The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (2024)

FAQs

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis? ›

Our overall pick for best shoes for plantar fasciitis is the Asics Gel-Venture 9 running shoes, thanks to the arch support and extra heel cushioning.

Most recommended shoe for plantar fasciitis: Brooks Ghost 16

"With a 12mm heel-to-toe drop, stable midsole and wide toe box, this shoe is ideal for everyday training and can help alleviate stress on the plantar fascia," Rimawi said. The Brooks Ghost 16 is the latest in this line of podiatrist-recommended shoes.

The Hoka Bondi 8 is our top pick for a few reasons: The memory foam collar reduces foot strain and a rear crash pad at the back offers balanced landing during heel-to-toe movements, and the shoe's neutral support structure dials in the stability.

However, as a podiatrist, I frequently see patients with plantar fasciitis or heel pain linked to wearing Skechers. Their memory foam technology, while cushioned, often lacks the rigidity needed for proper stability and support, leading to overpronation and uneven weight distribution.

Yes, but to ease pain, make sure you walk in supportive shoes with some cushioning. Don't wear worn-out sneakers or athletic shoes. Limit how long and how far you walk if your pain gets worse. If your plantar fasciitis pain is severe, your doctor may recommend a walking boot to keep your full weight off your foot.

Other methods a podiatrist may use to reduce pain and treat plantar fasciitis include physical therapy, night splints that gently stretch the plantar fascia, orthotics that correct can help distribute weight more evenly, steroids to reduce inflammation and pain, and shock wave therapy that initiates the body's healing ...

Hoka Clifton 9

Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a board-certified podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic, finds that the Clifton 9 shoes are the most comfortable sneakers for walking and running. “Balanced, cushioned, and supportive, [the Hoka Clifton 9 is a] great option for a neutral running shoe.

Why We Like It. These New Balance Fresh Foam sneakers have a dual-layer foam midsole that cushioned our feet when we were walking around—which was exactly what we want to alleviate the pain and pressure caused by plantar fasciitis. Even after all-day wear, our feet still felt fresh and comfortable.

For people with healthy feet, plantar fasciitis is one of the biggest risk factors of going barefoot. Likewise, most podiatrists agree that people who already have plantar fasciitis should avoid going barefoot for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces like concrete or wood floors.

A “wait and see” approach sometimes makes sense for some minor health issues—but not for plantar fasciitis. If you continue to walk, run, and exercise with an inflamed plantar fascia, you will worsen micro-tears and increase your pain.

What sneakers do foot doctors recommend? ›

Movements that put excessive stress on the heel and the arch of the foot, such as high-impact activities like running and jumping, can make plantar fasciitis worse. Additionally, standing for prolonged periods or walking on hard surfaces without supportive footwear can exacerbate the condition.

For people with healthy feet, plantar fasciitis is one of the biggest risk factors of going barefoot. Likewise, most podiatrists agree that people who already have plantar fasciitis should avoid going barefoot for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces like concrete or wood floors.

The most effective way to relieve plantar fasciitis pain (and prevent recurrence) is to keep your arches from flattening by adding firm arch support to your footwear.

You can tell if your shoes are contributing to your plantar fasciitis with a visual inspection. Proper shoes should have: A wide toe box to avoid squeezing the toes together. Firm arch support that aligns with your natural arch.

Flat bases: Avoid shoes with heels to alleviate unneeded pressure from your foot. Shock absorption: Choose shoes made from shock absorbing materials like cork and foam, this helps alleviate impact from the bottom of the foot.