You can have plantar fasciitis with flat feet, high arches, wide feet, 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, non-supportive 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 2.0
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 2.0’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
Dr. Gamez recommends Asics Gel-Nimbus running shoes for a cushioned ride. This best-selling style is built with gel technology that absorbs shock as you pound the pavement. It also has a breathable mesh upper that has plenty of space through the forefoot, giving your toes some extra wiggle room.
One SELF tester who deals with plantar fasciitis loves her pair: “I always wear my Nimbus 26 for recovery runs and on days when my feet could use a little more cushion underneath them. They’re super supportive and hug my high arches. I love that this shoe also comes in solid colorways, making it easier to match them with the rest of my outfit.”
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Regular, wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 8 millimeters | Weight: 9.20 ounces | Materials: Mesh, foam, rubber
Best for Standing and Walking Long Distances: Hoka Bondi 8
Pros
- Highly cushioned
- Tons of color options
Cons
- A little clunky
The 2023 SELF Sneaker Award–winning Hoka Bondi 8 is known for its maximalist cushioning that delivers a marshmallowy ride without weighing you down too much. All that extra padding makes it one of the best options for people with plantar fasciitis, says Dr. Beldini.
One Sneaker Awards tester happily wore their Bondis through a four-hour concert, and SELF’s manager of social creative development says her pair perfectly suits her feet: “I have wide feet and high arches, and they were specifically recommended to me by the employee at my local Fleet Feet store,” she says. “I tried on a few other pairs of sneakers along with the Bondi 8s, but I just kept coming back to them. They were light on my feet—almost like I wasn’t wearing shoes at all—but also provided strong support around my heels and ankles.”
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Widths: Regular, wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters | Weight: 8.90 ounces | Materials: Mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, rubber
Best for Wide Feet: Brooks Ghost 16
Pros
- Ample width options
- Plush feel
- Smooth ride
Cons
- Laces tend to come untied, according to reviewers
Erik Sims, DPM, managing partner of Sims & Associates Podiatry in New York, recommends the Brooks Ghost to patients of all ages, noting that it strikes a good balance between comfort and style. And our 2023 Sneaker Awards tester recommended the previous version (the Ghost 15) to runners of all levels: “I’ve been running for six years now, have completed many races—including a half marathon—and have never loved a shoe so instantly or easily,” they said. “I would recommend these to any runner, from the casual jogger to the marathon trainer.”
This pair from Brooks uses a plush, lightweight foam to cushion your feet without feeling clunky and has ample space through the upper (although it won’t feel like you’re swimming in them). It’s a good pick for arch pain too, Dr. Sims says.
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Widths: Narrow, regular, wide, extra wide | Heel-to-toe drop: 12 millimeters | Weight: 8.5 ounces | Materials: Mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, rubber
Best Hiking Boot: Hoka Kaha 2 Gore-Tex
Hoka
Kaha 2 Gore-Tex Hiking Boots
Pros
- Protective yet lightweight
- Provides moderate ankle support
Cons
- On the pricey side
Both Dr. Bhular and Nicholas Japs, DPT, a physical therapist at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, recommend Hoka’s Kaha 2 boot for hikers with plantar fasciitis. They’re mostly impressed by how light it feels while still providing plenty of cushion, which is a tough balance to strike in a rugged, outdoorsy boot. Dr. Japs also points out the Kaha’s durable treaded outsole and ankle-wrapping cuff, both of which should help you feel more stable on the trail.
Sizes: US 6 to 11 | Widths: Regular | Heel-to-toe drop: 6 millimeters | Weight: 8.50 ounces | Materials: Mesh, polyester, Nubuck leather, EVA, rubber
Best Hiking Shoe: Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes
Danner
Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes
Pros
- Lightweight for a hiking shoe
- Good traction on sole
- Protective heel cap
- Upper has breathable perforations
Cons
- Not waterproof
- May not provide enough ankle support for some
