Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Published on February 1st, 2024 | by Kirsten Borrink

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Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis [6 Stylish Options]

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!

Dansko Merrin

We love this new style from Dansko for fall 2023–perfect for anyone on their feet all day. The Merrin features a cork/EVA midsole with arch support, roomy toe box, 1 1/4″ heel with 3/4″ platform. A heel strap provides a secure fit (note that it fastens with velcro, buckle is decorative). Find the Dansko Merrin in euro sizes 36-42 (5.5-11.5) for $140 from Dansko.com, Zappos, Nordstrom and The Walking Company. 

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, Naot.com and Nordstrom.

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.

Brooks Ghost

Best fitness shoes for plantar fasciitis: Brooks Ghost 

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 in sizes 5-13, three widths for $129.95 from Zappos, BrooksRunning.com, and Amazon.

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 (some colors available in sizes up to 43 and wide widths) 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. Need a warm-weather walking sandal for plantar fasciitis? See our recent review of the Dansko Racquel. Also, join our “Shoes for Plantar Fasciits” Facebook discussion for even more ideas!

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