Best Shoes For Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis

Are you suffering from heel pain? If so, you’re probably looking for the best shoes for heel pain plantar fasciitis. The truth is, there is no “best” shoe for every person, but there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for shoes to help reduce your heel pain. First of all, it’s important to choose footwear that will support your feet and ankles. This will help prevent further damage and allow your body time to heal. Secondly, it’s important to choose shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable. If you have any doubt about whether or not a shoe is right for you, try them out before purchasing them! Finally, if possible, avoid wearing your new kicks until they’ve been broken in a bit—this will make them more comfortable and less likely to cause injury while they’re still stiff and new.

Best Shoes For Heel Pain Plantar Fasciitis

The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis for 2022

A quick look at the best shoes for plantar fasciitis

• Best lightweight shoes for plantar fasciitis: Asics Gel Nimbus
• Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080
• Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis: Hoka One Bondi 7
• Best affordable walking shoes for plantar fasciitis: Saucony Omni Walker 3
• Best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis: Keen Targhee
• Best lounging shoes for arch support: Kocota Recovery Slide Sandals
• Best sandals for plantar fasciitis: NAOT Krista

If you’ve ever experienced a persistent stabbing pain on your heel — especially when you get out of bed in the morning — then you know all about plantar fasciitis. This common orthopedic complaint can cause nagging discomfort that makes walking almost unbearable. While many runners battle this condition while exercising, it can also affect your daily life. The good news? There are several ways to manage plantar fasciitis, including choosing and wearing the proper footwear for work, exercise, and leisure. We reached out to several experts to get their input on the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. We’ve also chosen seven shoes you may want to consider. Read on to learn more.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the bottom of the foot, specifically the bottom of the heel. When the ligament that runs along the length of the bottom of the foot — called the plantar fascia — becomes irritated, it can cause pain. You’re more likely to experience plantar fasciitis if you:

• have tight calf muscles
• have high arches
• participate in high impact activities like running
• recently started a new activity or ramped up your training

In most cases, treatment for plantar fasciitis involves taking a break from activities that make the pain worse. Other treatment options may include:

• icing the area to relieve inflammation
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• exercises and stretches to improve flexibility

If you’re having severe pain that doesn’t let up with rest, consider seeing a doctor who may recommend:

• cortisone injections
• custom orthotics
• other medical treatments

Wearing a good, supportive pair of shoes that’s appropriate for your gait and foot anatomy is also key to preventing stress injuries like plantar fasciitis.

How we chose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis

Many experts, such as podiatrists and physical therapists, are hesitant to recommend a specific shoe for plantar fasciitis. That’s because each person needs to be evaluated to figure out what’s best for their particular feet. “Oftentimes, people will go to a shoe store and be ‘fit’ for a certain shoe based on criteria which the sales associate determines to be important without factoring in the most crucial characteristic: comfort,” says Cody Meashaw, PT, DPT. Unfortunately, shoes that are not comfortable due to over or under cushioning, size, or construction may result in an altered gait pattern and thus may lead to further discomfort. However, experts do say some brands have a better selection if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis. Below are recommendations for running, walking, and hiking shoes, along with suggestions for sandals.

Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis

Asics Gel Nimbus

• Price: $$$
• Pros: lightweight, made to provide arch and heel support
• Cons: some reviewers say the standard width sizes have a narrow toe box
• Available sizes: men’s and women’s
• Available widths: standard and wide

When it comes to hitting the road for a run, the Asics Gel Nimbus may be worth your consideration. Designed with a stiff outer design, the Gel Nimbus has a cushioned heel and was created to offer runners a stable, yet comfortable ride. While most wearers like the durable design and soft, supportive cushioning, some complain that the toe box is too narrow.

Best foam running shoes for plantar fasciitis

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080

• Price: $$$
• Pros: designed to provide good arch and heel support, made for longer runs, lots of width options
• Cons: reviewers say they run small
• Available sizes: men’s and women’s
• Available widths: narrow, standard, wide, extra-wide

Another option is the New Balance 1080, which has a wide toe box and was designed with cushioning and shock absorption in mind. Reviewers like the well-cushioned midsole and appreciate the surprisingly lightweight construction. The cushioning is a bit harder than some would like, but users say the design makes for a stable ride.

Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

Hoka OneBondi 7

• Price: $$$
• Pros: very well-cushioned
• Cons: bulky
• Available sizes: men’s and women’s
• Available widths: standard, wide, extra-wide (men’s sizes only)

Although these are marketed as running shoes, the Hoka One Bondi 7 makes for a good walking shoe as well. This shoe features support, stability, and a wide footbed. It’s also been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA’s) Seal of Acceptance. These ultra-cushioned shoes are great for people with wider feet and for those who need a bit of extra padding underfoot — including a very well-cushioned heel area. The downside is that you’ll have to deal with extra weight because of the added padding.

Best affordable walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

Saucony Omni Walker 3

• Price: $
• Pros: designed to provide ample cushioning
• Cons: limited color options, lack of breathability
• Available sizes: men’s and women’s
• Available widths: standard and wide

The Saucony Omni Walker 3 is a less expensive option for anyone looking for support and relief from plantar fasciitis. It also carries the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. While the shoes definitely have a clunky look, they offer plenty of arch support, heel stability, and cushioning, according to the company. The toe box was designed to offer room to breathe, but if that still feels too narrow, the shoe is also available in wide widths. The downside? Some wearers complain that the shoe isn’t breathable enough, which can lead to blisters.

Best hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis

Keen Targhee

• Price: $$
• Pros: grippy outside
• Cons: durability issues
• Available sizes: men’s and women’s
• Available widths: standard and wide

For hiking shoes, the Keen Targhee may be worth checking out. It comes in a variety of styles, including the Targhee II, III, and VENT. Designed to be waterproof, breathable, and durable, these hiking shoes should also be supportive enough for people with plantar fasciitis. Reviewers love the grippy outsole and stable design, but some note that the outsole seems a little less durable than they expected.

Best lounging shoes for arch support

Kocota Recovery Slide

• Price: $
• Pros: designed to provide arch support
• Cons: sizing is off, according to some reviewers
• Available sizes: all genders
• Available widths: standard

You don’t necessarily always want to lace-up to head outside. The Kocota Recovery Slide Sandals are a favorite among users, especially for walking around the backyard and dog runs. Designed to offer a thick, comfy rubber sole, these sandals should offer cushioning whether you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis pain, or recovering from a tough workout. The arch cradle is actually specifically designed to offer support and help with plantar fasciitis.

Best sandals for plantar fasciitis

NAOT Krista

• Price: $$
• Pros: stylish design
• Cons: not for long-distance walking
• Available sizes: women’s
• Available widths: standard and narrow

The NAOT Krista was designed for wearing with stylish outfits. The sandal is dressy enough to wear to work, yet meant to be comfortable and supportive enough to take on vacation. Although reviewers agree that the shoes are cute and offer a nice amount of arch support, some complain about durability issues.

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