The 15 Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis

Dr. Vivek David

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 definitely not fun. It's one of the most common orthopedic complaints, affecting one in ten people in their lifetime


This 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, including plantar fasciitis, at bay. Sneakers are the best option as they come with enough cushioning and arch support, increasing the level of comfort and limiting pain.


Overall, there are a couple of factors to consider when choosing the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis:

When looking for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, choose one that combines both comfort and support.


But it's also important selecting a shoe that fits your foot and feels comfortable to you, not just when standing but also throughout your favorite hobbies.

Here’s a quick rundown of the top 15 sneakers that are good for plantar fasciitis:

  1. Star: Best walking shoes for women with plantar fasciitis. Star is famous for its sensational comfort and classic design.

  2. Z Soul: Designed with laces and zippers, these sneakers are very comfortable and easy to slip on and off. These sneakers help relieve heel pain and foot discomfort from your plantar fasciitis.

  3. Startup: These sneakers are perfect for on-the-go trips because of their remarkable arch support and rubber outsoles.

  4. Star Burst: Good for women who are always on the go! 

  5. Plim Soul: These minimalist sneakers will give you the best support wherever you go.

  6. One Vision: These simple yet elegant supportive shoes will give your feet plenty of cushioning and comfort throughout the day.

  7. Moc Star: If you’re into denim, these sneakers are for you. They are breathable, lightweight, and will give your feet support.

  8. Plim Soul Lux: Minimalist and comfortable, these plantar fasciitis shoes are good for any smart casual outfit.

  9. Court: These sneakers are good for warmer weather as it has perforations that enhance breathability.

  10. Rubber Soul: This pair of shoes is best for skaters who have plantar fasciitis. 

  11. Winner: These sophisticated and chic pairs of sneakers are comfortable and will give your aching feet the best support the whole day.

  12. Union: Made with premium leather material, these sneakers are staples in fall and look good with your leather jacket!

  13. Zipster: Suitable to wear in spring or fall, these leather sneakers will give you comfort and convenience.

  14. Twin Gore Lux: These elegant slip-ons make any casual outfit into next-level sophistication.

  15. Shooting Star: One of the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis, these sneakers have excellent arch and metatarsal support.

Star

Star is one of our best sneakers for plantar fasciitis for women. Famous for sensational comfort and timeless design, these canvas low tops feature Curves & Pods® premium removable footbeds suitable for people with or without plantar fasciitis.


Z Soul

Z Soul sneakers for plantar fasciitis combine laces and zip in one shoe, making it easy to slip on and off. They come with the most comfortable premium footbed that feels like walking on clouds.


Startup

A good start is always guaranteed when you’re wearing the Startup. These innovative sneakers come with remarkable arch support, and the rubber outsole and the right amount of cushioning paired with a premium footbed absorb all the shock and minimize impact.


Star Burst

Looking for a sneaker to take you from school drop-offs to city errands to a sports game pain-free? Meet the Star BurstThese light lace-up low-tops are the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis for women on the go. Our Curves & Pods® polyurethane removable footbed with Soft Support™ technology will support your feet all day long.


Plim Soul

There are no limits to how far you can walk with the Plim Soul. If you’re after something minimalist, featuring a removable footbed and a thick, higher platform that will make your heels feel supported yet cushioned, these are for you!


One Vision

If we had to only pick one pair of plantar fasciitis sneakers that are supportive and can be worn with pretty much everything in your wardrobe, we recommend One Vision


Simple yet elegant, this chic sneaker has the softest footbed and a thick rubber sole that gives your feet plenty of cushioning and comfort.


Moc Star

The Moc Star is for all the denim lovers out there. Breathable, lightweight, and supportive, these sneakers for plantar fasciitis will add a little extra oomph to any casual outfit.


Plim Soul Lux

Plim Soul Lux sneakers are where chic and elegance meet casual and create a pair of comfortable and stylish shoes for plantar fasciitis


With arch and metatarsal support, they will keep your feet feeling at their best all thanks to Curves & Pods® premium removable footbed. Plim Soul Lux is ideal for sporting a maxi summer dress or a bright suit set. 


Court

Slip-ons can be dressy too! These sneakers for plantar fasciitis are ideal for warmer weather conditions. Court has perforations that enhance breathability and a sleek design crafted in luxe leather for added comfort and durability.


Rubber Soul

For a classic skater or an authentic aughts look, grab our Rubber Soul slip-on sneakers. With exceptional arch and metatarsal support, they're a must-have for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Life just feels easier when you’re wearing Rubber Soul!


Winner

The name says it all! The absolute Winner in the high-top sneakers for plantar fasciitis category, this sneaker is a sophisticated and chic pair with the most comfortable footbed and a thick rubber sole that absorbs all the shock that your feet have to take, every step of the way.


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.


Zipster

These leather 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; however, Zipster is made from hand-burnished leather with perforated detail at the front.


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 one of the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis if what you’re after is a casual yet design-forward look. It has excellent arch and metatarsal support and comes with our signature removable footbed.


Can Shoes Make Your Plantar Fasciitis Worse?

Shoes that are overly tight or that lift your heel above your toes may further worsen the issue. This style of footwear prevents your foot from establishing its normal posture and may put pressure on sensitive regions like the plantar fascia.

Infographic What aggravates Plantar Fasciitis

The Takeaway

The primary cause of plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia. A shoe with enough solid support for the foot arch will assist ease discomfort and avoid future complaints. 


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.