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The best plantar fasciitis shoes
Plantar fasciitis is a very painful condition that restricts your physical activities to a great extent. Only imagining the constantly aching ankles, heels and soles can feel hurtful. We all know how important comfortable footwear can be for a walk or a run.
Luckily, these days we have plenty of options for a good pair of shoes, from sportswear to office wear, providing every necessary comfort and ease of use in a single pair.
A lot of brands and companies are now making shoes keeping in mind the needs of a person going through plantar fasciitis and backaches. Some shoes are apt for sports, some for household use, and some for formal wear. Hence, in this article, we have chosen the top 10 shoes that guarantee your comfort, keeping a strong grip and well-cushioned base as the utmost priority.
Best overall for women
Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 Shoes
Best plantar fasciitis shoes for women overall for the price
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
These training shoes from Brooks are an all-rounder option. At a reasonable price, you get great arch support, thick and springy cushioning, and hassle-free laces.
The product has a compact design yet the toe box is wide enough and comfortable for movement in every plane. The construction is based on a mesh upper for breathability and synthetic rubber soles that provide a strong grip even in slippery areas.
Shock-diminution technology keeps your feet safe from the painful sudden transitions and you can run or jog being carefree. It comes with a completely cushioned interior that is soft on the skin and pain-free on the ankles and knees. If you want something that looks trendy, feels comfortable, and provides a good grip and stability, this is the perfect choice for you.
Best for running
ASICS Women’s GEL-Nimbus 22 Running Shoes
Best plantar fasciitis shoes for running
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
These running shoes are one of the most flexible and durable options out there. The shafts are heighted low for easy mobility and comfort while the grip and snug fit of the shoe keeps them intact. The material used is perfect for running shoes.
The midsoles are thick and firm to avoid any injuries and shocks from hard surfaces. The pair works perfectly fine from hot, dry areas to cold and humid climates. Its gel cushioning at the forefoot and rare foot keeps the soles soft and bouncy. The only problem lies with the weight, this pair is a bit on the medium to heavyweight side.
Rest, the pair offers great value for money as it also has low light vision and high arches that help provide a comfortable run.
Best for casual wear
ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 21 Running Shoes
Best plantar fasciitis shoes for casual use
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
These shoes are another pair from ASICS’s gel series. The product again has a great gel cushioning system for relaxed and ventilated use. The base is bouncy for painless heel-to-toe transitions and remains soft on the skin.
This one is a relatively affordable option offering just as good features but the toe box doesn’t have enough room and feels restricting on the forefoot region. Provided the thick cushioning, which is great for support, yet makes the front of the shoe too steep.
For people with narrow feet and medium to high arches, the product is perfect and the toe box is not a problem at all. However, for someone with wide and flat feet, these can turn out uncomfortable after long use.
Best overall for men
New Balance Men’s 680v6 Running Shoes
Best plantar fasciitis shoes for men
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
These running shoes for men are extremely handy and easy to use. They come with balanced and varying shaft heights and great arch support. 100% synthetic rubber and mesh have been used to design these runners.
The arches have a little lift to them which makes the shoe comfortable for all types of foot shapes. The midsole is a bit too thick at the center which can be an issue for flat-footed people. Other than that, the material is very breathable and the cushioning inside is commendable.
Its midsoles have ABZORB and ACTEVA cushioning for extra stability and firmness. As far as the weight is concerned, this one is one of the lightest running shoes available. It comes at a reasonable price and provides a high value for money.
Best sneakers
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Roav V1 Sneakers
Best plantar fasciitis sneakers
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
These uniquely designed sneakers come in a very appealing shape and combination of colors with the best material that is breathable and long-lasting. The highlight of these sneakers would be the snug heel fitting for a tight grip. This one is also a very lightweight pair so long-term use isn’t tiresome at all.
The product lacks a strong and good arch support and width. The forefoot region is excessively tight and leaves ample room free of use which makes the overall fit uncomfortable. Along with that, the weak arch support doesn’t support prolonged use.
However, the cushioning and midsoles are perfectly fine and easy to use. The pair isn’t too pricey either. As someone who wants an eye-catching pair of sneakers for light use, this one is a very good option. The comfort is also greatly dependent on the shape of your feet.
Best for hiking
KEEN Women’s Targhee II Hiking Shoe
Best plantar fasciitis shoes for hiking
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
Hiking with plantar fasciitis can turn out very painful but with these hiking shoes, you won’t have to miss out on your plans anymore. All the critical spots of this pair like heels, arches, and toe box are designed very proportionately.
It provides great arch support, forefoot, and heel cushioning for an easy walk. The material is well-suited for hiking keeping the feet dry and water-proof while the mesh lining keeps it breathable at the same time.
The two slight cons for this one are its weight and opening. The pair lies in medium to heavyweight options and the opening is a little too wide, which is great for ventilation and mobility but the shoe might slip off easily.
Best for walking
Brooks Women’s Addiction Walking Shoes
Best plantar fasciitis shoes for walking all day
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
This product is a win for its cushioning, midsole support, and price. The construction material is soft and firm, with thick rubber soles. The midsole alone is 12mm thick, perfect for support and shock attenuation.
BioMoGo DNA cushioning is used in the forefoot and heel region that provides strong support and stability of steps. The overall shape, however, is relatively flatter than most walking shoes which are perfect if you are someone with flat feet. High-arched feet might feel constricted in this pair. The soles have strong grip patches for slip resistance as well.
If you are looking for something durable, stylish, and easy on the wallet, this pair of walkers is the safest choice out there.
Best sandals
OOFOS Women’s Active Sport Recovery Slide Sandal
Best plantar fasciitis sandals
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
These sandals are made of 100% flexible rubber. The shape provides great support and stress reduction at arches, ankles, and heels. It is one of the most comfortable and handy pairs for issues like foot-aches and sores. The design is very open which keeps humidity and the accumulation of germs at bay.
The key factors, midsole support, arch support, and cushioning are all extremely supportive of this pair and the grip is slip-resistant for a carefree everyday use, the only problem users have experienced so far lies with the sizing. The sizes are smaller compared to the general standard sizes. We suggest ordering the size carefully for comfortable and easy use.
Best dress shoes
Clarks Women’s Warren Slip-On Loafer
Best plantar fasciitis dress shoes
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
The companies making dress shoes often lack options for people with issues like plantar fasciitis or arthritis. High-heeled boots are usually painful and inappropriate for knee pain and heels. However, this pair of loafers from Clarks has got you covered.
It is a trendy design with 100% leather outer and comfortable height. The arch support that this shoe provides is perfect for all-day-long use. Walking here and there throughout the day is very comfortable in these. The midsoles are thick and supportive according to the shape of the base.
The cushioning and width at the forefoot, however, is a bit discomforting. The end of the shoe is steep and the toe box doesn’t have ample space, just like most loafers and it won’t be an issue for smaller feet at all. The pricing is very reasonable, considering the comfort and style provided.
Overall, these loafers are a great option for office wear or formal use at this rate.
Best affordable
Slow Man Women’s Walking Shoes Sock Sneakers
Best affordable plantar fasciitis shoes
- Arch support:
- Midsole support:
- Forefoot cushioning:
- Value for money:
Lastly, these casual loafers are one of the most multipurpose and aesthetic-looking shoes available. They are made of a soft and breathable exterior and thick rubber soles. The grip, stability, and fit of these are just perfect. The weight is light and the grips are slip-proof.
The ankles come with an elastic fit that adjusts according to the feet, but also becomes a bit uncomfortable and leaves marks after long day use. Its price is very easily affordable and the arch support is well-balanced with soft and bouncy insoles.
The best thing about these is the midsoles, with just the right amount of thickness and sturdiness which makes them shock-resistant and safe to use. Be it walking, running, dancing, or just doing chores around the house, this one pair can last you a long time serving almost all your needs.
What to look for in good plantar fasciitis shoes
When looking for a pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis, it is important to know what you need the shoes for. Whether it is for hiking, walking, daily wear, or formal use. Based on the purpose you want the shoes for, you can choose the one that suits your needs the best. However, strong arch support and a balanced midsole, plus a comfortable toe box are the key features that are important in every single pair out there.
Arch support
The arch region of your feet is a very critical spot for someone facing frequent foot aches. It is important to make sure that the shoes you choose have a good lift at their arches so your feet remain in good posture and elevated. A very flat base can turn out extremely painful for people with high arched feet and on the contrary, an extra curved design doesn’t fit people with flat feet. Hence, it’s best if you look for a pair according to the shape of your feet.
Midsole support
The midsoles of a shoe must be very comfortable and firm for pain-free and hassle-free use. The stronger the midsole is, the easier the heel-to-toe transition and the step taking becomes. Thick midsoles save you from shocks and injuries as well as provide strong base support. However, if the midsole is too thick, the inner becomes narrow and suffocating due to lack of enough space.
Forefoot cushioning
A well-spaced toe box with ample room and soft, bouncy cushioning is essential for pain-free walks. The toe region tends to get tired and painful the earliest so good support at the forefoot region is the key to a comfortable and easy walk. Shoes with toe protection and wide toe boxes are the best options in this regard.
FAQ
How to choose shoes for plantar fasciitis?
Any shoe that provides bounciness, support, and easy adjustability of the feet is a good option for plantar fasciitis. The critical points are arches, heels, and toes. If the shoe offers cushioning and flexibility in these regions and has lightweight, it’s a great choice.
Can these shoes be used every day?
Yes, just like most shoes, these shoes can be used every day. However, it’s important to look out for the proper pair according to use. A high-heeled loafer is obviously not well-suited for running and hiking shoes are not comfortable for an all-day-long use.
Should these shoes be waterproof?
A waterproof design is very important in sport’s shoes and hiking shoes to keep your feet dry and safe from humidity. But the shoes designed for formal wear or everyday use do not need to be waterproof.
Is arch support important in shoes for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, a strong and firm arch support is the most important feature to look for in these shoes. Only a well-lifted, strong, and flexible arch area can make the shoes comfortable and tension-free at the ankles and knees.
Final verdict
Finally, the best shoes for you will be the ones that suffice your needs and keep your feet at ease. The appropriate choice depends on your feet’ shape, width, and the purpose you need the shoes for. As mentioned earlier, midsole, arch support, lightweight, and cushioning are the four most important factors in any shoe for plantar fasciitis. The best option is the one that provides a high value for money along with all these features.
