In addition to stretching, ice and anti-inflammatories, the right shoe can help minimize pain and manage the discomfort that comes along with plantar fasciitis. After speaking to multiple board-certified podiatrists and testing many pairs ourselves, we determined that Hoka’s Bondi 8 is the best shoe for plantar fasciitis overall, thanks to its cushioned sole and balanced support structure. The Ortho Feet Stretch Knit offers the best arch support, while the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14 is our top pick for walking.
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis are firm but flexible to help reduce pain.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a connective ligament that supports the arch of your foot, becomes inflamed, says Deena Horn, D.P.M., an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. Proper footwear is crucial for keeping inflammation and heel pain at bay. To find the most effective options, Forbes Vetted contributor Becky Eaton, who has plantar fasciitis, put our picks through their paces and rated each in terms of comfort. Below, find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, along with helpful buying tips from our panel of podiatrists.
Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Overall: Hoka Bondi 8
Best Arch Support Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Orthofeet Stretch Knit
Best Walking Sneakers For Plantar Fasciitis: New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Ghost 15
Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Court FF 3
Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis: Crocs Classic Cozzzy Sandals
Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis: Oofos Ooahh Slide
Best Flip Flop For Plantar Fasciitis: Olukai Ohana Beach Sandals
MOST POPULAR
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4.5 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Standard, wide | Materials: Recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 4mm | Cushioning: High
What you’ll love:
Available in regular and wide fits APMA Seal of Acceptance Rear crash pad absorbs impact
Keep in mind:
The cushioned sole might lose some support after months of frequent wear.
The Hoka Bondi 8 is our top pick for a few reasons: The memory foam collar reduces foot strain and a rear crash pad at the back offers balanced landing during heel-to-toe movements, and the shoe’s neutral support structure dials in the stability. Hoka’s curved “metarocker” sole also prevents your feet from stepping flat—hopefully saving you from a spell of pain—and The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) provides a Seal of Acceptance, so the Bondi 8 has passed reviews from podiatrists who endorse its benefits. Overall, these shoes are meticulously engineered seam by seam, which justifies the high-end price tag.
What our tester says: “This is an excellent shoe,” says Eaton. “The wide toe box left plenty of room for my toes to spread out and breathe, and with each step, my whole foot felt fully supported and delightfully cushioned, especially in the heel where I feel most of my plantar fasciitis pain.” She does note the oversized sole “might feel bulky for some people.”
The Hoka Bondi 8’s have a wide toe box and ample sole cushioning, so my feet feel supported for any … [+] activity.
Becky Eaton For Forbes Vetted
Orthofeet
Orthofeet Stretch Knit
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Standard, wide, extra wide | Materials: Stretch knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Moderate
What you’ll love:
Wide toe box allows foot to splay Cushioned sole reduces impact forces Stretch knit upper promotes flexibility and breathability
Keep in mind:
Updated sneaker has less padding than previous versions
Outfitted with the cushion system for comfort and support, Orthofeet’s Stretch Knit sneaker is specifically designed for plantar fasciitis. It helps relieve pressure on sensitive feet with foam padding around pressure points. It also includes a removable anatomical arch booster made of flexible plastic that can be added under the sole for extra support and protection. This shoe has a wide toe box to accommodate other foot conditions, such as bunions, and a stretchable knitted upper that allows your foot to flex freely without constricting movements.
What our tester says: “This sneaker felt loose for me at first, but thanks to the 3.2mm supplied spacer that fits under the removable insole, I could easily adapt the fit, which reduced heel slippage,” says Eaton. “While the tongue and collar aren’t as padded as some of the other pairs I tested, my feet still felt comfortable and supported while walking and doing light cardio.”
The insole removes to add a spacer for better fit and an arch support booster for extra support if … [+] you need it.
Becky Eaton For Forbes Vetted
New Balance
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4.5 | Sizes: 5 to 13 (women’s) | Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 12mm | Cushioning: Moderate
What you’ll love:
Medium and wide fits available Enhanced, lightweight cushioning for long runs Neutral, cushioned support accommodates different feet
Keep in mind:
Not waterproof
The Brooks Ghost 15 is the latest in its award-winning series, designed to provide comfort, support and a smooth ride. The updated cushioning, known as the DNA Loft V2, is a precise balance of rubber, air and light foam to buffer your landings—crucial if you’re prone to plantar-related flare-ups. Also great: Its 12mm heel-to-toe drop diverts stress away from the heel, encouraging your weight to land in the forefront of the shoe. Some customers find the Ghost line is roomier than other brands, which can be helpful, too. The shoe also comes in many fun color options for those who want to make a statement.
What our tester says: “Whether you wear these to run or not, the Ghost 15 is a well-built, low-profile sneaker that offers a lot of support with minimal weight,” says Eaton. “My ankle felt fully supported and I could feel the responsive cushioning both in the heel and ball of the foot when I moved and took a step. Even in rainy weather, the sole has good slip resistance.”
A thick, padded collar and responsive cushioning make this a supportive shoe for running and beyond.
Becky Eaton For Forbes Vetted
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 3.5 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Polyester and synthetic mesh upper and lining, rubber outsole | Heel drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Moderate
What you’ll love:
Excellent support and stability features Sock-like feel for comfort Padded collar and tongue for extra cushioning
Keep in mind:
Only comes in one width
If you play tennis and want to keep pain from getting in the way, Asic’s Court FF 3 has a lot of smart, plantar-fasciitis-friendly features. According to Dr. Lady Paula DeJesus, D.P.M., a triple board-certified podiatric surgeon, it “has an outsole grip support system and a sock-like feel for comfort.” There’s also a removable footbed boosted with “Flytefoam” for lightweight cushioning and a midsole designed to maximize bounce-back and responsiveness, so you can switch between playing styles easily.
What our tester says: “I liked how the Asics Court FF 3s have a sock-like interior surrounded by a synthetic, flexible shell-like exterior, so my foot felt extremely secure during any type of movement,” says Eaton. “The mesh upper also encourages airflow, which kept my feet cool. Overall, this is a stable, flexible and well designed pick for both playing at the baseline and moving around the court.” Eaton also says this sneaker can be difficult to slip into at first “since the padded collar and tongue are connected in a way that offers minimal stretch,” but notes the area “loosens up with repeated wear.”
A sock-like mesh interior is surrounded by a flexible synthetic exterior that keeps the foot secure.
Becky Eaton For Forbes Vetted
Amazon
Crocs Classic Cozzzy Sandals
Comfort rating (0 to 5): N/A | Sizes: 4 to 17 (women’s) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Textile upper and lining, EVA outsole | Heel drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Moderate
What you’ll love:
Textured outsole for traction on hard floors Breathable sandal design to prevent overheating Cozy fleece lining on the foot and heel
Keep in mind:
Sizing runs large Some customers mention they’re difficult to clean
Lightweight yet supportive, Crocs are a solid option for those with plantar fasciitis—especially if you’re looking for a casual pair for exclusively wearing around the house. With a heightened outsole and slightly raised heel, the Classic Cozzzy Sandal offers great shock absorption, making them ideal for use on hardwood floors. A fuzzy fleece lining keeps the foot warm, while the sandal-like design provides enough ventilation to avoid overheating. Just keep in mind that these are best for indoor use, as some reviewers mention that small bits of outdoor debris can easily get trapped in the fluff.
What our tester says: In her roundup of the Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis, Eaton notes that she switched her slippers out with Crocs, based on her podiatrist’s recommendation. This pair is featured as her pick for the best house slippers. “Love or hate them, Crocs’s footwear is ultra-supportive and great for those with plantar fasciitis, as I discovered,” she says. “The Classic Cozzzy Sandal combines the comfort of a fuzzy slipper with the breathability of a sandal.”
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 5 | Sizes: 5 to 16 (women’s) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Foam | Heel drop: Not listed | Cushioning: High
What you’ll love:
OOfoam’s impact-absorbing technology Slip-on style to easily pop sandals on and off Machine-washable design
Keep in mind:
No half sizes offered
Style and orthotic support aren’t usually synonymous, but the Oofos OOahh Slide Sandals may be onto something. Sleek in design yet intricate in technology, this sandal absorbs up to 37% more impact compared to similar foam shoes on the market—so it literally takes a load off your feet. Meanwhile, a propriety footbed reduces stress on your lower-half joints. The sturdy base cradles your arches, which can take some getting used to, especially if you tend to walk on flat shoes—but that’s part of the secret to reducing achy feet. Just note the straps aren’t adjustable, so if your feet are narrow, they could slip off easily.
What our tester says: “These slides provided high-cushion recovery with a soft, massage-like quality,” says Eaton, who also named these as her top pick on our list of the Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis. “You can wear them all day without injuring your feet and they can even relieve pain: after a night of dancing, my sore feet and tight lower back felt healed after just a few minutes of wearing these slides.”
The proprietary footbed reduces stress and absorbs impact.
Becky Eaton For Forbes Vetted
Olukai
Olukai Ohana Beach Sandals
Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Synthetic, nylon, rubber outsole | Heel drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Moderate
What you’ll love:
Molded footbed for all-day comfort Anatomical fit to prevent foot strain Razor-siped edges to enhance traction on wet surfaces
Keep in mind:
On the expensive side
DeJesus recommends Olukai flip flops, pointing out that they have “a thick sole for shock absorption with adequate arch support.” Each pair is made with a compression-molded EVA midsole and drop-in footbed to create the ideal anatomical fit. They’re also quite durable, with water-resistant synthetic straps, quick-drying jersey knit lining and a soft nylon toe post.
Flip flops are notoriously iffy for those with plantar fasciitis—to fully experience the benefits of this cushy, supportive pair, make sure the straps aren’t too loose on your foot as that will force your toes to grip too hard to keep the shoe on.
What our tester says: “These sandals put the flat flip flops of my teen years to shame,” says Eaton. “There’s arch support that prevents pain, a cushioned foam insole that my foot comfortably sunk into and the surrounding outsole is made of a hard, grippy rubber that felt durable with high traction. The thong between the toes is made of a soft nylon that prevented any rubbing, which I appreciated. If you wear flip flops a lot, this pair is worth it—it’s a game-changer for comfort and a huge improvement over board-like flip flops, which offer no support and can exacerbate foot issues.”
A molded footbed and grippy, high-traction soles make these flip flops supportive and safe to wear … [+] in wet environments.
Becky Eaton For Forbes Vetted
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve published many expertly researched fashion articles, including dozens of stories on footwear for various needs.
When researching the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, we consulted with three experts: Dr. Lady Paula DeJesus, D.P.M., a triple board-certified podiatric surgeon with Northeast Medical Group; Dr. Deena Horn, D.P.M., an American Board of Podiatric Surgery certified podiatrist and an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City; and Dr. Nelya Lobkova, D.P.M., an American Board of Podiatric Medicine certified surgical podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare in New York City.
Our deputy editor, Kari Molvar, oversaw the publication of this piece, drawing on her experience as a former health writer, current runner and fitness walker who has written extensively about everything from the best walking shoes for women to the most comfortable sandals.
The co-author of this article, Leoni Jesner, is an American Council on Exercise (ACE) personal trainer and Pilates instructor.
This list is regularly refreshed to ensure all selections continue to meet the criteria for their respective categories. It was last updated in June 2024 by fashion writer Claire Epting, who added the Crocs Cozzzy Sandals as the best slippers for plantar fasciitis.
How We Chose The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
To narrow down the top shoes for plantar fasciitis, we evaluated customer and expert reviews, footwear features, enhanced functionality and price point and selected the best options to keep your feet comfortable and as pain-free as possible.
Forbes Vetted contributor Becky Eaton—who herself suffers from plantar fasciitis—personally tested our top picks, evaluating and rating each for comfort, stability, support and pain relief.
All of our selections (with the exception of the Crocs Cozzzy Sandals) were medically reviewed by DeJesus to make sure they were good candidates for people with plantar fasciitis.
We highlighted shoes made by established footwear brands with stellar reputations among podiatrists. In particular, DeJesus is a fan of those from Hoka, Asics, Brooks and New Balance, which she says are known for their supportive features tailored to alleviate discomfort brought on by plantar fasciitis.
We tested all eight of our expert picks and scored them on comfort, support, traction and more.
Becky Eaton For Forbes Vetted
What To Consider When Buying Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, which can be alleviated by choosing the right footwear, according to DeJesus. Here are the essential features to look for when choosing a shoe for plantar fasciitis:
Heel Drop
The heel drop of a shoe is the difference in height between the shoe’s heel and forefoot. “A zero drop shoe would be detrimental because of the excessive stress on the heel,” Lobkova explains. “[But] a high heel-to-toe drop can cause the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon to contract and shorten over time, further worsening plantar fasciitis.” To find the right middle ground, Lobkova recommends a 4 to 8mm heel-to-toe drop as the most beneficial option for those with plantar fasciitis. “This places less stress on the Achilles tendon and allows for more efficient transfer of energy through heel-lift and toe-off in the walking cycle,” she says.
Cushioning
“Cushioning at the heel acts as shock absorption to minimize ground reactive forces going up the kinetic chain, to the other weight bearing joints, such as those in the knees and low back,” says Lobkova, who helped design a walking shoe called Klaw to address this issue. Look for a pair of shoes with an ample amount of cushioning; the Hoka Bondi 8 earns high marks in this category, thanks to its rear crash pad that provides a more forgiving impact.
Fit And Width
An improper fit can exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms. DeJesus advises trying on shoes “at the end of the day when your feet are largest, and ensure there’s a thumb’s width of space from your longest toe to the end of the shoe.” A wide midsole base is also recommended for additional support.
Arch Support
“If there is no arch support in the shoe, the plantar fascia pulls causing stressful irritation and pain,” says De Jesus. Those with flat feet or high arches should particularly prioritize this feature, as the extra structure can help reduce discomfort. The Ortho Feet Stretch Knit is designed with flexible plastic inserts, making this style ideal for these foot types.
What Shoes Do Doctors Recommend For Plantar Fasciitis?
The podiatrists we spoke with recommend shoes that combine cushioning with arch support, like the Hoka Bondi 8, our best overall pick. This shoe has a Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association, which means that it has been reviewed by a team of podiatrists to guarantee it promotes good foot health. In addition, DeJesus specifically recommends the Asics Court FF3 for tennis shoes and the Olukai Ohana for flip flops.
How Should Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Fit?
Similarly, Dr. Lobkova says “the ‘right’ shoe will keep you walking pain-free.” She says to take note of the space at the toes, since too little space or a narrow walking shoe may cause pain in the ball of the foot. Also consider the flexibility of the shoe. “Look for a sneaker with a plush platform-like sole, metatarsal-rocker, which is a platform, concave-shaped sole at the area of the ball of the foot,” says Lobkova. “This allows for the smoothest possible transition from heel to toe.” If there is pain or swelling that does not resolve, it’s best to see a podiatrist “in order to make sure all the right measures are being taken,” she adds.
Should I Wear Different Shoes For Walking And Running?
It’s a good idea, according to DeJesus. For example, “Road running and walking shoes should not be capable of bending or twisting,” she says. “A stiff arch is beneficial for motion control. Rocker soles for running may help with a smooth stride and reduce stress to your plantar fascia [since] rocking forward stimulates a rolling motion during your gait cycle.” For walking and running shoes, adequate cushioning for shock absorption and protection is also essential. “Running shoes should be lightweight. A heavy weighted shoe requires more body energy due to the weight on your feet,” says DeJesus.
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