6 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

As Brooks’ flagship cushioned, supportive shoe, the Glycerin GTS 23 once again proves to be an excellent choice as a running shoe, a walking shoe and a shoe that can be used for a wide variety of activities for those suffering with plantar fasciitis.

Support, as usual, comes from Brooks ‘GTS’ GuideRail Technology System. Higher side walls to the shoe’s midsole cushioning wrap up and around the rearfoot to cradle it on both the lateral and medial sides, helping to keep the foot in a neutral position.

It is the support on the medial side of the shoe, under the arch, that helps for plantar fasciitis sufferers, providing more shape and added structure to the tendon. The shoe is an excellent model for a wide range of users, but in particular it’s a shoe I always reach for, for plantar fasciitis sufferers when giving them a selection of models to choose from.

The Glycerin GTS 23 is a shoe that I really like and in fact have two pairs right now. One pair for running and another for daily use.

Verdict

For many years, customers in my specialist running store have opted for the Mizuno Wave Inspire when selecting a shoe to help with their plantar fasciitis.

These are not just runners, but often people who lead active lives and are on their feet for several hours a day, be it nurses, doctors, store workers and hospitality staff.

The Mizuno Inspire has become a very popular choice thanks to its elevated heel, arch support and internal structure and shape. For many years the Inspire featured one of the highest heel-toe drops on the market at 12mm, but this season that has reduced, just a little to 10mm. This drop is still a significant help in treating Plantar Fasciitis.

Meeting the requirements often quoted in research on the subject, the Inspire is a shoe that people suffering from the condition put on and often find instant relief from some of the pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis. 

While my findings are purely anecdotal, the Mizuno Wave Inspire is always a shoe that I reach for when recommending footwear for people with Plantar Fasciitis, and many people report long-term benefit and have become repeat customers seeking out the latest version of the shoe and multiple colour options!

Verdict

A very popular model for runners, the new Saucony Guide 19 also makes a great choice for those who require a walking and daily use shoe when suffering from plantar fasciitis.

There’s no medial post or other external or additional features to control pronation in the Guide 19; instead, it relies on its natural geometry to provide support and control. A rocker in the heel and forefoot, as well as deep cushioning, both ease the strain on the tendon as well as keep the arch in a more neutral position. 

The vast majority of people I have seen on gait analysis in the Saucony Guide have shown excellent foot strike and gait when walking in the shoe as well as commenting on its overall fit and feel.

The fit of the Guide 18 is true to size but has more volume in the upper than other shoes here, making it particularly good for those with broader feet or higher insteps. The Guide is a well-made sneaker that is highly effective in aiding with relief from Plantar Fasciitis, as well as offering great value for money.

Verdict

While the Brooks Beast GTS 26 is one of the brand’s most established models of running shoe, it now finds itself being a very stable and durable model for people looking for a dependable walking shoe for daily use.

As its name suggests, the Beast is a heavier and stronger model that provides unrivalled levels of control, particularly for the heavier user.

When it comes to plantar fasciitis, the Beast delivers in spades, and I’ve found it to be an excellent ‘heavy duty’ model for many users.

The Beast is not the lightest shoe on the market, but for support, all-day comfort and durability, the shoe proves to be an excellent option.

Verdict

Designed as a shoe to help control over-pronation, it is very effective. But for those with plantar fasciitis, it is just as effective in helping users find some relief and comfort on a daily basis.

A firmer section of cushioning in the rear foot favours the medial side of the shoe. A softer layer of Fresh Foam X sits atop this, giving the shoe a stack height of 40mm, significantly more than the previous generation model, and among the highest stack heights here. 

While the cushioning is high stack, it doesn’t feel too soft and, in fact, proves to be a sturdy and stable base for walking for those who overpronate and helps significantly with plantar fasciitis.

In store, I have found the shoe to offer a rounder toe-box and in turn, suit those users that have a broader forefoot. The shoe is also available in a wide fit should it be required.

I like the firmer feel of the cushioning in the 860v15, and while this is personal preference, I suggest plantar fasciitis sufferers give the shoe a try, as for many, shoes which are too soft may not help the condition.

Verdict

I used to run in the original version of the Nike Structure more than 20 years ago, and while shoes were very different then, the new model’s styling shows some familiar elements. But what really stands out for me is the cushioning. Here, Nike have managed to create a very plush shoe that combines excellent support.

Those suffering from plantar fasciitis and wanting a shoe for walking and general use often prefer a soft cushioned feel underfoot, and the Nike Structure Plus offers that immediately from the first step. 

A good, 10mm heel drop also helps reduce strain on the lower limb muscles as well as the tendons. Control in the arch comes from a combination of a medial post, a firm section of cushioning under the arch, as well as deep sidewalls to the cushioning in the heel of the shoe. These walls seat the foot centrally and keep it neutral, while the post gives more shape to the tendon.

The fit of the Structure Plus is true to size and uses soft, plush padding around the heel and Achilles as well as a breathable mesh in the forefoot for all-day comfort.

Verdict