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It’s no secret that our feet carry the weight of our stability and steps throughout the day, making them prone to common ailments like plantar fasciitis, a condition characterized by pain at the bottom of the foot near the heel. When symptoms start, it can make it difficult to be on your feet and enjoy walking like you once did. That’s where the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis are necessary.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot, gets irritated or overstretched. “This often happens due to too much pressure on the heel, tight calf muscles, flat feet, or high arches. Other causes include standing for long periods, sudden increases in activity, poor shoe support, or extra weight on the foot,” explains Dr. Nasim Kahlor, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon (DPM) at Foot & Ankle Concepts, Inc. “Over time, this stress can create small tears and inflammation in the fascia, resulting in heel pain, especially in the morning or after sitting or resting for a while.”

Keep reading to learn what to look for in a pair of sneakers when you have plantar fasciitis, plus see the best podiatrist-approved picks.

Best Overall: Dr. Scholl’s Feel Good Lace-Up Sneakers, $130
Most Popular: Hoka Bondi 9 Running Shoe, $175
Most Durable: Brooks Adrenaline GTS Running Shoe, $155
Best Reflective Sneakers: Asics Gel Nimbus 27 Sneakers, $165
Best Arch Support: Vionic Walk Slim Glide Sneaker, $150
Best Splurge: New Balance 990v6, $200
Best for Impact Absorption: Oofos Stride, $96 (originally $120)
Best for Stability: Asics Gel-Kayano, $165
Best Cushioned: Saucony Guide 18, $150
Best Budget: Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit 2.0, $85
Best for Midfoot Support: Mizuno Wave Inspire 22, $150

Experts say that when choosing sneakers for plantar fasciitis, it’s important to pick ones that keep your feet properly aligned. “If you overpronate, opt for stability or motion control sneakers,” says Dr. Bobby Pourziaee DPM, “The High Heel Doctor” and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. “If you have a high arch, choose cushioned, shock-absorbing models,” he adds. And it’s best to try on shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen, and to ensure there is “adequate room in the toe box,” Dr. Pourziaee adds.

Supportive midsoles

Dr. Kahlor says to look for sneakers that have a supportive midsole. “Even though you want a harder sole, you still need to be able to absorb enough shock for the plantar fascia, so it is not overstretched,” she explains.

Arch support

Always check for arch support, which helps prevent over-pronation and can aggravate the plantar fascia. “You don’t want to wear a shoe where the material on the top is too hard, and the reason is that it can traumatize the nail bed, aggravating the plantar fasciitis,” Dr. Kahlor explains. “Trauma is the number one cause of fungal infections.”

A midsole that cannot bend or twist

According to Dr. Michelle Morse, a board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon, the most essential feature of a shoe for plantar fasciitis is a midsole that cannot bend or twist. “I call this my ‘Twist and Shout Test’,” she notes. Think of it this way: If your shoes twist, your feet will eventually shout!

Stiff Soles

Dr. Kahlor also suggests shoes with stiffer soles. “A stiffer sole, which could also be known as shank inside, helps prevent too much flexing, which can help reduce the strain on the fascia,” she adds. “Another added plus is a well-cushioned heel, and a heel cup helps absorb impact where it’s needed most and keep the heel stable.”

Flat Shoes

Dr. Morse warns against wearing shoes that are too flat. “Too flat a shoe with no heel-to-toe drop, and one where there is an ability to twist or bend in the middle.”

Shoes that allow your heel to sink

“Shoes that allow your heel to sink or tilt inward will worsen strain on the fascia,” Dr. Pourziaee explains.

Ones that are too squishy or flexible

Skip sneakers that are overly squishy or flexible, according to Dr. Kahlor. “Make sure the shoes are not too squishy or flexible because they will not support the heel and arch properly,” she says.

Ahead, see nine of the best pairs for plantar fasciitis, all recommended by podiatrists.

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Dr. Nasim Kahlor, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon (DPM) at Foot & Ankle Concepts, Inc.
Dr. Bobby Pourziaee DPM, “The High Heel Doctor” and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon.
Dr. Michelle Morse, is a board-certified podiatric foot and ankle surgeon, and the head of the social media profile @DrEliteFeet.

Taylor Lane is a contributing commerce writer at SheKnows, covering beauty, style, and lifestyle. With over eight years of media experience, she previously served as a beauty writer at The Zoe Report and a fashion assistant at Glamour. Her work has appeared in StyleCaster, The FlowSpace, WWD, Forbes Vetted, Teen Vogue, InStyle, and more, where she’s tested hundreds of products — from top-performing mascaras to the most functional strollers. She’s also a mom of two girls, a ten-year-old and a 4-month-old. And when she’s not online, she’s usually at Pilates.

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