Plantar fasciitis can cause stabbing pain and swelling. This can have an impact on daily activities. Experts helped us pick some of the best shoes to help.
Pain along bottom of the foot
Plantar fasciitis pain occurs at the bottom of the heel.
Plantar fascia stress
The plantar fascia is a ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot. When it's stressed, it may cause small tears.
More likely to experience if
You may experience pain if you have tight calf muscles, high arches, run frequently, if you have more weight, or ramped up training recently.
Plantar fasciitis can make it difficult to walk, exercise, or even stand for any length of time. While treatment often requires taking a break from intense activity, it doesn’t usually mean you have to give up all of your activities. Especially when the sun beckons and you want to be outdoors.
After considering dozens of shoes, with the help of podiatry recommendations, reviews, a medical expert, and polls, we landed on these as the most comfortable sandals and the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Of course, no shoe will work perfectly for everyone. “Shoes are very personal,” said Dr. Gregory Minnis. “Everyone’s foot is shaped differently and moves a little differently. At the end of the day, the shoe that is best is the one you can comfortably walk in.”
Pricing guide
- $ = under $100
- $$ = $100 to $150
- $$$ = over $150
| Brand name | Price | Sizes | Where to wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA Bondi 8 | $$$ | • women’s 5 to 12 • men’s 7 to 16 | • walking • running |
| ASICS Gel-Nimbus 26 | $$$ | • women’s 5 to 13 • men’s 7 to 15 | running |
| Saucony Omni Walker 3 | $ | • women’s 5 to 12 • men’s 7 to 14 | walking |
| Olukai ‘Ohana | $ | • women’s 5 to 12 • men’s 7 to 18 | • beach • casual |
| Ecco Flowt 2 Band Sandal | $$ | women’s 4 to 11.5 | • walking • travel |
| OOFOS OOriginal Sandal | $ | • women’s 5 to 18 • men’s 3 to 16 | at home |
| Vionic Willa Women’s Slip-On Flat | $$ | women’s 5 to 13 | • work • dress |
| Amberjack the Original | $$$ | men’s 7 to 15 | • work • dress |
| Orthofeet Edgewater Stretch | $$ | men’s 7 to 15 | • casual • walking |
We interviewed experts about what types of construction, cushioning, and design were important when comparing and choosing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. We polled users, scoured reviews, read studies, and landed on more than two dozen brands and shoes to consider.
Finally, we put all our selections through our robust vetting process to ensure that we were recommending high quality products from companies that deliver on what they promise.
Dr. Minnis, a physical therapist who assesses and treats foot injuries such as plantar fasciitis, says a proper shoe fit and good arch support, ample cushioning, and a firm insole can help take the stress off inflamed or irritated plantar fascia:
The following shoe features may also help minimize symptoms of plantar fasciitis:
- heel stability
- a slightly elevated heel (1–1.5 inches)
- a firm midsole
- a thick outsole, sometimes with a rocker bottom to avoid overstretching your plantar fascia when you walk
The shoes on our list, including comfortable sandals and walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, meet these criteria.
It can also be helpful to seek shoe recommendations from your podiatrist, review shoe brands that have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, or enlist the help of a sales associate while shopping.
“Go to a footwear store with a knowledgeable staff who will let you try on a variety of shoes,” he said. “You want to walk liberally in the shoes before you buy them to make sure they are comfortable.”
Arch support
“The plantar fascia helps maintain the arch during gait/walking,” Minnis said. “Proper-fitting footwear and good arch support can take stress off of the inflamed or irritated plantar fascia.”
How much and what type of arch support will depend on your foot. For example, if you have flat feet, you’ll likely want ample arch support. But if you have a higher arch, you may want a shoe with less restriction to promote greater mobility.
Rigid sole, midfoot cushioning, and heel drop
A firm sole and midfoot cushioning are important to tame plantar fasciitis symptoms.
Another important issue is the heel drop, according to Minnis. This is the vertical difference between the heel and the front of the shoe. The ideal drop for people with plantar fasciitis is 3–4 centimeters (1–1.5 inches), he said.
“This can reduce the load on the plantar fascia,” Minnis said. He adds that the heel should be stable, with a firm counter, or material forming the back of a shoe the supports the heel.
Soft impact with the ground
In addition to considering comfort, look for a shoe that provides the least impact when your foot strikes a hard surface. Ample undersole cushioning and the use of outer sole materials that lessen impact are ideal.
Shoes without arch support and heel stability can worsen symptoms of plantar fasciitis. The results of a small
“Flats or shoes with a high heel and minimal arch support will increase stress on the plantar fascia,” Minnis explains.
No matter the type, any shoe that causes uncomfortable pressure points or makes your feet hurt should be swapped for something more comfortable.
If you’ve tried multiple shoes that were supposed to be more supportive and your symptoms have persisted, orthotics may help. They can add support and stability to any shoe.
Minnis recommends trying a reputable brand of over-the-counter (OTC) orthotics before investing in expensive custom orthotics. “In my experience, many people get relief from OTC orthotics,” he said. “If the OTC ones don’t work, then custom orthotics may be required.”
Recovering from plantar fasciitis requires patience, especially if you’re usually an active person. If you don’t let your feet heal properly, there’s a good chance the condition will come back. While you don’t need to stay completely off your feet, taking a break from intense or high impact activities is necessary for your condition to improve.
Recovery might take a few months or even a year, but there are ways you can help the healing process. In addition to rest, treatment options may include:
- icing the area to help relieve inflammation
- taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- practicing exercises and stretches to improve flexibility
Other recovery techniques, such as rolling your foot on a ball or even on a frozen water bottle, can also help provide relief.
If you’re having severe pain that doesn’t go away with rest, your doctor may recommend:
- cortisone injections
- custom orthotics
- medical treatments, possibly including surgery
Something in the middle is best. Shoes that are too hard may irritate your plantar fascia, but those that are too soft may not have the support and stability necessary to avoid overstretching your plantar fascia.
Ideally, you’re looking for a cushioned but rigid midsole paired with good arch support.
Crocs can be suitable for plantar fasciitis, but only if you choose the classic style, which has good cushioning, a fairly rigid sole, and a reinforced heel.
This Classic Lined Croc may fit the bill. This model is lined with faux fur, which adds a bit more cushioning and helps you avoid sweat and slipperiness inside the shoe.
You may want to increase the arch support by inserting an OTC orthotic such as the ProTech 3/4 Orthotic.
You’ll want to avoid the more fashion-oriented Croc models, which may lack the cushioning and support of the classic model.
When it comes to choosing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, a good first step would be to speak with a specialist — either a podiatrist or a physical therapist. The second step? Try on a lot of different shoes.
Use this article as a guide. You want a shoe that combines arch support, midsole stability, and cushioning, especially in the heel. You’ll be able to find these features in a variety of supportive sandals, sneakers, oxfords, slip-ons, and clogs.
And while all the shoes discussed in this article are supportive and comfortable and have helped some people with plantar fasciitis, not every shoe will work for every person. Each foot is different, as Dr. Gregory Minnis said. To find the right shoe for you, try a lot of styles, spend some time walking around, and you’ll know what works and what doesn’t.