Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. You may also hear it referred to as heel spurs. This is because it develops when calcium deposits (spurs) form on the ligament that runs the length of the sole of your foot. This is the Plantar Fascia. If your feet are out of alignment, it can separate from the heel. This leads to calcium deposits and heel pain.
Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The pain can be so intense that you simply must stay off your feet, and this can cause a tremendous decline in your health and quality of life. Luckily, there are many things you can do to ease the pain of Plantar Fasciitis without surgery. In this article we will recommend some exercises and lifestyle changes that can help. We will also provide sound advice to help you choose the right shoes, insoles and compression socks to promote healing and ease your pain. Read on to learn more.
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How Do You Know You Have Plantar Fasciitis?
If you do have plantar fasciitis, you will are very likely to feel pain in the heel the moment you get out of bed in the morning. This pain will diminish as the day progresses.
You may also feel pain when you:
Clearly this constant pain can hamper your activities and dampen your enjoyment of life. Take heart, though! If you put a bit of effort into getting well-fitted shoes, the right insoles and effective compression socks, you can greatly reduce or even eliminate your pain in less than two weeks time.
Find The Right Shoes For Avoiding, Coping With & Treating Plantar Fasciitis
Very often, plantar fasciitis is caused by poorly fitted shoes. This is especially true for very active adults, as well as people who are overweight and/or have diabetes. Wearing the wrong shoes for your chosen activity or wearing shoes that just do not align and support your heels and arches can cause over pronation (excessive stress on the arches). When this happens, the arches collapse and the plantar fascia becomes loose and prone to develop calcium deposits.
Some of the worst culprits among poorly fitting shoes often seem as if they would be very comfortable. Unfortunately, soft shoes, those with ultra-flexible soles and those that claim to provide a “barefoot” walking experience simply don’t provide the structure and support needed to avoid Plantar Fasciitis.
Finding Supportive Shoes, Boots & Everyday Footwear For Plantar Fasciitis
Footwear designed for the care of plantar fasciitis are available in varying degrees of support and in a wide variety of styles. You can choose mild, moderate or maximum support. Your choice would depend upon the degree of over-pronation you have; your size, weight and fitness level and your intended activity.
Having the right shoes for the task is of the utmost importance. Be sure to get tennis shoes for playing tennis, aerobics shoes for aerobics, hiking boots for hiking and so forth. Shoes are designed to provide specific support for specific activities. You can damage your feet and cause yourself a surprisingly great deal of pain and discomfort by wearing the wrong footwear.
Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
(for Pain Relief) - Women's
1. Orthofeet Coral Women’s Comfort Sneakers
Orthofeet Coral sneakers are Vionic’s best selling runners-up. Most women like to call them’’ the Cadillac of Walking Shoes,’’ and we can’t agree more. They are excellently cushioned with extra support and stability for pronators. Like a Cadillac, these shoes smooth out all the uneven surfaces on the road giving your feet the comfort and protection they deserve.
The heavily cushioned footbed has an extra depth design and wide toe box to allow your feet move freely inside the shoe. The sole, on the other hand, is lightweight and provides plenty of cushioning as well as pressure and impact relief. There is a soft, seam-free interior lining that is padded with foam to offer superior comfort for sensitive feet especially when walking long distances. The Ergonomic-Stride design enhances stability while facilitating foot motion. Think of it as walking on soft clouds.
The upper combines mesh and flexible material to keep everything securely in place. It is quite similar to the Vionic’s upper, but in all honesty, more like wearing a sock.Previous wearers said that these shoes were a sure bet for women with heel and joint problems. Because they have excellent anatomical support as well as a gel-padded heel-seat, they are the perfect pair if you have any sort of heel pain. Overall, they are more of pressure and pain relief than most other shoes, and perfect for people with severe symptoms.
2. Gravity Defyer Proven Pain Relief Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk Shoes
In many ways, the Gravity Defyer G-Defy Women’s Shoe should be pretty similar to that offered to men. The company wants to ensure that any buyer with heel pain, plantar fasciitis or other foot conditions has the support and comfort that they need. In this case, there are some of the same strong promises about the inserts and insoles. However, this is a Mighty Walk show, not an Ion, which means that there are added benefits. There is also mention of the wider toe box and seamless interior to add to the comfort levels.
This is another product that offers a relaxed, low-rise sneaker look and that appealing blend of materials in the uppers. The fabric is light and breathable and does come in different colors. However, some women do wish that the options were as bold and diverse as those for the men. The wider dimensions and thicker sole mean that this could have been a heavy, chunky women’s walking shoe. But, this isn’t the case at all.
3. Vionic Brisk Miles Women’s Walking Sneaker
This walking shoe from Vionic is one of the most popular footwear brands for relieving foot pain. The company has an invincible reputation for producing supportive walking shoes, and the Vionic Brisk Miles is no exception. The perforated memory foam footbed offers extra arch support and is extremely lightweight. We like it because it doesn’t require time to break in. It is comfortable from the first day.There’s more than enough stability for pronators, and previous wearers confessed that the shoe helped with chronic heel and joint pain. The collar and tongue are cushioned to give you a comfortable fit.
The traditional lace-up closure allows you to adjust fit for your specific foot. The breathable interior lining, on the other hand, keeps your feet cool and dry. The upper is made from a combination of synthetic and textile, providing ventilation and an intimate fit. Overall, wearers said they made walking a breeze and helped them stay on their feet all day without experiencing any pain or soreness. They are an excellent choice for walking around the neighborhood and are definitely among our top recommendations. Vionic advises buying a half size bigger because this style tends to run a bit small.
4. Orthofeet Verve Women’s Comfort Shoe
These Orthofeet athletics are ideal for a casual women’s walking shoe. They are specially built to handle casual sports and gym trips, so walking shouldn’t be a problem at all.They’re excellently cushioned to keep your feet comfortable throughout the day. The footbed is made from lightweight foam, so your feet don’t have to feel weighed down.The synthetic upper gives you a classic finish with a look that is easy to maintain. As long as you keep polishing them up, they’ll look great for years. Even the white parts are quite easy to maintain.
We also love the fact that the upper is breathable, which is great to keep your feet dry and airy as you walk. The collar and tongue are also cushioned for maximum support and comfort. The traction is also another impressive feature. Most sneakers slide on wet surfaces, but the Orthofeet Tahoe shoes keep their grip on oily and slippery surfaces. Apart from being heavily padded, they’re also sleeker than many other women’s walking shoes. They are extremely fashionable without compromising on any comfort features.
5. Vionic Women’s Simmons Juliana Slip-on
This new version of Vionic Simmons Juliana Slip-on is the lightest yet, and utilizes Advanced Motion System (AMS) technology to provide superior cushioning and support. It’s designed to enhance forward propulsion while returning a lot of kick-back energy to your feet. We particularly loved the fact that the sole is flexible and lightweight to optimize pressure relief along your feet. This means that impact won’t stress out pressure points like the heel and the arch.
The upper is made from a breathable combination of mesh and synthetic, and has strong reinforcements built into the sides and the front. The insoles are also removable meaning you can insert your own custom orthotics for additional comfort.Vionic says these are perfect for people with medium to high arches who need slightly better cushioning. Wearers said they are incredibly comfortable and fit like a glove.
6. Vionic Women’s Walker Classic Shoes
If the method of construction matters to you, then you are looking at the perfect pair of walking shoes. These shoes are specifically made for people with high and medium arches. They provide lightweight firm arch support, and are ideal for all physical activities which require excellent traction and grip on floor surfaces. Made of top quality materials, the midsole is designed to offer superior cushioning to support your heel. As such, your heel can feel more comfortable and protected from pain whenever you make a step. The sole is made of synthetic and is really durable. Even with daily use, your feet will feel great inside the shoe due to the well-cushioned interior.
The sole is about 1 inch in height, just the ideal height. The entire shoe designed to absorb shock thus comforting your feet, heel and the rest of your body. Overall, at an extremely modest price tag, these shoes are a great option.
7. Vionic Women’s Honor Virginia Loafer
Vionic Honor is another well-known brand of comfortable plantar fasciitis shoes. These shoes come with extra soft insoles and padded arch support. In my view, Vionic Honor Virginia loafers are unbeatable when it comes to cushioning and stability. They are perfect for people with sensitive feet (not high arches). Made from soft, durable leather, you can relax knowing that this shoe will last the test of time. With regards to convenience, these shoes bear a simple natural design with a slimmer toe box for a less bulky aesthetic than the regular loafer.
You’ll appreciate the fact that the synthetic sole is lightweight with air cushioning to soften each step you make and add a spring to your motion. You’ll also love the idea that the shoe has an inset bio-mechanical footbed for a low-profile and sleek silhouette.The footbed contours to the shape of your feet to help relieve pain all the way from the foot and heel to the knees and lower back. Plus, the shoe is extremely breathable to ensure your feet remain dry and fresh throughout the day. Vionic Honor Loafer is available in three premium materials: oiled kid suede, tumbled full-grain leather and leopard hair-calf. It has an amazing price tag and is the ideal walking shoe if you’re looking for comfort, protection and support.
8. Orthofeet Laguna Comfort Plantar Fasciitis Women’s Sandal
Another highly hailed model of walking shoes, also ideally suited for people PF. This shoe features lots of innovative technologies designed to absorb and disperse impact from walking on hard surfaces. Their main job is to cushion, cushion and cushion some more! They provide firm arch support and should make your feet feel comfortable and supported right from the first wear, no breaking in time required.This shoe has an exceptionally cute design to offer unrivaled levels of comfort for the woman with diabetes.
It is very breathable which comes in handy for those whose feet sweat a lot when they are walking.Apart from that, the outsoles are incredibly light to allow you walk without dragging your feet. There is also a strong heel counter which provides more than enough amount of kick-back energy to propel you forward. If you have wide feet and you’re looking for shoes with a spacious interior, this sandal is your perfect pair. It has a massive toe room and is available in a variety of sizes to accommodate those with flat feet.
9. Vionic Indulge Gemma Women’s Slipper
The Vionic Indulge Gemma Slipper has everything your feet need to perform at their best. The microfiber footbed is designed to contour to the natural shape of your feet, providing both heel and arch support in an excellently cushioned insole. This slipper’s ample support is essential for those needing to relieve heel pain. The upper is made from breathable fabric to keep your feet dry and airy throughout the day. The interior is well-padded for extra support and comfort. If you’re looking for shoes that will allow you to walk around stress-free, then you are sorted.
The shoe also has a durable rubber outsole that is well-trod for superior traction and stability. The sole is also non-skid, meaning you can walk on slippery floors without the fear of skidding. As far as support goes, there is also a rocker bottom to give you just the right amount of support and kick-back energy to propel you forward. There is also a heel counter that stabilizes your landing whenever you make a step. Vionic Indulge Gemma sandal is available most online stores in a variety of colors and sizes at an incredibly reasonable price.
10. OOFOS Unisex OOcloog Clog Can be Used by Both Men and Women
Oofos are a runaway favorite with nurses and others who must be on their feet for long periods of time. Wearers uniformly love them for the pain relief and healing they provide.
11. Vionic Women’s Kona Fitness Sneaker
These lightweight cuties from Vionic are simple on the outside but sophisticated underneath! They provide maximum cushioning as well as superior support. Women say that they fit well right out of the box and are also very durable and comfortable.You’ll definitely fall in love with the one-piece mesh upper that contains a simple lacing system to help you fit the shoe snugly and securely to your feet while you walk.
There are also cables that run across the top of the foot to distribute tension and keep everything in place. What’s more? The upper is super airy, ensuring your feet remain dry and comfy. Within the sole, Vionic’s textile covered EVA insert protects your heel and gives you a bit of propulsion to boost your forward movement. Previous wearers confessed that this shoe has the best arch support. They’re incredibly supportive and not squashy and restrictive like other motion control shoes.
The well-padded collar and tongue provide even better cushioning and support when walking. Without doubt, these are some of the best shoes for women. It’s quite evident especially when you look at the high level of customer loyalty associated with this shoe. Women come back year after year to get themselves a new pair, because they feel perfect. They are available in a wide array of colors at a modest price online.
Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
(with Arch Support) - Men's
1. Orthofeet Sprint Plantar Fasciitis Men’s Sneakers
Orthofeet have an incredibly good reputation for producing some of the best shoes for alleviating plantar fasciitis. The Orthofeet Sprint is no exception. They are specifically designed for the serious walker. According to Orthofeet, the goal is to provide a plusher, smoother walk for those whose job involves a lot of standing and walking. The gel midsole absorbs impact and helps you make softer steps as you walk. The lightweight sole is designed to kick back energy to your feet and provide enough cushioning.
Reviewers praised this shoe saying they were incredibly comfortable and supportive for every part of their feet. Previous wearers said the shoe helped them with joint pain and heel pain. The best part is that the shoes are light, which helps prevent fatigue when walking for long distances. They are the perfect choice for people looking for serious walking shoes.
2. Gravity Defyer Men’s G-Defy Ion Pain Relief Shoes
The Gravity Defyer Men’s Shoe is designed to ease heel pain and plantar fasciitis with its cleverly designed insoles and orthopaedic inserts. There is enough protection and support within the shoe to help users walk long distances without complaint. The VersoShock cushioning helps too and should last a while. There are even some buyers that have struggled with physiotherapy that have enjoyed the benefits of this system. There is the suggestion that the sole is a little higher than normal here, but many of the other features are comparable to a “normal” walking shoe.
In fact, it would be difficult for anyone to look at this G-Defy Ion model and realize that it had any specific medical purpose. This looks a lot like any typical sneaker in regard to the low-rise shape, design and use of fabrics. There is a nice blend of the synthetic upper and breathable mesh to keep feet cool. There is also a range of colours to choose from, so people with foot conditions aren’t stuck with the one “alternative” option.
3. Orthofeet Men’s Highline High Top Boots
These shoes are meant to provide extra support and stability to treat ankle and heel faulty alignment conditions such as heel eversion and over-pronation. They are just like shoes built in with orthotics, so that both the shoe and the orthotics are an ideal fit. Though not designed for highly strenuous activities, these amazing walkers come highly recommended by professionals such as nurses and teachers. You’ll really appreciate the fact that they snug well to your feet right out of the box, which makes walking in them a breeze. There is a massive toe room to allow your toes spread naturally without any restrictions.
However, what makes this shoe perfect for plantar fasciitis is the fact that it has an ultra-soft plush breathable footbed to give maximum comfort and support to your feet. There is a gel-padded heal-seat that conforms to the shape of your feet to relieve pain from the heel all the way to the knees and lower back.
With regards to convenience, the shoe features a simple lacing system to give you a secure and snug fit. The sole is lightweight to enable you to walk around without feeling any pain or fatigue. This shoe can accommodate a 400-pound man with PF right from day one. Best of all, they are designed to offer the best solution for heel pain, arch pain, knee pain and back pain. With these shoes, walking will become less of a hassle and more of a hobby. You can get them from a footwear store near you or online. They are available in tan and black at a really affordable price.
5. Vionic Tanner Men’s Sneaker
The Vionic Orthaheel Ngage1 Sneaker is a highly sought-after shoe for men with foot issues. Even though it looks like an ordinary sneaker, it has been specially constructed by podiatrists to address the specific symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Because they are incredibly light and compact, they are great for traveling. They are also an inexpensive option. Best of all, they are super cute and elegant. The footbed is made from ortholite material, as is the insole. Such material allows the whole shoe to be super airy and breathable. Plus, you can remove the insole and insert your own orthotics for better comfort and support.
The midsole is low-profile and offers excellent support to help you remain comfortable throughout the day. The light sole is extra-grippy on slippery surfaces, making these the perfect pair when walking outdoors. Our favorite part is the look- these shoes are some of the hippest sneakers you’ll ever get your feet on. They are available in many different colors and can be bought at an incredibly reasonable price. Vionic advises ordering a half size bigger, as this style tends to run a bit small.
6. Vionic Men’s Fulton Tate Lace-Up Sneaker
These Vionic lace-up shoes will grow on you with their unrivaled support and stability. They are specially designed for those who spend a significant amount of their time walking. They are sanctioned by many professionals for alleviating pain and promoting excellent heel health. As far as design goes, these shoes have an exquisite finish. They look just like your regular sneakers, and in fact, no one would think they are ugly medical shoes. They come in light gray, black and charcoal and are versatile enough to be worn when doing your daily exercises.
With regards to convenience, these shoes are extremely light allowing you to walk in them for long distances without experiencing pain or fatigue. The upper is made of a combination of mesh and upper, which means they are durable and breathable. You can rest assured that your feet will never feel suffocated in them. There is also a simple lacing system for quick and easy on and off. Inside is a carefully designed anatomical arch support system that works to cushion your feet and relieve pain. The EVA insoles are removable allowing you to insert your custom-made orthotics. The whole shoe is constructed such that it gives you a snug and intimate fit right out of the box. They are true to size. Previous wearers said they were not only comfortable but also supportive. The best part is that they are priced very affordably.
7. Orthofeet Asheville Arch Support Men’s Orthopedic Slippers
Orthofeet Asheville Slippers are instant head-turners. They’ve got a signature leather upper, available in lots of different designs and finishes. These are among Orthofeet best-selling models. They provide excellent arch support, heel elevation and promote correct posture. And with the superior cushioning, you have more than enough comfort to get you through the day. If you have plantar fasciitis, this is the ideal slipper for you. It combines sophistication and comfort into your daily walking routine while giving you a chance to rock in style.
The inside of the shoe is padded for maximum support and comfort. The outsoles are very light, and the heel counter is stable to offer superior traction. The stylish design of this slip-on adds to the comfort levels provided. Additionally, they are very breathable allowing your feet to remain dry and airy inside. Apart from all these, they are extremely easy to maintain yet long-lasting and durable. You definitely get what you pay for and more. Buyers are very loyal to these slippers, and as you’ll notice in the product reviews, most have come back for their 2nd and even 3rd pair.
8. Orthofeet Baton Rouge Men’s Boat Shoes
Orthofeet Baton Rouge Boat shoes are an ideal choice for men looking for style as well as comfort. The upper planetary is made of leather which has sufficient tiny air-holes for your feet to breathe well inside the shoe. The shoe comes in color brown, and the sole is layered in two shades to give a premium look. There is stylistic stitching across the backside for aesthetic purposes. Orthofeet Baton Rouge are designed with durable outsoles which work to absorb shock and provide maximum stability and support as you walk.
For men who engage in strenuous walking on a daily basis, these shoes are perfect as the inner soles are sufficiently cushioned while the outer soles provide excellent grip on all surfaces. Furthermore, the excellent cushioning helps reduce impact on any forward movement of your feet. Overall, these shoes are a perfect mid-range choice for any man looking for the ideal walking shoes for foot issues.
8. Dr. Comfort Wing Men’s Extra Depth Dress Shoe
Dr. Comfort Wing Leather Shoe is one of the most premium and simple looking dress shoes for men with plantar fasciitis. It features a leather upper with seamless and padded lining. It is specially designed to provide unrivaled comfort for men suffering from PF. It has a stable shock midsole which effectively absorbs shock ensuring you walk stress-free. Apart from that, it has a classic lightweight outsole, which when coupled with the midsole, provide stability and comfort to the person wearing them during simple activities like walking and jogging.
Another great feature of this shoe is that it is incredibly breathable. The materials in the interior are designed to be incredibly airy thus absorbing sweat and perspiration and keeping your feet dry and comfy. Therefore, if you suffer from heel pain, and need a steady shoe that will guarantee you high levels of comfort, look no further.
9. Orthofeet Ventura Men’s Extra Wide Athletic Shoes
When it comes to walking shoes for heel pain , nobody hacks it quite like Orthofeet! These are more than just simple walking shoes; they have a lot of features borrowed from the more heavy-duty styles in Orthofeet’s line-up. First off, they are elegant lookers.
They have the sleek leather upper in a range of black and white. They keep their finish very stylish, and are made to handle weather better than your average sneakers. They are waterproof, if not wholly water-resistant. Think of them as your dream walkers.
Another advantage of these shoes is the anatomical arch support and contoured orthotic insoles that conform to the shape of your feet to relieve pain from the heel up the leg to the knees and lower back. They are a whole lot healthier for your feet and extremely comfortable for long walks. They feature a distinctively massive toe room to give your toes enough room for movement. They are also incredibly breathable, keeping your feet dry and airy even under hot weather outdoors. They are perfect for walking outdoors, but they are also simply lovely must-haves. Oh, and they have fantastic traction and stability as well!
When selecting the right footwear to suit your physique, activity level and degree of pronation, here are seven important points to keep in mind:
Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis Add Support & Comfort
Orthotic insoles are specially designed to provide good arch support, stabilize your heels, align your feet and ankles and cushion the soles of your feet. Equipping your existing footwear with well-designed insoles for use by people suffering from plantar fasciitis can help prevent or soothe the condition and support recovery.
Look for these important features:
Orthaheel
Orthaheel technology helps reduce over pronation
Tread Labs
Good arch support to help ease Plantar Fasciitis pain
Superfeet
Heavy-duty shock absorption and legendary support
Arch support is available in three levels:
- 1Cushioned Support: Bubble cushioning is lightly supportive of the arch.
- 2Semi-Rigid Support: Firm, yet flexible arch support.
- 3Fully Rigid support: Rigid, inflexible arch support.
Hi,
I have planar fasciitis and have had it for a little over a year. I have a job where i have to stand for extended periods of time. I also have to press a metal pedal with the foot that has planar fasciitis hundreds of times a day and more. I do walk a lot during the day but the standing part hurts my foot way more. Would anyone know which of these shoes would be best in my situation?
Thank you so much in advance.
Hi, yes the shoes mentioned in the list can help with Plantar Fasciitis pain. These shoes do have ample cushioning and support. But every foot is different and and what works for someone might not work for you. Keeping that in mind in addition to the shoes here, you can also have a look at the Hoka One One M Bondi 4 and the Saucony Hurricane 16 which also can be helpful for relieving Plantar Fasciitis discomfort.
Thank you for the reply! I did a good amount of research and I bought the vionic endurance walking shoe on sale. I’ll get them soon and I cant wait! I’ll add my thoughts after using them for a bit. Hopefully will help cure my planar fasciitis.
Hi I just bought a pair of Joya shoes and they feel like walking on soft sponge, they are full leather top and inersole, very impressed. I am surprised they are not in you list. And I have arthritis in my feet.
Hi Jan, I have not heard about these shoes before. Let me check up on them.
good day I have Plantar Fasciitus and need to know where can I buy Skechers womens shape ups jersey comfort fashion sneakers in cape town. Maybe you can recommend what type of shoe I can wear.
Hi Jackie, I don’t have any information about the Shape Ups available in Cape Town. If you did not find a suitable pair from this blog post then you can have a look at some of the styles on this site – comfortingfootwear.com/best-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis-and-sensitive-feet/ . Good Luck!
Hi Jacki
I have plantar facetious and bone spurs in both feet with high arches. Can you recommend a good and comfortable walking athletic shoe?