7 Best Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis in 2024

Laci
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7 Best Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis in 2024

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Your feet deserve better than the stabbing pain in the heel area. Finding the right shoes is the #1 step to stand in the way of this. Our guide goes in-depth on which shoes are best for plantar fasciitis, why are they different from other shoes, and what science has to say.

We have reviewed walking shoes from every major brand to find the best options for this condition. Some shoes are better suited for people with wide feet, some feel extra light, and some offer extra slip resistance on smooth surfaces. See our top picks in each of these categories!

Disclaimer: This guide was created for educational purposes only and offers no medical advice or diagnosis.

How we test walking shoes

Foot issues are something that we, at RunRepeat, take seriously. Walking might be an effortless form of motion, but with plantar fasciitis, a lot could go wrong even just for a few hours of walking in the wrong pair of shoes. That is why we scrutinised walking shoes in a well-thought-out manner.

Before anything else, we get our hands on these walking shoes using our own money. We like to give strong emphasis on this because we like our reviews done with complete fairness. After acquiring the shoes, we wear them right away. We bring them on our morning walks, trips to work, and daily runs of errands. We also tested them on concrete, cobblestones, and other surfaces. 

We assess our experiences and observations from the wear test. And we correlate them to the next and final step, which is lab testing. We conduct tests on the shoes and we measure and score different properties such as breathability, durability, platform width, and midsole hardness. We also split the shoes in half for a more extensive view of each.

Best overall walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

What makes it the best?

Crazy soft and delightful on walks minus the maddeningly shaky rides – this is what put Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 right at the top of all plantar fasciitis walking shoes. The fact that we stopped complaining about heel pain the moment our feet met this shoe already sufficed why it’s the greatest!

Upon measuring the stack height of GTS 23, we learned that its heel is 34.1 mm from the ground and 2.7% taller than the average. Meanwhile, the forefoot is 21.5 mm thick, and 11.5% closer to the ground than average. This yields a drop of 12.6 mm, which is above the others by 41.6%, and translates to moderately high heels that aid in toning down the strain on our feet, especially our plantar fascia. 

Additionally, our heels and ankles are securely hugged by the heel counter. The reason behind that is its stiffness, which we proved by personally evaluating it. After the pinches and presses, we rated the heel counter stiffness a 4/5. We also attempted to contort the whole shoe to determine the overall stability but it felt like it was against the twisting, so we also scored the torsional rigidity a 4/5. On our actual strolls? It’s indeed steady!

The deal-breaker is that it’s upper is not ready for excessive wear. When we applied our Dremel to its material, it was easily nibbled by the tool. Therefore, GTS 23 is not a good idea if you plan on using the shoes heavily.

Pros

  • Excellent stability without being intrusive
  • Ideal for easy miles
  • Specifically designed for heel strikers
  • Outstanding breathability
  • Comfortable and cushioned
  • Availability in narrow and wide sizes
  • Capable of handling tempo paces
  • Not expensive at all

Cons

  • The engineered mesh upper lacks durability
  • Lacks cushion for forefoot strikers
Full review of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23

Walking shoes for plantar fasciitis with the best cushioning

What makes it the best?

Comfort and stability seem polar opposites but our walks with the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 prove these can blend well. Altogether, the ride is freeing since we don’t have to worry about potential imbalances and foot pain. Delivering reliable arch support, it’s our best cushioned walking shoe in the lab for plantar fasciitis.

The heel emphasises cushioning at 37.2 mm, 3.2 mm above average. Each step feels highly protected and pleasant since our durometer confirms the foam’s gentle touch at 20.9 HA, aligning with our lab average.

The wide base gave us room to find our footing securely, enhancing steady strides. Our calliper confirms above-average measurements of 117.3 mm in the forefoot and a solid 100.2 mm in the heel.

The main stability feature is the GuideRails system, which includes firm foam pieces in the heel and sidewalls for a secure foothold and increased rigidity to avoid excessive movements that may lead to injuries. Our manual assessment verifies the stiffness with 4/5 and 5/5 torsional and heel rigidity scores, respectively.

Even the knit upper feels plush and cosy. However, we found that it lacks airflow for hot weather. Those who need a breathable space should try other options.

Pros

  • Reasonable weight gain over non-GTS version
  • Super comfortable upper
  • Fantastic non-intrusive stability
  • Responsive supercritical foam
  • Built-like-a-tank outsole
  • Roomy toebox
  • Ready for marathon training

Cons

  • Knit upper lacks ventilation
  • Not suitable for faster paces
  • Could be lighter
Full review of Brooks Glycerin GTS 21

Walking shoes for plantar fasciitis with the best arch support

What makes it the best?

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 already earned podiatrists’ seal of approval since it relieves painful foot conditions but we further put it to the test in our actual walks and lab tests. Indeed, it offers the best arch support for plantar fasciitis with its balanced cushioning, rigid construction, and stability post. Each stride feels controlled and supported, making long hours on foot feel like a breeze.

AW2’s core support lies in the Extended Progressive Diagonal Bar in the midfoot and the stiff post that carries our arch to avoid inward foot rolling. While it seems dated compared to modern subtle stability features, it’s still very much effective and reliable. In the lab, we tried to manually twist the shoe, which was uncompromising, earning a solid 5/5 torsional rigidity.

Balancing all the stiffness is a well-cushioned platform which we measured at an above-average 35.7/23.5 mm. This feels immensely comfortable on foot and we like how the foam doesn’t sink even under heavy loads, perfect for those dealing with plantar fasciitis. As our durometer shows, the cushion is a balanced 25.9 HA.

However, the shoe’s all-leather upper feels too stuffy for the summer. Our lab reveals a low breathability score of 1/5. Those who prioritise ventilation are better off with other options.

Pros

  • Unmatched stability and arch support
  • Broadly recommended by podiatrists
  • Incredible abrasion resistance and durability
  • Thick and lasting cushioning
  • Wide and steady platform
  • Great for cold and drizzly days
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • True to size and fit
  • Can match formal work attire

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Quite stiff, needs breaking on
  • Lacks slip resistance on wet tiles
  • Not breathable
Full review of Brooks Addiction Walker 2

Best lightweight walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

Hoka Arahi 7
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What makes it the best?

The Hoka Arahi 7 sets a new standard for plantar fasciitis-supportive walking shoes, elevating stability shoes to the next level by keeping an airy build while offering comfort and gentle support. Our thorough lab analysis further cements its status as the best lightweight in this category.

Each stride feels easy to take with Arahi 7’s airy nature. Our scales confirm a 9.4 oz (266g) which almost feels weightless for a stability shoe since our lab average is at 10.3 oz (293g). 

This pair knows how to manage any discomfort by keeping its stack high. We recorded above-average measurements of 34.2/27.9 mm in the heel and forefoot. The good amount of foam combined with a balanced 26.6 HA composition worked to our advantage as it granted comfort and support, relieving pressure off our arches and heels.

Arahi 7 features a wider-than-average midsole and Hoka’s J-Frame technology to further guide our foot alignment, effectively mitigating injuries. Our manual assessment found this shoe extremely resistant to twisting, earning a high 5/5 torsional rigidity rating.

Doubling as a running shoe, it offers some resistance as we bend our feet. Our flex test reveals it’s 64.2% stiffer than the average walking shoe, which others may find unnatural on foot.

Pros

  • Premium and comfy upper
  • Still surprisingly light
  • Subtle yet effective stability features
  • Versatile for all footstrikes
  • Reasonably priced
  • Excellent fit and security
  • Plush tongue
  • Cushioned

Cons

  • Limited breathability
  • Low energy return
  • Slightly snug fit
Full review of Hoka Arahi 7

Best slip-resistant walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

Hoka Bondi SR
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What makes it the best?

In our search for exceptional slip-free walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, we discovered that Hoka Bondi SR is the one to beat. Being slip-resistant is already on its name (SR) but we were still blown away by how we were able to traverse paths, whether wet or icy, without being anxious and without actually falling. Not to mention, our heels were in so much comfort and twinging was way out of the picture!

Testers with plantar fasciitis among us were thrilled about the heel stack height of Bondi, which we measured at 39.4 mm. This was 23.9% thicker than average and it was exactly what we needed to cater our heel with extra support and protection.

We found that shoes that are too narrow are a no-go for plantar fasciitis. Good thing that when we measured the widest part of the shoe using our calliper, we found that it was very accommodating. At 100.3 mm, Bondi is 2.5 mm wider than average. 

We measured Bondi SR’s outsole hardness, and it didn’t come as a surprise when our durometer indicated a 3.7% softer value than average: 73.1 HC. This allowed the outsole to stick to different surfaces, especially smooth ones. The catch is the outsole’s not that durable. We confirmed this when we put our Dremel to use and pressed it to the outsole, as it caused a 2.48 mm dent compared to the 1.4 mm average. So we suggest seeking other pairs if durability is non-negotiable.

Pros

  • Comfort is off-the-charts
  • Extra thick cushioning for all-day support
  • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
  • Alleviates foot discomfort (podiatrist approved)
  • Stable for a neutral shoe
  • Slip-resistant outsole
  • Superior material quality
  • Water-resistant leather upper
  • Accommodating toebox

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky
  • Not breathable
Full review of Hoka Bondi SR

Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis and wide feet

Hoka Gaviota 5
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What makes it the best?

We searched for the best walking shoe for those with wide feet and plantar fasciitis concerns, and our tests and lab results led us to the Hoka Gaviota 5. With its accommodating fit, comfortable arch support, and subtle stability, we felt like we could walk endlessly since we experienced zero pain.

From the toebox to the midsole, all the measurements we took were above average. Our toes freely splayed in the 101.8 mm toebox that barely tapers to the 83.1 mm front area. In the forefoot and heel, they emerged a mind-blowing 11.0/15.9 mm wider than the average base, ensuring we had room to find our balance.

Beneath our feet, a delightful cushioning awaits. Slicing it into half reveals a dual-density set-up: a plush 12.9 HA layer for comfort and a firmer 22.0 HA foam for controlled and stable steps. Altogether, our feet enjoyed the foam's sensation without any localised tension.

Gaviota 5 also features the H-Frame, which adds structure to the midsole to avoid unwanted movements. Our manual assessment confirms a high torsional rigidity score of 4/5. However, longitudinally, the midsole emerged 14.3% stiffer than average too, which takes away the natural feel and comfort some people prefer. Those who want more flexible shoes should look for other options.

Pros

  • Remarkably stable
  • Breathable and comfortable upper
  • Lightweight for its size
  • Plushier than ever
  • Good stability option for forefoot strikers
  • Ideal for wide feet
  • Excellent for long runs

Cons

  • Low drop might pose issues for heel strikers
  • Performs poorly in colder conditions
  • Not for narrow feet
Full review of Hoka Gaviota 5

Best budget walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

What makes it the best?

At an unbelievable £90, we believe the 2nd edition of Skechers Arch Fit is worth every penny because our lab tests and actual walks show it elevates stability to the next level. Its stacked yet balanced cushion feels more luxurious than its price suggests, while its wide base offers non-intrusive support. Compared to the £120 walking shoe, AF2 is our best budget pick for plantar fasciitis walking.

This pair didn’t skimp on cushioning and even pushed the limits with its 39.2 mm heel—one of the highest we’ve ever recorded among walking shoes. It’s paired with a 24.0 mm forefoot that results in a steep 15.2 mm that relieves pressure off our Achilles and heels. To ensure controlled movements, AF2 maintains a firm cushion so that it doesn’t bottom out. Our durometer confirms it’s 21.6% denser than average, contributing to balanced strides. 

Further enhancing stability is the wider-than-average landing base of the shoe. Its generous 114.5/90.9 mm space helps us find our footing securely. The midsole also retains a level of resistance to mitigate excessive motions. Our bend test reveals it’s 15.7% more resilient than average.

AF2 falls short in breathability, earning a disappointing 2/5 score. On humid days, the lack of ventilation becomes evident, making it uncomfortable to wear, especially under the sun's heat.

Pros

  • Amazing support for overpronation
  • Wide and stable platform
  • Tonnes of cushioning
  • Lighter than the Arch Fit 1.0
  • Perfect for all-day wear
  • Padded and cosy interiors
  • True to size and fit

Cons

  • Very poor breathability
  • Lacks durability
Full review of Skechers Arch Fit 2.0

Do you need shoes for plantar fasciitis? 

Yes, if you have plantar fasciitis.

It is well known for the pain that happens in the heel area and might even spread to the midfoot area. The pain is present because the fascia that connects your heel to your toes becomes inflamed, usually because of overuse.

The best thing to do is to see a specialist about it - better than trying to self-diagnose. There are numerous possible causes of heel pain.

Symptoms of plantar fasciitis 

In this review of the most current scientific literature on plantar fasciitis, the symptoms are listed as follows: 

  • A severe heel pain in the morning or after a rest period
  • The heel pain that gets worse with weight bearing 
  • Pain might spread from heel to the midfoot 
  • Soreness when palpating plantar fascia 
  • Discomfort when you bend your big toe by hand (passively)

How to find the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

If you’re experiencing plantar heel pain you might experience difficulty with footwear comfort, fit, and choice, as this research has shown.

Don’t be discouraged, here’s the list of shoe features to help with the pain.

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These are the things you should look for in a shoe in case you have plantar fasciitis. The idea behind these features is to find a shoe that minimises impacts when your foot hits a hard surface. 

First and foremost, comfort. The shoe should be comfortable overall! Aside from that, a shoe appropriate for plantar fasciitis should have the following features:

Features of a plantar fasciitis walking shoe

Wide and stable sole

Provides the needed stability and sure-footedness.

Sufficient and moderately soft cushioning

Decreases the impact forces while walking. The heel area should have additional cushioning to take the strain off the plantar fascia ligament.

Firm and supportive heel counter

Keeping the heel steady minimises additional stretching of the plantar fascia.

Spacious toebox

So that your toes don’t feel squeezed or pressured.

Arch support (optional)

If you also have flat feet and overpronation.

Removable insoles (optional)

You might need this option in case you go for special insoles for plantar fasciitis.

Not all these features are a must. Comfort comes first. Everything else is there to eliminate/lessen the pain and make your walking a comfortable experience.

You should avoid minimalist or barefoot shoes because they lack most of the abovementioned features.

how-to-find-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis.jpg

Here is an overview of walking shoes that meet the criteria listed above and can be recommended for plantar fasciitis. Each criterion is elaborated in detail in the sections below.

Wide and stable sole: a must for plantar fasciitis

When you suffer from foot pain, the last thing you want is shaky and wobbly footwear. You will only feel at ease when stepping on a stable platform that keeps you surefooted.

That’s why we put each walking shoe through a series of stability tests before we can recommend it for plantar fasciitis.

The most supportive shoes will have the following characteristics:

  • high torsional rigidity (it is hard to twist the shoe sideways)
  • very wide platform (in the heel, midfoot, and forefoot)

We perform a manual test to check the torsional stiffness of each shoe. We then rate it on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest. A shoe must have a score of at least 3 to be considered suitable for plantar fasciitis.

midsole-width-in-walking-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis.jpg

Using a calliper, we also measure the width of the shoe’s midsole. For consistent results, we always measure it in the widest areas of both the forefoot and the heel.

Putting together our lab findings, here is an overview of walking shoes that we consider suitable for plantar fasciitis:

To broaden your options, we also include running shoes with the same parameters that can be comfortably used for walking.

You can find even more options here.

Arch support in walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

It is possible that in addition to plantar fasciitis, you also have flat feet and/or overpronation. You should consider a more supportive walking shoe if:

  • your feet have no arches when you sit or stand
  • your feet and ankles tend to roll inwards a lot
  • your shoes wear out faster on the inner side

When in doubt, we highly recommend consulting your doctor.

But if you recognise yourself in all three cases listed above, there is a high chance that you need a stability shoe.

arch-support-in-walking-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis.jpg

Choosing the right cushioning in walking shoes for plantar fasciitis

To be recommended for plantar fasciitis, a shoe must have enough cushioning to provide impact protection and take the pressure off the heel.

cushioning-inwalking-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis.JPG

A study with 101 participants revealed that 83.2% of people with plantar fasciitis were wearing inappropriate shoes for their condition. These were shoes with a minimal heel height or hard, non-cushioned insoles without built-in arch support.

On a positive note, another study showed that 95% of patients who wore max-cushioned shoes reported that the footwear helped in their recovery process.

Heel stack and drop

But what is considered good cushioning for plantar fasciitis?

While there is no specific guideline, we believe it is safe to recommend at least:

  • 30 mm of heel stack height
  • 8 mm of heel-to-toe drop*

*The drop indicates the elevation of the heel above the toes. It is the difference in height between the heel stack and the forefoot stack.

heel-to-toe-drop-for-plantar-fasciitis.jpg
Example of a shoe with a 36.5 mm heel stack and an 11 mm drop.

To make your life easier, we measure every walking shoe’s stack height in our lab. We use a calliper and follow the rules set by the World Athletics as to where the stack height should be measured. The thickness of the insole and the outsole is included as well.

measuring-heel-stack-in-walking-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis.jpg

Depending on personal preference, you can opt for a slightly higher or lower heel stack and drop. You might as well stick to shoes with average measurements to be on the safe side.

You can also find more options among running shoes that are suitable for walking and meet the criteria for plantar fasciitis.

Midsole softness

On one hand, you need a touch of softness to dampen the impact upon landings. On the other hand, an overly plush shoe may aggravate the plantar fascia.

The common ground is to choose moderately soft or even a bit firm cushioning.

midsole-softness-measurement-in-walking-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis.jpg

In the lab, we cut all tested shoes in half and measure their foam softness with an HA durometer to find out which walking shoes could be suitable for plantar fasciitis.

We recommend choosing from shoes with an HA reading between 20 and 30:

The lower the HA number, the softer the cushioning. You can choose plusher or firmer based on your preference.

Do check the heel counter too

The lack of proper support at the rearfoot may lead to excessive shifting of the heel and ankle. This, in turn, is likely to exasperate the heel pain.

We perform a manual squeeze-and-push test to check how structured is the heel counter on each walking shoe. The stiffness is rated on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest.

A heel counter must score at least 3 in this test to be considered as appropriate for plantar fasciitis.

Make sure there is enough space in the toebox

Even when you find a shoe with the most ideal support and cushioning, the experience can be ruined by a tight-fitting upper.

That’s why it is critically important to get the right shoe size in your day-to-day walking shoes.

In addition to getting the size (length) right, you should also check if the toebox has enough room for your toes.

toebox-width-in-walking-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis.jpg

Equipped with a calliper, we check the toebox width of each walking shoe in our lab. We measure both the widest part and the big toe area to make sure that the upper doesn’t taper towards the toes.

As our lab data shows, the width and shape of the toebox varies, even when all tested shoes are of the same men’s US size 9.

Some shoes have very spacious toeboxes even in medium width. In other shoes, you will need to order wide or extra wide to accommodate your toes.

Are rocker shoes good for plantar fasciitis?

They are. In fact, podiatrists often prescribe shoes with a stiff rocker profile to help alleviate the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

The curved shape of such shoes acts like a rocking chair for the foot. It makes heel-to-toe transitions much smoother and easier, distributing the pressure evenly across the foot.

They also make the ride feel more propulsive as the rocker encourages the foot to roll forward.

However, there are a couple of caveats.

A rocker-bottom walking shoe may not be a panacea for plantar fasciitis. Even though such shoes can be used as part of the treatment, they only help to ease the pain. Do consult with your doctor first.

Another downside is that rocker shoes can take some getting used to, especially if the curve is aggressive. Standing in some shoes can feel tricky at first.

We have tested a number of rockered walking shoes to find out which ones meet our criteria for plantar fasciitis.

Treatment of plantar fasciitis 

It’s important to consult your specialist about possible treatments for your condition. The treatments that should likely be attempted first are those that are low-cost and low-risk such as stretching of the plantar fascia and/or Achilles tendon, education about the condition, and prefabricated orthotics (as explained here). 

This, however, is a general overview of how the treatment algorithm looks like: 

Treatment-for-plantar-fasciitis-timeline.png

If you’re dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis, this research offers an in-depth comparison between different inserts and insoles.

Don’ts for people with plantar fasciitis 

1. What happens if you ignore plantar fasciitis?

It will go from acute to chronic pain. It might even lead to pain in other body parts, because you’ll start walking differently in order to lessen the pain by changing the impact in the feet. This way, compensation will happen and other body parts will light up. In order to avoid new discomfort and pain, it’s important to treat plantar fasciitis while it’s in the acute phase.

2. Can I walk on the treadmill if I have plantar fasciitis?

Walking on a treadmill might make your plantar fasciitis worse. Basically, you’re doing more steps in a shorter period of time. The best suggestion for plantar fasciitis is to stop repetitive motion with impact forces in the heel. 

Some even advise activities such as elliptical machine or stationary cycling until the symptoms resolve, as shown in this study

3. Can I wear running shoes for walking if I have plantar fasciitis? 

Depends on the purpose. If you’re doing quick power walks, running shoes might do. Pay attention to how your feet feel. However, if you’re looking for shoes for casual walks, you should look for models made especially for walking. To read more on the differences between running and walking shoes, read our in-depth guide on walking shoes

4. Can I walk barefoot if I have plantar fasciitis? 

You should not walk barefoot. Plantar fasciitis means your plantar tendon is under too much pressure and you need stability features that shoes offer to help decrease both pain and pressure.

5. What causes plantar fasciitis?

The main cause hasn’t been discovered scientifically. However, there are numerous risk factors

Intrinsic risk factors: 

  • Obesity
  • Pes planus (flat feet)
  • Pes cavus (high-arched feet)
  • Shortened Achilles tendon
  • Overpronation (inward roll)
  • Limited ankle dorsiflexion
  • Weak intrinsic muscles of the foot
  • Weak plantar flexor muscles

Extrinsic risk factors: 

  • Poor biomechanics or alignment 
  • Deconditioning
  • Hard surface
  • Walking barefoot
  • Prolonged weight bearing
  • Inadequate stretching
  • Poor footwear
Author
Laci
Laci
Laci is a contemporary dancer turned shoe aficionado. She is the most knowledgeable person when it comes to athletic shoes, size conversions and details people nitpick about footwear. She keeps the RunRepeat content gears turning 24/7. And she walks 20miles/week.