How to Find the Best Shoes to Help Ease Plantar Fasciitis Pain

Brooks Ghost running shoes feature a lightweight foam that is both supportive and cushioning while also providing arch support. Parthasarathy says they earn the APMA seal of approval because of this balance of cushion and support. Plus, she says, they’re great for those with a neutral foot type. We like them for all those reasons plus the fact they’re available in a huge range of colorways, including white, which is what also earned them the best tennis shoes category.

Tennis includes lots of running and intricate footwork, requiring a shoe that supports your joints while cushioning your feet. The soft midsole and segmented crash pad of this shoe mean that stopping short (and taking off) and taking off while on the tennis court is as smooth as possible. The Brooks Ghosts also ensure you’ll be comfortable during multiple sets despite any plantar fasciitis issues.

Brooks Ghost running shoes feature a lightweight foam that is both supportive and cushioning while also providing arch support. Parthasarathy says they earn the APMA seal of approval because of this balance of cushion and support. Plus, she says, they’re great for those with a neutral foot type. We like them for all those reasons plus the fact they’re available in a huge range of colorways, including white, which is what also earned them the best tennis shoes category.

Tennis includes lots of running and intricate footwork, requiring a shoe that supports your joints while cushioning your feet. The soft midsole and segmented crash pad of this shoe mean that stopping short (and taking off) and taking off while on the tennis court is as smooth as possible. The Brooks Ghosts also ensure you’ll be comfortable during multiple sets despite any plantar fasciitis issues.

Handcrafted in Portugal, these leather slip-ons from Samuel Hubbard are one of the pairs of dress shoes with arch support that Parthasarathy recommends for people with plantar fasciitis. They have a springy Vibram sole as well as a removable triple-density foam insole making them perfect for travel or city walking.

Also recommended by Parthasarathy, these slip-ons from Dansko feature the company’s natural arch technology for a molded arch shape that feels supportive through hours of wear. The lining is equipped with cooling technology as well as microbe shield odor control to keep your feet dry and odor-free. The sturdy, flexible rubber outsole provides traction and unrivaled durability. These shoes are built to last for a long time.

With extra cushioning in the heel area, a snug fit through the ankle and a removable EVA foam footbed, the Merrell Bravada is an excellent choice for a hiking shoe. These shoes also feature a breathable mesh lining and a durable rubber outsole with exceptional grippy-ness no matter what the terrain, another bonus feature for hikers. The molded nylon arch shank coupled with the EVA foam midsole provides the support and cushioning that plantar fasciitis sufferers need.

Built with Ascis’ rear and forefoot gel technology that absorbs shock with every strike of the pavement or gym floor, these shoes help to prevent the stabbing pain plantar fasciitis from flaring up. They’re super lightweight with excellent rebound properties—meaning that while the cushioning is soft, it’s also resilient and doesn’t flatten out with use. They also possess a strong, durable, outsole designed to resist abrasions. Shopping tip: Asics Gel Nimbus 24 also made our list of the best running shoes for men.

Built with Ascis’ rear and forefoot gel technology that absorbs shock with every strike of the pavement or gym floor, these shoes help to prevent the stabbing pain plantar fasciitis from flaring up. They’re super lightweight with excellent rebound properties—meaning that while the cushioning is soft, it’s also resilient and doesn’t flatten out with use. They also possess a strong, durable, outsole designed to resist abrasions. Shopping tip: Asics Gel Nimbus 24 also made our list of the best running shoes for men.

With an anatomically shaped cork-bed, Birkenstocks have long been a popular choice for people who need support and cushioning in their sandals, and we’re not just talking about those who self identify as “hippies” (not that there’s anything wrong with that). These feature the legendary Birkenstock two-strap design, each adjustable via a metal pin buckle. They’re also a pair recommended by Parthasarathy, “The cork footbed provides shock absorption and arch support,” she says.

While this style of shoe isn’t necessarily the best shoe choice if you experience any type of foot issues, these from Fitflop are the best flip flops you can find for plantar fasciitis. That’s because they provide impressive cushioning as well as a contoured footbed that cradles and supports your feet. The high rebound air foam means that they don’t “flatten” out over time and the extra impact “pillows” positioned at the ball-of-foot points mean you can comfortably wear them for hours at a time.

While this style of shoe isn’t necessarily the best shoe choice if you experience any type of foot issues, these from Fitflop are the best flip flops you can find for plantar fasciitis. That’s because they provide impressive cushioning as well as a contoured footbed that cradles and supports your feet. The high rebound air foam means that they don’t “flatten” out over time and the extra impact “pillows” positioned at the ball-of-foot points mean you can comfortably wear them for hours at a time.

Keen Targhees feature a padded, supportive design that hikers and outdoor adventurers with plantar fasciitis love. They also have a waterproof, breathable membrane for comfort and grippy rubber outsole so you won’t slip while scrambling up wet rocky terrain. The speed lacing system allows for a comfortable, snug fit, and the contoured heel lock keeps your foot in place no matter what’s happening in the environment around you. All of this adds up to the reason There’s a reason why these shoes are consistently one of Keen’s best-selling styles.

Keen Targhees feature a padded, supportive design that hikers and outdoor adventurers with plantar fasciitis love. They also have a waterproof, breathable membrane for comfort and grippy rubber outsole so you won’t slip while scrambling up wet rocky terrain. The speed lacing system allows for a comfortable, snug fit, and the contoured heel lock keeps your foot in place no matter what’s happening in the environment around you. All of this adds up to the reason There’s a reason why these shoes are consistently one of Keen’s best-selling styles.

For those days when you’d rather not change out of your best pajamas, Kuru Draft slippers keep your feet feeling great no matter how many trips you make between the couch and the kitchen. Or, keep a pair at work as I do, to slip into after commuting in a downpour and getting your regular shoes soaked. They feature an energy return foam and reinforced arch that means your heel bone and footpad won’t flatten out while walking—which can cause plantar fasciitis to flare up. Plus they have a heel-hugging design that keeps them on your feet where they should be.

For those days when you’d rather not change out of your best pajamas, Kuru Draft slippers keep your feet feeling great no matter how many trips you make between the couch and the kitchen. Or, keep a pair at work as I do, to slip into after commuting in a downpour and getting your regular shoes soaked. They feature an energy return foam and reinforced arch that means your heel bone and footpad won’t flatten out while walking—which can cause plantar fasciitis to flare up. Plus they have a heel-hugging design that keeps them on your feet where they should be.