3 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, According to
Podiatrists (2023)
Meta Description: In this article, you’ll find the 3 best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis as of 2023, as
recommended by podiatrists.
Plantar Fasciitis is a painful condition that can cause sharp pain and constant aching in the feet,
particularly near the heels or in the soles–and it’s much more common than you think. A 2005
study indicated that up to ten percent of the population may suffer from PF. The AAFP
(American Academy of Family Physicians) also reports that one in ten people will experience
Plantar fasciitis in their lifetime, and the number doesn’t seem to be decreasing with time.
If you, a family member, or a close friend are dealing with PF, you may ask yourself, what shoes
do doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis? And what shoes should I avoid if I have plantar
fasciitis? We spoke to Joel W. Brook, DPM, FACFAS, Owner of Dallas Podiatry Works, and
Hai-En Peng, DPM, FACFAS, Experienced Podiatrist and Foot and Ankle Surgeon at Align Foot
& Ankle Center, to collect their insights.
Dr. Brook said, “Small heels and wedges are better than flat shoes as they alter the structure of
the foot during ambulation to limit the amount of pronation,” while Dr. Peng was adamant that,
“If you add a good pair of arch supports, you can make any shoe good for PF.”
Each doctor provided a handful of brand recommendations for people with Plantar Fasciitis,
and we analyzed shoes from each brand before deciding which ones to include in this article.
Keep reading to find the 3 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis!
3 Best Shoes for plantar fasciitis
3. Altras - ALTRA Women's Lone Peak 6 Trail Running Shoe
When asked, “What would you recommend to consider when choosing shoes for PF?” Dr. Brook
listed, “ 1. Be solidly constructed and not be excessively flexible. 2. Have built-in arch support. 3.
Do simulate being barefoot. And 4. Small heels and wedges are better than flat shoes as they
alter the structure of the foot during ambulation to limit the amount of pronation.”
While researching the best shoes for PF, we focused on searching for shoes that checked off all
the boxes! However, although the Lone Peak 6s don’t have as much arch support as their
competitors, they make great shoes for people with high arches or who tend to overpronate.
Dr. Peng recommended the brand because “Altras have made shoes with a natural foot shape
that supports a wider and a more natural splayed foot for those looking for wider support.”
What we liked about the shoes was how highly acclaimed they are for their superb traction and
steady support when walking around on a day-to-day basis or hiking up or down steep hills. One
Amazon reviewer said, “I have never felt so sure-footed before. I’m a pretty clumsy person and
have slipped more times than I can count. Since day 1 of hiking with these, I feel so much more
confident. After a nasty trail run fall last year, I wasn’t sure I would get the confidence back to
try it. With these shoes, I am getting there.”
Pricing: $85 - $135
Sizes: 6 - 12 (Regular and Wide)
Pros: Excellent for people with wide feet, high arches, or who overpronate. Sturdy, durable
shoes that make slipping less likely.
Cons: You’ll likely need to size up by half a size or a full size. These shoes don't offer too much
ankle or arch support, so these aren’t a good fit for those who have outer pronation.
2. Vionics - Vionic Women's Rest Amber Backstrap Sandal
Having Plantar Fasciitis doesn’t mean being condemned to wearing less-than-fashionable shoes
for all eternity! For those looking for a more casual or dressy shoe, the Amber Backstrap Sandal
by Vionic is a great choice! Both Dr. Brook and Dr. Peng recommend the brand for sandals, with
Dr. Peng telling us, “They (Vionic) have a line of sandals that have excellent arch support, which
helps support the arch and keeps it from getting irritated.”
And Vionic shoes do check all the boxes! Vionic sandals tend to be flexible but not too flexible,
and they come with small heels or wedges that are great for alleviating heel pain. They can also
help relieve lower back pain, which is always an A+ in our book!
We personally recommend Vionic women’s sandals for their stylish, on-trend, and up-to-date
look. Compared to other competitors, they’re a great choice not only for their comfort but also
because they excel in the fashion department–and even better, they usually come at a more
affordable price than other brands.
Their wide variety of styling options is a main selling point for a lot of Vionic’s customer base, as
seen in this Amazon review: “Fully Adjustable for custom fit-- morning, noon and night
regardless of the foot swelling. Around the back, over the toes, over the middle, around the
ankles. I can walk in comfort and in style regardless of the time of day. I’ve purchased 15 pairs so
far--not because they have worn out. 15 different pairs because I like my shoes to match my
outfits. Dressy enough to wear with my gown to my daughter's wedding. Casual and fun with
jeans, shorts, and sundresses...perfect shoes!”
Pricing: $40 - $125
Sizes: 5 - 12 (Regular and Wide)
Pros: Extremely adjustable so they can be worn regardless of swelling, etc. Great with wide feet.
They go well with various looks, whether dressy or casual, so they’re easy to style.
Cons: Not the best choice for narrow feet. The velcro on the shoes doesn’t last long enough,
which means possibly having to buy replacement shoes more frequently. The depression in the
heels may make the shoe feel too low for some people.
1. Hokas - Hoka One One Women's Low-top Sneaker
Another brand that both doctors recommended, Hoka, makes some of the best shoes for people
with Plantar Fasciitis. Dr. Peng stated, “A more conventional, trendy shoe that's popular and
comfortable are Hokas, which have an excellent soft sole that, when combined with a good arch
support to replace the shoe liner, can make for an excellent 1-2 punch for PF.”
In our research, we found that one of the most consistent points of praise was how cloud-like
and comfortable the shoes felt, with one Amazon reviewer simply saying, “I love that they feel
like walking on air. Makes my daily walk so much better!”
The Hoka One One Sneakers are breathable and lightweight, making them great for people who
are on their feet throughout the day, such as when traveling, teaching, or working in the
healthcare field. They also come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and styles, making them
accessible to a broad range of people, which is where Hoka really beats out much of their
competition!
Pricing: $130 - $420
Sizes: 5 - 11 (Regular and Wide)
Pros: Extremely comfortable, provides plenty of cushion, and makes a wonderful choice for
people who need to stay on their feet for long periods. It also doesn’t take much time to break
them in–they’re comfortable straight out of the box.
Cons: Very high price point; more expensive than many shoes on the market. They may take
some getting used to if you’ve never worn similar shoes. Sizing varies drastically between
models, so you’ll want to go in person to purchase or get fitted in a shoe store before buying
online.
FAQ
What shoes should I avoid if I have plantar fasciitis?
Any shoe that doesn’t provide adequate arch support or supportive liner. Flip flops, pumps, and
flat slip-in shoes should especially be avoided.
What shoes do doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis?
In addition to the mentioned brands, Dr. Peng also recommended Aetrex shoes. Dr. Brook
recommended Asic and Brook for running shoes, Naot, Birkenstock, and Fitflop for sandals, and
Orthaheel, Revere, Finn Comfort, Dansko for casual shoes.
How We Chose The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis?
We considered the brands and features Dr. Brook and Dr. Peng recommended when conducting
our research. The most important thing, as said by Dr. Peng, was that “Any shoe combined with
a good arch support, can make that shoe good for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis," while
Dr. Brook mentioned that shoes that “simulate being barefoot” are great choices as well.
We tried finding shoes that met all the requirements that the doctors provided while also
considering the best choices for those who need more or less support and, of course, providing
comfort and style.
Some Final Words
Ultimately, everyone has different needs and preferences. Still, we’ve done our best to provide
you with the 3 best shoes for plantar fasciitis based on a mix of expert opinions and our own
intricate research.
We hope you’ll be able to find the perfect shoe for you in no time! If you own shoes from one of
these brands, what are your thoughts on them?
Sources:
● https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0615/p744.html#:~:text=Plantar%20fascii
tis%20is%20a%20common,the%20condition%20is%20not%20inflammatory.
● https://runnersconnect.net/plantar-fasciitis-best-shoes/
● www.alignfootankle.com
● www.dallaspodiatryworks.com
● https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BDKQ4QG?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_5VQR178A5
BZDSNCTT6Z1
● https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DZQ1VJU?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_4NAYGF2HR
8BE7VR81ANX
● https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MZ39H5Q?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_MQCEQXC0
3S17A119WEXB
● https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3687890/
● https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9648311/
● https://www.self.com/story/best-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis
● https://www.prevention.com/beauty/a20497385/best-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis/
● https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/best-shoes-for-plantar-f
asciitis/?sh=34ec3f171420
●
