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Jun 06, 2023

Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis 2023

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you’re probably aware that comfy and

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you’re probably aware that comfy and supportive footwear can mitigate pain. As explained by Deena Horn, Doctor of Pediatric Medicine, Fellow at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a connective ligament that supports the arch of your foot, becomes inflamed, causing pain when you walk, run or stand. "This ligament is used to help support the arch and is contiguous with the calf muscle, meaning people with high arches or flat feet are prone to fasciitis." As you look to manage discomfort with stretching, ice and anti-inflammatories, you should also consider picking up a pair of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis that minimize pressure and improve support.

Cushion your feet with the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.

It comes as no surprise that proper footwear allows you to make the most of your time in motion. From weightlifting shoes to trail runners, we adopt specialized footwear to support our endeavors and long-term health, so why would you wear old, worn-down shoes that cause unwanted pain? According to Dr. Horn, you should shop for shoes with arch support, which you can test by placing your hands on the back of the shoe. If they bend, they’re not supportive enough, and you can add a custom-molded or over-the-counter insole such as Powersteps, Currex or Superfeet to cushion your heel and bolster your arch.

When the time comes to upgrade your everyday kicks, you’ll need a thick, cushioned shoe that reduces impact and lends plenty of support. To that end, we’ve gathered the best shoes for plantar fasciitis as recommended by Dr. Horn, along with others that caught our eye while conducting independent research. Find a pair below that strikes your fancy to discover pain-free comfort through every step.

Hoka

The Hoka Bondi 8 is an exemplary shoe when the time comes to confront plantar fasciitis for multiple reasons. First off, a memory foam collar (made from lightweight foam) offers the ultimate in comfort about the ankle by reducing additional strain on your foot. There's also a rear crash pad for a balanced landing during heel-to-toe movements, and the shoe's neutral support structure dials in the stability.

Your entire landing is protected by a curved ‘metarocker’ that prevents your feet from stepping flat—hopefully saving you from a spell of pain—and The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) provides a Seal of Acceptance, so rest assured the Bondi 8 has passed stringent reviews from podiatrists who can vouch for its benefits.

Generally speaking, these shoes are meticulously engineered seam by seam, which justifies the high-end price tag. They’re also somewhat eco-conscious, featuring recycled and vegan materials. Other features include breathable mesh, a durabrasion rubber outsole and resilient foam for a bouncy stride.

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Asics

Although it's endorsed as a running shoe, the Asics Gel-Kayano 29 is a great choice for walking if you’re prone to bouts of plantar fasciitis. The Gel-Kayano line has evolved tremendously in the premium footwear space, boasting a three-decade history of superior engineering.

Kitted with Asics’ lightweight FF BLAST PLUS midsole to curtail a forceful impact, this shoe is built to provide maximal cushioning. Designed to support a neutral/overponating stance, it should halt your foot from turning too far inward as well (overpronation can place stress on certain regions of your foot, causing plantar fasciitis). This responsive design is therefore intended to enhance underfoot stability and support.

Technically speaking, at least 50% of the upper material is made from recycled materials and the sneaker is equipped with a Rearfoot GEL technology cushioning for amplified shock absorption, all but eliminating those harsh landings.

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Orthofeet

The Lava (for men) and Coral (for women) Stretch Knit shoe by Orthofeet is an exemplary shoe for plantar fasciitis. Outfitted with the Ortho-Cushion system for comfort and support, the shoe is designed to relieve pressure on sensitive feet that are prone to pain. Foam padding lines the interior for additional protection about your pressure points and reduces any rubbing against the skin prevent irritation.

Other features include a removable anatomical arch, an arch booster for re-aligning the foot and a wide toe box to accommodate other foot conditions, such as bunions. But if you find the shoe is on the looser side, removable, fitted spacers are included to help you customize the fit.

A stretchable knitted upper also allows your foot to flex freely without constricting movements. Find the Lave in three widths for men and Coral in four widths for women.

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Brooks Running

The Brooks Ghost 15 is the latest in its award-winning series, designed to provide comfort, support and a smooth ride during your run. It's also carbon-neutral with at least 62.5% of the upper comprised of recycled materials.

Its latest cushioning, known as the DNA LOFT v2, is a precise balance of rubber, air and light foam to buffer your landings, whilst its midsole features a crash pad for a seamless flow between heel-to-toe transitions. This cushioning is crucial if you’re prone to a plantar-related flare-up, plus, its 12mm heel-to-toe drop diverts stress away from the heel, thereby encouraging your weight to land in the forefront of the shoe.

An enhanced upper is well-structured to cocoon your feet whilst allowing them to breathe during your run. Keep in mind, some customers comment the Ghost line has a wider toe box than other brands.

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Hoka

The Hoka Challenger 7 is the latest model in the Challenger line-up, which has been tried and tested on a variety of outdoor terrains—and the grip holds up. The latest iteration of the Challenger pumps up the cushioning for a plusher ride that your plantar fasciitis will appreciate, with much of the comfort coming by way of the compression-molded EVA foam midsole.

Thoughtfully placed lugs are peppered around the center and perimeter of the outsole for added stability, allowing the shoe to adapt to all types of outdoor terrain to keep you balanced on uneven ground.

If you’re familiar with the Challenger range, you might notice a newly designed lightweight upper that lets your foot move around freely. The heel collar has also been extended to make slipping the shoe on and off a total breeze. Like other Hoka shoes, you’ll find that these have the APMA Seal of Acceptance as a beneficial shoe for foot health.

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Aetres

With comfort, simplicity and functional wearability in mind, it's little wonder clogs sit high in the rankings among other slip-on shoes. If you want in on the trend but fear your plantar fasciitis will persist, Aetrex's Bondi Orthotic Clogs may be your answer. The brand, accredited for developing a 3D foot scanner, specializes in over-the-counter orthotics that combat common foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis.

Stamped with approval from the AMPA, the shoes are comprised of UltraSKY injected EVA foam to maximize on cushioning and shock absorption for pain-free movement.

Their comfort can also be attributed to an arch support that encourages optimal body alignment from the ground up, meaning you’ll achieve a more stabilized walk that may alleviate some of the aches and pains caused by plantar fasciitis.

Aside from that, they’re water-friendly, lightweight and anti-microbial (so no fear of lurking odors), plus, they’re available in four neutral colors.

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OOFOS

Style and orthotic support aren't usually synonymous, but the Oofos OOahh Slide Sandals may be onto something. If you’re looking for a supportive sandal that lets your feet breathe during warmer months, these may end up becoming your go-to footwear.

Sleek in design yet intricate in technology, the recovery footwear brand incorporates OOfoam into its shoes that absorbs up to 37% more impact compared to similar shoe foam materials on the market—it literally takes a load off your feet. Meanwhile, a propriety footbed is also incorporated to reduce stress on your lower-half joints.

A sturdy base ‘cradles’ your arches which can take some getting used to, especially if you tend to walk on flat shoes—but that's part of the magic in reducing achy feet, so stick with it and you’re sure to discover much-needed relief.

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Orthofeet

Home is where you feel most comfortable, and that concept also applies applies to your feet. Aside from distinctive names (Hudson for men and Louise for women), these slippers from Orthofeet share virtually the same specs, all of which are designed to offer long-term comfort and support around the house.

Orthotic insoles contain a (removable) anatomical arch for support and proper alignment of the foot, and the design feature sa wide toe box to reduce and relieve pressure caused by swollen feet.

The slipper's stretchable upper is designed to mold to your foot's natural contours for another layer of comfort and it also has a cushioning sole with a mild rocker that offers a bit of bounce with each step. While it's not the most-fashion forward slipper on the market, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another model that matches in comfort.

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Sourcing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis was the result of expert recommendations from a podiatrist and deep research into brands that specialize in this type of footwear. Based on customer and expert reviews, footwear features, enhanced functionality and price point, we pieced together top picks across multiple categories to keep your feet comfortable no matter the occasion. This list is regularly updated (most recently in February 2023), so we suggest keeping an eye on this page for the latest picks and answers to frequently asked questions.

To avoid irritating the fascia and lower your chances of injury (particularly during exercise), properly fitted shoes are essential. A 2022 orthopedic outpatient study found that wearing shoes lacking a cushioned insole and lack of built-in arch can enhance pain. Here are some key features to keep in mind as you shop for shoes designed to mitigate plantar fasciitis.

Cushioning is important when combatting plantar fasciitis as it reduces added stress from impact. You can find various cushioning categories across shoe brands and models, with the term ‘maximalist’ suggesting a higher level of cushioning compared to traditional running or walking shoes.

According to Dr. Horn, anyone with plantar fasciitis needs to wear supportive inserts to avoid over-lengthening, and placing tension on, the inflamed ligament. Whether that necessitates a custom-fitted insole or an over-the-counter purchase, make sure the shoe has enough space for the insole or, if insets are included, check if they can be removed. Insoles for plantar fasciitis should feature a defined arch to alleviate pressure on your heel and keep your foot in an optimal position.

Another aspect to be mindful of is sole thickness. This added layer of support is an additional barrier between your heel and the ground that bolsters your foot to reduce pressure and pain. You’ll notice that many of our top picks, such as the Hoka Bondi 8, feature a thick, meaty sole to absorb impact and maintain a stable base.

Although Dr. Horn says it's important to remember that every foot structure is different, her go-to shoes include the Hoka Bondi or Clifton models which are "very supportive with good cushioning to help decrease the ground reactive forces going through the heel." She also suggests looking into Asics and Brooks models, and, for house shoes, sliding into a pair of Oofos to avoid going barefoot and aggravating your heel any further.

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