Many people aren’t familiar with plantar fasciitis until they experience heel pain or are diagnosed with this foot condition. If you’re one of those people who are currently suffering from plantar fasciitis, the first step in alleviating the daily aches is to start looking for plantar fasciitis shoes. Shoes for plantar fasciitis can help improve your level of comfort, allowing you to do your daily activities without any problem. Most of them provide ample arch support, flexible midsole, and plenty of cushioning. However, there’s a sea of options on the market, and picking the right pair can be pretty challenging. To help you find the best pair, we’ve rounded up the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis! These brands are known for producing comfy shoes that are suitable for plantar fasciitis sufferers, so getting a pair from one of these brands is a good call!
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Aetrex
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The first best brand of shoes for plantar fasciitis on this list is none other than Aetrex. Aetrex shoes are great to help reduce the pain caused by plantar fasciitis, as they’re super supportive and comfortable. They’re designed to support your arch and relieve foot injuries. Even better, they also look stylish! If you’re wondering which pair of shoes from this brand to get, we have the perfect pick!
Say hello to the Aetrex Allie Slip-On Sneakers! These stunning sneakers are made for women, and they offer incredible arch support that helps to stabilize and align your feet. Meanwhile, the UltraSky removable insole provides cushioning with high energy return for long days on foot. Plus, it’s available in 5 different color options to choose from.
- What We Love:
- Highly adjustable and comfortable shoes that women would love to have.
- Pros:
- Removable insole
- Easy on and off
- Tons of color options
- Anti-slip sole
- Stretchy material
- Cons:
- Only for women
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Naturalizer
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We’re sure women would love this brand. Built for comfort and style, Naturalizer shoes offer on-trend appeal mixed with all-day comfort. Some even deem this brand as the OG of comfortable designer footwear, as it has been creating shoes that counter women’s feet since 1927. Plus, the shoes are known to have amazing arch support.
Take the Naturalizer Marianne Sneakers as an example. The insole of these casual sneakers comes in 4 unique widths: regular, narrow, wide, and extra-wide. They’re also popular among nurses. Why? That’s because they offer jaw-dropping arch support. Not to mention, they also provide a nice fit!
- What We Love:
- Nice-looking shoes that are extremely comfortable and have great arch support.
- Pros:
- Plenty of arch support
- Come in 4 unique widths
- Offer a nice fit
- Non-slip sole
- Durable leather upper
- Cons:
- Not available for men
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Orthofeet
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The primary focus of Orthofeet, the best brand of shoe for plantar fasciitis, is offering the ultimate comfortable and functional shoes for those with foot conditions. We’re not kidding; they’re so comfortable that even podiatrists also recommend them! While they’re not the most affordable option, we can guarantee that you won’t regret investing in them!
The shoes that you should check out from this brand are the Orthofeet Orthopedic Men’s Sprint Sneakers. Thanks to the non-binding upper the wide toe box, you won’t feel any pressure when you’re walking. Plus, the seam-free interior lining will prevent irritation from rubbing against stitching.
- What We Love:
- Recommended by podiatrists, these shoes are so comfy and supportive that you won’t regret purchasing them.
- Pros:
- Come in various widths
- Lightweight
- Inner lining prevents irritation from rubbing
- Wide toe box
- Durable
- Cons:
- Sizes run small
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Saucony
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Known for its running shoes, Saucony is also seen as the best brand of shoes for plantar fasciitis. Many people love this brand because the shoes that it offers are extremely functional and incredibly comfortable. They’re very well-made and don’t feel heavy at all. Best of all, most of them are insanely cheap! If you’re looking for the best travel shoes for under 100, we recommend checking out Saucony’s shoes!
We think the Saucony Grid Omni Walker Running Shoes will excite people who suffer plantar fasciitis. Without breaking your bank, they come with super-plush, full-grain leather that adds a touch of class to these well-cushioned walking shoes. Meanwhile, the compression-molded midsole will shield your arches from impact, and the engineered sole will create a biomechanical fit that guides your foot from takeoff to landing.
- What We Love:
- A supportive pair that doesn’t cost a fortune.
- Pros:
- Durable
- Excellent cushioning
- Smooth transitions
- Affordable
- Breathable
- Cons:
- Limited color options
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Vionic
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If you need a pair of comfortable and supportive shoes, you can rely on Vionic. As one of the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis, it produces plenty of amazing orthotic footwear. Many of them are even approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, and they’re suitable for those who struggle with plantar fasciitis, flat feet, painful heels, and other foot conditions.
When it comes to plantar fasciitis shoes, the Vionic Rachelle Casual Sneakers are a must-have. One of the things that we love about them is that they’re so easy to slip on yet won’t make your plantar fasciitis worse. The supportive footbed also hugs the arches of the feet, giving maximum comfort. Plus, the flexible orthotic insole is removable!
- What We Love:
- A convenient pair that can be used for almost any occasion.
- Pros:
- Great for everyday use
- Easy on and off
- Supportive footbed
- Removable insole
- Stunning design
- Cons:
- A size smaller than your regular shoes
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OOFOS
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When talking about the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis, of course, we have to mention OOFOS. This brand is known for its amazing OOfoam that absorbs 37% more shock than any other materials found in footwear. The patented footbed also offers amazing support, which is why this brand is recommended by health professionals such as podiatrists and physiotherapists.
Our favorite shoes from OOFOS are the OOFOS OOmg Low Shoes. They’re made of a breathable, 4-way stretch mesh fabric, making them feel extremely comfortable. Like every OOFOS shoe, they also feature the OOfoam technology. Meanwhile, the patented footbed will cradle and support your arches to reduce energy exertion in the ankles, so walking is easier and pain-free.
- What We Love:
- A nice pair of shoes that offers amazing support and comfort.
- Pros:
- Made for recovery
- Breathable and stretchy fabric
- OOfoam technology
- Machine-washable
- Insane arch support
- Cons:
- Can be slippery on wet surfaces
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ASICS
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You’re probably very familiar with this brand. Yes, ASICS is also among the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis. This brand is perhaps best known for its highly cushioned GEL brand technology. This technology can be found in almost all ASICS footwear, from its tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis to travel shoes for Sciatica. This feature allows the shoes to have second-to-none shock absorption. Aside from that, ASICS shoes are also loved for their comfortable fit and support.
With that being said, you must check out the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 21 Running Shoes. They’re a great option for anyone on a budget. They’re supportive and well-cushioned, featuring the brand’s FlyteFoam Propel Technology and exoskeletal heel counter that can treat your pain. Plus, they’re available in a wide range of color combinations.
- What We Love:
- The go-to option if you want something that has tons of cushioning.
- Pros:
- Thick padding
- Affordable
- Available in a wide range of color combinations
- Durable construction
- Breathable material
- Cons:
- Run small
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New Balance
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For more than a century now, New Balance has given us so many amazing shoes, including walking, running, and golf shoes for plantar fasciitis. As the best brand of shoes for plantar fasciitis, many New Balance shoes offer amazing arch support and allow you to use custom orthotics to treat your plantar fasciitis.
If you’re a fan of this brand, you should consider getting the New Balance 847v4 Walking Shoes. These popular walking shoes are super comfortable and supportive of keeping you standing and walking all day. One of their best features is the ABZORB midsole that offers excellent shock absorption. Plus, they include the ROLLBAR technology that can reduce your foot movement for greater stability.
- What We Love:
- A well-made pair that’s packed with many innovative features that can treat your plantar fasciitis.
- Pros:
- ABZORB midsole
- Super comfortable
- Great for walking
- ROLLBAR technology
- Gripy sole
- Cons:
- The shoe lace hole is small
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Dansko
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Dansko is one of the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis for many reasons. It’s a top footwear choice for professionals such as doctors, nurses, chefs, and others who spend most of their day on their feet. This brand also has a history of making shoes that put support and comfort first, which is exactly what you should want.
Among all of its shoes, we highly recommend getting the Dansko Paisley Waterproof Sneakers. These shoes come with a removable triple-density footbed with arch support and amazing shock absorption. As the name suggests, the leather upper is waterproof, making these shoes perfect for outdoor activities as well. Another feature that we fancy is the CleansportNXT for odor control.
- What We Love:
- These shoes are made with support and comfort in mind.
- Pros:
- Impressive odor control
- Waterproof
- Perfect for outdoor use
- Removable footbed
- Great shock absorption
- Cons:
- Not for vigorous activities
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HOKA ONE ONE
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HOKA ONE ONE is among the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis that designs and markets running shoes. Many people adore this brand’s shoes for their outsoles and footbeds, which absorb shocks incredibly well and offer unmatched comfort. Those with plantar fasciitis also find great comfort and pain relief thanks to the arch support its shoes offer.
That said, the HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Running Shoes are probably the brand’s best footwear for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Their cushioning is unbeatable as it allows for a smooth and efficient ride without any pain. Aside from being highly breathable, they also look good! What’s more, these shoes are also highly breathable.
- What We Love:
- The comfort and durability of these shoes make them worth the money.
- Pros:
- Tons of cushioning
- Grippy sole
- Highly breathable
- Multiple colorways
- Super popular
- Cons:
- Pricey
ECCO
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As one of the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis, ECCO Offers top-notch innovation by continually inventing and engineering new materials that provide durable construction, natural support, and superior comfort. ECCO shoes are also often recommended by podiatrists. The built-in support around the arch and the heel, along with the impressive design, make its shoes super popular.
For plantar fasciitis sufferers, we suggest trying out the ECCO Biom Fjuel Walking Shoes. The inside of these shoes is padded with soft fabric lining that features moisture-wicking properties, which along with the many perforations of the upper, lead to excellent breathability. We also love the molded foam insole that delivers light underfoot cushioning. Meanwhile, the midsole is made of polyurethane material with a low-profile construction, designed for superior flexibility and promoting a natural foot motion.
- What We Love:
- A comfortable walking footwear that’s designed for active lifestyle enthusiasts.
- Pros:
- Moisture-wicking properties
- Well-cushioned
- Superior flexibility
- Durable
- Grippy outsole
- Enhance natural movement
- Cons:
- A size too small for some people
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Brooks
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Brooks is the kind of brand that always strives to deliver the best running experience through biomechanical research and high-quality midsoles. This 107-year-old brand continues to be a favorite among casual and distance runners alike, as it offers shoes that are durable and comfortable. Yes, even those who suffer from foot pain can rely on this best brand of shoes for plantar fasciitis. Also, did you know that Brooks also produces some of the best tennis shoes with arch support?
Suitable for road and pavement running, you should check out the Brooks Glycerin 18 Running Shoes. These popular shoes are made for runners with a neutral gait, and they incorporate plenty of cushioning without bulk or loss of responsiveness. Meanwhile, the 2-way stretch mesh upper will give added breathability and flexibility. We also love the DNA LOFT zone that allows for smoother transitions during a run, which is essential for plantar fasciitis sufferers.
- What We Love:
- A highly popular option from the brand that offers unrivaled comfort for frequent runners.
- Pros:
- Plenty of cushioning
- Responsive
- Lightweight
- DNA LOFT zone
- Breathable mesh upper
- Smooth transitions
- Cons:
- A bit pricey
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OluKai
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So, what’s the best brand of shoes for plantar fasciitis that sits on top of this list? Of course, it’s none other than OluKai. It provides handcrafted island-inspired designs that don’t skimp on quality and comfort. This brand’s shoes come with amazing arch support, making them great for foot problems like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and others. Even better, the shoes from this brand are all reasonably priced!
The shoes that we want to show you are the OluKai Nohea Mesh Shoes. Offering all-day comfort, they feature a dual-density anatomical PU footbed and a gel insert. Aside from that, they’re also quick-drying and highly breathable. Not to mention, the insole can be easily removed to accommodate custom inserts. Lastly, they offer a Drop-In Heel, which is a patented design for shoe and slide functionality.
- What We Love:
- An incredibly versatile option that has all the features you’d want.
- Pros:
- Drop-In Heel design
- Lightweight
- Highly breathable
- Removable insole
- Durable construction
- Quick-drying
- Cons:
- A little too big for some
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How To Choose The Best Brands of Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Just like choosing the best flip-flops for plantar fasciitis, there are some important criteria that you should consider when getting you’re looking for the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis. These are the criteria:
Cushioning
Cushioning is an essential feature that you should look out for. Of course, different brands produce different shoes with different cushioning and levels of support for your feet. Thus, we recommend investing in a pair that would give you maximum support and comfort. You can either choose between basic foam cushioning or the more advanced memory foam.
Arch support
Apart from cushioning, you should also consider the arch support. People with plantar fasciitis should look for plantar fasciitis shoes that provide adequate arching to prevent fatigue and other foot-related injuries.
Outsole
Another important feature to consider is the outsole. Make sure that your shoes have a flexible and comfortable outsole. Refrain from choosing shoes that have a hard outsole as they’ll be very uncomfortable to wear. Plus, they should also be grippy!
Weight
Lastly, consider the shoes’ weight. Your plantar fasciitis shoes should always be lightweight. Try them on first and walk around wearing them to know how it feels, as heavy shoes will only make your problem worse!
What shoes should I avoid if I have plantar fasciitis?
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you should avoid wearing shoes like ultra-high heels, old shoes, flat flip-flops, and others that have no arch support and aren’t properly cushioned.
What sneakers are best for plantar fasciiits?
The best sneakers or shoes for plantar fasciitis are those with ample arch support, well-cushioned, and lightweight. While there are many great options, we recommend getting a pair from one of the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis, like HOKA ONE ONE, ASICS, OluKai, or others that are on this list.
Is going barefoot bad for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, walking barefoot on hard surfaces can worsen your condition or delay the healing process, so we don’t recommend you do that.
