Plantar fasciitis is a surprisingly common foot condition. Dr. Jay Spector, an Atlanta-based podiatrist and 32-time marathon runner, has experienced it himself on two occasions. “Plantar fasciitis is inflammation at the insertion of the plantar fascia as well as pain along the arch of the foot.” Spector told HuffPost via email. “The plantar fascia, [which] is a ligament that acts like a tendon in motion, holds up the muscles that are in the arch.”He said that although the causes of fascia inflammation are varied, wearing the wrong type of shoes is a common reason. “There is no best shoe for helping plantar fasciitis but there are definitely poor shoes,” Spector said. According to Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross, podiatrist and past president of the California Podiatric Medical Association, the best shoes to manage this condition are ones that will support the arch of the foot and reduce pressure on the inflamed tendon — granted you know which arch morphology, or type, you have. “If the patient has a low arch or flat foot, I usually recommend a motion control or stabilizing shoe,” Spohn-Gross said. “If the patient has an average arch, then I lean towards a neutral shoe. Finally, if the patient has a high arch, then I will recommend a neutral or cushioned shoe.”Both Spector and Spohn-Gross typically suggest patients wear running shoes. And in some cases, the need for custom orthotics or orthotic inserts will arise. You can keep reading to see the brands and men’s shoes that these podiatrists recommend if you want to prevent or minimize plantar fasciitis pain.AmazonKuaiLu sasual sandals with orthopedic arch supportEasy to kick on and off and light on the foot, these KuaiLu sandals were deemed a “glorified flip-flop” by one happy wearer. Unlike flimsy thongs, these slides actually stay on your foot as you move and give immense support and stability. The adjustable side buckle and molded heel cup ensure a secure fit while the memory foam insole is soft without being too squishy.In previous reporting, board-certified podiatrist Dr. Howard E. Friedman told HuffPost that patients recovering from plantar fasciitis should have supportive shoes on their feet from the moment they wake to when they go to sleep. While he didn’t endorse a partial shoe, he said, “Slides with arch support are helpful since for someone getting out of bed, they are easy to slide into.”“Having plantar fasciitis I’ve very much struggled with sandals,” another reviewer said. “These have given me the right amount of support where my feet are not sore at the end of a busy day. And they’re pretty stylish too!”ZapposOofos Ooriginal recovery sandalIn previous reporting, Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, a multi-board certified podiatrist and expert in sports medicine and footwear, previously spoke to HuffPost about the benefits of recovery shoes for conditions like plantar fasciitis, and on Oofos recovery shoes in particular.These popular shoes — which have received the APMA seal of acceptance — uses a proprietary footbed and foam material in the construction of their footwear that’s designed to absorb shock, reduce strain on joints and assist with active recovery. It’s a technology that the brand claims absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear foam materials.“Oofos is a brand of recovery shoes that has really focused on the science of foot and ankle by mechanics. They found their niche with materials to help with people with foot issues,” Mendeszoon said, adding that it’s one of the two top brands that he personally recommends to his own patients.KuruKuru Atom slip-on sneakersDr. Gary Evans, a podiatrist based in New York City, previously suggested shoes from Kuru, a brand that specializes in pain-relief footwear, and specifically conditions like plantar fasciitis.Based on this brand mention, we chose the Atom, an everyday shoe that Kuru claims is a slip-on version of its bestselling sneaker. Like most of Kuru's designs, these shoes offer dynamic heel support and an arch-supportive foot bed that keeps feet stable and comfortable. The outers are made with a breathable and ultra-flexible knit and you can shop them in three colors and men's sizes 7-13.HokaHoka Bondi 9 everyday running sneakerRecommended by podiatrist Dr. Jay Spector, these everyday walking and running shoes by Hoka promise an ultra-cushioned and "billowed" footbed with a neutral level of support for the arch. They are available in tons of different vibrant and neutral combinations, in both regular and wide options in men's sizes 7-16.ZapposVionic walk strider sneaker"I personally like Vionic shoes because they have a variety of dress shoes and flip flop options with built-in arches," said podiatrist Dr. Holly Spohn-Gross. Based on Spohn-Gross's recommendation, we choose this pair of lightweight casual sneakers featuring the brand's innovative and podiatrist-designed insole, which provides orthotic-level support, stability and comfort. It also has anti-roll and lateral rigidity tech along with an added stabilizer in the heel that can help to minimize foot movement and hopefully prevent injuries. All of them are made with elastic no-tie laces and they can be found in sizes 7-13.NikeNike Pegasus Air sneakersThese familiar Pegasus Air sneakers by Nike came at the suggestion of Spector and are available in sizes 6-15. They promise updated all-around padding, foam midsoles and an Air unit inside each heel for added comfort. The early 2000s-looking uppers can be found in up to nine color combinations.Though they're listed under women's sneakers, these shoes are available in men's sizes.ZapposBirkenstock Arizona sandals with a cushioned footbedDr. Chanel J. Perkins, a board-certified podiatrist in Texas, previously suggested this cushioned version of the Birkenstock classic, the Arizona sandal for those recovering from various foot conditions. (It may also be worth mentioning that Birkenstocks have helped heal my father's case of chronic plantar fasciitis.)Like many of the brand's footwear offerings these iconic sandals feature the signature Birkenstock contoured footbed, an anatomically designed insole that offers longitudinal arch support running along the sides of the footbed for greater stability. This is supplemented with transverse arch support, a contour that runs along the middle of the footbed to help promote better alignment and a deep and cradling heel cup keeps the heel’s natural cushioning right under the heel bone to also help prevent potential pain. Find these in up to five colors, different type of leather uppers and gender neutral sizing. OofosOofos everyday recovery clogFor feet that are flat or have low arches, Spohn-Gross suggests the footwear offerings from Oofos. These versatile clogs are constructed with a proprietary foam footbed that claims to absorb more impact and reduce joint stress more than traditional footwear made with foam materials. These shoes, which also come in white and in sizes 4-14, are machine washable and odor-resistant.AltraAltra Via Olympus walking shoesFor an ultra-cushioned sneaker option, Spector mentioned Altra's Via Olympus shoes, which have a luxurious and bouncy midsole that's constructed of a lightweight, hyper-responsive foam. The shoe has also been designed with a rocking shape to impart the feeling of being propelled forward with each step while the balanced cushioning promotes better foot alignment. You can get these in seven color combinations and sizes 7-15.Check out our full review of Altra's shoes.AsicsAsics Gel-Kayano running shoeRecommended by Spector, the Gel-Kayano running shoes by Asics are designed specifically for individuals with flat feet or low arches by helping to transfer weight to the inner edge instead of the ball of the foot with each step. The midsole is made with shock-absorbing cushioning and the low-profile heel comfortably cradles the foot for added support. These are available in sizes 6-16 and in 17 different vibrant and neutral color combinations.AmazonSaucony Ride athletic shoeSaucony's Ride running shoe, suggested by Spector, promises a plush and perfectly cushioned sole and a sock-like fit that keeps feet stable. The uppers are made from a breathable mesh and the newer come available in over 18 different color combinations. Grab these in sizes 7-16, wide sizing included.VionicVionic flip flop sandalAnother popular Vionic footwear option, these flip-flop sandals have a shock-absorbing, flexible and medium-density midsole as well as a motion-control footbed with deep heel cups to help feet stay aligned and in their natural position. You can get these in four colors and sizes 7-14, each one finished with leather trim and a comfortable, softly woven toe post and foam-lined strap.On RunningOn Running's TikTok-beloved CloudmonstersEditor's pick: While these road-style running shoes weren’t specifically mentioned by a podiatrist for alleviating plantar fasciitis symptoms, On Running's Cloudmonsters are a frequent and recognizable favorite on TikTok where both athletes and everyday people adore these highly responsive shoes that offer support all throughout the tip of the toe — a feature that one TikTok user with plantar fasciitis said separates the Cloudmonsters from other standard running shoes.The max cushioning sole offers a noticeable spring and rebound with each step, an impact-absorbing performance and a forward-rolling operation that takes pressure off the heel.
Podiatrists Swear By These Supportive Men's Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Supportive athletic sneakers, sandals and everyday shoes that can help relieve foot pain.
1,457 words~7 min read






