We Tested Over 50 Podiatrist-Approved Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis — These Are the 10 We Recommend

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you might feel that your shoe options are limited to bulky, orthopedic-looking styles, but the Rykä Devotion X Walking Sneaker proves that theory wrong. We loved the fun, bright color options and couldn’t get over how comfortable these shoes are. With its wide toe base and great arch support, we found this shoe to be an absolute delight to wear. The Devotion X was comfortable enough for trail walks and running errands, while still being stylish enough to pull together an athleisure-style ensemble.

“I love these shoes and felt they were some of the most comfy kicks I’d ever worn right away,” says fitness writer Brittany Vargas. “I love them for walking (flat trails and concrete), running errands, and everyday use. They are quite versatile and also relatively cute for what they are.”

Vargas shared that, even months after testing, they’re still one of her go-to shoes for any number of activities, saying that when this pair wears out, “I will rebuy.”

While the heel support could be a bit better, we found it held up well to everyday activities. The Devotion X kept our feet pain-free on concrete sidewalks and walking trails, all while looking polished enough to pair with a casual outfit. For an easy, stylish option you will reach for daily, this shoe checks all the boxes.

If you’re looking for a shoe that supports and stabilizes your feet, while offering a “barely there” feeling, we think you’ll love the Xero Prio Running and Fitness Shoe. The Prio is an incredibly lightweight barefoot-style shoe. It features a mesh upper for breathability and moisture-wicking during your workouts. The wide toe box allows your feet to rest naturally in the shoe, and the zero-drop helps support posture.

This shoe has all the benefits of a barefoot shoe, with straps at the heel and top of the foot that provide stability, which is especially important for those with plantar fasciitis. It comes with a removable 3 millimeter insole for added protection.

“I like that it’s a zero-drop shoe; I find them to be more comfortable than regular shoes,” says Vargas. “They’re comfortable and don’t squeeze my feet. They seem to be of high quality.”

The Prio shoe is available in five colors, in sizes 5 to 12, and the makers recommend sizing up half a size, since these shoes tend to run small.

A plantar fasciitis diagnosis doesn’t mean giving up on your favorite activities. And if hiking is one of your hobbies, then the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped is our preferred hiking boot for hitting the trails with plantar fasciitis. We loved this boot’s excellent midsole support, and while the cushioning is lighter compared to other performance shoes, it makes up for it with great ankle support and an all-terrain outsole. Plus, did we mention it’s waterproof?

In our research, people often shared that although they suffer from plantar fasciitis, this boot allowed them to be on their feet for the full day without feeling the pain they’re accustomed to. While the sizing and quality were reported to be a bit inconsistent, the overall comfort and stability make this boot a smart choice for hikers looking for a plantar fasciitis–friendly option that can handle steep, slippery trails.

When you’re rushing from one place to the next (or just, say, chasing an active toddler), convenience matters, and sometimes laces just slow you down. That’s why the KURU ATOM Slip-On is the perfect no-tie option for plantar fasciitis sufferers. We love that it’s hands-free, but we especially appreciate this shoe’s great heel support and shock-absorbing insoles. KURU has made a name for itself when it comes to its insoles, and this slip-on option is no different.

“They’re my go-to for running errands, and they’re perfect for picking up my son at daycare,” says health writer Grace Gallagher. “His school requires parents to remove shoes, and I am often chasing him through the halls, so having shoes I can slip on quickly is really helpful.” Gallagher also noted that her flatter feet felt supported in the slip-ons. “Sometimes when I wear lace-up sneakers, my big toe hurts, and that doesn’t happen at all with these,” she said.

We did find that this shoe runs a bit large, which can lead to rubbing or potential blisters if you’re not careful. But once broken in, the ATOM Slip-On quickly became our go-to for errands, school pickups, and any situation that calls for easy, comfortable footwear that doesn’t skimp on support.

The benefits of walking can hardly be overstated: Regular walks can help you manage your blood sugar, improve your heart health, and even mitigate back pain. But if you have plantar fasciitis, an otherwise enjoyable activity can be downright painful, especially if you don’t have the proper footwear. The MXV Shift quickly became one of our top picks for walking with plantar fasciitis, especially if you have stability issues.

When I tested the MXV Shifts, I found these shoes sturdy and structured on the sides in a good, supportive way, with deep cushioning that delivered immediate pain relief. I also appreciated the high-quality materials and stability. The heel cushioning felt both soft and supportive, not just mushy. The higher rise around the ankle adds much-needed support, making them a great choice for cross-training or any activity that involves side-to-side movement.

One thing to keep in mind: These shoes are a bit stiff at first and require a short break-in period. When I tested the MXV Shifts, it took about a week before some of the stiffness subsided, though the support remained excellent. The deep, cushioned heel bed and even weight distribution make these a great choice for plantar fasciitis sufferers. While some other shoes break down over time, these held up well through normal use and continued to support my feet and ankles in all the right places.

Sometimes, plantar fasciitis–friendly shoes can feel a bit clunky or heavy, and with all the extra cushion and support, they might even feel a little hot to wear. The Vionic Walk Max Skyline is a notable exception to this rule. This shoe features a super breathable, lightweight base that helps keep the foot cool. It also has a generous toe box, making it an ideal option for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. We also liked that, despite its lighter weight, Vionic didn’t skimp on cushioning.

This shoe would be a good choice for people with plantar fasciitis, thanks in part to its supportive orthotic insert and overall balanced design. Its construction promotes comfort not just in the feet, but also in the legs and back — key considerations for anyone dealing with chronic pain.

While I haven’t tested this specific model, I have tested a similar, now-discontinued Vionic shoe. I appreciate that most Vionic shoes are available in wide widths and accommodate my custom orthotic. I love Vionic shoes for all-day wear.

The On Cloudrunner 3 is our favorite gym shoe because it can reduce your plantar fasciitis pain for a variety of fitness activities. The shoe has a reinforced heel for added stability and a foam midsole for a cushioned, springy feel.

“I wore these on several long (3 miles or more) walks, and in a weight training fitness class, and they were comfortable,” says writer Tori Martinet, RD, who tested an older version of the shoe. “I wore these on one full day of running errands, which included lots of standing and walking, and my feet felt pretty good. I liked the cushioning style, which is more bouncy, and my feet had room to swell as needed without the shoes feeling too tight.”

The newest model has the same beneficial features and has an even wider, more supportive base than the previous version. Like the previous person, it also has a lightweight mesh upper, making these a comfortable and breathable option for those with plantar fasciitis, especially those with wider feet.

While Martinet didn’t love the bulky base, she still found the overall fit supportive enough for both walking and weight training. For best results, we recommend trying these on in a store first to ensure the right fit before you commit.

Hoka has earned a reputation for ultracushioned footwear, so when it came to awarding the best cushioned option for plantar fasciitis, the Bondi 9 was an obvious choice. The plush cushioning of this shoe has great shock absorption, ideal for reducing impact and relieving pressure on the heel.

“I really like the cushion these shoes provide,” says writer Mary Sauer. “There is a bit of a cloudlike feel to the step. The rubber sole has an exaggerated lift, adding about an inch to my height. This was a little weird to adjust to at first, but it didn’t bother me for the long term.”

Sauer also found that while the sole took a little time to adjust to, it did a fantastic job of providing shock protection. For Sauer, these shoes helped lessen her overall foot and localized heel pain. Plus, she appreciated that her custom orthotic fit in the shoe with the removal of the shoe’s sock liner.

We also appreciated the wide range of color options and how versatile the Bondi 9 proved to be. It worked well for everything from workouts to everyday wear.

If you’re a runner with plantar fasciitis, you know firsthand how painful wearing the wrong pair of shoes can be. Finding shoes that offer your feet proper support can make all the difference in your performance and comfort. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 23 is our top choice for runners with plantar fasciitis because it’s lightweight, supportive, and carries the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health.

While some wearers found the toe box a bit too narrow, the added cushioning and arch support make it a great choice for runners who need stability without added bulk.

We chose the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 as the best shoe for people who overpronate and have plantar fasciitis because it stabilizes the foot, helps prevent foot rolling, and provides comfortable cushioning to reduce pain.

Asics’s 4D Guidance System stabilizes the foot and prevents overpronation. Wearers may note that their foot sits more deeply in the shoe and feels cradled. The arch also contains a gel pod that not only cushions the arch but also helps push the foot into a more neutral position if it begins to roll inward.

I tested the Asics Gel-Kayano 32, and I love how comfortable they feel. I suffer from chronic pain in my feet, including plantar fasciitis. While the shoe has ample cushioning, I still got the support and stability I needed during workouts. These shoes fit well on my wide feet, and I love that there is a wide as well as narrow option to accommodate a wider range of foot types. One thing worth noting is that due to this shoe’s cradled shape, it isn’t as accommodating to inserts or custom orthotics.