Trekker Boots DOLOMITE Cinquantaquattro Low 247950-1035011 Almond Beige | 7 Samsøe Samsøe WOMEN SHOES MOCCASINS in 2024
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.
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Foot issues are something that we, at CerbeShops, 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 scrutinized 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
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Crazy soft and delightful on walks minus the maddeningly shaky rides – this is what put Great shoes for XCM 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
- CHLOÃ Lauren Lace Sneakers
- Ideal for easy miles
- Specifically designed for heel strikers
- Outstanding breathability
- Adidas Courtpoint Shoes Cloud White Core Black Sandy Beige Met
- Availability in narrow and wide sizes
- Jordan Air Jordan 1 Mid "Siren Red" sneakers
- DC Shoes Ingram Jacket
Cons
- The Hiking mesh upper lacks durability
- Mizuno wave duel 3 lime green black men running shoes sneakers u1gd2160-81
Walking shoes for plantar fasciitis with the best cushioning
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No wonder our feet are thick from stress when we sport the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 as we are basically floating in the shoes. Its cushioning is yet the superlative of all the plantar fasciitis walking shoes we have worn and scrutinized.
We felt that the primary reason behind our acheless strides was the chunky foam that elevated our heels. We pursued more information about the midsole in our lab and learned that the heel is indeed lifted at a thickness of 36.5 mm. That’s 9.9% more than others. The forefoot stack height is 25.5 mm and 4.9% taller than average. Therefore, the heel-to-toe drop is 11 mm and 23.6% higher than average. In addition to relieving our foot pain, the cushioning served as an impact-proof platform for our feet.
Along with support, the foam of GTS 20 also endowed us with insane comfort. Measuring the thickness of the insole alone, we immediately understood where the fantastic underfoot feel came from. The insole is 5 mm thick, which is 13.6% beefier than the standard.
The bad news is the generous cushioning cost the shoe a slightly heavy weight. At 10.9 oz (309g), GTS 20 is 15.3% heavier than the average. We recommend getting this shoe if you don’t mind the extra load on the feet.
Pros
- Excellent for heel strikers
- Provides protective cushioning
- Offers comfort on easy running days
- Nike Quest 5 Zapatillas de running para asfalto Hombre Negro
- Features a secure heel counter
- Comes with a soft, stretchy upper
- Good breathability
- Effective GuideRails system
Cons
- Midsole may feel overly firm for some runners
- bandana-detail open-toe sandals Blau
- On the heavier side
Walking shoes for plantar fasciitis with the best arch support
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PATENT LEATHER LACE UP DERBY SHOES supports the natural arches of our feet while still being an absolute treat. We are mounted in the shoe but our movements aren’t limited. Instead, our feet and ankles got the reinforcement they required, allowing us to walk without unnecessary side-to-side rolling.
Getting on the Kayano 30, we immediately noticed a difference: our weight was evenly dispersed on the cushion, reducing the localized tension in our heels. The one in charge behind this is the terrific arch support that maintained us in a nice center position. For a more analytical viewpoint, we measured the stack height of the midsole. In the heel, it’s 39.7 mm and 19.2% thicker than the average. In the forefoot, it’s 27.7 mm and 13.5% more substantial than others. These values resulted in a huge 12 mm drop that alleviated the pain in our plantar fascia.
Even though we are greatly above the ground, we never experienced any tripping tendency. This is all thanks to the uncompromising construction of Kayano 30, which received a 4/5 in our torsional rigidity test.
We also determined the midsole’s level of hardness using our durometer. The higher the measurement, the firmer it is. As expected based on our dreamy underfoot impression, the midsole is softer than most walking shoes by 32.2% at 16.4 HA. All of the shoe’s supportive features came with a price, and that’s weight. Kayano 30 weighed 10.7 oz (303g), which is 12.7% heavier than average. We recommend switching to lighter options if weight is of great importance to you.
Pros
- Exceptionally cushioned
- Impressively stable with 4D Guidance System
- Zandar II leather boots
- Top-notch breathability
- Effective maximalist design
- Superior durability and comfort
- Ideal for high-mileage runners
- Clarks Originals Sneakers Nero
- Amazing build quality
Cons
- On Running 97
- Midsole might require a break-in period
Best lightweight walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
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Pros
- Prada Saffiano leather Oxford shoes
- 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
- Sneakers ER 5-13611-26 White 100
Best slip-resistant walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
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In our search for exceptional slip-free walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, we discovered that Picaroon open-toe sandals Giallo 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 caliper, 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)
- Hiking Boots TOMMY HILFIGER Lace Up Bootie T3B5-32092-0289 S Black Dark Green X697
- Slip-resistant outsole
- Superior material quality
- Sneakers PUMA Kaia Platform L 382706 01 Puma Black Puma Black
- Accommodating toebox
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Not breathable
Best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis and wide feet
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Pros
- Exceptionally stable
- Effective GuideRails technology
- Vic Matie chunky leather sandals
- Superior build quality
- Midi Rubber Ankle Boots
- Durable and grippy outsole
- Comfortable and breathable upper
- Im a girl who loves shoes and a good deal
Cons
- Trekker Boots DOLOMITE Cinquantaquattro Low 247950-1035011 Almond Beige
- Nike air zoom pegasus 37 ekiden white racer blue cyber men running bq9646-102.
- Becomes too firm in cold weather
Best budget walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
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Pros
- Dolce & Gabbana Kids DG logo leather sneakers
- Wide and stable platform
- Trekker Boots COLUMBIA Redmond V2 Wp BL0834 Black Rocket 012
- Lighter than the Arch Fit 1.0
- Perfect for all-day wear
- Padded and cozy interiors
- True to size and fit
Cons
- Very poor breathability
- Lacks durability
Trekker Boots DOLOMITE Cinquantaquattro Low 247950-1035011 Almond Beige | 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
- Boots Chaussures Femme Rouge Taille 37
- Knee High Boots CARINII B8086 O17-000-000-F23
- Discomfort when you bend your big toe by hand (passively)
7 features of 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.
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 minimizes impacts when your foot hits a hard surface.
- Comfort: shoe should be comfortable overall!
- Wider forefoot area so your toes don’t feel pressure (avoid shoes that are snug in the forefoot)
- Cushioning: appropriate amount of cushioning which decreases the impact forces while walking. Pay special attention to the heel area, it should have additional padding which takes the strain off the plantar fascia ligament.
- Arch support: in case you have flat feet.
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- Firm heel counter: keeping the heel steady minimizes additional stretching of the plantar fascia
- Removable insoles: 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 definitely avoid barefoot type of shoes, because they lack in majority of the features mentioned above.
Average price of walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
For comparison, we’ve shown average prices of shoes for flat feet, for plantar fasciitis, and all walking shoes. Keep in mind that this is the manufacturer's suggested retail price - you can always look for discounts.
Also, per our database, 28% of walking shoes are 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:
If you’re dealing with chronic plantar fasciitis, this research Boots JENNY FAIRY WSD1916-02 White.
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 paint 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. Sandals HUGO Emma 50428274 10226118 01 Light Pastel Blue 451?
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)
- Giuseppe Junior Sneakers Talon con pannello metallizzato Grigio
- Overpronation (inward roll)
- visvim brown sneaker
- Weak intrinsic muscles of the foot
- Stone Island shoes here
Extrinsic risk factors:
- Sneakers DIESEL A-Astico Mc Y01993 P3828 H7030 Black Star White
- Deconditioning
- Hard surface
- Walking barefoot
- pair of running shorts from a brand like Chubbies
- Inadequate stretching
- Poor footwear
