22 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis to Keep You Moving

“I wore these after the New York City and Chicago marathons when my feet were really struggling, and they felt like a massage for my tired, achy arches,” she adds. “These will be your go-to when you don’t want to lace up, but still need that extra support.” Enough said.

Good for: the beach, camping, running errands, post-run recovery

Best Hiking Sandal: Teva Verra

Pros

• Supportive yet comfy
• Great for outdoor adventures

Cons

• Some reviewers report difficulties with the straps’ Velcro fastenings

This sporty sandal from Teva is comfortable, easy to clean, and has great arch support, Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, owner of Marko Physical Therapy, tells SELF. It’s also a great pick for vacations and hiking trips, according to one SELF staffer: “They take up zero space, they’re SO comfy, and they never smell, even after long days exploring very hot climates.”

The strap system across the top of the foot and around the back of the heel is adjustable, for a secure fit around your ankle, even after walking longer distances, Dr. Marko says. Unlike a standard flip-flop—which can exacerbate plantar fasciitis by requiring you to grip your toes in order to keep the shoe on—the back strap on the Teva Verra keeps your foot comfortably in place all day long, she adds.

Good for: sneaking into a full suitcase, odor-prone feet, outdoor adventuring

Best Slipper: OrthoFeet Charlotte

Pros

• Warm, fuzzy lining
• Lots of widths to choose from

Cons

If you have wide feet, this may be the slipper for you. The OrthoFeet Charlotte comes in three widths, with orthotic-like inserts that provide arch support and foam cushioning under the heel. “The suede uppers are lined for comfort, and the low heel counter allows for use of alternate insoles or orthotics, and gives some heel stability while still allowing you to slide in and out of the slipper,” Susan Eby, PT, MS, owner of Eby Physical Therapy in New York City, tells SELF. “The toe box is also extra deep to accommodate any toe issues, with Velcro adjustment so the slipper fits snug to your feet.”

Good for: cozy lounging, padding around the house

More shoes to consider

Although these shoes didn’t earn a top spot on our list, they still come recommended by SELF staffers and podiatrists. Some address additional foot issues, like overpronation (when your ankles roll inward while you stand or walk), while others don’t meet all of the criteria we took into account (but are still great options if you mainly deal with mild or occasional plantar fasciitis flare-ups).

Saucony Echelon 10 Running Shoe

Pros

• Ample cushioning
• Spacious fit can accommodate insoles
• Rocker sole

Cons

Dr. Sims often recommends Saucony’s Echelon line to people with plantar fasciitis because of its solid support. It’s one of the brand’s “comfort shoes,” meaning it has a thick foam footbed and a snug midfoot to keep your feet well-cushioned and stable.

Dr. Sims points out that it’s also compatible with many inserts, including bulkier custom orthotics. However, people with narrower feet may find the Echelon too wide.

Good for: adding your own inserts, a snug fit

Oofos Original Sandals

Pros

• Super soft, springy feel underfoot
• Lots of support through the heel and arch

Cons

• May cause you to grip with your toes

This cushiony, cloudlike Oofos sandal is a SELF Fave for workout recovery (and wearing around the house), thanks to its thick soles and fun range of colors. According to Dr. Marko, it checks some plantar fasciitis boxes too, like good arch support and heel cushioning. It should be noted, though, that slip-on style shoes can cause you to subconsciously grip your feet, which can lead to foot pain and aggravate plantar fasciitis.

For a slimmer profile that might be easier to walk in, try the brand’s OOlala sandal instead, a recommendation from Dr. Sims.

Good for: workout recovery

Asics Gel-Excite 10

Pros

• Added gel padding in the midsole and heel absorbs shock
• Breathable mesh upper
• Lightweight design

Cons

• Some reviewers report they’re not the most durable
• Not supportive enough for overpronation or underpronation

Dr. Bhular recommends Asics’s Gel-Excite line of running shoes because of their cushioning: Although they’re less padded than the Gel-Nimbus pair featured above, they have a good amount of foam throughout the sole, plus extra gel cushioning in the midfoot and heel to further soften the impact of your steps.

Good for: runners on a budget, shock absorption

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 Running Shoe

Pros

• Large heel-to-toe drop
• Ample cushioning
• Comes in several widths

Cons

• Some reviewers report that they run small

Dr. Japs says the Adrenaline GTS is another popular Brooks shoe that’s great for plantar fasciitis. Its sizable heel-to-toe drop helps shift weight away from your heel, which should help relieve some pressure and pain, he explains. It also has solid cushioning and support overall (like many of our other top picks).

One overpronating SELF tester says the GuardRails feature in the Adrenaline 24s help keep her foot from rolling outwards: “When I have a flare, I feel discomfort with every step,” she says. “These stabilizing shoes keep my feet in place, letting me move about comfortably.”

Good for: pressure relief, overpronators

Hoka Ora Recovery 3 Slides

Pros

• Major cushioning
• Comes in tons of color options

Cons

• Some reviewers say they don’t work for people with bunions

Dr. Sims likes the highly cushioned Hoka Ora 3 slides specifically for wearing around the house. He says they’re a great alternative to walking barefoot, which can put added strain on your plantar fascia. And we like them because they come in just about every color of the rainbow.

Good for: warm weather, days off

Vivaia AdaptAll Kiara Sport Sandal

Pros

• Adjustable fit
• Thick, supportive sole
• Tons of color options

Cons

• Some reviewers say they run large and wide

With a rocker sole; a grippy outsole; soft, stretchy, adjustable straps; and a thick, contoured footbed, these Vivaia sandals are perfect for warm-weather outings when you want something that’s cute and casual. Thanks to 33 millimeters of lightweight foam, you’ll have plenty of buffer between you and the ground.

Good for: wide feet, adding height without weighing you down

Orthofeet Kita Hands-Free Sneaker

Pros

• Easy to slip on and off
• Comes with supportive insoles

Cons

• Some reviewers say they run narrow

Made to be slipped on without having to bend over or tie the laces, the Kita is a great option for anyone with limited mobility or recovering from an injury. With a wide toe box, plenty of cushioning, and orthopedic insoles, they’re designed to ease arch and heel pain like the kind that can come with plantar fasciitis. The knitted mesh upper and mesh lining are highly breathable for sweaty feet too.