The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms And Foot Pain Relief

Last Updated on February 9, 2023 by Lori Geurin

When I first started having foot pain symptoms, I had no idea what was wrong with my feet. All I knew was that it hurt like crazy and the pain just got worse as the day went on. After seeing several doctors for medical advice, doing a lot of research, and physical therapy, I finally figured out that I had plantar fasciitis. X-rays confirmed this, as well as heel spurs.

If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, the first thing you need to do is get some good arch support shoes. This will help alleviate a lot of the pain and help your feet heal. I’ve tried a lot of different brands of shoes and will share some of my favorites in this article.

If you’re tired of dealing with foot pain, see 35 of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis relief (for women and men) below.

Do your feet feel tired and achy after a long day of standing or walking around on the job? Or maybe you’re one of the three million people with plantar fasciitis in the U.S. every year. If so, you know how excruciating chronic heel pain can be. Below I’ll explain more about painful feet and suggest some of the best shoe brands that help with plantar fasciitis pain many of which have helped me deal with my own plantar fasciitis and heel spur symptoms.

Then, I’ll share an amazing video that helped me how to heal my heel pain overnight. I learned this simple stretch that blew my mind and went from having severe daily heel pain to having instant relief and being able to better manage the condition.

It goes counter to everything my podiatrist said to do. I can’t wait to share this with you because it’s helped me so much and I know it can help you too! So, onto the nitty-gritty…

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What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

First of all, let’s talk about that crazy spelling, yo. Whoever came up with the word fasciitis (pronounced, fashee-EYE-tiss) must have been slightly evil…Okay, I’ll admit that as a former Medical Transcriptionist the word *fasciitis was my Achilles’ heel. Pun intended? But enough about that…

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, plantar fasciitis affects a whopping 2 million Americans each year. This painful condition involves an inflamed band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that connects your heel bone to your toes.

And here’s some interesting information you might not have heard before…

Plantar Fasciitis Pain, Symptoms And Facts:

• Plantar fasciitis often causes a stabbing pain in the heel when you first get out of bed in the morning
• Plantar fascia pain may improve during the day but can worsen with extended periods of walking, standing, or sitting
• Plantar fasciitis is more common in runners and people who are obese
• Plantar fascia pain is more common in occupations where you’re on your feet a lot, including teaching, nursing, factory working, etc.
• Plantar fasciitis pain is usually worse after exercise
• Pain in the plantar fascia is most common between 40 and 60 years of age
• Certain exercises that place stress on the heel increase the occurrence of early-onset plantar fasciitis. These include distance running, aerobics, dancing, and jumping.
• Having a high arch or flat feet can put you at higher risk for plantar fascia pain
• Women are four times more likely to have plantar fasciitis than men, maybe due to wearing heels and shoes that don’t fit? (hmmm, just a theory)

So keep reading for the best shoes to relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis (for men and women). But first, you may be wondering,

What Is A Heel Spur Anyway?

Heel spurs are calcium deposits causing bony growths underneath the heel bone. Despite what you may have heard to the contrary, heel spurs are caused by plantar fasciitis, not the other way around.

If I had my heel x-ray I’d show you the pointy heel spurs on both of my feet. Just looking at the heel spurs on x-ray made me hurt a little. But the podiatrist told me that the pain I was having was coming from the plantar fasciitis and not the spurs.

Heel spurs look like this.

Kon Marie-ing My Painful Ped Coverings

Just an FYI, the subheading above could have read *Out With The Old, In With The New* (been used before) or *Trading Stilettos For Shoes That Feel Like Walking In Meadows* (I couldn’t find an appropriate word that rhymed with stilettos). Anyhoo, here’s hoping you’re cool with *Kon Marie-ing My Painful Ped Coverings* – because I liked it. :)

So now we’re getting to the important stuff – shoes! Truth be told, I used to own way too many pairs. Then a couple of years ago when I started having heel pain I had to rethink my shoe options. I invested in a couple of pairs of Birkenstocks (coming up below) and lived in them for a while out of necessity.

But, hold on a second. I’m not the type of girl to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Meaning: I may have to wear comfortable (or orthopedic) and proper shoes for plantar fasciitis but, by gosh I don’t want them to look like orthopedics. Not that there’s anything wrong with that look….it’s just not me.

So I’ve searched far and wide for exceptionally comfortable shoes that have a level of style and cuteness that I can appreciate. Needless to say, I’ve Kon Marie-ed my shoe collection – cut it way down. I still wear the Birks often and I don’t think they look bad at all…especially if your vibe is more relaxed and Boho.

Sometimes I hear people dog on Birks and I find it confusing….I’m like, whuut? I don’t get it.

But to each his or her own. And that’s why I’m including a variety of styles for different occasions for you below.

You may enjoy this post: 25 Unhealthiest Foods In America With Healthy Options.

How To Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Here are a few tips before we get into the best plantar fasciitis shoes:

1. Wear Supportive Shoes That Fit Well

When buying running or walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, look for ones that support your feet and fit well. Make sure that your shoes are comfortable enough so that you can walk comfortably without having to adjust them frequently.

2. Avoid Heels

Heels are a big no-no if you have plantar fasciitis. They put unnecessary strain on your feet and can exacerbate plantar fasciitis pain. Also avoid flip flops. Stick to supportive flats, wedges, or low-heeled plantar fasciitis shoes to give your feet the arch support they need.

3. Choose a Good Orthotic Insert

Orthotics are designed to provide support for the foot and help relieve pressure points. They are usually made of foam or plastic and are inserted into the shoe. People use them to treat heel spurs, bunions, and other foot ailments. Many inserts have enhanced arch support and memory foam cushioning for shock absorption and to keep your feet happy. Your podiatrist may also order custom orthotics that are specially made for you.

4. Buy Quality Footwear

When you’re dealing with feet that hurt, investing a little extra for well-made quality shoes is worth it. I used to buy cute, inexpensive shoes, but if I had it to do over again, I would spend the extra money for supportive shoes with a wide toe box.

5. Do Some Stretching Exercises

Stretching is super important when you have plantar fasciitis. Don’t miss my favorite stretch for plantar fasciitis painbelow!

6. Ice Your Feet

If you’re experiencing pain and inflammation, icing your feet can help. Fill a bucket with ice and water and soak your feet for 15-20 minutes. Doing this several times a day will help reduce swelling and pain. You can also use a frozen water bottle to massage your feet for added relief. That said, some people respond better to heat than ice, so try them both and see what works best for you.

6. Don’t Go Barefoot

Walking barefoot on hard surfaces can exacerbate or delay the healing process in those who already have plantar fasciitis. However, barefoot activities can improve balance and posture and prevent common injuries like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, bursitis, and tendonitis in the Achilles tendon. According to one expert, this is because barefoot activities help us become more aware of our bodies and the surfaces we’re walking on.[*]

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Capsule Wardrobe For Plantar Fasciitis Shoes

So what kind of shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?

I now own a pair of tie-up gladiators, booties, wedges, loafers, and sneakers. My shoe collection has shrunk considerably but I’m happy with each pair. Plus, a helpful shoe salesman shared his trick for working on his feet every day – orthotic insoles! Have you tried them?

I’ll share the ones he recommended … my new favorites, below. These are great if you have a pair of okay shoes that aren’t that comfortable. Simply pop in your high-quality insole and viola. Comfort city!

I hope the list below helps your tired feet. (Plus, the awesome video, courtesy of Dr. Berg below the shoes.) Even though special shoes won’t treat your foot issues, they can help you feel more comfortable and be able to enjoy the activities you love.

I’ve included sandals for summer, slippers, cross trainers, running shoes, loafers, booties, sneakers, and shoe inserts for both men and women below.

To look at or purchase any of the shoes below, simply click on each link or shoe image. Then you can see the different size and color options that are available.

I’ve put an* beside the shoes that I own below just in case you’re a curious person like me.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase through one of my affiliate links, I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting our little blog. I appreciate you!

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Best Everyday Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Foot Pain

Here are some of the top rated shoes for plantar fasciitis.

1. * Rockport Cobb Hill Gabby Gladiator Sandal

These are one of my go-to summer shoes – definitely one of my current favorites! I have them in black and khaki and they go with everything.

2. * Rockport Cobb Hill Aria Bootie

A shoe salesman helped me find these when I told him I was looking for something ultra-comfortable, supportive, and stylish. The laces make them easy to adjust to your feet, which I love because mine are narrow and shoes tend to slip around.

3. * OOFOS Sandal

These are my favorite soft plantar fasciitis shoes for painful feet – the most comfortable shoes in my closet!

4. * Bzees Secret Sandal

So cute and comfy! These are super lightweight and I love the stretchy upper because it gently hugs your feet. I have them in blush knit and they’re surprisingly neutral to go with many looks.

5. * Vionic Relax Slipper

This is more than I would normally spend on a pair of slippers. But if you have plantar fasciitis you understand how important supportive shoes are, even when you’re puttering around your house. And since I work from home…ergo the slippers. I went for the leopard print ones because they’re fun. We love this shoe for plantar fasciitis!

6. * ECCO Soft Sneakers

Everyone needs a casual sneaker that goes with everything, am I right? These are one of the best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis pain.

7. Vionic Rest Kirra Sandal

Perfect for every occasion – casual or dressed up too.

8. Vionic Honor Virginia Moccasin

This cute and comfy loafer comes in a variety of colors.

9. Vionic Midi Kani Slip-On Sneaker

A sporty slip-on with a cute perforated design.

10. Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal

With over 6000 excellent Amazon reviews you can’t go wrong with this summertime basic. Plus, they come in a wide variety of colors.

11. Vionic Jolene Bootie

A beautiful leather bootie with classic Vionic support.

12. ASICS GT-2000 7 Women’s Running Shoes Shoe

Ultralight and designed for under pronators, or people with high arches these are some of the best running shoes that money can buy. Ultra-cushioned, shock-absorbing features with good support.

13. ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes

Another great choice from ASICS, these are built for the overpronator with low arches. They have a great color selection and are one of the best running shoes!

14. Women’s New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoes

This neutral cushioned New Balance running shoe is beautiful and provides exceptional comfort, keeping the heel locked in place. The deep heel support and comfort makes a big difference.

15. Men’s New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V10 Running Shoes

This pair of New Balance shoes is the same shoe as number 14 above but built for the men. One of the best mens shoes for people with plantar fasciitis!

16. Women’s Asics Gel Nimbus 22 Running Shoe

Widely regarded as one of the best shoes for ladies with plantar fasciitis, the Gel Nimbus boasts Heel Clutching System Technology for enhanced heel support and GEL cushioning. Plus, the color selection alone is quite impressive.

17. Men’s Asics Gel Nimbus 22 Running Shoe

This is one of the most recommended running shoes for plantar fasciitis sufferers. The great thing is that you don’t have to be a runner to enjoy all the benefits of wearing them.

18. * Men’s & Women’s Birkenstock Arizona Suede Soft Foot Bed (SFB)

These are so comfy and cute! (I don’t care what the Birk haters say, lol) If only my daughters weren’t wearing these all of the time.

19. * Women’s Birkenstock Gizeh Leather Sandals

I love these Birks too and call them my dressy Birks, ha.

20. Birkenstock Mayari Leather Sandals

My daughter has these in brown. They come in all sorts of beautiful colors and have excellent Birk support. They’re definitely one of the best womens shoes for plantar fasciitis.

21.Vionic Karina Sandal

With adjustable leather straps, Vionic’s done it again. Simple, supportive, and classy. Plus, with over 2,000 excellent reviews on Amazon.

22. Taos Gift 2 Sandal

With excellent cushioning and support, this beauty is worth a look. They come in a variety of beautiful colors, but I especially love these blue ones.

23. NAOT Kata Shoe

These are a bit more of an investment than some, but they’re super cute and would look great with your favorite pair of jeans. Plus, the reviews are excellent and your feet deserve the very best.

24. Vionic Joy Serena Ankle Boot

There’s a reason the Vionic brand keeps showing up here. They make shoes for people with foot problems like plantar fasciitis. These booties are versatile, stylish, and oh-so-comfortable.

25. Dansko Sophie Sandal

I’ll admit that I’m not usually a huge fan of Danskos for my personal style but their clogs are super popular, especially in fields where you’re on your feet all the time. I do love these sandals. And best of all, Amazon reviewers who have plantar fasciitis claim they’re extremely comfortable. Win-win!

26. * Vionic, Slimfit Orthotic Inserts

These inserts are best for low-profile plantar fasciitis shoes such as flats, dress shoes, or slim sneakers. Great for men and women. It’s amazing how they can transform an uncomfortable pair of shoes into comfy ones.

27. * Vionic ¾ Length Relief Orthotic Insert 

These provide medium-level support for casual shoes and boots. They’re also great for shoes that are smaller in the toe box because of the 3/4 length. They come in different sizes for men and women.

28. Vionic Full-Length Active Orthotic Insert

These give you maximum support for all activities including walking and running. They’re great for athletic and casual shoes.

29. Men’s Chaco Z2 Classic Sport Sandals

You’ll notice these Chacos and the women’s pair below have a loop that goes around the toe. This is a feature that many people love but if you’re not into toe loops they have other styles without the loop. It’s important to note that most people find that it takes a few days to break your Chacos in.

30. Women’s Chaco ZX2 Classic Sandals

It’s all about that Chaco tan. Wink wink. But seriously, with their podiatrist-certified LUVSEAT PU footbed, so many people love Chacos for their amazing support. Not to mention the endless array of colors and styles you can choose from. (I love these teal ones.)

32. * Women’s ECCO Low Cut Bootie Sneaker

These are my new favorites to wear during the colder months! I have them in the dusty blue and fig. My feet never hurt when I wear them and that’s saying a lot. Something about the superior construction of the ECCO shoes really pampers my feet.

33. ECCO Women’s Laser Cut Bootie Sneaker

I’m not sure which ones I love more, these or the ECCOs above. They’re so comfy and the perfect casual style. They look great with jeans, leggings joggers, and khakis.

34. Women’s ECCO Soft 7 Tred Gore-tex High Sneaker

These are my dream sneakers! Maybe the hubby will see this and take the hint? #kiddingnotkidding

35. Men’s OOahh Slide Sandal

This OOFOS style is available for women too, here.

Other great brands to check out include:

• Hoka One
• Aetrex
• Ecco
• Dansko
• OluKai
• Hoka
• Brooks
• Vionic
• OrthoFeet
• OOFOS

Best Mules for Plantar Fasciitis

If you love wearing mules, we’ve gathered some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis on Amazon here:

• Easy Spirit Women’s TRAVELTIME295 Mule
• Skecher’s Sport Women’s No Limits Slip-On Mule Sneaker
• Dansko Women’s Berry Mule
• Clarks Women’s Breeze Shore Mule

Now here’s the video I mentioned earlier…

Simple Stretches To Relieve Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Below is the video I’ve been raving about above. You have to try it to believe how well these simple stretches work. I went from having terrible, daily heel pain to instant relief after trying the technique Dr. Eric Berg will show you in the video below. Now I’m able to manage my painful feet by doing the technique only once or twice daily. Thank you, Dr. Berg!

Summary – The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

I get how frustrating it can be to find comfortable (and stylish) shoes when you’re having pain in your feet or heels. I hope this post has helped you learn what kind of shoes to wear for plantar fasciitis (that also appeal to your personal style!)

What has helped improve your foot and heel pain? What are your favorite comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis?

The information provided in this article has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to treat, prevent, diagnose, or cure any disease or health problem.

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