21 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, According to Podiatrists

Waking up with sharp heel pain can be demotivating, especially if you have to commute to work or run essential errands. Although medication provides some pain relief for plantar fasciitis, it’s a short-term solution. Besides, taking multiple doses per day for a prolonged period is not ideal. The key here is to take preventive measures, such as wearing supportive footwear. We spoke to several reputable podiatrists and compiled a list of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Keep scrolling to find the right shoes for you, whether you’re looking for running shoes, work boots, or something more casual.

First, What is Plantar Fasciitis?

According to the National Library of Medicine, the condition involves a biomechanical imbalance resulting in tension and inflammation of the plantar fascia (the band of tissue running across the bottom of your foot). It’s often nicknamed ‘runner’s heel’ and can be a painful hurdle in daily life.

If you suffer from this painful condition, don’t feel too bad for yourself; you’re not the only one. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot pain conditions, affecting an estimated 2 million people in the US. 
Luckily, there are ways to ease the pain caused by plantar fasciitis.

According to Scholars at the Harvard Medical School, common treatments include various foot exercises, anti-inflammatory medication, and supportive shoes with cushioned soles and integral arch support. With the basics of plantar fasciitis explained, let’s dive deeper into our guide.

What Should You Look For In Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis?

For a detailed answer, we contacted several podiatrists, including Joel W. Brook, DPM, an experienced podiatrist for foot and ankle pain treatment and founder of the Dallas Podiatry Works. Dr. W. Brook told FixMyWalk, “Shoes should be solidly constructed, not too flexible, have built-in arch support, and should simulate being barefoot.” Expanding on the last point, he added, “Small heels and wedges are better than flat shoes as they alter the structure of the foot during ambulation to limit the amount of pronation.”

David Cheskis, DPM from the Advanced Podiatry of Long Island, Stated, “The best shoes for plantar fasciitis have a thick sole for shock absorption and a tapered design often with more lift in the rearfoot compared to the front of the foot, which keeps the ankle in a more lax alignment”. Additionally, he explained that these shoes have “a sturdy, more cupping design to the heel to control excessive pronation, which stems mainly from eversion of the calcaneus bone during weight bearing.”.

So, according to podiatrists, arch support, solid structure, shock absorption, and barefoot simulation are vital for dealing with plantar fasciitis.

Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Below is a quick rundown of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis we chose with the guidance of qualified podiatrists and our team’s analysis of reviews, popularity, pricing, brand reputation, and shoe structure.

Jump To Section:

• Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Sneakers/Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Casual Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis
• Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

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Best Sneakers / Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

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Best Casual Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

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Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

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Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

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Best Work Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

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Best Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis

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How We Chose The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Besides researching online reviews, fasciitis-friendly features, and shoe structure, we consulted with reputable podiatrists:

• Hai-En Peng, DPM – Experienced podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at the Align Foot & Ankle Center in Santa Barbara, CA.

• Joel W. Brook, DPM – Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and founder of the Dallas Podiatry Works.

• David Cheskis, DPM – Expert in corrective foot surgery and podiatry from Advanced Podiatry of Long Island.

These qualified podiatrists gave us valuable insight, pointing out three main aspects of selecting shoes for people with plantar fasciitis: arch support, barefoot simulation, and cushioning.

Arch Support

Arch support is key to preventing plantar fasciitis symptoms. The plantar fascia is the tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. Plantar fasciitis is typically diagnosed when inflammation and micro tears occur in that tissue due to excessive straining.

Arch support helps distribute weight evenly across your foot, reducing inflammation and pain. Furthermore, proper arch support promotes better foot alignment, greatly reducing overpronation and supination. These two happen when your foot rolls excessively inwards or backward.

Cushioning

Extra-cushioning is another aspect that can help alleviate plantar fasciitis pain. Cushioning materials often found in insoles and midsoles include gel, foam, or even air pockets.

Apart from being ultra-comfortable to stand on, these materials can absorb impact forces generated by activities like running or walking. This leads to a reduction in the jarring effect, a leading cause of plantar fasciitis. Like arch support, high-quality cushioning also helps with weight distribution and prevention of overpronation.

Barefoot Simulation

According to Dr. Brook, shoes for people with plantar fasciitis should “simulate being barefoot.”. Barefoot simulation, or how well the shoe adapts to the shape of your foot, is a characteristic that almost all shoe parts contribute to.

The flexibility of the insole, upper, and heel counter are key players here. Some materials are more adaptive than others. For example, leather is much less flexible than polyester mesh, hence why even casual shoes for plantar fasciitis are mostly made of breathable mesh rather than leather.

However, there’s one area where flexibility can work against you: the sole. According to Dr. Cheskis, “If you can bend your shoe in half, it is not supportive. The sole needs to be very sturdy and supportive enough.”.

What To Avoid When Choosing Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Certain shoes can cause plantar fasciitis and should be strictly avoided if you suffer from the condition. We recommend staying away from:

• Shoes That Are Too Tight – According to a 2018 study by the National Center of Biotechnology Information, wearing incorrectly fitted shoes is directly linked to foot pain and disorders. Squeezing into shoes with a toe box that is too narrow can lead to ingrown toenails, leading to inflammation and heel pain.

• Flat Shoes With A Thin Midsole – “People, especially if they are flat-footed, should avoid very minimalistic shoes.”. Flat shoes, in particular, tend to have a thin sole, not supportive enough for optimal shock absorption. “Shoes like Vans, Converse, Drivers, Flats, etc. are bad options if you’re suffering from heel pain.”, Dr Cheskis tells FixMyWalk.

• High Heels – There’s a reason women struggle to find high heels for plantar fasciitis. According to the Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists Clinic, high heels can cause plantar fasciitis and should be avoided. These shoes don’t provide any support and cause unnatural foot positioning, putting unnecessary strain on the arch of your foot.

Final Words

Our feet are like these unsung heroes that help us get around every day. They deserve to be treated with care. Think of supportive footwear as an investment in your foot health. It seems like a small investment, but it can make such a huge difference. And it’s not just about your physical health; your mental and emotional well-being can also benefit.

That’s what FixMyWalk is here for. We’re here to help you choose shoes that will improve your day-to-day life with the knowledge of medical professionals. We hope our guide has helped you find the shoes you need, and if it has, please help others by sharing this guide with friends or family who suffer from plantar fasciitis too.