24 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2024, According to Experts

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
2. Runner-Up: Hoka Clifton 9
3. Best Walking Shoe: Vionic Walk Strider
4. Best Running Shoe: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
5. Best for Standing and Walking Long Distances: Hoka Bondi 8
6. Best for Wide Feet: Brooks Ghost 16
7. Best Hiking Boot: Hoka Kaha 2 Gore-Tex
8. Best Sandal: Oofos OOahh Slide

Take me right to the shoes!

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.

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.

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

• Very sturdy and supportive
• Specifically designed to prevent foot and heel pain

• Somewhat heavy

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.

Runner-Up: Hoka Clifton 9

• Surprisingly lightweight
• Great for long-term wear
• Very comfortable

• May lack some of the Quantum 2’s support and intentional design

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. Dr. Gamez 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 SELF’s former executive editor: “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.

Best Walking Shoe: Vionic Walk Strider

• Very supportive
• Cute, minimalist style

• May feel too stiff, according to reviewers

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.

SELF’s commerce director has been putting a pair of the Vionic Walk Striders through its paces the past few weeks 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.”

Best Running Shoe: Asics Gel-Nimbus 26

• Shock-absorbing design
• Good for high arches

• Some reviewers found the pull-on tabs irritating

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 pair: “I always wear my Nimbus 26 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.”

Best for Standing and Walking Long Distances: Hoka Bondi 8

• Highly cushioned
• Tons of color options

• A little clunky

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, says Dr. Beldini.

One Sneaker Awards tester happily wore their Bondis through a four-hour concert, and SELF’s manager of social creative development says her pair perfectly suits her feet: “I have wide feet and high arches, and they were specifically recommended to me by the employee at my local Fleet Feet store,” she says. “I tried on a few other pairs of sneakers along with the Bondi 8s, but I just kept coming back to them. They were light on my feet—almost like I wasn’t wearing shoes at all—but also provided strong support around my heels and ankles.”

Best for Wide Feet: Brooks Ghost 16

• Ample width options
• Plush feel
• Smooth ride

• Laces tend to come untied, according to reviewers

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.

Best Hiking Boot: Hoka Kaha 2 Gore-Tex

• Protective yet lightweight
• Provides moderate ankle support

• On the pricey side

Both Dr. Bhular and Nicholas Japs, DPT, a physical therapist at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, recommend Hoka’s Kaha 2 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.

Best Hiking Shoe: Danner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes

• Lightweight for a hiking shoe
• Good traction on sole
• Protective heel cap
• Upper has breathable perforations

• Not waterproof
• May not provide enough ankle support for some

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.”

Best Sandal: Oofos OOahh Slide

• Great arch support
• Ample cushioning
• Earned an APMA seal of approval

• May chafe

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.

Best Hiking Sandal: Teva Verra

• Supportive yet comfy
• Great for outdoor adventures

• Some reviewers report difficulties with the straps’ Velcro fastenings

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.

Best Dress Shoes: Clarks Torhill Penny Loafer

• Supportive footbed
• Cute, modern design

• Platform can feel a little clunky

The Torhill Penny Loafer is a “perfect dress shoe for someone with plantar fasciitis,” according to Dr. Bhular. Not only is it supportive (the footbed is contoured to better fit the shape of your foot), but it’s also durable and stylish, he says. To his last point, this is definitely a shoe you can dress up for the office or down for brunch on weekends.

Best Slipper: OrthoFeet Charlotte

• Warm, fuzzy lining
• Lots of widths to choose from

• Pricey, for a slipper

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,” Eby says. “The toe box is also extra deep to accommodate any toe issues, with Velcro adjustment so the slipper fits snug to your feet.”

More shoes to consider

These pairs were also recommended to us by podiatrists, but they might not be as universally appealing as the shoes featured above. Some address additional foot issues, like overpronation (when your ankles roll inward while you stand or walk), and 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 9 Running Shoe

• Ample cushioning
• Spacious fit can accommodate insoles
• Rocker sole

• May be too wide for some

Dr. Sims often recommends Saucony’s Echelon 9 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.

Asics Gel-Excite 10

• Added gel padding in the midsole and heel absorbs shock
• Breathable mesh upper
• Lightweight design

• Some reviewers report they’re not the most durable
• Not supportive enough for overpronation or underpronation

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.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 Running Shoe

• Large heel-to-toe drop
• Ample cushioning
• Comes in several width options

• Some reviewers report that they run small

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).

Oofos Original Sandals

• Super soft, springy feel underfoot
• Lots of support through the heel and arch

• May cause you to grip with your toes

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.

Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides

• Major cushioning
• Comes in tons of color options

• Some reviewers say they don’t work for people with bunions

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.

Vivaia AdaptAll Kiara Sport Sandal

• Adjustable fit
• Thick, supportive sole
• Tons of color options

• Some reviewers say they run large and wide

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.

Dr. Scholl’s Nice Day Max Mary Jane Platform Loafer

• Large heel-to-toe drop
• Supportive insole
• Stylish design

• May need a break-in period

Most classic Mary Janes have flat soles and no arch support—a double whammy for folks with plantar fasciitis. But thanks to this sweet pair of platforms from Dr. Scholl’s, you don’t need to sit out the style’s resurgence because of your heel pain. All shoes in the Dr. Scholl’s Nice Day line—which also includes loafers, oxfords, and boots—have a squishy foam insole that cups your heel and supports your arch.

“Don’t sleep on Dr. Scholl’s,” says SELF’s commerce director. “The brand has long been synonymous with comfort and support, but the latest designs don’t look like your grandma’s orthopedics. While the Mary Janes need a little wearing in—or a pair of socks—I can depend on them to get me to the subway, to work, and to dinner without worrying about sore feet.”

Vionic Chardonnay Heeled Sandal

• Adjustable fit
• Well-cushioned under the heel
• Soft straps

• Some reviewers report they scuff quickly

One SELF writer used to walk 30 minutes to work in a very similar pair of Vionic shoes every day without any pain. “I have plantar fasciitis and high arches that need a lot of support, and it’s hard to find heels that don’t totally destroy my feet. The Solana heels (an older model of the Chardonnay) were a game changer for me. I could commute in New York City and walk around the office all day with no issues,” she says.

Dr. Japs considers the Vionic brand to be “above average in support and comfort,” and this applies to even its dressier shoes. “Sometimes orthopedic shoes aren’t the most fashionable, but Vionic does great work,” Dr. Japs says. We’re also fans of this pair’s adjustable ankle strap, which provides a better fit than a slip-on heel might.

Orthofeet Kita Hands-Free Sneaker

• Easy to slip on and off
• Comes with supportive insoles

• Some reviewers say they run narrow

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.

New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14

• Supportive design
• Well-cushioned
• Multiple widths to choose from

• Some reviewers say they feel too squishy

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). They also offer major cushioning for a comfortable ride and a wide toe box that’ll allow your forefoot to spread out.

On Running Cloudflyer 5

• Absorbs impact
• Midsole is designed to cradle your feet
• Balances stability and cushioning

• Pricey
• Heavy

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.

Reebok Energen Lux Running Shoes

• Well-padded
• Lightweight, breathable upper
• Rocker sole
• Budget-friendly

• Some reviewers say they run small and narrow

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.

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.

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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