13 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2024, According to Experts

• Sizes available: small/medium and enormous | Widths available: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Materials: silicone

If you’re in your feet for long periods of time, Dr. Japs recommends these reliable insoles from Dr. Scholls, that are designed to soak up shock and support your arches. He says that those features should relieve tension in your feet and make it easier to feel more comfortable.

• Sizes available: US 5.5–6 to 13.5–14 | Widths available: N/A | Heel-to-toe drop: N/A | Materials: rubber

---

What is plantar fasciitis?

Before we get into the causes of plantar fasciitis, it’s helpful to think concerning the anatomy of the foot region. The plantar fascia is a fascial band or ligament that runs along the underside of your foot, from the calcaneus, or heel bone, to the bottom of the toes, Eby says. It helps support the long arch of the foot and provides shock absorption when you walk and run.

Repeated stress on the plantar fascia could cause damage or small tears that will result in inflammation. Plantar fasciitis often appears like a stabbing or aching pain in the only real of your foot, normally near your heel, which tends to be more intense within the mornings or after you’ve been off your feet for some time. According to the Cleveland Clinicthis pain may be constant, but sometimes it’ll abate after you rise up and walk around or exercise.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Some aspects that could make plantar fasciitis worse include tight calf muscles, repetitive high-impact activities like running, a rapid increase in weight-bearing activity, prolonged standing or walking, and flat feet or very high arches. Your alternative of footwear can be an aggravating factor, whether you’re running, walking, or standing for long stretches of time.

How to decide on the most effective shoes for plantar fasciitis

By choosing well-cushioned and more supportive shoes, you’ll be able to take a solid step (heh) toward reducing this annoying foot pain in the long run. If you’re still looking out for the appropriate pair of shoes for you, here’s some criteria to have in mind when you shop. In general, the most effective shoes for plantar fasciitis will fit appropriately (i.e., not too small and wide enough to suit your foot comfortably) and have the appropriate amount of support. “You’ll desire a shoe with a deep heel counter and lots of midfoot arch support,” Dr. Gamez says.

You can consider pairing your shoes with orthotics or insoles which have substantial heel cups to assist with cushioning and shock absorption, too, Eby says. They’ll also provide additional arch support, which may offer further pain relief from plantar fasciitis, Yolanda Ragland, DPMa podiatrist and founding father of Fix Your Feet in New York City, tells SELF.

What to avoid when buying shoes for plantar fasciitis

Avoid flat, non-supportive sorts of shoes like sandals or backless clogs, Dr. Gamez says. Those cute flip-flops that sell for $1? Probably not the most effective plantar fasciitis shoes. The same generally goes for sneakers without arch support (unless you add orthotics, heel cups, or insoles), and flats. If you wish dressier shoes for work or an important day, search for those with a slight heel (around a half inch) to reduce stretching on the plantar fascia, in addition to styles that stay in your foot without toe gripping (i.e., one which has elastic or other straps to secure the shoe to your foot).

Related: