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One day, I was out for a jog, and the next, I was searching “best shoes for plantar fasciitis,” the suspected cause of my sudden heel pain. I didn’t know it at the time, but it would be the beginning of a longtime battle with a common foot condition. All at once, I found myself with frequent appointments to the podiatrist and physical therapist, and sadly, hanging up my running shoes. Events that typically meant dressing up in a great pair of heels or walking shoes were now a source of anxiety, not excitement. As plantar fasciitis sufferers know, sometimes there are flare ups and other times (months or even years) there are no issues at all. I realized through the years that well-made shoes meant for this type of pain would be my most important tool for managing the rough days. Below are the most comfortable sneaker and sandal options for folks like me, endorsed by podiatrists and real people with plantar fasciitis.
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis, at a glance
- Best Overall: Hoka Bondi 9, $170
- Best for Gym: On Cloud Cloudpulse, $190
- Best for Running: Brooks Glycerin 22 Neutral, $165
- Best Heels: ABEO Avenue Strap, $155
- Best Platform: Kuru Loma, $145
- Best Slides: OOFOs Recovery Sandal, $55
- Best Sandals: Aetrex Ellie, $90
- Best for Standing All Day: Asics Gel Nimbus Track, $165
- Best Slip-On: Kizik Brisbane, $119
- Best for Wide Feet: New Balance 1080, $156
What exactly is plantar fasciitis?
A significant number—around 10% of Americans—struggle with plantar fasciitis. The pesky and painful problem is inflammation of the thick tissue band that connects your heel bone to your toes, running along the bottom of your foot. More than 4 in 5 of cases are in working adults between ages 25 and 65 years old, and choosing shoes based on your foot pain, not your personal style, can be a serious downer. Yet, supportive shoes are one of the most important steps in a comprehensive treatment plan. With the right shoes, I can do almost everything I used to, whether it’s dancing at a wedding, heading out on a date night stroll, or putting in some serious lifting at the gym. I credit my shoes.
“There are many brands that have excellent shoes [for plantar fasciitis],” says Allison Hamad, DPT, a podiatrist, surgeon and professor at the University of Cincinnati Health. “It’s most important to evaluate the specific shoe model you are looking for and decide if it is appropriate for your specific foot type. A local running store, shoe store, or your physician may be able to help you with this.”
What to look for in a plantar fasciitis shoe
There’s shoe shopping, then there’s shoe shopping for a specific condition. Dr. Hamad says, “The three most important aspects when looking for shoes are the sole, arch support, and flexibility. The heel should have cushioning and be made in a ‘rockerbottom’ fashion to properly absorb the impact of walking or running. There should be adequate arch support to help offload the plantar fascia and allow it to recover.”
Try bending the shoe if you are shopping in person, she recommends. “You should not be able to bend a shoe when you pick it up and apply stress from front to back. This provides the foot with adequate stability. Shoes that are overly flat or flexible place the plantar fascia under increased stress when walking, running, or any other weight bearing activity.”
She also adds that shopping for shoes for plantar fasciitis might mean consulting with a specialty athletic shoe store or podiatrist to figure out what your foot specifically needs, as some feet are wider or narrow, or have flat or high arches.
Keep in mind that choosing the right shoe might take some trial and error, and a bit of patience, so save those receipts and look for brands that are okay with returns after trying the shoe indoors for a few days.
Best Overall Plantar Fasciitis Shoe: Hoka Bondi 9
As someone with plantar fasciitis, I always have my Bondi’s on hand. Originally meant for distance runners, the brand has now become a favorite for anyone hoping to alleviate pain, be it foot or other joint discomforts. I like to pair mine with Powerstep Pinnacle Insoles for my high arches and extra heel padding.
Dr. Sarah Crawford, owner and a licensed physical therapist of Anchor Wellness in Ohio, recommends them for short term relief because they have a lot of cushioning and are not as rigid as many of the other arch supporting shoes. Karena Wu, DPT, a physical therapist at Activecare Physical Therapy in Manhattan, says they “offer cloud-like comfort with its soft and light foam and the significant cushioning can help with heel and foot pain during the heel strike to toe off cycle during gait.”
“These are a game-changer for PF. They have thick, cushy soles and a rocker design that helps take stress off the heel and arch. If you’re on your feet all day or just need something ultra-comfy, these are a solid bet,” says Sean Ormond, MD, a dual board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management. of Atlas Pain Specialists in the Phoenix area.
In addition to the Bondi, which I consider the most padded, another Hoka option is the Clifton 9 because of its structure and convenient pull on tab on the heel.
- Why they stand out: Exceptional cushioning, but still lightweight
- What we didn’t love: Though they are lightweight, they are big and bulky shoes.
Best Plantar Fasciitis Gym Sneaker: On Cloud Cloudpulse
When On started gaining popularity, I didn’t give it a second look because the heel didn’t seem fluffy enough for my heel pain. But, what it lacks in layers of smoosh, it makes up for in serious support, which our experts say is one of the key indicators of a great shoe for plantar fasciitis.
When I first tried this shoe, I had to spend some time getting used to the structured feel, but I realized that it does have great heel support, and is now my go-to shoe for the gym. The Cloudpulse in particular has specific lateral support features, making you feel more stable as you move side to side, something I do in my fitness class. So, keep these in mind if you are wanting a more minimalist feel, without the massive bulk and cushioning vibes—plus, they have some super cute colors.
- Why they stand out: We appreciate the minimalist style to this shoe, especially when PF shoes can add a lot of bulk and weight to the structure.
- What we didn’t love: If you are mid-flare up, you might need those extra plush layers from another brand.
Best Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Glycerin 22 Neutral
The Glycerins help with both balance and give you a bit of pep in your step during the “toe off” phase of a running stride, or when your toe leaves the ground. Adam Bushell, an Australia-based plantar fasciitis patient says, “Brooks has been one of my favorites, specifically their Brooks Addiction Walker. The arch support and cushioning does a great job of spreading out the pressure and easing the strain on my feet.” Plus, they’re available in 13 color options so you’re not limited in style.
- Why they stand out: Numerous colorways; excellent cushioning; strain prevention.
- What we didn’t love: Not as much cushion in the heel as some other brands.
Best Heels for Plantar Fasciitis: Abeo Avenue Strap
I haven’t worn heels in at least a decade, and I’m only in my 30s. This is simply because there’s aren’t comfortable heels for plantar fasciitis—or so I thought. I learned that sometimes the issue with heels is the immense pressure on the front of the foot, with very poor arch support—not something you really think about when you’re looking for the perfect pair to match a cocktail dress. So, I was pleasantly surprised to slip on the ABEO Avenue Strap, with a chunky square style heel, and not have any pain at all.
The high arch takes pressure off the heel, and since it’s a modest height, I didn’t have pain. I wouldn’t wear these for extensive walks or a whole night out as someone with a foot condition, but I’m happy to have an option to use for fancier occasions that won’t have me resorting to Tylenol and sneakers twenty minutes into an event.
- Why they stand out: Heels don’t always go hand-in-hand with a plantar fasciitis diagnosis, so having an option for those times you need some extra glamour is appreciated — especially with so many colors available.
- What we didn’t love: The toe strap is adjustable with velcro, but the ankle strap is the more traditional style like a belt and takes a bit more effort.
Best Platform Sandal for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Loma
Similar to heels, I thought cute walking sandals, such as platforms, would be off the table with my diagnosis. Wrong again. Platform shoes from Kuru are the only elevated sandals I’ve been able to wear, and feel almost as good as sneakers due to a cork base that molds to your foot with lots of cushion. I’ve also tried flat slides for a business casual look from this brand, which I loved as well, but these platforms are extra squishy yet supportive throughout the footbed.
Dr. Wu is a fan of Kuru, sharing that their sole is good at hugging the heel and providing arch support to “unload” the stress on the plantar fascia, that pesky band along the foot giving us so much trouble. “They have a EVA shock-absorbing cushion and a wide toe box to provide space for the toes to spread out so the intrinsics and the plantar fascia can relax.”
- Why they stand out: We loved the healing-hugging technology these platform sandals provide. It truly feels like you’re walking on air while still being supported.
- What we didn’t love: If you’re prone to easily twisting your ankle, these might not be the best fit. At just shy of 2.5 inches, these definitely raise you up!
Best Slides for Plantar Fasciitis: Oofos Recovery Sandal
These are both my emergency flare up shoes, as well as the best pool-side shoes you could ask for. Walking without shoes can be super painful and difficult with plantar fasciitis so a pair of comfortable slides comes in handy. OOFO is well-known for extremely forgiving recovery shoes, and one style, the OOFOs OOahh has received the APMA seal of approval.
“Not an everyday shoe, but if you need relief after a long day, these are magic,” Ormond says. “They absorb impact incredibly well and are great for lounging around the house or slipping on after a workout.”
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