The 10 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, According to Podiatrists and Our Testing

Credit: Vionic

Pros

• Available in multiple widths and colors
• Includes removable orthotics
• APMA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• Takes time to break in

Our pick for the best orthopedic walking shoes, this retro pair of sneakers from Vionic features leather or suede uppers, moisture-wicking polyester mesh liners, a PU foam base, and an EVA foam midsole. It also includes removable orthotics developed by podiatrists and firm heel counter stability and support. Best of all, it has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

“Stability is where the Vionic 23Walk 2.0 shines,” Associate Commerce Editor Hannah Jeon said in her review. “The design helps reduce strain on your knees, hips, and lower back. I definitely noticed how stable and secure these shoes felt with every step—they felt like they locked my foot into place, with the deep heel cup cradling my heels snugly but comfortably. I also never noticed any pain in my feet or body after walking in these shoes, even with long distances.”

Full Vionic 23Walk 2.0 Sneaker Review

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Credit: New Balance

Pros

• Shock reduction
• Supports arch and fascia
• Great for orthotics

Cons

• Heavier than other similar sneakers

If you want to diminish the pain without spending a ton of cash, this stabilizing shoe might be your best bet. It’s designed with New Balance’s special cushioning in the forefoot, which reduces shock that is transferred through the shoe and up into the leg and body. There’s also a multi-density polyurethane insert that supports the arch and fascia. The shoe comes in standard, wide, and extra-wide sizes, so your feet and toes will have as much room as they need to spread comfortably.

“These are a great choice for walking,” says Rebecca Pruthi, D.P.M. “They are supportive and cushioned, both in the forefoot and arch.” Jay Bhuta, D.P.M. also notes that New Balance shoes can easily accommodate custom foot orthotics because they come in different widths, so they’re a solid choice if you’d like to use your own inserts, too.

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Credit: Hoka

Pros

• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Best walking shoe for stability
• Plush cushioning good for shock absorption

Cons

• Softer support than other stability sneakers

These lightweight-yet-supportive sneakers are a favorite among the Prevention team, who have deemed it one of the best walking shoes out there. Not only do they boast the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health, but they are my favorite walking shoe—especially for long distances. Their grounded stability offers excellent arch support and comfort without the bulk of more traditional stability shoes. They have taken me on multiple 20,000-step days across NYC this summer in scorching heat and never felt anything other than totally comfortable. Their new upgraded cushion also helps promote a really smooth stride, eliminating foot and leg tension that can cause my plantar fasciitis to flare up.

“This is a go-to recommendation for me for those with neutral foot type. The Ghost offers cushioning and support,” Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a double board-certified podiatrist at Solely Podiatry in Austin says. “The midsole is cushioned which provides great shock absorption.”

Full Brooks Ghost 18 Review

Pros

• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Podiatrist-favorite walking shoe
• Best shoe for standing all day
• Best cushioned shoe for nurses

Cons

• Heavier than other options

For all-around comfort during trips to the gym, the trail, and the grocery store, these versatile, plush cushioned shoes from Hoka are ideal. The brand is known for its extra-comfy kicks, and these are no different—in fact, they’re the most cushioned shoes in Hoka’s lineup. Despite their look, though, they’re lightweight, with roomy toe boxes and newly designed knit uppers. Its standout feature, though, is its structured base that makes the cushion feel as if it's encasing the entire foot with a pillowy hug. I love the way my foot sinks into it, almost like walking across a mattress, and it’s especially great for long days on my feet when impact on my joints needs to be absorbed.

“The Hoka Bondi 9 is a max cushioning shoe and is recommended for individuals with foot arthritis, heel pain, or those who spend long hours standing and walking,” Sharkey has previously said. “Its thick, shock-absorbing midsole helps reduce repetitive stress on the feet and lower extremities, making it a popular choice for comfort-focused walkers or anyone experiencing foot pain.”

Full Hoka Bondi 9 Review

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Pros

• Deep heel cup
• Arch support
• Firm and flexible midsole

Cons

• Not for everyday use

To take pressure off the fascia, you should avoid going barefoot at all times, Dunn says. That means wearing shoes as often as possible, even when you’re walking around the house. The slip-on style of the slipper also makes it easy to put on when you first step out of bed—just what foot experts recommend. They feature a deep heel cup to enhance stability, substantial arch support, and a firm yet flexible midsole.

“A deep heel cup is good for plantar fasciitis to help hug and push the fat on the heel towards the center as a way to alleviate symptoms and atrophy,” explains Bhuta. “These slippers are comfy. They have a deeper heel cup and flexible midsole—all of which are helpful in supporting the bottom of the foot,” Pruthi adds, referring to the previous Gemma model.

Pros

• Thick, cushioned soles
• Ample arch and heel suport
• APMA Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• Pricey for a sandal

These casual, comfy sandals are a great option, as they offer ample arch support, which is key when choosing a pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis. Our former Digital Director Allie Early put them to the test for a full year in a head-to-head against a similar pair from Hoka and said these were “the clear winner.” Of the slides she wrote, “It’s lightweight and low-profile at just 9.9 oz, making it a helpful option for travel, and its patented impact-absorbing Oofoam technology gives it a delightful level of springiness.”

According to Kenneth Jung, M.D., an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in Los Angeles and Orange County, they also have lots of heel support and are great for absorbing impact and reducing stress on feet, ankles, knees, and the lower back—which can all cause plantar fasciitis.

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Pros

• Four unique widths
• Great arch support
• Nonslip outsole

Cons

• Require a break-in period

If you have plantar fasciitis, the number one thing to look for is arch support. The insole of this casual Naturalizer sneaker—which comes in four unique widths (regular, narrow, wide, and extra-wide) and is one of the best shoes for nurses—features that all-important arch support, plus a nonslip outsole, durable leather uppers, and elastic panels for an optimized fit.

“We place about three to four times our body weight upon our feet with each step,” says Jennifer Gerres, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in Washington, DC, which is why she recommends this slip-on from Naturalizer. “A supportive shoe with a good arch provides pain relief by transferring those stresses on the plantar fascia to the shoe.”

Pros

• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Science-backed insole is comfy and supportive
• Shockingly stylish for an arch-support shoe
• Adjustable strap keeps foot secure

Cons

• Toes can rub during hotter days

Two years after purchasing this pair from FitFlop, they are still my favorite fall shoe to wear during long commutes and city days where I need to look stylish and have arch support. Made from real leather suede, they feel soft to the touch, and the leopard pattern is a fall neutral that elevates my entire wardrobe. This ballet flat isn’t just high on style, though, it also boasts an APMA Seal of Approval for its foot health benefits.

The podiatrist-developed insole has enough cushion to reduce strain on joints while keeping my feet encased in pillowy comfort, and the contoured shape optimizes my alignment and helps energy return to prevent strain. When it comes to the intersection of style and function, this pair never misses. My only con is that on hotter fall days, my second toe (which is longer than my big toe) sometimes rubs against the top of the shoe. But it’s easily avoided with a pair of no-show socks (and totally worth it for the arch support).

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Pros

• Podiatrist-recommended heel under 3 inches
• Contour footbed provides comfort and stability
• Pressure-reducing cushion

Cons

• Heels may be uncomfortable for those with more severe plantar fasciitis

A classic black pump is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. However, if you have plantar fasciitis, you should stay away from heels more than 3 inches high. “A high heel can cause shortening of the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the plantar fascia, and the shortened Achilles tendon will pull up on the plantar fascia increasing pain,” Gerres says.

These heels by Naturalizer are 2.25 inches high and both look and feel great. They feature the brand’s N5 Contour Fit footbed, which molds to the shape of your foot while also providing added stability as you walk. Its pressure-reducing insole is also a game-changer for comfort. I personally wore them during an eight-hour day as a bridesmaid and couldn’t believe I was not dying to kick them off. As a non-heel wearer, I was suitably impressed.

Pros

• Cushioned insole for arch support
• Adjustable laces and pull tab for easy on-off
• Roomy toe box

Cons

• Size range is limited

When the cold weather starts to come, so does rain and snow—making a pair of rain boots essential. However, many rain boots suffer from overly flexible soles, zero support, and flimsy plastic materials, which you should avoid to prevent strain on the plantar fascia. “Shoes that lack any structural support or cushioning (think super thin and ultra-flexible shoes) can be causes of plantar fasciitis,” writes Sharkey.

This pair from Hunter, however, provides a moldable foam insole for comfort and support, as well as 1-inch lugs at the heel to offer both traction and structure that can help with stability. The adjustable laces help secure the foot even further, meaning no sloshing around in your galoshes. Plus, this pair is roomy enough to add a pair of thick socks, making them breathable enough for rain soaked days as well as warm enough for snowier ones.

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