You may have plantar fasciitis with flat feet, high arches, wide feet or narrow feet…. The treaty does not discriminate. So, Dr. Canzanese points out, it’s important to try on several types of shoes to find out what feels good on your feet and provides the support you need. In other words, some shoes are better for plantar fasciitis than others (usually those with more cushioning in the heel and good arch support), but there is no one type of shoe that is best for everyone.
Frequently asked questions about buying shoes for plantar fasciitis
While no shoe can promise you’ll stay pain-free, choosing well-cushioned and more supportive shoes is a solid step (heh) toward reducing discomfort in the future. If you are still looking for the right pair of shoes for you, here are some criteria to keep in mind while shopping.
In general, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis will fit properly (ie, not too small and wide enough to fit your foot comfortably). “You’ll want a shoe with a deep heel and plenty of arch support in the midfoot,” Carla Gamez, DPMpodiatrist at the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), tells SELF.
Consider wearing your shoes with orthotics or insoles that have substantial heel cups to help cushion and absorb shock. Susan Eby, PT, MSowner of Eby Physical Therapy in New York, he adds. These inserts will also provide additional arch support, which can provide further pain relief, Yolanda Ragland, DPMpodiatrist and founder of Fix Your Feet in New York, tells SELF.
Avoid flat, unsupportive footwear like flimsy sandals or backless clogs, says Dr. Gamez. 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 a more fitted shoe for work or a special occasion, look for ones with a slight heel (about half an inch) to minimize stretching of the plantar fascia, as well as styles that stay on your foot without catching the toes (i.e. a that has elastic or other straps to secure it to your leg).
Shop for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis
Below, you’ll find comfortable, expert-approved (and, frankly, pretty cute) sneakers, shoes, sandals, and slippers.
Best Overall: Kuru Quantum 2.0
Advantages
- Very sturdy and supportive
- Specially designed to prevent foot and heel pain
Disadvantages
This comfortable walking shoe from Kuru is designed to help relieve foot pain, including the discomfort that accompanies plantar fasciitis. The brand’s patented Kurusole technology supports your heels and arches to help them better absorb impact while standing and walking.
The previous model of Quantum was suggested by Bianca Beldini, DPTphysical therapist, founder of Sundala Wellness, and USA Triathlon Level 1 coach in New York City. Small design tweaks that make this latest version the top-of-the-line yet include a wider base and roomier toe box than the first Quantum. These additions also make the 2.0 a good choice for people with issues like bunions.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Width: Medium, wide | Drop from heel to toe: 8.5mm | Weight: 10.8 ounces | Materials: Mesh, synthetic fabric, rubber
Runner-up: Hoka Clifton 9
Advantages
- Amazingly light
- Excellent for long term use
- Very comfortable
Disadvantages
- Some of the support and intentional design of Quantum 2.0 may be missing
Hoka shoes have a deep heel (the part of the shoe that surrounds the back of your foot) and cloud-like cushioning that makes them feel like a glorious hug. This comfortable, plush fit makes them some of the best hiking shoes for people with plantar fasciitis. Dr. Gamez also recommends the Clifton because of its responsive midsole, which, despite the higher amount of cushioning, helps propel you forward as you walk.
The latest version, the Clifton 9, helped relieve plantar fasciitis pain for the former executive editor of SELF: “As someone who recently started dealing with plantar fasciitis, I’ve tried many sneakers that claim to be comfortable and supportive. I was given the Clifton 9’s as a gift and they do not disappoint!” she says. “I actually like them a lot more than my Clifton 8s, which would lead to minor flare-ups. These shoes don’t hurt my feet at all, they get me through long days of walking around New York, and they’re also weirdly cute.” Safe to say, it secured its spot as her go-to sneaker.
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Width: Normal, wide | Heel to Toe Drop: 5 millimeters | Weight: 7.30 ounces | Materials: Mesh, polyester, EVA foam, rubber
Best Walking Shoe: Vionic Walk Strider
Advantages
- Very supportive
- Cute, minimalist style
Disadvantages
- It can feel too stiff, according to reviewers
With a sturdy design and a high level of arch support, Vionic’s Walk Strider can help relieve the pain of plantar fasciitis, Gigee Bhular, DPMa foot and ankle doctor at Virtua Health in New Jersey, tells SELF. While its rigid midsole helps prevent rolling, its flexible upper flexes with your foot when you’re on the move.
SELF’s merchandising director has been wearing a pair of Vionic Walk Striders for the past few weeks and confirms that the sneakers are instantly comfortable. “I struggle with new shoes that create ‘hot spots’ and blisters by rubbing my heels and the sides of my feet—I’ve been known to take off the Band-Aids in my office after commuting to the office. But the Vionic Walk Strider needed no break-in time,” he says. “These aren’t the softest, sturdiest kicks I’ve ever worn, but the arch support helps my ex-ballerina feet feel lifted and supported, even after hours on the move.”
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Width: 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
Advantages
- Shock absorbing design
- Good for high arches
Disadvantages
- Some reviewers found the pull-on tabs annoying
Dr. Gamez recommends Asics Gel-Nimbus running shoes for a cushioned ride. This best-selling style is made with gel technology that absorbs shock as you hit the pavement. It also has a breathable mesh upper and plenty of room in the forefoot, giving your toes a little extra room to move.
A plantar fasciitis self-tester 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. They are super supportive and hug my high arches. I love that this shoe also comes in solid colors, making it easier to match with the rest of my outfit.”
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Width: Normal, 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
Advantages
- Very soft
- Tons of color options
Disadvantages
The award-winning SELF Sneaker 2023 Hoka Bondi 8 is known for its maximalist cushioning that delivers a marshmallowy ride without weighing you down. All that extra padding makes it one of the best options for people with plantar fasciitis, Dr. Beldini says.
A Sneaker Awards tester happily wore his Bondis to a four-hour concert, and SELF’s social creative development manager says the pair fit her feet perfectly: “I have wide feet and high arches, and they were specifically recommended to me by the employee at The Local my Fleet Feet store,” he says. “I tried a few other pairs of sneakers along with the Bondi 8s, but I kept coming back to them. They were light on my feet – almost like I wasn’t wearing any shoes at all – but also provided strong support around my heels and ankles.”
Sizes: US 5 to 12 | Width: Normal, wide | Heel to Toe Drop: 4 millimeters | Weight: 8.90 ounces | Materials: Mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, rubber
Best for Wide Feet: Brooks Ghost 16
Advantages
- Wide range of options
- Plush feel
- Smooth ride
Disadvantages
- The laces tend to come loose, according to reviewers
Erik Sims, DPMmanaging 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 the 2023 Sneaker Awards tester recommended the previous version (the Ghost 15) to runners of all levels: “I’ve been running for six years now, I’ve completed many races — including a half marathon — and I’ve never liked a shoe so instantly or easily.” , they said. “I would recommend them to any runner, from the casual runner to the marathon trainer.”
This pair from Brooks uses a plush, lightweight foam to cushion your feet without feeling clunky and has plenty of room in the upper (although you won’t feel like you’re swimming in them). It’s also a good choice for arch pain, says Dr. Sims.
Sizes: US 5 to 13 | Width: Narrow, Regular, Wide, Extra Wide | Heel to Toe Drop: 12 millimeters | Weight: 8.5 ounces | Materials: Mesh, synthetic fabric, foam, rubber
Best hiking boots: Hoka Kaha 2 Gore-Tex
Advantages
- Protective yet lightweight
- Provides moderate ankle support
Disadvantages
Both Dr. Bhular and Nicholas Japs, DPTa physical therapist at St. Vincent in Bridgeport, Connecticut, recommends Hoka’s Kaha 2 boot for hikers with plantar fasciitis. They’re mostly impressed by how light it feels while still providing plenty of cushioning, which is a tough balance to strike in a rugged outdoor boot. Dr. Japs also points to the Kaha’s durable lug outsole and wraparound ankle cuff, which will help you feel more stable on the trail.
Sizes: US 6 to 11 | Width: Normal | 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
Advantages
- Lightweight for a hiking shoe
- Good traction on the sole
- Protective heel cap
- The upper part has breathable perforations
Disadvantages
- It is not waterproof
- May not provide enough ankle support for some
