100% leather design.

New Balance shoes are well-known for being designed for comfort and style. They’re a great option if you only want to buy one pair of shoes for walking and for casual wear. From the wide toe box to the padding to avoid heel spurs, these shoes are made for foot comfort.

Pros

• Injection-molded ethylene vinyl acetate midsole is crafted for arch support
• Abzorb heel designed to reduce impact on the heel as much as possible
• Internal shank for forefront flexibility

Cons

• Leather may wear out more quickly in humid climates
• Laces may become undone easily, so double knot or choose new laces
• May not offer quite as much arch support as some other options

ASICS Men's GT-2000 7 Running Shoes

Here is a sleek design that is one of the best running shoes you’re going to find. These shoes are streamlined for speed but cushioned to avoid shock. If your plantar fasciitis is aggravated by jogging, you’ll love these quality shoes.

Runners experience plantar fascia more often than people who engage in other sorts of exercise. Finding a shoe with the cushioning to prevent and alleviate heel pain is vital for runners. This shoe can make running comfortable again.

Pros

• ASICS High Abrasion Rubber throughout critical areas of the outsole to increase the durability of the shoe, even when you’re running on rough terrain
• Gel Technology Cushioning System throughout the rearfoot and forefoot absorbs shock during impact and helps your foot move through the cycle of your gait smoothly
• Impact Guidance System Technology throughout the shoe enables a natural gait throughout each step
• Guidance Line Midsole Technology is a vertical groove that enables greater flex throughout the foot.

Cons

• Narrower toe box than some competition, so may not be ideal for those with toe issues
• Not exceptionally wide, so may not be best for those with wide or flat feet
• Fabric may wear out faster than the soles

Olukai Men’s Ohana

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you should be wearing shoes as much as possible. Shoes reduce impact on your heel that results in pain. These flip flops are ideal for wearing around the house, to casual events, and of course, to the beach.

These sandals aren’t overly expensive, but you’ll likely find that you get your money out of them. From added arch support around the house to water resistance for trips to the beach, these are some of the best sandals you can own for any casual occasion.

Pros

• Jersey knit lining and neoprene foam create an incredibly comfortable surface against your feet
• EVA footbed keeps these shoes from slipping, even if you have flat feet or tend to shuffle a bit when you walk
• Compression-molded EVA midsole provides excellent stability throughout the shoe and helps your foot to land properly, reducing pain.

Cons

• Some people find that although these shoes have excellent arch support, there’s not quite enough padding through the heel for pain-free all-day wear
• Leather thong needs to be broken in a bit to be comfortable
• Some people find that these flip flops still don’t grip as well as desired when going down steep terrain

Brooks Men's Addiction Walker Walking Shoes

These may be the best shoes for plantar fascia that are also perfect for long walks. These shoes are designed for as much support as possible. They keep your body moving through a natural range of motion with every step.

If you want to enjoy the benefits of walking without exasperating heel pain, shoes that pad the heel and guide your step are ideal. These walking shoes make every step comfortable. Furthermore, they help to correct your gait. This is essential in the best shoes for plantar fascia, especially when you’re using them for extensive walking.

Pros

• Good support in the ankle, making them ideal for walking
• Forefoot MC Pod slip-resistant secure fit will keep your feet from sliding around in the shoe. This is indispensable for anyone with weak ankles
• Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar supports your arch strategically while keeping your body in a natural path of motion.

Cons

• All-leather shoes don’t have as good of ventilation as shoes with more airflow
• Rubber tab at the toe tends to separate from the shoe over time
• Tend to get warm, especially the black color

If you’re looking for more options specifically in walking shoes, look into these options. 

Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Dress Shoes For Men

These are good-looking men’s formal shoes that are great for work or a nice evening out. They are designed to ease a range of orthopedic concerns. They cater to the comfort of your feet from the toe box to the heel counter, all while looking very stylish.

They can even offer relief from pain in your knees, hips, and lower back as well. If you’re suffering through your workday, try these shoes out and you may be surprised by how much the pain reduces.

Pros

• Try them out for two months and return for a full refund if you don’t love them
• Lightweight, thanks to ergonomic air cushioning that provides unrivaled comfort without adding weight
• The lining is free of seams, making these shoes an ideal choice for anyone suffering from diabetes or arthritis

Cons

• If your foot is tall from the bottom to the top, these shoes may not fit as well
• Takes a little bit of time to break in
• Some people don’t like the look of the velcro straps

How To Choose The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

For many people suffering from plantar fasciitis, the disease is life-altering. As many as 41% of those suffering from plantar fasciitis use prescription pain medications.

One of the most practical ways to treat plantar fasciitis is by using shoes. Shoes are a painless treatment to incorporate into your everyday life to achieve great results.

It is crucial to wear shoes designed to give support for plantar fasciitis whenever you go out. It is also necessary to wear comfortable, supportive shoes indoors. Here are some things that you should look for in a shoe that will help and not contribute to heel pain.

• Heel support. It should come as no surprise that shoes with a deep heel cup to protect and gently support the heel bone are essential.
• Good arch support. A pair of shoes with prominent arches support the entire foot.  An arch also reduces overpronation, which reduces tension on the plantar fascia. Be careful to choose the right arch height for your foot.
• Good fit. Figure out if your feet are wide or narrow and then look for a shoe that meets your specific needs. Make sure you have plenty of toe room, especially if you also have toe issues.
• Cushioning. Look for a shoe with bouncy cushioning and a contoured footbed. Not only is this most comfortable, but it reduces the impact when your heel hits the ground.
• Flexible.  You want a shoe that bends and provides resistance. Flexibility helps protect the feet and can also help with pain relief.
• Orthotics. Custom orthotic support can go a long way to improving foot health. If you have custom needs look for shoes with removable insoles.
• Lifestyle. The same shoes won’t work for every occasion. If you know that you need to wear shoes for your plantar fasciitis most of the time, be sure to choose a few varieties to cover work, athletics, and every day.

Best Shoe Brands for Plantar Fasciitis

These shoe brands that are good for your feet. They find a balance between style and function. The design is consistenly centered around foot health.

• Vionic
• Orthofeet
• Brooks
• New Balance
• Saucony

Common Questions About Plantar Fasciitis

What shoes work best for plantar fasciitis?

The best shoes for plantar fasciitis have a few key features:

• A deep, gently supportive heel counter
• Arch support that matches the shape of your arch
• Comfortable and fits well, including taking into account the width of your foot and ensuring that there is plenty of room for the toes.

In general, I recommend athletic shoes for plantar fasciitis. However, you can find good shoes of almost any type other than high heels.

Other at home remedies can also be effective in the treatment of plantar fasciitis as wel. Night splints may be an especially useful tool when used in conjunction with shoes during the day. 

Can you make plantar fasciitis worse?

Naturally, if you are dealing with this painful condition, you want to prevent it from getting worse. Plantar fasciitis is a progressive degenerative condition that affects the thick tissue covering the bones on the bottom of the foot.

Repeated impact on the heel without sufficient support appears to be the most important factor in the development of plantar fasciitis. Reduce this repetitive pressure by wearing the right shoes and socks and making lifestyle changes. By taking your heel pain seriously, you can prevent heel pain. Incorporate changes to your lifestyle like stretches and great shoes.

For those who are suffering severe pain despite wearing the shoes with great support plantar and making other lifestyle changes, therapy may be a good option.

Can shoes cause plantar fasciitis?

Research has found that defective running shoes may contribute to plantar fasciitis. By causing the heel to tilt on the right side in one patient, the defective shoe appeared to lead to plantar fasciitis in the right foot while the left foot was healthy.

It is also likely that wearing any shoes that don’t support your foot well can contribute to this disease. Heels, flats, casual shoes without support, and any shoe without proper fit can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis. If you do feel it necessary to wear such shoes, be sure to use an insole, especially for your heel.

What aggravates plantar fasciitis?

There are a number of risk factors for plantar fasciitis.

• Age. People between the ages of 45 and 64 are most likely to experience plantar fasciitis, while those aged 18 – 44 were least likely.
• Gender. Women are 2.5 times more likely to experience this disease than men.
• Foot structure. Flat feet, a very high arch, or any other irregularity in your foot structure may make plantar fasciitis more likely
• Obesity. Every extra pound is putting more stress on your feet
• Being on your feet. People who spend a lot of time on their feet, like teachers, factory workers, and anyone else who often stands on hard surfaces, may be more vulnerable.
• Running. Runners seem more likely to get plantar fasciitis, especially if their running shoes aren’t very well fit.

Beat Plantar Fasciitis Pain

The right shoes can do wonders to help you beat your plantar fasciitis pain. Be sure to show your shoes to your doctor, physical therapist, sports medicine provider or podiatrist so that they can determine whether the fit is correct.

Remember, it matters that you wear shoes that support and cushion your heel, so pick shoes for every area of your life that can give you the support that you need.