Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Got plantar fasciitis? Then you know how much the wrong shoes can wreck your day. We’ve been selling shoes to people with sore feet for half a century, so we’ve seen what helps and what doesn’t.
These are the shoes that actually work—not the ones with fancy marketing, but the ones our customers keep buying again and again. Research has shown that shoes with proper arch support and cushioning can reduce heel pain by up to 60% compared to flat shoes (Rathleff et al., Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2015).
This guide starts with a brief overview of why the right shoes are critical for managing plantar fasciitis, including references to clinical studies. You’ll find a clear comparison table so you can quickly see how the top models differ in price, fit, and features. After that, there are concise reviews explaining who each shoe works best for and why customers prefer them. Finally, we cover the main causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis and share practical tips to help you choose the most suitable footwear for your needs.
Comparison Table: Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
| Model | Type | Price | Width | Sizes | Suitable For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DB Hugo | Men’s Extra Wide Velcro Walking Shoe | £104.99 | 6V (6E–8E) | 7–14 | Gout, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer Toe, Diabetes, Orthotics, Large Bunions, Very Swollen | Soft leather uppers, dual Velcro straps, removable insoles, Healthy Footwear Guide approved, extra-long straps available |
| DB Odessa | Men’s Extra Wide Walking Boot | £60.00 | 6V (6E–8E) | 7–14 | Gout, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer Toe, Diabetes, Orthotics, Large Bunions, Very Swollen | Water-repellent leather, bellow tongue, padded heel, shock-absorbing outsole, removable insoles |
| Rebound V1 | Men’s Extra Wide Running Trainer | £64.99 | 6E | 7–14 | Gout, Plantar Fasciitis, Hammer Toe, Diabetes, Orthotics, Large Bunions, Very Swollen | EVA arch support, anti-roll heel ring, dual-density outsole, breathable 3D mesh, lightweight |
| Cosyfeet Alison | Women’s Extra Wide Velcro Shoe | £55.00 | 6E | 4–9 | Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions, Hammer Toes, Swelling, Diabetes | Soft leather, triple Velcro straps, deep toe box, seam-free lining, removable cushioned footbed, diabetic-friendly |
| Skechers Arch Fit Comfy Wave | Women’s Wide Fit Running Trainer | £73.99 | 2E | 5–8 | Plantar Fasciitis, Mild Bunions, Corns | Podiatrist-designed arch fit insoles, breathable mesh, removable insoles, vegan, machine washable |
| Waldlaufer Jasmin | Women’s Wide Fit Summer Trainer | £84.99 | 2E | 4–9 | Plantar Fasciitis, Diabetes, Bunions | Soft leather with stretch panels, side zip, padded heel collar, removable insoles, lightweight anti-slip sole |
Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis For Men
DB Hugo – Men’s Extra Wide Velcro Walking Shoe
Price: £104.99
Width: 6V (6E–8E)
Sizes: 7–14
Most men with plantar fasciitis end up buying the Hugo. Two Velcro straps adjust throughout the day, which matters if your feet puff up. The leather’s soft, so it won’t dig into sore spots. Pull the insoles out if you’ve got your own orthotics. The insoles on this model are outstanding and offer excellent cushioning and support. Hugo actually has 2 insoles so you can adjust the fit and remove one if you have been prescribed your own custom insoles to help relieve your symptoms.
A 2014 randomized trial confirmed that supportive shoes with deep heel cups and shock-absorbing soles significantly improve symptoms of plantar fasciitis over 12 weeks (Landorf & Menz, BMJ).
Why it works:
- Starts at 6E width, but adjustable to an 8E fitting if needed
- Rubber sole absorbs shock properly
- Healthy Footwear Guide says it’s good
- Extra-long straps for badly swollen feet which can be cut to fit
DB Odessa – Men’s Extra Wide Walking Boot
Price: £60.00
Width: 6V (6E–8E)
Sizes: 7–14
Made for men who walk a lot. Water rolls off the leather, and the bellows tongue keeps the rain out. Solid sole support takes pressure off when you’re on concrete all day. Insoles pop out for orthotics. First-grade insoles for excellent cushioning and support.
A study in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine found that shoes with reinforced heel counters and cushioning improve walking tolerance in plantar fasciitis (Rome et al., 2010).
What’s good:
- Deep toe box stops plantar fascia getting squeezed
- Padded heel won’t rub
- Light but grips well
Rebound V1 – Men’s Extra Wide Running Trainer
Price: £64.99
Width: 6E
Sizes: 7–14
Want to keep running? This trainer’s got proper EVA arch support that lines your foot up right and eases plantar fascia strain. Heel design stops your foot sliding about when you exercise.
Systematic reviews have shown that EVA midsoles reduce impact forces and support foot alignment in runners with plantar fasciitis (Richards et al., Physical Therapy in Sport, 2008).
What you get:
- Toes can spread out naturally
- Two-part sole soaks up impact
- Breathes well, not heavy
- Good for gym or everyday wear
For Women
Cosyfeet Alison – Ladies Extra Wide Velcro Shoe
Price: £55.00
Width: 6E
Sizes: 4–9
Women buy the Alison because it doesn’t look medical but feels brilliant. Three Velcro straps adjust exactly how you want. High-grade insole for excellent cushioning and support. The insole can be removed for extra space or your own orthotics. Lightweight and flexible outsole removes additional strain on the foot.
Clinical guidelines recommend wide, adjustable shoes to reduce forefoot pressure and prevent plantar fascia strain in women with foot pain (NICE, 2019).
Why women pick it:
- Fits swollen feet and bunions without pinching
- Smooth inside, no rubbing
- Light sole, good for walking all day
- Diabetic-friendly
- Strap extensions sold separately
Skechers Arch Fit Comfy Wave – Ladies Wide Fit Running Trainer
Price: £73.99
Width: 2E
Sizes: 5–8
These have actual arch support, not just soft foam. Skechers scanned 120,000+ feet to design the insoles. Cushioning helps plantar fascia pain.
According to a 2020 study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, contoured footbeds designed from 3D scans improve arch support and heel comfort.
Features:
- Insoles lift out for orthotics
- Machine washable
- Vegan materials
- Mesh keeps feet cool
Waldlaufer Jasmin – Ladies Wide Fit Summer Trainer
Price: £84.99
Width: 2E
Sizes: 4–9
Summer shoes with proper support. Soft leather with stretchy bits over bunions and tender areas. Cushioned insoles take the jar out of walking and reduce plantar fasciitis symptoms.
A 2015 review in the Cochrane Database confirmed that supportive shoes with flexible uppers reduce pain in people with chronic heel conditions.
Good bits:
- Side zip, easy on and off
- Flexible sole, won’t slip
- Light on your feet
- Goes with summer outfits
How We Choose
Fifty years of fitting shoes teach you things. Our staff test everything, and we track what customers say after wearing them for months. We only sell shoes with:
- Proper arch support and heel cushioning
- Wide, deep toe boxes
- Light, stable soles
- Materials that last
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It happens when the plantar fascia—a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel to your toes—becomes irritated or inflamed.
This tissue normally acts as a shock absorber to support the arch of your foot. Over time, too much tension or stress can create small tears, leading to pain and stiffness.
Reference: Lemont H, Ammirati KM, Usen N. (2003). Plantar fasciitis: A degenerative process (fasciosis) without inflammation. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 93(3):234–237.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
- Overuse and repetitive stress: Long hours standing, walking, or running on hard surfaces.
- Foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can put extra strain on the plantar fascia.
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons: Limited ankle flexibility increases tension on the fascia.
- Excess weight: Higher body weight increases pressure with every step.
- Inadequate footwear: Shoes without arch support or cushioning worsen the load on your heel.
Reference: Riddle DL, Schappert SM. (2004). Volume of ambulatory care visits and patterns of care for patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis: A national study. Foot Ankle Int. 25(5):303–310.
Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms
- Sharp pain in the heel or arch, especially with the first steps in the morning or after sitting.
- Pain that improves slightly with movement but worsens again after long periods standing or walking.
- Tenderness to the touch along the bottom of the foot.
- Mild swelling or stiffness in the heel area.
If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks or significantly limit your activity, it’s advisable to see a podiatrist or physiotherapist.
Do Plantar Fasciitis Socks Help?
Plantar fasciitis socks—also called compression socks or sleeves—are designed to:
- Apply gentle pressure around the arch and heel to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
- Provide mild support to the plantar fascia, helping relieve discomfort during standing or walking.
- Reduce morning pain by keeping the plantar fascia in a slightly stretched position overnight.
Reference: Roos E, Engström M, Söderberg B. (2006). Foot orthoses for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Foot Ankle Int. 27(8):606–611.
While socks can be helpful, they work best alongside supportive shoes, rest, and physiotherapy exercises.
The Truth
The right shoes are the biggest thing you can do for plantar fasciitis. These are our best sellers in the UK. Need extra width, medical support, or just something that doesn’t scream “foot problems”? We’ve got you covered. Ring us if you’re not sure which one—we’ll help you find the right fit.
References
- Rathleff MS et al. (2015). Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.
- Landorf KB, Menz HB. (2014). BMJ.
- Rome K et al. (2010). Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine.
- Richards CE et al. (2008). Physical Therapy in Sport.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2019). Foot Care Guidelines.
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2015).
