Plantar fasciitis—a condition involving pain near the heel—can be a challenging condition that causes discomfort in everyday life. Finding the right shoes can help, though it requires understanding what causes plantar fasciitis in the first place and getting to know your own feet. The best shoe recommendations come from a podiatrist or physical therapist assessment of your movement patterns and your feet, but if you’re unable to book an appointment right now, we’ve narrowed down a list of expert-recommended options to help get you started.
To determine the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel consisting of three podiatrists who shared their top shoe picks and why they recommend them. Star ratings were then determined by the Forbes Health editorial team based on price, average user ratings on brand websites and the number of color options available. Note: All prices are accurate as of publication date.
| Product | Forbes Health Ratings | Price | Customer rating | Recommended by | Learn More | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
  |
$64.95 | 4.4 out of 5 | John Tolli and Mehgan Susek | Buy Now | On Amazon | |
KURU ATOM |
 |
$160 | 4.45 out of 5 | Andrew Majak | Buy Now | On KURU’s Website | |
|
|
$130 | 4.45 out of 5 | John Tolli and Mehgan Susek | Buy Now | On Amazon | |
|
|
$104.95 | 4.8 out of 5 | Mehgan Susek | Buy Now | On Amazon | |
|
|
$130 | 4.05 out of 5 | John Tolli and Mehgan Susek | Buy Now | On Amazon | |
|
 |
$64.90 | 4.7 out of 5 | Andrew Majak | Buy Now | On Amazon | |
|
|
$129.95 | 4.4 out of 5 | John Tolli and Mehgan Susek | Buy Now | On Amazon | |
|
 |
$139.95 | 4.1 out of 5 | John Tolli and Andrew Majak | Buy Now | On Amazon | |
|
|
$69.95 | 4.6 out of 5 | John Tolli and Mehgan Susek | Buy Now | On Amazon | |
|
 |
$49.99 | 4.6 out of 5 | John Tolli and Mehgan Susek | Buy Now | On Amazon |
Our Forbes Health advisory board members shared their extensive podiatric knowledge and product recommendations to support our Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2022 ranking.
Plantar fasciitis is a degenerative irritation at the origin of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that spans from the calcaneus (heel bone) of the foot out toward the bases of the toes. It affects 1% of Americans and 10% of runners[1]. What’s more, it’s the leading cause of chronic heel pain in adults. For the many people affected by plantar fasciitis, it can be challenging to find a pair of shoes that provide some relief.
The plantar fascia plays an important role in how you walk, providing arch support throughout the length of the foot while also helping with shock absorption. Repeated stress or overload to this tissue can lead to inflammation at one of its attachment points. The most common site of plantar fasciitis pain is at the heel bone. Pain is usually worse with barefoot walking (especially those first few steps in the morning), walking in flat-soled shoes and with increased activity.
Many factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis, but the main culprits usually include a combination of foot muscle weakness, overtraining and excessive loading due to poor body mechanics and/or genetics (obesity, for example). That said, the wrong shoes can make any of these issues worse.
You May Also Be Interested In Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis From Our Featured Partner
When shopping for the perfect shoe to help relieve your plantar fasciitis pain, it’s important to pick a shoe that provides both comfort and support. But it’s also about finding a shoe that fits your foot and feels comfortable to you, not just with standing but with the activities you like to do.
The arch of the foot helps bear and distribute the weight of the body while also absorbing shock created by the forces of walking and other weight-bearing activities. Many people with plantar fasciitis also have a low arch, or flat feet. Supporting the arch is important to reduce the stress across the plantar fascia and its attachment points.
Cushioning at the heel where plantar fasciitis pain is felt most can help reduce pain and soften the impact caused by ground reaction forces during every step of the gait cycle.
Stability is important in the sole and heel cup to prevent overpronation (when your foot rolls inward) and excessive movement at the heel. A shoe that hugs the heel can help encourage better alignment of the foot within the shoe. This alignment can benefit joints above the ankle as well.
Removable soles make shoes more adjustable and can potentially provide extra features that may benefit a person with plantar fasciitis. A rocker sole, for example, is thicker than your normal sole and has a rounded heel. This helps prevent a flat surface for the foot, which can be uncomfortable for someone whose plantar fascia is causing them pain with walking and standing.
Superior Support For Plantar Fasciitis
Looking for shoes that provide the ideal amount of cushion with each step alongside reliable arch support, a lightweight feel, and a stylish look?
For the best shoes for plantar fasciitis of 2022, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of experts consisting of three podiatrists who shared their top shoe picks and why they recommend them. Star ratings were then determined by the Forbes Health editorial team based on price, average user satisfaction and the number of color options available.
Picking the right pair of shoes can greatly relieve the pain caused by plantar fasciitis. But, unfortunately, sometimes changing your footwear just isn’t enough to help your plantar fasciitis symptoms go away.
Shoes can have a great impact on your comfort level, and the wrong pair can be a major contributing factor to your pain, but shoes alone are not the solution to plantar fasciitis. If you’re experiencing what you believe is plantar fasciitis, see an orthopedist or doctor of physical therapy to get a proper diagnosis and a personalized exercise plan to make sure that the cause of your pain is being addressed appropriately.
Avoid flat, hard-soled shoes or shoes that simply don’t fit because they are either too spacious at the toe or heel, or too snug.
Orthotics are shoe inserts that can modify a pair of shoes to fit your feet. Customizable orthotics are prescribed by a medical professional and can be adapted to your foot using scans, impressions and other technology to create a sole that perfectly fits your foot and best corrects or supports any specific issues. Orthotics can decrease heel rise and Achilles tendon force as you walk, reducing pain felt along the plantar fascia.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
