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Best shoes for plantar fasciitis in 2024
This content should not be considered medical advice. The information provided is not meant to diagnose or treat any health conditions. Consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine or taking any new supplements.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the primary causes of heel pain in adults. Such a condition is a result of inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a thick band of tissue that extends along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. Those at risk for developing plantar fasciitis include runners, those between the ages of 40 and 60 years, dancers, those with flatfeet, those who are overweight and those with occupations that cause them to stand for many hours at a time on hard surfaces. This condition can cause severe heel pain that limits a person’s daily activities and impacts mobility. Therefore, it’s vital that people with plantar fasciitis find shoes that provide adequate support.
The best plantar fasciitis shoes are those that provide proper arch support and/or have a removable insole that allows the wearer to place in their own customized arch supports. Read below to learn more about what shoes are best for those with plantar fasciitis.
Overview of shoes for plantar fasciitis
According to research, shoes for plantar fasciitis should have a heel height between 0.5 and 4 centimeters and insoles that provide cushioning and/or arch support. Running shoes show promise to reduce the burden on the overall foot in most people. However, the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis are those with some midsole hardness to reduce the stress and strain of plantar fasciitis. But this does place a high load on the overall foot, so using prefabricated orthotics such as customized insoles with medial wedges would be beneficial to help reduce pain in those with plantar fasciitis.
How we chose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis were chosen by looking at those shoes with proper arch support, cushioning, a thick sole, and an adequate-sized heel, according to research recommendations. Also, those with consistent reviews by consumers that show effectiveness in supporting plantar fasciitis were taken into consideration.
Top shoes for plantar fasciitis
- Best for men’s everyday shoes: Vionic Trent Sneakers
- Best for women’s everyday shoes: Vionic Kimmie sneakers
- Best for walking shoes: Skechers Arch Fit 2.0
- Best for running shoes: Brooks Ghost Running Shoe
- Best for women’s slippers: Therafit wool Clog Slippers
- Best for men’s slippers: KURU LOFT Slippers
Best for men’s everyday shoes: Vionic Trent sneakers
About Vionic Trent sneakers
The lightweight and slip-on design of Vionic Trent sneakers makes them perfect for running everyday errands or walking around the block. The removable mesh-covered EVA footbed provides breathable support, which you can take out and replace with your own orthotic if needed. This stylish sneaker contains all the support of an orthopedic shoe while providing the ultimate in aesthetic and APMA approval.
Why we like it
- Vionic technology in relieving heel pain
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Removable footbed for customizable arch support
What to consider
- Between $100-150 price tag depending on where you purchase them
- Some consumers say the shoe runs narrow
- Some consumers complain of not having a lace-up design
Best for women’s everyday shoes: Vionic Kimmie sneakers
About Vionic Kimmie sneakers
Vionic Kimmie sneakers provide a stylish suede upper design while providing ultimate cushioning and arch support. The pull tab and stretch panels provide easy slip-on and off for convenient wear, while the rubber outsole provides durability and stability. With APMA acceptance and a padded collar, this shoe is sure to provide healthy comfort to your feet during your busy every day.
Why we like it
- Vio-Motion™ Technology for cushioning and arch support
- Removable mesh covered footbed
- APMA Seal of Approval
What to consider
- Around $130 price tag
- Some consumers complain of narrow sizing
- Some consumers complain of shoes being prone to wear and tear
Best for walking shoes: Skechers Arch Fit 2.0
About Skechers Arch Fit 2.0
From light walks to walks around town marking tasks off your to-do list, the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 may fit for you. The podiatrist-certified arch support design supports anyone with flatfoot or sensitive feet, while a heel pillow keeps your feet firmly in place for ultimate support. With air-cooled memory foam and machine washable form, these shoes will stay fresh throughout all your daily activities. Try Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 in both men’s and women’s styles for the perfect walking shoe for plantar fasciitis.
Why we like it
- Arch Fit® insole
- Cushioned midsole
- Podiatrist-designed
What to consider
- $90 price tag
- Some consumers complain of narrow uppers
- Some consumers complain the shoe is sized too small
Best for running shoe: Brooks Ghost 14 and 15 running shoe
About Brooks Ghost 14 and 15 running shoe
For running and other vigorous physical exercise, the Brooks Ghost running shoe is perfect for those with plantar fasciitis and other forms of foot pain. BioMoGoDNA and DNA LOFT cushioning provide optimal underfoot cushioning while supporting the responsiveness of the shoe. Meanwhile, a Segmented Crash Pad provides ideal shockwave absorption. Manufacturers recommend buying ½ to one size larger than your dress shoe to provide optimal fit. Find the Brooks Ghost running shoe in both men’s and women’s designs.
Why we like it
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Over 35 different designs
- Certified PDAC A5500 diabetic shoe to support swollen feet and edema
What to consider
- Standard price tag of $140
- Some consumers complain of short laces
- Some consumers complain of problems breaking shoes in
Best for women’s slippers: Therafit Wool Clog slippers
About Therafit Wool Clog slippers
For a comfy shoe to support your plantar fasciitis while spending time at home, the Therafit Wool Clog slipper could be your perfect fit. Three personalized comfort system (PCS) dual-density comfort adapters in the midsole wedge provide ultimate comfort. Not to mention, the removable cushioned insoles and superior arch support which is perfect for those with plantar fasciitis. With the Aegis Microbe Shield treatment, these Therafit Wool Clog Slippers are sure to stay fresh with every step.
Why we like it
- APMA approval
- Gel inserts for added foot protection
- Superior arch support
What to consider
- Around $130 price tag
- Some consumers complain of narrow toe box
- Some consumers complain of slippers slipping off easily
Best for men’s slippers: KURU LOFT slippers
About KURU LOFT slippers
For slipper softness both indoors and outdoors, choose the KURU LOFT slipper. The rubber outsole provides versatile use both indoors while hanging around the house and outdoors when grabbing the mail. The KURUSOLE technology provides snug heel support, while a dual-density polyurethane insole provides a deep inner heel cup and premium arch support for those with plantar fasciitis. With cozy faux-fur or flannel lining options, this KURU LOFT slipper is sure to keep your feet in comfort all day long.
Why we like it
- APMA approval
- 7-layer personalized comfort system (PCS)
- Superior arch support
What to consider
- $130 price tag
- Some consumers complain of slipper sizing being too small
- Some consumers complain of slippers running too narrow
How to choose a shoe for plantar fasciitis
When choosing a shoe for plantar fasciitis, it’s vital to choose one with proper arch support and cushioning, the option for insole removal if orthotics are in use, and one that doesn’t break the bank since plantar fasciitis treatment outside of supportive footwear is costly enough.
- Arch support and cushioning: The primary factor in choosing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis is to choose a shoe that has adequate arch support and cushioning. Although research shows that either arch support or cushioning could be adequate for plantar fasciitis pain management, if your pain is on the moderate to severe side, try to find one with both features for ultimate support.
- Removable insole: If you have plantar fasciitis, it is likely you will at some point require orthotics like customized insoles to support your feet. Therefore, you should purchase a shoe that has a removable insole to accommodate such orthotics.
- Budget: Choose a shoe that helps support your plantar fasciitis while providing a reasonable investment that you can afford within your budget. Some shoes for plantar fasciitis may cost on the upper end of the range, and in those cases, be sure that they contain all the features you require to manage your plantar fasciitis foot pain and are durable enough to last for several years to make it worth the cost.
Methodology
To compile this list, our writers and editors reviewed top products on the market, compared specs and features and created a short list of the top shoes for plantar fasciitis. Then, we used product descriptions, reviews and user ratings to find the best shoes for each category. Note that we do not test every product but base our lists on our research, user reviews and expert opinions.
FAQ
Is more cushion better for plantar fasciitis?
More cushion, along with arch support, is very helpful to support the foot in those with plantar fasciitis. You should speak with your podiatrist, though, to find out if a custom orthotic may be more beneficial to you to help reduce your plantar fasciitis pain.
Should I walk more or less with plantar fasciitis?
The amount of activity you engage in with plantar fasciitis will depend on your level of pain. If you are able to walk around at work and home, it’s important that you wear supportive shoes to help reduce pain during movement. It’s also important to note that those with plantar fasciitis should avoid walking on hard surfaces whenever possible.
Should you wear shoes in the house with plantar fasciitis?
Experts suggest that you should avoid walking barefoot whenever possible if you are dealing with plantar fasciitis to help decrease stress on the plantar fascia. Also, it may be helpful to wear a splint on your foot at night to help it stay at a 90-degree angle to allow the plantar fascia to stretch.
References
- Mayo Clinic (last updated September 7, 2023) “Plantar fasciitis.” Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/plantar-fasciitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354851
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (last accessed November 16, 2023) “Plantar fasciitis.” Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/plantar-fasciitis
- Umar, H., Idrees, W., Umar, W., Khalil, A., Rizvi, Z.A. (July 2022) “Impact of routine footwear on foot health: A study on plantar fasciitis.” J Family Med Prim Care, 11(7):3851-3855. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_637_21. Epub 2022 Jul 22. PMID: 36387720; PMCID: PMC9648311. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9648311/
- Cho, Y.J., Lee, D.W., Shin, H.S., Hwang, Y.B., Lee, D.O., Kim, D.Y., and Lee, D.Y. (June 2022) “Change of In-Shoe Plantar Pressure According to Types of Shoes (Flat Shoes, Running Shoes, and High Heels).” Clin Orthop Surg., 14(2):281-288. doi: 10.4055/cios20260. Epub 2022 May 13. PMID: 35685969; PMCID: PMC9152888. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35685969/
- Zhu, X., Liu, J., Liu, H., Liu, J., Yang, Y., and Wang, H. (April 2023) “Effects of Midsole Hardness on the Mechanical Response Characteristics of the Plantar Fascia during Running.” Bioengineering (Basel), 10(5):533. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering10050533. PMID: 37237604; PMCID: PMC10215323. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37237604/
- Amoako-Tawiah, P., Love, H., Chacko Madathilethu, J., LaCourse, J., Fortune, A.E., Sims, J.M.G., and Ampat, G. (September 2023) “Use of orthotics with orthotic sandals versus the sole use of orthotics for plantar fasciitis: Randomised controlled trial.” World J Orthop., 14(9):707-719. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v14.i9.707. PMID: 37744719; PMCID: PMC10514714. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37744719/
- Thong-On, S. and Harutaichun, P. (May 2023) “Effects of customized insoles with medial wedges on lower extremity kinematics and ultrasonographic findings in plantar fasciitis persons.” Sci Rep., 13(1):8642. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-35862-6. PMID: 37244973; PMCID: PMC10221742. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37244973/
- Nakhaee, M., Mohseni-Bandpei, M., Mousavi, M.E., Shakourirad, A., Safari, R., Kashani, R.V., Mimar, R., Amiri, H., and Nakhaei, M. (June 2023) “The effects of a custom foot orthosis on dynamic plantar pressure in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis: A randomized controlled trial.” Prosthet Orthot Int, 47(3):241-252. doi: 10.1097/PXR.0000000000000179. Epub 2022 Aug 26. PMID: 36037272. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36037272/
- Yale Medicine (last accessed November 16, 2023) “Plantar Fasciitis.” Retrieved from https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/plantar-fasciitis
