Best Shoes and Insoles for Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief
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Time to read 9 min
Plantar fasciitis can cause significant pain, especially first thing in the morning when you put weight on your feet after resting all night. If you are living with plantar fasciitis, you might not realize just how important your footwear is. While it may seem basic, good shoes can help protect your feet, guard against pain and promote the healing process. In addition to good shoes, insoles can also make a difference.
There’s no single shoe or insole that’s right for everyone. The best choice for you will depend on your foot anatomy, your lifestyle and your preferences.
What to Look for in Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
If you’re looking for a good pair of shoes to help support your recovery from plantar fasciitis, there are a few things you should look for:
- Adequate cushioning: Flat shoes with little to no cushioning can be very hard on the feet and may aggravate your plantar fascia, leaving you in pain. Make sure that any shoe you consider has ample padding to protect painful heels against shock and pressure.
- Arch support: Certain types of shoes, such as flats, ballet-style shoes, and flip-flops don't provide the support you need if you have plantar fasciitis. Look for shoes that have good arch support to help distribute weight and promote proper alignment.
- Stability: Choose shoes that fit well and stay in place. Footwear that slips and slides around can contribute to pain. Certain types of sandals and flip-flops force you to grip with your toes, which alters the way you walk. This may also lead to pain.
- Comfort: Make sure that your shoes feel comfortable right when you put them on. Your feet should never feel cramped or crowded. You should be able to move your toes freely without constriction.
Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis by Activity
Many people will choose a different type of shoe based on what they plan to do. Always choose a style of shoe that matches your chosen activity. This can help protect your feet.
Shoes for Work
If your job has you standing or walking for long periods, choose a protective, closed-toe shoe with plenty of padding and support. If you work in hazardous conditions, choose a protective boot designed to shield your feet and reduce the risk of injury.
Shoes for Walking
A lightweight, sporty sneaker is often perfect for walking when you have plantar fasciitis. Consider buying a style designed specifically for walking. There are also hybrid shoes that are ideal for long walks and light hiking. Any shoe you buy should feature adequate padding and arch support. The shoe should feel comfortable from the start of your walk to the end.
Shoes for Running and Exercise
If you’re looking for shoes for running or other types of workouts, make sure that the shoe is designed for your specific activity. You should always choose a proper running shoe anytime you intend to go running, even if it’s only a light jog. On the other hand, if you plan to play basketball, select a style that’s specifically designed for that sport. Specialized shoes can help address many common issues associated with their intended sport or form of exercise. This can help protect the feet and other areas of the lower body against pain and injury.
Can Insoles Help with Plantar Fasciitis?
Yes, insoles and orthotics can help with plantar fasciitis in some cases. While a good pair of shoes can go a long way in supporting your feet, a bit of reinforcement can make the best shoes even more effective. Insoles and orthotics can complement high-quality footwear by providing additional cushioning and arch support. The combination can help provide ultimate protection against pain and possibly reduce the risk of future injury.
There is a wide variety of insoles available to help with plantar fasciitis pain. Many styles are available for purchase over the counter, making them a very easy and convenient way to help with plantar fasciitis. They are also much more affordable than custom orthotics.
There are several good options for insoles that can help with plantar fasciitis, including:
Dr. Scholl's® Advanced Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotic Insoles: These high-performing insoles feature targeted arch support, superior shock absorbing features and three layers of cushioning to protect all areas of the lower body, helping to relieve pain from plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Scholl's® Plantar Fasciitis All-Day Pain Relief Orthotics: These specialty insoles are designed specifically for plantar fasciitis pain. They can help provide immediate as well as long-lasting pain relief. They can even reduce the risk of pain recurring.
How to Choose the Right Insoles for Your Shoes
With so many options, it can be difficult to find the right insoles for your shoes. Consider these tips:
Removable insoles: It’s best to start with a shoe that has removable insoles. That way you can replace the original insoles with your new ones to address plantar fasciitis.
Activity and intended use: As with your shoes, consider which type of activity you intend to use your insoles for. For example, Dr. Scholl's® Performance Sized to Fit Running Insoles are intended specifically for runners. They can help reduce pain from plantar fasciitis and minimize the risk of future plantar fascia injury
When Should You Replace Your Shoes?
Parting with your favorite pair of shoes that once fit like a dream is rough. However, wear and tear means old shoes could be harming your feet. Over time, the padding and arch support break down, leaving your feet susceptible to pain and injury.
It's time to get new shoes if you notice the cushioning doesn't bounce back like it once did. This is also the case if you notice the treads are worn down and thin. Visible cracks and tears are also signs it’s time to replace your shoes. New minor aches and pains are also often signs that you need new shoes.
Some manufacturers provide guidelines for how often shoes should be replaced. If you’re a runner, it’s usually recommended that you replace your running shoes every 300-500 miles.
Tips for Finding the Right Combination of Shoes and Insoles
Some insoles can be worn in various types of shoes and some people are able to easily move their insoles back and forth. Other people find they need multiple insoles for different shoes. For example, you may require a specific insole for your dress shoes and a different insole for your running shoes. Just make sure that your insole is appropriate for your chosen shoe. Read the product description for additional details. Some insoles need to be trimmed to fit. When you insert your insoles into the shoes, they should fit snuggly but you shouldn’t have to force them in and they shouldn’t extend beyond the bottom of the inside of the shoe.
Best Insoles & Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis FAQs
What features should I look for in shoes for plantar fasciitis?
If you have plantar fasciitis, look for shoes with adequate cushioning and support. The shoes should create a protective barrier between your foot and the floor or ground. Prioritize arch support with a deep heel cup to protect the plantar fascia from overstretching. Choose shoes with a secure fit to prevent slipping and sliding. The shoe shape should provide enough room for your toes without feeling narrow or compressed. Avoid flats and flip-flops since they lack proper support and they’re ineffective at absorbing shock.
Can insoles really help relieve plantar fasciitis pain?
Yes, insoles and orthotics can help relieve plantar fasciitis pain for some people. The right insoles can provide additional shock-absorbing padding and stabilizing arch support to help protect the plantar fascia against painful impacts and overstretching. Insoles are a simple and non-invasive strategy for managing pain from plantar fasciitis.
What type of shoes works best for standing or walking at work?
For jobs requiring long periods of standing or walking, choose heavier or more rigid shoes that absorb shock. Prioritize shoes that offer arch support and stabilizing features. Look for a deeper heel cup with interior padding to reduce pressure. These features can help provide better shock absorption throughout your workday and may be less likely to aggravate the plantar fascia.
Are running shoes with more cushioning better for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, running shoes with more cushioning can be helpful if you have plantar fasciitis. Ample padding can help shield tender heels from impact when you run.
Should I use full insoles or heel cups for plantar fasciitis?
The choice between full insoles and heel cups for plantar fasciitis depends on your shoes and needs. Full insoles provide comprehensive arch support and cushioning throughout your entire foot. A heel cup provides cushioning only under the heel area. Dr. Scholl's ® Comfort Heel Cushions feature massaging gel to relieve pressure on painful heels. The slim, tapered design makes this shoe insert suitable for a wide variety of shoes. Some people prefer a full insole because of the added benefits. Other people prefer a heel cup over a full insole because they feel it’s adequate for them, or they find it less intrusive. Some heel cups may also be more versatile and easier to use with certain types of shoes where a full-sized insole doesn’t work as well. You may need to experiment to find the right shoe insert for your preferences and needs.
How do I know when it's time to replace my shoes?
Replace your shoes when you notice the cushioning is thinner, compressed, or it doesn’t bounce back the way it used to. It’s also time to replace your shoes if there are visible signs of wear, such as thinning or balding treads, cracks and rips. If you’re noticing new minor aches or pains, it might be a sign that your shoes need replacing. Running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles.
What kind of insoles should I choose for narrow or open-toe shoes?
For narrow or open-toe shoes, consider a partial length clear insole that’s slim and discreet. Dr. Scholl's® Love Your Heels & Wedges 3/4 Length Insoles provide arch support and cushioning to help protect feet against aches and pains. They can be used in a variety of open-toe heels and wedge-style shoes. Thanks to the clear, slim design, nobody will know you’re wearing them.
Why are flip-flops and sandals bad for plantar fasciitis?
Flip-flops and certain styles of sandals can be bad for plantar fasciitis because many common styles lack adequate arch support and padding. Flip-flops also require you to grip with your toes in order to prevent slipping, and this is also the case with some sandals. This gripping action can change the way you walk, potentially putting more pressure on the plantar fascia. If you intend to wear sandals, choose a style that does not have a toe post. The sandals should have a heel strap that keeps your feet from slipping around. Make sure the sandals have good arch support and padding.
Can I add insoles to shoes I already own?
Yes, in many cases you can add insoles to the shoes you already own. Many styles of shoes have removable insoles. You can remove them and then insert specialized insoles for your needs. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on the insole packaging. Some insoles require trimming to fit properly in your shoes.
What's the difference between shoes designed for plantar fasciitis and adding insoles to regular shoes?
Shoes designed for plantar fasciitis feature targeted support and cushioning to help protect the plantar fascia. This is also the case with certain types of insoles designed for plantar fasciitis. However, you always need to start with a good pair of shoes. Insoles cannot compensate for poor footwear. For many people, the difference comes down the preference. There are people who feel they get additional support and protection from insoles, and they many choose to add them to their shoes, even if the shoes are specifically intended to help with plantar fasciitis. Insoles can help boost the benefits of a quality pair of shoes.
Additional Resources
American Podiatric Medical Association - Plantar Fasciitis
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Heel Pain
Cleveland Clinic - Plantar Fasciitis
Mayo Clinic - Plantar Fasciitis
American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons - Plantar Fasciitis
Healthline - Everything You Need to Know About Plantar Fasciitis
MedlinePlus - Plantar Fasciitis
Gina Brock
Gina Brock is a seasoned copywriter, editor and content strategist with over 20 years of experience leading high-performing content production in the health and wellness space. As a healthy lifestyle advocate and former fitness instructor, she leverages her knowledge and experience to shape impactful content that resonates with wellness audiences. Gina is also a published novelist.