Finding shoes that are comfy and cute is hard enough, but when you add pre-existing foot pain into the mix, shopping can be a pretty discouraging experience. If you're dealing with plantar fasciitis, you've likely searched far and wide for your sole-mate, but you don't have to look in vain any longer.
The Shop TODAY team spoke with several podiatrists to find out what types of shoes work best for the foot condition, and we've also rounded up 11 rad pairs to give you plenty of options. Now go on, get ready and slip into comfort!
What is plantar fasciitis? | What are some issues plantar fasciitis can create? | Expert-recommended shoes for plantar fasciitis | Editor-tested shoes for plantar fasciitis | Insoles for plantar fasciitis | How we chose | Meet the experts
What is plantar fasciitis?
According to Johns Hopkins University, plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes at the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. Not only is it one of the most common causes of heel pain, a 2019 study released by American Family Physician also notes that this condition will affect 1 in 10 people in their lifetime.
What are some issues plantar fasciitis can create?
Not sure if you're dealing with plantar fasciitis? There are several telltale signs to look out for.
Arch pain: "When someone with plantar fasciitis puts their foot on the ground (from sitting to standing, for example), they will have a lot of pain in the arch. People with higher arches are more prone to this problem than [those with] flatter feet," New York-based podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine tells us.
Heel pain: "Other causes of heel pain (such as fractures or contusions) will cause significant pain when one applies weight to their foot in the morning, but plantar fasciitis patients tend to see a reduction in their pain as they get moving," Dr. Bradley A. Levitt, a podiatric surgeon, reveals.
Inability to walk barefoot: "People with plantar fasciitis find that walking barefoot, especially indoors on hardwood floors, is no longer comfortable. They will also find that non-supportive shoes can increase their pain," says Dr. Ashley Lee, a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.
According to board-certified podiatrist Dr. Najwa Javed, the symptoms of someone with plantar fasciitis appear in two stages.
Stage one: "A dull ache in the heel best known as post-static dyskinesia, which is pain after rest," she explains. "There is pain with the first step in the morning and pain after a long day on your feet."
Stage two: The pain is elevated to "a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel," which Javed says can be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up from sitting.
Best shoes for plantar fasciitis, according to experts
Cost-effective expert pick: New Balance Womens 574 V3 Sneaker
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Stay clean
- May run small
Sizes: 5-12 | Colorways: 10 | Materials: Synthetic, mesh, rubber outsole
Dr. Sidney Weiser, founder and medical director of Quality Podiatry Group, recommends soft, flexible sneakers for individuals suffering from plantar fasciitis. "My personal preference is New Balance. They are wide and deep enough to accommodate a custom-made orthotic that will provide adequate arch support. Supporting the arch will limit the pull of the plantar muscle at its insertion point," explains Weiser.
The everyday shoe: Saucony Guide 14 Running Sneakers
- Easy to break in
- Shoe laces stay tied
- Can feel narrower in toe box
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 11 | Material: Synthetic uppers, rubber outsoles
When it comes to footwear, plantar fasciitis patients often do best with good old-fashioned sneakers.
"Gym shoes are usually the most supportive and can accommodate an orthotic, which many people with plantar fasciitis or a history of plantar fasciitis wear," Lee says.
Saucony's running sneakers have contoured footbeds for optimal comfort, along with solid rubber outsoles to provide sturdiness and cushioning. Plus, a variety of neutral hues are available that go with just about any outfit.
Great for a marathon: Brooks Women's Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe
- Ideal for high arches
- Tend to be narrow on toe box
Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 34 | Material: Mesh uppers, rubber outsoles
These bestselling Brooks offers neutral support throughout the sneakers, which can help anyone with supination (weight transferring to the outer edge of your foot) when they run.
Dr. Adenike Sonaike, a medical director and podiatrist at Baker Street Health in Motion in New Jersey, recommends Brooks shoes due to their sturdy heel that controls motion and helps decrease heel pain. These sneakers also feature a supportive arch to help prevent arch collapse and strain on the plantar fasciitis.
Like walking on a cloud: Aetrex Danika Arch Support Sneaker
- Very supportive
- Helps with arch pain
- Very narrow
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 11 | Material: Mesh upper, rubber outsoles
"The Danika arch support sneakers for women feature breathable no stretchy mesh fabric for extra support and durable rubber outsoles with pods that provide excellent shock absorption," says Dr. Miguel Cunha, a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.
"These shoes are engineered to support various foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and flat feet, with a well padded removable insole and built-in arch support that evenly distributes pressure across the foot for exceptional pressure relief." he continues.
Good for all ages: Clarks Craft Speed Black Leather
- Comfortable
- Good quality
- Great for narrow feet
Sizes: 6-10 | Colors: 4 | Material: Leather upper, rubber outsoles
Cunha recommends these sleek leather shoes from Clarks to help with foot pain from plantar fasciitis. "These incredibly stylish shoes are engineered with an anatomically contoured and well cushioned footbed for lasting comfort and a lightweight EVA midsole with durable rubber outsole for superior shock absorption," states Cunha.
Soft and smooth: Hoka Men's Arahi 7 Shoes
- Very comfortable
- Bright colors
- May run small
Sizes: 7-15 | Colors: 11 | Material: flat-knit upper, zonal rubber
"This shoe is engineered with plush padding, a smooth meta rocker shape, and the proprietary J-frame technology that helps support the arch and prevent over pronation," explains Cunha.
"As a podiatrist, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of selecting the right footwear for maintaining foot health and comfort, especially when it comes to arch support and plantar fasciitis," he shares.
Best overall: Asics Gel-Kayano 14
- Comfortable
- Stylish
- Great for long walks
- May run 1/2 size small
Sizes: 5-15.5 | Colors: 4 | Material: GEL™ technology cushioning
"As someone who suffered from plantar fasciitis prior to becoming a podiatrist, I pay close attention to sneaker comfort and support," shares Sonaike. "I personally wear Asics to avoid recurrence of my plantar fasciitis because they offer styles based on your pronation level," she says.
"Overpronators tend to have heel instability that causes plantar fasciitis. Underpronators may have a higher arch and tight plantar fascia that can be exacerbated with injuries," Sonaike explains.
Best shoes for plantar fasciitis, tested by editors
Most budget-friendly shoe: Soda Pilot Chelsea Ankle Bootie
- Easy to break in
- Can scuff easily
Sizes: 5.5-11 | Colors: 19 | Heel height: 1.5 inches
Associate editor Allie Wise loves these Chelsea boots for their affordability and comfort level. One thing she mentioned is that this pair doesn’t require a break-in period. Plus, they’re great for walking long distances and have rubber outsoles for ongoing support.
According to her experience, “The best part about these booties is that they are easy to slip on and off, which I prefer over a traditional-style boot with laces, mainly because the design helps me save time.”
Perfect for the office: Naturalizer Madalynn Gore Water Repellent Bootie
- Great for wide feet
- Need time to break in
Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 3 | Heel height: 3 inches
Commerce editor Amanda Fama found her new everyday boot for any weather condition. This pair is built with the brand’s Contour+ technology that provides all-day comfort, sans after-pain results.
Fama says, “Recently, I was looking for a comfortable pair of black boots that were durable enough to walk around the city in (rain or shine), and I found these. They’re my favorite; my arches feel supported and my feet don’t hurt at the end of a long day commuting. Plus, they match everything from jeans to dress pants. I highly recommend!”
Easy to slip on: Rothy’s The Original Slip On Sneaker
- Lightweight build
- Comfortable design
- Some experienced blisters
Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 10 | Material: Knit
Shop TODAY intern Domonique Tolliver trusts this pair for its comfort and support around the heel area.
“These sneakers are the perfect slip-on shoe for summer. The removable insole supports your heels while you walk and the shoe’s fabric stretches to hug around your foot. I struggle with my feet sweating during the summer and this fabric seems to make that problem go away. It is airy and soft against the foot,” says Tolliver.
Your newest travel companion: Klaw 528 Sneakers
- Heel support
- Ideal for walking
- Removable insoles
- Not ideal for workouts
Sizes: 6-11 | Colors: 7 | Material: Leather
If you need a travel shoe with all-day support, these sneakers are the best choice. Jannely Espinal, an SEO writer at Shop TODAY, owns a pair and she says “These are the most reliable shoes I have if I’m walking long miles. They hug my arches and support me throughout the day.”
Aside from being podiatrist-approved, Klaw’s design features a light midsole for shock absorption and a wide toe box that won’t constrict your toes.
Insoles for plantar fasciitis, according to editors
Best insoles: Dr. Scholl’s Work All-Day Superior Comfort Insoles
- Customizable
- Odor control
- Need to replace every 6 months
Size: Women 6-10 | Good for: Plantar fasciitis | Materials: Polygiene StayFresh Technology
Audrey Ekman is a fan of these insoles for its superior comfort. “They’re designed for people who work on their feet all day to help absorb impact on hard surfaces and combat fatigue. I put them in every pair of boots I own and they make every pair exponentially more comfortable — even on days when I’m running around the city and far exceeding 10,000 steps,” says Ekman.
One Amazon customer also wrote, “I’ve been dealing with plantar facilities. While these did not cure the problem, I was just needing some relief! These did the (temporary) trick!”
Editor pick: Fulton Athletic Insole
- Doesn't slide
- Great arch support
- Top fabric can wear off
Size: Men 8-14 and Women 5-12 | Good for: Plantar fasciitis | Materials: Cork and organic cotton
If you are constantly on the run or need more support on your running shoes, add these insoles for extra alignment and comfort.
Since these insoles are made from a cork material, you get extra stability when standing for hours. Espinal recommends these insoles and says they’re “the best pair of insoles” she’s tried. Espinal continues, “I wear them with a pair of boots and they provide extra support when walking. The cork construction helps a lot in not allowing them to slip. I have early signs of plantar fasciitis and they have really alleviated my foot pain when I wear them.”
Frequently Asked Questions
If you experience plantar fasciitis, Javed and Levin say the best shoes you can wear are those with the following characteristics:
Heel height. Javed recommends opting for a shoe with at least a 1-inch heel height. "Some people with plantar fasciitis find a slightly heeled shoe to be more comfortable. This is because there is less pulling from your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia when the foot is in a slight plantarflexed position (downward flexion)," Lee says.
Firmness. Both Levitt and Javed agree that the sole of the shoe should be firm and only bend at the toe box. "You should not be able to torque the shoe like spiral pasta," Levitt says. ""I flip the shoe over and see if I can bend or break the arch; you should not be able to."
Support. "There should be a supportive and firm material on the medial (inner) border of the shoe to keep the arch from collapsing as you walk," Javed says. Levin adds that the support is important for people with high arches.
Heel cushion. Both doctors emphasize the importance of cushioning, adding that it can help ease any pain.
Since you're looking for shoes with at least one inch of heel height, anyone with plantar fasciitis should avoid totally flat ballet shoes. Javed also suggests avoiding "soft flexible shoes with memory foam and zero gravity shoes which increase the pull on the Achilles and cause more strain."
Yes, there are treatments for stage one and stage two for plantar fasciitis patients. Javed recommends the following courses of action:
Stage one patients: Stretching lower leg muscles is key, specifically the hamstring, calf and big toe joint. If the pain is severe, she says plantar fascial braces can help but an easy way to relieve all-day strain is to wear at-home recovery slippers . "Oofos are great," says Javed. Also, she recommends shoe gear modification and orthotic therapy to prevent the pain from coming back.
Stage two patients: For more severe pain, you might need to seek out a professional and explore oral anti-inflammatory pills or injection therapy. Braces, splints and physical therapy can help reduce pain. "[About] 80% of all heel pain will resolve [itself after this] but 20% can need further intervention and a small percentage needs surgical [procedures]," notes Javed.
Levitt offers another simple solution to help you find relief: "A good trick is to freeze a plastic water bottle, then use it like a rolling pin for the arch. This provides the anti-inflammatory features of ice as well as the physical therapy component of stretching."
How we chose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis
The Shop TODAY team selected the best sneakers and boots that feature arch support, cushioned footbeds and comfortable construction. We followed expert recommendations and chose some editor-tested picks.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Suzanne Levin, DPM, RPT, PC, is a New York-based podiatrist and foot surgeon. She also co-chairs the International Aesthetic Foot Society.
- Dr. Bradely A. Levitt, DPM, is a podiatric surgeon at Bayview Physicians Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He's also a contributing editor for the Diabetic Foot and Ankle journal.
- Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM, is a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists.
- Dr. Najwa Javed, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and founder of E'Mar Italy. She specializes in foot and ankle surgeries and clinical research.
- Dr. Sidney Weiser, DPM, is the founder and medical director of Quality Podiatry Group in Boca Raton, Florida.
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, is a podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City.
- Dr. Adenike Sonaike, DPM is a medical director and podiatrist at Baker Street Health in Motion in New Jersey.
