wellness
smart finds to keep heel pain at bay
By Courtney Campbell
•
Published Mar 7, 2024
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If you’ve ever dealt with throbbing pain on your heels—particularly right after you wake up in the morning—you know the true discomfort of plantar fasciitis, essentially inflammation of the band of tissue that connects your heel bone and metatarsals. And if you're feeling that ache, you're not alone: “This is the most common cause of heel pain and is usually the worst in the morning and after periods of rest,” says Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a podiatrist at City Podiatry.
It can also make your go-to shoes—particularly if they're worn or too tight—extremely uncomfortable and painful. If you have plantar fasciitis, Dr. Sutera recommends shoes that offer cushion, arch support and a deep-seated heel cup. (Even having cushioned slippers at home can help.)
Using the doctor's recommendations as our guidelines, we scoured the market to find the 12 best shoes for plantar fasciitis, whether you're planning to wear 'em indoors or out. And at the bottom, we're answering some of your FAQ's about shoe shopping, including Dr. Sutera's "tabletop test" to determine when you need a new pair of kicks.
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Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis at a Glance
2
Best Loafers
Vionic Uptown Hybrid Penny Loafer
read more
$120 at Nordstrom
Meet the Expert
Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, is a podiatrist at City Podiatry and is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery in Foot Surgery. She earned her medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in Manhattan and specializes in women’s foot care.
How We Chose the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
To pick the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, we spoke with podiatrists to get their input on what features to look for in a more comfortable shoe as well as any specific recommendations they had. From there, we narrowed options that fit the specs and chose shoes with a variety of styles and at different price points. Just because you’re dealing with foot pain does not mean you need to be limited to dad shoes!
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Best Overall:
What We Like
- cool design
- good for running
- supportive
What We Don't Like
- expensive
On Running
On Running makes some of the supportive and stylish sneakers on the market, which is what you need if you don’t want to wear something that screams orthopedic shoes. The holes at the sole provide a nice, supportive bounce and have textured grip for stability with each step. This also helps absorb the impact of different surfaces, so your heel won’t face the pain of an uneven step. The interior of the shoe is quite roomy and supports the back of your foot with a molded sock-liner and external heel counter. We also love the split-color design, which adds character without skewing over the top.
Nordstrom
Best Loafers
2. Vionic Uptown Hybrid Penny Loafer
What We Like
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- stylish
- good arch support
What We Don't Like
- can feel heavy
Vionic
Dr. Sutera recommends these loafers from Vionic that are created with a deep heel cup and arch support—all things helpful for those with plantar fasciitis. Reviewed by The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) with a Seal of Acceptance, these shoes were designed to protect heels from impact and cushion as you walk. The loafer comes in 10 different styles, so you don’t have to be limited to sneakers to relieve your aching feet.
$120 at Nordstrom
Best Hokas
3. Hoka Bondi 8
What We Like
- colorful
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- rear crash pad
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Hoka
Hokas are probably the first shoe that comes to mind when we think of orthopedic shoes—and with good reason. The Bondi 8s, in particular, help relieve heel impact with a memory foam collar and a rear crash pad at the back. They also offer more neutral support for your every day strides but the curved sole keeps your steps from landing flat and being too hard on the heel. They’re a bit bulky, sure, but they have earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance and have been reviewed by podiatrists as an orthopedic shoe, making them a great fit for those with PF.
Best Running Shoes
4. Brooks Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe
What We Like
- ideal for running
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- light
What We Don't Like
- not the most stylish
Brooks
Just because you’re dealing with foot pain doesn’t mean it’s impossible to run. The popular Brooks Ghost has been updated with new cushioning that is a mix of rubber, air and light foam that can help lighten the impact of heavy landings. The neutral running shoe has enough support for a smoother ride, and the soft midsole and segmented crash pad help protect the heel with any missteps. These kicks have also earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance as running shoes.
Best Hiking Shoes
6. Merrell Bravada 2 Hiking Shoe
What We Like
- toe protection
- great for hiking
- multiple colors
What We Don't Like
- runs small
Merrell
Slippery rocks, bulky roots and muddy bridges are no match for these grippy and supportive hiking shoes from Merrel. The supportive, contoured footbed is great for those with heel pain, and the bouncy sole can help with feeling the impact of various elements on your hikes. The mesh exterior is extremely breathable for long miles uphill and the font rock plate gives some added protection.
Best Flip Flops
What We Like
- multiple colors
- water resistant
- comfortable arches
What We Don't Like
- thick
- pricey for flip flops
Olukai
Your current worn-down flip flops probably aren’t doing your plantar fasciitis any favors. But the thick soles on Olukai flip flops offer great shock absorption and have good arch support. Made with a compression-molded EVA midsole, this pair has a drop-in footbed for a fit that feels like it's custom-molded to your foot. These sandals are made for the beach: They're water-resistant and quick-drying for the ultimate comfortable summer shoe.
Best Wide
8. Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoe
What We Like
- breathable
- high arch
- designed for plantar fasciitis
What We Don't Like
- not the most stylish
Orthofeet
Available in both wide and extra-wide sizing, these sneakers give your foot (and heel) room to breathe. These orthopedic shoes feature stretchy and breathable fabric for easier movement and ventilation, and they’re designed for plantar fasciitis. Foam padding around pressure points provides relief for sensitive soles, and the arch booster helps realign the foot for better stability. (Not to mention they’re comfortable enough to wear all day.)
Best Arch Support
What We Like
- durable
- good for long distances
- arch support
What We Don't Like
- limited color options
Dansko
Arch support is key for those with plantar fasciitis because it helps take some of the pressure off the heel. The extra shock-absorbing cushion in the heel, coupled with a rim around the heel cup, makes these sneakers a supportive hero. The solid arch support is sturdy enough to stay intact during daily wear, so you won’t have to replace them too frequently. They might not be the most stylish shoes, but they offer plenty of comfort and stability.
Best Dress Shoe
10. Cole Haan Originalgrand Platform Wing Tip Oxfords
What We Like
- dressy
- several colors
- not restricting
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Cole Haan
These upgraded Oxfords are so cute you wouldn’t think of them as orthopedic footwear. But thanks to the hidden heavily padded, foam-y midsoles they’ll feel as cushioned as a sneaker. The added bonus of rubber in the heel and forefoot gives plenty of stability while still feeling lightweight on a work commute. However, if you’re going to be on your feet all day, you might want to opt for sneaks with a little more arch support.
Best Slippers
11. ERGOfoot Orthotic Slippers
What We Like
- high arches
- better than neutral
- good traction
What We Don't Like
- clunky
ERGOfoot
When you’re at home, it’s time to slip into the most comfortable and supportive slippers around. The ERGOfoot Orthotic Slippers are one of the few slippers with build-in arch support for comfort and a deep heel cup for extra support on your heels. It will feel so much better than walking barefoot on your feet. The soft velvet lining makes them cozy enough to want to keep on at all times, and the wave pattern tread on the bottom absorbs shockwaves and helps prevent slips.
Best Recovery Slides
What We Like
- slip on style
- multiple colors
- good arch support
What We Don't Like
- pricey
Vionic
Whether you’ve logged in several miles or have been on your feet all day, these arched slides should help relieve pressure on achy soles. The slip-on style and square round-toe silhouette feels both stylish and functional as the it provides enough cushioning for plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions that require extra support. It’s a favorite of Dr. Sutera with a textured, massaging EVA footbed with oversized sidewall and deep heel cup for extra support on the rear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?
As mentioned earlier, sneakers and shoes that feature cushion, arch support and a deep-seated heel cup are ideal for those with plantar fasciitis. Dr. Sutera also recommends avoiding walking barefoot at home, as the lack of arch support can be painful, so a good pair of recovery slides can be helpful to have on hand.
What types of shoes should you avoid if you have plantar fasciitis?
Thin, flat and worn-out shoes can cause and make plantar fasciitis worse. Because of this, Dr. Sutera says to replace your shoes when they start to show signs of wear. An easy way to do this is to follow her ‘Tabletop Test.’ “Take your shoes, put them on a tabletop and examine the soles at eye level,” she says. “Are they even? Are they worn? Then flip them upside down and examine the tread. Is it smooth? Does it have holes? If so, replace the shoes.”
Are Hokas good for plantar fasciitis?
Depending on your needs, certain pairs of Hokas would be comfortable and supportive enough for those with plantar fasciitis. We like the Hoka Bondi 8s, which have the Seal of Acceptance from the APMA, but there are other podiatrist-approved orthopedic styles from the brand.
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Courtney Campbell
Freelance Writer
Courtney covers all things shopping and lifestyle at PureWow. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Elon University and has spent more than five years of her career...
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