The 12 Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis, According To Podiatrists (2024)

Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis:

It focuses on integrated health, so if your foot pain is caused by something else in your entire physiology, the clinic can help identify it, too. Because AJ Posture doesn’t just focus on foot health, those suffering from vertigo and back pain are welcome too. AJ Posture doesn’t just specialize in podiatry; it also helps people improve their posture and overall well-being, and also offers pedicures for severe toenail problems. He also offers general foot care tips so that your feet will be healthy for years to come.

Our feet, heels, ankles, and knees feel stable and supported, and we especially felt their shock-absorbing power in the heel. With plenty of cushioning and arch support, these shoes were so soothing; we never felt any stabbing pain in the heel or ankle area like we’re used to. We noticed a unique heel cup rim around the edge of the heel, with a small oval cushion in the center of the heel for extra comfort. A heel cup that hugs and supports while the extra cushion gives plenty of softness with each footfall. The shoe is light, breathable, and easy to walk in; they don’t weigh your foot down or feel heavy and clunky in the slightest. After walking for a while, we sometimes found we needed to tighten the laces as we felt our feet were sliding a bit.

Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviewsand often conducts personal testing done by our staffto help you make informed decisions. We also read through countless reviews online to find shoes that met these experts’ criteria and are well-regarded by real users. Similarly, a midsole with ample support and flexibility will help reduce pain throughout the foot. My back doesn’t bother me when I wear these, and I am on my feet all day at work besides my workouts, wrote one reviewer. Recovering from plantar fasciitis requires patience, especially if you’re usually an active person.

Go for a shoe that feels as if it were cradling your foot and cushioning that will mold to your unique foot shape. Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, a podiatrist in Silver Spring, Md., shares that plantar fasciitis can create pain that hinders your ability to exercise, stand, and walk. Both Dr. Bhular and Nicholas Japs, DPT, a physical therapist at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, recommend Hoka’s Kaha 2 boot.

This condition affects approximately 2 million people every year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Additionally, the co-author of this article, Leoni Jesner, they said is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer and Pilates instructor. The Hoka Bondi 8’s have a wide toe box and ample sole cushioning, so my feet feel supported for any …

He says he advises patients that a supportive arch may not feel 100% comfortable from the start but it will be an important part of recovery. Our arches and feet felt incredibly supported in Rothy’s The Lug loafers. The quality of these shoes is high, and we loved the padded insoles and the added get redirected here grip and traction on the durable outsoles. The 1.5-inch heel height is stylish but also practical for longer days on your feet, and they’re versatile enough to wear to work, on errands, or to brunch or dinner out. Bui warns that though these shoes are great, they may take some getting used to.

Instead of one fixed degree of support, these sneakers come with lower built-in arch support (for flat feet or neutral arches). One of our editors who struggles with plantar fasciitis experienced no symptoms during the page testing period, noting that the shoes provided great stability and cushioning. The first thing we noticed about this shoe was the strange low fit of the heel, which at first felt like our heels were slipping out.

The curve of the sole helped our feet to relax as we walked, so we were able to enjoy longer walks on different terrains with no pain. The shoe also was efficient at both absorbing the shock of our movements and propelling us forward. We were able to push into the next step with minimal effort, as the cushion of the arch acted like a springboard. Unfortunately, we did not have the same experience when running, as our editor’s arches were less supported than we would like.

Still, these are great shoes and provide the support needed while walking, running errands, or playing with the kids. Some people may find that while they need the extra insert for support and cushioning, it causes the shoe to fit differently. When you order them, definitely take the time to try a few configurations to make sure the sizing is appropriate for the level of support you need.

Unfortunately, our arches weren’t as protected as expected while running. We found that we weren’t able to run more than a half mile before feeling arch pain. Avoid flat, non-supportive types of shoes like sandals or backless clogs, Dr. Gamez says. The same generally goes for sneakers without arch support (unless you add orthotics, heel cups, or insoles), and flats. This cushiony, cloudlike Oofos sandal is a SELF Fave for workout recovery (and just wearing around the house, honestly), thanks to its thick soles and fun range of colors.

Its casual sneaker, the Dansko Pace, is pretty understated and aesthetically agreeable, which is the most you can ask for in the orthotics category. The Pace has a removable insert and a stiff footbed with strong arch support, so this shoe meets all of our experts’ requirements for PF support. This pair has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means a group of podiatrists has determined that they promote good foot health. And from the moment we slipped them on, we noticed a major difference in comfort and support.

Every step then causes the ligament to tear a small amount, which leads to moderate to severe pain. But there are a variety of shoes designed to help support your arch or heel and are able to relieve some PF symptoms in the process. Most high-quality pairs of walking shoes for plantar fasciitis cost between $60 and $200. Our top overall picksOrthofeet’s Coral Stretch Knit and ASICS’ Gel-Venture 9were $145 and $74 (respectively) when we last updated this list. The thick upper is a little stretchy, which (combined with a helpful pull tab) makes it easy to slip these boots on and off. We also love that the rubber outsole has deep treads for better traction in rain and snow.

As a result, if you can tolerate wearing shoes all day, then you should, Dr. Spector says. But he acknowledges that most people have a hard time doing this, so he recommends a recovery sandal while not wearing shoes. In fact, proper arch support that hits the foot in the right place means less stress and strain are applied to your foot. When a shoe lacks arch support, this leads to reduced inflammation, pain, and discomfort, Dr. Spielfogel adds.

For active women looking for a great walking and jogging shoe that will keep plantar fasciitis at bay, look no further. The first time we put on these running shoes for plantar fasciitis, we felt like they were specially designed for our feet. These shoes do an amazing job of supporting high arches and cradling your foot, and they seemed to take pressure off of the balls of our feet. When walking or running on paved or concrete streets, you need shoes that will absorb shock, says Levin Valencia. That takes some of the job away from the plantar fascia. To help you navigate the crowded footwear market, we tested 25 pairs of sneakers, loafers, and mules to find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.