While I don’t have plantar fasciitis, my husband does, and so do many of you! I often get asked for shoe recommendations from women who have plantar fasciitis so I decided to deep dive and see what options are out there these days. After a lot of research, I’ve found what I think are the best women’s shoes and inserts for plantar fasciitis, thanks to many of your recommendations.
Looking for more shoe recommendations? You may enjoy these posts:
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis is normally caused by overusing the plantar fascia or constantly putting strain on it. My husband was in agony when his flared up, so I know it’s not something you can just ignore. There are many things that can lead to this, but some of the most common are wearing the wrong footwear or adding lots of stress to your heels from being on your feet for extended periods of time during activities.
If you have plantar fasciitis, you’d know! It’s a sharp, stabbing pain in the heel or bottom of the foot that hurts, especially in the mornings when you first get up.
Where to Shop for Shoes with Plantar Fasciitis
Best Sandals
Comfort Sandal: Taos The Show
These sandals from Taos come equipped with a premium arch support system that helps gently distribute pressure evenly across the foot, alleviating the strain on the plantar fascia. The cushioned insole provides additional comfort, reducing the impact on the heel and arch, which is crucial for those suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Slip On Sandals: Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle
I love the big buckle Arizona sandals, but I thought this single-strap version was cute for summer. Birkenstocks have a contoured cork footbed that’s engineered to mold to the shape of your foot. They’re also made with a deep heel cup, which aids in absorbing shock and minimizing heel pain.
These sandals from Keen offer a stretchy, secure fit with a supportive elastic strap system. These would be a great travel sandal since the cushioned footbed and arch support will keep your feet comfy and stable all-day long. This light brown shade will go with most things, but they also come in some fun color combinations and patterns like tie-dye.
Recovery Sandals: Vionic Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal
Walking barefoot or in a thin, flat slipper can exacerbate plantar fasciitis because it provides little to no arch support. Instead, look for a recovery shoe with a comfy footbed and adjustable straps. This Vionic Rejuvenate Recovery Sandal is perfect for wearing around the house or garden.
Flip Flop: Vionic Tide II Toe Post Sandal
With a podiatrist-designed footbed and a comfortable toe post design, these flip-flops are great for running errands or for a trip to the pool. Vionic conducted a clinical study that found these shoes effective in treating plantar fasciitis, which is enough reason to give them a try in my book!
Wedge Sandals: Naot Footwear Kayla Wedge Sandal
If you’re looking for a wedge that you can pair with everything from dresses to denim that isn’t going to leave you limping at the end of the day, this strappy wedge from Naot with a contoured footbed and fantastic arch support is a great one to try. Similar to a Birkenstock, this cork footbed molds to your foot the more you wear it.
Best Sneakers and Tennis Shoes
Walking Shoe: Hoka Bondi 8
I’m sure most of you have heard of the Hoka Clifton 9, but let me turn you onto the Bondi 8. With a thick, plush midsole and a rocker-shaped outsole, this super supportive shoe provides excellent shock absorption and stability for everyday wear or just for your daily walk.
Running Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe
Here’s a great running shoe for anyone with heel pain or plantar fasciitis. Its soft cushioning absorbs shock to keep your heels comfortable, while the special support system helps keep your feet in the right position, reducing strain on your arches.
White Sneaker: Vionic Winny Oxford
The white sneaker trend doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon, and I’m thrilled about it. They work great with my wardrobe, and I love the stylish, modern vibe they add to an outfit. If you want to try the white sneaker trend with a shoe that won’t make your plantar fasciitis pain worse, check out this pair from Vionic.
Slip On Sneaker: Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit Grateful
Slip-on sneakers are the ultimate go-to for convenience and style. Just slide them on and you’re ready to go without fussing with laces. These Skechers Go Walk slip-on sneakers have great arch support to keep your feet feeling good, and I love that they’re machine washable, so you can keep them looking and smelling fresh.
Clogs: Easy Spirit Traveltime Clog
This Traveltime Clog is one of Easy Spirits’ all-time best-selling shoes, with over 12 million pairs sold. I was super excited to try these because they’re one of Easy Spirit’s most beloved styles.
This easy-on, easy-off backless sneaker is also orthotic friendly, with a removable footbed that provides hours of support for walking and standing. They come high enough on my foot that I don’t have to grip my toes to keep them on. That means no foot fatigue, no matter how long you’re on your feet.
Slippers: RockDove Original Two-Tone Memory Foam Slipper
Reviews say wearing these memory foam slippers is like walking on clouds! With its cozy memory foam footbed, your feet will thank you.
Best Inserts:
Luckily, you don’t have to buy a brand new shoe to experience relief from your foot pain. There are a lot of insoles on the market, but this one is under $10 with over 9,000 5-star ratings on Amazon. It’s a 1/2-length insole, meaning it only extends from the middle of the foot to the heel, so it won’t crowd your toes.
Available at Drugstores: Dr.Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotics
I’m sure you’ve all seen Dr. Scholl’s inserts at the grocery or the drugstore, and there’s a reason they’re a household name. This particular one is designed to treat plantar fasciitis pain by reducing heel pressure. It’s very highly rated, and reviewers say they offer immediate relief and are long-lasting.
Most Popular: Superfeet All-Purpose Support High Arch Insoles
These best-selling inserts are good for 12 months or 500 miles, whichever comes first. Like the others, they have a high arch and a deep heel cup, but what I like most about them is that they come with a top layer that’s designed to reduce odor.
Do you struggle with plantar fasciitis? I have a nasty bunion that is painful…what foot issues do you have?
