Every few months, we scour online reviews searching for the best plantar fasciitis shoes–always keeping fashion in mind. As we can’t road test all the shoes, we look for footwear with multiple positive reviews from online customers with plantar fasciitis. All feature good arch support and cushioning, shock-absorbing outsoles, deeper heel cups and 2″ and under heels. We’ll mention whether the shoe has a removable insole to accommodate an orthotic. We enjoy sharing our findings with you and are always open to recommendations of your best shoes for plantar fasciitis!
Naot Helm
Best ankle boot for plantar fasciitis: Naot Helm
The minimalist Helm ankle boot (one of our favorite Naot styles) wins over women with problem feet. A removable anatomic cork and latex footbed and lightweight metal shank provide the support and stability that aching heels need. The Helm is part of Naot’s Aura collection of medium width footwear, yet the toe box is generous and forgiving of bunions. We love Christine’s review for Zappos:
These are unicorn shoes: comfort brand and finally a chic style that isn’t decidedly old-lady comfort granola. I am a devoted Naot lover with size 9.5-10 Wide feet with high high arches and plantar fasciitis, and the size 41 fit perfectly and is a snug, secure fit across the top of my foot.
Find the Naot Helm in euro sizes 35-42 (4-11) for $199.95 from Zappos, Amazon, and Nordstrom.
Taos Zen
Best casual sandals for plantar fasciitis: Taos Zen
Are you traveling somewhere this summer that requires a lot of walking, but the mere thought of wearing closed-toe shoes makes your feet start sweating? The Taos Zen has all the support and cushioning of your favorite fitness shoe, but with three-point adjustable straps and Cool Recovery Foam™ to keep your soles feeling fresh! The Taos Zen features both arch and metatarsal support plus a deep heel cup for stability. Find the Taos Zen in whole sizes 6-11 for $120 from TaosFootwear.com, and Amazon.
Oofos OOlala sandal in Tiger Lily
Best flip-flop/slide for plantar fasciitis: Oofos
Oofos offer the trifecta of support, firm cushioning and fun summer style! Made with proprietary OOfoam® technology, OOFOS absorb 37% more impact than traditional foam footwear materials. The footbed cradles and supports the arches perfectly, in fact Oofos carry the prestigious APMA (American Podiatric Medial Association) seal of acceptance for promoting good foot health. Oofos customer Sheri loves her Oofos:
“My initial skepticism has now transformed into a 100% believer in these flip flop style sandals. Every time I wear them I am relieved of my plantar fasciitis heel pain. They support the entire foot and it feels like I’m walking on a cloud!”
Find Oofos sandals and slides in sizes 5-11 for $59.95-69.96 from Oofos.com, and Zappos.
Hoka Hupana slip-on
Best slip-on sneakers for plantar fasciitis: Hoka One One Hupana slip-on
Be one of the cool kids in these chic slip-ons by Hoka One One. The fashion sneaker trend continues and these happen to be a super supportive, comfortable choice. Take it from this Zappos customer:
“These shoes are great for my feet issues. I’ve had bad plantar fasciitis and heel pain for over a year now. My podiatrist wanted me to wear shoes around the house instead of elevated slippers to provide more support for my feet. She thought this would be a better option than walking boots for both my feet. These shoes are sturdy and comfortable. So far…it’s doing the trick! Great value for the shoes. Roomy area around the toes. Great fit, true to size, good arch support.
The Hoka Hupana slip-on features a 4-way stretch upper, removable footbed with arch support (accommodates orthotics) and has a slight rocker sole. Find the Hupana slip-on in sizes 5-10 for $114.95 from HokaOneOne.com, and Zappos.
Skechers Arch Fit Go Walk Iconic
Most affordable slip-on sneakers for plantar fasciitis: Skechers Arch Fit Go Walk Iconic
I thought the same thing. Skechers? They’ve never had that great of arch support before. Well, here they are with a new collection of footwear with enhanced arch support at a fair price point. We like the Skechers Arch Fit Go Walk Iconic slip-on for its easy-on and off styling, stretch knit upper that’s kind to bumpy toes, and machine-washable design. Zappos customer AW says this about the Arch fit Iconic style:
“I suffer from plantar fasciitis and this shoe is better than any insole and is a lot cheaper than some of the other recommended brands. I can tell that the supported arch is correcting the issue because when I walk barefoot the pain and discomfort is very minimal…”
Find the Skechers Arch Fit Go Walk Iconic in sizes 5-11, medium and wide widths for $69.95-85 from Skechers.com, and Zappos.
Brooks Ghost 13
Best fitness shoes for plantar fasciitis: Brooks Ghost 13
With 77% of Zappos customers awarding a five-star rating to the Brooks Ghost running shoe, we had to find out why! We love Leslie’s review as it represents why so many women with PF love Brooks, especially the Ghost model:
This is the second pair of the Ghost line I have purchased and I honestly cannot believe they could get any better. Not only are they super comfortable but they are very cute. So far, I have run, completed 3 days of HIIT and 2 days of step aerobics. I bought a pair earlier this year after months of dealing with plantar fasciitis. Since the day I put them on, my plantar fasciitis has disappeared. I want to cry typing this. If you have ever dealt with PF you know how you would dread the first hour of your day. So grateful to be free of the pain. I am hooked on Brooks!!!
Aside from excellent heel support and pronation control, the Brooks Ghost features a roomy toe box and comes in narrow and wide widths. Find the Brooks Ghost 13 in sizes 5-13, three widths for $129.95 from Zappos, BrooksRunning.com, Nordstrom and HolabirdSports.com.
Dansko Paisley
Best waterproof sneaker for plantar fasciitis: Dansko Paisley
Are you planning a vacation to a wet climate where you’ll be walking miles every day? Don’t look like a tourist in day-glo running sneakers! Opt for the Dansko Paisley, a waterproof walking sneaker with a removable triple-density footbed with arch support and shock-absorbing, slip-resistant Vibram® rubber outsole.
Amazon customer Julie reviews her Paisleys:
“I’ve tried about everything know to mankind to alleviate my Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis including about ten different inserts, 3D mapped inserts, compression wraps, chiropractic, PT, and medication. Nothing was helping, so I decided to buy these shoes in a last-ditch effort to avoid having laser surgery. They are an absolute miracle!! I can walk without limping, my feet aren’t screaming all day, my heels are no longer on fire, and I can stand for long periods of time without the excruciating pain I used to have. While I still have some slight pain in my heel, it’s tolerable now.”
The Dansko Paisley is available in euro sizes 36-42 for $144.95 from Dansko.com, Zappos, and Amazon.
Naot Innovate
Naot Innovate
Best dress sandal for plantar fasciitis: Naot Innovate
While we’d all love to be able to wear 3.5″ strappy sandals to a formal event and still be able to dance the night away, for most of us with compromised joints , painful toes and/or plantar fasciitis, those days are gone. The Naot Innovate heel comes in at just over two inches and features moderate arch support, and a metal shank for stability. Find the Naot Innovate in euro sizes 35-42 (4-11) for $179.95 from Zappos and Nordstrom.
Check out our reviews of Kuru shoes, known for their ability to relieve plantar fasciitis pain.
Budget-friendly tip: If you can’t afford a new pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis currently, try a pair of ProFoot heel cups–simply put them in your favorite pair of shoes for extra heel support (they carry the seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association).
Didn’t see anything you like? Browse our whole category of best shoes for plantar fasciitis and our recent update on Alegria shoes. Also, join our “Shoes for Plantar Fasciits” Facebook discussion for even more ideas!