Are walking shoes good to wear if you have plantar fasciitis?

Yes, wearing supportive and well-cushioned walking shoes can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and prevent a recurrence. "Another benefit of wearing walking shoes is that most of them have removable insoles, so they can accommodate a functional foot orthotic ," says Bass.

Can walking make plantar fasciitis worse?

Walking, especially for long distances, through the pain of plantar fasciitis can often lead to more pain and result in months of recovery, especially if you’re walking in the wrong type of shoes. Wearing flimsy flip-flops, unsupportive sandals, or shoes without much cushioning while walking can exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms.

How much does a pair of quality walking shoes for plantar fasciitis cost?

You can expect to pay between $100 and $150 for a high-quality pair of walking shoes for plantar fasciitis. Cheaper pairs might not have enough support or cushioning, especially if you stand or walk around all day long. More expensive pairs may be more stylish, and will likely last longer. The cheapest shoe on our list, Vionic's Women's Walker Classic Sneaker, is often available for under $115. Our top overall pick, Brooks' Addiction Walker Walking Shoes, was $130 when we published this list.

The 7 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2023

If you have plantar fasciitis, staying comfortable while being active can be difficult. The painful condition occurs when excessive stress and pressure cause the connective tissue at the bottom of your foot to stretch and become inflamed. Symptoms improve if you give yourself a break, but may return as soon as you start walking again. That's why finding a good pair of shoes is a must.

Finding the right pair of cushioned and supportive shoes is a proactive way to help with the pain. According to John Huenink, founder of insole company BioMoto, you’ll want to look for a walking shoe with a tight and structured heel counter. “You shouldn’t be able to fold the shoe directly in half—the shoe should bend only at the ball line, which is the metatarsal line,” he says. Huenink also notes that the shoes shouldn't be able to twist excessively: “We call it torsional stiffness. If you take the heel and twist the forefoot, it shouldn't turn too much."

To find the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, we researched dozens of sneakers and tried some pairs on for ourselves in The Verywell Testing Lab. We tried each pair on, noting how they fit and whether they had enough cushioning. Then, we took them home to test them in the real world. As we wore each shoe, we evaluated them based on materials, price, breathability, arch support, and durability.

Another reason to trust our picks? We had a physical therapist from our Review Board review this article for physiological accuracy and the best way to shop for shoes if you have plantar fasciitis. After weeks of test walks and dozens of miles, here are our top pairs for combatting plantar fasciitis pain, so you can get moving again.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Brooks Addiction Walker 2 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Flat Feet:

Brooks Women's Ghost 14 at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Bunions:

Orthofeet Breeze at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Bunions:

Orthofeet Proven Plantar Fasciitis at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for High Arches:

Vionic Women's Walker Classic Sneaker at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Plantar Fasciitis with Heel Spurs:

Dansko Professional Clog at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Walking Sandals:

Birkenstock Arizona Leather Sandal at Zappos

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What To Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Fit

Zappos

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Walmart

Pros

Wide toe box
Provides great arch support
Slip-resistant

Cons

Heavy

Brooks' Addiction Walker 2 is our top overall pick for walkers with plantar fasciitis because it's loaded with thick cushioning and stability features. The midsole features soft padding that's designed to reduce the impact on your joints and cradle even your most aggravated tendons. A bar in the middle of the shoe provides robust arch support and gently corrects overpronation.

When we tested the Addiction Walker 2, we were immediately impressed by how well they fit. Offering a snug fit with plenty of extra room in the toe box, we noticed that our feet felt locked in and secure but never squished or squeezed.

Although these shoes are heavier than others on our list, we noticed that they still felt springy and responsive underfoot. While we don't recommend them for speedwalking, they are our top pick for daily wear or laps around the neighborhood. Plus, the Addiction Walker 2 comes in four widths so you can find the right fit and has a slip-resistant outsole for walking safely in wet weather.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Leather upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up}

Brooks

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Dick's

Pros

Helps promote smoother transitions
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Stable and supportive

Cons

Mesh isn't waterproof

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when loose tendons in your foot and calf cause your arch to fall and make full contact with the ground. People with flat feet are more prone to plantar fasciitis, and finding a great walking shoe for both conditions is vital for anyone looking to stay fit. Brooks' Ghost 14 may be a running shoe, but it has all the qualities we recommend in a supportive walking shoe.

During testing, we appreciated this sneaker's wide toe box and stellar stability. Comfortable and easy to wear, these shoes were our go-tos throughout the testing period. We also love that they've earned the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance, meaning a panel of podiatrists has determined that they help promote healthy feet.

The Ghost 14’s thick cushioning accommodates any foot landing and sets you up for smoother transitions. But the mesh upper isn't waterproof, for walking in less-than-ideal weather.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Orthofeet.com

Pros

Excellent cushioning
Breathable
Lightweight

Cons

Limited color options

Orthofeet’s shoes are designed with problem feet in mind. Their Breeze Walking Shoes are our pick for anyone who loves staying fit with brisk walks but struggles to stay in stride due to pain or discomfort from both bunions and plantar fasciitis.

This pair’s premium orthotic insole has anatomical arch support and a cushioned heel pad. They combine a lightweight sole with air cushioning to soften your stride, leading to a lighter footstep. The Breeze shoes also have a wide toe box to cut down on added pressure, even after a long day of walking.

However, they're only available in a few colors.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Fabric upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Velcro}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Orthofeet.com View On Orthofeet.com

Pros

Inner lining prevents irritation from rubbing
Lightweight
No-tie laces

Cons

Sizes run small

We also recommend Orthofeet's lightweight Sprint Sneakers, which have a roomy, extra-depth design for walking comfortably with plantar fasciitis and bunions. You may lean into your forefoot harder when you have plantar fasciitis, and this shoe’s non-binding upper and extra-wide toe box eliminates that excessive pressure.

The seam-free interior lining prevents irritation from rubbing against stitching. And we like that the lacing system means you can slide these sneakers on and off easily without having to bend over and tie them every time.

Available in four widths, this shoe makes it easy to find the right fit. However, some wearers note that they tend to run small.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Synthetic upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up}

4.8

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Shoemall.com

Pros

APMA Seal of Acceptance
Helps promote smoother transitions
Moisture-wicking liner

Cons

No extra-wide sizes
Heavy

Having high arches throws another wrench into walking with plantar fasciitis: Your foot puts more weight on your heel with high arches, which can increase heel pain if you don’t have the right walking shoes.

We recommend Vionic’s Orthaheel Walker because it earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance for its special attention to the needs of people with plantar fasciitis and high arches. We also like that the mesh lining wicks away moisture, to prevent blisters from forming.

This shoe’s removable foam footbed provides flexible cushioning throughout your sensitive heel and forefoot, ensuring a smooth transition from heel to toe with every step. A water-resistant leather upper and high-traction outsole allow you to walk confidently in sudden rain or snow. However, they only come in two widths, and they're heavier than most of our other picks.

Price at time of publication: $110

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Leather upper, synthetic sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Lace-up}

4.4

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Zappos View On Dansko.com

Pros

Deep heel cup
Excellent shock absorption
Comes in various colors

Cons

No extra-wide size option

Plantar fasciitis is no picnic, but adding heel spurs to the mix can take the condition from uncomfortable to unbearable. About 70% of plantar fasciitis patients have heel spurs, which are hooks of bone that protrude from the bottom of your foot.

Finding a walking shoe that won’t aggravate both conditions and looks sleek enough for work or play is tough, but Dansko’s Professional Clogs are our top pick for a shoe that can do it all.

This comfort-minded clog has a deep heel cup to cradle your heel spur and a roomy, reinforced toe box to keep your foot in place throughout the day. The rocker bottom supplies superior shock absorption, and the classic leather upper adds a professional flair to your most comfortable shoes yet. But they're only available in two widths.

Price at time of publication: $140

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Leather upper, polyurethrane sole | Cushioning: Not listed | Closure: Slip-on}

Birkenstock

View On Zappos View On Dick's View On Birkenstock.com

Pros

Sole molds to your feet
Distributes weight evenly
Durable

Cons

Only two widths

Sandals can be a plantar fasciitis-friendly option for people with foot pain, as they can be slipped on first thing in the morning to prevent "first step pain." Contoured sandals are as effective as shoe inserts in reducing pain, although it is important to distinguish them from flat flip-flops.

Birkenstock’s sandals are designed with comfort in mind for an easy, breezy summer walking sandal. Birkenstock has been making sandals for hundreds of years, and the Arizona's simple design features a footbed that molds to your sole, making it an ideal sandal for plantar fasciitis.

The shoe distributes weight evenly across the sole of your foot, removing some of the burden from your heel. Plus, these durable sandals come in dozens of color options. However, they're only available in two widths.

Price at time of publication: $135

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Leather upper, synthetic sole | Cushioning: Foam | Closure: Slip-on}

How We Selected and Tested the Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

To choose the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, we drew on insights from dozens of shoes we've tested in The Verywell Testing Lab. After trying each sneaker on in the Lab, we paid attention to how each pair fit. Did they feel comfortable to stand up in? Or did they squeeze or pinch our toes? Could we feel any irritation that might lead to blisters? Then, we went on a short treadmill walk, noting how the shoes felt. Was the cushioning springy, or did the shoe feel too heavy to walk comfortably in?

Afterwards, we took each shoe home and wore them as part of our daily routines. For weeks, we went on test walks to determine how the shoes would hold up over time. At the end of the testing period, we rated each shoe on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (would recommend) for fit, cushioning, comfort, responsiveness, stability, blister protection, and overall value.

To write this story, we also asked John Huenink, founder of insole company BioMoto, Ami Sheth, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist, and Alan Bass, DPM, a podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, for their expert opinions on which features every pair of walking shoes for plantar fasciitis should have. We used their advice to help guide our final list of recommendations.

What To Look For in Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Shoe Type

Unlike running or even using an elliptical machine, for example, walking doesn’t require a specific shoe. There are multiple options to choose from, including sneakers, clogs, sandals, and athletic shoes, but you want to remember the intended use of the shoe before wearing one.

"Are you wearing flats and walking for miles? Then, your feet will hurt,” says Sheth. “Just like you aren’t going to play soccer with house slippers on, you have to remember to dress your feet for the appropriate job you’re going to ask them to do,” she says. She recommends thinking about shoes as exercise equipment and using the shoe appropriately.

Cushioning

One of the main factors contributing to comfort is the footbed cushioning, and without a comfortable shoe, someone is less likely to wear it in the first place. Sheth says that cushioning is a good shock absorber. “Some people with plantar fasciitis also have an inflamed heel pad, so cushioning can help soften the blow when your heel strikes the ground,” she explains.

Arch Support

It’s important to pay attention to arch support because those with plantar fasciitis have a plantar fascia that wants to extend more than it should, causing inflammation. A supportive arch on the footbed helps prevent the foot from stretching, limiting the pain and irritation caused by plantar fasciitis. “For me, it’s one of the most important parts of treatment and one of the most successful,” Sheth says. Of course, adding insoles for flat feet, high arches, or any other specific concern, may also help in such cases.

Materials

Between the footbed, the insoles, the lining, and the upper, a walking shoe has multiple materials that contribute to overall comfort. Sheth notes that there is a variety of rubber and foam soles on the market, and some of them (like Brooks' Addiction Walker Walking Shoes) use gel or air to provide additional cushioning. In terms of fabric used, you want to make sure it suits your needs and where you’ll be walking—mesh is breathable, nylon is sweat-wicking, and leather is durable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are walking shoes good to wear if you have plantar fasciitis?

Yes, wearing supportive and well-cushioned walking shoes can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and prevent a recurrence. "Another benefit of wearing walking shoes is that most of them have removable insoles, so they can accommodate a functional foot orthotic," says Bass.
Can walking make plantar fasciitis worse?

Walking, especially for long distances, through the pain of plantar fasciitis can often lead to more pain and result in months of recovery, especially if you’re walking in the wrong type of shoes. Wearing flimsy flip-flops, unsupportive sandals, or shoes without much cushioning while walking can exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms.
How much does a pair of quality walking shoes for plantar fasciitis cost?

You can expect to pay between $100 and $150 for a high-quality pair of walking shoes for plantar fasciitis. Cheaper pairs might not have enough support or cushioning, especially if you stand or walk around all day long. More expensive pairs may be more stylish, and will likely last longer. The cheapest shoe on our list, Vionic's Women's Walker Classic Sneaker, is often available for under $115. Our top overall pick, Brooks' Addiction Walker Walking Shoes, was $130 when we published this list.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Isabella Broggini is a lifestyle and health writer and commerce editor for Verywell Fit. She's a NASM-certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and former Equinox personal trainer.

Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin

With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin knows how important it is to find shoes that support your feet, so you can walk comfortably all day long. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that are a great value and make life easier.

The 9 Best Women’s Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed