The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis, Recommended By Podiatrists

Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4.5 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Standard, wide | Materials: Recycled polyester upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 4mm | Cushioning: High

What you’ll love:

• Available in regular and wide fits
• APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Rear crash pad absorbs impact

Keep in mind:

• The cushioned sole might lose some support after months of frequent wear.

The Hoka Bondi 8 is our top pick for a few reasons: The memory foam collar reduces foot strain and a rear crash pad at the back offers balanced landing during heel-to-toe movements, and the shoe’s neutral support structure dials in the stability. Hoka’s curved “metarocker” sole also prevents your feet from stepping flat—hopefully saving you from a spell of pain—and The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) provides a Seal of Acceptance, so the Bondi 8 has passed reviews from podiatrists who endorse its benefits. Overall, these shoes are meticulously engineered seam by seam, which justifies the high-end price tag.

What our tester says: “This is an excellent shoe,” says Eaton. “The wide toe box left plenty of room for my toes to spread out and breathe, and with each step, my whole foot felt fully supported and delightfully cushioned, especially in the heel where I feel most of my plantar fasciitis pain.” She does note the oversized sole “might feel bulky for some people.”

Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Standard, wide, extra wide | Materials: Stretch knit upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Moderate

What you’ll love:

• Wide toe box allows foot to splay
• Cushioned sole reduces impact forces
• Stretch knit upper promotes flexibility and breathability

Keep in mind:

• Updated sneaker has less padding than previous versions

Outfitted with the cushion system for comfort and support, Orthofeet’s Stretch Knit sneaker is specifically designed for plantar fasciitis. It helps relieve pressure on sensitive feet with foam padding around pressure points. It also includes a removable anatomical arch booster made of flexible plastic that can be added under the sole for extra support and protection. This shoe has a wide toe box to accommodate other foot conditions, such as bunions, and a stretchable knitted upper that allows your foot to flex freely without constricting movements.

What our tester says: “This sneaker felt loose for me at first, but thanks to the 3.2mm supplied spacer that fits under the removable insole, I could easily adapt the fit, which reduced heel slippage,” says Eaton. “While the tongue and collar aren’t as padded as some of the other pairs I tested, my feet still felt comfortable and supported while walking and doing light cardio.”

Comfort rating (0 to 5): 5 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 8mm | Cushioning: High

What you’ll love:

• Mid-foot foam support
• Designed to give you a bit of extra rebound
• Comfy, secure upper that wraps around your foot

Keep in mind:

• Standard width feels narrow, so consider sizing up or choosing a wider width

New Balance’s Fresh Foam line is innovative and designed with comfort in mind. According to the company, instead of absorbing and dissipating the energy you might put into each step, Fresh Foam gives it back to you with more cushion; think of it as a bit of extra rebound. There’s additional foam in the mid-foot section of the shoe, which is where many people with plantar fasciitis experience the most pain. Reviewers like that the Fresh Foam’s upper keeps your foot cradled, so the shoe stays firmly beneath your mid-foot, and you’re less likely to roll an ankle. With great cushioning and multiple widths to fit different foot shapes, this shoe also makes for a reliable daily gym sneaker.

What our tester says: Eaton tested the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13, a previous model of this shoe that features the same mid-foot cushioning as the v14. “Walking in the Fresh Foams really felt cloud-like thanks to the soft bounce-back sole,” she says. “With just the right amount of padding at the tongue and ankle, my feet felt comfortably supported. I like how back of the heel counter flares out a bit, reducing any risk of blisters or rubbing.”

Comfort rating (0 to 5): 4.5 | Sizes: 5 to 13 (women’s) | Widths: Narrow, standard, wide, extra wide | Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 12mm | Cushioning: Moderate

What you’ll love:

• Medium and wide fits available
• Enhanced, lightweight cushioning for long runs
• Neutral, cushioned support accommodates different feet

Keep in mind:

• Not waterproof

The Brooks Ghost 15 is the latest in its award-winning series, designed to provide comfort, support and a smooth ride. The updated cushioning, known as the DNA Loft V2, is a precise balance of rubber, air and light foam to buffer your landings—crucial if you’re prone to plantar-related flare-ups. Also great: Its 12mm heel-to-toe drop diverts stress away from the heel, encouraging your weight to land in the forefront of the shoe. Some customers find the Ghost line is roomier than other brands, which can be helpful, too. The shoe also comes in many fun color options for those who want to make a statement.

What our tester says: “Whether you wear these to run or not, the Ghost 15 is a well-built, low-profile sneaker that offers a lot of support with minimal weight,” says Eaton. “My ankle felt fully supported and I could feel the responsive cushioning both in the heel and ball of the foot when I moved and took a step. Even in rainy weather, the sole has good slip resistance.”

Comfort rating (0 to 5): 3.5 | Sizes: 5 to 12 (women’s) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Polyester and synthetic mesh upper and lining, rubber outsole | Heel drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Moderate

What you’ll love:

• Excellent support and stability features
• Sock-like feel for comfort
• Padded collar and tongue for extra cushioning

Keep in mind:

• Only comes in one width

If you play tennis and want to keep pain from getting in the way, Asic’s Court FF 3 has a lot of smart, plantar-fasciitis-friendly features. According to Dr. Lady Paula DeJesus, D.P.M., a triple board-certified podiatric surgeon, it “has an outsole grip support system and a sock-like feel for comfort.” There’s also a removable footbed boosted with “Flytefoam” for lightweight cushioning and a midsole designed to maximize bounce-back and responsiveness, so you can switch between playing styles easily.

What our tester says: “I liked how the Asics Court FF 3s have a sock-like interior surrounded by a synthetic, flexible shell-like exterior, so my foot felt extremely secure during any type of movement,” says Eaton. “The mesh upper also encourages airflow, which kept my feet cool. Overall, this is a stable, flexible and well designed pick for both playing at the baseline and moving around the court.” Eaton also says this sneaker can be difficult to slip into at first “since the padded collar and tongue are connected in a way that offers minimal stretch,” but notes the area “loosens up with repeated wear.”

Comfort rating (0 to 5): N/A | Sizes: 4 to 17 (women’s) | Widths: Medium | Materials: Textile upper and lining, EVA outsole | Heel drop: Not listed | Cushioning: Moderate

What you’ll love:

• Textured outsole for traction on hard floors
• Breathable sandal design to prevent overheating
• Cozy fleece lining on the foot and heel

Keep in mind:

• Sizing runs large
• Some customers mention they’re difficult to clean

Lightweight yet supportive, Crocs are a solid option for those with plantar fasciitis—especially if you’re looking for a casual pair for exclusively wearing around the house. With a heightened outsole and slightly raised heel, the Classic Cozzzy Sandal offers great shock absorption, making them ideal for use on hardwood floors. A fuzzy fleece lining keeps the foot warm, while the sandal-like design provides enough ventilation to avoid overheating. Just keep in mind that these are best for indoor use, as some reviewers mention that small bits of outdoor debris can easily get trapped in the fluff.

What our tester says: In her roundup of the Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis, Eaton notes that she switched her slippers out with Crocs, based on her podiatrist’s recommendation. This pair is featured as her pick for t