Whether you’re heading out for a walk or logging daily steps for work, your feet deserve shoes that feel good. And no, supportive shoes don’t have to look like something out of your grandma’s closet. From a lot of testing and data, we’ve compiled the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis that check all the boxes: comfort, support, and even style.
We’ve all had that phase where style wins out over comfort, even if it means aching feet by the end of the day. But when plantar fasciitis flares up, it’s hard to keep ignoring the pain.
The right pair of shoes can make all the difference. When it comes to plantar fasciitis, it’s all about finding solid arch support, the right amount of cushioning, and a firm heel counter. (We’ll dive into exactly what that means below.)
This list is built on real-world feedback from our wear testers, and yes, a few are even favorites from my own closet.
7 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
While there’s no one-size-fits-all shoe, there are definitely a few key things to look for that can make a big difference when you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis.
The shoes in this list include both options specifically designed to ease plantar fasciitis pain and a few of our go-to favorites that you’ve seen show up on many of our “best of” lists.
All Around Best Option – KURU Atom 2
KURU is a brand that designs heel-first footwear to match your foot’s natural biomechanics. Instead of adding a bunch of extra inserts to your shoes, it’s already built in for you!
This shoe features a KURUSOLE. The curved, heel-cupping design gives your heel pad a little extra support and forms to your foot. If you’re someone who deals with plantar fasciitis, this is exactly the kind of structure that can make a big difference.
Shoes with deep heel cups offer runners with plantar fasciitis not only protection for the heel bone but also a reduction in pronation which can help manage that all too familiar heel pain.
The other thing that caught me off guard was the firmness of the cushioning. The sole is made up of multiple layers including the KURUCLOUD+, KURUSOLE and the ULTIMATE INSOLES so I had expected it to feel super plush. But for a shoe designed to support plantar fasciitis, firm and balanced cushioning is actually the way to go.
A cushioned shoe absorbs shock, protecting the plantar fascia from strain caused by repetitive impact. But too much cushioning can make your foot and ankle unstable.
- Weight: 13.1 oz Men’s, 11.4 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- 4 colors available
- Available in wide
- Available from kurufootwear.com for $165
- Check out our full review of the Kuru Atom 2 here >>
Best Max Cushion Walking Shoe – Hoka Bondi
The Hoka Bondi can be found on a lot of our best shoe lists. It’s just an all-around good shoe.
The Bondi 9 offers a touch of pep to your step thanks to the combination of its supercritical EVA foam and the smooth MetaRocker midsole design. The well-cushioned area in the heel and overall support are going to help if you have plantar fasciitis!
Even with all that cushioning, the Bondi 9 still manages to feel lightweight, which is a huge win for a shoe this plush.
Hoka also upped the stack height by 2mm, bringing it to 43mm in the heel, and while that might sound like a lot, it didn’t feel bulky or unstable at all.
- Weight: 10.5 oz Men’s, 9.3 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Available in 6 colors
- Available in wide and extra wide (in limited colors)
- Available on Hoka.com for $170
- Read our full review of the Hoka Bondi 9 here >>
Best for Standing All Day on Feet – Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit
Built with Skechers’ podiatrist-certified Arch Fit system, this shoe delivers serious arch support to help take pressure off the plantar fascia and reduce heel pain throughout the day.
The Goodyear rubber outsole is designed to resist flattening and abrasion, without feeling overly stiff. That mix is pretty attractive for an everyday walking shoe, and it’s easy to feel when you’re handling the shoe for the first time. The black treads are very sturdy and almost rugged like a tire, while the rest of the white sole feels soft and springy.
This durability is also due to the ULTRA GO foam that Skechers has developed to provide a soft, cushioned midsole that’s bouncy, responsive, and made to last.
If your goal is to hit 10,000+ steps a day without aggravating foot pain, this is a solid everyday option that puts comfort and support first. Just keep in mind they’re a little on the heavier side, but for many, the trade-off is well worth it.
- Weight: 12 oz. Men’s, 11 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 8.6mm
- 5 colors available
- Available in medium and extra wide
- Available on Skechers.com $100 depending on features
- Check out our full review of the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit here >>
Best for Long Walks- New Balance 1080
If you are used to walking in a zero drop shoe or want to stay within a 5-6mm heel drop, the New Balance 1080 is a great option if you have plantar fasciitis. I’ve actually grabbed this one a lot lately, not so much for running but for long walks!
This is going to fall under the category of a max cushioned trainer that can take you for many, many miles. It’s a reliable shoe that’s durable!
The Fresh Foam midsole provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption, making it perfect for those who enjoy long walks. Remember this isn’t a plush shoe, but cushion that still responds. The upper part of the shoe is made of Hypoknit, which is a soft and breathable material that provides a comfortable fit.
- Weight: 10.5oz Men’s, 8.3 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 6mm
- Available in 8 Colors
- Available in Wide and Extra Wide
- Available on NewBalance.com for $165
- Read our full review of the New Balance 1080v14 here >>
Best for Flat Feet – Asics Gel Kayano
If plantar fasciitis has you wincing with every step, the ASICS GEL-Kayano might be just what your feet need. It’s a stability shoe designed to support flat feet and overpronation, two things that can often make plantar fasciitis worse if left unchecked.
The updated 4D Guidance System helps keep your foot from rolling inward, which can reduce strain on the plantar fascia, while the FlyteFoam Blast+ Eco midsole softens impact with every step. That means less pressure on your heel and more comfort during walking workouts.
Add in a secure fit and a heel-locking system that keeps your foot in place, and you’ve got a reliable option to help ease pain and prevent flare-ups.
The ASICS GEL Kayano was first released in 1993 and due to its popularity is now on the 32nd edition!
Trust me, these are incredible walking shoes that are especially ideal for anyone with flat feet and plantar fasciitis.
- Weight: 10.7 oz Men’s, 9.1 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 40 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Available in nine colors
- Available in wide and narrow
- Available at Asics.com for $165.00
- Read our full review of the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 here >>
Best Stability for Walking Workouts – Brooks Adrenaline GTS
This option is not as soft as the Kayano and is lighter, which many find much more comfortable for walking workouts. That extra stiffness for some is what provides better support through the heel and arch to ensure relief.
It’s solid and supportive without feeling stiff, which means you can walk for hours, whether you’re on vacation or just your typical daily miles.
The GuideRails system keeps your stride moving smoothly and helps reduce extra motion that can irritate your plantar fascia. It’s a good match for high arches, but if you’ve got flat feet, just pop in your favorite insert and you’re good to go.
- Weight: 10 oz Men’s, 8.8 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 12 mm
- Available in 12 colors
- Available in wide for some colors
- Available on Brooksrunning.com for $140
- Read our comparison of the Brooks Adrenaline vs Brooks Ghost >>
Most Versatile Walking Shoe – KURU Flex Via
The Kuru Flex Via is a walking sneaker from Kuru Footwear designed with walking, standing, and daily wear in mind.
With its minimalist design and flexible yet supportive sole, this sneaker is a great option for athletes who incorporate a lot of walking workouts into their routines or who are looking for a shoe that can hold up over a long day of walking and standing on your feet.
Kuru shoes have a layered, ergonomic insole that is supposed to mold to your feet for maximum arch support and absorb shock from repetitive impact that could otherwise cause pain or a case of plantar fasciitis.
While the shoe isn’t heavy for a sneaker, the multi-layer insole gives a supportive feel thanks to the combination of their KURUCLOUD+ foam and KURUSOLE.
From a design perspective, this shoe is fairly minimalist compared to a lot of other orthotic or specialty shoes, and it’s designed to look sleek and modern so it can be versatile for daily wear.
These can be worn everywhere from a workout to errands to work, in gym clothes or with jeans!
- Weight: 11.5oz Men’s, 9.6 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 11mm
- 6 colors available
- Available in Medium and Wide
- Available at Kuru Footwear for $129
- Check out our full review of the Kuru Flex Via here >>
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is essentially an inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a fibrous band of tissue along the sole of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toes
It can cause intense heel pain and is one of the most common causes of heel/foot pain as well. Plantar fasciitis can manifest as stabbing pain that is usually be felt with your first steps in the morning.
The pain normally subsides after getting up and moving, but it may return after long periods of standing or standing up after sitting for a while.
It’s a problem many runners face, in fact you’re more likely to suffer from plantar fasciitis if you’re a long-distance runner. This is due to the repetitive stress we place on that ligament.
Picking the Right Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
If you’re already suffering from this painful condition, then making sure you’re wearing the right footwear can make a world of difference. Here are some factors to consider when picking the right shoes for plantar fasciitis:
1. Cushioning
Remember that a good level of cushioning will help with pain relief.
A cushioned running shoes will protect the plantar fascia from strain caused by repetitive impact while running. A good running shoe for plantar fasciitis should provide superior shock absorption upon impact.
At the same time, you shouldn’t wear shoes that are too cushioned because they could make your foot and ankle unstable.
In the case of plantar fasciitis, running shoes with balanced or firm cushioning are most preferable.
2. Arch Support
If you have plantar fasciitis, arch support is one of the most important things to look for. Without proper arch support, the problem will persist no matter how good or expensive the shoes are.
As your arch falls down during your foot strike, the entire foot rolls inward which is what your body then tries to correct by tightening up all those other foot and lower leg muscles. It’s also trying to protect you from knee pain.
Arch support comes in various levels depending on the severity of the condition. Some running shoes are better for high arches, while others are better for low arches. Therefore, it is essential to find a shoe that matches your arch type.
If you have low arches or flat feet and overpronation as well as plantar fasciitis, consider stability shoes for mild cases and motion control shoes for severe cases.
A neutral, softer shoe is preferable for those with normal or high arches.
3. Heel Counter
A firm heel counter reduces abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia. It also helps to stabilize and align the feet.
When combined with a sturdy heel counter, a shoe that has a flexible toe box gives the front of the shoe the ability to stretch while still allowing the back of the foot to remain strong and stable throughout the run
Shoes with deep heel cups offer runners with plantar fasciitis not only protection for the heel bone but also a reduction in pronation which can help if you have this painful condition.
When you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, the right shoes can make all the difference, whether you’re heading out for a walk or just getting through your day without pain. Hopefully, this list gives you a solid starting point to find the pair that helps your feet feel supported and comfortable mile after mile.
What to Read Next
- MOBO Board Review – Train your feet to feel better
- Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis – Slightly different cushion options than our walking shoes
- Top 10 Foot Strengthening Exercises – Again let’s put PF behind you!
Nike Wildhorse 10 Review | An Evolution in Trail Comfort and Cushioning
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