The 25 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, According to Experts

Hoka One One is known for its “maximalist” shoes that starkly contrast with the many minimalist models out there that offer extra speed often at the expense of additional foot support. The Bondi running shoes are some of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis sufferers, as they’re wide and lightweight yet super cushioned (in fact, they’re Hoka’s most cushioned road-running shoe), says Bianca Beldini, DPT, a physical therapist, founder of Sundala Wellness, and a USA Triathlon Level One coach in New York City.

Dr. Gamez recommends these ultra-popular Asics for a cushioned ride. Like many Asics shoes, these have gel technology, which absorbs shock as you pound the pavement and thus reduces that stabbing pain. These also have supportive arches and a mesh upper for plenty of wiggle room in your toes.

These Saucony sneakers come with a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which means they’ve been evaluated by foot and ankle specialists and found to be beneficial to foot health. From its cushioned, springy feel (the softest ride that the brand offers) to its thick, supportive heel, these shoes strike a pleasant balance between sturdy and comfortable, which should provide people with plantar fasciitis the relief they seek.

The Topo Athletic Trailventure has a seal of acceptance from the APMA due to its anti-compression footbed and major under-heel cushioning, both of which should relieve some of the tension and pain associated with plantar fasciitis. On top of that, these shoes come with all the bells and whistles you’d expect in a high-quality trail runner, including rock plates, rubber outsoles, and ankle protection.

Hoka shoes have deep heel counters and that iconic cloudlike cushioning, which means that your heels feel “hugged,” making them some of the best walking shoes for people with plantar fasciitis. Dr. Gamez recommends the Cliftons for walking because of its responsive midsole, which helps bring energy into your feet and legs as you walk.

The difference between running and walking shoes is that walking shoes are designed more for comfort than hitting your peak performance. So if you have plantar fasciitis, walking shoes are excellent to have on-hand—even just for running errands. Brooks Addiction walking shoes have maximum cushioning plus a comfortable leather upper and excellent grip.

These comfortable walking shoes are specifically designed for people with plantar fasciitis. The brand’s patented Kurusole technology hugs your heels and provides strong arch support so you can walk on any surface with more ease. It supports the fat pad on your foot while standing and walking, explains Dr. Beldini.

These shoes have neutral arch support, so they’re ideal for folks with low or neutral arches. Plus, neutral arches help to prevent exacerbating overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis. The shape of the shoe, cushioning, and stability helps to reduce foot movement during walks or jogs.

When you have foot conditions like plantar fasciitis or bunions, many of the “best” shoes are simply…orthopedic-looking. Turns out, you can wear regular shoes like boots. These Nisolo boots come backed by podiatrists and, when paired with cozy socks, make an excellent supportive shoe for chillier weather.

Clogs are having a moment; even if you have plantar fasciitis, you can still stay up on the trends without making the pain worse. Case in point: these slip-on clogs from Birkenstock. They’re ideal for wearing around the house, gardening, or other low-impact activities. 

With a seal of acceptance from the APMA, this classic Dansko clog is made with foot health (and pain relief) in mind: Its insole not only features a densely cushioned footbed but an arch designed for stability and support, promising all-day comfort.

Chaco is perhaps best known for its outdoorsy, go-anywhere sandals, but the brand also makes stylish boots, like these waterproof Chelseas to which the APMA awarded its seal of acceptance. Reviewers on Chaco’s site have also given their enthusiastic approval, with one customer writing, “I’m recovering from plantar fasciitis and have been on the hunt for stylish boots that also provide good arch support—these boots have been awesome.” Meanwhile, another customer notes that these boots are a great pick to wear all day long: “I have issues with my heels and foot pain and usually all sneakers hurt my feet. I can walk all day in these and be completely pain-free!”

These sporty sandals are comfortable, include arch support, and are easy to clean, Dr. Marko says. The strapping system around the front and the back is adjustable for a sturdier fit so your ankle stays secure. Lastly, they hold up with a lot of wear and tear and have a water-resistant finish.

Teva Verras are great for walking longer distances thanks to the backstrap, Dr. Marko adds. Standard flip-flops require a bit more movement and gripping to keep your foot in place. “These sandals will make the plantar fascia on the bottom of your foot tighter because it’s constantly active and working,” she says. “But with its backstrap, you will be able to keep your foot comfortably rested inside the shoe.”

These cushiony, cloudlike Oofos are a SELF Fave for workout recovery (and just padding around the house, honestly), owing to their thick soles, wide range of colors and styles, and versatility. According to Dr. Marko, they check off plenty of plantar fasciitis boxes too, as they have a wide strap at the top of your foot to hold it in place, plus good arch and heel support.

These stylish strappy sandals are comfortable for everything from outdoor events to walking around for hours. They have a cushy memory foam sole and a decent heel lift to keep your feet in alignment.

If flip-flops aren’t your thing, Dr. Gamez recommends Oofos Ooahh slides as a solid alternative. The reviews speak for themselves—but we’ll try to convince you, too. They’re made with the brand’s proprietary foam (which feels akin to memory foam) that absorbs shock, molds to your feet for support and cushioning, and gives support to your ankles, knees, and back. Tote these to the beach, locker room, pool, and everywhere in between.

Eby rarely recommends flats for her patients, as most women, especially pronators, have short calf muscles. “If the calf is short, the ankle can’t flex enough during gait, so the foot compensates by pronating, which is what we are trying to minimize in plantar fasciitis,” she explains. “The toe gripping, which is required to keep the shoes on the foot, can also be aggravating to the heel.”

Here’s one example of a flat that meets the above criteria: It has a half-inch heel drop, an elastic strap across the instep to help keep the shoe on your foot, and a cushioned insole with moderate arch support, Eby says. These shoes are also lightweight, come in two widths, and are relatively inexpensive.

Comfortable heeled dress shoes may seem like an oxymoron, but these LifeStride pumps are just that, Dr. Marko says. “While these particular shoes don’t have arch support, the cushioning is like walking on pillows,” she says. “Just having your foot in the heeled position makes the plantar fascia create more of its own arch.”

A low-heeled shoe can go with pretty much anything. These best sellers from Ecco are made entirely from soft leather and a shaped footbed, which is the key for folks with plantar fasciitis. It cups your heel to keep your feet stable, supported, and free from annoying aching pain.

This comfy house slipper is covered in spa-like terry cloth material, and with Vionic’s Orthaheel technology, it offers fantastic support thanks to its built-in arch support and deep heel cup that contains the fat pad under your heel, Eby says. The EVA midsole is shock-absorbing for the heel too. A Velcro closure allows for a custom fit so they stay snug on your feet.

If you have wider-than-average feet, these are the slippers for you. The Orthofeets come in two widths, and the orthotic-like inserts provide arch support and foam cushioning, particularly at the heel. “The suede uppers are lined for comfort, and the low heel counter allows for use of alternate insoles or orthotics and gives some heel stability while still allowing you to slide in and out of the slipper with ease,” says Eby. “The toe box is also extra deep to accommodate any toe issues, with Velcro adjustment to fit this slipper snug to your feet.”

Superfeet insoles come highly recommended. The green and blue versions of the insoles are different in their heel-cup depth and the degree of arch support—the type you choose depends on your individual foot. The blue ones may be easier to tolerate and get used to at first before graduating to the green, Dr. Marko advises.

Here’s another great over-the-counter orthotic insole option to replace the existing insert in a shoe, Eby says. Aetrex makes many styles and model numbers, but Eby recommends any model ending in 20 (i.e., L420, L2420, etc.). “These models have a post or wedge on the inner side of the heel as well as healthy arch support, both of which help to keep the heel in alignment and prevent pronation,” she says.

Dr. Gamez recommends adding gel heel cups into your less plantar fasciitis-friendly shoes. These add rigidity and the gel creates a softer footbed and puts your feet, legs, knees, and hips in proper alignment. 

If you’ve never tried heel cups or insoles, these budget-friendly options from Dr. Scholl’s are a good place to start. These aren’t as rigid as Armstrong Amerika’s, but they will absorb shock and make any pair of shoes more comfortable.