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Here’s what to wear if you have plantar fasciitis, according to experts

These kicks are ideal for kicking your foot pain.
Sportive senior woman tying her shoes
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/ Source: TODAY

Finding shoes that are comfy and cute is hard enough, but when you add pre-existing foot pain into the mix, shopping can be a pretty discouraging experience. If you're dealing with plantar fasciitis, you've likely searched far and wide for your sole-mate, but you don't have to look in vain any longer.

The Shop TODAY team spoke with several podiatrists to find out what types of shoes work best for the foot condition, and we've also rounded up 13 rad pairs to give you plenty of options. Now go on, get ready and slip into comfort!

What is plantar fasciitis? | What are some issues plantar fasciitis can create? | Boots for plantar fasciitis | Sneakers for plantar fasciitis | How we chose | Meet the experts


Best shoes for plantar fasciitis


What is plantar fasciitis?

According to Johns Hopkins University, plantar fasciitis occurs when the ligament that connects your heel bone to the base of your toes at the bottom of your foot becomes inflamed. Not only is it one of the most common causes of heel pain, a 2019 study released by American Family Physician also notes that this condition will affect 1 in 10 people in their lifetime.

What are some issues plantar fasciitis can create?

Not sure if you're dealing with plantar fasciitis? There are several telltale signs to look out for.

Arch pain: "When someone with plantar fasciitis puts their foot on the ground (from sitting to standing, for example), they will have a lot of pain in the arch. People with higher arches are more prone to this problem than [those with] flatter feet," New York-based podiatrist Dr. Suzanne Levine tells us.

Heel pain: "Other causes of heel pain (such as fractures or contusions) will cause significant pain when one applies weight to their foot in the morning, but plantar fasciitis patients tend to see a reduction in their pain as they get moving," Dr. Bradley A. Levitt, a podiatric surgeon, reveals.

Inability to walk barefoot: "People with plantar fasciitis find that walking barefoot, especially indoors on hardwood floors, is no longer comfortable. They will also find that non-supportive shoes can increase their pain," says Dr. Ashley Lee, a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists.

According to board-certified podiatrist Dr. Najwa Javed, the symptoms of someone with plantar fasciitis appear in two stages.

Stage one: "A dull ache in the heel best known as post-static dyskinesia, which is pain after rest," she explains. "There is pain with the first step in the morning and pain after a long day on your feet."

Stage two: The pain is elevated to "a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel," which Javed says can be triggered by long periods of standing or when you get up from sitting.

Boots for plantar fasciitis

Soda Pilot Chelsea Ankle Bootie

What we like
  • Easy to break in
Something to note
  • Can scuff easily

Sizes: 5.5-11 | Colors: 19 | Heel height: 1.5 inches

Associate editor Allison Wise loves these Chelsea boots for their affordability and comfort level. One thing she mentioned is that this pair doesn't require a break-in period. Plus, they're great for walking long distances and have rubber outsoles for ongoing support.

According to her experience, "The best part about these booties is that they are easy to slip on and off, which I prefer over a traditional-style boot with laces, mainly because the design helps me save time."

Clarks Breeze Fur Tan

What we like
  • Slip-resistant outsole
Something to note
  • Not ideal for rainy days

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 4 | Heel height: 1.38 inches

For snowy days, opt for a cozy and warm shoe like this pair from Clarks. The boots have a slip-on style and feature faux-fur linings to ensure you stay warm during the winter. The sturdy, grippy outsoles and the cushioned footbeds are what makes this shoe design reliable.

According to one five-star shopper, these boots are ultra-comfortable and ideal for a 13-hour work day.

Vionic Nella Ankle Boot

What we like
  • Great arch support
Something to note
  • Need tall socks to break in

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 2 | Heel height: 3.25 inches

For anyone who prefers extra height, this pair from Vionic brings versatility to any wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down, and it comes in whole and half sizes.

Whether you wear something casual or more elegant, this boot can complete your look. And the best part is that the durable rubber heel shouldn't cause as much pains as a pair of stilettos. According to the brand, they're even cushioned.

Naturalizer Veeda Weatherproof Bootie

What we like
  • Water-resistant material
Something to note
  • Toe box can run tight

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 2 | Heel height: 3 inches

Sometimes you need something sturdier to commute. This pair from Naturalizer combines style and function to help protect your feet while walking. They work in heavy rain conditions as well as cooler locations, and they offer the right insulation while still being breathable (even with a cozy lining that's also designed with faux fur).

Additionally, they are constructed with rubber traction to help you navigate puddles and muddy terrain, all while supporting your arches.

Aetrex Brooklyn Weather-Friendly Fur Lace Up Boot

What we like
  • Removable arch support
Something to note
  • Not waterproof

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 3 | Heel height: 2 inches

The lug outsole will help give you stability when you walk in this pair from Aetrex. The heeled boots look classic and reliable, even if you need to step outside into the snow.

"These were every bit as comfy as my running shoes, but cuter and warmer," shared one verified reviewer. Plus, they're built with an arch support that helps to stabilize your body and posture.

Naturalizer Madalynn Gore Water Repellent Bootie

What we like
  • Great for wide feet
Something to note
  • Need time to break in

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 3 | Heel height: 3 inches

Commerce editor Amanda Fama found her new everyday boot for any weather condition. This pair is built with the brand's Contour+ technology that provides all-day comfort, sans after-pain results.

Fama says, "Recently, I was looking for a comfortable pair of black boots that were durable enough to walk around the city in (rain or shine), and I found these. They’re my favorite; my arches feel supported and my feet don’t hurt at the end of a long day commuting. Plus, they match everything from jeans to dress pants. I highly recommend!"

Frankie4 Allegra Black Boot

What we like
  • Cushioning soles
  • Enough arch support
Something to note
  • Slightly narrow on the toe box

Sizes: 6-10 | Colors: 1 | Heel height: 2.75 inches

Shoes with heels tend to be uncomfortable, especially if you have plantar fasciitis. But after trying this pair of boots, I've [Espinal] added them to my weekly footwear rotation.

These boots are great if you have wider calves and feel constantly defeated by the materials that slip down. Not only do these feature short heels but they have enough arch support and cushioned footbeds to help you stand straight and without discomfort.

Sneakers for plantar fasciitis

Saucony Guide 14 Running Sneakers

What we like
  • Easy to break in
  • Shoe laces stay tied
Something to note
  • Can feel narrower in the toe box

Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 11 | Material: Synthetic uppers, rubber outsoles

When it comes to footwear, plantar fasciitis patients often do best with good old-fashioned sneakers.

"Gym shoes are usually the most supportive and can accommodate an orthotic, which many people with plantar fasciitis or a history of plantar fasciitis wear," Lee says.

Saucony's running sneakers have contoured footbeds for optimal comfort, along with solid rubber outsoles to provide sturdiness and cushioning. Plus, a variety of neutral hues are available that go with just about any outfit.

Sorel Women's Kinetic Breakthru Tech Lace Sneaker


Sizes: 5-12 | Colors: 8 | Material: Recycled polyester and textile uppers, rubber outsoles

Sorel infused plenty of lift into the outsole of this cool sneaker which is described as "lightweight" by the brand. It comes in seven different colorways, so there's an option for every aesthetic. Plus, the chunky rubber outsole will keep your tootsies happy when you're on your feet for hours on end.

Vionic Miles II Sneaker

What we like
  • Great arch support
  • Plenty of toe room
Something to note
  • Can be tight for high instep

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 7 | Material: Textile uppers, rubber outsoles

Talk about the best of both worlds! This lightweight sneaker combines support and style and comes in many neutral colors (our favorite is the traditional white). Comfortable features like removable, mesh-covered footbeds and plenty of cushioning even earned the shoes the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. You can also wear them with or without socks!

Brooks Women's Ghost 14 Neutral Running Shoe

What we like
  • Ideal for high arches
Something to note
  • Tend to be narrow on toe box

Sizes: 5-13 | Colors: 34 | Material: Mesh uppers, rubber outsoles

These bestselling Brooks offers neutral support throughout the sneakers, which can help anyone with supination (weight transferring to the outer edge of your foot) when they run. Additionally, the wider platforms and raised edges around the midsoles help provide stability. They also come in a plethora of colorways.

One Amazon customer said, "Great arch support, super comfortable and look really nice too!"

Aetrex Carly Arch Support Sneakers

What we like
  • Removable insoles
Something to note
  • Not enough heel support

Sizes: 5-11 | Colors: 9 | Material: Knit uppers, rubber outsoles

Aetrex designed these snazzy sneakers with comfort in mind with built-in cushioning, arch support contours, padded heels and removable insoles. Customers seem to thoroughly enjoy them, too: "Lightweight and great arch support," one Aetrex reviewer raved.

Bala Footwear Twelves Sneaker

What we like
  • They're waterproof
  • Ideal for fast-paced environments
Something to note
  • Not very breathable

Sizes: 5-12 | Color: 1 | Material: Fluid-resistant uppers

You know a shoe means business when it's designed for nurses, and Bala Footwear has the comfort market cornered with its sneakers that are meant to last as long as you do. The fluid-resistant, high traction shoes are machine-washable and have highly cushioned platforms that cradle your arches as you go about your busy day.

"It hugs my feet and arch and feels like I’m floating on air!" raved one shopper.


How we chose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis

We selected the best sneakers and boots that feature arch support, cushioned footbeds and comfortable construction. We followed expert recommendations and chose some editor-approved picks.

Meet the experts

  • Dr. Suzanne Levin, DPM, RPT, PC, is a New York-based podiatrist and foot surgeon. She also co-chairs the International Aesthetic Foot Society.
  • Dr. Bradely A. Levitt, DPM, is a podiatric surgeon at Bayview Physicians Group in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He's also a contributing editor for the Diabetic Foot and Ankle journal.
  • Dr. Ashley Lee, DPM, is a foot and ankle reconstructive surgeon at Northern Illinois Foot and Ankle Specialists.
  • Dr. Najwa Javed, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and founder of E'Mar Italy. She specializes in foot and ankle surgeries and clinical research.