My first tangle with plantar fasciitis came out of nowhere: one morning, I hopped out of bed and felt a sharp, stabbing pain in my heel. Plantar fasciitis — an inflammation of the band of tissue running from your heel to the ball of your foot — can make every step feel unbearable. Wearing the right shoes, however, can make a world of difference. The best shoes for plantar fasciitis strike a balance between cushioning, arch support, and shock absorption, easing strain and allowing you to move comfortably, says Saylee Tulpule, a board-certified podiatrist.
As a six-time marathoner who has battled plantar fasciitis through multiple training cycles, I know firsthand how important the right shoes are. So, I asked podiatrists what pairs they recommend and put them each through thousands of steps each day, logging runs, walks, and long hours on my feet. After six weeks of testing, I’d personally recommend any of the options on this list for a variety of walkers and runners with plantar fasciitis.
The Shape Scoring Scale
1 – Don’t Recommend
2 – OK, But Nothing Special
3 – Good, But Needs Some Work
4 – Now We’re Talking
5 – In Perfect Shape!
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Why We Love It
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Plush cushioning that still feels supportive
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Slight curve in the outsole that helps propel you forward
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Responsive bounce that makes steps feel lighter
Sizes: Women’s 5–12 | Weight: 8.4 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 millimeters | Upper Material: Engineered mesh | Arch Support Level: Moderate
It’s no exaggeration to say the Saucony Triumph 23 Shoes saved my current marathon training cycle. When I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis just nine weeks before race day, I swapped my summer flip-flops for these plush, responsive kicks — and noticed a massive difference immediately.
The cushioning felt plush without being squishy, almost as if it were massaging my inflamed fascia, while still giving me enough bounce with each step. I found myself getting genuinely excited to lace these up every day. Especially the morning after one ill-advised night wearing cowboy boots during an hours-long concert spent dancing on my feet.
During testing, these became my go-to walking shoes. I also wore them for long and short runs, loving the subtly curved outsole that propels my strides forward and makes the longer ones just a bit easier. While this shoe doesn’t offer the stability features that other options for plantar fasciitis may have (like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS), it’s an excellent option if you’re a neutral runner or walker looking for all-day comfort and reliable support.
Also available in men’s sizes at: Amazon, Zappos, Saucony
My Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
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Why We Love It
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Plush cushioning yet lightweight
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Heel cupping locks your foot in place
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Extra shock absorption under the heel
Sizes: Women’s 5–13 | Weight: 9.2 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8 millimeters | Upper Material: Engineered mesh | Arch Support Level: Neutral
Sliding into the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 felt like instant relief. The plush sockliner kept my feet dry in summer heat, while the added forefoot cushioning gave a surprisingly luxurious feel for a stability shoe. As someone with a neutral stride that sometimes tips into overpronation, I appreciated how the midfoot dynamic pod adjusted to pressure and kept each step smooth and supported.
I also loved the secure “locking” sensation around my heel — the cupping design held my foot in place without rubbing or blistering, even during long walks with my dog. On shorter jogs, the gel cushioning under the heel noticeably softened the impact, making me far more comfortable. Runners with higher arches may need an orthotic for extra support, but for me, these shoes struck the perfect balance of stability, comfort, and shock absorption.
Also available in men’s sizes at: Amazon, Zappos, Asics
My Overall Score: 5 – In Perfect Shape!
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Sizes: Women’s 5–13 | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 12 millimeters | Upper Material: Mesh | Arch Support Level: Neutral
Walking is non-negotiable for me, since my dog demands multiple outings a day, so I need shoes that can handle city miles without flaring up my plantar fasciitis. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 quickly became my go-to for errands and long walks. The fit hugged my instep like a compression sock, giving me arch support and stability, while the 12 millimeter heel drop noticeably took pressure off my fascia by shifting weight forward.
After a two-mile round-trip walk to tennis, I slipped them off with zero arch pain — a win in my book. That said, the cushioning runs firmer than max-cushion shoes, so if you crave a plush, spongy feel, these may not be your first pick. I also found the toe box a little narrow, even in my average-width size seven foot, so wider-footed walkers may want to size up in the wide option.
Also available in men’s sizes at: Amazon, Zappos, Brooks
My Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
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Why We Love It
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Chunky, maximalist design
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Lots of bounce and propulsion
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Firmer, supportive cushioning
Sizes: Women’s 5–11 | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 millimeters | Upper Material: Recycled polyester | Arch Support Level: Neutral
With eight weeks to go before race day, cutting back on running wasn’t an option — even with plantar fasciitis nagging me. That’s when I turned to the On Cloudmonster 2 Running Shoes. The cushioning feels springy rather than soft, giving me a responsive push forward without that sinking sensation you sometimes get in high-cushion shoes. On runs between four and six miles, I noticed a lively rebound that actually made me look forward to lacing up.
That said, the thick, stacked sole may not be for everyone. While it delivered excellent shock absorption and bounce on my runs, it felt like overkill for casual daily walks. And the extra height occasionally made me wobble. If you’re a neutral runner looking for a responsive, max-cushion shoe to log training miles, this one hits the mark. But those who need added stability might want to look elsewhere.
Also available in men’s sizes at: Amazon, On, Zappos
My Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
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Why We Love It
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Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association
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Maximal cushioning with a wide base
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Comfortable for hours on end
Sizes: Women’s 4–12 | Weight: 9.3 ounces | Heel-to-Toe Drop: millimeters | Upper Material: Engineered mesh | Arch Support Level: Neutral
It’s rare that you can wear a new shoe straight out of the box all day, but that’s exactly what I did with the Hoka Bondi 9 — and my feet thanked me for it. These are one of the best Hoka shoes I’ve ever worn. From my hour-long morning dog walk to errands and nighttime strolls, the cushioning kept my arches supported and pain-free. These podiatrist-approved shoes are ideal for anyone who spends long stretches on their feet — I’m talking to you, nurses and teachers.
One thing I immediately noticed was that the footbed felt wide, which provided my feet with a stable base and allowed my toes to splay. This added a touch of stability and security to my walks. While these are heavier than other options I tested, they didn’t weigh me down and still felt completely comfortable for all-day wear.
Also available in men’s sizes at: Amazon, Hoka, Zappos
My Overall Score: 4 – Now We’re Talking
How We Tested Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
To find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, I started by interviewing several podiatrists and biomechanics experts on what makes a shoe effective for this type of condition. From fit and support to cushioning and stability, their insights helped me understand the key features to look for. They also gave me a starting list of expert-recommended shoes.
Once I had the contenders in hand — or, rather, on foot — I wore each one for three consecutive days during everything from daily errands to long training runs. This helped me get a sense of how the shoes performed in real-life situations. Throughout testing, I tracked details like arch fit, comfort level, arch support, heel cushioning, and overall value. After six weeks of logging thousands of steps, I narrowed down my favorites to the pairs that truly made a difference in managing plantar fasciitis.
What to Know About Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Size and Fit: Believe it or not, your shoes might be too small — and if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, that can slow your recovery. “Often, going half a size up from what you think you are results in a better fit,” says podiatrist Emily Sharp. A wider toe box also allows your toes to splay, adds Tulpue, which helps reduce tension.
- Comfort Level: Don’t confuse comfort with softness. “Many people reach for soft, cushioned shoes assuming that’s best, but if your foot is painful and unstable, too much softness can make things worse by forcing your muscles to work harder,” says Sharp. Instead, a truly supportive shoe combines arch support, a slightly elevated heel to reduce strain on the fascia, and a molded footbed for shock absorption, says Tulpule.
- Arch Support: Strong arch support helps distribute pressure more evenly across your foot, easing stress on the plantar fascia, says podiatrist Matthew Neuhaus, DPM, FACFAS. “This helps relieve pain and prevents further strain — especially important for those with flat feet or high arches,” he adds. Look for support that runs the full length of your arch, without creating any uncomfortable pressure points, adds Tulpule.
- Heel Cushioning: Cushioning in the heel absorbs shock during each step, reducing the impact on the fascia, explains Tulpule. He recommends a deep, firm heel cup to keep your foot properly aligned, which is especially important for people who stand all day.
- Overall Value: Shoes built to support plantar fasciitis aren’t always cheap, since higher-quality materials and biomechanical design can increase costs. But the investment is often worth it, Sharp says. “People underestimate how much time they’ll spend on their feet at events or gigs and end up in completely unsupportive shoes — when in fact, those are the times you need good footwear the most.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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What type of shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis strike a balance between cushioning, arch support, and shock absorption. Podiatrists also recommend lace-up shoes, since they allow you to secure the shoe around your foot. You should also make sure your shoes fit properly — you may need to go up half a size to allow your toes to splay comfortably and avoid aggravating the fascia.
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Are running shoes good for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, running shoes are good for plantar fasciitis. They often have the winning combination of cushioning and support that reduces strain on the plantar fascia.
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What are the worst types of shoes for plantar fasciitis?
The worst types of shoes for plantar fasciitis lack support or proper arch support. Flip-flops, high heels, or flats may exacerbate symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
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How much do shoes for plantar fasciitis cost?
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis typically range from $115 to $180, although certain styles and brands may be available for less. For a less expensive option, consider a supportive insole instead.
Why Trust Shape
Kristen Geil, NASM-CPT, is a writer at Shape and a dedicated runner with more than a decade of experience. Having battled recurring bouts of plantar fasciitis herself, she understands firsthand how important the right shoes can be. As a NASM-certified personal trainer and a USA Track & Field Level 1 Running Coach, Kristen brings both expertise and lived experience to her recommendations.
For this story, she conducted primary research and tested six podiatrist-recommended shoes for plantar fasciitis over a three-week period. She also interviewed leading experts to gather additional insights on what to look for in supportive running and walking shoes, including:
- Saylee Tulpule, a board-certified podiatrist in foot and ankle medicine
- Emily Sharp, podiatrist and director at Podiatry
- Matthew Neuhaus, DPM, FACFAS, podiatrist and owner of Neuhaus Foot & Ankle
