13 best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, according to a foot surgeon: New Balance, Hoka, Asics, On & more
Iif you have plantar fasciitis, you'll want to look for a shoe that offers arch support, added cushioning and shock absorption.
When it comes to managing plantar fasciitis, finding the right walking shoe can significantly impact your comfort and overall foot health. The right shoes can provide the support and comfort needed to alleviate discomfort — and prevent further damage.
New Balance 9060
'Added medial arch support'
Hoka Bondi 7
'Offers plush comfort'
Asics Gel-Nimbus 26
'Superior shock-absorption'
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
'Great cushioning with support'
Keen WK450 Walking Shoe
Alleviates pain when walking
New Balance 993 Core
'Beneficial for runners & walkers'
Women's Konos ™ XCEL WP Low
Lightweight for everyday wear
New Balance 990v6
'Best versatile sneaker'
Orthofeet Coral
Heel cupped insole
Hoka Clifton 9
Light and plush
Saucony Omni Walker 3
All-day comfort and stability
Asics Gel-Kayano 31
Easy on and off
On Cloudhorizon
Cushioned hiking shoe
According to Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board certified podiatrist and foot surgeon, if you have plantar fasciitis, you'll want to look for a shoe that offers arch support, added cushioning and shock absorption.
What is plantar fasciitis — and what causes it?
Before we get into shoes, it's it's important to understand the causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition.
"Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition often caused by biomechanical abnormalities in the heel region of the foot. Typically, the plantar fascia stretches upon activity, and, much like a rubber band, it snaps back, leading to tightness in the heel and/or arch region," Pinker explains. "Common symptoms include pain in the heel upon stepping out of bed in the morning or after standing up after sitting for an hour or more."
What to look for in walking shoes for plantar fasciitis: Expert
When selecting a walking shoe for the summer while managing plantar fasciitis, there are several important factors to consider. Pinker recommends choosing shoes designed to alleviate the pain associated with the condition.
"Shoes with added medial arch support can help reduce pain associated with plantar fasciitis, as well as those with added cushioning and shock absorption," he explains. "Custom-made orthotics are beneficial in resolving pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Other things that can be helpful to reduce the pain involved are physical therapy, cortisone injections, orthopedic strappings, shockwave therapy, and, in some cases, surgery."
Can shoes cure plantar fasciitis?
In some cases, specifically mild cases of plantar fasciitis, supportive footwear can be beneficial to fix the condition, according to Pinker.
"Footwear that possesses added medial arch support with additional cushioning and shock absorbing qualities can possibly reduce the discomfort of plantar fasciitis, however, usually more attention is needed," Pinker says. "But other options are usually more effective like physical therapy, custom-made orthotics, cortisone injections and aggressive stretching."
The podiatrist says there are ways to determine if your current footwear exacerbates your plantar fasciitis symptoms.
"If the footwear you wear leads to added pain in the heel and/or arch region of your feet, there is a possibility that those shoes are exacerbating your plantar fasciitis," he explains. "If that is the case, it would be best to change footwear and perform stretching exercises."
Pinker also suggests that people should consider switching to specialty shoes or custom orthotics for plantar fasciitis relief if they have tried changing their footwear and have stretched considerably.
"If symptoms persist, specialty shoes or custom orthotics should be considered to find relief. But depending upon the severity of plantar fasciitis (mild, moderate, or severe), it may require a few weeks to notice relief of symptoms," he adds.
Pinker says there are signs to look for that indicate your plantar fasciitis might require more than just shoe adjustments, potentially including surgery.
"If all conservative options have been exhausted, one should consider surgery to address plantar fasciitis. Often it involves releasing the plantar fascia ligament which is a rather straightforward and simple procedure," he says.
Best summer shoes for plantar fasciitis | Podiatrist picks
Need help finding the best summer shoes for plantar fasciitis? Check out Pinker's picks — and reasoning — below.
Pinker highly recommends the New Balance 900 series for those with plantar fasciitis.
"It is well-designed to accommodate those suffering from plantar fasciitis as there is added medial arch support, adequate cushioning, and added shock absorption," he explains. "However, more may be necessary to treat those suffering from plantar fasciitis, such as custom-made orthotics and other options."
Patrick McClure, health expert and co-founder of WINIT Clinic, highly recommends the Hoka Bondi 7s because of the "plush comfort and support with its maximalist cushioning."
"Its thick midsole acts to absorb most of the shock when running while at the same time relieving pressure on the plantar fascia," he explains. "It allows for natural toe splay with a wide toe box and enhances comfort across the foot as a whole."
McClure says the Asics Gel-Nimbus 26 is at the top of his list for its "superior shock absorption."
"One important feature of this shoe is its Gel cushioning system, which, in this version, provides superior shock-absorption properties to the heel," he explains. "It also features an enhanced midsole, which gives better arch support and stability, so it is favoured by many who have plantar fasciitis."
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 is another one of McClure's highly recommended options because he says it offers "great cushioning with support."
"This incorporates the GuideRails system of support, which keeps the foot in line with the body and minimizes unnecessary movements that might put additional stress on the plantar fascia," he explains. "Its midsole features DNA Loft cushioning for a soft, responsive feel that delivers comfort while running or walking for extended periods."
Keen recommends the WK450 Walking Shoe for its added heel cushioning and snug fit, ensuring comfort with every step.
It also alleviates any pain when walking since the curve of the shoe helps push momentum forward with each step. The curve comes from the specially designed KEEN.CURVE™ technology, combines constant curve geometry, underfoot plate technology and a high-energy midsole.
These New Balance sneakers are also part of the 900 series and Pinker says the 993 model "can be beneficial for runners and walkers suffering from plantar fasciitis."
They come in standard, wide and extra wide, making them another great option for wider feet (or custom orthotics).
Columbia Sportswear's Women's Konos ™ XCEL WP Low sneaker is meant for the trail but it's also lightweight for everyday wear.
It has a cushioning system that generates underfoot energy through deflection domes and flex grooves, reducing load impact and enhancing flexibility for greater comfort with every step. It also comes in standard or wide sizing which is great for custom orthotics.
McClure also suggests a sneaker from the New Balance 900 series with the 990v6, calling it the "best versatile sneaker."
"It offers a mix between stability and cushioning due to its ENCAP midsole technology," he says. "It is also known to provide comfort in terms of fitting and durability, hence making it a good everyday sneaker with one suffering from plantar fasciitis."
Orthofeet's Coral shoe is designed with pain relief technology and has many benefits for plantar fasciitis. The insole controls overpronation and eases any strain on the fascia.
It also has a foam-padded interior that eliminates pressure points and protects your foot and heel with multi-layer cushioning and heel-cupped insole to reduce impacts on the heel.
The Clifton 9s are one of Hoka's most popular running shoes. It has great arch support, which is crucial for managing plantar fasciitis. It's also lightweight and made from breathable knit material.
This shoe has a stable platform to help maintain proper foot alignment, reducing stress on the foot. It also has a comfortable fit with a well-designed heel counter that will help keep your foot in place to prevent excessive movement.
Saucony's Omni Walker 3 is the perfect option for those who need an extremely comfortable and plush walking shoe with stability and cushioning for moderate overpronating.
They are a great choice for those who need to wear them for long hours at work, offering comfort and support.
The Gel-Kayano 31 from Asics uses PureGel technology that helps deliver enhanced shock absorption and softer landing.
It provides good arch and heel support, contributing to a heightened sense of stability while walking. It also has a knit heel pull tab so you can step into the shoe with the pull tab for easy on-and-off access.
The On Cloudhorizon is a great choice for those wanting to walk for an extended period while dealing with plantar fasciitis.
It's designed for stability and durability from heel to toe, featuring cushioning and super foam for comfort and to reduce the impact on the feet. This cushioned hiking shoe's rubber outsole is designed to deliver grip, traction and durability on wet and dry surfaces while keeping you steady on uneven ground.
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