Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis: Your Most Complete Guide

The best shoes for plantar fasciitis are not part of those things to be selected with levity. This is because while the feet problem can sometimes get complex to the point of needing surgery, getting the right shoe can take care of the problem almost completely. Hence it requires seriousness and taking in certain important considerations.

Such considerations include, first of all, knowing that regular shoes are not the best for you. Secondly, you have to identify shoes that are comfortable and can absorb shock or impact, provide heel and toe support, as well as shoes with the right cushioning.

We have considered all these after reviewing so many shoes that come highly recommended for plantar fasciitis and we reached the conclusion that the OluKai Moloa Shoe and Skechers Go Walk 3 Womens are the overall best shoes for plantar fasciitis for men and women respectively.

More so, we have made sure to bring up shoes that can serve both men and women for various purposes including running, walking, tennis, and work. We have also considered shoes such as heeled, flat, sandal, and casual shoes.

one important thing we found out during our review is that although many shoe companies produce few shoes good for plantar fasciitis, ASICS, New Balance, Saucony, Vionic, and OluKai came top among others.

Why You Should Trust Us

More than the hours we have sunk into writing this review are the days we spent going through tons of shoes that are good for the plantar fasciitis feet, and the time we spent getting the opinion and recommendation of Orthopedists and Podiatrists.

One more thing we put into great consideration is what those with plantar fasciitis have had to say after using the shoes.

We have as well taken the time to get expert advice on the things that make shoes great for plantar fasciitis. With that, we were able to streamline our review to cover shoes which offer the best support, comfort, flexibility, and every other thing important to take care of your feet.

Finally, this review does not cover only one kind of shoe, as we took a look at the very best running, walking, work, and general shoes for both men and women. With our understanding of how bad plantar fasciitis can be, we made sure that serious time was put in.

Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Running Shoe For Men

Asics Gel Nimbus 18 Running Shoes For Men

The Asics Gel Nimbus 18 is very popular on track because of the many things it brings to the athlete. It is a great and luxurious running shoe which is not only good for plantar fasciitis but for runners with different foot problems as well.

It is a premium natural shoe which we find to have very generous cushioning thanks to its Gel Cushioning System. More so, the outsole has the EVA foam which adds to the entire softness. For amazing responsiveness, the midsole is designed with FluidRide technology.

The upper is designed with mesh, hence we find the breathability good. In addition to that, antibacterial ComforDry Sockliner material is also used to minimize moisture in the shoe.

One thing you can hardly stress too much about the shoe, and which makes it even better for your feet is how much shock it can absorb as you hit the hard ground, complementing its generous cushioning.

Did we find it flexible? We strongly did, and that is because of the forefoot of the outsole which is designed with the Blown AHAR technology. More so, there is a flex groove which improves the heel-to-toe transition.

In as much as the shoe tried to gamble in too many features, it never seemed too much since everything worked nicely even for back pain.

Pros

• Because of its gel cushioning, it is great for shock or impact absorption
• Good for those with feet problems
• It is very flexible
• Generous cushioning for comfort
• Provides the correct hugging for your foot.
• The fit is mostly great

Cons

• It is not the best for wire feet

Verdict

The running shoe is great for a neutral pronator who wants to take running either as an exercise or as a serious sport but has problems with the foot. The men’s and women’s offer the same benefits although the shoe may be best for a foot that is not very wide and one that is not flat. One more thing to know is that you can use this neutral shoe on almost every ground, including gravel.

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Best Running Shoe For Women

Asics Gel Kayano 22 (Best for flat feet)

If you have used Asics shoes, you will realize that its Kayano is popular for its softness and stability. It does not leave that out with the Asics Gel Kayano 22, and in fact, we found the upgrade made to this shoe from the previous ones very obvious and interesting.

Its use of seamless mesh all through the upper part of the shoe is one of the obvious changes. What this does to the shoe is to give it added breathability and lightness. The FluidFit mesh technology used also gives it better comfort.

There is as well nice foaming in the shoe which has five-millimeter meatiness.

We found the midsole rather nice to the health of your feet as it features the FluidRide technology which plays a nice role in the responsiveness of the shoe as well as shock absorption. The midsole also enables smoother transition than seen in most others.

What this shoe gives for general foot pains and plantar fasciitis is nice cushioning, support, stability, and the fact that it has been endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association

As with most other ASICS shoes, the outsole incorporates the AHAR to give softness and make the transition smooth. One more great thing about the design of the outsole is its stability and durability.

Pros

• The response and springiness is very good
• It has decent cushioning that works perfectly for flat foot
• Enhanced support and stability
• It has good ventilation
• More durable than most others

Cons

• Most may consider the price to be on the high side
• Some have found the shoe a little narrow, hence getting one-half inch larger size will do just fine.

Verdict

While good for both men and women, it is best for women because the women’s comes 2 mm higher than the men’s in the heel and 1 mm in the forefoot. What this does is reduce much stress from the arch as you run. More so, with mild to moderate overpronator, you can hardly run wrong in this shoe. If you need a premium running shoe with comfort, stability, and shock absorbing properties you can rely on, the Kayano 22 is never the wrong bet.

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Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Walking Shoe For Men

Brooks Addiction Walker

Before we get on with this, the Brooks Addiction walker is one of those shoes mostly recommended by doctors for people with feet issues. It is designed for consummate walkers; hence it can walk with you all the way. Although it is not light, we try to understand that this is because of the amazing features and technologies it combines.

The shoe is designed with a full-grain leather upper for nice holding and comfort.

More than anything else about the shoe, we found the midsole to be very good. It has the MoGo full-length cushioning. This is good for Plantar Fasciitis as it doesn’t just add comfort and softness but allows all round shock absorption as you walk.

In addition to this, the midsole features Rearfoot HydroFlow units (fluid filled pads) which also sees to improved cushioning and shock control. In as much as you get massive comfort and cushioning, we do not see any problem in the areas of support and stability with the shoe.

Overall, it is a high mileage shoe designed with nice feel and fit, and a sole which is durable. You will find out that the shoe is not on the lighter side of shoes. But this is not a bother as its midsole mostly returns energy as you walk on.

It is a must have walking shoe for plantar fasciitis sufferers because its support is beyond the finish line, and the comfort is amazing. While we indicate it may be best for men, women do not get less benefit in the shoe.

Pros

• Great support and stability
• Not in any way boring to the feet
• For overweight people the shoe is great
• It gives many benefits to the feet
• It is durable

Cons

• Some may find it rather expensive
• The sizing may be small for most, as such, getting a bigger size is best

Verdict

For walking shoes, there is hardly any that can match the Addiction walker in comfort and support. If you are looking for a shoe that will give you much cushioning and stability without losing out on comfort and durability, you may as well put in your hat for this. For an overweight person, it is surely the deal.

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Best Walking Shoe For Women

Vionic Orthaheel Action Walker

For women, the best walking shoe for plantar fasciitis is definitely the Vionic Orthaheel Action Walker. The first thing to know about the shoe is that it is made by a company founded by Podiatrists, as such you can be sure they know what they are talking about.

The shoe has cushioning which is good enough to provide responsiveness and comfort. Its top is designed with leather and mesh inserts which play nicely in the area of breathability. More so, the upper also has a complete breathable polyester lining which has bacterial treatment.

Its footbed has a heel cup to place the heel correctly and shock-absorbing sections in the forefoot and heel. Also, the foot bed goes along with the flexibility of the shoe.

Apart from that, the heel is sturdily built to give maximum support that you would need for your feet.

To enhance its stability, the shoe is designed with a shock-absorbing EVA midsole, which provides stability for even larger women. More for the stability and support is its firm thermoplastic heel counter. We couldn’t help but notice the nice traction that the shoe comes with as a result of its durable rubber outsole which is also flexible.

Finally, its patented Orthoheel arch support says more than we ever could as regards its ability to provide support towards the correction and recovery of your feet.

Pros

• It comes with great comfort
• Very good heel support even for long walkers
• Its durability is high
• It provides the needed grip for the feet
• Has been recommended by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

Cons

• The shoe is aesthetically poor; that is if you mind
• Not the lightest of walking shoes.

Verdict

This shoe is not only great for women; the men’s are as well great for men who would prefer to choose them. The benefit the shoe brings to the table for the feet is massive comfort, stability, and support. If you need something that you can use for walking and other non-sporting activities, then this may as well be the best bet for that plantar fasciitis feet.

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Best Tennis Shoes 

Best Tennis Shoe For Men

Asics Gel Resolution 5 Tennis Shoe

The first statement the Asics Gel Resolution 5 makes is its cushioning system which is complemented by a good support. Although the shoe falls in the line of Asics Gel Resolution, we find it rather staying off the line as it is very flexible and without the aggressiveness seen in the earlier shoes.

The upper part of the shoe is made of rubber and mesh panels to allow in air for the purpose of breathability as well as flexibility as it stretches.

For is cushioning, the luxurious Gel cushioning does not fail in providing massive comfort even as its runs in a way to absorb impact. This as well allows for enhanced responsiveness.

Also, it has memory foam of two layers to provide heel support, which is beneficial to plantar fasciitis. We saw that this works through adjusting to your heels and taking the exact shape, thereby correcting your feet and eliminating the risk for those not suffering from it.

The midsole of the shoe has the Asics DuoMax support system. On the court, this plays a great role by providing support and stability in ways you can only imagine.

Its outsole is made of high abrasion rubber which is responsive, even though somewhat thick. Beyond its responsiveness, we found the outsole to be very durable and may end up being more durable than every other tennis shoes you have ever used. Because of this, Asics doesn’t mind placing a 6 months guarantee on the shoe’s outsole.

Pros

• There is great cushioning and flexibility
• It comes with enough stability as you make forward and backward movement on court, as well as support.
• Impressive breathability and arch support
• It keeps the promise of fitting to size
• The shock absorption is optimal.
• Very durable

Cons

• It is rather pricey for some
• Not the lightest shoe on the court.

Verdict

This APMA-approved shoe is one of the best plantar fasciitis shoes you can get for tennis. While it is great for men, women too can enjoy it without any problem. We love the shoe because of its simplicity in moving with different foot types, its comfort, stability, support, and its benefit to the foot.

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Best Tennis Shoe For Women

Prince T22 Tennis Shoe

For women, it has to be the Prince T22 Tennis Shoe. It is not only one of the best you can get for plantar fasciitis; it is one of the best tennis shoes out there for women either serious with the game or just beginning.

The upper of the shoe is designed with synthetic material and some mesh panel to allow it to have proper ventilation. This, combined with the moderate cushioning of the shoe and its roomy toe space even as it hugs rightly, the shoe is all comfort.

Its outsole is durable and provides enough traction for different kinds of courts. Its RASH toe cap and the midsole come with a nice cushioning that serve for shock absorption. This is also important in preventing further injury to the feet.

The shoe helps those with plantar fasciitis as it controls feet impact as you move around the court, and it massively reduces strain. While most other shoes in this line come with issues of weight, we find the T22 mostly lightweight.

As regards stability and support, the shoe turned out to hit it rightly with its high arch which assures nice arch support.

Pros

• It gives great support to your ankle and absorbs shock
• Has very good breathability
• The shoe has great traction
• It is very light
• It promises to be very durable
• It is good for both wide and narrow feet sizes

Cons

• While it has good cushioning, the heel could have done with some more of it
• Some have found the heel rather large

Verdict

From all its previous shoes, the T22 is a significant improvement by the Prince. It is not only a nice tennis shoe, it is as well good for different kinds of feet problems. What the shoe does is combine comfort, shock absorption, traction, support, and stability, without leaving out durability. The men’s version of the shoe is as well good for feet problems most especially plantar fasciitis.

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 Best Work Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Work Shoes For Women

Naot Women’s Luma Dress Pump

The first place most people get to hear about the Noat is when they go to see a doctor for plantar fasciitis. Once they get the shoe, they remain always grateful.

What strike us about this shoe are the sleekness of its design and comfort which are unlike most other work shoes that are good for plantar fasciitis.

The upper part of the shoe is made of leather which promises durability. There is a loop and hook strap to keep the shoe rightly in place to avoid continuous movement which may hurt your feet. Its heel cup has good padding and leather lining which we found interestingly soft and comfortable.

It also comes with polyurethane sole which provides comfort at one end and provides shock absorption on the other. The sole also has a metal shank for extra stability. The insole has a hand-sewn construction which makes it strong and flexible. There is also a removable footbed which shouldn’t fail in adding comfort.

So many things can be said about this shoe, but unless you talk about its arch support, it is never over. We found the support provided less likely to be matched by any other high-heeled shoe for plantar fasciitis.

Pros

• It has heels that can hardly be felt
• It is beautiful enough to be worn around
• It is very comfortable from the first time you wear
• Great stability and support
• It is very durable

Cons

• It may be a little wide for those with very narrow feet
• Some may find the price rather high, but for the value, the shoe is very great.

Verdict

If you want something that would keep your feminity as you step out in your dress even with those hurting feet, then the Naot Luma may just be it. The shoe provides beauty, comfort, support, and flexibility. In fact, for women with for plantar fasciitis, this is a must have shoe.

While we think this is the best if you are “allergic” to high heeled shoes you can as well try the Vionic Women’s Spark Willow Ballet Flats.

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Vionic Women’s Spark Willow Ballet Flat

The vionic shoes have always maintained their benefits to feet suffering from plantar fasciitis for both men and women. The spark Willow ballet flats definitely walk on the same line.

It is one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis if you are looking for a casual flat or working shoe for women. It infuses the Orthaheel Technology that comes with other vionic shoes.

While flexible, this shoe maintains its firmness. This is as a result of the flexible rubber used on its outsole as is associated with most vionic shoes.

The top of the shoe is made of soft and nice leather, which we found to be durable and comfortable. More so, the shoe has an inner lining which is soft enough to provide comfort against the foot skin.

The insole of the shoe features Vionic’s Award-Winning Orthaheel Technology with the EVA foam. More so, it has a Removable footbed which has plenty support and fits your sole without any problem.

Although it is flat, it has a little heel which adds to its heel support.

Pros

• The support offered by this shoe is certainly great
• Once you get something that can fit your size, the comfort is great.
• Moderate flexibility
• More support than most flat shoes

Cons

• The size is a little big so you may need to go half an inch smaller than normal.
• It may not be as comfortable as the normal heeled shoe.

Verdict

We find these flats rather great and stylishly simple if you are looking for a flat shoe that can be comfortable, and friendly. More so, while a majority of ballet flats are not cool for plantar fasciitis, this does a nice job. However, don’t expect it to work as good as others with soles that are not flat.

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Best Work Shoes For Men

Vionic Monroe

Endorsed by the American Podiatrist Medical Association, this shoe is both great for your feet and your style.

The shoe is very light and has a nice leather upper which promises durability. It also has a rubber outsole which is durable and detailed. This as well improves its flexibility.

More so, the footbed is designed to provide good cupping for the feet. It contours to take the shape of the feet, giving the much-needed stability and support.

This shoe is not only clinically proven to be beneficial for plantar fasciitis, it has also shown help against heel and knee pains which can be linked to flat feet, as well as back pain for some people.

Pros

• It has great looks
• Its arch support is great
• It is very comfortable
• Good flexibility
• The shoe hits the bar for durability

Cons

• We do not think the shoe offers the best traction you can get
• Some people find it rather expensive

Verdict

This shoe is a nice bet for someone looking for a shoe to fall in love with, as well as one that would take care of that foot problem without robbing you of style and comfort. What the Monroe promises is beauty, support, comfort, and above all, walking with you all the way as it stands mostly alone in its class.

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Vionic Eddy Men’s Leather Boat Shoe

A shoe for style and comfort which is unique in many ways is the Vionic Eddy. This shoe is great for you foot problem and we find it rather interesting in the way it can suit different uses including for work or even an outing.

This low heeled shoe is designed with leather top and mesh. The top also has a nice contrasting hand stitching which adds durability and beauty to the shoe.

Also, it has microfiber-covered footbed which is removable and well cushioned. It easily aligns to make the foot lie in the natural foot position.

Because of the nice rubber sole, the shoe is durable, flexible, and has good support and stability. It is also designed to have nice traction.

We find this shoe rather great in most ways because above all it gives, it still ends up being very rugged. It is good for feet with various types of simple and complex problems.

Pros

• A plus in style
• It is a shoe with very high quality and durability
• Very good support and stability
• Comfort that meets the finish line
• It is not as expensive as most others in its class

Cons

• The lacing may not be appreciated by everyone.
• It could have been made a little softer.

Verdict

This boat shoe is great for flat foot and is amazing for someone with plantar fasciitis who needs a shoe that is friendly and versatile which can be worn for work business, or on a casual day out. This is as it comes with style that easily blends, as well as with comfort, stability, and support.

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Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Sandals For Men

Birkenstock Unisex Arizona

The Birkenstock Unisex Arizona is one of those shoes that have a medal of massive followership among those who love sandals. This is first of all thanks to its convenience, then its durability, and finally its comfort. Among those with foot problems, it has also left a mark of proven relief.

Although the top of the sandal sometimes comes in suede and other times in nice premium leather, they both offer good unaggressive feeling. More so, thanks to the adjustable buckles it comes with, you can easily get the shoe to hold as comfortable as you want.

We cannot say the midsole of the Birkenstock Arizona is as cushioned as most on the list, just as we can’t say the cushioning is not enough. The outsole of the shoe is made of rubber, which is firm and flexible.

The durability of the shoe is stressed due to the durability of all parts of the shoe such as the top, midsole, and outsole.

In traction, we did not find any question it cannot answer.

Pros

• It is versatile and very friendly to use
• It endures and serves for a very long time
• It is beautiful and comes in many colors
• Flexible and firm in the right way
• It is one of the most complete sandals you can find anywhere

Cons

• Some people find it somewhat expensive, but with the durability, it is not a bad deal.

Verdict

No single review can cover the miles this shoe has covered in comfort and benefit to those with Plantar Fasciitis. If you are looking for a sandal that will provide durability as its complementing word to the nice support and stability, as well as cushioning and decent traction, then this shouldn’t be far from your walk. Lastly, it is sweet on both men and women.

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Read: Top Hiking Shoes and Sandals for Men and Women 

Best Sandals For Women

Rockport Cobb Hill Fiona Sandal

For women, the Rockport Cobb Hill Fiona Sandal is our best women’s sandals. The sandal has made a statement for itself among many others.

It is a sandal that is versatile and assures of durability, stability, support, and above all, comfort. Its top is built with premium leather which is both durable and not hard on the skin.

Its footbed is nicely cushioned for comfort and responsiveness. More so, it is shaped to allow the sole rest properly. The use of Eva foam midsole has made its cushioning very generous, thus adding comfort which we find interesting. This is because only very few sandals make use of Eva foam.

Its outsole is made of flexible rubber which responds well on almost every ground and comes with exceeding durability.

For Plantar Fasciitis, this sandal scores high as a result of its great arch support, comfort, and a decent touch of flexibility and nice fitting. Its great traction is only but the icing.

Pros

• It is very comfortable and convenient
• Sturdily built
• It is very versatile
• Excellent fitting
• In its class of sandals, the price is very good.

Cons

• It is not the lightest of sandals

Verdict

In the line of women’s sandals for Plantar Fasciitis, we definitely have to go with the Rockport Cobb Hill Fiona. It dishes out everything needed in the right way as support is enough, just as are comfort and stability.

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Best Overall Shoes

Overall Best Shoe for Men

OluKai Moloa Shoes

If you are thinking of going far back in time, you won’t find OluKai, because they are not that old. But on the other hand, if you are thinking of going far in shoes, you should definitely find them. That is why they have managed to bring out shoes that have really stirred places both among shoe lovers and those with problems of the foot including plantar fasciitis.

They have mastered in bringing out very versatile casual and work shoes, and with the Moloa, they did not deviate from the style. Why we are selecting this shoe as the best overall for plantar fasciitis is because it can be used for almost everything; including as a casual wear, for work, or for a normal day’s walk, and it helps the foot for different other problems.

The shoe has premium leather for the top material which is hand sewn the moccasin style.

Its heel is designed with the ability to drop in case you want to use it as a slip on. For the outsole, Olukai made use of all weather non-marking rubber outsole giving it full-grain leather foxing, which has worked quite right for the shoe.

It has a footbed which can easily be removed and washed. More so, it has Dri-Lex Microfiber cover which helps to keep your feet dry. Another great thing about the footbed is that it easily contours to your feet.

We consider it great because of the arch support it gives as well as its comfort and stability.

Pros

• It is very versatile as it can be used as casual and work shoe
• Very comfortable for almost everyone
• It is considerably budget friendly for the value it gives
• There is above the average support and stability
• Great and durable construction

Cons

• It feels a little bigger for most people, hence getting a size half an inch smaller is best.

Verdict

This shoe is not only a well-thought shoe, it is one to serve you for different uses as well as for a considerably long time. Also, it stresses more on comfort and support than it does on most other things, without leaving them out. One more thing about these shoes is that they are actually ageless; they fit everyone no matter the age.

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See Also: Recommended Walking Shoes For Men And Women this Year

Overall Best Shoe for Women

Skechers Go Walk 3 Womens

The Skechers Go Walk 3 is our best women’s shoe for plantar fasciitis overall. Before the 3 came out, the 2 was surely the best. By the way, Skechers have quite rightly made a name for themselves as regards athletic and casual shoes for both men and women.

The Go Walk 3 is a convenient option for a casual wear as well as a walking shoe for the health of the feet. It is lightweight and comfortable, as well as friendly and versatile.

Its upper is designed with the Skech Knit mesh which allows for generous breathability, flexibility, and comfort. The top also promises durability.

More so, it features the Resalyte midsole. This brings together lightweight and responsiveness. The outsole is well made to handle shock properly, and give nice traction for almost every ground.

One thing that has generated much buzz about this shoe is the use of GOGA mat technology for the insole. What this memory foam does is to make the shoe more comfortable, responsive, and to return energy as you walk. In fact, it is a combination of these technologies that make the shoe ultra comfortable and good for your feet.

For plantar fasciitis, what this shoe does is to give stability and support to your feet and ensures that there is enough comfort as you move around due to its responsiveness and well-thought technologies.

Pros

• This shoe scores very high in comfort
• It is very breathable
• Excellent support
• It is very durable and versatile in that you can use it for other sports like golf.
• Good traction

Cons

• Can be very narrow for very wide foot

Verdict

This shoe provides enough support for arch and heel, ensuring that pain is minimized or eliminated. It is definitely for you if you need that shoe that you can easily step in for a normal day’s work and short or long walk, which will pamper your feet and avoid pains. While we deem it overall best for women, the men’s version does very good for men as well.

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Conclusion

Although the above are our selection of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, it is important to understand that there is no single shoe that can give you everything. The above, however, will provide your feet with the most essential benefits even as some offer you even greater benefits.

Recommended: 14 Best Hiking Boots For Comfort and Stability 

About choosing one or more of the shoes above, there is the need to avoid poor fitting shoes, most especially the ones that are too tight. Also, do away with shoes whose soles have eaten away or those that are extremely old.