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Business Insider
10 hours ago
- Health
- Business Insider
The 19 best shoes for plantar fasciitis
Best walking shoes: Asics Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 This high-cushion shoe has a rather rigid footbed, offering a great blend of arch support, shock absorption, and stability for the tendons of your foot. The upper is well-ventilated and roomy for hours of comfortable walking, and the sockliner very soft around the ankle. Check price at Asics A good walking shoe to support plantar fasciitis has all the same components as a good running shoe: Solid arch support, enough cushioning to absorb the shock of walking, a rigid foundation to maintain structure, and a supportive heel cup. But a good walking shoe should also have a wide toe box so your toes can spread out naturally and a breathable upper. Asics is one of the most highly-recommended brands to help relieve plantar fasciitis pain, including from Dr. Fuchs. Like Brooks, it does an excellent job of providing cushioned support, but the structured sole and heel counters work well to reduce strain on the tendon. Asics also uniquely have a firm midsole, which helps to limit movement — key in relieving pain, Dr. Fuchs says. Asics also has adaptive stability technology to provide the amount of support your foot needs without overcorrecting, which gives you plenty of room to add your own orthotic for more arch support. The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 performed great on long walks, maintaining its rigid but soft support. As someone with high arches who walks 10,000+ steps a day and prefers a higher-cushion walking shoe, I found Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 to be incredibly comfortable and supportive underfoot, even on long days out. Honorable Mention: Hoka On one hand, both our podiatrists agree that having a well-cushioned shoe is crucial for treating plantar fasciitis, because this helps your shoe absorb the impact of walking rather than your tendons. That said, one of the most common mistakes Dr. Daughtry says she sees in people trying to heal their PF is opting for a shoe with an excessively cushioned or thick sole but not enough support underneath. Hoka, a brand known for excessive cushioning, can be troublesome if the foundation isn't supportive enough underneath, but part of that is personal biomechanics. I know multiple people with PF who only found relief wearing Hokas, but many others say Hokas made their PF worse. Dr. Fuchs does recommend Hokas for certain people with plantar fasciitis, and, considering Hoka makes some of the best women's walking shoes we've tested, it's worth considering if you haven't found the other walking and running shoe brands on our list to work for you. In general, Hokas are likely a better fit for someone who overpronates and needs a stability shoe. That's because these are built with more arch support, and you don't want to add in a rigid arch support orthotic overtop a squishy sole. Best running shoes: Brooks If you're trying to keep plantar fasciitis flare-ups down as you get back onto the track, it's definitely smart to replace your running shoes. Wearing worn-down shoes makes PF much worse because they've lost all the elements of a PF-supportive shoe, Dr. Daugherty says — namely, the ability to support your arches and absorb the shock of running so your plantar fascia doesn't have to strain to work overtime. Brooks running shoes hit the perfect balance of what podiatrists recommend in a shoe: A supportive, shock-absorbing amount of cushion alongside a rigid sole and a supportive heel cup. Dr. Fuchs recommends the brand, and as I've been running in Brooks for years, I can attest that, even after 300 miles, they hold their structure well and feel supportive on long miles. Dr. Daugherty notes that many people with plantar fasciitis find that a small heel lift can help take the strain off the tendon; most Brooks models have a 12mm drop from the heel to the ball of the foot. Also, while supporting your natural gait is crucial when picking a running shoe, Dr. Daugherty recommends people opt for a neutral shoe that can be customized by adding personal arch support. One reason Brooks is the best running brand for people with plantar fasciitis is that many of its neutral models use a unique adaptable guide rail system ("GTS") to correct your gait as much as is needed without cranking the physical support up. This allows you to add the amount of arch support your foot personally needs while still scoring the motion control individual to your gait. Best for around the house: Oofos One thing people with plantar fasciitis often overlook is that they should be wearing shoes at all times, including around the house. "I personally suffer with plantar fasciitis, and if I do not wear some type of supportive sandal or sneakers with arch support around home, my pain will flare up," Dr. Daugthry says. For an around-the-house shoe, in addition to the basics of arch support, well-cushioned, and a stiff sole, you want a shoe that's easy to slip on and off and comfortable to move around in. Recovery footwear brand Oofos makes shoes that are incredibly lightweight but absorb way more impact than traditional foam footwear. During testing, I appreciated not only how fatigue-fighting their shoes are — the support feels incredibly rejuvenating on tired feet — but also that all of their styles, from slides to sneakers, are really easy to slip on and off. Best sandals: Fitflop Fitflop LULU Resin-Buckle Leather Back-Strap Sandals This elevated, all-around summer sandal is crafted with a triple-density cushioning that's extra firm at the heel and toes, provides natural arch support, and a slight heel-to-toe drop for plantar fascia relief. This double-strap, buckled sandal will also work keep your feet secure in the shoe. Check price at Fitflop Like our podiatrists mentioned earlier, if you have plantar fasciitis, you should wear shoes anytime your feet touch the ground. Sandals with adequate arch support are crucial for warm-weather activities when you just want to slide your feet into something breezy and go. Fitflop is a stylish ergonomic brand that uses smart, impact-absorbing cushioning and a rigid footbed in its shoes. Their bread-and-butter are sandals (hence the name) and offer everything from casual pool-side flip flops to wedge sandals you could wear to a wedding. Moreover, the majority of their sandals have a 1-2 inch heel drop, which both our podiatrists say can be very helpful in reducing strain on the plantar fascia (though any higher of a heel and it'll cause more strain). I found their RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals to be incredibly comfortable to wear all day and found myself slipping them on whenever I needed to run out of the house but still feel supported. Their sandals, across the board, provide very solid arch support for my high arches, but you could easily add an orthic for more. Mostly, I was very impressed with their range of supportive sandals and quality of style; there's truly a style for everyone, which is great to nix the excuse that you have to wear unsupportive shoes for a certain occasion. Best shoes for women: Dansko There's a reason the classic Dansko clog has a chokehold on nurses and restaurant workers: The brand's backbone is a contoured footbed that provides stiff but well-placed support, alongside a rocker shape that allows for a more natural motion of the foot — both things Dr. Daugthry says she recommends to help treat plantar fasciitis. Though best known for its classic clog, Dansko makes a wide range of shoe styles for women, from summer sandals to Chelsea boots to ballet flats to loafers. Pretty much any kind of women's shoe you need, Dansko likely makes one — and a supportive one at that. In the models I tested, the footbed was soft but very stiff with a sturdy heel cup. The only downside: I found the heels run narrow on some models. Best shoes for men: Kuru Rachael Schultz/Business Insider Kuru specializes in shoes crafted to alleviate pain — heel pain, back pain, flat feet, and, yes, plantar fasciitis. Its support lies in its unique construction: a lightweight EVA foam outsole; a supportive and elevated heel cup; and a dual-density foam insole for solid arch support. The brand makes a range of shoes for both men and women, from slip-ons to boots to sandals, but we love its range of supportive sneakers. During testing, Kuru's sneakers were incredibly comfortable — stiff but cushioned underfoot with the perfect amount of support to minimize pressure across the knees, ankles, and foot. Best dress shoes for men: Amberjack Amberjack Loafer Easy to slide on, sleek enough to wear to the office, and as comfortable as sneakers, these classy loafers have insoles that mold the arch support with your body heat, an anti-slip athletic outsole, and a supportive heel cup. They come in 11 colors, either full-grain leather or water-repellent suede. Check price at Amberjack If you have plantar fasciitis and need men's dress shoes, there's really no need to look anywhere else: Amberjack was built for this exact target. With styles ranging from traditional, lace-up dress shoes to sleek Chelsea boots and clean-looking loafers, all of Amberjack's shoes have built-in medium-height arch support, extra thick (removable) insoles that mold to the shape of your foot as you wear them, a custom TPU outsole that's stiff but comfortable like a hiking boot, and a firm heel counter. Most of its shoes also have a 2.5-inch average heel height for less strain on your plantar fascia. Ergonomic footbeds aside, their shoes are incredibly sleek and professional-looking. The leather is A-grade and full-grain, sourced from top-rated tanneries in Portugal and Italy, while the suede is Italian and water-repellent. No one will ever guess you bought them for comfort. How to shop for Plantar Fasciitis shoes The right footwear is crucial for helping treat plantar fasciitis and reduce the pain. Here's what makes for a good shoe for plantar fasciitis, according to Dr. Daugthry and Dr. Fuchs: Arch support: The plantar fascia is what supports the arch of your foot. When you wear shoes without arch support, this tendon has to work overtime, causing strain, inflammation, and pain. Great arch support can help relieve the plantar fascia from its duty, allowing it to calm down. Shock absorption and cushioning: Another major function of the PF tendon is helping with shock absorption. Solid cushioning in your shoe helps absorb the impact from walking or running so your tendon doesn't have to work as hard. Stiff soles: A firm sole or a shoe with a stiff bottom can help your foot move forward more easily and keep it from bending or moving too much. This takes pressure off your plantar fascia (the band of tissue on the bottom of your foot). Look for shoes with a solid, supportive base and some cushioning on top for comfort. A good rule of thumb: You shouldn't be able to bend the shoe like a taco. Heel stability: A firm heel cup will help prevent excessive movement, keeping your foot aligned and supported. Possibly 1-2 inches of heel: While you want to steer clear of high heels, which alter your foot mechanics and put pressure on the forefoot, many people with PR find a slight heel on their shoe — 1 to 2 inches — helps alleviate the strain on their plantar fascia tendon. Stability vs Neutral: Many people's foot naturally rolls inward or outward when they walk rather than staying neutral. Running and walking shoes are built to help offset this and keep your foot in a neutral position. If you overpronate (meaning you roll inward as you step), look for a stability shoe, which will have extra arch support. If you supinate — your foot rolls outward as you step — look for a neutral shoe. How I tested As a longtime health and fitness product journalist, I have tested countless types of shoes, including the best walking shoes for women, winter boots, and the best shoes for standing all day. To test for this guide, I first spoke with two board-certified podiatrists: Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and founder of LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, Florida Dr. Daughtry and Dr. Fuchs set the foundation of what features the best shoes for plantar fasciitis should have, such as arch support, a stiff but cushioned footbed, and a rigid heel cup. From there, I researched brands and individual shoes people with plantar fasciitis like the most, including sourcing from many people I know who suffer from the condition. I tested every shoe on this list (my husband tested the mens), wearing each pair to run errands, go on long walks, and work at my standing desk. As someone with high arches, I adequately tested for which shoes had significant arch support, in addition to being able to asses the stiffness and cushioning of each shoe's foundation. FAQs iStock; Gilbert Espinoza/Insider What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? The pain of Plantar Fasciitis comes from the ligament that runs from your toes to your heel, the plantar fascia, becoming tight and inflamed. Every step causes the ligament to tear more, and wearing shoes that don't have proper support will make it worse. Dr. Fuchs says people with plantar fasciitis should avoid flip-flops that lack enough cushioning or arch support, high heels that increase pressure on the forefoot and heel, and ballet flats that often lack arch support and cushioning. Instead, our experts advise looking for shoes with arch support you can feel, cushioning in the heel, and a 1-2 inch heel. What kind of shoes should I wear for plantar fasciitis at home? Wearing shoes any time you're walking around — even just from the bed to the kitchen — is crucial to help alleviate the strain on your plantar fascia, both our docs agree. Look for house slippers, slides, or even house sneakers that have arch support and heel cushion. Chances are your regular slippers won't cut it. We love Hoka's Ora Recovery Slide, which is easy to slip on and off and feels like clouds underfoot. They have layers of dense EVA foam to provide both support and keep the shoe lightweight with every step, and Hoka's signature rocker design helps work with your foot's natural movement. What aggravates plantar fasciitis? The number one thing that aggravates plantar fasciitis is not giving your feet enough support. This can mean wearing shoes without enough cushion or arch support or standing on hard surfaces, like concrete, for hours without rest. A supportive pair of shoes, like all those included in this guide, can go a long way to avoiding a plantar fasciitis flare-up.
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I ran 40 miles in the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 — and it's one of the most comfortable running shoes ever
When there have been 32 models of a running shoe, you can generally be sure of a couple of things. One is that it's a very good and popular shoe, and the other is that the brand won't make huge changes to new models frequently. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is certainly a very good running shoe, offering a cushioned and stable ride that's primarily designed to support runners who pronate, where you roll your foot inwards excessively upon landing. It's also not a huge update on the Asics Gel-Kayano 31. The last big change to the line was with the Asics Gel-Kayano 30, and while the Gel-Kayano 32 has some changes that make the ride a little smoother than on the 30 and 31, I didn't find its performance to be that different. In my Asics Gel-Kayano 32 review, I'll run through my testing of the shoe and compare it to previous models. I'll also explain some of the best running shoes for over-pronators from other brands, like the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2 and Saucony Hurricane 24. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 launched in May 2025 and costs $165 in the U.S. and £180 in the U.K., which is the same price as the Gel-Kayano 31. The price is in line with most top-of-the-range stability shoes, but there are cheaper options like the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is currently available in 10 colors, including the White/Orange Glow model I tested. There are wide and extra-wide versions of the shoe, which I found fit me well in my normal running shoe size. One of the main changes to the Gel-Kayano 32 is an 8mm drop from heel to toe, rather than the 10mm drop on the past few models. This lower drop is a result of there being an extra 2mm of foam under the forefoot, with the overall stack height of the Gel-Kayano 32 being 40mm at the heel and 32mm at the forefoot. Despite the extra foam, the weight hasn't risen with the Gel-Kayano 32, which is 11oz in a US men's size 10 — a fraction lighter than the same size with the Gel-Kayano 31. The Gel-Kayano 32 features a new engineered mesh upper to fit better and be more breathable than the upper on the Gel-Kayano 31. I didn't notice a big difference myself, but it's a comfortable upper with a lot of padding around the collar and a stiff internal heel counter to add structure and support at the back of the shoe. If you regularly run in warmer conditions, you might find that the plush padding at the back gets soaked with sweat, but the thinner material in the forefoot means I didn't find my toes overheating during longer runs. Most of the midsole of the Gel-Kayano 32 is made from FF Blast Plus foam, with a small PureGel insert under the heel. Both of these materials are mainly designed to deliver a comfortable ride, rather than be especially responsive or bouncy. There are several stability elements in the midsole of the shoe as well, which make up the 4D Guidance System. Your foot sits within the sidewalls of foam to add support, and the Gel-Kayano 32 has a wide base to create stability. These are common elements in running shoes, but more novel is the chunk of springy foam used on the inside of the shoe. This is designed to essentially bounce your foot forward when it rolls inwards, combating overpronation without using a traditional 'medial post,' which would be a firmer material to block the roll. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 uses two materials for its outsole — AHAR Plus and AsicsGrip. These are both thick and durable rubbers, and I've had no problems with grip during my testing. Fresh out of the box, the outsole can feel a little firm and slappy, but I found that it softens a bit after a few runs. Although I am a neutral runner, I have enjoyed running in the past few models of the Gel-Kayano, with the 4D Guidance System on the shoe creating stability without being intrusive or uncomfortable. Like the past two models, the Gel-Kayano 32 offers a lot of comfort thanks to the high amount of cushioning in the midsole, and I particularly enjoyed using the shoe for my 90-minute Sunday long run at an easy pace. I found that the slightly lower drop on the shoe made the ride feel a bit smoother as I rolled from heel to toe, and the extra foam under the forefoot of the Gel-Kayano 32 increases its comfort on longer runs. To compare the Gel-Kayano 32 to the 31 directly, I did a short run wearing one on each foot and found the newer shoe rolled through a little more easily. But it was a marginal difference — the similarities between the shoes far outweigh any differences. For most of my runs in the shoe, I ticked along at a relaxed pace, which is where the shoe is at its best, but I tried some progression runs in the Gel-Kayano 32 where I moved from an easy to a fast pace. When you do run faster in the shoe, you feel its size and weight, and keener runners will probably want to pair it with a lighter, speedier shoe for workouts and races. However, if you're a newer runner or one who isn't too fussed about chasing times, it will work for all your runs. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 is one of the best stability running shoes available and excels when it comes to comfort, in particular, even managing to be a little more comfortable than its predecessor. However, with much of the design being the same as the Asics Gel-Kayano 31, and the performances mostly being the same as well in my testing, I'd look for a deal on the older model first — it often drops to $125 on Amazon, and I'd expect it to be under $100 in the big sales periods like Black Friday. Other good options that come in cheaper than the Asics Gel-Kayano 32 include the Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2, which I think is a great daily trainer with supportive elements and a slightly bouncier midsole.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
Epic Asics sneaker sale live from $49 — here's 9 affordable deals I'd shop right now
It's no secret that Asics makes some of the best running shoes on the market. That's why purchasing a pair of their cool, comfortable and supportive sneakers is basically a no-brainer — especially right now that select styles are up to 40% off ahead of summer. If you're planning to hit the trails, the treadmill or the track, there's a pair of Asics running shoes that are perfect for your needs. One of my personal favorite deals is the Asics Gel-Kayano 31, which have been reduced to just $124 in both men's and women's sizes. We've also added select styles for active kiddos, like the GT-1000 13 Grade School, which are down to just $49. Ready to upgrade your sneakers for summer? Below are my favorite Asics running shoes on sale now — and be sure to check all the colors to find the best deals in your size. Designed to help runners go further, this shoes is made with a bouncy midsole that offers a cushioned underfoot feel. It also has a super breathable mesh upper and helps keep your feet cool. With how active kids are on a daily basis, either at school, home, or in-between activities, investing in a high-quality pair of shoes is a must. The GT-1000 13 shoe features a breathable mesh upper, underfoot cushioning, and Asics' Gel technology to help absorb impact. These shoes are a heavenly mashup of Asics' Trail Scout and Gel-Excite shoes, providing a durable upper and plenty of traction for tackling off-road trails alongside plush midsole comfort, thanks to Amplifoam Plus tech in the midsole. This adventure-friendly running shoe is on sale for women, too. These shoes are excellent for trail runs, with a traction pattern designed to support you on outdoor terrain. They also feature Rearfoot GEL to absorb impact and super-soft AMPLIFOAM cushioning. Save $15 on the already-affordable Asics Gel-Excite 10 Running Shoe. They feature AMPLIFOAM PLUS cushioning and rearfoot GEL technology for ultra comfort as you run. These trail running shoes are equipped with a solid rubber outsole and an advanced tread pattern for traversing uphill and downhill with ease. They're also quite comfy, thanks to a stretchy mesh upper that moves with your foot and FF Blast cushioning in the midsole. For those looking for a bouncy response from their running shoe, the Dynablast 5 may be right up your alley. With FF Blast Plus cushioning in the midsole and an Ahar Lo outsole rubber, the shoes are very responsive with every step and provide cloudlike comfort from start to finish. The women's version is also on sale for $99. For active kids, this adaptive running shoe is a smart pick. It features FF Blast Plus Eco cushioning in the midsole for comfort, PureGel tech in the heel to help absorb impact, and toe-rubber stitching and a tough outsole for extra durability. At just $124, this is one of the best prices we've seen for these lightweight running shoes. The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 is the latest version of the popular stability shoe, and mostly sticks to the same design as the Asics Gel-Kayano 30, with the main updates being a new outsole material and a more breathable upper. The women's version is also on sale for $124.
