The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (2024)

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The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (1)

Ever felt a dull, constant ache in your arch after a long day on your feet; or a sharp, stabbing pain in your heel with every step? Well, you’re not alone. Plantar fasciitis is extremely common, and it is estimated that approximately 1 in 10 people will develop the painful condition at some point in their life. “Walking pretty much everywhere definitely predisposes people to the condition, but poorly-fitted shoes, standing desks without proper support, as well a person’s foot type all play a role,” says New York City-based podiatrist Diana Levin Valencia, DPM.

The right footwear can make a big impact on easing your pain. “When walking or running on paved or concrete streets, you need shoes that will absorb shock,” says Levin Valencia. “That takes some of the job away from the plantar fascia.” To help you navigate the crowded footwear market, we tested 25 pairs of sneakers, loafers, and mules to find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.

The TL;DR on the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

  • We spent 4,280 hours and several weeks testing shoes for plantar fasciitis, rating them on fit, cushion, comfort, support, and value.
  • Our overall pick for best shoes for plantar fasciitis is the Asics Gel-Venture 9 running shoes, thanks to the arch support and extra heel cushioning.
  • For a more stylish option, we love the Superskate Leather Loafers, which relived pain even while standing all day.

Our Top Picks

Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Overall:

ASICS Gel-Venture 9 at Amazon ($60)

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Best Work Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis:

FitFlop Superskate Loafers at Fitflop.com (See Price)

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Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis:

Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 at Amazon ($105)

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Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis:

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13 at Amazon ($140)

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Best Everyday Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis:

On Running Cloudflyer 4 at Amazon ($200)

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Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis for Nurses:

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe at Amazon ($110)

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Best Travel Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis:

ABEO MXV Shift Metatarsal at Amazon ($120)

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Best Podiatrist-Approved Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis:

Altra Paradigm 6 at Amazon ($90)

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Best Clogs for Plantar Fasciitis:

Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs at Amazon (See Price)

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Best Support Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis:

Dansko Pace Walking Shoe at Amazon (See Price)

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Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Overall

ASICS Gel-Venture 9

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (2)

Why We Like It: You won’t need your insoles anymore, thanks to the crazy comfort and support of these shoes.

It's Worth Noting: The outsole is designed to be able to use on trails, so you might notice an uneven feeling when walking on flat surfaces.

Sizes: 5-12 | Widths: Standard

Make room for another pair of sneakers in your closet, because these are about to become your new go-to shoes for plantar fasciitis. Thanks to the arch support and extra cushioning in the heel, we have not felt an ounce of pain or discomfort with our plantar fasciitis while wearing these shoes. The heel support is really where this shoe stands out. It holds your foot in place and does not allow any slipping or rubbing at all, giving you a super secure feeling mile in and mile out. And don’t worry about it feeling too snug–the slightly wider toe box gives your toes plenty of room to move. In fact, they’ll make you feel like you could just keep walking without your feet ever getting tired. This is the first pair we’ve worn that felt just as good as our other shoes–without the need for orthopedic insoles.

Best Work Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

FitFlop Superskate Loafers

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (3)

Why We Like It: A casual shoe that can stand up to all-day wear without causing foot pain? Count us in.

It's Worth Noting: We’d love to see more color options, as the all-white and black can be slightly limiting depending on your personal style.

Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Normal

These smart-casual leather loafers combine sleek minimal style with excellent comfort. Two levels of targeted cushioning deliver true, all-day comfort: firm cushioning in the heel reduces impact, while soft cushioning in the forefoot diffuses pressure. Unlike almost every casual shoe we’ve worn before, we did not notice any pain or instability when walking around in these shoes. For maybe the first time ever, we were able to spend all day on our feet without wearing our special inserts, and we did not experience any pain when we took the shoes off at the end of the day.

Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Mizuno Wave Inspire 19

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (4)

Why We Like It: Score security and confidence thanks to a snug fit and ample shock absorption.

It's Worth Noting: Go at least a half-size up for a better fit, and give these shoes a few days to break in.

Sizes: 6-12 | Widths: Normal

By far, our favorite part about this shoe is the cushioning and shock support. No matter how far we walked, these sneakers felt like they were propelling us into our next step. But most importantly, they were absorbing the impact–we did not feel the usual stinging shock anywhere from heel strike to toe-off. We found that these shoes needed a few days to break in (we felt the heel tab and heel collar hurt our ankle), and we recommend going up at least a half-size up for a more comfortable fit. Note: When you have flat feet and plantar fasciitis, you’ll find relief through arch support. We did not find these to be the best in that regard, but if that’s not a concern for your feet then consider these an excellent pair of walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (5)

Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (6)

Why We Like It: These shoes feel like you’re walking on air, comforted and supported on each and every step.

It's Worth Noting: Our feet, ankles, and knees felt supported while wearing without our special inserts, but we felt increased plantar fasciitis relief when we added them.

Sizes: 5-13 | Widths: Narrow, Standard, Wide, X-Wide

For active women looking for a great walking and jogging shoe that will keep plantar fasciitis at bay, look no further. The first time we put on these running shoes for plantar fasciitis, we felt like they were specially designed for our feet. These shoes do an amazing job of supporting high arches and cradling your foot, and they seemed to take pressure off of the balls of our feet. It felt like we were walking on air no matter how many miles we tackled.

Best Everyday Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

On Running Cloudflyer 4

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (7)

Why We Like It: A stylish, energizing shoe that’s perfect for walking and wearing around town.

It's Worth Noting: We did not find that there was enough arch support while running.

Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Normal

The first thing you’ll notice when you put these shoes on is their bubbly spring. You’ll find an energizing and more bouncy feel than many sneakers, giving you not only a pep but pop in your step. With no break-in period needed, our heel felt completely cradled and cushioned from the very first try on. In fact, we really noticed that these shoes for plantar fasciitis helped calm the usual stinging in our feet. We would wear these all day if we could – but maybe not for more than walking or casual wear. Unfortunately, our arches weren't as protected as expected while running. We found that we weren’t able to run more than a half mile before feeling arch pain.

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (8)

Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis for Nurses

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (9)

Why We Like It: We could stand on our feet all day without an ounce of pain thanks to the contoured heel and adjustable fit.

It's Worth Noting: The additional spacers are intended to be used to help give a better fit, as opposed to a different level of support.

Sizes: 5-12 | Widths: Narrow, Standard, Wide, Extra Wide

Pounding the pavement or standing for hours is no problem when you’re wearing these shoes. Right out of the box, we could feel the major upgrade in comfort and support compared to other shoes we’ve worn. The curve of the heel combined with their gentle stability made it feel like we were walking on soft carpet. The stretchable knitted upper forms and contours your foot, making it feel like it was truly made for you. If they feel a little too loose? You can adjust them to find your perfect fit with two removable spacers that come with the shoes. The one thing you won’t need to adjust is the comfort. Even after long shifts and endless hours on our feet, we did not experience the pain in our heel that we have become used to in other sneakers.

Best Travel Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

ABEO MXV Shift Metatarsal

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (10)

Why We Like It: Ideal arch support for high arches, and plenty of cushioning to ease the shock of hard surfaces or high-impact exercises.

It's Worth Noting: The brand notes that the removable insert is available in neutral or metatarsal (for high arches).

Sizes: 6-11 | Widths: Normal

When it comes to travel, you need a lightweight shoe that won’t add bulk to your suitcase but will add comfort and support for long days on your feet. For those needs, we’re sold on these sneakers. (In fact, we’re already thinking about wearing them on our next trip to Europe, where most streets are cobblestone and our feet take a beating when we walk around.) They're extremely light and comfy but hold our heel in place without causing blisters. We felt so stable and secure in these sneakers that we even wore them to dance class. We didn’t stumble once or feel any typical plantar fasciitis pain even after an hour and a half of intense, high-impact choreography. From the mall to grocery store, cement to hardwood floors, we were more than satisfied with the performance of these shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Best Podiatrist-Approved Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Altra Paradigm 6

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (11)

Why We Like It: These shoes feel like you’re walking on clouds, thanks to plenty of spring and bounce from the cushioning.

It's Worth Noting: We noticed some uncomfortable snugness on the top of the shoe when flexing our feet (like when we were driving the car).

Sizes: 5.5-12 | Widths: Normal

The first thing we said when we put these shoes for plantar fasciitis on: "It feels like we’re walking on clouds." Thanks to the midsole foam, our feet, heels, ankles, and knees felt incredibly supported while walking and running. Due to the shoe’s unique anatomical design, your arch and heel will feel snug and secure while you’ll still be able to wiggle your toes. Even after wearing these shoes for long periods of time (over 8 hours), we felt none of our usual plantar fasciitis pain. The podiatrist approval gives us an extra boost of confidence too; these shoes for plantar fasciitis boast an American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, awarded to products found by the Association to promote good foot health.

Best Clogs for Plantar Fasciitis

Dansko XP 2.0 Clogs

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (12)

Why We Like It: An ideal non-sneaker option that provides hours of comfort and cushioning.

It's Worth Noting: We can’t comment on their traction on grass, gravel, or dirt, as we did not test these on outdoor surfaces.

Sizes: 4.5-13 | Widths: Medium

Now we know why nurses, doctors, chefs, and tons of on-your-feet professionals wear these shoes for plantar fasciitis! These clogs are rock-solid when you try to twist them, but oh-so-comfortable when you slip into them. While they were a bit awkward at first (we’re not used to wearing clogs!), the lightweight midsole and padded instep collar make these incredibly easy to walk in for hours on end. Our feet, heels, ankles, and knees feel stable and supported, and we especially felt their shock-absorbing power in the heel. With plenty of cushioning and arch support, these shoes were so soothing; we never felt any stabbing pain in the heel or ankle area like we’re used to.

Best Support Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Dansko Pace Walking Shoe

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (13)

Why We Like It: A unique insert provides extra cushioning and support where you need it most.

It's Worth Noting: After walking for a while, we sometimes found we needed to tighten the laces as we felt our foot was sliding a bit.

Sizes: 5.5-12 | Widths: Medium

The power of these shoes is all in the details. We noticed a unique heel cup rim around the edge of the heel, with a small oval cushion in the center of the heel for extra comfort. The actual insole was removable and after further inspection, we found that it had some unique features–including extra foam on the balls of the foot and a hard plastic support system that runs from under the arch through the entire heel. The result? A heel cup that hugs and supports while the extra cushion gives plenty of softness with each footfall. The shoe is light, breathable, and easy to walk in; they don't weigh your foot down or feel heavy and clunky in the slightest. After walking for a while, we sometimes found we needed to tighten the laces as we felt our feet were sliding a bit. But that was the only downside we could find in this shoe for plantar fasciitis, which felt absolutely idyllic wearing from morning to night.

Best Recovery Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

OOFOS OOmg Sport

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (14)

Why We Like It: We were already obsessed with the brand’s sandals, but these slip-on sneakers are an amazing all-season option.

It's Worth Noting: The shoes felt snug (but not uncomfortable) the first time we put them on, but did not irritate or cause any hot spots.

Sizes: 5-11 | Widths: Normal

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t just go away on recovery days. In fact, when you’re not actively exercising is often the time you need a supportive house shoe the most. We were already hooked on OOFOS sandals, and now we’re obsessed with these sneakers. The slip-on design is incredibly convenient, particularly during warmer-weather months when you don't want to wear socks. These are as easy to put on as a pair of sandals, but more secure and supportive. The foam is said to absorb 37 percent more impact than traditional footwear, while their patented footbed is designed to reduce stress on your knees, ankles, and other joints. We felt almost immediate plantar fasciitis relief, and we noticed less back pain on the days we wore these shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Best Arch Support Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

WalkHero Wide Toe Box Shoes with Arch Support

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (15)

Why We Like It: The firm yet cushy arch support keep our feet far more comfortable than we ever could have imagined.

It's Worth Noting: The brand recommends choosing a size bigger than your usual size to ensure optimal comfort.

Sizes: 6-12 | Widths: Medium

We never realized how bad our plantar fasciitis pain was until we realized how walking should feel thanks to these shoes for plantar fasciitis. While the heel was slightly elevated compared to shoes we have used in the past (ensuring that we did not feel any excess pressure on the balls of our feet), where these sneakers really stood out was in their arch support. From the moment we put them on, we immediately felt like the insole was applying gentle, supportive pressure in a way that would massage the arch of our foot as we pressed into the ground with each step. It didn’t matter how long we were on our feet, the support never let down. These absolutely made our walking experience better and helped us deal with pains that we thought were normal.

What to Know About Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

  • Heel-to-toe drop: Some shoes with a higher heel-to-toe-drop ratio are better for relieving the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. “The reason for this is that the Achilles tendon also attaches to the same bone as the insertion of the plantar fascia,” says Levin Valencia. “A higher heel takes stress away from both insertion sites, thus relieving pain.”
  • Support: Look for a shoe bed that is firm but supportive, which can help absorb excess shock from walking. Shoes with stability and arch support help maintain foot alignment and prevent plantar fascia overstretching. You should also keep an eye out for thick arches, wide chunky heels, and shoes that don't bend easily.
  • Cushioning: The amount of cushioning you choose in shoes for plantar fasciitis is up to you and your individual preferences. Some people prefer a firmer cushion for more support, while others love the plush feeling of walking on clouds.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is plantar fasciitis?

    Think of your plantar fascia like a thick, stretchy rubber band. It connects the bones in your foot together and forms the arch on the bottom of your foot. Anything that irritates or damages it can cause plantar fasciitis, including: being on your feet all day, working on a hard surface, wearing shoes that don’t support your feet well enough (like flip flops), and even walking around barefoot while you’re at home.

  • How long does plantar fasciitis last?

    There is no set time frame for how long plantar fasciitis typically lasts, says Levin Valencia. “Most people coming to my office have had it for at least a few weeks but some are more chronic with months and years of pain. I’m going to assume others only have pain for a few days and don’t seek treatment or research it on the internet.”

  • Are there other possible causes of heel pain other than plantar fasciitis?

    A common misconception is that all foot pain is plantar fasciitis. “I also wish people realized that there is chronic and acute heel pain and the treatment varies significantly,” says Levin Valencia. If you’re suffering from foot pain for more than two weeks, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider who can help you pinpoint the cause and develop a specific treatment plan just for you.

Why Trust Shape

As a health and fitness editor who has been regularly testing all categories of activewear since 2009, Jen Ator has nearly 15 years of pinpointing the highs and lows of footwear. As a four-time marathoner and Ironman finisher, as well as a certified strength and conditioning specialist, she personally knows what to look for in terms of comfort, support, and energy return, and has worked with many individuals suffering from common aches and pains like plantar fasciitis. For this piece, Jen worked closely with the testing team to gain insights from our real-world test and spoke with Levin Valencia to determine our winners for best shoes for plantar fasciitis across various categories.

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, from Running Shoes to Stylish Loafers (2024)

FAQs

Are Brooks or Hokas better for plantar fasciitis? ›

The Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis, Tested By A Podiatrist And Personal Trainer. Our experts recommend Hoka's Clifton 9 and Brooks' Ghost 15.

What kind of running shoe is good for plantar fasciitis? ›

Neutral or stability shoe: Well-fitted neutral shoes with decent padding may provide enough support to relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis. If you're prone to overpronation, shin splints, bunions, or knee pain, look to stability shoes for another level of cushioning.

What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? ›

Shoes which often make plantar fasciitis worse are flat slip on shoes or pumps. Ugg boots are also very bad. Flip flops are bad yet remain a popular choice of footwear for many people, particularly those that live in warmer climate.

Is Hoka good for plantar fasciitis? ›

HOKA, a renowned brand known for its cushioning and support, offers a range of shoes that can provide relief and comfort for individuals dealing with plantar fasciitis.

Can certain shoes make plantar fasciitis worse? ›

Stiletto Heels or Ultra-High Heels

We podiatrists like to call it shoe-icide.” And shoe-icide is right! Stiletto heels and other ultra-high heels are one of the worst types of shoes you can wear if you have plantar fasciitis (and put you at risk for developing the condition if you don't have it yet!).

What style of Brooks is best for plantar fasciitis? ›

A great option to help with plantar fasciitis relief is our Adrenaline GTS model. The Adrenaline GTS offers a 12mm drop from heel to toe which helps to put your weight more in the forefoot and away from the plantar in your heel.

What is better, Hoka or Brooks? ›

Both brands have comparable prices, so what makes one better than the other depends on your individual needs and preferences. Hoka is known for its highly cushioned shoes and a favorite for trail runners, while Brooks is a more traditional shoe that's been around for more than 50 years.

What are the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis 2024? ›

The Adrenaline GTS 23 is hands down the best overall shoe for people with plantar fasciitis. It has rock-solid support, ample cushioning, and high heel to toe drop that are ideal for runners who need that added bit of protection for their feet. And it's hard to find shoes that keep feet protected as well as the GTS 23.

Is New Balance good for plantar fasciitis? ›

Why We Like It. These New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers have a dual-layer foam midsole that cushioned our feet when we were walking around—which was exactly what we want to alleviate the pain and pressure caused by plantar fasciitis. Even after all-day wear, our feet still felt fresh and comfortable.

What running shoes do podiatrists recommend? ›

A variety of brands that have been recommended by experts for running are listed below.
  • ASICS. ASICS are known for their high-quality shoes that provide excellent support and cushioning. ...
  • New Balance. ...
  • Brooks. ...
  • Hoka One One. ...
  • Saucony.
Jan 31, 2023

Are Birkenstocks good for plantar fasciitis? ›

Birkenstocks can be plantar fasciitis's BFF: their molded cork footbed supports your arch, reducing heel pain. But not all styles are created equal! Look for those with a deep heel cup and firm soles, ditch the super-flexible ones.

Is walking barefoot better for plantar fasciitis? ›

While it may seem appealing to walk barefoot when dealing with plantar fasciitis, it is crucial to prioritize the health and healing of your feet. Going barefoot exacerbates strain, increases risk of injury, disrupts gait and alignment, and lacks the necessary support and shock absorption.

What aggravates plantar fasciitis? ›

High-impact sports or activities – Like running and plyometrics, any exercise involving high impact on the feet can cause aggravated plantar fasciitis pain. Constant pounding of the grass or pavement, like in football or soccer can cause inflammation of the plantar fascia.

Are wider shoes better for plantar fasciitis? ›

The best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis are supportive and have a wide toe box.

Is it better to be barefoot or wear shoes with plantar fasciitis? ›

One of the primary reasons to avoid going barefoot when you have plantar fasciitis is the lack of proper support. Shoes, particularly those designed for individuals with this condition, provide essential arch support, cushioning, and stability.

Are Skechers good if you have plantar fasciitis? ›

Skechers shoes are known for their lightweight construction, making them ideal for individuals with plantar fasciitis. The lightweight design minimizes the burden on the feet, allowing for more natural movement and reduced strain.

Do you need more arch support for plantar fasciitis? ›

Great Arch Fit - To be effective, you need to support your plantar fascia properly. But that can only happen if the arch height of your insole matches the arch height of your foot. While you don't need custom insoles, you do need orthotic inserts for plantar fasciitis that offer a choice of arch heights.

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