One pair of shoes was recommended by podiatric which gave only partial relief from pain while walking. In fact, there was a pair of shoes which actually increased my pain and further damaged my Plantar Fasciitis condition. The other pairs gave only partial relief from foot pain, which I thought any ordinary shoe would have done.
In that situation however, podiatric advice did actually help me in understanding the kind of plantar fasciitis shoes I should be looking for. By then, I had also done thorough research on the top shoes for plantar fasciitis. I had actually acquired quite a good experience and knowledge about good shoes for flat feet, heel spurs and hammer toe.
Review of Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis 2015 / 2016 - Women, Men
The purpose of this article is to help you select the best shoes to get rid of your foot pain without going through the longer (and painful) route that I had to take.
I have reviewed the best plantar fasciitis shoes for women and men in this post. I will update this list each month to keep the information up-to-date.
So what are the most important requirements to be met by ideal plantar fasciitis shoes?
A good plantar fasciitis shoe should have:
- strong and rigid heel support (required for good shock and impact absorption)
- firm but flexible front for easier heel to toe movement
- premium quality rubberized heel (also required for shock absorption)
- top quality cushioning
Well the good news is that you do not have to bother getting into nitty-gritties and details as above. I have done the hard work for you, which I am going to present in this article to you, so read on!
For your convenience, I have divided this article in two parts:
Note: I highly recommend running shoes for flat feet, if pain relief is your top priority. Other shoes also give relief from pain but running shoes have better shock absorption and support to protect the heel.
Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis - Women and Men
For each pair of shoes reviewed, I have provided: rating of the shoe, my review comments, pros/cons of the shoes and a link to the shoe.
- click on the picture of the shoe to read it's review
- click on the name of the shoe model to directly go to product page
| Photo | Name | Rating |
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1. Asics Gel Nimbus 17
Color choice: 9Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon» Men | Women
The Nimbus 17 is one of the most prestigious shoes from Asics and it's for a reason. It has the best cushioning and fit just like it's hugely popular predecessor Nimbus 15. The mid-sole section has been highly improvised for protecting flat feet.
This shoe received excellent rating because it is super comfortable with the soft mesh on the top. The shoe width is perfect for the size one buys. You do not have to look for a shoe with broader width when you wear this one. The Nimbus 17 has been made much more comfortable as compared to Nimbus 15 and 16.
Pros:
- top notch cushioning, good shock absorption
- highly improved mid-sole construction
- extra comfortable top mesh
- perfect width, ideal fit for running shoes
- impact guidance system for easier and faster strides
- special rubber used in sole
- some people find it a bit heavy
- running shoes generally run half size smaller than regular size
2. ASICS Gel Kayano 21
Color choice: 12Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon» Men | Women
The Kayano 21 is one of the flagship shoes from Asics. It is one of the most loved shoes for running. It works very well for moderate overpronation. I had Kayano 20 and i have this one now. This shoe has really worked wonders in my case, freed me from the shackles of pain on my feet. It has what is called DuMax support which works exceedingly well for arch support by using firm foam on arch side.
It shares the midsole and heel clutch with Niimbus 16 so we know these are best quality shoes for flat feet. When it comes to looking for Plantar Fasciitis shoes, I can vouch for Kayano 21. It works so well. This is one of the favorite shoes of regular runners. Although it may look little expensive to some, but general customer opinion is that it's one of best value shoes in the market, for every dollar spent on it.
Pros:
- great choice for overpronation, quality arch support
- superb shock absorption for flat feet
- cushioning is very high standard
- perfect width, ideal fit for running shoes
- heel height 1.5", making it perfect plantar fasciitis shoes
- highly improvised rubber used in sole to support flat feet
- some people find it a bit pricey
- running shoes generally run half size smaller than regular size
3. New Balance 1540V2
Color choice: 1Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon» Men | Women
The New Balance 1540V2 figures in my Top 5 list is because it's favorite shoes when it comes to podiatrics recommendation. They highly recommend this because of the superb motion control support it gives to the feet. This is highly supportive running shoe having breathable mesh panel, to keep feet odor at bay and using for long hours.
It's scientific angle of stretch from heel to toe is (while walking and running) works very well with the overall motion control, giving lighter and faster strides to the flat feet. This is specialized Plantar Fasciitis shoes with great balancing and arch support. The shoe scores good in overall balancing, stability, arch support and proving best aerodynamics angle to the feet while running.
Pros:
- top quality motion control
- excellent stability and arch support
- great comfort even after wearing for long hours
- dual density foam collar for extra flexible cushioning
- good aerodynamic support while movement of feet
- special synthetic sole
- too much on "health side"
- lot of people don't like the way it looks
4. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 15
Color choice: 4Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon» Men | Women
Brooks is one of the most respected sports companies and the Adrenaline GTS tells us why. It's known for the rock solid stability that it provides to runners and joggers. It has very decent cushioning and balance with enhanced arch support. The most popular shoes among marathon and half marathon runners comes with adjustable saddle design for targeted support.
The toe box is perfect shape, mid-sole very nicely improvised for easy strides and the back is extremely rigid and well cushioned, making it one of the better plantar fasciitis shoes. The Adrenaline GTS allows excellent ground contact when the weight of our body is transferred form heel to toe. Overall, one of the best shoes for flat feet, hammer toe and heel spur.
Pros:
Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon» Men | Women
The Glide 6/7 remains among the top Plantar Fasciitis shoes in Glide series despite it's successors being launched in market. The kind of solid heel support it provides, remains unmatched in all Glide series running shoes. The mid-sole has what is called PowerGrid technology, which is combination of grid technology with specialised foam .
- best in the class ground contact
- highly balanced weight transition from heel to toe
- extra padding around heel
- perfect width, good fit for running shoes
- improved arch shanks for additional support
- the additional support makes it slightly heavy for some people
- issues with adhesive between the two layers of sole
5. Saucony Glide 6 and 7
Color choice: 6Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon» Men | Women
The Glide 6/7 remains among the top Plantar Fasciitis shoes in Glide series despite it's successors being launched in market. The kind of solid heel support it provides, remains unmatched in all Glide series running shoes. The mid-sole has what is called PowerGrid technology, which is combination of grid technology with specialised foam .
It serves two purposes: superb shock absorption and seamless transition of weight between heel and toe while running. The cushioning and overall arch support is very good in this shoe.
If you already have Glide 6 and looking for a new replacement along similar lines, you can take a closer look at the Kinvara 5 (men) or the Cohesion 7 (women) for good feet support.
If you already have Glide 6 and looking for a new replacement along similar lines, you can take a closer look at the Kinvara 5 (men) or the Cohesion 7 (women) for good feet support.
Pros:
That concludes part 1 of this article. Just in case you are interested, I have done a separate review of best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis here. Part two of this article is about the best casual shoes, dress shoes and walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.- top notch cushioning, good shock absorption
- highly improved mid-sole construction
- extra comfortable top mesh
- perfect width, perfect fit for running shoes
- impact guidance system for easier and faster strides
- special rubber used in sole
- some people find it a bit heavy
- runs half size smaller
Best Casual and Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Women
| Photo | Name | Rating |
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1. Orthaheel Action Walker
Color choice: 4»Click Here to Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon»
Orthaheel Action Walker is definitely one of the most effective sneakers for plantar fasciitis. There are close to thousand positive customer reviews for this walking shoe just on Amazon.
The effectiveness of the Orthaheel to relieve pain is an established fact because of it's pain relief support mechanism specially designed to comfort for feet. Orthaheel Walker has been designed by podiatrists to give high quality of support to flat feel and hammer toe on the move.
The effectiveness of the Orthaheel to relieve pain is an established fact because of it's pain relief support mechanism specially designed to comfort for feet. Orthaheel Walker has been designed by podiatrists to give high quality of support to flat feel and hammer toe on the move.
In order to ensure that your outdoor life is relaxed and the feet are pain free, the shoe has deep heel cup for excellent arch support. It's premium quality of material made with modern engineering is very well equipped to prevent foot odor. These shoes are loved by people suffering from plantar fasciitis because they really work day in and day out, routine activities. The feet are kept dry and relaxed for long hours.
Pros:
»Click Here to Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon»
If you are looking for style and comfort packed together in one, the Lunetta Thong model, FitFlop offers a great choice. They have quite innovative biochemical technology called Mircrowobbleboard which has been used in the mid-sole to give immense satisfaction, comfort and great platform for flat feet.
- deep heep cup for good support
- prevents bad foot odor
- designed by podiatrists
- mid-sole has high shock absorption
- maybe heavy for some
- some people find toe box slightly narrow
2. FitFlop Women's Lunetta Thong Sandal
Color choice: 4»Click Here to Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon»
If you are looking for style and comfort packed together in one, the Lunetta Thong model, FitFlop offers a great choice. They have quite innovative biochemical technology called Mircrowobbleboard which has been used in the mid-sole to give immense satisfaction, comfort and great platform for flat feet.
The shock absorption during brisk walk has been taken care of with the padded footbed in combination with supporting high heel. The jewel-embellishment at the front makes it very stylish. This sandal has received highly favorable reviews from women suffering from flat feet.
Pros:
»Click Here to Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon»
Alegria is the best mary jane flat that offers stunning designs. This is very high on fashion statement at the same time making your foot very comfortable. It has cushioned platform sole which is another highlight of this flat. The sole is topped with a bright leather upper which gives you super comfortable feeling.
- best mix of comfort and style
- latest technology used to design midsole
- jewel embellishment at front
- better shock absorption
- innovative biochemical technology for good feet support
- stability not guaranteed coz of open heel
- slightly larger than regular foot size
3. Alegria Women's Paloma Flat
Color choice: 1»Click Here to Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon»
Alegria is the best mary jane flat that offers stunning designs. This is very high on fashion statement at the same time making your foot very comfortable. It has cushioned platform sole which is another highlight of this flat. The sole is topped with a bright leather upper which gives you super comfortable feeling.
The Paloma flat has leather of ultra soft feel with padded footbed for good support during flat feet or heel spurs. This flat works during foot pain and helps in comforting the foot. It has been designed with podiatrists advise to give maximum support to ladies suffering from plantar fasciitis. It keeps the feet dry and relaxed all the time.
Pros:
- good cushioned platform sole
- well padded footbed for good feet support
- keeps feet dry and relaxed for long time
- padded with soft leather upper
- not highest level of shock absorption
- not very light weight
Best Casual and Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Men
| Photo | Name | Rating |
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1. Orthaheel Men’s Walker
Color choice: 4»Click Here to Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon»
Orthaheel men's walker has all the benefits of the Orthaheel for women (reviewed above) as far as plantar fasciitis goes. This shoe realls works to comfort your foot with adequate cushioning and relieves the pain. The podiatrists have designed Orthaheel Walker for the sole purpose of prividing best quality arch support and seamless movement from heel to foot as you walk.
There is a deep heel cup which makes sure that your feet are relaxed and pain free. There is no chance of foot odor, thanks to the premium quality material used inside. It really keeps the feet dry and relaxed all the time. These shoes are meant for people suffering from plantar fasciitis and is the top choice to support flat feet for routine activities.
Pros:
- deep heel cup for good arch support
- excellent motion control in foot bed
- firm, comforting arch support
- designed by podiatrics for special foot care
- seamless weight transfer between heel and toe
- runs half a size smaller than regular ones
- many people reported squeaking issues after 6-7 months of use
2. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker
Color choice: 3»Click Here to Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon»
Somehow Brooks casual shoes have acquired high reputation in "health shoes" segment and Addiction Walker doesn't surprise me at all! It is one of the best shoes for hammer toes and flat feet. Support for plantar fasciitis anyway comes natural with this shoe. It has leather upper part with full grain material for long time support of entire plantar (foot base).
Addiction Walker provides superb arch support and best in the class new resistant outsole. It features what they call MOGO midsole which utilizes latest technology to give best quality cushioning and robust shock absorption. This pair of shoes has superior medical support qualities without compromising on looks and style in any way. That, in my book sets the Addiction Walker apart from the competition.
Pros:
- very rigid back for maximum heel support
- highest quality cushioning and shock absorption
- slip resistant outsole
- midsole with latest technology for great heel to toe support
- high on style statement
- not the lightest shoe in market
- for people with too thick feet, need to get a size larger
3. New Balance Men’s MW928 Walking Shoe
Color choice: 4»Click Here to Check Price & Customer Reviews on Amazon»
The New Balance MW928 scores very high on motion control and rock solid stability that it provides. It is an important requirement to relieve the foot pain of plantar fasciitis. The midfoot cushioning is great with it's latest technlogy called ABZORB which proves to be super shock absorber for overpronators. This shoe is not only approved by podiatrics but has the approval of Medicare for diabetics too.The New Balance MW928 gives the best stability and arch support. It has no issues whatsoever with foot width which many other shoes might have. Another highlight is the thick sole which is also capable of supporting people with plantar fasciitis, flat feet and hammer toe. The main difference between it's thick sole and that of running shoes is that New Balance comes with soft sole as compared to harder ones for runners.
Pros:
- thick and soft cushioning
- shoes with best heel for plantar fasciitis and flat feet
- new ROLLBAR technology for good motion control
- odor resistant with phantom liner
- very stylish and durable
- toe box a little too broad for some people
- not meant for people with small feet
