Plantar fasciitis is a surprisingly common foot condition. Dr. Jay Spector, an Atlanta-based podiatrist and 32-time marathon runner, has experienced it himself on two occasions.
“Plantar fasciitis is inflammation at the insertion of the plantar fascia as well as pain along the arch of the foot.” Spector told HuffPost via email. “The plantar fascia, [which] is a ligament that acts like a tendon in motion, holds up the muscles that are in the arch.”
He said that although the causes of fascia inflammation are varied, wearing the wrong type of shoes is a common reason.
“There is no best shoe for helping plantar fasciitis but there are definitely poor shoes,” Spector said.
According to Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross, podiatrist and president of the California Podiatric Medical Association, the best shoes to manage this condition are ones that will support the arch of the foot and reduce pressure on the inflamed tendon — granted you know which arch morphology, or type, you have.
“If the patient has a low arch or flat foot, I usually recommend a motion control or stabilizing shoe,” Spohn-Gross said. “If the patient has an average arch, then I lean towards a neutral shoe. Finally, if the patient has a high arch, then I will recommend a neutral or cushioned shoe.”
Both Spector and Spohn-Gross typically suggest patients wear running shoes. And in some cases, the need for custom orthotics or orthotic inserts will arise.
You can keep reading to see the brands and women’s shoes that these podiatrists recommend if you want to prevent or minimize plantar fasciitis pain.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Dr. Gary Evans, a podiatrist based in New York City, previously suggested shoes from Kuru, a brand that specializes in pain-relief footwear, and specifically for conditions like plantar fasciitis. Based on this brand mention, we chose the Loma platform sandal, an everyday walking sandal that promises to offer superior support and a chic profile. Like most of Kuru’s designs, these shoes offer dynamic heel support and an arch-supportive footbed (a breathable cork footbed in this case) that keeps feet stable and comfortable. The adjustable straps are made with full-grain leather that comes in white or black. Find these in sizes 5-12 and two different widths.
Recommended by podiatrist Dr. Jay Spector, the Gel-Kayano running shoes by Asics are designed specifically for individuals with flat feet or low arches by helping to transfer weight to the inner edge instead of the ball of the foot with each step. The midsole is made with shock-absorbing cushioning and the low-profile heel comfortably cradles the foot for added support. These are available in sizes 5-13, in three different widths and available in up to 26 different vibrant and neutral color combinations.
Editor’s pick: While these road-style running shoes weren’t specifically mentioned by a podiatrist for alleviating plantar fasciitis symptoms, On Running’s Cloudmonsters are a frequent and recognizable favorite on TikTok where both athletes and everyday people adore these highly responsive shoes that offer support all throughout the tip of the toe — a feature that one TikTok user with plantar fasciitis said separates the Cloudmonsters from other standard running shoes. The max cushioning sole offers a noticeable spring and rebound with each step, an impact-absorbing performance and a forward-rolling operation that takes pressure off the heel. Shop them in six colors and women’s sizes 5-11, with half sizes included.
“I personally like Vionic shoes because they have a variety of dress shoes and flip-flop options with built-in arches,” said podiatrist Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross.
Based on Spohn-Gross’s recommendation, we chose this pair of office-appropriate ballet flats featuring a contemporary square-toed silhouette and bow detailing. Made from either leather or suede, these flats have a removable microfiber-covered EVA orthotic insert that’s firm, yet flexible, and designed to hug your arches and promote stability. You can find them in sizes 5-13 (half sizes included), three widths and nine colors.
These familiar Pegasus Air sneakers by Nike came at the suggestion of Spector and are available in sizes 5 up to 16.5. They promise updated all-around padding, foam midsoles and an Air unit inside each heel for added comfort. These Y2K-throwback shoes can be found in five color combinations.
Another suggestion from Spector, these everyday walking and running shoes by Hoka promise an ultra-cushioned and “billowed” footbed with a neutral level of support for the arch. They are available in tons of different vibrant and neutral combinations, in both regular and wide options in women’s sizes 4-12.
Spector also suggested New Balance’s Fresh Foams, a neutral-cushioned running shoe that boasts a dual-layer midsole construction, top-bed foam cushioning as well as underfoot foam support. You can get these in up to 32 colors and in sizes 5-12 (half sizes included), and in two widths.
Saucony’s Ride running shoe, suggested by Spector, promises a plush and perfectly cushioned sole and a sock-like fit that keeps feet stable. The uppers are made from a breathable mesh and come in several different color combinations. Grab these in sizes 7-16, wide sizing included.
For an ultra-cushioned sneaker option, Spector mentioned Altra’s Via Olympus shoes, which have a luxurious and bouncy midsole that’s constructed of a lightweight, hyper-responsive foam. The shoe has also been designed with a rocking shape to impart the feeling of being propelled forward with each step while the balanced cushioning promotes better foot alignment. You can get these in six color combinations and sizes 6-11.5.
Per Spector’s recommendation, these road running shoes by Brooks can help provide advanced foot support by reducing excess movement of the foot inside the shoe. Though supportive, these shoes also offer a soft and cushioned level of comfort and come in up to 24 colors. They are available in up to four width options and sizes 5-13.
For feet that are flat or have low arches, Spohn-Gross suggests the footwear offerings from Oofos. These versatile clogs are constructed with a proprietary foam footbed that claims to absorb more impact and reduce joint stress more than traditional footwear made with foam materials. These shoes, which come in sizes 5-14, are machine washable and odor-resistant.
Another popular Vionic footwear option, these contoured flip-flop sandals have a shock-absorbing, flexible and medium-density midsole as well as a motion-control footbed with deep heel cups to help feet stay aligned and in their natural position. You can get these in six colors and sizes 5-13, each one finished with leather or cork trim (depending on the color you choose) and a comfortable, softly woven toe post and foam-lined strap.
Dr. Chanel J. Perkins, a board-certified podiatrist in Texas, previously suggested this cushioned version of the Birkenstock classic, the Arizona sandal for those recovering from various foot conditions. (It may also be worth mentioning that Birkenstocks have helped heal my father’s case of chronic plantar fasciitis.) Like many of the brand’s footwear offerings these iconic sandals feature the signature Birkenstock contoured footbed, an anatomically designed insole that offers longitudinal arch support running along the sides of the footbed for greater stability. This is supplemented with transverse arch support, a contour that runs along the middle of the footbed to help promote better alignment and a deep and cradling heel cup keeps the heel’s natural cushioning right under the heel bone to also help prevent potential pain. Find these in up to five colors, different type of leather uppers and women’s sizing 4-12.5, with half sizes included.