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Finding ways to improve your health and wellness can be an exciting process. Depending on your goals, there are different approaches you can take. Some opt for the nutritional route, exploring things like the best vitamin E supplements or the difference between whey and pea protein.
Of the many changes you can make, staying active can be one of the greatest steps you take toward greater health and longevity. Recent studies have concluded that regular activity, such as walking, may help reduce anxiety and tension, improve cholesterol, manage hypertension, and even help with weight loss.(1)
The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - Our Top Picks
- Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Featured Pick: Nike Pegasus 40
- Best Overall Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Pivot
- Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka Plantar Fascitis Shoes
- Runner-Up Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: adidas Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
- Best Men’s Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Kuru Kivi
- Best Golf Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: adidas Flopshot
- Best Budget Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Skechers Arch Fit
- Best Comfortable Shoes for Plantar Fascitis: Nike Invincible 3 Road Running Shoes
- Best Work Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Keen Vista Energy
- Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: New Balance 1540 V3
- Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Salomon Outpulse
- Best Women’s Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Saucony Women's Echelon 9
One of the most overlooked tools that help with increased activity is shoes. If you’re looking to become more active, having the proper support in the form of the best insoles or best shoes will help ensure you can stay active for a long time. If you missed it, we recently did a roundup of the best running shoes and the best shoes for flat feet.
People who suffer from plantar fasciitis (PF) have an extra layer of complexity to manage. For them, wearing the best possible shoes is vital.
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Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Featured Pick - Nike Pegasus 40
SPECS
- Weight: 10.9 oz (men’s 10.5), 8.5 oz (women’s 8)
- Sizes: Mens 6-18, wide option; Women 5-12, wide option
Finding that ‘just right’ shoe when dealing with Plantar Fasciitis can be challenging. Even harder is finding a running shoe that not only appropriately supports Plantar Fasciitis but also performs well in a variety of settings. Meet the Nike Pegasus 40, a mid-level running shoe with neutral support, medium cushioning, and a high level of responsiveness. But here is where it shines - this newly released model of the Pegasus has a midfoot strap for a more molded fit to the foot well-suited for all size arches.
This midfoot band provides a secure yet forgiving lockdown in the midfoot area without compromising comfort or function. Nike specifically engineered the Pegasus 40 to be comfortable in the foot’s most sensitive areas such as the arch and toes so that when laces are tightened, the foot remains comfortable making it especially well-suited for those suffering with Plantar Fasciitis. Its interior arch support is top-notch for a neutral shoe.
Designed with React technology and strategically placed cushioning, it ensures seamless heel-to-toe transitions, while its forefoot and heel Zoom Air Units provide a smooth and energized toe-off. As such, it offers both the fit and function you are likely looking for.
Best Overall Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - Kuru Pivot
SPECS
- Weight: 7.6 oz.
- Sizes: 6-11 women’s, 7-13 men’s
Sometimes you just need a shoe that you can slip on with little fuss. Finding a slip-on that provides enough locked-in support for plantar fasciitis can be challenging. Without laces, it's hard to achieve a solid fit.
Kuru carries over their heel-locking KuruSole technology to this slip-on, helping preserve the heel. Laces add additional support without needing to be tied or untied. One of this shoe’s greatest features for people who battle PF is its custom interior that molds to your feet.
Adding high-performance insoles rounds out the fit with one of the best arch-support interiors available. Kuru’s adaptive support approach provides great flexibility, keeping the heel-to-toe action smooth. It’s a great option if you’re looking for the best slip-on shoes for plantar fasciitis.
What We Like
- Easy slip-on design
- Strong support for the heel
- Small 8mm heel-to-toe drop
- Built-in custom molding
- Fast shipping
- Great expert advice and customer support
What We Don’t Like
- One of the more expensive slip-on shoes
- Outsole could be more non-slip
Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - Hoka Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
SPECS
- Weight: 7.2 oz.
- Sizes: 5-12 women’s, 7-16 men’s
Running with plantar fasciitis requires a shoe that can absorb impact well. Depending on your form, running can significantly impact the heel, making PF-related heel pain even worse. Equipped with a proprietary rear heel crash pad, the Hoka line of running shoes is one of the best at shock absorption and easing the transition from heel strike to the forefoot.
Hoka’s Boni and Clifton styles are ideal for brisk walking and everyday running. Their fit is one of the best we’ve tried. There’s plenty of cushioning without negatively impacting responsiveness, which is important if you intend to do a lot of trail or road running.
Hoka is one of the few brands to qualify for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which recognizes products that improve foot health after being tested by a team of APMA podiatrists. We poured through hundreds of five-star reviews from real-world runners who battle foot issues, including plantar fasciitis.
Of all the shoes currently on the market, Hoka gets our award for the best running shoe for plantar fasciitis.
What We Like
- Heel crash pad provides ideal cushioning, limiting heel pain
- Rigorous testing by AMPA podiatrists
- Supportive midsole with good responsiveness
- Lots of colorways to choose from
- Helps with smooth heel strike-to-forefoot transition
- One of the best-fitting shoes we tested
What We Don’t Like
- Only has 2 width options
- Shipping directly from Hoka takes more time
BUY: Hoka Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
Runner-Up Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - adidas Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
SPECS
- Weight: 10 oz.
- Sizes: 4-15 adult
The best sneakers for plantar fasciitis are ones that provide a solid combination of cushioning and stability with arch and heel support. It’s not as simple as it sounds. Having too little support or going overboard can make a shoe too heavy or less agile. We’ve selected adidas plantar fasciitis shoes as the best overall because adidas has spent decades perfecting its support technology.
Adidas produces a range of uppers, midsoles, and lowers ideal for plantar fasciitis. The Cloudfoam and Boost dual-density midsole offer ideal cushioning and shock absorbency.
When it comes to aesthetics, adidas gives you a lot to choose from. Just be careful to try them on before you make your choice. Because of the wide selection of materials in the soles and uppers, you’ll want to make sure the pair you buy provides the support you’re looking for.
What We Like
- Multiple plantar fasciitis-friendly midsoles to choose from
- Lots of design options
- Certain models let you select foot width
- Available at different price points
- Not overly bulky
- Shoes are responsive and agile
- Fast shipping when ordered from the website
What We Don’t Like
- Popular models sell out quickly
- Designs change quickly, so reordering a favorite pair may not be possible
BUY: adidas Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
Best Men's Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - Kuru Kivi
SPECS
- Weight: 15.3 oz.
- Sizes: 6.5-14
The Kuru Kivi delivers strong plantar fasciitis support in this relaxed, laced slip-on for men. We’re impressed by the classic silhouette that doesn’t try too hard. Its understated design makes it a great choice to wear with different pants, including jeans, khakis, and shorts.
Like the Kuru Pivot, the Kivi combines Kuru’s heel-hugging KuruSole and KuruCloud midsole to deliver support and stability in all the right places. One of the worst things for PF is heel slippage, which forces the tendons in your foot to adjust with every step. The KuruSole in this shoe does a fantastic job of locking the heel to limit strain. Its solid materials and innovative technology make the Kuru Kivi a reliable choice for men with plantar fasciitis.
What We Like
- Great heel-locking fit
- Thicker midsole provides adequate cushioning
- Slick design works great with different kinds of clothing
- Slip-ons that look like lace-ups
What We Don’t Like
- Limited color choices
- Few foot width options
Best Golf Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - adidas Flopshot
SPECS
- Weight: Varies by model
- Sizes: 7-13 adult
A growing number of studies state the importance of maintaining proper foot care when golfing.(3) The adidas Flopshot line checks most of the boxes when it comes to a great all-around golf shoe. Built on adidas’s Boost midsole technology, the Flopshot provides a good amount of cushioning while delivering a solid energy return.
Golfers with plantar fasciitis will appreciate the soft heel pad, which helps keep the foot supported during the full range of your swing and while walking the course. Keep in mind that these golf shoes sport a spikeless outsole to increase versatility. The uppers look like leather but are actually made of 100 percent recycled materials.
At an affordable price point with all-around cushioning, this shoe from adidas is our choice for the best golf shoe for plantar fasciitis.
What We Like
- Spikeless design makes it easy to transition from the course to the clubhouse
- Great energy return without sacrificing cushioning
- Superior heel support
What We Don’t Like
- Could be more breathable
- White midsole on some versions marks easily
Best Budget Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - Skechers Arch Fit
SPECS
- Weight: 12 oz.
- Sizes: 5-11 women’s, 7-13 men’s
Good quality shoes for plantar fasciitis don’t always come with a hefty price tag. Skechers has created a budget-friendly shoe that is podiatrist certified to provide adequate arch support. Similar to adidas, Skechers builds their PF models from a signature midsole that offers proper support and cushioning. Think of the midsole as a chassis on which a car is built. The Arch Fit midsole is one of the better PF-supporting systems we’ve tested.
Where these shoes really shine is in their use of different materials, from the uppers to the soles. Our team found that the material choices helped enhance comfort significantly. The breathable mesh uppers help dissipate the heat generated by the extra padding.
Skechers offers medium and extra-wide foot options. A lot of PF-optimized shoes are narrower because that gives you additional support. What you want is to optimize the fit without sizing up to a pair that ends up being too long. Overall, Skechers has built an effective shoe at a budget price point.
What We Like
- Most models have an extra-wide option
- Extensive selection of designs and configurations
- Budget-friendly
- Podiatrist-approved arch support
- Durable bottom soles
- Responsive and agile design
- Breathable
What We Don’t Like
- Thicker-looking midsole than other brands
- Not all models have foot width options
- Limited larger sizes for men and women
Best Comfortable Shoes for Plantar Fascitis - Nike Invincible 3 Road Running Shoes
SPECS
- Weight: 310g (M), 258g (W)
- Sizes: 6-15 (M), 5-12 (W), including half sizes
With the latest version of its Invincible Road Running Shoe, Nike has upped the ante for comfort and stability with the Invincible 3. This road running shoe features a plush ZoomX foam midsole with plenty of bounce and return and a breathable mesh flyknit upper to keep your feet snug and happy. It's also lightweight and durable enough to accommodate long runs on rough terrain or regular leisure walking.
As for the upper, the Invincible 3 is made from a breathable flyknit mesh with a non-gusseted tongue and flat laces. The outsole is a pliable and grippy rubber in a waffle pattern that is excellent for road running. You can also choose from four classic colors—men's and women's—that are not as loud as some running shoes but certainly not boring.
What We Like
- Abundant ZoomX foam cushioning
- Secure stability shoe
- Breathable flyknit upper
- Reflective elements on the easy on/off heel pull tab
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- May rub in the ankle area at first
BUY: Nike Invincible 3 Road Running Shoes
Best Work Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - Keen Vista Energy
SPECS
- Weight: 17.1 oz.
- Sizes: 5-11 women’s, 7-15 men’s
A work shoe for plantar fasciitis needs to provide protection and durability while also delivering arch support, heel cushioning, and comfort to keep PF symptoms at bay. Keen Vista Energy’s line of work shoes is built with nylon shank midfoot support and a KonnectFit heel-capture system that provides an ideal fit for all-day wear.
These are incredibly safe shoes fitted with carbon-fiber toes (lighter than steel), a secure lace system, and an oil- and slip-resistant outsole. If you work around electrical components, Keen Vista Energy’s nonmetallic construction is electric shock-resistant as well. Water- and slip-resistant, these shoes meet multiple ASTM testing standards.
For people with plantar fasciitis, Keen Vista Energy’s shoes are among the best-fitting work shoes currently available due to their lightweight materials and thoughtful construction. Users with foot issues mentioned being able to be on their feet with little difficulty.
What We Like
- Meets multiple ASTM testing standards required by most workplace environments
- Uses a carbon fiber toe as opposed to a heavier steel option
- Breathable without sacrificing strength
- Water and electric shock resistant
- Reinforced heel capture system for better support
What We Don’t Like
- Limited colorways
- Only 2 width options
Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - New Balance 1540v3
SPECS
- Weight: 11.2 oz.
- Sizes: 5-13 women’s, 7-16 men’s
The New Balance 1540v3 is strongly worth considering if you walk a lot. While its appearance is a new take on an old-school design, the engineering behind this shoe is rooted in innovation. Doing a lot of walking can cause pressure, flattening the arches. The New Balance 1540s have dual layers of performance foam that give solid arch support for long distances.
New Balance’s rollbar midsole technology helps control rear foot movement, which can cause overpronation. The shoe is lightweight, with a good amount of mesh material to keep things breathable. New Balance offers the greatest number of options for foot width, from narrow to XX-wide.
Based on our own testing and user feedback, we say the NB 1540v3 is one of the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.
What We Like
- Designed to reduce overpronation
- Helps to minimize the risk of PF flare-ups
- Superior ankle support
- Modern features with old-school design
- Lots of foot widths to choose from
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive
- Limited colorways
Best Hiking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - Salomon Outpulse
SPECS
- Weight: 340g
- Sizes: 5-12 women’s, 7-14 men’s
Hiking shoes need to deliver a tremendous amount of stability, cushioning, and grip to be effective. The Salomon Outpulse is our choice as the best hiking shoe for plantar fasciitis. In addition to providing a solid level of protection, this hiking shoe has a specially designed midsole that offers enough cushioning to reduce the impact caused by changing terrain.
The Salomon Outpulse is equipped with a durable outsole that produces tremendous traction and keeps your feet stable in wet, slippery conditions. The heel stack-to-forefoot differential is only 11 millimeters, resulting in reduced heel impact. At 340 grams, the Salomon Outpulse is one of the lightest, most attractive hiking shoes on the market.
What We Like
- 20g lighter than previous models
- Superior ankle and foot support
- Strong-grip outsole
- Quicklace lacing system
What We Don’t Like
- No waterproofing
- Limited color options
Best Women’s Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - Saucony Women's Echelon 9
SPECS
- Weight: 9.5 oz.
- Sizes: 5-12 women’s
The Echelon 9 is one of Saucony’s most lightweight, cushioned women’s shoes for plantar fasciitis. It boasts a thicker midsole bed and removable PU sock liner to increase comfort. What’s more, the Echelon 9’s outsole is designed to form a supportive wrapping at the midfoot for greater arch support.
We found that the eight millimeter heel-to-toe offset significantly affects smooth heel-to-forefoot movement. Users appreciate how easy it is to use orthotics with these shoes even if their feet run wider.
What We Like
- Strong arch support
- Thicker midsole gives great cushion and shock absorption
- Reduces heel strike force
- Works great with orthotics
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
- Colorways could be more creative
BUY: Saucony Women's Echelon 9
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
This condition is related to the plantar fascia—the ligament that runs from the bottom of the heel bone to the base of the toes. Plantar fasciitis is caused by repeated stress, leading to scarring in the ligament. The result is a stabbing pain in the sole of your foot, often near the heel.(2)
Thankfully, shoe manufacturers have developed shoes that help. To help you find the right pair for your condition, we’ve assembled a comprehensive roundup of the best shoes for PF.
Our team of health and fitness experts has combined decades of experience to identify the ideal shoes for plantar fasciitis based on the following criteria:
- Quality of materials and manufacturing: Quality shoes for plantar fasciitis need to be made of quality materials and built to provide the support your feet need.
- Durability: Good shoes are an investment that should last.
- Value: Our team has taken the time to verify that every pair provides sufficient value and added functionality to justify its price.
- Effectiveness at heel cushioning and arch support: This guide identifies the best shoes that are effective for plantar fasciitis. We’ve included only shoes that have distinguished themselves in their ability to support the feet of those who have this condition.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, there are a range of factors to consider when choosing shoes. As you can see from this roundup, you have many options. These are some factors to keep in mind as you’re making your choice.
Sizes
Sizing is one of the most important aspects of finding the proper fit. A shoe can have the best padding and cushioning available, but a poor fit will negate its ability to deliver PF symptom relief. Pay attention to a brand’s sizing recommendations. Even if they do not offer half sizes, a manufacturer will provide instructions on what size may work best. Don’t be afraid to try out the shoes and return them if they don’t fit correctly.
Width
The width of a shoe is just as important as its length. Many people choose the wrong length of shoe while trying to get one wide enough to fit. If you have wider feet, opt for a brand that offers wide foot widths.
Materials
It’s important to look for a shoe that uses high-quality, breathable materials. Highly cushioned shoes tend to generate more heat, and it’s important to have materials that are breathable. Shoes are an investment. Keep an eye out for cheap materials and avoid them at all costs.
Support
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis provide superior support. Two of the most important areas are the arch of the foot and the heel. This is where most of the impact and strain take place. Opt for shoes that have a good heel support system that can absorb shock and lock the heel in place. If you are walking a lot, look for a shoe with strong arch support.
FAQs About Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Are arch-support shoes good for plantar fasciitis?
Arch support is an important component of shoes that help with plantar fasciitis. Proper arch support helps prevent the over- or under-pronation of the foot, which can intensify PF-related pain.(4)
What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis?
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis provide lots of arch support and heel cushioning. People with plantar fasciitis should avoid shoes that don’t have adequate support in these areas.
Should walking be avoided with plantar fasciitis?
Walking has tremendous benefits, including reducing the risk of health issues like cardiovascular disease.(5) Recent studies show that walking just 9,800 steps a day can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia.(6) With the proper shoes, people with plantar fasciitis can still enjoy walking and carrying out their daily activities.
How often should you replace your shoes with plantar fasciitis?
The lifespan of different shoes can vary. How much you use them can also play a factor. As a rule of thumb, you should replace your shoes when they no longer provide the support you need to manage plantar fasciitis when you walk.
References
- Rippe, J.M., Ward, A., Porcari, J.P., and Freedson, P.S. (1988). Walking for health and fitness. Jama, 259(18), 2720-2724.
- Buchbinder, R. (2004). Plantar fasciitis. New England Journal of Medicine, 350(21), 2159-2166.
- Odabas, Ilhan H., Bulgan, Ç., Bingül, B.M., and Sarpyener, K. (2019). The evaluation of foot pressure and postural structure of national golfers. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc., 3(2):150-153.
- Latt, L.D., Jaffe, D.E., Tang, Y., and Taljanovic, M.S. (2020). Evaluation and treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics, 5(1), 2473011419896763.
- Murtagh, E.M., Murphy, M.H., and Boone-Heinonen, J. (2010). Walking: the first steps in cardiovascular disease prevention. Current Opinion in Cardiology, (5):490-496.
- del Pozo Cruz, B., Ahmadi, M., Naismith, S.L., and Stamatakis, E. (2022). Association of daily step count and intensity with incident dementia in 78 430 adults living in the UK. JAMA Neurology, 79(10), 1059-1063.
About the Author
David Fang started his career by studying medicine at the State University of New York. Today, he works as a competitive CrossFit athlete, Olympic lifter, and fitness consultant who knows that the key to peak performance starts with rock-solid mental resilience and psychology. David has worked with coaches and athletes from the University of Louisville and Duke University to aid in building a powerful mind-body connection.
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