Plantar Fasciitis Relief Starts with These Podiatrist-Approved Shoes

If you deal with heel and arch pain related to plantar fasciitis, then you know the struggle of trying to find comfortable footwear. While no pair is perfect, the best shoes for plantar fasciitis can help relieve the tension in your feet and help you avoid frustrating flare-ups in the first place.

To help you find the right shoe, we spoke with physical therapists and podiatrists to learn what to look out for and what to avoid in pairs for plantar fasciitis. We also gathered a few recommendations from SELF staffers. Below, shop our favorite options from brands like Asics, Hoka, Brooks, and more.

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Kuru Quantum 2, $175
2. Runner-Up: Hoka Clifton 9, $145 $116
3. Best Walking Shoe: Vionic Walk Strider, $150 $140
4. Best Running Shoe: Asics Gel-Nimbus 27, $165
5. Best for Standing and Walking Long Distances: Hoka Bondi 9, $183 $170
6. Best for Wide Feet: Brooks Ghost 16, $140
7. Best Hiking Boot: Hoka Kaha 3 GTX, $240
8. Best Sandal: Oofos OOahh Slide, $145 $102

Below, you’ll find comfy, expert-approved (and, frankly, pretty darn cute) sneakers, dress shoes, sandals, and slippers.

Best Overall: Kuru Quantum 2

This comfortable walking shoe from Kuru is designed to help alleviate foot pain, including the discomfort that comes with plantar fasciitis. The brand’s patented Kurusole technology supports your heels and arches to help them better absorb impact while you stand and walk.

The previous model of the Quantum was recommended by Bianca Beldini, DPT, a physical therapist, founder of Sundala Wellness, and a USA Triathlon level-one coach in New York City. Minor design tweaks that make this latest version the greatest one yet include a wider base and roomier toe box than the first Quantum. These additions also make the 2.0 a good option for folks with issues like bunions.

Good for: long walks, shock absorption, people with bunions

Runner-Up: Hoka Clifton 9

Hoka shoes have deep heel counters (the part of the shoe that surrounds the back of your foot) and cloudlike cushioning, which makes them feel like a glorious hug. That snug, plush fit makes them some of the best walking shoes for people with plantar fasciitis. Carla Gamez, DPM, a podiatrist at Illinois Bone & Joint Institute (IBJI), also recommends the Clifton because of its responsive midsole, which, despite its higher amount of cushion, helps propel you forward as you walk.

The latest version, the Clifton 9, helped alleviate plantar fasciitis pain for one SELF tester: “As someone who has recently started dealing with plantar fasciitis, I’ve tried a lot of sneakers that claim to be comfortable and supportive. I was gifted the Clifton 9s, and they do not disappoint!” she says.

“I actually like them much more than my Clifton 8s, which would still lead to small flare-ups for me. These shoes don’t hurt my feet at all, get me through long walking days in New York City, and are also weirdly cute.” Safe to say, it secured its place as her go-to sneaker.

Good for: bouncy walks, max cushion, a fitness-fashion moment

Best Walking Shoe: Vionic Walk Strider

With a sturdy design and a high level of arch support, Vionic’s Walk Strider can help relieve plantar fasciitis pain, Gigee Bhular, DPM, a foot and ankle physician at Virtua Health in New Jersey, tells SELF. While its rigid midfoot helps prevent rolling, its flexible upper bends with your foot when you’re on the move.

One SELF tester put a pair of the Vionic Walk Striders through its paces and confirms that the sneakers are comfortable right out of the box. “I struggle with new shoes creating ‘hot spots’ and blisters by rubbing on my heels and the sides of my feet—I’m known to bust out the Band-Aids at my desk after commuting into the office. But the Vionic Walk Strider didn’t require any breaking-in time,” she says.

“These aren’t the cushiest, bounciest kicks I’ve ever worn, but the arch support helps my former ballerina feet feel lifted and supported, even after hours on the go.”

Good for: a simple and understated look, comfort right out of the box

Best Running Shoe: Asics Gel-Nimbus 27

Dr. Gamez recommends Asics Gel-Nimbus running shoes for a cushioned ride. This best-selling style is built with gel technology that absorbs shock as you pound the pavement. It also has a breathable mesh upper that has plenty of space through the forefoot, giving your toes some extra wiggle room.

One SELF tester who deals with plantar fasciitis loves her Gel-Nimbus 26s (the previous model): “I always wear my Nimbus 26s for recovery runs and on days when my feet could use a little more cushion underneath them. They’re super supportive and hug my high arches. I love that this shoe also comes in solid colorways, making it easier to match them with the rest of my outfit.”

Good for: shock absorption, high arches, sweaty feet

Best for Standing and Walking Long Distances: Hoka Bondi 9

The updated model of the 2023 SELF Sneaker Award–winning Hoka Bondi 8 is known for its maximalist cushioning that delivers a marshmallowy ride without weighing you down too much. All that extra padding makes it one of the best options for people with plantar fasciitis, Dr. Beldini says.

When SELF’s director of fitness and food tested the updated model, she appreciated the maximalist feel: “It’s super comfy for standing, with all of that foam underneath,” she says. Another tester adds, “they’re so responsive, I feel like I’m walking through life on a good-for-my-feet moonbounce. At the same time, they keep my midfoot in place and stabilized, while allowing my toes to move freely through the roomy toe box.”

Good for: more cushion than you ever thought you needed, daily runs, long walks

Best for Wide Feet: Brooks Ghost 16

Erik Sims, DPM, managing 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 our 2023 Sneaker Awards tester recommended the previous version (the Ghost 15) to runners of all levels: “I’ve been running for six years now, have completed many races—including a half marathon—and have never loved a shoe so instantly or easily,” they said. “I would recommend these to any runner, from the casual jogger to the marathon trainer.”

This pair from Brooks uses a plush, lightweight foam to cushion your feet without feeling clunky and has ample space through the upper (although it won’t feel like you’re swimming in them). It’s a good pick for arch pain too, Dr. Sims says.

Good for: cross-training, people who still like to feel the ground (as opposed to a walking-on-a-cloud sensation)

Best Hiking Boot: Hoka Kaha 3 GTX

Both Dr. Bhular and Nicholas Japs, DPT, a physical therapist at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, recommend Hoka’s Kaha boot for hikers with plantar fasciitis. They’re mostly impressed by how light it feels while still providing plenty of cushion, which is a tough balance to strike in a rugged, outdoorsy boot. Dr. Japs also points out the Kaha’s durable treaded outsole and ankle-wrapping cuff, both of which should help you feel more stable on the trail.

Good for: serious hikers, high-cushion comfort while navigating trails

Best Hiking Shoe: Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes

These sneakers are the preferred hiking shoes of one SELF writer with plantar fasciitis. “I live in Colorado, and I’m hiking or trail running all the time, and I swear by these shoes,” she says. “They hit that sweet spot where they have enough structure to make me feel supported and secure and enough flexibility to be comfortable and move with my feet over rocks and roots. I especially appreciate the protective heel cap and good traction. These are the type of shoes you can hike in right out of the box without any stiffness or pain.”

The leather upper holds up well against the elements—it’s not waterproof, but it is fairly water-resistant and cold-resistant, and the shoes fit just like a regular running shoe, allowing for plenty of upper foot and ankle mobility, she adds. “That’s the type of shoe I prefer to hike in—I can’t stand hiking boots; they feel clunky and restrictive to me. But if you like something lighter and more minimalist, this Danner shoe might be your new favorite hiking sneaker.”

Good for: trail running, hiking (on dry days)

Best Sandal: Oofos OOahh Slide

Not only are these foam-laden sandals approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for supporting foot health, but they also get rave reviews from shoppers. Customers on Zappos compared them to marshmallows and clouds: “I have plantar fasciitis, and the minute I put them on I can walk without pain. They are magic slippers,” one wrote.

“These squishy sandals are perfect for running errands, going to the beach, camping, or sliding on as a recovery shoe post-run,” says a SELF writer who deals with plantar fasciitis. “I have high arches, and these provide a comfortable amount of contouring to help them feel properly supported. I bring them on every outdoorsy vacation—it feels SO GOOD to put them on after a hike or bike ride—and I swear by them for any walking around I have to do after a big race.”

“I wore these after the New York City and Chicago marathons when my feet were really struggling, and they felt like a massage for my tired, achy arches,” she adds. “These will be your go-to when you don’t want to lace up, but still need that extra support.” Enough said.

Good for: the beach, camping, running errands, post-run recovery

Best Hiking Sandal: Teva Verra

This sporty sandal from Teva is comfortable, easy to clean, and has great arch support, Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, owner of Marko Physical Therapy, tells SELF. It’s also a great pick for vacations and hiking trips, according to one SELF staffer: “They take up zero space, they’re SO comfy, and they never smell, even after long days exploring very hot climates.”

The strap system across the top of the foot and around the back of the heel is adjustable, for a secure fit around your ankle, even after walking longer distances, Dr. Marko says. Unlike a standard flip-flop—which can exacerbate plantar fasciitis by requiring you to grip your toes in order to keep the shoe on—the back strap on the Teva Verra keeps your foot comfortably in place all day long, she adds.

Good for: sneaking into a full suitcase, odor-prone feet, outdoor adventuring

Best Slipper: OrthoFeet Charlotte

If you have wide feet, this may be the slipper for you. The OrthoFeet Charlotte comes in three widths, with orthotic-like inserts that provide arch support and foam cushioning under the heel. “The suede uppers are lined for comfort, and the low heel counter allows for use of alternate insoles or orthotics, and gives some heel stability while still allowing you to slide in and out of the slipper,” Susan Eby, PT, MS, owner of Eby Physical Therapy in New York City, tells SELF. “The toe box is also extra deep to accommodate any toe issues, with Velcro adjustment so the slipper fits snug to your feet.”

Good for: cozy lounging, padding around the house

More shoes to consider

Although these shoes didn’t earn a top spot on our list, they still come recommended by SELF staffers and podiatrists. Some address additional foot issues, like overpronation (when your ankles roll inward while you stand or walk), while others don’t meet all of the criteria we took into account (but are still great options if you mainly deal with mild or occasional plantar fasciitis flare-ups).

Saucony Echelon 10 Running Shoe

Dr. Sims often recommends Saucony’s Echelon line to people with plantar fasciitis because of its solid support. It’s one of the brand’s “comfort shoes,” meaning it has a thick foam footbed and a snug midfoot to keep your feet well-cushioned and stable.

Dr. Sims points out that it’s also compatible with many inserts, including bulkier custom orthotics. However, people with narrower feet may find the Echelon too wide.

Good for: adding your own inserts, a snug fit

Oofos Original Sandals

This cushiony, cloudlike Oofos sandal is a SELF Fave for workout recovery (and wearing around the house), thanks to its thick soles and fun range of colors. According to Dr. Marko, it checks some plantar fasciitis boxes too, like good arch support and heel cushioning. It should be noted, though, that slip-on style shoes can cause you to subconsciously grip your feet, which can lead to foot pain and aggravate plantar fasciitis.

For a slimmer profile that might be easier to walk in, try the brand’s OOlala sandal instead, a recommendation from Dr. Sims.

Good for: workout recovery

Asics Gel-Excite 10

Dr. Bhular recommends Asics’s Gel-Excite line of running shoes because of their cushioning: Although they’re less padded than the Gel-Nimbus pair featured above, they have a good amount of foam throughout the sole, plus extra gel cushioning in the midfoot and heel to further soften the impact of your steps.

Good for: runners on a budget, shock absorption

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Running Shoe

Dr. Japs says the Adrenaline GTS is another popular Brooks shoe that’s great for plantar fasciitis. Its sizable heel-to-toe drop helps shift weight away from your heel, which should help relieve some pressure and pain, he explains. It also has solid cushioning and support overall (like many of our other top picks).

One overpronating SELF tester says the GuardRails feature in the Adrenaline 24s help keep her foot from rolling outwards: “When I have a flare, I feel discomfort with every step,” she says. “These stabilizing shoes keep my feet in place, letting me move about comfortably.”

Good for: pressure relief, overpronators

Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides

Dr. Sims likes the highly cushioned Hoka Ora 3 slides specifically for wearing around the house. He says they’re a great alternative to walking barefoot, which can put added strain on your plantar fascia. And we like them because they come in just about every color of the rainbow.

Good for: warm weather, days off

Vivaia AdaptAll Kiara Sport Sandal

With a rocker sole; a grippy outsole; soft, stretchy, adjustable straps; and a thick, contoured footbed, these Vivaia sandals are perfect for warm-weather outings when you want something that’s cute and casual. Thanks to 33 millimeters of lightweight foam, you’ll have plenty of buffer between you and the ground.

Good for: wide feet, adding height without weighing you down

Orthofeet Kita Hands-Free Sneaker

Made to be slipped on without having to bend over or tie the laces, the Kita is a great option for anyone with limited mobility or recovering from an injury. With a wide toe box, plenty of cushioning, and orthopedic insoles, they’re designed to ease arch and heel pain like the kind that can come with plantar fasciitis. The knitted mesh upper and mesh lining are highly breathable for sweaty feet too.

Good for: narrow feet that tend to overheat

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14

These New Balance sneaks are one of the brand’s stability shoes, meaning they’re designed to help keep your feet aligned as you walk and run (which can be tough when you have arch issues).

According to one SELF reviewer, they’re great for keeping your feet supported when you’re doing a lot of standing and moving around. “These fit snugly enough to keep my feet in place, but aren’t so restrictive that they’re uncomfortable or tight—kind of like the ideal hug,” she says. “I also love how cushioned the heel counter feels, especially as someone who’s prone to ankle irritation.”

Good for: standing for long periods of time, a highly cushioned feel, ankle support

On Cloudflyer 5

Another great stability shoe, the On Cloudflyer 5 has lots of impact-absorbing dual density foam throughout the sole, plus a wide base for easy, steady landings. The molded heel counter and sock liner will help cradle your feet and keep them solidly in place inside the shoe, supporting you as you move.

“I feel gentle support without any hint of tight compression that sometimes comes with stability shoes,” one SELF tester says. “Because of this—along with the breathability from the mesh upper and A+ shock absorption with every step—it’s easy to forget I’m wearing shoes at all, when I have these on.”

Good for: side-to-side movements (thanks to the wide base), shock absorption

Reebok Energen Lux Running Shoes

These running shoes have a rocker sole that’s designed to help propel you forward with less effort and give you a cushy feel underfoot. The padded tongue and Achilles pillow add even more relief over long distances. “Got these for my wife—she has problems with her knee, walking often is difficult, and these help her be on her feet, walk, stand, workout, and she is not fatigued afterwards!” wrote one Reebok reviewer.

Good for: anyone on a budget, long walks

Birkenstock Tokio

In addition to many of the same features that the long-beloved Birkenstock Boston clog has, the Tokio adds a supportive, adjustable backstrap for better stability in this shoe, so it’s ready for all day, every day wear. It’s also easy to slip on, since you won’t need to re-buckle the strap with each wear.

The anatomically shaped footbed provides great arch support—and its foam sole is firm, but still thick enough to absorb shock.

Good for: slip-on lovers who’d like some extra support, running errands

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is plantar fasciitis?

“Plantar fasciitis is inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, which is a broad, ligament-like structure that originates on the bottom of the heel bone and fans out across the arch on the bottom of your foot,” Alicia Canzanese, DPM, ATC, a board-certified podiatrist, athletic trainer, and former collegiate track athlete, tells SELF. “Picture it as a structure that is supporting the arch.”

If this structure is inflamed, you’ll likely feel pain on the bottom of your heels, particularly when you get out of bed or take the first couple of steps after sitting for a while. That first-step stiffness may ease up as you move around, but the pain often gets worse with increased activity, like continued walking or running, Dr. Canzanese says.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by all kinds of things, like muscle imbalances and overuse (more on that below), but one common precursor to the condition is doing a lot of activity in inadequate footwear, says Dr. Canzanese. Still, “footwear is only one piece of the puzzle,” she says. Some other factors that can make plantar fasciitis worse include tight calf muscles, repetitive high-impact activities like running, a rapid increase in weight-bearing activity, and standing or walking for long periods of time.

You can have plantar fasciitis with flat feet, high arches, wide feet, or narrow feet…. The condition doesn’t discriminate. So, Dr. Canzanese points out, it’s important to try many kinds of shoes to find out what feels good on your feet and offers the support you need. In other words, some shoes are better for plantar fasciitis than others (typically those that have more cushioning in the heel and good arch support), but there isn’t one kind of shoe that’s best for everyone.

How SELF tests and selects shoes for plantar fasciitis

For SELF’s Sneaker Awards, we tap staffers, everyday exercisers, and all kinds of experts (like avid runners, backpackers, professional trainers, and coaches) to test hundreds of shoes. They’ll wear their pairs for hours each day over months before determining which ones are truly the best. In this guide, we’ve included shoes that have been featured in past Sneaker Awards, so you can be sure they’ve been thoroughly vetted.

When we seek out recommendations outside of our yearly awards, we ask trusted experts in the field for the pairs they suggest to clients over and over. After hearing from foot health experts, we take a closer look at the shoes they recommended to make sure they have plantar-fasciitis-friendly features like extra padding, sturdy arch support, and a secure fit. We also consulted with SELF staffers and people who have tried some of these pairs firsthand (foot?) to see how they hold up with regular wear. From there, we highlighted the very best of the best in this list.

FAQs about shopping for shoes for plantar fasciitis

While no footwear can promise that you’ll stay pain-free, selecting well-cushioned and more supportive shoes is a solid step (heh) toward reducing discomfort in the future. If you’re still on the lookout for the right pair of shoes for you, here’s some criteria to keep in mind while you shop.

Related:

• We Found the Best Workout Shoes for Every Kind of Activity
• 9 Best Weightlifting Shoes, According to Experts
• 20 Pairs of Cute Travel-Friendly Shoes That Won’t Give You Blisters

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