As a 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.
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. In my office, I am constantly pulling 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.
As a doctor, I recommend that my patients avoid wearing high heel 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.
However, finding a suitable shoe can be a challenge. Digging through hundreds of reviews can take forever. If you are short on time, I have my top recommendations here.
If you’re looking specifically for running shoes, read my top picks here. And be sure to check out my list of home remedies for treating plantar fasciitis!
Considerations For Buying Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
Just like every person is different, every foot is different. This means that there is no “perfect” shoe that will magically work for everyone. Instead, you must find the shoe that is right for you.
The most obvious advice is probably the best advice. Comfort is key. If the shoe is comfortable, it should help reduce pain.
Here are some important factors to consider:
Heel Support.
Because plantar fasciitis is heel pain, it’s important that you look for a shoe with good heel support. A deep heel cup protects the heel bone and helps control pronation (inward roll of the foot) and supination (outward roll of the foot). You should also look for a shoe with a heel that is higher than the toe. This moves weight from your heel and redistributes it throughout your entire foot. This redistribution should help ease plantar fasciitis pain.
Arch support.
A supportive shoe arch supports the foot. It also reduces overpronation, which reduces tension on the plantar fascia. You’ll see that some shoes are more supportive for people with high arches, while others are better for people with low arches or flat feet.
Fit.
This comes back to comfort. If the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t wear it. Figure out if your feet are wide or narrow and then look for a shoe that meets your specific needs. If you have any toe issues, look for shoes with a roomy toe box.
Good 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. Good cushioning can really help with eliminating pesky foot pains.
Flexibility.
There’s nothing more uncomfortable than a hard, inflexible shoe. You want a shoe that bends and provides resistance. Flexibility helps protect the feet and can also help with pain relief.
Orthotics.
Some people require or prefer custom orthotic support. If you use custom orthotics, you’ll need to look for a shoe with a removable insole. This will allow you to replace it with your own. Most athletic-style shoes have removable insoles, but sandals and more “professional-style” shoes sometimes don’t.
Lifestyle.
It goes without saying that you want shoes that fit your lifestyle. Think about when and where you’ll be wearing the support shoes. You probably wouldn’t wear a sandal to work, but it might be great for casual or beach use. Some shoes are better for runners and others for walkers. Some shoes wouldn’t work for athletic use but are great to wear around the house.
What are the best shoes to help with heel pain?
Again, it depends on your specific needs. But here is a list of the most popular brands.
Popular Plantar Fasciitis Shoe Brands
- Vionic
- Orthofeet
- Brooks
- New Balance
- Saucony
I have included models from each of these brands in my recommendation list below. All links are to Amazon because I’m a member of the Amazon Associates program.
Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women
Here is a list of my best shoes for plantar fasciitis for ladies:
Orthofeet Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
These attractive sneakers are good value for money and might help with heel pain.
Key Features
- Orthotic support to alleviate heel pain
- Air-cushioned sole facilitates foot motion
- Soft upper eliminates pressure points
- Air pockets in sole add spring to your step
What People Love
- Removable insoles can be replaced with orthotics
- Attractive design and colors
- Good fit
- Great arch support
- Comfortable shoes for all-day wear
What People Hate
- Not always true to size
- Lack of stability
- Rubbed/caused blisters
- Clunky appearance
Recommended For
- Walking
- Nerve pain
- Back pain from foot/leg problems
Not Recommended For
- Jobs that require slip-resistant shoes
- Long-distance walking
Vionic Women's Tide II Toe Post Sandal
Living by the beach, I am constantly recommending Vionic sandals to patients with plantar fasciitis. There are tons of styles to choose from.
Key Features
- Soft woven toe post and foam-lined strap for comfort
- Orthaheel technology supports arches
- Built-in orthotic proven to ease heel pain
- EVA midsole for shock absorption
What People Love
- Tons of colors to choose from
- Easy to put on and take off
- Comfortable to stand in for long periods
- Easy to clean
- Helpful for foot issues
What People Hate
- Stiff band between the toes can be uncomfortable
- Arch support is too high for some
- The shoe is hard/stiff and takes time to break in
- Footbeds discolor quickly
- Straps cause itchiness/irritation in some people
Recommended For
- Wide feet
- Pronation
Not Recommended For
- Athletic use
- All-day wear
Vionic Women’s Kea Orthotic Trainers
These are not the cutest shoes, but they do come in a variety of colors. They are also reasonably priced and easy to slip on and take off.
Key Features
- Mesh uppers and twin gore panels for comfort and ease of movement
- Removable EVA orthotic insert
- Rubber outsole for durability
- Lightweight, breathable upper
What People Love
- Slip-on design makes removal easy
- Eases hip, back, and knee pain for some people
- Comfortable for daily wear
- Springy soles can make walking easier
What People Hate
- Not particularly stylish
- Not comfortable for some people with high arches
- Shoes sometimes stretch
- Durability issues
Recommended For
- Flat feet
- Foot alignment issues
Not Recommended For
- High arches
- Latex allergies (inside of shoe contains some latex)
Vionic Women's Rest Joan Mule
This easy-on/easy-off mule is a popular choice for work and dressier occasions.
Key Features
- Microfiber-covered EVA footbed for comfort and support
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Rubber outsole for durability
- Leather or suede upper, depending on color
- Concealed biomechanical technology for a discreet orthopedic shoe
What People Love
- Great support for plantar fasciitis
- Good for dressier occasions
- Roomy toe box
- Supportive for walking and standing
- Velcro for an adjustable fit
What People Hate
- Not available in half-sizes
- Leather sometimes peels/cracks
- Shoes scuff easily
- Some people don’t like the decorative ornament
Recommended For
- Wide feet
- Orthotic inserts
- Office use/short walks
Not Recommended For
- Long walks
- Athletic use
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 18
These trainers are on the higher end of the price spectrum, but they’re stylish and could be worn with casual wear or for athletic use.
Key Features
- Soft cushioning and seamless heel-to-toe transitions for a smooth ride
- Progressive Diagonal Rollbar for proper alignment
- BioMoGo DNA midsole adapts to your specific stride
- Integrated Segmented Crash Pad accommodates any foot landing
What People Love
- Removable insole can be taken out and replaced with custom orthotics
- Great arch support
- Spacious toe box
- Lightweight
What People Hate
- Quality control problems
- Soles wear out quickly
- Not always true to size
- Some people complain that there’s not enough cushioning
Recommended For
- High arches or flat feet
- Mild to moderate overpronation
Not Recommended For
- Wide feet
- Stability needs
Best Plantar Fasciitis For Men
Now here are my top picks for plantar fasciitis shoes for men.
New Balance Men's Mx608v4
This cross-trainer represents good value for money and is generally agreed upon as a great plantar fasciitis shoe.
Key Features
- Dual-density collar and padded mesh tongue for comfort
- Pull-tab at heel makes these shoes easy to put on
- Breathable textile lining and EVA footbed
- IMEVA midsole with 10 mm drop
Key Features
- Dual-density collar and padded mesh tongue for comfort
- Pull-tab at heel makes these shoes easy to put on
- Breathable textile lining and EVA footbed
- IMEVA midsole with 10 mm drop
What People Love
- Bouncy step
- Neutral colors
- All-leather uppers good for keeping feet warm in cold weather
- Comfortable for larger people
What People Hate
- Not enough arch support for some
- Hard insoles
- Narrow fit
- Inconsistent sizing
Recommended For
- Walking
- Jogging
Not Recommended For
- Standing for long periods
- Running
New Balance Men's 990v4
This tennis shoe comes in a wide variety of colors and is a popular choice among heel pain sufferers.
Key Features
- Shaft measures low-top from arch
- Breathable mesh upper with supportive leather overlays
- Blown rubber outsole
- ENCAP PU ring with EVA core in heel for comfort
What People Love
- Well-made shoe
- Relieves plantar fasciitis pain for some
- Good support and cushioning for standing all day at work
- Removable insoles can be replaced with custom orthotics
- Comes in a variety of colors
What People Hate
- Some people had issues with quality control
- Painful for some people with a high instep
- Clunky, not as lightweight as some people would like
- Toe box too narrow
Recommended For
- Running and walking
- Low arches
Not Recommended For
- Wide feet
- People who need a wider toe box
Brooks Men's Addiction Walker Walking Shoes
This simple walking shoe could be an excellent choice for workwear, especially if you’re on your feet all day.
Key Features
- Full-grain leather or velvety nubuck uppers for durability and comfort
- HydroFlow technology to absorb shock
- MoGo midsole provides a soft and stable cushion
- Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar allows for progressive pronation control
What People Love
- Really nice arch support
- Comfortable for walking and standing
- Nice fit
- Broad toe box
What People Hate
- Not always comfortable with custom orthotics
- Not breathable
- Some people found the insole too hard
- Some craftsmanship issues
- Not the most stylish shoe
Recommended For
- Wide feet
- Flat feet
- High arches
Not Recommended For
- Quiet workplaces (some people complain that they squeak on the floor)
- Athletic use
Orthofeet Proven Pain Relief Plantar Fasciitis Sprint Comfortable Orthopedic Diabetic Mens Sneakers
These sleek sneakers were designed to address foot pain issues and could be a nice walking or work shoe.
Key Features
- Premium orthotic insole with anatomical arch support for added comfort
- Cushioning heel pad to alleviate pain
- Lightweight sole with air cushioning softens step and alleviates stress on the joints
- Wide toe box eliminates pressure points
What People Love
- Great fit and support for plantar fasciitis
- Good cushioning
- Stylish for everyday wear
- Side and heel straps allow for an adjustable fit
- Easy to put on and take off
What People Hate
- A snug fit for some people
- Sizing runs a bit small
- Take a while to break in
- Shoes cause blisters and irritation for some
Recommended For
- Walking
- Diabetics
Not Recommended For
- Toe arthritis or other toe problems
- Flat feet
Saucony Men's Cohesion 11 Running Shoe
Although it’s not the most attractive shoe, this one might be a good choice to help relieve heel pain.
Key Features
- Rubber sole for durability
- Shaft measures low-top from arch
- Grid supportive cushioning for comfort and support
- Supportive upper overlays
What People Love
- Great support
- Lightweight and cool
- Comfortable fit
- Good value for money
- Suitable for all-day wear
What People Hate
- Lightweight means not great for winter workouts
- Some durability issues with tears
- Thin memory foam insole not as supportive as some would like
- Insole is sometimes too loose
Recommended For
- Wide feet
- Running
- Flat feet
Not Recommended For
- Narrow feet
- Stability
Final Words
Plantar fasciitis is painful. Wearing the right shoes during the day is critical to control the pain and mechanisms which contribute to plantar fasciitis.
For women’s casual wear, I highly recommend the Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post Sandal. They’re comfortable, they come in tons of colors, and they have really helped my own plantar fasciitis pain. For work or all-day walking, Brooks Womens Adrenaline GTS 18 are a great choice. They’re pricier than some of my other picks, but they’re supportive and comfortable.
For men’s casual or work wear, I’d suggest taking another look at Orthofeet Proven Pain Relief Plantar Fasciitis Sprint Comfortable Orthopedic Diabetic Mens Sneakers. Because they were specifically designed to eliminate foot pain, they might be the most likely to meet your needs. They’re not cheap, but sometimes it’s best to spend a little more and get better quality shoes.
