I have spent lots of money and time trying to get rid of plantar fasciitis and heel pain for many years. During this process, I’ve tested many shoes that promised to be the best shoes for plantar fasciitis but seldom erased the pain. Regretfully, in some cases, these shoes have even caused more pain than not.
I have consulted many podiatrists who have offered their aid in helping me find the ideal shoe for my situation. Thus, I became quite informed and wish to help others find the best plantar fasciitis shoes for them, to ease their pain and save money at the same time. So, I hope you will find this post informative and helpful in the search for the right shoe for you.
These are the three main factors to consider when looking for good shoes for plantar fasciitis: heel and arch support and cushioning. As complicated as you might think this sounds, worry not because all the work has been already done thanks with our extensive research.
Table of Contents
- Best Plantar Fasciitis Running Shoes (Men & Women)
- Best Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis(Men & Women)
- Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis(Men & Women)
Note: While plantar fasciitis shoes are incredibly useful in the healing process there are other actions you can take to heal faster. Besides, these exercises for plantar fasciitis are greatly recommended.
This post has two sections and the first one is the list with the 5 best shoes for plantar fasciitis. As you may notice these first 5 shoes are sneakers or running shoes because this kind of shoe is the most beneficial for your heel pain.
1. Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (Men & Women)
Running shoes are not casual or formal in design, but you must understand that your main priority right now is support, not style. Nonetheless, if you ask me, all these sneakers do offer a nice look!
Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis
| Image | Brand / Model | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
  |
ASICS Men’s GEL Nimbus 17 | $100+ | 9.2/10 |
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Saucony Men’s Guide 7 | $60+ | 9/10 |
  |
New Balance Men’s 990v3 | $150+ | 8.5/10 |
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ASICS Men’s GEL Kayano 21 | $85+ | 8/10 |
  |
New Balance Men’s 1540V2 | $150+ | 8/10 |
#1. ASICS GEL Nimbus 17
>> See Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon): Women || Men <<
Seems like this is the softest Nimbus ever! The newest model is a step up from the 2013 Nimbus 15, which was wonderfully soft for its time. As a result, the upper part of the shoe has gotten rid of the stitched overlay and urethane welds. Also, this shoe now offers a mesh upper with a high-density printing detail laying over it.
Consequently, those with a high or normal arched foot (supinator) will love the ASICS GEL Nimbus 17‘s fantastic features. However, for those with over-pronation (flat feet), I extremely recommend the ASICS Gel Kayano 21, which you can find lower on this list.
PROS: One of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis for those with high or normal arched feet. Besides, they offer perfect cushioning, are comfortable and have a superior durability.
CONS: Nothing notable.
#2. Saucony Guide 7
>> See Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon): Women || Men <<
The now discontinued Saucony Guide 6 was rated the highest as the best woman’s running shoe for plantar fasciitis. That said, the Saucony Guide 7 has improved even further thanks to being in the works for three years. Its strategic stability zone adds to functionality and support while allowing for great flexibility. Hence, moderate overpronators and neutral runners will get best support with this shoe which is a quite welcomed upgrade.
PROS: Excellent for long distance running. It’s a lighter shoe with high stability, great cushioning and the perfect choice for mild pronators.
CONS: This plantar fasciitis shoe might run a little small in size, color options are a little wild and might not be quite as good as the Guide 6.
#3. New Balance 990v3
>> See Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon): Women || Men <<
This running shoe made an incredible comeback and is one of the main contenders among the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis. Furthermore, it is an awesome shoe for most feet thanks to its classic looks and its standard EVA foam midsole that prevents painful impacts. Most importantly, don’t let its simplistic style throw you off because this is one the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis and made in USA!
PROS: It fits true to size, offers many widths, you can add OTC inserts, good for heavier runners and is quite comfortable.
CONS: The tongue slides to the side, less quality than other top plantar fasciitis shoes and has a slight odor out of the box.
#4. ASICS Gel Kayano 21
>> See Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon): Women || Men <<
These sneakers worked great for me, and I’m using this model since I tried the Kayano 20. The ASICS Kayano 21 include the ASICS’ latest design for over-pronators and flat footed people. Its DueMax system offers exceptional arch support with a steady foam on the side of the arch. Besides, it still offers the same marvelous mid-sole as the ASICS Gel Nimbus 16.
The way I see it, the Gel Kayano 21 remains the ideal shoe for those who overpronate and/or are dealing with plantar fasciitis. The reason behind this is its excellent support system. Also, I would recommend this shoe for natural runners as well and I have met quite a few happy runners wearing this shoe. If you feel you cannot afford these sneakers consider the ASICS GT-2000 two. Although, if possible, I would still recommend the Kayano 21 because it’s one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and, globally, an awesome shoe.
PROS: One of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis as well as for those who overpronate or have low arches/flat feet. It has a superior arch support, smooth cushioning and high-quality materials.
CONS: It can be slightly too tight so it’s recommended you go with a half size up.
#5. New Balance 1540V2
>> See Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon): Women || Men <<
This shoe is an excellent choice among the motion control running shoes in today’s market and it is endorsed by many podiatrists. Furthermore, it has received outstanding feedback and support from plantar fasciitis groups. The New Balance 1540V2 is designed to provide the best motion control and stability with a soft and comfortable cushioning from heel to toe.
By combining ROLLBAR tech with a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop these sneakers offer an amazing arch support over your entire foot. You may also check a few buyer reviews about plantar fasciitis (Amazon) to realize why the New Balance 1540V2 is ideal for the pain in your heel. Additionally, I also recommend the 990V3 from New Balance as an excellent option for plantar fasciitis shoes.
PROS: They offer excellent motion control, high stability and perfect arch/heel support.
CONS: The toe area is tight so take a wider size, especially in case you wear inserts.
Running with Plantar Fasciitis
So you have decided to get in shape and start with running a few times a week, still, you soon feel intense aching and pain in the heel and bottom of your feet. Unfortunately, this is a sign of plantar fasciitis which is a fairly common injury that occurs in runners. Normally, it will lead to frustration because you just want to go out and run but your feet aren’t letting you. What’s the solution?
In truth, the first step is simple – a comfortable pair of running shoes. When you run, you instantly put yourself at risk of plantar fasciitis and, once you get it, sticking to a fitness schedule becomes a nightmare. After visiting a physician, he or she will probably say to reduce all exercise for the time being to allow your fascia ligament to repair. Thus, support for your feet is vital if you decide to continue light training. How do we support our feet? As we said, this is simple as running shoes have come a long way in recent years.
2. Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
2.1. Best Walking Shoes for Men with Plantar Fasciitis
The second part of my post is for people who can’t live with running shoes and want a formal or casual look. Keep in mind – running shoes are still the best for your relief and should be your first choice. So, now that I have gone over the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, it’s time to move onto the best casual, working and walking plantar fasciitis shoes.
Everyday footwear is not as restrictive as shoes for running. They are more stable, provide more of a foundation for feet and usually weigh more than shoes designed for running. Ideally, you should have a pair of athletic footwear for exercise related activities and an everyday pair of shoes for all other activities. If you get in the habit of doing this it will help to prevent tired, aching feet and keep your shoes from wearing out from constant use.
There are major differences in the types of everyday shoes available for men and women and we have grouped our recommended shoes into men’s and women’s categories for easier reference.
| Image | Brand / Model | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
New Balance Men’s MW928 | $120+ | 9.5/10 |
 |
Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker | $110+ | 9/10 |
 |
Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Men’s Walker | $65+ | 8.5/10 |
#1. New Balance Men’s MW928 Walking Shoe
>> Click Here for Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon) <<
The MW928 is a stable, everyday walking shoe that also provides motion control, which are necessities if you have plantar fasciitis. They also have great padding and are highly rated among those with plantar fasciitis. This walking shoe features the style and comfort New Balance has been known to provide.
This series is best known for its major stability and motion control, which is critical for those who suffer heel pain. This shoe offers soft cushioning and maximum stability, especially for overpronators. All this is thanks to the New Balance exclusive ROLLBAR technology with ABZORB mid-foot structure.
I have no experience with this shoe but there are over 750 satisfied consumers that have given it very positive reviews. Like other New Balance shoes, this shoe is approved by Medicare for diabetics and is highly recommended by many podiatrists. So, if you need to erase your heel pain or the discomfort of being on your feet throughout the course of the day, you should check this shoe out.
PROS: They are good for overweight people because of their great stability and super soft cushioning.
CONS: They are slightly stiffer than some other models.
#2. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker
>> Click Here for Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon) <<
I must tell you that, after reviewing several Brooks products, I regard them as one of the most trusted manufacturers in the health shoe market. The Brook’s are thought to be more casual shoes than other options but they fit and feel like running shoes. Especially relevant is the fact that they offer leather construction, strong support, and a slip resistant sole.
Furthermore, this shoe has the support of many customers who used to suffer from plantar fasciitis with an almost total positive rating from any review you may find. In my opinion, this is an excellent looking shoe for everyday work or formal events and one of the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis.
Brooks Addiction Walkers are dependable and comfortable leather shoes with well-made soles. The beauty of these walkers is that they can be worn to do other things besides walk. You can pair these stylish shoes with your work attire and they will look great. They can also be worn when you go out for a night with the guys, hiking, or any other activity you participate in.
If you have plantar fasciitis, you won’t find a more comfortable, sturdy shoe. They are highly rated and popular with others with PF.
PROS: It has great support for low arches, looks great, has excellent durability and a very soft feel. It belongs to a trusted company and is one of the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.
CONS: It’s little pricey in comparison to other of the best plantar fasciitis shoes but is well worth every penny!
#3. Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Men’s Walker
>> Click Here for Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon) <<
For all men who are struggling with plantar fasciitis but are looking for a more informal shoe, without a doubt, this Vionic shoe is the one you need. I enjoyed my Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Walker throughout plantar fasciitis therapy because it gave the best results to my working routine. Most noteworthy is the fact that Vionic’s are known as the Podiatrist-designed shoes. As a result, these are shoes designed by foot experts you can rely on. In addition, they are very comfortable and offer an excellent arch support.
The Orthaheel Walker is a comfortable shoe for men with plantar fasciitis because they provide stable support for the feet. They are not as stylish as some would like and are slightly heavier than other shoes, but they will not irritate your plantar fasciitis.
This is a great shoe is ideal for everyday activities that do not require you to be on your feet for long periods of time. The Orthaheel Walker is highly rated by those suffering from plantar fasciitis because they are comfortable and provide the necessary support and stability to get you through the day. Remember these shoes are designed for everyday activities like walking and are not made for athletic activities.
PROS: They deliver an exceptional arch and heel support, excellent comfort and have great reviews.
CONS: The size is slightly small, thus, you should order ½ size or one size larger.
2.2. Best Walking Shoes for Women with Plantar Fasciitis
Finally, let’s check the best work and dress shoes for plantar fasciitis for women to complete our list.
| Image | Brand / Model | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
FitFlop Women’s Lunetta Sandal | $26+ | 9.5/10 |
 |
Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat | $42+ | 9/10 |
 |
Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Women’s Action Walker | $45+ | 8.5/10 |
#1. FitFlop Women’s Lunetta Sandal
>> Click Here for Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon) <<
This Lunetta Thong design offers style and comfort all in one package for women who desire both. Especially relevant is its mid-sole which uses a bio-mechanically engineered board that feels great in your feet! As a result, this shoe offers great shock absorption by utilizing a padded footbed along with an excellent support for your arch. Additionally, the FitFlop Lunetta Sandal is jewel-embellished and offers the perfect look and style you are looking for in one of the best dress shoes for plantar fasciitis.
The FitFlop Lunetta Thong Sandal combines comfort and style with the sexy look of a flip flop. Don’t let the sassy look fool you, these shoes provide great impact absorption for tired, aching feet. They provide the support you need to make it through the day with a great look.
PROS: They are stylish and comfortable and offer a fantastic shock absorption with excellent support.
CONS: Some people think the shoe is too thick but it offers the perfect planar fasciitis support.
#2. Alegria Shoes Women’s Paloma Flat
>> Click Here for Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon) <<
This is the one at the top of the “Mary Jane” flats from Alegria shoes and it offers a large range of designs and colors to please the most demanding taste. The Alegria Paloma Flat not only looks great but feels great as well thanks to its super soft leather inside. Similarly to the FitFlops, the Paloma offer an excellent heel support through shock absorption along with a padded footbed for added comfort. As a result, this Alegria shoe is well deserving its cost for those women who want to keep a great style and require dress shoes for plantar fasciitis.
PROS: It offers a broad variety of colors and designs, great shock absorption and excellent support.
CONS: A little pricier than some other plantar fasciitis shoes.
#3. Vionic with Orthaheel Technology Women’s Action Walker
>> Click Here for Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon) <<
This sneaker was conceived specifically with the plantar fasciitis treatment in mind and you may read more information about it in the above men’s section. As mentioned earlier, Vionic shoes with Ortaheel Technology are podiatrists developed shoes. This model comes with a low heel cup and a shaped arch support along with a Molded EVA mid-sole. This feature will eliminate heel soreness and improve your gait in the heel strike area. In case you are on your feet all day long consider this shoe as an excellent choice for work and casual environments vs. a running shoe.
PROS: It’s one of the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, has a casual look and offers perfect arch and heel support.
CONS: Some customers have experienced a durability issue after six months or later.
3. Best Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Although many people confuse sneakers and tennis shoes, there is a difference. Tennis shoes are designed to be worn on the hard tennis court surface. As a result, we suggest wearing them as an everyday walking shoe because they will support your feet and they look great on anyone wearing them.
In your search for a shoe to play tennis in or for everyday walking, you will be looking for a shoe with more substance than traditional running or athletic footwear. A tennis shoe can be worn on the hard structure of the tennis court, or you can wear them daily for walking when you have plantar fasciitis.
Do you have high arches?
The area on the bottom of your foot (from heel to toe) is called an arch. If this section of your foot is slightly higher than normal, you have a high arch. High arches sometimes create discomfort to feet and legs because greater stress is concentrated on the portion of the foot between your ankles and toes. Anyone with high arches should wear footwear that provides structure and support while you run or walk. Our top rated tennis shoes for high arches are listed below.
#1. Adidas Performance CC Rally Comp Tennis Shoe
>> See Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon): Women || Men <<
These lightweight shoes have additional stability inside to protect feet while you walk and move. There is nothing like the protecting those high arches in a shoe that feels much like a slipper. The medium-high stability for your arches has the padding you need for comfort. An ideal choice if you have plantar fasciitis and want a top rated shoe.
Everyone is delighted about not having to break these shoes in since they are lightweight and come equipped and ready for activity. They are created to preserve your feet on hard surfaces and come in funky colors to match your outfits and personality. The only downside is there is no room for a custom orthotic.
PROS: They are lightweight, provide necessary padding and offer the support needed for plantar fasciitis. The ventilation prevents your feet from getting sweaty.
CONS: Unfortunately, there is no room slipping in a custom made orthotic.
These shoes are designed for women with high arches.
#2. K-Swiss Grancourt II SR Tennis Shoe
>> See Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon): Women || Men <<
K-Swiss’s Grancourt II is built for women with high arches and suffers from plantar fasciitis. It has a midsole made from quality materials to provide padding for feet and reduce the pressure on the heels. This tennis shoe works great for those with plantar fasciitis because of the stability and padding they have built in.
The shock-absorbing bottoms protect feet from all types of impact and the grip holds up on wet surfaces. They are highly rated because they don’t wear out after extended use and provide constant comfort.
PROS: They have great padding for comfort and good grip on wet surfaces.
CONS: They tend to run wider than other shoes.
#3. Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour Tennis Shoe
>> See Buyer Reviews & Price (Amazon): Women || Men <<
The Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour was designed for maximum comfort and support of your feet. They feature Adaptive Fit technology which surrounds the bottom of the arch and wraps it to the shoelaces for a customized fit and feel. It keeps the discomfort of plantar fasciitis to a minimum and is a great shoe for everyday walking. They are stylish and easy to wear and are not just made for tennis players.
There’s no need to break-in these shoes, so they will have a great fit and feel as soon as you put them on. The downside is that if you have a wide foot, these aren’t the shoes for you since they run quite narrow. An ideal shoe for women with plantar fasciitis because of the padding and support they provide.
PROS: They mold to feet and have great padding and support.
CONS: These shoes are not made for anyone with wide feet.
Choosing the Right Plantar Fasciitis Shoe
In truth, it can be difficult to find the ‘right’ shoe but there are some key factors that you should keep in mind when trying shoes on. Although running shoes look similar on the outside, they can be extremely different in shape and size on the inside. You’re looking for a pair that will remove pain, protect your fascia ligament and allow you to keep on running.
Best Features
• Shock absorption. It allows the force of each step to be dispersed more evenly.
• Arch support. It allows your feet to feel protected whilst running.
• Quality running shoes brand. When you invest on a well-known brand, who has invested in creating the best product possible, you are investing in your health.
• Reviews. You also need to find shoes that have reviews from people with plantar fasciitis.
Why Not Cheap?
When reading this, you might be wondering what is wrong with cheaper brands. The truth is they use cheaper materials which often make them too light and flexible which, in turn, reduces support. Also, they will normally offer less support around the heel.
When searching for shoes, it is too easy to fall into the mindset of ‘well, everyone else is wearing these so why not get them too’ but this can be dangerous. Remember, you are dealing with a serious health issue so you need to look for comfort and support. Nowadays, most running shoes look good anyway so aesthetics should not be a problem. As long as you put support first, you will find the right shoe.
Common Issues – Unfortunately, there isn’t a magical cure for plantar fasciitis and no shoes are perfect so it could be a case of trial and error. Because you might not choose the right shoe at first, there are often complaints about the process being too expensive. Besides, not all pain will be eliminated regardless of the support since we land on our heels when running anyway.
Conclusion
These are the best shoes for plantar fasciitis you can find in the market and, probably, you’ll find among them your feet savior. Take into account that shoe companies update their products constantly so you may find that some of the models in this article have been already upgraded. However, that doesn’t mean they are outdated. Obviously, there ARE great reviews on some of the latest versions so don’t be afraid to “upgrade” to one of these.
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