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Our featured picks
Hoka Women’s Clifton 11 Running Shoes
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoes
Hoka Unisex Ora Recovery Slide 3 Sandals
Read our review
Oofos Unisex Ooahh Slide Sandals
Read our review
Millions of Americans suffer from heel pain each year, and most of the time, the cause is plantar fasciitis. While there are plenty of lifestyle changes that cause the painful condition, podiatrist Dr. Priya Parthasarathy said the wrong footwear can worsen it. Flexible, unsupportive shoes make your feet “work harder,” she said, increasing load on your plantar fascia, the fibrous connective tissue that runs along the bottom of each of your feet. This can lead to inflammation, micro tears throughout the tendons and sharp, stabbing sensations that just won’t go away.
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So, you might need to leave the cheap flip-flops and unsupportive sneakers behind, at least for now. Instead, try any of the following expert-approved running and walking shoes, which podiatrists say can help alleviate and prevent plantar fasciitis pain.
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Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis
Hoka Clifton 11
Hoka Women’s Clifton 11 Running Shoes
Board-certified podiatric surgeon Dr. Miguel Cunha said the Hoka Clifton are among his most frequently recommended shoes for patients with plantar fasciitis. He said the updated 2026 model, which “comes with improved cushioning and smoother transitions,” is a top choice for walkers and runners with a neutral stride.
Hoka Men’s Clifton 11 Running Shoes
CNN Underscored associate editor Jillian Tracy has been a Clifton loyalist for years. “As someone with high arches and a tendency to slightly supinate when I run, I’ve always appreciated that the Clifton models keep my feet feeling supported and aligned during daily walks, speed sessions and longer runs while still offering generous cushioning underfoot to help absorb impact,” she said. The Clifton 11 shoes aren’t a departure from previous iterations, Tracy said, though Hoka has added a softer, more premium sock liner.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoes
Overpronators and flat-footed runners with plantar fasciitis should turn to Brooks’ Adrenaline GTS, Cunha said. “The updated GuideRails support system helps improve alignment and manage excess motion,” he said, “while the softer DNA Loft v3 cushioning reduces strain on the plantar fascia while providing superior cushioning.”
Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 25 Running Shoes
Cunha said the latest iteration of these stability shoes comes with a better fit and a lighter, smoother ride. As a longtime Brooks fan and flat-footed runner, I also recommend the Glycerin GTS 23, which launched in early 2026 and boasts the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance for promoting quality foot health.
Hoka Arahi 8
Hoka Women’s Arahi 8 Running Shoes
CNN Underscored editorial director Chelsea Stone, who has plantar fasciitis brought on by flat feet, said she’s been wearing the Arahi line for years. “In addition to being APMA approved, they specifically help mitigate overpronation, one of the main issues I have with my flat feet,” she said, adding that they strike the perfect balance between cushioning and stability.
Hoka Men’s Arahi 8 Running Shoes
The Arahi 8 are among the best Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis because they keep your stride in check with the brand’s proprietary stability-enhancing H-frame design. CNN Underscored health and fitness editor Summer Cartwright said this corrective structure minimizes irritation because it stops other muscles from overcorrecting and saves them from excess wear and tear. If you’re attracted to the shoes’ design, look out for the forthcoming Arahi 9, which is set to release shortly after this article publishes.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam X 860v15 Running Shoes
While still a fan of the 860v14 iteration, Cunha said this 2026 model comes with notable improvements to its stability platform, further preventing foot-straining overpronation. Cartwright said she relies on them for her marathon training. Even when she tackles 20-mile runs, she said they remain comfortable and supportive.
New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X 860v15 Running Shoes
CNN Underscored testing and updates writer Michelle Rae Uy doesn’t have plantar fasciitis, but her high arches and heavier strides make running (and walking) a little tougher without a pair of stable, shock-absorbing shoes that offer support in all the right spots. The previous iteration of these trainers is among the very few shoes she actually loves, thanks to dual-density foam that gives her a lot of stability and takes the brunt of the impact during runs. “More importantly, they have just the right arch support for better weight distribution so my heels and balls of my feet aren’t doing all the heavy lifting,” she said.
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Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
Vionic Women’s Walk Max Skyline Sneakers
Parthasarathy said these are “casual, cute walking shoes that provide support.” Though they look like an everyday pair of casual shoes, they boast bouncy, breathable footbeds that offer plenty of energy back to your stride, even when you’re fatigued. While this model is only available in women’s sizes on Vionic’s site, you can find the very similar Walk Max in men’s sizes and widths.
Asics GEL-Nimbus 28
Asics Women’s GEL-Nimbus 28 Running Shoes
Cunha calls the latest model of the GEL-Nimbus line one of the most comfortable walking shoes available, thanks to “exceptionally soft cushioning and superior shock absorption.” The podiatrist specifically recommends them for individuals with plantar fasciitis who walk or stand all day.
Asics Men’s GEL-Nimbus 28 Running Shoes
Of course, runners can also benefit from the GEL-Nimbus. “These plush sneakers offer maximum cushioning underfoot, so they take away a lot of ground impact while walking or running,” Cartwright said. “Though they’re a bit bulky, the joint protection they provide is impressive and something to write home about.”
Vionic 23 Walk 2.0
Vionic Women’s 23 Walk 2.0 Sneakers
According to Cunha, with their shock-absorbing midsoles, deep heel cups and contoured arch support, the Vionic 23 Walk 2.0 effectively alleviate plantar fascia stress. Unlike more technical running or walking shoes, they resemble laid-back lifestyle sneakers you can wear for casual outings.
Vionic Men’s 23 Walk 2.0 Sneakers
Board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry previously recommended this pair for our guid to the best walking shoes. She called out their firm heel counters, which make them perfect for short-distance strolls.
Birkenstock Gizeh Droplet Buckle Sandals
Looking for some vacation-ready beach shoes? “You will find me in these all summer,” Parthasarathy said, noting that the stylish cork footbeds also reduce plantar fascia strain. If you find the material too hard for acute plantar fasciitis flare-ups, she advises grabbing a Birkenstock model with softer footbeds.
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Best wide shoes for plantar fasciitis
Hoka Bondi 9
Hoka Women’s Bondi 9 Running Shoes
Want to feel like you’re walking on clouds? Consider the Bondi 9, which Cunha said are great max-cushion running shoes for plantar fasciitis patients with wide feet. Available in wide and extra‑wide widths, the shoes’ spacious toe boxes “allow your foot to splay naturally without feeling jammed,” he said. This is a crucial design feature because when your feet sit naturally, less pressure is placed on your joints and tendons, allowing for a (hopefully) pain-free experience.
Read our review
Hoka Men’s Bondi 9 Running Shoes
Cartwright is a Bondi 9 enthusiast too. In her glowing review, the five-time marathoner said they offer tons of support. “The extra cushioning around the heels is something my 66-year-old mom, who also tested these, really loved,” she said. That added protection is exactly what you want when you’re dealing with damaged, stressed fascia.
Brooks Glycerin 23
Brooks Women’s Glycerin 23 Running Shoes
The Brooks Glycerin everyday running and walking shoes have always been one of Parthasarathy’s favorites for wide feet. This year, the shoes are even better, she said, thanks to wider toe boxes and added cushioning. “These are a dream for your plantar fascia,” she said.
Brooks Men’s Glycerin 23 Running Shoes
I can confirm the Glycerin 23 are great for wide feet, as they’ve been my go-to men’s running shoes this year. The beauty of the Glycerin series, Parthasarathy said, is that they come in multiple versions. “The GTS model adds stability for patients with overpronation, while the Max version provides enhanced shock absorption for those needing additional cushioning,” she said.
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Read our review
Altra FWD Via 2
Altra Women’s FWD Via 2 Running Shoes
Anyone who has run in Altra shoes will tell you that they’re built for wide feet. That includes these low-drop trainers, which boast the brand’s roomiest toe boxes. Given their spacious design, Parthasarathy recommends them for plantar fasciitis patients with bunions and neuromas.
Altra Men’s FWD Via 2 Running Shoes
Parthasarathy also likes the FWD Via 2 because they promote “natural movement” like barefoot shoes without sacrificing cushioning. Experts at the APMA approve of these trainers too, awarding them organization’s Seal of Acceptance.
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Best recovery shoes for plantar fasciitis
Hoka Unisex Ora Recovery Slide 3 Sandals
“Home shoe gear is just as important as outdoor shoe gear when battling plantar fasciitis,” Parthasarathy said. The podiatrist recommends the Ora Recovery 3 with their supportive footbeds and plush cushions for at-home use. CNN Underscored contributing writer Dana Zepeda also loves these recovery sandals, calling them a “revelation” for sore feet in her review.
Read our review
Vionic Women’s Relax 2 Slippers
Vionic’s Relax 2 slippers are proof that you don’t have to sacrifice coziness for comfort, even if you have plantar fasciitis. The APMA-approved slippers, which come recommended by Parthasarathy, combine cozy faux-shearling uppers with shock-absorbing, supportive midsoles.
Oofos Unisex Ooahh Slide Sandals
Stone has found plantar fasciitis relief with the Ooahh sandals, which she calls the most comfortable shoes she’s ever worn. “While I can’t say the Oofos have cured all my foot ailments — my flat feet, after all, are a structural issue — I can report that pain associated with my plantar fasciitis has never been triggered by the Ooahh slides,” she said in her review.
The Ooahh sandals are also another Parthasarathy pick, which she said are helpful for plantar fasciitis on account of their shock-absorbent soles. Not to mention, their specialty footbeds are designed to reduce knee pain.
Read our review
Related article The best insoles for plantar fasciitis to alleviate foot pain, according to podiatrists
How to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis
Parthasarathy tells her patients that the three ingredients for recovery are stretching the plantar fascia, reducing inflammation and supporting the feet. Finding supportive shoes is, therefore, paramount to treating plantar fasciitis, especially since Parthasarathy said flexible, nonsupportive shoes “increase load on your plantar fascia.”
To find the right shoes, it’s always recommended to see a health care provider for their insights, as well as visiting a specialty shoe store like Fleet Feet for an in-depth foot analysis. Parthasarathy and Cunha recommend looking for the following criteria:
- Appropriate size and fit: For the best fit, shop for shoes later in the day when feet are most swollen, Cunha said. “If they are comfortable then, when your feet are swollen, they’re likely to remain comfortable throughout the day,” he said. If you’re planning to run a lot in these shoes, make sure you go a half-size up, Cartwright added, who’s also an RRCA-certified running coach. “This accounts for the swelling that occurs while running.”
- Strong arch support: “Proper arch support helps support and promote natural foot alignment and reduce fatigue and strain on your feet, knees and lower back,” Cunha said. Look for built-in arch support, he added, or think about utilizing custom orthotics if support is lacking.
- Removable insoles: Parthasarathy recommends finding shoes with removable insoles, as this will allow you to add your own inserts.
- Spacious toe boxes: “If your toes feel restricted and can’t wiggle at all, the shoes are too tight and could become uncomfortable over time,” Cunha said. Shoes with wide toe boxes allow for better foot alignment and can take pressure off your knees, hips and other pain-prone joints.
- Firm, supportive heel counters and deep heel cups: Parthasarathy said to look for stiff heel counters for the best fit. Heel counters are internal U-shaped pieces that add structure to the back of shoes. Deep heel cups are also optimal, Cunha said, as they “support the joints of the foot, enhance stability and promote proper joint alignment.”
- Tailored to your activity and gait: Since being in the wrong shoes can cause plantar fasciitis, Parthasarathy said it’s important to find a pair that matches your foot type. A podiatrist can help you identify your foot type, though she said you’re likely a pronator if you have flat feet. Finally, she said you’ll want to match the shoes you buy to the activity you’ll be doing, whether that’s running, walking or lounging at home.
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FAQs
“Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the band of fibrous connective tissue (fascia) running along the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot, from the heel to the ball of the foot,” Parthasarathy said. Anything that irritates or damages this tissue can cause plantar fasciitis, she added, including changes in weight, pregnancy, the shoes you wear or your activity level.
“The most common sign of plantar fasciitis is stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot when you get out of bed in the morning, after standing for prolonged periods of time or when you stand up after sitting for a while,” Cunha said. If you experience these symptoms, though, you should always consult a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Naomi Shields said shoe inserts can help with plantar fasciitis, especially if you have flat feet, which tend to put more stress on the plantar fascia. That said, Parthasarathy stressed that inserts need to match your foot type or else they could worsen your condition. “I recommend starting with a supportive shoe and seeing a podiatrist for guidance,” she said.
Proper support is crucial to increasing stability, reducing arch collapse and preventing foot fatigue, Cunha said. Consequently, you should avoid shoes with the following qualities:
- Poor arch and heel support
- Poor cushioning
- Flimsy heel cups and soft shoes
- Narrow toe boxes
- High heels
All three podiatrists said that you should generally avoid barefoot shoes while dealing with plantar fasciitis because they don’t offer enough support. If you want to try them when your feet have recovered, Parthasarathy advises consulting a podiatrist for recommendations and only wearing them for short periods of time during low-impact activities.
Like barefoot shoes, Cunha said that “walking barefoot, especially on hard floors, can result in overstretching of the plantar fascia, leading to tiny tears, inflammation and an increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis.” Instead, opt for shoes with proper arch support.
Meet our experts
For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, board-certified podiatric surgeon and founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City
- Dr. Priya Parthasarathy, board-certified podiatrist surgeon and president of the Maryland Podiatric Medical Association
- Dr. Naomi Shields, board-certified orthopedic surgeon based in San Antonio, Texas, specializing in foot and ankle procedures
Why trust CNN Underscored
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 updates writer Maxwell Shukuya interviewed three leading podiatrists to learn more about the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Alongside their product recommendations, Shukuya pulled insights from CNN Underscored’s long list of hands-on reviews of wellness products, including our guides to the best orthopedic shoes for foot pain and the best arch-support shoes.
Maxwell Shukuya is an associate writer for CNN Underscored who covers updates across a variety of verticals. He has a particular passion for gear, especially when it comes to coffee, hiking and climbing.
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