If you deal with heel and arch pain related to plantar fasciitis, then you know the struggle of trying to find comfortable footwear. While no pair is perfect, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis can help relieve the tension in your feet and help you avoid frustrating flare-ups in the first place.
To help you find the right shoe, we spoke with physical therapists and podiatrists to learn what to look out for and what to avoid in pairs for plantar fasciitis. We also gathered a few recommendations from SELF staffers. Below, shop our favorite options from brands like Asics, Hoka, Brooks, and more.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Kuru Quantum 2
- Runner-Up: Hoka Clifton 9
- Best Walking Shoe: Vionic Walk Strider
- Best Running Shoe: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
- Best for Standing and Walking Long Distances: Hoka Bondi 8
- Best for Wide Feet: Brooks Ghost 16
- Best Hiking Boot: Hoka Kaha 2 Gore-Tex
- Best Sandal: Oofos OOahh Slide
What is plantar fasciitis?
“Plantar fasciitis is inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, which is a broad, ligament-like structure that originates on the bottom of the heel bone and fans out across the arch on the bottom of your foot,” Alicia Canzanese, DPM, ATC, a board-certified podiatrist, athletic trainer, and former collegiate track athlete, tells SELF. “Picture it as a structure that is supporting the arch.”
If this structure is inflamed, you’ll likely feel pain on the bottom of your heels, particularly when you get out of bed or take the first couple of steps after sitting for a while. That first-step stiffness may ease up as you move around, but the pain often gets worse with increased activity, like continued walking or running, Dr. Canzanese says.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis can be caused by all kinds of things, like muscle imbalances and overuse (more on that below), but one common precursor to the condition is doing a lot of activity in inadequate footwear, says Dr. Canzanese. Still, “footwear is only one piece of the puzzle,” she says. Some other factors that can make plantar fasciitis worse include tight calf muscles, repetitive high-impact activities like running, a rapid increase in weight-bearing activity, and standing or walking for long periods of time.
You can have plantar fasciitis with flat feet, high arches, wide feet, or narrow feet…. The condition doesn’t discriminate. So, Dr. Canzanese points out, it’s important to try many kinds of shoes to find out what feels good on your feet and offers the support you need. In other words, some shoes are better for plantar fasciitis than others (typically those that have more cushioning in the heel and good arch support), but there isn’t one kind of shoe that’s best for everyone.
FAQs about shopping for shoes for plantar fasciitis
While no footwear can promise that you’ll stay pain-free, selecting well-cushioned and more supportive shoes is a solid step (heh) toward reducing discomfort in the future. If you’re still on the lookout for the right pair of shoes for you, here’s some criteria to keep in mind while you shop.
In general, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis will fit correctly (i.e., they’re not too small, and they’re wide enough to fit your foot comfortably). “You’ll want a shoe with a deep heel counter and plenty of midfoot arch support,” Carla Gamez, DPM, a podiatrist at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), tells SELF.
Consider wearing your shoes with orthotics or insoles that have substantial heel cups to help with cushioning and shock absorption too, Susan Eby, PT, MS, owner of Eby Physical Therapy in New York City, adds. These inserts will also provide additional arch support, which can offer further pain relief, Yolanda Ragland, DPM, a podiatrist and founder of Fix Your Feet in New York City, tells SELF.
Avoid flat, nonsupportive footwear like flimsy sandals or backless clogs, Dr. Gamez says. Those cute flip-flops that sell for $10? Probably not the best plantar fasciitis shoes. The same goes for sneakers without arch support (unless you add orthotics, heel cups, or insoles) and flats.
If you need dressier shoes for work or a special occasion, look for those with a slight heel (around a half inch) to minimize stretching the plantar fascia, as well as styles that stay on your foot without toe gripping (i.e., a shoe that has elastic or other straps to secure it to your foot).
Below, you’ll find comfy, expert-approved (and, frankly, pretty darn cute) sneakers, dress shoes, sandals, and slippers.
Best Overall: Kuru Quantum 2
Pros
- Very sturdy and supportive
- Specifically designed to prevent foot and heel pain
Cons
- Somewhat heavy
This comfortable walking shoe from Kuru is designed to help alleviate foot pain, including the discomfort that comes with plantar fasciitis. The brand’s patented Kurusole technology supports your heels and arches to help them better absorb impact while you stand and walk.
The previous model of the Quantum was recommended by Bianca Beldini, DPT, a physical therapist, founder of Sundala Wellness, and a USA Triathlon level-one coach in New York City. Minor design tweaks that make this latest version the greatest one yet include a wider base and roomier toe box than the first Quantum. These additions also make the 2.0 a good option for folks with issues like bunions.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Medium, wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 8.5 millimeters | Weight: 10.8 ounces | Materials: Mesh, synthetic fabric, rubber
Runner-Up: Hoka Clifton 9
Pros
- Surprisingly lightweight
- Great for long-term wear
- Very comfortable
Cons
- May lack some of the Quantum 2’s support and intentional design
Hoka shoes have deep heel counters (the part of the shoe that surrounds the back of your foot) and cloudlike cushioning, which makes them feel like a glorious hug. That snug, plush fit makes them some of the best walking shoes for people with plantar fasciitis. Dr. Gamez also recommends the Clifton because of its responsive midsole, which, despite its higher amount of cushion, helps propel you forward as you walk.
The latest version, the Clifton 9, helped alleviate plantar fasciitis pain for SELF’s former executive editor: “As someone who has recently started dealing with plantar fasciitis, I’ve tried a lot of sneakers that claim to be comfortable and supportive. I was gifted the Clifton 9s, and they do not disappoint!” she says. “I actually like them much more than my Clifton 8s, which would still lead to small flare-ups for me. These shoes don’t hurt my feet at all, get me through long walking days in New York City, and are also weirdly cute.” Safe to say, it secured its place as her go-to sneaker.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 5 millimeters | Weight: 7.30 ounces | Materials: Mesh, polyester, EVA foam, rubber
Best Walking Shoe: Vionic Walk Strider
Vionic
Walk Strider Walking Shoes
Pros
- Very supportive
- Cute, minimalist style
Cons
- May feel too stiff, according to reviewers
With a sturdy design and a high level of arch support, Vionic’s Walk Strider can help relieve plantar fasciitis pain, Gigee Bhular, DPM, a foot and ankle physician at Virtua Health in New Jersey, tells SELF. While its rigid midfoot helps prevent rolling, its flexible upper bends with your foot when you’re on the move.
SELF’s commerce director has been putting a pair of the Vionic Walk Striders through its paces the past few weeks and confirms that the sneakers are comfortable right out of the box. “I struggle with new shoes creating ‘hot spots’ and blisters by rubbing on my heels and the sides of my feet—I’m known to bust out the Band-Aids at my desk after commuting into the office. But the Vionic Walk Strider didn’t require any breaking-in time,” she says. “These aren’t the cushiest, bounciest kicks I’ve ever worn, but the arch support helps my former ballerina feet feel lifted and supported, even after hours on the go.”
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Medium, wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 16 millimeters | Weight: N/A | Materials: Mesh, leather, nylon, EVA foam, rubber
Best Running Shoe: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
Pros
- Shock-absorbing design
- Good for high arches
Cons
- Some reviewers found the pull-on tabs irritating
