Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is a pain. Literally.
Relief from heel and arch stress can come from several sources, but shoes for plantar fasciitis play a huge role in both temporary pain management and long term-recovery. We regularly help people who deal with mild to severe cases of this condition, so we have plenty of recommendations for styles and brands that can get you moving comfortably again.
Read on to learn more about plantar fasciitis, what to look for in shoes that treat plantar fasciitis, some of our top picks for plantar fasciitis shoes, and more.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the forefoot. This condition commonly arises from factors such as overpronation, where the feet roll inward while walking, excessively flat or high arches, or sudden fluctuations in weight or activity levels. All of these circumstances can lead to an overstretching of the plantar fascia, causing the tissue to detach from the heel and become inflamed. Additionally, repetitive stress such as running can lead to minor tears in the tissue.
The discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis is typically localized in the heel, arch, and inner foot. This pain is often more pronounced after extended periods of rest, such as upon waking up in the morning or standing up following prolonged sitting. This is because the plantar fascia readjusts to its natural shape during rest and requires time to comfortably stretch for movement again. The degree of pain from plantar fasciitis can range from a persistent ache to a sharp pain, and movement can sometimes alleviate it.
What to Look for in Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Although shoes can’t singlehandedly cure plantar fasciitis, they can significantly enhance comfort and contribute to recovery. Consider the following when selecting shoes for plantar fasciitis:
1. Arch Support: Adequate arch support reduces the pull that flat or high arches can have on the plantar fascia, which prevents excessive strain on the tissue.
2. Sturdy Midsole: Arch support is often complemented by a firm midsole, as the midsole plays a pivotal role in determining the shoe’s overall supportiveness.
3. Ample Cushioning: Discomfort from plantar fasciitis is especially noticeable when feet strike the ground. Well-cushioned shoes can absorb a portion of the impact before it reaches the heel.
Orthotics and Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis
One of the most common recommendations for those with plantar fasciitis is to add insoles and other orthotics to pre-existing pairs of shoes. Insoles provide additional arch support and guidance for feet that are in pain or that need help staying aligned. By taking pressure off of the arch, strain is removed from the plantar fascia. Our audience-favorite brands here at Stan’s are Aetrex, Superfeet, and Powerstep. There are several factors to consider when choosing insoles, including arch height and amount of cushion needed. If you need help picking out which one is right for you, stop at any of our Stan’s stores. One of our friendly Certified Fit Specialists will scan your feet using our Aetrex Albert 3D foot scanner, which will give personalized recommendations just for your feet. Our stellar team and cutting-edge technology will ensure that you get the inserts that are right for you!
Women's Hartjes Phil Insole
Vionic Active Full Length Orthotic Insole
Men's Vionic Active 2.0 Full Length Insole
PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles
Vionic Relief Full-Length Orthotic Insoles
Women's Vionic Slim Fit Orthotic Insole
Women's Superfeet ME Full Length Insoles
Superfeet Run Cushion High Arch Insoles
Superfeet Run Cushion Medium Arch Insoles
Women’s Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Brooks Adrenaline GTS23
A standout running shoe that alleviates plantar fasciitis pain is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS23. The newest model of Brooks’ acclaimed Adrenaline line, the Adrenaline GTS 23 is notable for its lightweight cushion. Its midsole incorporates Brooks’ innovative DNA LOFT v2 Cushioning, which is a blend of resilient rubber and foam infused with air and nitrogen that ensures a soft yet long-lasting ride. The Adrenaline GTS 23 also integrates GuideRails® technology with firm foam positioned on both sides of the heel. This arrangement aligns your ankles and knees, mitigating discomfort and weariness from plantar fasciitis.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is available in both women’s and men’s styles in store and online.
Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 - Alloy/White/Zephyr
Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 - Country Wash/Bluewash/Ebony
Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 - Grey/Blue Ribbon/Peach
Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 - Mercury/Ebony/Copper
Women’s Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 – Black/White
Women’s Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 – Blue Glass/Nile Blue
Women’s Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 – Grey/Black/Purple
Men's Brooks Ghost Max 3 - Primer Grey/Ebony
Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 - Grey/Blue Ribbon/Peach
Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 - Mercury/Ebony/Copper
Women's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 - Alloy/White/Zephyr
Women’s Brooks Ghost 16 – Peacoat/Raspberry
Women’s Brooks Ghost 16 – White/Grey/Estate Blue
Women’s Brooks Addiction Walker 2 – White
Women’s Brooks Addiction Walker 2 – Black
Men's Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 - White/Peacoat/Alloy
Men’s Brooks Ghost 16 – Primer Grey/Lime
Women’s Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Vionic Willa
Several Vionic styles are certified by the American Medical Podiatric Association (APMA) as promoters of good foot health, which is a notable pro for those with plantar fasciitis. One of these styles is the Willa loafer, which features Vionic’s legendary 3-Zone Comfort: stability in the heel, support in the arch, and cushioning throughout. The built-in orthotic is proven to effectively treat heel pain stemming from plantar fasciitis and other causes. Plus, it comes in several styles, such as the classic leather or crinkled suede.
Vionic Willa is available in women’s styles in Stan’s stores, the Vionic Store Milwaukee, and online.
Women's Vionic Willa Loafer - Dark Taupe
Women's Vionic Willa II Loafer - Light Pink
Women's Vionic Walk Slim Glide - Ivory
Women's Vionic Savannah - Black Leather
Women's Vionic Walk Slim Giselle - Black
Women's Vionic Brea - White Leather
Women's Vionic Saratoga - Tan/Gold Leather
Women's Vionic Carmela - Cameo Rose
Women’s Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
Birkenstock Arizona
There’s seemingly no limit to reasons why podiatrists (aka foot doctors) love Birkenstock sandals for plantar fasciitis. Birkenstock is known for their cork latex footbeds, which mold to the shape of your feet and provide support where you need it, especially in the arch region. When it comes to plantar fasciitis, this targeted support is key to treating heel and arch pain. Birkenstock sandals also have deep heel cups, which stabilize your heel and help reduce pronation.If you’re dealing with severe plantar fasciitis pain, try the extra comfort of Birkenstock’s soft footbed styles. These sandals have an additional layer of soft foam cushioning lined with cozy suede, enhancing your relief. Birkenstock Arizona sandals are available in both women’s and men’s styles in store and online.
Women's Birkenstock Arizona - Dotted Stone Coin
Birkenstock Arizona – Tobacco Oiled Leather
Birkenstock Arizona - Cognac Oiled Leather
Birkenstock Arizona - Habana
Birkenstock Arizona - Mocha
Birkenstock Arizona - White
Birkenstock Arizona EVA – Light Rose Multi
Birkenstock Arizona EVA – Metallic Anthracite
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed – Antique White
Women's Birkenstock Arizona Hammered Big Buckle - Zinfandel
Women’s Birkenstock Boston Big Buckle – Tobacco
Women's Birkenstock Mantova - Taupe Suede
Women's Birkenstock Boston - Zinfandel Suede
Kids' Birkenstock Birki Flow EVA - Little Kid - Fondant Pink
Women's Birkenstock Tokio - Stone Coin Suede
Kids' Birkenstock Birki Flow EVA - Little Kid - Black
Women's Birkenstock Mantova - Black Suede
Women's Birkenstock Bend Varsity – Zinfandel/Eggshell
Women's Birkenstock Bend Low - Metallic Silver/White Leather
Kids' Birkenstock Birki Flow EVA - Little Kid - Eggshell
Women's Birkenstock Arizona - Zinfandel
Women’s Birkenstock Boston Shearling – Taupe
Kids' Birkenstock Boston - Little Kid - Taupe Suede
Birkenstock Super Birki 2.0 - Black
Women's Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed – Metallic Copper
Women's Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed – Taupe Suede
Men's Birkenstock Super Birki - Blue
Women's Birkenstock Super Birki - Yellow
Women’s Birkenstock Super Birki – Red
Birkenstock Super Birki Pro – Black
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed – Iron Oiled Leather
Birkenstock Arizona - White
Men’s Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed – Amalfi Brown
Women's Birkenstock Gizeh - Graceful Licorice
Birkenstock Arizona - Habana
Women's Birkenstock Arizona - Taupe Suede
Women’s Birkenstock Madrid – Black
Women’s Birkenstock Madrid – Mocha
Birkenstock Arizona – Tobacco Oiled Leather
Birkenstock Milano – Oiled Leather Habana
Women’s Birkenstock Mayari – Graceful Licorice
Women’s Birkenstock Arizona – Stone
Birkenstock Arizona - Mocha
Women's Birkenstock Boston EVA - Black
Women's Birkenstock Honnef City - Pure Sage/Light Rose/White
Men’s Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
HOKA Arahi 7
With remarkable cushioning and support, the HOKA Arahi 7 showcases all of HOKA’s strengths. The patented J-Frame™ midsole excels in providing foot stability by providing firm cushioning in a “J” shape, curving around the heel and going up the inside of the foot. The midsole itself is crafted from compression-molded foam, which perfectly walks the line of making a noticeable difference without giving into excess plushness. HOKA Arahi 7 is available in both men’s and women’s styles in store and online.
Men's HOKA Arahi 7 - Black/White (BWHT)
Men's HOKA Arahi 7 - Outer Space/White (OPC)
Women's HOKA Arahi 7 - Gull/Pink Twilight (GLP)
Women’s HOKA Arahi 7 – Black/White (BWHT)
Women's HOKA Arahi 7 - Nautical Dusk/Varsity Navy (NKV)
Women's HOKA Arahi 7 - Blanc De Blanc/Rose Gold (BSG)
Men's HOKA Arahi 7 - Black/White (BWHT)
Women's HOKA Arahi 7 - Midnight/Seafoam (MSF)
Men's HOKA Arahi 7 - Outer Space/White (OPC)
Men’s Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Vionic Walker
Much like the Vionic Willa dress shoes above, the Vionic Walker has an APMA Seal of Acceptance for foot health as well as Vionic’s 3-Zone Comfort. This walking shoe also features Vionic’s Active Motion System, which pairs a podiatrist-designed removable orthotic with a flexible outsole and water-repellent breathable upper. As if all of that wasn’t enough, the thermoplastic heel counter provides extra stability while the rubber outsole provides extra traction. Vionic Walker is available in men’s and women’s styles in Stan’s stores, the Vionic Store Milwaukee, and online.
Men's Vionic Walker - White/Navy
Men’s Recovery Sandal for Plantar Fasciitis
OOFOS Ooahh Slide
Recovery sandals are made for just that: recovery! Though typically used by athletes to take pressure off of their feet after a workout, recovery sandals are also excellent for plantar fasciitis treatment. Oofos is one of the most highly regarded brands of recovery sandals, with all of their styles being recommended by the APMA. Styles like the Ooahh Slide absorb 37% more impact than other footwear, and its cushioned footbed reduces stress on joints from your ankles through your knees. The footbed is also biomechanically engineered to increase circulation, which improves mobility of the plantar fascia. Oofos Ooahh slide is a unisex style available in store and online.
Plantar Fasciitis Shoes Near Me
Stan’s Shoes has dozens of men’s and women’s shoes to treat plantar fasciitis. Our team of Certified Fit Specialists is happy to help you find the pair that makes your plantar fasciitis pain a thing of the past! Visit us in Brookfield, Greenfield, and Glendale or shop online at stansshoes.com.