We Tested Over 50 Podiatrist-Approved Shoes — These Are the 8 We Recommend if You Have Plantar Fasciitis

The benefits of walking can hardly be overstated: Regular walks can help you manage your blood sugar, improve your heart health, and even mitigate back pain. But if you have plantar fasciitis, an otherwise enjoyable activity can be downright painful, especially if you don’t have the proper footwear. The MXV Shift quickly became one of our top picks for walking with plantar fasciitis, especially if you have stability issues.

When I tested the MXV Shifts, I found these shoes sturdy and structured on the sides in a good, supportive way, with deep cushioning that delivered immediate pain relief. I also appreciated the high-quality materials and stability. The heel cushioning felt both soft and supportive, not just mushy. The higher rise around the ankle adds much-needed support, making them a great choice for cross-training or any activity that involves side-to-side movement.

One thing to keep in mind: These shoes are a bit stiff at first and require a bit of a break-in period. When I tested the MXV Shifts, it took about a week before some of the stiffness subsided, though the support remained excellent. The deep, cushioned heel bed and even weight distribution make these a great choice for plantar fasciitis sufferers. While some other shoes break down over time, these held up well through normal use and continued to support my feet and ankles in all the right places.

A plantar fasciitis diagnosis can make a runner’s favorite activity more painful and difficult, but the right shoe can make a big difference, helping to alleviate painful symptoms and add miles with less discomfort. The Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 is a great option for runners hoping to make it back on the road. It’s lightweight, supportive, and carries the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which means it meets the APMA’s standards for promoting good foot health.

While some wearers found the toe box to be a bit too narrow for their foot, the added cushioning and arch support make this shoe a great choice for runners who need stability without added bulk.

Hoka has earned a reputation for ultracushioned footwear, so when it came to awarding the best cushioned option for plantar fasciitis, the Bondi 9 was an obvious choice. The plush cushioning of this shoe has great shock absorption, ideal for reducing impact and relieving pressure on the heel.

“I really like the cushion these shoes provide,” said tester Mary Sauer. “There is a bit of a cloudlike feel to the step. The rubber sole has an exaggerated lift, adding about an inch to my height. This was a little weird to adjust to at first, but it didn’t bother me for the long term.”

Sauer also found that while the sole took a little time to adjust to, it did a fantastic job of providing shock protection. For Sauer, these shoes helped lessen her overall foot and localized heel pain. Plus, she appreciated that her custom orthotic fit in the shoe with the removal of the shoe’s sock liner.

We also appreciated the wide range of color options and how versatile the Bondi 9 proved to be. It worked well for everything from workouts to everyday wear.

When you’re rushing from one place to the next (or just, say, chasing an active toddler), convenience matters, and sometimes laces just slow you down. That’s why the KURU ATOM Slip-On is the perfect no-tie option for plantar fasciitis sufferers. We love that it’s hands-free, but we especially appreciate this shoe’s great heel support and shock-absorbing insoles. KURU has made a name for itself when it comes to its insoles, and this slip-on option is no different.

“They’re my go-to for running errands, and they’re perfect for picking up my son at daycare,” said tester Grace Gallagher. “His school requires parents to remove shoes, and I am often chasing him through the halls, so having shoes I can slip on quickly is really helpful.” Gallagher also noted that her flatter feet felt supported in the slip-ons. “Sometimes when I wear lace-up sneakers, my big toe hurts, and that doesn’t happen at all with these,” she said.

We did find that this shoe runs a bit large, which can lead to rubbing or potential blisters if you’re not careful. But once broken in, the ATOM Slip-On quickly became our go-to for errands, school pickups, and any situation that calls for easy, comfortable footwear that doesn’t skimp on support.

A plantar fasciitis diagnosis doesn’t mean giving up on your favorite activities. And if hiking is one of your hobbies, then the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped is our preferred hiking boot for hitting the trails with plantar fasciitis. We loved this boot’s excellent midsole support, and while the cushioning is lighter compared to other performance shoes, it makes up for it with great ankle support and an all-terrain outsole. Plus, did we mention it’s waterproof?

Our research found that participants shared that although they suffer from plantar fasciitis, this boot allowed them to be on their feet for the full day without feeling the pain they’re accustomed to. While sizing and quality were reported to be a bit inconsistent, the overall comfort and stability make this boot a smart choice for hikers looking for a plantar fasciitis–friendly option that can handle steep, slippery trails.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you might feel that your shoe options are limited to bulky, orthopedic-looking styles, but the Rykä Devotion X Walking Sneaker proves that theory wrong. We loved the fun, bright color options and couldn’t get over how comfortable these shoes are. With its wide toe base and great arch support, we found this shoe to be an absolute delight to wear. The Devotion X was comfortable enough for trail walks and running errands, while still being stylish enough to pull together an athleisure-style ensemble.

“I love these shoes and felt they were some of the most comfy kicks I’d ever worn right away,” said tester Brittany Vargas. “I love them for walking (flat trails and concrete), running errands, and everyday use. They are quite versatile and also relatively cute for what they are.”

Vargas shared that, even months after testing, they’re still one of her go-to shoes for any number of activities, indicating that when this pair wears out, “I will rebuy.”

While the heel support could be a bit better, we found it held up well to everyday activities. The Devotion X kept our feet pain-free on concrete sidewalks and walking trails, all while looking polished enough to pair with a casual outfit. For an easy, stylish option you will reach for daily, this shoe checks all the boxes.

Not all exercise activities require you to run miles, so for the days when your routine has you visiting the gym for a cross-training session, check out the On Cloudrunner 2.

“I wore these on several long (3 miles or more) walks, and in a weight training fitness class, and they were comfortable,” said tester Tori Martinet, MS, RD. “I wore these on one full day of running errands, which included lots of standing and walking, and my feet felt pretty good. I liked the cushioning style, which is more bouncy, and my feet had room to swell as needed without the shoes feeling too tight.”

This shoe has a reinforced heel for added stability and a foam midsole for a cushioned, springy feel. Combined with its lightweight mesh upper, the Cloudrunner 2 is a comfortable and breathable option for those suffering from plantar fasciitis, especially if you have a wider foot.

While Martinet didn’t love the bulky base, she still found the overall fit supportive enough for both walking and weight training. That said, sizing can be a bit difficult to figure out. Some of us felt the shoe was too narrow, while others noted that it felt like their foot slid inside the shoe. For best results, we recommend trying these on in a store first to ensure the right fit before you commit.

Sometimes plantar fasciitis–friendly shoes can feel a bit clunky or heavy, but the Vionic Tokyo is a notable exception. This shoe has a generous toe box and great arch support, making it an ideal lightweight option for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. We also liked that, despite its lighter weight, Vionic didn’t skimp on cushioning.

We feel that this shoe would be a good choice for people with plantar fasciitis, thanks in part to its supportive orthotic insert and overall balanced design. Its construction promotes comfort not just in the feet, but also in the legs and back — key considerations for anyone dealing with chronic pain.

While durability may be a tradeoff at this lower price, the Vionic Tokyo still stands out as one of the most affordable options we found for plantar fasciitis relief. If minimizing foot pain is your top priority, it might be worth the compromise.