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Our featured picks
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoes
OluKai Men’s Moku Pae Boat Shoes
Vionic Women’s Walk Max Wanderer Sandals
Lems Men’s Switchback Sandals
If you experience chronic heel pain, prioritizing supportive footwear is one of the best decisions you can make for the health of your feet. But with so many shoes out there, knowing where to start can feel confusing. In general, the best shoes for heel pain have arch support, cushioned insoles and stability features, but selecting a pair that works for your needs and lifestyle will likely require some expert assistance.
I consulted multiple physicians that specialize in feet for their recommendations on the best shoes for heel pain. Whether you need walking shoes for an upcoming vacation or new running shoes for a 5K, these are the models experts approve of, plus tips on how to alleviate pain during movement.
Best sneakers for heel pain
Adidas Ultraboost 5X
Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 5X Running Shoes
Dr. Navdeep Dhatt, a board-certified podiatrist at Bay Area Foot Care, highlighted two stand-out features that set the Adidas Ultraboost 5X apart from the competition: the brand’s torsion system and its midsoles. The torsion system boosts stability thanks to a sturdy bridge built into the midsoles, which prevents shoes from losing shape during movement. Meanwhile, the midsoles offer moderate, bouncy cushioning. “The result is a comfortable ride that helps reduce repetitive impact on the heel[s] during walking and daily activities,” Dhatt said.
Adidas Men’s Ultraboost 5X Running Shoes
These road running shoes have durable rubber outsoles to prevent slipping. One feature the experts I spoke with recommend looking for is a moderate or high heel-to-toe drop, because when your heels are elevated, your Achilles tendons and calves experience less pulling force and thus less irritation. The Ultraboost 5X have a 10-millimeter drop, which will certainly keep your heels raised throughout movement. The shoes also have a lace-up closure for added stability.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoes
Dr. Mikel Daniels, a podiatrist at We Treat Feet Podiatry, recommends this option for individuals who need supportive and reliable walking or running shoes. They feature Brooks’ GuideRails technology, which Daniels notes is particularly useful if you overpronate or have plantar fasciitis or other “overuse issues,” since it limits any excess foot movement or ankle rolling. For this reason, the Adrenaline GTS 25 are also a good option for individuals who experience joint pain.
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoes
These shoes feature soft cushioning that leaves you feeling supported with every step. In fact, they’re constructed so well that they have received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting quality foot health. Another feature of note is the ventilated mesh uppers, which offer breathability and stretch to your foot’s natural shape.
Related article The best Hoka orthopedic shoes for joint pain, according to podiatrists
Best casual shoes for heel pain
Vionic Uptown Loafers
Vionic Women’s Uptown Loafers
According to Dr. Amy Ross, a board-certified podiatrist at Desert Foot and Ankle, the general lack of support found in many flats and loafers makes them a “nightmare for heel pain,” but these shoes have supportive arches and deep heel cups that promote proper foot alignment. Crafted with leather or suede uppers, depending on which model you buy, these slip-on loafers have earned the APMA seal of acceptance and have removable footbeds, so individuals who need to wear orthotics can easily place their custom support systems inside.
Vionic Men’s Uptown Loafers
Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, a podiatrist and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon who is a member of Vionic’s VioLab team, also recommends these loafers. She said the combination of shock-absorbing cushioning and contoured footbeds with deep heel cups lets them “stabilize the back of the foot and reduce excess heel movement that can aggravate heel pain.” They run true to size, and they come in normal and wide widths.
OluKai Men’s Moku Pae Boat Shoes
Thanks to their feet-friendly design, these boat shoes from OluKai are more than just a trendy option. Daughtry highlights the collapsible heels, which make these shoes easy to slip on, as well as the cushioned midsoles and built-in arch support as pain-relieving and stability-boosting features. “The stable, ‘no-tie laces’ design encourages a more natural, supported stride, helping limit excess pressure on the heel with each step,” Daughtry said. The water-resistant shoes also have breathable mesh uppers, a quick-drying construction and enhanced underfoot grip.
Kuru Women’s Roam 2 Atla Slip-On Shoes
Daughtry recommends Kuru’s Roam 2 Atla slip-ons because their patented heel-hugging design relieves the pressure that contributes to heel pain. She said their lightweight and supportive midsoles promote proper foot mechanics and reduce strain on the heels. Because they’re backed by the brand’s Feel Better Promise, you can return them for a full refund within a 91-day period if they don’t work out for you.
Related article The 12 best walking shoes for flat feet, backed by podiatrists
Best sandals for heel pain
Vionic Walk Max Wanderer
Vionic Women’s Walk Max Wanderer Sandals
Vionic’s Walk Max Wanderer Sandals stand out as a supportive option, thanks to their arch support, shock-absorbing cushioning and deep heel cups. “These features help improve foot alignment, absorb impact and provide stability with each step,” Dhatt said. While the adjustable hook-and-loop straps offer a more personalized fit, you can choose from medium and wide widths for precise comfort.
Vionic Men’s Walk Max Wanderer Sandals
Another APMA favorite, the Vionic Wanderer Sandals have durable rubber outsoles and nitrogen-infused midsoles, which boosts energy return with each step. Choose from leather or canvas styles.
Oofos Ooriginal
Oofos Women’s Oorginal Sandals
“Walking barefoot on hard floors is a primary trigger for chronic heel pain, making supportive house sandals absolutely essential,” Ross said. She likes Oofos’ Original sandals because the proprietary foam is more shock-absorbent than traditional options, and the arch-cradling footbeds evenly distribute pressure.
Oofos Men’s Ooriginal Sandals
These sandals have rounded, cupped heels designed to enhance shock absorption and stability. While they’re designed with odor-blocked materials, you can throw these sandals into the washing machine any time you want without risk of damage.
Related article The Oofos Ooahh recovery slides are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn
OluKai Ohana
OluKai Women’s Ohana Sandals
Dr. Brandon Haghverdian, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute, recommends these sandals for their arch support and cushioning. “They’re a great choice for the beach, casual outdoor activities and situations where the weather calls for sandals over closed-toe shoes,” he said.
OluKai Men’s Ohana Sandals
These bestsellers are made from water-resistant materials and have quick-drying jersey knit liners to boot. While the slip-ons are great for casual wear, they’ll also come in handy on rugged terrain thanks to the patterned outsoles that offer stellar traction. They run slightly large and wide for anyone who needs or prefers a roomier fit.
Lems Switchback Sandals
Lems Women’s Switchback Sandals
Daughtry likes these sandals’ contoured footbeds, which mimic the natural shape of your feet, promoting comfortable movement. The lightweight EVA midsoles and minimal 3-millimeter toe drop support your feet’s natural alignment and can reduce stress placed on knees.
Read more Podiatrists say these On shoes alleviate joint pain and boost comfort during cardio
Lems Men’s Switchback Sandals
These minimalist sandals are only available in whole sizes, but they have adjustable straps that are easy to tighten around the heels and insteps for a more comfortable fit. They’re crafted with rubber outsoles for durability and traction and have wide toe boxes for comfort.
Vivaia Women’s Emeline Kitten-Heel Sandals
Daughtry recommends these strappy sandals for a number of reasons. “The enhanced arch support, moisture-wicking insole and anti-slip outsole help keep your heel and foot stable while walking, and the modest 5-centimeter kitten heel reduces strain by promoting more balanced pressure distribution than a completely flat sandal,” Daughtry said. They’re also anti-microbial and moisture-wicking, thanks to the brand’s SwiftDry technology.
Naot Women’s Pixie Sandals
According to Daughtry, the Pixie Sandals’ molding footbeds offer cushioning and shock absorption, which reduces pressure on the heels. She notes that the ankle straps keep your feet secure for improved stability, minimizing strain on your heels. Naot’s sandals have previously been recommended by podiatrists we’ve interviewed for their excellent arch support, which I can also attest to. If you’re in between sizes, the brand recommends sizing up.
How to choose the best shoes for heel pain
While seeking medical attention should always be your first step for heel pain, wearing the right footwear is crucial for managing discomfort and preventing further irritation. According to the podiatrists I spoke with, anyone dealing with heel pain should keep the following in mind.
Shock-absorbing cushion reduces impact
Shoes for heel pain should have ample cushioning to absorb impact on joints and reduce stress on the heels, Dhatt said. The Adidas Women’s Ultraboost 5X Running Shoes she recommends fit this bill. If your heel pain is related to heel pad atrophy, a condition that causes your heel fat pads to thin, prioritizing cushioning is essential, according to Dr. Daniel Cuttica, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics. This is also true if your heel pain is tied to plantar fasciitis or heel bone stress fractures, though for these conditions, you should prioritize shoes with arch support and sturdy midsoles. Cuttica notes that your foot shape plays a role when it comes to cushioning, too. “If you have high arches, look for shoes with more cushion, as the foot is less flexible,” he said.
Quality arch support promotes proper alignment
Daughtry said the most important design feature people with heel pain should look for is proper arch support. Ross agreed, adding that robust arch support “keeps the foot in a neutral alignment, preventing the arch from collapsing under your body weight and pulling tightly on the heel insertion point.”
Deep heel cups and sturdy heel counters matter
Ross advises prioritizing shoes with deep heel cups. “A scooped, deep heel cup cradles the heel, controls pronation and physically gathers the foot’s natural fat pad directly beneath the heel for added biological cushioning,” she said. Firm and supportive heel counters are equally important. “The back of the shoe should be rigid enough to stabilize the heel,” she said. “This minimizes side-to-side motion and supports the ankle and subtalar joints.”
Check the heel-to-toe drop and look for rocker bottoms
Ross recommends looking for shoes with an elevated heel-to-toe drop and rocker soles. “A moderate drop (where the heel sits noticeably higher than the toes) physically shortens and reduces the mechanical tension placed on the plantar fascia with every step,” Ross said. Selecting shoes with slightly elevated heels or a moderate-to-high heel drop (8 to 12 millimeters), can be particularly helpful for individuals with Achilles tendinitis as it reduces stress in the tendon, Cuttica said.
Ross said rigid rocker soles also boost comfort by smoothly rolling the feet forward, reducing the total workload on the heels, arches and forefoot joints.
Ensure the midsoles are supportive and shock-absorbing
“Excessively flexible shoes often fail to provide enough support for chronic heel pain sufferers,” Dhatt said. That’s why it’s crucial to select shoes that have supportive and shock-absorbing midsoles. “You need a material that decreases the impact forces of a heel strike, but the foam must remain firm enough that the foot doesn’t sink into an unstable, squishy position,” Ross said. According to Daniels, your shoes should flex at the ball when you bend them instead of folding under the arches. If that’s not the case, you’re more likely to experience collapsed arches and increase strain on the plantar fascia.
Consider options with removable insoles
According to Dhatt, shoes with removable insoles allow individuals to use orthotics as needed. Vionic’s Uptown Loafers, recommended by Ross and Daughtry, feature removable insoles that make them a great option for orthotics wearers.
FAQs
As with any brand, certain shoe models are more supportive than others. If you’re looking for a pair of New Balance shoes that will be comfortable to wear, prioritize options with arch support, cushioning and sturdy insoles. Other features to look for include deep heel cups, firm heel counters, rocker bottoms, removable insoles and a moderate-to-high heel drop.
Yes. Daughtry said ill-fitting shoes place tension on your joints and soft issues, alter your gait and restrict your natural foot movement, which can all lead to heel pain.
If you’re shopping for walking shoes to alleviate heel pain, prioritize shoes with podiatrist-recommended features like rocker bottoms, arch support and impact-absorbing cushioning. Daniels recommends the Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Daniel J. Cuttica, board-certified orthopedic surgeon at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics
- Dr. Mikel Daniels, podiatrist at We Treat Feet Podiatry
- Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, podiatrist, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, and fellow in the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
- Dr. Navdeep Dhatt, board-certified podiatrist at Bay Area Foot Care
- Dr. Brandon Haghverdian, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon with Hoag Orthopedic Institute
- Dr. Amy Ross, board-certified podiatrist at Desert Foot and Ankle
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CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.
For this article, CNN Underscored associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis consulted podiatrists on the best shoes for heel pain.
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Rachel Dennis is an associate lifestyle editor at CNN Underscored. She oversees the site’s celebrity column, The Essentials, and contributes to lifestyle coverage through roundups and one-off reviews. You can find her watching Lifetime movies, brushing up on her music skills or playing video games.
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