The Top 11 Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women in 2023

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.

Plantar fasciitis can be a bummer, especially if you love wearing dresses! Discover how you can manage your heel pain and still look great with a pair of dress shoes.


Plantar fasciitis is a common, yet painful condition that can make you feel like sneakers and slippers are the only viable shoe options. However, while supportive footwear is a must, you shouldn’t feel like you have to only wear unattractive orthotic shoes every day.

Infographic Causes of PF

Several variables, such as footwear, foot structure, excessive use, and walking surface, might contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.


If you’ve been wondering “Are stylish shoes good for plantar fasciitis?” the answer can be yes! 


In fact, there are many stylish, dress shoes and sneakers on the market with great arch support that will be just as chic as your favorite shoes but help you heal your plantar fasciitis.


When trying to decide on the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, there are several factors that need to be considered to minimize the risk of exacerbating your condition.

Here’s a rundown of the top 11 shoes for women that will ensure both your comfort and stability while also complementing your style:

  1. Plim Soul Lux: Perfect for women who value style and elegance without compromising their comfort.

  2. Z Soul: This classic style combines laces and zippers in one shoe for easy on/easy off convenience.

  3. • Plim Soul: If canvas shoes are your style, then Plim Soul is the one for you. This pair will surely look good on any casual outfit.

  4. • Winner: If you’re looking for formal yet chic shoes, Winner is perfect for you.

  5. • Lexie: Best for women who are into wedges. Lexie will surely cushion your aching heel while still looking pretty.

  6. • Gift 2: Not sure if thong-styled sandals are good for plantar fasciitis? Worry not because Gift 2 is a great option for your heel pain.

  7. • Loop: These adjustable sandals are so comfortable that you will feel like you’re walking on clouds!

  8. • The Show: Suitable for women who enjoy wearing dresses, Universe will complement any style you have in mind!

  9. • Dillie: If you’re into boots, Dillie is the one for you. These luxurious suede boots will look good on any outfit and occasion!

  10. • Crave: Have the hots for chunky heels? Crave may be the perfect boots for you!

  11. • Ez Soul: Not everyone is a fan of mules, but if you are, then you should try Ez Soul!

  12. • Direction: Suitable for sporty and active women. Direction is lightweight and can be paired with any dress.

Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis

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. 


Z Soul

This lace and zipper style comes with the most comfortable premium footbed that feels like walking on clouds. Our Curves and Pods footbed cushions your step by providing arch support that molds to the bottom of the foot. The extra thick rubber sole helps absorb the shock of walking on hard floors and sidewalks all day. These sneakers aren’t only supportive, though, they are also super stylish!


Plim Soul

A less formal sibling to Plim Soul Lux, these canvas sneakers are a good option if you’re looking to tone down your outfit and keep it more casual. Curves & Pods® premium removable footbed features arch and metatarsal support, and elevated platforms absorb extra impact. Available in various colors and prints, you can always rely on Plim Soul to be your soulmate!


Winner

Even though sneakers aren’t typically as formal as a pair of heels or other dress shoes, a sleek leather pair like Winner  can easily be dressed up with a suit, chinos, or even a dress. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many ways you can style your leather sneakers for a night out on the town or at special events, and make a great pair of women’s dress shoes for plantar fasciitis. They’ll make you feel confident and powerful, plus they are good for your feet with an Active Curves & Pods® removable footbed. There’s nothing you can’t achieve in our Winner sneakers.


Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

Lexie

Wedges are a great way to jazz up your outfit without causing pain in your heels. So meet our Lexie. Adjustable, with European leather uppers and subtle nailhead embellishments, this wedge comes with no compromise on fashion and comfort. With a supportive cork wedge and thick straps, Lexie will cushion your aching feet without feeling like clunky orthotic shoes. Remember, even with plantar fasciitis, your heels can still go high, you just need a good pair of wedges!


Gift 2

You might wonder how a thong-style sandal can be an option for plantar fasciitis shoes? Let us introduce you to Gift 2. A slip-on shoe, it comes with premium microfiber-lined footbeds that make your feet literally mold into the ground. The premium footbed feather Soft Support™ with arch and metatarsal support and Cool Recovery Foam® for essential impact absorption. Gift 2 is a perfect choice for summery dresses and bohemian outfits for those warm outdoor parties and gatherings.


Loop

A sandal with a point of difference, the Loop is not an average slip-in-and-out shoe. The name of this shoe speaks for itself – the Loop comes with a big toe loop and full coverage for your arches, crafted from the finest European leather. The adjustable hook and loop strap on the instep allows for defining the fit while the soft suede footbed lining provides the sensation of “walking on clouds”. The Loop is one of the best plantar fasciitis shoes for women bringing the best of both worlds: style and support.  


The Show

As the weather starts to warm up, a beautiful pair of sandals, like The Show will give you confidence as you strut through the spring in style. These sandals feature a T-strap design that supports your feet and makes your forefoot feel secure. The Show is a particularly great dress shoe for plantar fasciitis as it has a lightweight, padded contour footbed. The beautifully soft leather accented with detailed contrast stitching makes a statement.


Best Boots for Plantar Fasciitis

Dillie

A pair of luxurious suede block-heeled booties with a lot of attitude, Dillie are dreamy boots for plantar fasciitis. They have a cozy faux-fur lining as well as a thick durable outsole, which will protect your feet from cold sidewalks and provide extra traction and support in the winter. If you want to make a style statement, step out in Dillie with a long wool coat, sweater dress, and warm tights.


Crave

Another boot option, Crave combines a stylish silhouette and chunky heels with luscious leather and faux fur lining. They'll keep your ankles warm and secure as you traverse the city sidewalks. These are some of the best women's shoes for plantar fasciitis because their footbed is designed to support foot problems. 


Best Mule-style Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Ez Soul

Slip on in these trendy, closed-toe mules, designed to take you places in comfort.

Ez Soul is the epitome of comfort as it features a supportive removable footbed with arch and metatarsal support. If you’re after plantar fasciitis shoes for women that empower and make you feel confident, look no further.


Direction

Direction paves the way for the trendy sporty chic look. These active-inspired lightweight sneakers are made for rocking with maxi satin-silk skirts or floaty dresses, adding extra character to a dressy outfit. Polyurethane footbed provides exceptional arch and metatarsal support, making them the best plantar fasciitis shoes for women. These shoes were made for walking the miles and dancing the hours!


Useful tips when choosing women

Use Supportive Footbeds

When looking for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, avoid flat soles and instead, look for footbeds with great arch support. Whether a footbed is built-in or removable, make sure that it molds correctly to your foot and provides cushioning and support to your arch and metatarsal. Removable options, like our Curves and Pods footbeds, are very comfy and discreet—you can easily tuck them into your shoe and they look just like regular insoles, making them great shoes for plantar fasciitis

Look for Cushioned Heels

If you have plantar fasciitis, it’s also important to find shoes with cushioned heelsAs you’ll generally feel the most pain in your heels, padding in this area is essential. Heel padding will also absorb shock from the impact of walking, which further protects your feet.

Ensure That They Fit Properly

One of the most common mistakes when you’re buying shoes is getting the size wrong. Always have your feet measured both length and widthwise by a shoe professional before purchasing your dress shoes.

The Takeaway

Even though plantar fasciitis can produce sharp pain, the appropriate footwear may be able to ease it. The ideal plantar fasciitis shoes for you will depend on your medical requirements, personal preferences, size, and the activities you intend to use them for. 


Consult your podiatrist or other healthcare practitioners if you believe you have plantar fasciitis to learn the best strategies to treat your issue.

FAQs

Q: What Shoes Should You Not Wear With Plantar Fasciitis?

A: High heels and other footwear that put a lot of strain on your feet should be avoided. Wearing cheap flip-flops is also not advised because they frequently offer little arch support.


Q: Is It Better To Wear Flat Shoes With Plantar Fasciitis?

A: Flats cause the opposite problem for your feet by providing little to no support for your arches, which means your plantar fascia isn't able to distribute your weight and the impact of movement nearly as well. Without proper support, flats can cause further strain and flatten your arch.


Q: What Aggravates Plantar Fasciitis?

A: You can overstress your plantar fascia by putting pressure on your feet without proper arch support or padding. Shoes that are too tight or that raise your heel above your toes may also aggravate the condition.


Q: Should You Avoid Walking With Plantar Fasciitis?

A: Walking may aggravate the plantar fascia, necessitating an extension of your treatment. While it is not walking alone that can cause the ligament to become inflamed, if you are not wearing the proper shoes or are overexerting yourself, the plantar fasciitis can flare up.


Q: Does Massaging Plantar Fasciitis Help?

A: Massage therapy can help relieve plantar fasciitis because it is essentially a repetitive strain injury to the fibrous tissue on the underside of the foot. Deep tissue massage, in particular, is the treatment of choice for heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis.


Q: Do Arch Supports Help Alleviate Plantar Fasciitis Pain?

A: The most effective way to relieve plantar fasciitis pain (and prevent its recurrence) is to keep your arches from flattening out by wearing footwear with firm arch support.

Sources:

Tahririan, Mohammad Ali, et al. “Plantar Fasciitis.” PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3687890 Accessed 5 Jan. 2023.


“Impact of Routine Footwear on Foot Health: A Study on... : Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.” LWW, journals.lww.com/jfmpc/Fulltext/2022/07000/Impact_of_routine_footwear_on_foot_health__A_study.74.aspx. Accessed 5 Jan. 2023.


Hindawi, et al. “Effectiveness of a Double Air-Cushioned Shoe Compared With Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.” Effectiveness of a Double Air-Cushioned Shoe Compared With Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis, 6 Apr. 2020, www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/9468302.