Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Reviewed in 2024
To make life easier for you, we have researched and reviewed the best options for people with plantar fasciitis and have put together a list of the best options available. We have rated each shoe on comfort, versatility, durability, breathability, and overall value.
- Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker
- Vionic Men’s Turner Sneaker
- Saucony Men’s Grid Omni Walker
- Orthofeet Men’s Walking Shoes
- New Balance Men’s 928 V3
- ASICS Women’s Gel-Quickwalk 3
- Orthofeet Breeze Women’s Walking Shoe
- Skechers Men’s Equalizer 2.0
- Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker
- Vionic Women’s Orthaheel Walker
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Comfort is key when it comes to buying a pair of walking shoes, particularly if you suffer from something like plantar fasciitis. If a shoe is not comfortable than you are less likely to wear it.
Also, if a shoe does not fully support your feet, they are likely to cause you discomfort or possible injury.
Whether you have wide, narrow, or flat feet, you must have the correct sizing and fit. With plantar fasciitis, a walking shoe must offer the right balance of comfort and support. This is likely to involve arch support, heel cupping, and a roomier toe box as well as good shock absorbers. However, the level and type of support are different so every person, so it is important that you choose the right shoe for you. You can rest assured that our collection offers a variety of walking shoes suitable for people with plantar fasciitis.
Versatility
When compiling our list, we made sure we selected different types of walking shoes suitable for people with plantar fasciitis.
Offering variety was particularly important for us. Overall, we chose a well-rounded selection, suitable for people with plantar fasciitis as well as flat feet, overpronation, arthritis, neuropathy, and diabetes. As well as shoes suitable for people with bunions and hammertoes.
We also wanted to include shoes in our collection that looks good and that were available in different colors and designs. The majority of our plantsar fasciitis walking shoes offered this however some were more versatile than others in this area.
Durability
Having a durable pair of walking shoes is particularly important because you want the shoes to last long, especially if you are spending a lot of money on them.
The type of materials used to create a pair of walking shoes will impact its durability. All the shoes in our collection feature a durable outsole however some include additional features like a good level of traction, a slip-resistant compound as well as AHAR technology. These all help by protecting the shoe from further damage and making them more durable.
Breathability
A pair of walking shoes must allow your feet to breathe, particularly when you are on the move but also if you suffer from something like plantar fasciitis.
All the shoes we picked for your collection are breathable; however, some offer more ventilation that offers. Some of our shoes include a breathable lining whereas others include moisture-wicking insoles. Some of the shoes also feature perforations in the shoes upper that allows heat to dissipate, leaving the foot feeling cool and refreshed.
Value
When it comes to value, it is important at the outset to establish what your budget is.
By doing this, it will allow you to establish your finances, agree on a set budget for the shoe, and know whether you can spend more dollars if required. We felt it was important to include walking shoes that varied in price so there was something suitable for everyone’s budget.
10 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
1. Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker
If you want a comfortable and reliable walking shoe, this Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker is a fantastic option.
Comfort
The designers have incorporated BioMoGo DNA into the design, allowing the shoe to adapt to the wearer's stride, speed, and weight. Progressive Diagonal Rollbar support also helps by guiding the foot throughout heel to toe transitions and keeping the foot steady.
The shoes upper is made from a full-grain leather material that is soft and comfortable. The leather material also works by locking the foot in place and keeping it nice and snug without being too restrictive.
It features a traditional lace-up system, allowing you to adjust the fit of the shoe. A padded collar and tongue give the foot additional support.
Versatility
The Brooks walking shoe is suitable for serious walkers who enjoy going on longs walks or require all-day wear. The shoe features a slip-resistant lining on the outsole, making it suitable to wear in the rain. These shoes have been created with the correct stabilizing components for walkers who suffer from overpronation.
They are only available in 3 colors including black, white, and bone which is a little disappointing.
Durability
The shoe outsole is lined with a slip-resistant compound making it suitable to wear on wet surfaces. The outsole is also hard-wearing and suitable to wear on most surfaces.
Breathability
The shoes upper is made from a full-grain leather material that has been lined with a breathable fabric that keeps the feet cool.
Value
The latest Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker is one of the more affordable walking shoes in our collection. Available for a mid-price this shoe is a great buy that you will not want to miss out on.
2. Vionic Men’s Turner Sneaker
The Vionic Men’s Turner Sneaker offers both style and stability in this walking shoe. Suitable to wear if you have plantar fasciitis, these walking shoes will allow you to enjoy walking with little or no pain.
Comfort
Featuring a mesh-lined EVA footbed, this shoe offers lots of comfort and support. Adjustable lace-ups allow you to achieve a comfortable fit whilst, a padded tongue and collar offer additional support.
Versatility
If you want a stylish sporty walking shoe, the Vionic Men’s Turner Sneaker is a great option. Showcasing a simplistic look, these shoes are only available in two colors.
These shoes are suitable to wear if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. They have also received The APMA Seal of Acceptance for providing exceptional quality that promotes good foot health certification.
Durability
This pair of sneakers features a rubber outsole with enough grip to allow for a safe and stable walk.
Breathability
The Vionic Men’s Turner Sneakers have been designed with a breathable mesh upper, keeping your feet cool. A removable mesh-lined EVA footbed that not only helps the foot stay cool but provides additional cushioning and support. A soft and breathable fabric lining also helps the shoe interior stay refreshed.
Value
Sold for a low price, this shoe is a fantastic option if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. The shoe has received the APMA Seal of Acceptance and is a bargain price so you would be crazy to miss out on this pair from Vionic.
3. Saucony Men’s Grid Omni Walker
If you have overpronation issues, the latest Saucony Men’s Grid Omni walking shoe will help you experience pure comfort and stability at its best.
Comfort
A compression-molded EVA midsole works by slowing down the rate of pronation. The shoe also features an engineered asymmetrical sole for a biomechanical fit. A rear-foot grid system provides superior cushioning and stability by centering the heel on impact. A mid-foot support bridge provides stability, achieving a smooth walk.
Additional features like a padded tongue and a removable sock liner give extra support and cushioning. A traditional lace-up closure allows the shoe to be adjusted to give the perfect fit.
Versatility
These walking shoes from Saucony are suitable for walkers who have high or fallen arches and help by alleviating pain and discomfort in the foot, back, and joint areas. If you have bunions and hammertoes, these shoes feature a roomier toe box.
These are available in 2 colors and wider fits making them suitable for walkers with wider feet.
Durability
The shoe outsole is made from a carbon rubber compound that gives it protection and a fantastic level of traction. The outsole has a Walk Trac patented design allowing for smooth transitions. The shoe also features flex grooves on the forefront, giving the shoe lots of flexibility.
Breathability
The Saucony walking shoe features a full-grain leather upper that provides the shoe with a good level of structure. The shoe tongue and collar are lined with a mesh material keeping the shoe cool and well ventilated.
Value
This is an affordable option if you have a limited budget. If you suffer from pronation issues but enjoy walking this is a fantastic option for you.
4. Orthofeet Men’s Walking Shoes
The latest Men’s Orthopedic Sneakers are a great solution if you suffer from conditions like plantar fasciitis, diabetes and bunions, but still want to enjoy getting outdoors in little or no pain.
Comfort
The shoe is made from a stretchy material that prevents it from being too restricted across the foot, resulting in discomfort. The shoe includes spacers allowing you to achieve the perfect fit. They also come in varying widths making them suitable for wider feet. Additional padding across the collar provides support and cushioning. Elastic laces allow the shoe to adapt according to the foot size and protective lining reduces the risk of irritation.
Anatomical arch support, multiple cushioning layers, a lightweight ergonomic sole as well as air cushioning all work together to provide a pain-free experience.
Versatility
Suitable for people who have plantar fasciitis, diabetes, arthritis, or neuropathy, these shoes are extremely comfy and supportive. The shoe also offers a roomier toe box for people with bunions or hammerer toes.
These shoes are available in varying widths making them suitable for people with wide feet. The shoes are available in only one color which is a little disappointing. However, they do come with a 60-day wear test and have been Certified by Medicare and have been qualified by therapeutic shoes under code A5500 of the Diabetic Shoe Bill.
Durability
These shoes feature an ergonomic stride sole that provides the foot with lots of cushioning. Along with an anatomical insole, these cushion the walker’s step improving their mobility and enhances the level of stability.
Breathability
These men’s walking shoes feature a stretchy non-binding upper that is extremely breathable, giving you cool and refreshing shoes to wear.
Value
This Orthofeet walking shoe is one of the more expensive shoes in our collection. If you require a specialist walking shoe that is suitable for people with plantar fasciitis and diabetic feet, this is a great buy.
5. New Balance Men’s 928 V3
New Balance has done a fantastic job creating a walking shoe that offers stability and ankle support at its best.
Comfort
To ensure complete comfort, the midsole features a compression-molded EVA that is a resilient foam that provides increased stability and soft relief for your feet.
From the midfoot to the toes, the shoe features ABZORB technology that acts as an extra layer of impact-absorbing cushioning that helps prevent any discomfort across everything between your hip to your toes.
The shoe also features a Rollbar posting system that is designed to reduce rear-foot movement. This works by having a molded plate under the heel that is connected to a posting on the inner and outer edges of the shoe. This structure helps by preventing supination and overpronation.
The New Balance walking shoe also has a removable PU sock liner that works by giving the foot an extra level of support as well as preventing the growth of any odors. The removable insert can also be replaced by an orthotic insole if required.
Additional features like a padded collar, traditional lacing system, padded tongue, and leather overlayers in the toe box help provide further support and stability.
Versatility
This is a brilliant walking shoe that is suitable for walking and standing for long periods. When it comes to aesthetics, these shoes are available in 6 different colors and designs. The shoe is also available in a variety of widths.
Durability
The latest New Balance Leather 928 v3, has been designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The walking shoe provides a good level of traction and is also non-marking, so you will not have to worry about any markings occurring on your flooring. Flex grooves featured on the forefront help with the shoe’s flexibility.
The walking shoe also features Walking Strike Path technology that is an off-centered rubber band that helps guide and stabilize the foot through the walking gait cycle.
Breathability
The shoes upper is made from a supportive leather material that gives the shoe a great level of structure. The upper features perforations, allowing heat to dissipate, leaving the feet feeling cool and refreshed.
Value
The latest New Balance 928 V3 walking shoe is one of the more affordable walking shoes in our collection making it a great buy.
6. ASICS Women’s Gel-Quickwalk 3
Asics have created a lightweight and comfortable walking shoe that offers plenty of cushioning, support, as well as a foot conforming upper, all at an affordable price.
Comfort
The walking shoe features GEL Cushioning Technology positioned in the rearfoot of the midsole that works by absorbing any impact caused by the heel landing. The shoe provides support via compression-molded EVA foam. This positioned in the midsole provides lightweight support underfoot.
Versatility
This makes a great entry-level walking shoe that is suitable for people who have plantar fasciitis.
The designers at Asics have created a stylish looking walking shoe; however, it is only available in black and white. They are only available in a standard fit so it may not be suitable for people with wider feet.
Durability
The outsole features AHAR technology that consists of pods positioned in high-wear areas of the outsole. These are used to protect against damage and provide long-lasting durability. The AHAR also works by enhancing traction on outdoor surfaces like concrete pavements.
Breathability
The latest Asics Gel-Quickwalk 3 features a mesh upper that is breathable and lightweight. Synthetic overlays are sewn onto the heel and sides of the upper, providing additional support. The mesh upper is also stretchy allowing the material to conform to the foot's shape and movement.
Value
This shoe from Asics is another of our more affordable walking shoes in the collection. Offering lots of cushioning and support, this is a fantastic option if want an entry-level walking shoe or are on a limited budget.
7. Orthofeet Breeze Women’s Walking Shoe
These Orthofeet walking shoes are a fantastic footwear solution for foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, diabetic, and overpronation.
Comfort
The shoe reduces the amount of pain in the foot, heel, knees, hip, and lower back by providing additional support and cushioning in key areas.
A stretchy material gives the foot more room, avoiding any pain caused to pressure points. The use of fitting spaces allows the shoe to be adjusted to the perfect size. Elastic laces and Velcro help by offering an adjustable fastening. Protective lining reduces the risk of irritation and padding across the collar provides additional support. The shoe is also available to purchase in different widths, ensuring you can pick the perfect size.
Anatomical arch support, multiple cushioning layers, a lightweight ergonomic sole as well as air cushioning all work together to help provide a pain-free experience.
Versatility
These women’s shoes have been designed to offer a pain-free experience for people with plantar fasciitis as well as flat feet, overpronation, arthritis, neuropathy, and diabetes. A roomier toe box also helps people who have bunions and hammertoes.
These are available in medium, wide, and extra-wide widths so you can achieve the perfect fit. a customized fit. However, these are not the most stylish shoe and are only available in black which is a little limiting.
A 60-day wear test also allows you to test the shoes and if you are not completely happy with them, they can be easily returned.
Durability
This shoe features an ergonomic stride sole that provides plenty of cushioning. An anatomical insole also softens the wearer's step, enhances stability, and improves the overall mobility of the wearer.
Breathability
The shoes upper provides a cool and breathable experience for walkers while offering a wide toe box that eases the pain on bunions and hammertoes.
Value
If you want a walking shoe that can leave you with little or no pain, these more expensive walking shoes are well worth the extra dollars.
8. Skechers Men’s Equalizer 2.0
These Skechers Equalizers 2.0 are a fantastic foot and joint pain solution. The shoe features a full-length dual-density compound that provides supportive cushioning and shock absorption.
Comfort
The walking shoe includes a memory foam insert that works by molding the shape of the walker’s foot, providing a perfect fit. The insert is also air-cooled ensuring the shoe stays fresh and odorless. A padded collar provides additional support for the ankle.
Versatility
These are suitable for people with plantar fasciitis because they provide enough support and cushioning. They are also suitable for people with bone spurs and rheumatism.
The stylish sneaker is available in 16 different colors. It is also available in varying widths making them suitable for people with wide feet.
Durability
The shoe has a rubber outsole providing a good level of traction and is non-marking. The walking shoe also features pods and grooves, positioned along the outsole to help the natural bend of the foot throughout the walking gait cycle.
Breathability
It offers a knit mesh upper that is supportive and well ventilated, keeping the foot cool. The shoe has a moisture-wicking insole that wicks moisture away from the foot. A perforated dual-lite footbed also works by increasing breathability in the inside the shoe.
Value
This is the lowest priced walking shoe in our collection. When reviewing what this shoe has on offer, this is a fantastic buy that should not be missed.
9. Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker
If you want a walking shoe that can provide you with maximum support, super-soft cushioning, and looks great, the Brooks Men’s Addiction Walker may be exactly what you have been looking for.
Comfort
To ensure maximum support, this walking shoe has been created with an Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar support system that works by guiding and keeping your body in its natural path of motion. The shoe also features pod-like structures under the arch of the outsole that prevents twisting.
The Brooks walking shoes features BioMoGo DNA that works by adapting to your weight, stride, and speed and reducing the level of impact on joints making every step comfortable. Traditional lace-up closures allow you to get the perfect fit for your foot.
Versatility
The Brooks shoe features a rubber compound on the outsole making these shoes slip-resistant and safe to wear in the rain. The shoe is suitable for people who suffer from overpronation because they provide the right level of support and stability.
When it comes to aesthetics, these shoes have a modern feel to them. The shoe is available in varying widths if you have wider feet and comes in two colors, peacoat or black.
Durability
The latest Brooks Men’s Addiction walking shoes feature a blown rubber outsole that has an excellent amount of traction and is slip-resistant.
Breathability
This walking shoe from Brooks offers a breathable environment so when you are on the move your feet will feel cool and refreshed. The suede upper is also both durable and breathable for the wearer.
Value
These are one of our more affordable men’s walking shoes by Brooks. Offering a fantastic level of cushioning, support, and stability, these shoes are well worth the extra dollars.
10. Vionic Women’s Orthaheel Walker
These Vionic Women’s walkers are one of the most stylish walking shoes in our collection. Build to offer support, stability, and a great level of cushioning, if you suffer from overpronation and conditions like plantar fasciitis this trainer is a great option for you.
Comfort
Featuring Action Motion System (AMS) technology, these shoes combine a podiatrist-designed orthotic with a flexible, cushioned outsole and a lightweight breathable upper. The shoe features a traditional lacing system allowing you to adjust the shoe, so they fit perfectly.
A firm, thermoplastic heel counter also provides an increased level of support and stability. Additional support is provided via a contoured arch deep heel cup.
Versatility
Showcasing a stylish exterior, these shoes are available in a variety of colors including pink, mauve suede, and purple leather.
Offering a perfect balance of cushioning, support and stability, these high arched walking shoes will help keep your feet, ankles, hips, and knees all in proper alignment making them a great option for people with overpronation or plantar fasciitis.
Featuring a water-resistant compound, these shoes are suitable to wear when walking in the rain. They have also been designed with an anti-bacterial top cloth lining that helps keep the shoe odors smelling fresh.
Durability
The walking shoe has been designed with a rubber outsole that offers a good level of traction. The shoes leather upper is also water-resistant, giving the material durability. A removable molded EVA midsole also offers a smooth transition from heel to toe.
Breathability
The latest Vionic Women’s walking shoe features a full-grain leather upper that has a breathable moisture-wicking mesh liner that works by quickly moving sweat to the fabric's outer surface and drying it quickly.
Value
These women’s walking shoes have been priced at a mid-price. Offering lots of support, stability, and cushioning, these are a great option if you suffer from plantar fasciitis or overpronation.
Sources
- Plantar fasciitis, Medical Organisation ,
- verything You Want to Know About Plantar Fasciitis, Health Magazine ,