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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 four in five 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 wide 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.
Meet the experts
- Allison Hamad, DPT, a podiatrist, surgeon, and professor at the University of Cincinnati Health
- Karena Wu, DPT, a physical therapist at Activecare Physical Therapy in Manhattan
- Sean Ormond, MD, dual board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management at Atlas Pain Specialists in the Phoenix area
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.
Sarah Crawford, owner and licensed physical therapist at 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 their 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, dual board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management at 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
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When On Cloud started gaining popularity, I didn’t give them a second look because the heels didn’t seem fluffy enough for my heel pain. But what they lack in layers of smoosh they make 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 it’s 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 want 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 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
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I haven’t worn heels in at least a decade, and I’m only in my 30s. This is simply because there 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 20 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
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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 they 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; she shares that the 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 an 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, they definitely raise you up!
Best Slides for Plantar Fasciitis: Oofos Recovery Sandal
These are both my emergency flare-up shoes and 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,” Dr. Ormond says. “They absorb impact incredibly well and are great for lounging around the house or slipping on after a workout.”
Dr. Wu likes the natural rocker sole, “which enables more natural motion and less work on the calf and intrinsic muscles.” For even more squish and a bit of height, I’ve also tried and liked the Oofoo Omega OOlala, especially in their bold pink option. But if stability is a concern for you, I’d stick to the lower recovery sandal.
- Why they stand out: The water-resistant sandals are great for easily slipping on—whether at the pool or around your house. Just be careful not to slip out of them when wet.
- What we didn’t love: The cushioning on these sandals isn’t made to do loads of walking, so keep that in mind if you find yourself packing these for vacation or pool outings.
Best Dress Sandal for Plantar Fasciitis: Aetrex Ellie
Aetrex is one of my favorite brands for lightweight summer sandals, such as elevated and fashionable thong-style sandals and also quick slide-on run-around-in-the-summer-style sandals too. They are all quite lightweight and conform well to your foot shape, with a solid design and arch support. I’ve also found this brand to use intuitive design for easy on and off and adjusting straps, including the Ellie sandal.
- Why they stand out: We love how easy these sandals are to put on with their velcro closure. Plus the support in the arch makes them a dress sandal you could wear all day without counting down the hours before you could take them off.
- What we didn’t love: My Aetrex shoes often wear down quicker, especially with frequent use, so to get maximum arch support I replace them every summer or maybe two.
Best Cushioning for Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Gel Nimbus Track
These Asics have cool silver sneaker vibes (a top sneaker trend this year), and they didn’t disappoint support-wise. They have a significant amount of heel support and cushion. The navy and cream look pairs with quite a few outfits, whether for walking, workouts, or daily life, and runners will be impressed by their cushioning.
“Asics’ gel cushioning is amazing for shock absorption, which really helps if your PF pain flares up from impact,” Dr. Ormond says. One unique feature is a very wide and stretchy pull-on tab in the back, as well as an extra elastic tongue, making them great for accessibility if you have difficulty getting shoes on and off too.
- Why they stand out: Extra cushioning, pain reducing, and wide and stretchy tongue and pull-on tab.
- What we didn’t love: Bulky design
Best Slip-On for Plantar Fasciitis: Kizik Brisbane
Having a foot condition means constantly having to have an elevated standard of care for your own feet. No running out to the mailbox in bare feet or heading out on an errand in flip-flops. So having a slip-on sneaker around that accommodates my preferred orthotics and is truly a total hands-free slip-on is awesome. I’ve tested dozens of shoes, and only the Kizik Brisbane has enough heel cushion and structure for plantar fasciitis. Other slip-on-style shoes often are too flat, don’t have the arch support, and aren’t as stylish as this option. These are also my favorite shoes for travel, as you can easily slip them in and off at airport security or on a long car ride.
- Why they stand out: You know how we were always chewed out by our parents for putting on (or taking off) our shoes without untying them? The Brisbane is made to be completely hands-free when it comes to putting it on and taking it off, and we love that.
- What we didn’t love: They aren’t as supportive as other traditional types of sneakers for flare-ups.
Best Plantar Fasciitis Sneaker for Wide Feet: New Balance 1080
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For those looking for an APMA-certified shoe, the New Balance 1080 v13 has received that certification. They’re less bulky on the bottom without sacrificing support.
“If you have wider feet or just need something sturdy, New Balance is a great option,” Dr. Ormond says. “The 990 is super supportive, while the 1080 has more cushioning. Both help reduce strain on your heels.” Some shoes have trouble with stability when they get too bouncy, but these maintain both that level of bounce along with stability.
- Why they stand out: High cushioning and stability
- What we didn’t love: Some customers share that they are narrower than expected.
