If you’re living with plantar fasciitis, you probably keep an eye out for shoes designed to make walking with this condition easy and painless.
And those that keep their promises are worth the cost — especially if they also happen to look good.
But where do you find the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis? And just how much extra cost per pair are you facing when you shop for them?
Turns out there’s a growing selection of shoes designed to keep your feet comfy all day without breaking the bank, though some might cost more than you’re used to spending on shoes.
We’ve listed the top options below to make your next shoe shopping trip even easier.
What to Look For in a Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
When you’re shopping for shoes you can walk in for hours without suffering from plantar fasciitis-related heel pain, you’ll want to check the following boxes:
- Good arch support
- Soft but durable, contoured cushioning
- Flexible, lightweight construction
- Breathability
You might think that last one is optional, but if you’re going to be wearing these shoes for hours — walking, shopping, hiking — you don’t want sweaty feet.
Aside from the smell, the trapped moisture can compromise any shoe’s ability to properly support your feet.
Page Contents
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5 Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
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Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post Sandal
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Skechers Performance Women GoWalk 4 — Pursuit Walking Shoe
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Gravity Defyer Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk
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Keen Women’s Whisper Sandal
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Clarks Women’s Annadel Eirwyn Wedge Sandal
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5 Best Men’s Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
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OOFOS Unisex Original Sport — Post Run Recovery Thong Sandal
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Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe
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Keen Men’s Newport H2 Sandal
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ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe
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Vionic Men’s Walker
That said, the arch support and cushioning are the features most likely to ensure hours of comfortable (or at least not painful) walking. And the options listed below have both.
It doesn’t hurt that they’re also easy on the eyes.
5 Best Women’s Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Check out these five options for plantar fasciitis shoes women will love to wear.
1. Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post Sandal
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As a rule, basic flip-flops are not friendly to those with plantar fasciitis.
But if you miss wearing them, try these classy, cushioned toe-post sandals by Vionic.
Pros:
- Vionic specializes in footwear for those with plantar fasciitis
- The molded footbed is made to support your arch and keep your heels happy
- Breathability is a given
Cons:
- Too casual for some venues.
- Not designed for hiking in the rough (not much foot protection)
If you’re looking for something equally supportive but with a little more bling, try these sandals by the same brand.
2. Skechers Performance Women GoWalk 4 — Pursuit Walking Shoe
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These easy-on and off shoes provide plenty of cushioning and support without confining your feet in a lace-up fortress.
These will get you through even the most grueling day of air travel without punishing your feet.
Pros:
- A stylish slip-on in a variety of colors
- Soft, breathable mesh upper with a supportive insole
- Innovative and responsive 5GEN midsole cushioning
- Bamboo-lined, anti-bacterial footbed for improved odor control
Cons:
- The “Wide” sizes are available only in black.
If you’re looking for other Skechers slip-ons, their Kindle Shoe has the same 5GEN cushioning system and comes in more color options.
And if you want the same comfort in a semi-dressy flat, try their Microburst One-Up Fashion Sneaker.
3. Gravity Defyer Women’s G-Defy Mighty Walk
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Another Amazon’s Choice walking shoe, this one comes in wide and extra-wide width with its patented VersoShock technology.
These shoes were designed to make walking more fun for women with plantar fasciitis.
Pros:
- Patented spring system absorbs shock and converts it to renewed energy
- Removable insoles allow you to insert custom-made orthotics
- Front rocker sole with midfoot support prevents and relieves plantar fasciitis.
Cons:
- The price runs a bit high at $150 USD.
- The shoe also runs a bit heavy, according to customer reviews.
4. Keen Women’s Whisper Sandal
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These rugged but stylish sport sandals will keep you going whatever the terrain — from city streets to beaches to hiking trails.
Pros:
- Secure fit lace capture system keeps feet from slipping and shifting.
- Non-marking rubber outsole helps with traction and support.
- Metatomical EVA footbed supports the arch and cushions the heel.
- Anti-collision toe protects your feet.
Cons:
- Too casual for some venues
Other Keen sandals for women that provide the same support and comparable style include the Newport H2, the Venice, and the Venice H2.
5. Clarks Women’s Annadel Eirwyn Wedge Sandal
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When it’s time to dress up, or you just want something with some heel to wear on your next trek downtown, go for a wedge heel for maximum stability.
And when it comes to high-quality shoes with great style, you can’t go wrong with Clarks.
Pros:
- Dressy shoes made for easy walking (even on cobblestones)
- Ortholite footbed with cushion soft comfort
- Rubber sole with a 1.25” platform
- Wide sizes are available in multiple color options.
Cons:
- At 2.95”, the heel height might be a deal-breaker for some.
Other stylish and supportive wedge options include the Bernie Mev Lulia Wedge Pump and the Dansko Vivian Gladiator Sandal.
5 Best Men’s Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The following are five of the best plantar fasciitis shoes for men, with their related selling points and caveats.
1. OOFOS Unisex Original Sport — Post Run Recovery Thong Sandal
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Made for both men and women, these toe-post sandals pamper your feet with superior arch support and heel cushioning.
Keep a pair handy to slip on after foot-punishing workouts.
Pros:
- Biomechanically designed to facilitate natural motion
- Patented footbed supports your arches and cradles your foot for maximum stress relief
- Patented OOfoam Recovery Technology absorbs 37% more impact than traditional
- Durable and machine washable
Cons:
- Too casual for some venues
Another winning pair is the Vionic Tide toe-post sandal for men, which — like the women’s sandal — comes with concealed orthotic arch support in a soft, cushioned EVA footbed.
2. Skechers Performance Men’s Go Walk 4 Incredible Walking Shoe
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The easy slip-on style cradles your foot with cushioning while supporting the arch for long walks. They’re equally at home on city streets, on campus, at home, or on the beach.
Pros:
- Extra wide width options give wider feet more wiggle room.
- Lightweight, flexible design moves with your feet to conserve your energy.
- Classic color options look good dressed up or down.
Cons:
- Not as snug a fit as with lace-up shoes
For a snugger fit, a lace-up pair of Skechers like the Stamina Cutback Sneaker or the Afterburn Memory Foam Sneaker will provide ample support and also come in an extra-wide width.
3. Keen Men’s Newport H2 Sandal
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If you want a sandal that will stay on your foot while supporting your arches and cushioning every step, these sporty Keens are the perfect option.
Pros:
- All Keen water sandals (including this one) are machine washable.
- The molded footbed absorbs shock and supports your arch.
- The rubber outsole keeps you from slipping and sliding on wet surfaces.
Cons:
- Too casual for some venues
If you’re looking for something less strappy but equally at home around water and on a variety of terrain, try the Crocs Men’s Swiftwater Mesh Sandal or for something a bit more dressed up, the Swiftwater Leather Fisherman Sandal.
4. ASICS Men’s GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe
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For lace-up athletic shoes that cradle and support your feet while you walk or run, give this pair a try.
Pros:
- Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System absorbs shock during impact.
- Removable sock liner can make room for a custom orthotic.
- Reversed lugs on the outsole provide uphill and downhill traction.
Cons:
- ASICS run a bit narrow, so if wide widths aren’t available, order a half size up.
For another option that will allow you to run as well as walk (without regretting it soon after), try the Venture 6, the Cumulus 19, or the Nimbus 20.
5. Vionic Men’s Walker
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These walking shoes have the APMA’s (American Podiatric Medical Association) Seal of Acceptance, reminding us once again of the Vionic brand’s commitment to quality.
Pros:
- Removable dual-density, fabric-covered EVA footbed
- Active Motion System (AMS) technology combines the podiatrist-designed orthotic with a flexible outsole and breathable upper.
- Leather or suede upper
- Wide widths available
Cons:
- According to reviews, they run small, so order a size up.
Another option for highly supportive lace-up walking shoes is the Brooks Addiction Walker or the Brooks Addiction 13.
Or if you’re looking for a supportive but more dressed-up slip-on shoe, try the Vionic Men’s Astor Preston Slip-on Loafer.
Did you find the best shoe for plantar fasciitis for you?
Now that you’re in the know about some of the best shoe options for folks with plantar fasciitis, which, if any, did you add to your “wish list” — or even your shopping cart?
Are your feet crying out for something that will finally give your arches the support they need, while giving your heels enough cush to keep the shocks away?
The right shoes can actually make you forget your plantar fasciitis, so you can get to where you want to go without the punishing heel pain you’ve come to expect.
So, we hope one of the shoes listed in this article will do that for you or lead you to the shoes that will.
We wish you a lifetime of painless walks. And may your creative energy and adventurous spirit influence everything you do today.
