Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Shoes with a thick, well-cushioned midsole help reduce pain from standing or walking.

For people with either a neutral or high arch:

• New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 – [Shop on Amazon]: This shoe features plush Fresh Foam cushioning that helps alleviate pressure on the arches, making it an excellent choice for managing Plantar Fasciitis.
• On Cloudmonster – [Shop on Amazon]: Designed with a unique CloudTec sole, the Cloudmonster offers great cushioning, providing relief for sensitive feet and reducing impact during walks or runs.
• Hoka Bondi – [Shop on Amazon]: Renowned for its thick, cushioned midsole, the Bondi delivers maximum shock absorption and comfort, helping to ease heel pain and providing a stable platform for those with Plantar Fasciitis.
• Brooks Glycerin – [Shop on Amazon]: With its DNA LOFT cushioning, the Glycerin provides a plush experience that supports the foot and helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia, making it a solid choice for everyday wear.
  

For people with a low arch or flat feet:

• Hoka Gaviota – [Shop on Amazon]: This shoe combines plush cushioning with a supportive structure, featuring a wide base and an extended heel for enhanced stability, making it an ideal choice for those seeking relief from Plantar Fasciitis while ensuring proper foot alignment.
• Brooks Glycerin GTS – [Shop on Amazon]: With its added GuideRails technology, the Glycerin GTS provides superior support and stability, guiding the foot through its natural motion while offering cushioning that helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia.

To learn more about the best shoes for flat feet, visit our guide for flat feet and low arches.

Accessories to consider

Arch supports

Insoles providing arch support can reduce strain on the fascia by redistributing the forces applied to the foot, especially for those who overpronate.
I recommend exploring Superfeet arch supports to see which size suits you best. [Shop on Amazon].

Heel cups

Gel heel cups reduce the tension on the plantar fascia by positioning the heel on an elevated, soft surface.
Find the right gel heel cups for [men] or [women]

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a foot condition characterized by a feeling of stabbing pain in the heel, specially with the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
The pain may subside or disappear as physical activity increases, though it can return at night^[1].

Plantar Fasciitis is thought to be caused by the degradation of collagen at the origin of the plantar fascia – a thick band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes^[2].

Factors that increase the likelihood of Plantar Fasciitis include prolonged standing, obesity, flat feet and limited ankle dorsiflexion^[3-4].

While Plantar Fasciitis is a self-limiting condition, that is, a disease that tends to resolve on its own without treatment, recovery can take up to 12 months without medical intervention^[5].

Despite this, many patients seek medical assistance to help alleviate the pain that disrupts their daily activities.

Initial Medical Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis

Doctors typically start their recommendations with conservative treatments that avoid invasive procedures like surgery. These treatments may include:

• Stretching the plantar fascia

• Limiting physical activities

• Strengthening the calf muscle

• Avoiding flat shoes

• Avoiding walking barefoot

• Wearing insoles with arch support or heel cups^[3].

How Can Shoes Help with Plantar Fasciitis?

Wearing the appropriate footwear is an effective way of managing Plantar Fasciitis.
Shoes with a thick, well-cushioned midsole help reduce pain from standing or walking by providing a softer surface that absorbs the impact on the foot.

For people with moderately flat feet, well-cushioned stability shoes may be a better option, as they also provide protection against mild overpronation^[2].

It is important to note that shoes lose their cushioning over time, which reduces their softness and ability to absorb shock.
Therefore, replacing shoes regularly can help prevent Plantar Fasciitis symptoms from worsening.

---

Sources

[1] C. C. Young, D. S. Rutherford, and M. W. Niedfeldt, “Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis,” American Family Physician, vol. 63, no. 3, Feb. 2001.

[2] E. McNally and S. Shetty, “Plantar Fascia: Imaging Diagnosis and Guided Treatment,” Seminars in Musculoskeletal Radiology, vol. 14, no. 03, pp. 334–343, Jun. 2010, doi: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0030-1254522.

[3] R. Buchbinder, “Plantar Fasciitis,” New England Journal of Medicine, vol. 351, no. 8, pp. 834–834, Aug. 2004, doi: https://doi.org/10.1056/nejm200408193510824.

[4] T. Trojian, “Plantar Fasciitis,” American Family Physician, vol. 99, no. 12, Jun. 2019.

[5] J. D. Goff and R. Crawford, “Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis,” American Family Physician, vol. 84, no. 6, Sep. 2011.

---