12 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Pain

In addition to being a fairly good choice for slightly dressy or professional occasions, these high quality walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, have deep heel cups that provide firm, stable support and realignment. Reviewers say that the arch support is not as high or firm as some other brands; however, separate arch supports can always be added.

As with many orthotic style walking shoes, these tend to run a little small so order a half size up.

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.

Lightweight Coral is has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of approval. The shoes’ orthotic insoles provide good arch support in an adjustable arch-booster system. The slightly rocker bottom, vinyl acetate sole reduces pressure on the heel and provides flexibility.

The narrow heel and wide toe box make the perfect design to give great heel stability and arch support while cradling painful feet in softness. This is really good for problems like bunions and hammertoes that tend to go along with plantar fasciitis.

This stylish shoe is available in lots of pretty colors such as silver, gray, turquoise and black. Unlike many orthotic style shoes, they tend to run true to size so just order the size you normally wear.

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 colors to choose from, so people with foot conditions aren’t stuck with the one “alternative” option.

The OOFOS insole is created using a high density, closed-cell foam that does a terrific job of absorbing impact and reducing pain in your feet, joints and lower back. According to the APMA, the support and stability this foot-bed design provides really does help your feet recover from plantar fasciitis. On top of that, this rugged material can be tossed in the washer for cleaning.

Reviewers say that these shoes run a little small, so ordering a half size larger would be a good idea.

Like all OOFOS shoes, these slides are approved by the APMA and offer superior heel stability, arch support and cushioning. The patented design with wide toe box and rocker bottom reduces energy exertion when walking by nearly 50% and provides excellent shock absorption to reduce joint impact by nearly 40%.

Take care when choosing your size. If you are a woman and wear a half size, go down to the next lower whole size. If you are a man and wear a half size, go up to the next higher whole size. Note that some reviewers complain about the feel of plastic on their feet. If this describes you, take socks into account when choosing your size.

The most important thing with these (or any) Dansko shoes is getting the right fit. If you are able to try them on before buying, stand in the shoes in a balanced way with your arch seated on the arch support. If your pinky finger can just fit between your heel and the heel of the shoe, you have a good fit. Your heel should be able to move up and down as you walk.

If you are ordering online, you may wish to order up a half size.

These APMA approved sandals are designed for travel, and are versatile enough to wear with pants, shorts, swimsuits or dresses for all occasion use. The more you wear them, the more the soles conform to and support your feet.

Available in narrow, medium and wide, width reviewers say that you should order a half size up to be sure the sole is long enough to accommodate your feet. Even though this may leave a bit of extra space at the toes, it will also let you wear socks if you are so inclined.

Like the classic cork Birkenstock foot-bed, Arizona has a raised toe bar and a slightly lowered heel cup which provides heel support and stability. The raised toe bar encourages gripping with the toes, which helps improve blood circulation in the feet and lower legs and provides exercise.

Also like the classic, the more you wear Birkenstock Arizona, the more the foot-bed of the sandals will conform to and support the soles of your feet.

The uppers of this modern version of the classic are made of a faux leather material that is a combination of polyamide felt and acrylic dubbed Birko-Flor™ . This is a soft, flexible fabric with a leather look. Like the classic, the upper consists of a pair of wide, comfortable straps with buckles that you can adjust.

One of the most important things you need to understand about Birkenstocks is the sizing. Look for the outlined foot icon. If you see the regular, open icon, it means size medium-to-wide. If you see the narrow icon with the space colored in rather than open, this is the narrow-to-regular size.

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.

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.