Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (2025): For Pain-Free Steps

2025年10月28日 Freaky Shoes

Best shoes for plantar fasciitis give you the right arch support you need. But the problem is many shoe freaks don’t know which are these. Hundreds of people have asked us, what are the top shoes for plantar fasciitis and we’re now here with an answer.

In 2024, we decided to try those that are popular. We started with over two dozen shoes and kept discarding those that we thought were average.

After more than a year, we’ve now finally shortlisted the best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.

Shoe Model	Cushioning & Support	Weight/Feel	Best Use	Key Feature
Brooks Adrenaline GTS	Balanced with GuideRails	Moderate, smooth	Running, stability	Keeps feet aligned
Hoka Bondi 9	Maximum plush cushioning	Heavy, soft	Long runs, recovery	Extra cushioned ride
Asics Gel-Kayano 31	Plush, stable, supportive	Moderate, soft	Stability running	Gel cushioning system
New Balance 990v5	Firm, durable support	Heavy, solid	Everyday wear	Made in USA build
Saucony Omni Walker	Supportive walking cushion	Moderate, steady	Walking	Built for walkers
OrthoFeet Coral Stretch	Soft, roomy fit	Light, flexible	Leisure walking	Stretch upper for comfort
Dr. Scholl’s Feel Well Slipper	Ultra-soft, relaxed	Very light, cozy	Indoor wear	Cushioned home comfort

Now, the details.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

Factor	Details
Best for?	Running and walking with strong arch support
Made up of which materials?	Engineered mesh upper, blown rubber outsole, DNA LOFT v2 midsole foam
Suitable for which occasions?	Daily runs, gym workouts, long walks, casual wear
Pairs Well With?	Athletic leggings, joggers, lightweight sports socks

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Why? Well, it combines strong arch support, a cushioned heel, and stability features. Its GuideRails® system keeps the foot from rolling inward, and the 12 mm drop helps you walk.

When we wore it for a 5K run, it stayed comfortable the whole time. The engineered mesh kept our feet cool, and the deep heel cup gave a secure fit without rubbing. The shoe feels firm underfoot but soft on impact, which is perfect for reducing heel pain.

Comfort Score: 4.8/5
Durability Score: 4.6/5
Breathability Score: 4.5/5
Versatility Score: 4.7/5

Total Score: 4.65/5

Key Features

GuideRails® support system: Prevents excessive inward rolling of the foot.
DNA LOFT v2 cushioning: Soft yet supportive foam for impact absorption.
Engineered mesh upper: Increases airflow to keep feet cool.
Deep heel cup: Stabilizes the heel and reduces strain.
12 mm drop: Moves body weight forward to reduce heel stress.
Blown rubber outsole: Gives good grip and durability.
Segmented crash pad: Smooths heel-to-toe movement.
Wide fit option: Works well for different foot shapes.

Pros	Cons
Excellent arch and heel support	Slightly heavier than some running shoes
Durable build for long use	Price is higher than average
Breathable during workouts
Stable design for plantar fasciitis
Available in multiple widths
Good for both running and walking
Secure heel fit with no slipping
Strong traction on many surfaces

If you need more cushioning and support, these running shoes for overweight men are worth checking out.

Hoka Bondi 9

Factor	Details
Best for?	All-day walking and standing with maximum cushioning
Made up of which materials?	Engineered mesh upper, EVA midsole, Durabrasion rubber outsole
Suitable for which occasions?	Long walks, travel, casual wear, light jogging
Pairs Well With?	Casual jeans, travel pants, cushioned walking socks

The Hoka Bondi 9 is one of the most cushioned shoes for plantar fasciitis, making it ideal for all-day wear. Its thick EVA midsole absorbs shock with every step, and the rocker shape helps the foot roll forward smoothly. This is a big thing, as it reduces pressure on the heel.

We wore it for a full day of sightseeing and felt no heel pain by the end. The wide toe box gave our toes room to spread, and the snug heel cup kept our feet steady. Even with its plush cushioning, it’s surprisingly light.

Comfort Score: 4.9/5
Durability Score: 4.5/5
Breathability Score: 4.6/5
Versatility Score: 4.7/5

Total Score: 4.68/5

Key Features

Plush EVA midsole: Delivers maximum cushioning for heel pain relief.
Early-stage Meta-Rocker: Guides smooth forward motion with less strain.
Wide toe box: Reduces crowding and pressure on toes.
Snug heel cup: Holds foot securely without slipping.
Engineered mesh upper: Keeps feet cool during long wear.
Rigid mid-foot support: Maintains arch stability.
Lightweight build: Comfortable for extended use.
Durable rubber outsole: Provides grip on different surfaces.

Pros	Cons
Exceptional cushioning for heel pain	Bulkier than regular sneakers
Stable arch support	Too soft for speed running
Breathable for long walks
Comfortable for wide feet
Smooth walking transition
Lightweight for its size
Durable for daily wear
Good for travel and casual wear

Plantar fasciitis and flat feet often go hand-in-hand. Here are the best running shoes for flat feet that we tested.

Asics Gel-Kayano 31

Factor	Details
Best for?	Walking and running with strong stability for low arches
Made up of which materials?	Engineered mesh upper, AHAR® rubber outsole, GEL® cushioning, FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO midsole
Suitable for which occasions?	Daily walking, running, gym workouts, casual wear
Pairs Well With?	Athletic shorts, joggers, performance running socks

The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 is one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis if you need both cushioning and stability. Its GEL® technology in the heel and forefoot absorbs shock, while the stability system keeps low arches supported. The shoe is also built with a responsive foam midsole that makes walking smoother.

When we tested it on a mix of treadmill running and outdoor walking, the Gel-Kayano 31 felt secure without being stiff. The heel stayed steady even on uneven sidewalks. Plus, the upper breathed well enough to keep our feet dry.

Comfort Score: 4.7/5
Durability Score: 4.6/5
Breathability Score: 4.6/5
Versatility Score: 4.7/5

Total Score: 4.65/5

Key Features

GEL® cushioning: Softens heel and forefoot impact.
Stability system: Prevents foot from rolling inward.
FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO midsole: Lightweight and responsive cushioning.
AHAR® rubber outsole: Durable and grippy.
Engineered mesh upper: Improves airflow for cooler feet.
External heel counter: Adds extra support at the rearfoot.
10 mm drop: Eases strain on the heel.
Orthotic-friendly design: Works well with custom insoles.

Pros	Cons
Excellent stability for low arches	Slightly heavier than lightweight trainers
Responsive yet cushioned ride	Price is on the higher end
Durable build
Breathable upper
Roomy toe box
Good for both running and walking
Secure heel fit
Works with orthotics

Need foot protection plus heel support? These are the best steel toe shoes for foot pain and safety.

New Balance 990v5

Factor	Details
Best for?	All-day comfort with custom orthotic support
Made up of which materials?	Pigskin and mesh upper, ENCAP midsole with EVA foam, blown rubber outsole
Suitable for which occasions?	Walking, casual wear, light jogging, travel
Pairs Well With?	Jeans, chinos, casual shorts

The New Balance 990v5 is one of the top shoes for plantar fasciitis. The reason we picked it is that it combines a cushioned midsole and a stable base. This makes it great for custom orthotics and for anyone who needs a supportive shoe for long wear.

When we used it for a weekend trip, it stayed comfortable from morning to night. The leather and mesh combo felt durable yet breathable, and the cushioning absorbed enough impact to keep our heels from aching. It’s also stylish enough to wear casually.

Comfort Score: 4.8/5
Durability Score: 4.7/5
Breathability Score: 4.⅘
Versatility Score: 4.8/5

Total Score: 4.68/5

Key Features

ENCAP midsole: EVA foam core with polyurethane rim for support.
Pigskin and mesh upper: Durable yet breathable build.
Roomy toe box: Great for comfort and orthotics.
Blown rubber outsole: Provides grip and flexibility.
Dual-density collar foam: Prevents irritation around the ankle.
Stable base: Supports natural walking motion.
Made in the USA: High build quality.
Neutral design: Works with casual and sporty outfits.

Pros	Cons
Supportive for plantar fasciitis	Slightly heavy for running
Works with orthotics	Less breathable than all-mesh shoes
Durable materials
Roomy and comfortable
Stylish for casual wear
Stable and balanced feel
Good cushioning for long wear
High-quality construction

Saucony Omni Walker

Factor	Details
Best for?	Walking with firm arch and heel support
Made up of which materials?	Full-grain leather upper, EVA midsole, rubber WALKTRAC® outsole
Suitable for which occasions?	Daily walking, work, casual outings
Pairs Well With?	Casual pants, walking shorts, light jackets

The Saucony Omni Walker is one of the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis. It offers firm arch support and a smooth heel-to-toe transition. On top of these, its leather upper adds structure and durability, making it ideal for all-day use.

When we wore it for a full week of morning walks, the stability and comfort stayed consistent. We think it’s a dependable choice if you’re on your feet a lot and need something durable.

Comfort Score: 4.7/5
Durability Score: 4.8/5
Breathability Score: 4.⅖
Versatility Score: 4.6/5

Total Score: 4.58/5

Key Features

Full-grain leather upper: Provides durability and structure.
EVA midsole: Cushions each step for comfort.
WALKTRAC® outsole: Ensures smooth heel-to-toe movement.
Firm arch support: Reduces strain on the plantar fascia.
Padded tongue and collar: Adds comfort around the ankle.
Slip-resistant grip: Safe on multiple surfaces.
Orthotic-friendly: Works with custom insoles.
Structured heel cup: Stabilizes heel alignment.

Pros	Cons
Firm arch and heel support	Less breathable due to leather upper
Durable leather build	Slightly heavier than mesh shoes
Cushioned midsole
Smooth walking motion
Slip-resistant sole
Good for all-day wear
Works with orthotics
Supportive fit

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit

Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2025

Factor	Details
Best for?	Wide feet needing extra cushioning and arch support
Made up of which materials?	Stretch knit upper, Ortho-Cushion™ system, lightweight rubber outsole
Suitable for which occasions?	Daily walking, casual outings, travel
Pairs Well With?	Casual jeans, leggings, light walking socks

The Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit is one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis if you have wide feet. Its stretch knit upper adapts to your foot shape, and the Ortho-Cushion™ system provides orthotic-level arch support. The combination reduces heel pain and improves walking comfort.

When we wore it for a year, the fit stayed comfortable without pressure points. The cushioned insole supported our arches, and the roomy toe box allowed natural toe movement. It’s a great everyday option for anyone who needs all-day comfort.

Comfort Score: 4.9/5
Durability Score: 4.5/5
Breathability Score: 4.8/5
Versatility Score: 4.6/5

Total Score: 4.7/5

Key Features

Stretch knit upper: Adapts to foot shape for custom fit.
Ortho-Cushion™ system: Provides orthotic-level support and shock absorption.
Removable orthotic insole: Works with custom inserts.
Extra-depth design: Allows toe freedom.
Seam-free interior: Prevents irritation.
Lightweight rubber outsole: Adds flexibility and grip.
Arch booster: Enhances midfoot support.
Wide and extra-wide sizing: Fits broader feet comfortably.

Pros	Cons
Perfect for wide feet	Not ideal for narrow feet
Orthotic-level support	Style is more casual than sporty
Breathable stretch knit
Lightweight for all-day wear
Roomy toe box
Removable insole
Seam-free interior for comfort
Good for casual walking

Dr. Scholl’s Feel Well Slip-On Sneakers

Factor	Details
Best for?	Easy slip-on comfort with built-in arch support
Made up of which materials?	Knit fabric upper, cushioned insole, flexible rubber outsole
Suitable for which occasions?	Errands, casual walking, travel
Pairs Well With?	Casual pants, shorts, travel outfits

The Dr. Scholl’s Feel Well Slip-On Sneakers are among the best shoes for plantar fasciitis if you want quick, convenient wear. They have built-in arch support and a cushioned footbed, which help reduce heel pain during daily activities.

When we used them for running errands and casual outings, they were easy to slip on. We think they’re great for travel.

Comfort Score: 4.7/5
Durability Score: 4/5
Breathability Score: 4.7/5
Versatility Score: 4.6/5

Total Score: 4.6/5

Key Features

Slip-on design: Easy to put on and take off.
Built-in arch support: Supports the plantar fascia.
Flexible outsole: Encourages natural movement.
Lightweight feel: Ideal for all-day wear.
Padded collar: Prevents ankle rubbing.

Pros	Cons
Quick slip-on wear	Less supportive than high-end athletic shoes
Breathable and lightweight	Not for intense exercise
Good everyday comfort
Arch support built-in
Flexible sole for natural movement
Easy to pack for travel
No pressure from laces
Casual, modern look

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Here are key factors to look for before buying shoes for Plantar Fasciitis:

Factor	Why It Matters
Arch support	Helps reduce pressure on the plantar fascia and supports natural foot shape
Cushioning	Softens impact while walking and eases heel pain
Heel support	Keeps the heel stable and lowers strain on the fascia
Firm midsole	Adds stability and prevents the foot from rolling inward
Shock absorption	Protects feet from hard surfaces and reduces pain during movement
Fit and comfort	A snug, supportive fit prevents slipping and irritation
Lightweight design	Makes walking easier without adding extra stress
Durability	Ensures long-lasting support for daily wear

Bottom Line

If you have plantar fasciitis, wearing the right shoes can really help your feet feel better. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS, Asics Gel-Kayano 31, and Hoka Bondi 9 are great running shoes because they give soft cushioning and strong support. The New Balance 990v5 is a good everyday shoe that is strong and steady.

For walking, the Saucony Omni Walker is made to keep your steps comfortable. If you want something gentle, the Orthofeet Coral Stretch and Dr. Scholl’s Feel Well Slipper is for you. All of these shoes help reduce pain and give your feet the support they need.