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The 15 Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis
This article was reviewed and approved by a medical professional.
Dr. Vivek David is a licensed orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement and lower limb reconstruction surgeries. With a rich experience of over 10 years in orthopedics, he has an excellent reputation for handling complex lower limb joint reconstruction and robotic surgeries.
Looking for the best footwear for your painful heels? Here’s a list of the 15 best sneakers for plantar fasciitis!
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic complaints, affecting one in ten people in their lifetime.
This painful condition occurs when excess pressure on plantar fascia ligaments causes damage or tear of the ligament, causing inflammation and foot pain.
Comfortable footwear plays a significant role in keeping orthopedic issues like plantar fasciitis at bay. Sneakers are the best option, as they offer plenty of cushion & arch support to limit discomfort and minimize pain.
But not all sneakers are equal – there are plenty that offer little support, which will only worsen the problem. If you’re looking for the best pair of sneakers to manage your plantar fasciitis pain, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Support & Firmness – Look for sneakers that provide strong arch support, ensuring that the entire base of your foot is supported throughout every step. It should feel firm & supportive – avoid any shoes where you can easily twist the sole back & forth.
Stability - Your foot should not slide side-to-side or front-to-back; this increases the risk of injury and you’ll struggle to find solid footing even on flat surfaces. A broad, firm heel counter helps stabilize your entire foot, reducing unnecessary strain on the plantar fascia.
Cushion & Soft Impact – Your feet absorb the entire weight of your body every time you strike the ground. To minimize this impact and prevent further pain, choose shoes that have supportive, removable footbeds. This will protect your feet & reduce the stress on your bones & tissue when standing & walking.
Every foot is different, so choose a pair of sneakers that’s comfortable for you. And when summer rolls around, make sure to pick up a pair of supportive sandals too!
Here are the top 15 sneakers that are good for plantar fasciitis:
Star
Star is one of the best women’s sneakers for plantar fasciitis. These canvas low tops combine sensational comfort and timeless design, and feature Curves & Pods® premium removable footbeds which offer full arch, heel, and metatarsal support.
Z Soul
Z Soul sneakers are another PF favorite. With a thick rubber sole that makes it feel like you’re walking on clouds and a dual lace-zipper locking system, these canvas shoes are made for conditions like heel spurs, Morton’s neuroma, and general ball of foot pain.
Direction
Maximize your style while minimizing your impact with Direction. These innovative sneakers come with remarkable arch support, durable rubber outsole, collapsible back, and an EVA midsole. If you’re looking for versatile style to manage your plantar fasciitis, these will absorb every ounce of shock.
Star Burst
Looking for a pain-free sneaker to take you from school drop-offs to your child’s next sports game? Meet the Star Burst. These light, lace-up low-tops are the most comfortable sneakers for women on the go. Our Soft Support™ technology and firm toe box will support & stabilize your feet all day long, even as you stroll the cobblestone streets of Europe.
Plim Soul
There are no limits to how far you can walk with the Plim Soul. With a minimalist canvas outer and thicker & higher platform, these will support your heel for a full day of walking. And for added arch & heel support, loosen the laces towards the front of the shoe and shift the tension towards your heel.
One Vision
If we had to only pick one pair of supportive sneakers that can be worn with your favorite maxi dress, pair of jeans, or fabulous shorts you've been waiting to debut, we recommend One Vision. Made with a breathable cotton canvas and available in white, black, and three other colors, this chic sneaker has the softest footbed and a thick rubber sole to provide your feet with the cushion & comfort they need.
Moc Star 2
The Moc Star 2 is for all the denim lovers out there. Breathable, lightweight, and supportive, these plantar fasciitis sneakers will add a little extra oomph to any casual outfit. They’re designed with complete arch and metatarsal support, plus extra cushion in the forefoot, making them the perfect travel shoe for airports, train stations, and all the adventures in between.
Plim Soul Lux
Plim Soul Lux sneakers are where chic and elegance meet casual to create a pair of comfortable and stylish shoes for plantar fasciitis. The elevated rubber sidewall protects your foot from daily wear & tear, and the insole offers plenty of support for high arches & weak ankles. These lace-up leather sneakers are ready to wear fresh out of the box – no break-in period required.
Court
Most slip-on sneakers get a bad rap for their lack of support – but not the Court shoes. The leather upper has perforations to enhance breathability without sacrificing comfort & stability – these are one of the best slip-ons you can regularly wear with plantar fasciitis.
Rubber Soul
Your favorite skate shoe just got an upgrade. Meet the Rubber Soul, a low-top canvas sneaker that slides on & off with ease. With full-foot support and extra cushioning for constant impact, these are one of the best pairs of skate shoes for plantar fasciitis. Pair them with skinny jeans in the fall and lose the socks when summer comes around for a casual, care-free look.
Winner
The name says it all – the absolute Winner in the high-top sneakers for plantar fasciitis category. This shoe is sophisticated and chic, and layered with a comfortable footbed and thick rubber sole to absorb the shock of every step you take.
Union
Union high-tops are a fantastic addition to your city shoe collection. Made from premium leather, they’re a fall staple, and will look perfect with a denim look or a leather jacket – pumpkin spice latte not included. And unlike most high-tops, they feature an outside zipper for easy on & off – once you set the laces to your liking, you’re good to go.
Top Soul
These high-top canvas sneakers for plantar fasciitis are full of character. Suitable to wear come spring or fall, they feature the same side zip as many Taos shoes – you know we love comfort and convenience! Top Soul features fun color-blocked details and a thick shock-absorbent rubber outsole.
Twin Gore Lux
An elegant slip-on you will never want to slip out of. Twin Gore Lux takes any casual outfit to the next level of sophistication, all thanks to the sleek design and the softest Italian leather.
Shooting Star
Shoot for the stars in our vintage-inspired low-tops. The Shooting Star is “the best, most comfortable right out of the box shoes I have ever put on my feet,” according to Martha, a huge Taos fan. With a casual yet design-forward look, Shooting Stars are one of the best low-top tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis. Featuring our signature arch & metatarsal support, plus a removable footbed, they’re the right amount of sporty.
Can Shoes Make Your Plantar Fasciitis Worse?
There are certain things you shouldn’t do when you have plantar fasciitis – wearing uncomfortable shoes is one of them. Avoid shoes that are overly tight or lift your heel far above your toes – this style of footwear prevents your foot from establishing its normal posture and increases pressure on sensitive regions like the plantar fascia.
The Takeaway
The primary cause of plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. By wearing shoes with solid arch support, total-foot stability, and extra cushioning, you can prevent PF from occurring and manage any existing foot pain that may have already begun.
In situations of severe pain, a specialist should be consulted for more personalized guidance and orthotics.
FAQs
Q: Can Shoes Make Your Plantar Fasciitis Worse?
A: It can be made worse by wearing tight shoes or heels that are excessively high in relation to the toes. This style of shoe restricts your foot's normal motion, which can put extra strain on ligaments and tendons like the plantar fascia.
Q: What Shoes Should You Not Wear With Plantar Fasciitis?
A: You should stay away from high heels and other shoes that place undue strain on your feet. Low-quality flip-flops seldom have adequate support for the arch, so you should stay away from those, too.
Q: What Aggravates Plantar Fasciitis?
A: Running, walking, or standing for long periods of time in unsupportive shoes can all increase the force through your feet, aggravating plantar fasciitis.
Q: Should You See a Podiatrist for Plantar Fasciitis?
A: A podiatrist addresses all orthopedic disorders and injuries involving the foot and ankle. A podiatrist can treat foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bone spurs, or a sprained ankle.
Q: What Is the Fastest Way To Cure Plantar Fasciitis?
A: With conservative therapy, such as cooling the painful region, stretching, and adjusting or avoiding activities that cause discomfort, most persons with plantar fasciitis recover in several months.
Q: What Is the Number One Cause of Plantar Fasciitis?
A: Plantar fasciitis is frequently caused by repeated motion or anything that puts a lot of strain on your foot's plantar fascia ligament. Running, jogging, and walking, as well as frequently extended durations of standing or being on your feet, can all contribute to plantar fasciitis.
Sources:
Trojian, Thomas, and Alicia K. Tucker. “Plantar Fasciitis.” Plantar Fasciitis | AAFP, www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2019/0615/p744.html. Accessed 2 Jan. 2023.
“These Are the Healthiest Shoes to Wear, According to Scientists.” Time, 30 May 2018, time.com/5294580/healthy-shoes-footwear.
“Bad Habits That Are Making Your Plantar Fasciitis Worse: Metairie Orthopedics and Sports Medicine: Board Certified Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon.” Bad Habits That Are Making Your Plantar Fasciitis Worse: Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine: Board Certified Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeon, www.metairiesportsmed.com/blog/bad-habits-that-are-making-your-plantar-fasciitis-worse#. Accessed 2 Jan. 2023.