According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately 2 million people are treated for plantar fasciitis—a common condition that causes pain in the bottom of the foot, under the arch and heel—yearly. One of the best ways to treat foot pain from plantar fasciitis is by protecting your feet with proper shoes, according to Sean Peden, MD, foot and ankle surgeon at Yale Medicine Department of Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation. While not one specific shoe works for all people, Dr. Peden recommends looking for ones that offer more support and protection. He adds that relatively stiff and well-cushioned shoes can improve plantar fasciitis symptoms. We researched dozens of shoes for plantar fasciitis and chose the best ones based on the following attributes: cushioning, support, cost, style, and value. A podiatrist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the contents of this article for medical accuracy surrounding plantar fasciitis and how to evaluate features like arch support and sturdy construction in shoes for plantar fasciitis. We also consulted experts, including Dr. Peden. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Men's: Best Budget: Best for Running: Best for Walking: Best Dress Shoes: Best Slipper: Best Sandal: In This Article Our Picks Where We Stand How We Selected What to Look For Our Experts FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Pros Plush cushioning Grippy sole Water resistant Cons High price-point Take time to break in Materials: EVA, leather | Sizes: 5-11 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Moderate Made with the brand's ultra-plush EVA midsole, the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi SR Leather Trainers provide comfort and stability with each step, making it our best overall pick. Dr. Paden says that this pick is from a newer brand and that they're very supportive with firm soles and generous cushioning. He maintains that they are excellent for people with all kinds of foot conditions. and that they're dependable and have good longevity, too. The shoe is also ultra-grippy and has been tested for slip resistance on surfaces with water, oil, and soap. Moreover, its water-resistant leather exterior keeps your feet dry while looking fresh. It's no wonder these are top-rated shoes for nurses who are on their feet all day. The soles are on the stiffer side and may take some time to break in. Pros Plenty of cushioning Heel-stabilizing system Lightweight Cons May run small Materials: Polyester, foam, mesh | Sizes: 5-12 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: High The Asics GT-2000 8 is our top women's pick thanks to its heel-stabilizing design and cushion that's plush without weighing you down. The Asics gel technology cushioning at the front and back of the shoe reduces impact as you land, which is great for lessening pressure on the heel and lower leg for those with plantar fasciitis. Available in both wide and narrow sizes, this shoe also ensures you'll get a perfect fit no matter your foot shape. It's also available in eight colors for easy wear. They run on the narrow side. Pros Available in three widths Shock-absorption system Compression system that helps with pronation Cons May not have as much stability for lighter people Materials: Foam, rubber, mesh | Sizes: 6-15 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Max Asics Gel-Kayano 28 low-profile running shoes are a great choice for curbing plantar fasciitis symptoms. With a 10 mm heel drop, they take the stress off your foot without being bulky. The brand's FF Blast foam cushioning in the midsole keeps feet arches supported and comfortable. We also like the shoe's external heel counter and Dynamic DuoMax Support System stabilizes feet as you walk, which is great for pronation and flat feet—a condition that's linked to plantar fasciitis. They're also available in three widths—standard, wide, and extra wide—for perfect fit and support. You might find the toe box a bit small if you have wide feet. Pros Shock-absorbing sole Light-reflective details Heel design targets plantar fasciitis Cons Run small Fabric shows wear Materials: Polyester, foam | Sizes: 5-13 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Moderate Dr. Peden maintains that Asics are great sneakers for anyone on a budget. The Asics Gel-Nimbus is one of their more popular running shoes and is a great option for anyone who suffers from heel pain. The shoe is supportive and well-cushioned, featuring the brand’s FlyteFoam Propel Technology and exoskeletal heel counter that targets the problem area. As far as aesthetics, it is available in a wide range of color combinations, all with reflectivity in order to enhance visibility. The mesh that covers the toes is comfortable and breathable, but it also wears down quickly. Pros Lightweight and breathable Available in multiple widths Well cushioned Cons Narrow toe box Not waterproof Materials: EVA | Sizes: 5-13 | Cushioning: EVA Foam | Arch Support: Moderate The Brooks Ghost collection earned its name for one reason: They're so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing shoes at all. It's the sneaker brand’s best-selling model and is incredibly popular at specialty running stores. The Ghost 14 is the latest offering in the collection. It features DNA Loft cushioning, keeping the bottom of your feet—from the heel to the forefoot—comfortable no matter what type of surface you're walking on. The shoe is also incredibly breathable, made out of air mesh that clings to your foot. The Brooks Ghost is offered in a variety of colors, sizes, and widths, making it easy to find just the right fit—ideal for those who need a wider shoe to accommodate conditions like a hammertoe. If short shoe laces bother you, you'll probably need to replace the ones that come with these shoes. Pros Max arch support Durable Cushioned heel and forefoot Cons Limited colors Materials: Leather | Sizes: 5-12 | Cushioning: Gel | Arch Support: Max The Brooks Addiction Walker is a doctor-recommended, patient-endorsed walking shoe for people of all ages, particularly those with diabetes-related foot issues. While the shoe is incredibly simple in appearance, the construction of the highly-rated walking shoe is more complex. It features midsole HydroFlow technology, which adds extra cushioning with dynamic gel units in the heel and forefoot. As for arch support, which is key for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, its Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar will cradle your tendons offering ample support. If you prefer shoes with a lot of color and fashion sense, these might not be your favorite pick. The design is pretty basic, and they only come in two colors. Pros Grippy outsole Half sizes and different widths available Durable Cons Run narrow Materials: Leather | Sizes: 5-12 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Moderate While Clarks shoes are more costly, they're also well made and built to last, according to Dr. Peden. In fact, he wore them for years during his training. The brand dates back to 1825 and is still one of the best-selling shoe brands nearly 200 years later for a reason. Their popular Clarks Emslie Warren style is a heeled bootie, that offers a dressy look with the comfort level of a clog or sneaker; you get all the benefits of a comfortable shoe without sacrificing style. It features the brand's trademark Cushion Soft foam comfort footbed, offering ample support as well as a durable TR rubber traction outsole to keep you from slipping. It is available in a few color options as well as whole and half sizes and different widths, so you can customize it to your foot and desired aesthetic. The shoes run a bit small and narrow, so consider sizing up if you are between sizes or have wider feet. Pros Water resistant Memory foam footbed Ethically made Cons Limited sizes Light arch support Materials: Leather | Sizes: 6-10 | Cushioning: Leather | Arch Support: Light If you are looking for a timeless boot that doesn’t resemble an orthopedic shoe whatsoever, Dr. Peden suggests the Nisolo brand, which incorporates supportive leather footbeds in their stylish boots. He loves the brand because they're as stylish as they are ethical. The Nisolo Chelsea boot is the most comfortable version of that trendy boot you see in every magazine. Available in nutmeg suede and smooth leather black and brandy, it is a perfect addition to any outfit, ranging from jeans and leggings to skirts and dresses. The boots are made from real leather and may take a few wears to break in. Pros High arch support Anatomically-desgned orthotic Sturdy sole Cons Not the most stylish Materials: Leather, polyurethane foam | Sizes: 5-12 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: High If you're looking for a pair of slippers that actually help your feet while being cozy, Orthofeet's Charlotte Slippers are a podiatrist favorite. They offer plenty of arch support, vital for those with high arches, and an anatomical orthotic that provides proper foot alignment. Although these slippers are a great pick for wearing around the house, we love that they're also suitable for short walks outdoors. They feature a plush faux fur interior and a sturdy sole perfect for continued support if you take them outside. They're a perfect pair to keep by the door for short morning walks in cooler temperatures. The padding is warm and cozy, but might be too hot for long-term wear if your feet tend to sweat. Pros Sturdy arch support Straps keep sandals in place No break-in period Cons Best for high arches On the heavy side Materials: Suede, rubber, leather | Sizes: 5-11 | Cushioning: Leather | Arch Support: High Vionic Reyna Flatform sandals prove that shoes don't have to be full coverage to be supportive. The straps on the top and back of the sandal keep the sandals in place with every stride, which is a crucial quality to look for when you're dealing with plantar fasciitis. The more your sandals slip and slide, the harder your feet will have to work to keep them in place, but that's not an issue with this pair. We love the thick suede footbed, which provides just the right amount of support, cushion, and shock absorption. The arch support is also a welcome feature for anyone who has high arches. Despite the sturdy soles, we didn't find these sandals required a break-in period, and we wore them comfortably right out of the box. Like most platform shoes, these sandals are on the heavier side. The arch support might also be a bit too intense if you have flat feet. Pros Deep heel cup Cooling material High arch Cons Run small May wear out quickly Materials: EVA Foam | Sizes: Men's: 4-15; Women's: 6-14 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: High If you want to transform one of your current shoes into one that is plantar fasciitis friendly—or you just want to up your comfort level—inserts can be incredibly helpful for alleviating a host of bottom-of-foot pains. For those who prefer a softer insert, Walk Hero is a popular brand for plantar fasciitis support. The super supportive insoles feature a soft EVA foam layer and a deep heel cup, which helps align your body and give your feet proper positioning. It also provides support and cushioning, transferring pressure away from high-impact areas, such as your heels. They're sized in regular shoe sizes, so you can order the size you normally wear. As with most insoles, the shape of these might not perfectly match your foot, but it's easy to trim the insoles to get a better fit. Pros Wide size range Odor control Deep heel cup Cons Can be difficult to cut Materials: Polyester, foam | Sizes: Men's: 5.5-15; Women's: 4.5-13 | Cushioning: Foam | Arch Support: Medium For those who aren’t a fan of soft inserts, Dr. Peden suggests Superfeet insoles because they tend to be a bit firmer, he says. Superfeet are available in a variety of “colors,” each with a different combination of thickness and arch support. Blue is their most popular style catering to medium thickness and arch or medium volume and profile. Constructed out of high-density foam to support and cushion the foot, they are shaped to take the pressure off problem areas while offering all the support you need to comfortably get through the day which can help reduce plantar fasciitis flare-ups. The heel support is may be too firm for some. Based on expert recommendations, extensive research, and real-life testing, our favorite shoes for plantar fasciitis are Hoka Bondi SR Leather Trainers. They provide unparalleled support and amazing comfort, and their top-notch quality guarantees they'll be a long-term investment. We'll update our list as new products become available, so be sure to check back for the most recent picks. When selecting the shoes for plantar fasciitis, we researched dozens of products to find the most effective options. We also spoke to foot specialists to determine what other features to look for when treating plantar fasciitis symptoms. We then tried out select pairs of shoes to ensure only the best selections made the final cut and assessed on the following criteria: We spoke to experts throughout researching, testing, and writing this article. Those experts include: How do you treat plantar fasciitis? Giving your feet a break from any activities that may be aggravating the condition and allowing them to rest can help along with icing your heel to tamp down swelling and taking over-the-counter pain medication like Aleve (naproxen), Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen). Adam H. Kaplan, DPM, a podiatrist and Verywell Health Medical Review board member recommends an ice bottle massage and repeating this for as long as you want (but watch out for frostbite). You may also try some foot and ankle exercises to help stretch and strengthen your foot, beginning with your toes. With a toe stretch, sit in a chair with just your heel on the floor. What shoes should I avoid if I have plantar fasciitis? When treating plantar fasciitis, you should avoid shoes that put too much pressure on the foot, like high-heeled shoes and sneakers with a significant heel drop. Tight or poorly-fitting shoes can also stop the foot from moving naturally, aggravating plantar fasciitis symptoms. As an internationally recognized health writer and product guru,Leah Grothunderstands that nobody wants to waste their time or money on products that fail to rear results. Over the years, she has interviewed the world's top health experts and reviewed hundreds of items to help readers like you discover the most effective health gadgets, goops, and aids that will help you look and feel your very best. Additional reporting to this story by Jaylyn Pruitt. Key Specs:
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Best Boots
Nisolo Everyday Chelsea Commuter Boot
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Best Sandal
Vionic Reyna Flatform Sandal
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Best Firm Inserts
Superfeet Blue All-Purpose Insoles
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What to Look for in Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
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