The best Skechers shoes for plantar fasciitis, according to podiatrists

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Skechers Women’s Slip-Ins Max Cushioning Arch Fit 2.0 Azusah Sneakers

Skechers Women’s Slip-Ins Max Cushioning Arch Fit 2.0 Azusah Sneakers
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Skechers Women’s Arch Fit 2.0 Exhilarate Sandals

Skechers Women’s Arch Fit 2.0 Exhilarate Sandals
Skechers

Skechers Men’s Work Nampa Groton Loafers

Skechers Men’s Work Nampa – Groton Loafers
Skechers

If you’re currently experiencing pain from plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain, it may be time to invest in new footwear. Skechers shoes are often praised for their comfort and support, and as it turns out, some of the models are great options for those with plantar fasciitis.

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According to Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, plantar fasciitis develops when the plantar fascia — connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the toes — is strained and develops microscopic tears. According to him, plantar fasciitis normally stems from repeated stress. “Common contributing factors include prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces, a sudden increase in activity, tight calf muscles, excess body weight, high arches, flat feet and wearing shoes that no longer provide adequate support,” Pourziaee said.

While your shoes can’t fix plantar fasciitis, Dr. David Gordon, a board-certified podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle surgery, said that they can reduce irritation. To help you find the best Skechers shoes for plantar fasciitis, I asked experts what features to look for and which pairs they recommend.

Best Skechers shoes for plantar fasciitis

Skechers Women’s D’Lites Fresh Start Sneakers

Skechers Women's D'Lites Fresh Start Memory Foam Lace-Up Sneaker.jpg
Skechers

Skechers’ Fresh Start Sneakers merge the classic “Dad shoes” look with supportive design features to provide relief from plantar fasciitis-related pain. Dr. Samantha Landau, a board-certified podiatrist and professor at Touro New York College of Podiatric Medicine, recommends these lace-up sneakers. She likes that they have sturdy soles and grippy bottoms for traction and appreciates their cushioned insoles and lightweight feel.

$75 From $45 at Kohl’s
$78 $49 at Amazon
$70 $49 at Zappos
Editor Favorite

Skechers Women’s Var-City Loafers

Skechers Women’s Var-City Loafers
Skechers

You don’t have to pick between aesthetics and comfort when it comes to this Landau-recommended sneaker-loafer hybrid. These shoes have a sporty-yet-polished look that works as well for running errands as for casual office environments. While CNN Underscored beauty and fashion editor Sophie Shaw doesn’t have plantar fasciitis, she said these loafers are comfortable to wear because of their featherweight design and comfortable padding. “I have wider feet that usually get squished by traditional leather loafers, but these are made with a mesh material that’s way more forgiving, so I’ve never felt pinched in these,” she said.

$75 $58 at Skechers
$80 at QVC
$80 at DSW

Skechers Max Cushioning Endeavour

Skechers Women’s Max Cushioning Endeavour Running Shoes

Skechers Women’s Max Cushioning Endeavour Sneakers
Nordstrom Rack

Gordon recommends these plush running sneakers with plenty of support. “The cushioned sole will help to diminish any repetitive impacts without destabilizing the shoe, which makes it suitable for jobs requiring standing or walking for an extended period of time,” Gordon said. Additionally, these sneakers are designed with the brand’s Natural Rocker Technology (NRT) to help propel you forward.

$80 $58 at Nordstrom Rack
$76 From $68 at Zappos
$85 From $75 at Famous Footwear
$80 at Skechers

Skechers Men’s Max Cushioning Endeavour Running Shoes

Skechers Men’s Max Cushioning Endeavour Sneakers in gray
Skechers

These max-cushioned sneakers feature responsive insoles and breathable mesh uppers to keep you comfortable during your runs and walks. Because they’re machine-washable, you’ll save time cleaning them (and won’t have to buy another pair of shoes). If you prefer not to tie laces, this under-$25 find will convert the lace-ups to slip-ons within minutes.

$80 From $60 at Zappos
$80 $60 at Nordstrom Rack
$85 $64 at Skechers
$75 at DSW
Hoka walking shoes - 4 cropped.jpg
Jillian Tracy/CNN Underscored

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Skechers Women’s Work Slip-Resistant Nampa Wyola Sneakers

Skechers Women’s Work Slip-Resistant Nampa Wyola Sneakers
Skechers

Landau recommends these relaxed-fit shoes for individuals who stand for long periods. She particularly pointed out their “excellent traction,” which boosts stability and prevents slips and falls as you’re walking. Memory foam insoles, shock-absorbing midsoles and spacious toe boxes also ensure long-term comfort when you’re wearing these Skechers. While they’re only available in women’s sizing, the brand’s Work Slip-Resistant Nampa model is a similar option for men.

$51 $45 at Amazon
$56 at Zappos
$60 at DSW
$62 at Skechers

Skechers Slip-Ins Max Cushioning Arch Fit 2.0 Azusah

Skechers Women’s Slip-Ins Max Cushioning Arch Fit 2.0 Azusah Sneakers

Skechers Women’s Slip-Ins Max Cushioning Arch Fit 2.0 Azusah Sneakers
Skechers

These sneakers are an excellent choice for people who spend a lot of time on their feet because of their shock absorbency and arch support, according to Pourziaee. Arch support, in particular, has been proven to help treat plantar fasciitis by redistributing pressure away from the heels and encouraging proper foot alignment, so it’s no wonder this model has the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) seal of acceptance for promoting proper foot health. They also feature the brand’s signature heel pillows, which lock your feet in place to minimize excess movement. This feature makes the Arch Fit 2.0 a great option for overpronators in need of stability shoes.

$135 at Skechers

Skechers Men’s Slip-Ins Max-Cushioning Arch Fit 2.0 Azusah Sneakers

Skechers Men's Slip-ins Max Cushioning Arch Fit 2.0 Azusah Shoes.jpg
Skechers

The Arch Fit 2.0 shoes boast many design details that set them apart from their competition. Among them are their anti-slip Goodyear rubber outsoles and no-tie laces. Like the Skechers Men’s Max Cushioning Endeavour Sneakers, these shoes feature the brand’s Natural Rocker Technology that helps guide your stride. These curved outsoles are a popular component in orthopedic shoes because they smooth out each step to take stress away from the plantar fascia and Achilles tendons. Their breathable mesh uppers also keep heat from building up during movement.

$135 at Skechers

Skechers Women’s D’Lites Winning Choice Slip-In Sneakers

Skechers Women’s Slip-ins D'Lites Winning Choice Sneakers
Skechers

If you love the look of the D’Lites Fresh Start sneakers, but prefer laceless shoes, these Skechers slip-ons are a great option. Landau said they’re her favorite from the brand because they have all the qualities you’d want in a comfortable pair of shoes, like supportive soles and rigid heel counters that limit side-to-side motion. They also come in a wide style to accommodate feet that need a bit more room, which ensures your feet sit naturally within the shoes, taking pressure off your joints.

$75 From $45 at Kohl’s
$82 From $60 at Amazon
$89 $82 at Zappos
$95 at Skechers
Best arch support insoles-cnnu-1.jpg
Jillian Tracy/CNN Underscored

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Skechers Women’s Arch Fit 2.0 Big League Sneakers

Skechers Women’s Arch Fit 2.0 Big League Sneakers
Skechers

Pourziaee recommends these sneakers from the brand’s Arch Fit collection. “The Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 is one of my favorite recommendations for women with plantar fasciitis because it combines excellent arch support with a well-cushioned and stable platform that helps reduce repetitive stress on the heel,” he said. Like the other Arch Fit models, these shoes have removable insoles, so you can add your own orthotics if needed.

From $49 at Amazon
$88 $82 at Zappos

Skechers Men’s Work Nampa Groton Loafers

Skechers Men’s Work Nampa – Groton Loafers
Skechers

These stylish men’s loafers, recommended by Landau, don’t skimp on comfort-boosting features. Between their cushioned, removable insoles, elasticated side panels (gore panels) and roomy toe boxes, they’re a smart choice for anyone who wants a casual pair of shoes that will provide long-term support. If you’re looking for a similar option for women, the Skechers Women’s Work Nampa Annod SR shoes fit the bill and have the same key features as the Groton Loafers.

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$62 at Skechers

Skechers Men’s Terraform Selvin Hiking Shoes

Skechers Men’s Terraform Selvin Sneakers
Skechers

Landau recommends the Skechers Terraform Selvin sneakers if you’re looking for a pair of shoes that can handle outdoor activities like hiking. Lightweight and easy to slip on and off, they have high-traction outsoles that will keep you steady on your feet, foam padding around the ankles to boost stability and plush shoe tongues for added comfort and well-cushioned insoles to keep joints happy.

From $69 at Amazon
$68 at Zappos
$90 $85 at Famous Footwear
$90 at Kohl’s
New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 V15 sneakers
Ellen McAlpine/CNN Underscored

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Skechers Women’s Arch Fit 2.0 Exhilarate Sandals

Skechers Women’s Arch Fit 2.0 Exhilarate Sandals
Skechers

Pourziaee said these APMA-approved sandals offer more support than traditional flat sandal styles. “[Their] structured footbed helps support the arch and cushions the heel, making it a comfortable choice for patients managing plantar fasciitis,” he said. Ideal for everyday wear, these warm weather shoes have adjustable ankle straps and shock-absorbing footbeds that are easy on your joints.

$70 at Amazon
$70 at Skechers

How to choose the best Skechers shoes for plantar fasciitis

Ensure they have supportive heel counters and deep heel cups

Pourziaee and Landau recommend looking for shoes with stability features, such as supportive heel counters and deep heel cups. These added structures minimize overpronation (where your feet roll inwards excessively) or supination (where your feet roll outwards), two ways of walking that can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.

Look for shoes with arch support

Our experts agree that arch support should be top of mind when shopping for new kicks. According to Pourziaee, shoes with firm arch support evenly distribute pressure across the feet, minimizing heel and joint strain. For further guidance on selecting models that will support your arch type, I recommend checking out our article on the best arch support shoes.

Select shoes that have supportive midsoles and roomy toe boxes

Supportive midsoles and roomy toe boxes boost comfort and allow toes to splay naturally, taking pressure off joints. According to Pourziaee, “the midsole should provide cushioning that absorbs impact without feeling overly soft or unstable.”

Look for shoes with higher heel drops

According to Pourziaee, shoes with a modest heel-to-toe drop (the height difference between where your heels and toes sit inside shoes) reduce tension on the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. Landau said shoes should ideally have a toe drop around 10 millimeters to promote proper foot mechanics.

FAQs

As with any brand, the amount of arch support in Skechers’ shoes varies across models. If you’re shopping for shoes to alleviate pain from plantar fasciitis, prioritize shoes that offer firm arch support.

Yes, Skechers shoes that are good for plantar fasciitis are also good for flat feet. Many of the features you should look for in shoes for plantar fasciitis, such as adequate arch support and supportive midsoles, are features you should look for in shoes for flat feet because these design elements promote proper foot mechanics and minimize overpronation.

The level of cushioning varies by model, but if you’re looking for shoes designed to deliver a lot of padding, the Skechers Max Cushioning Endeavour sneakers are an expert-recommended choice. Their responsive insoles will keep you comfortable every step of the way.

Meet our experts

For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights:

  • Dr. David Gordon, board-certified podiatrist specializing in foot and ankle surgery and owner of Pro Foot Doctors
  • Dr. Samantha Landau, board-certified podiatrist and professor at Touro University New York College of Podiatric Medicine
  • Dr. Bobby Pourziaee, board-certified foot and ankle surgeon

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 lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis consulted podiatrists and editors to find the best Skechers shoes for plantar fasciitis.

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Rachel Dennis Associate Editor, Lifestyle, CNN Underscored

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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