Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Travel Shoes with Good Arch Support
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If you suffer from plantar fasciitis then you know that shoes with good arch support are absolutely essential especially when you plan to spend long hours on your feet walking.
Don’t let heel pain ruin your trip! We’ve got an incredible list of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis according to our readers. You asked and they shared their top recommendations. Find out what they are!
Travel Fashion help! A Reader Asked:
“I’m going to Ireland, London, and Paris for 5 weeks. I’m looking for advice on a shoe that can go with shorts and skirts. I also have plantar fasciitis and will be doing a great deal of walking. Can you please recommend the best shoes for plantar fasciitis?”
We get numerous questions with travelers in similar situations. They want to know what shoes are best for plantar fasciitis so we asked our readers for their recommendations. This article features all their top choices along with their best tips.
Start by reading these general tips on choosing the best shoes for travel:
As plantar fasciitis (or PF) sufferers know, choosing shoes that are comfortable and relieve (or don’t worsen) heel pain can be difficult. And there’s nothing worse than having sore feet while traveling! It can ruin a trip.
Because many of our readers suffer from this painful foot problem, we reached out to our readers for their first-hand recommendations for the best plantar fasciitis shoes.
These are the brands our readers rated as the best shoes for plantar fasciitis:
Read about the specific styles they recommend for each brand below.
This list includes everything from sandals, sneakers, hiking shoes, and flats, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style!
Vionic
When we asked our readers to recommend the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, Vionic was definitely the top choice. They overwhelmingly mentioned Vionic as their favorite brand, saying they could walk for hours and hours with their feet feeling great. They singled out Vionic’s flip-flops, flats, and even a heeled boot!
Vionic was founded by a podiatrist who wanted to create comfortable shoes, especially for people with PF. The brand continues to come out with more and more attractive footwear options that are also comfortable for long days of walking.
We love Vionic for their balance of comfort with fashion – the Valeri espadrilles above are our latest shoe obsession! Watch this video to see our review!
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Vionic:
“I wear the sandals and even the flip-flops and can walk and walk and walk.”
“I have the Vionic Paden sandals and Dansko Heidi sneaker. I walked 10+ miles/day with both of them last summer in London, Lisbon, and Madrid. I also have planter fasciitis and these saved me from aching feet after long days walking and sightseeing.”
“I’ve worn my Vionic Tide II flip flops (shown above) all over Greece, Croatia, and Fiji and they are the best! They are all that I can really wear so my feet don’t hurt… As long as you’re not rock climbing, you’ll LOVE them!”
“I love my Vionics! I have PF and fallen arches, and Vionic fits my foot well and offers good arch support.”
“After discovering Vionics my other shoes barely get any love. Having no foot pain after a long day is amazing. I have 2 pairs of the Upton ankle booties, Surin ballet flats, and the Caballo flat in black snake.”
Vionic is also featured as one of the best sandals for travel!
Skechers GOwalks
The GOwalk line isn’t just slip-ons any more—they include lace-up boat shoes, sneakers, flats, and more, in tons of colors and patterns. The styles are continuously evolving, which is why we think they make for some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Readers love that Skechers GOwalks are super light and have a thick but bouncy sole that cushions the feet, allowing you to walk for hours in total comfort!
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Skechers:
“I have plantar fasciitis and live in Skechers GOwalks when I travel. They go with shorts, skirts, dresses, or pants. I waterproof them and they dry out very quickly if they do get wet. And so comfortable!”
“Co-sign the Skechers: bought a pair for my first trip to Paris this February … they did not disappoint.”
“I rely totally on my Skechers when traveling. Walking so much on hard surfaces means you need as much cushioning as you can get. I just survived 2 weeks in Prague/Berlin/London with non-stop walking on hard pavements and cobblestones. No sore spots or blisters.”
Find more of our readers’ top picks for the best travel shoes here!
Keen
Do Keen make some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis?
Our readers say YES. This was the third most mentioned brand. Keen’s most known for its recognizable adventure sandals like the Keen Whisper shown above. If you’ll be hiking in a warm destination, these are perfect! Their rugged, outdoorsy hiking sandals are great in wet terrain and rainy weather, too.
Keen also offers some cute and casual flats and sneakers. PF sufferers say that those shoes make their feet happy, and what else could you ask for while traveling?
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Keen:
“Keen Whispers have taken me through glaciers, mountains, Paris streets, and more!”
“I like Keen for their Mary Jane-style walking shoes!”
“For plantar fasciitis, my doctor gave me the choices…1. Surgery, 2. Cortisone shot, or 3. Keens. Guess what I chose?”
Keen Sandals are some of the best womens outdoor sandals you can buy!
Dansko
The Pennsylvania-based company Dansko is more than just clogs! Recently they’ve been coming out with lots of new styles of footwear that are very high quality and comfortable. TFG readers love their sandals and sneakers for hours of exploring new destinations, ranking them as some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
The Vera sandal shown above seamlessly merges fashion and functionality together, with a supportive sole and a simple yet classy appearance. The ankle straps and gorgeous leather material allow these to work from day to night as well!
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Dansko:
“I have a great pair of Dansko that I could walk miles in.”
“I love love love my Dansko Honor sneakers. (Not the clogs for sightseeing, though; you’ll turn your ankle.)”
“I have the Dansko Heidi sneaker and the Vionic Paden sandals. I walked 10+ miles/day with both of them last summer in London, Lisbon, and Madrid. I also have planter fasciitis and these saved me from aching feet after long days of sightseeing.”
Find out why Dansko is one of the most fashionable shoes for women over 60!
Naot
The Israeli brand Naot is getting more and more popular for their comfort and increasingly stylish footwear. Plus, the Naot Sabrina sandal has been a TFG favorite for years! It’s cute, doesn’t look like a comfort shoe, can be dressed up or down, is comfortable, and will last ages. (The only downside is that their shoes come in full sizes only.)
Fun fact: Naot is Israel’s leading shoe manufacturer! Naot footwear is high quality and offers creative and earthy boots, clogs, flats, and sandals. Our readers especially like their Mary Jane-style shoes like the Matai Flat. (Unfortunately, Naot shoes come in full sizes only!)
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Naot:
“Naot makes a comfy and cute Mary Jane that I wore with jeans, capris, skirts, and dresses when I traveled to London and Paris years ago. They became one of my favorite shoes and I recently bought the same shoes to replace my old pair when they finally wore out.”
“I have custom orthotics and love my Naots for their removable insoles!”
“The Naot Rongo is expensive but worth it!”
“For plantar fasciitis, I strongly suggest sandals by Naot or Keen. Look for sandals with removable insoles. Both shoes have insoles that will conform to your foot.”
“Naots are the best for plantar fasciitis. They kept me on my feet when walking became nearly impossible.”
The Sabrina sandal hits all the right marks, and continues to be a TFG favorite. Here are more comfortable walking sandals that are stylish, too!
Fitflop
TFG readers mentioned Fitflops “microwobbleboard” insole technology, which is especially loved by plantar fasciitis sufferers. Fitflop’s shoes help accentuate the rolling motion of the foot from the heel to the toes, which supports the arch, cushions the foot, and gently stretches the plantar fascia. This genius technology makes your feet feel good all day and ready for the next adventure!
We love the look of the Superskate Loafer shown above without socks, but it’s not always the best option if you want to keep your feet comfy and fresh. Instead, pack a pair or two of these no-show shoe liners to wear with your low-cut shoes.
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Fitflop:
“My favorite right now–fashion-statement and feel-wise–are a pair of the Superskate loafers. Three cheers for the super skates!”
“I swear by my Fitflops Sandal for my plantar fasciitis relief. They have non-flip flop styles that can work with skirts. Since I started enjoying their ‘Microwobbleboard’ technology, I haven’t had a twinge.”
Traveling to a hot weather destination? Read our full list of the best beach sandals–it includes Fitflops too!
Birkenstock
In recent years, Birkenstocks have again become popular…but did they ever really go out of style? Some new, slightly more attractive styles, like the Gizeh, are popular with TFG readers.
This nearly 250-year-old German footwear company uses high-quality materials and their shoes last a long time. They mold to your feet after wearing and eventually fit like a glove, which is why they are some of the best pairs of shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Birkenstock:
“For PF, Birkenstocks have the needed arch support.”
Check out our Birkenstock Gizeh review and find out why it’s a must-have travel sandal!
Clarks
British-based brand Clarks are well-known for having comfortable shoes of all types. It’s no surprise TFG readers loved them for helping with heel pain and keeping feet comfortable after full days of walking! Clarks offers a full range of styles, including everything from sneakers, boots, wedges, sandals, and more, making them some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Clarks:
“I have a pair of Clarks sandals that I wore everywhere! So comfy. You can’t go wrong.”
“My favorite pair of sandals was from Clarks. I wore them all over Italy. Plus, they were super cute—I got lots of compliments. I wore them until they started falling apart and wished I’d bought more of the same pair before they stopped making that style!”
“I love Clarks for walking a lot. I have very princess-y feet and they never give me so much as a red spot. I love them!”
If you are looking for the most comfortable wedge sandals, look no further than Clarks!
Oofos
Some readers mentioned Oofos, which is a recovery shoe, as the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. They are engineered to help feet recover by absorbing shock and reducing stress on your feet after a long day, which is ideal for people with plantar fasciitis. So after exploring Rome for hours, slip into some Oofos while lounging in your hotel to rejuvenate your feet for tomorrow!
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Oofos:
“I recommend taking along a pair of Oofos. I keep a pair by the bed and never walk barefoot. These might save your feet one day on your trip.”
“Get some Oofos flip flops for after hiking walking. They are life-changing. I sprained my ankle and fractured my foot and deal with plantar fasciitis.”
Check out their other styles on Amazon!
Ecco
From performance hikers to city styles, Ecco boots, shoes, and sandals are made for any travel destination, including outdoor adventures in the concrete jungle or the wilderness.
ECCO uses advanced construction techniques and continuous exploration in materials science to develop the most comfortable shoe. With ECCO, you know you can count on superior fit, durability, support, and flexibility for all-day comfort.
Here’s what TFG readers had to say about Ecco:
“This pair has a wonderful insole: firm but cushioned, and they get more comfortable and shape around your foot as you wear it.”
“I have had Plantar Fasciitis and I am terrified of having it come back. These shoes give all the arch support I need and protect my heels without buying additional orthotics.”
“Love love love these shoes!”
Ecco is the top one among the twenty brands our readers voted as the most comfortable and cute walking shoes for travel!
Here’s a quick overview for each of these shoes for plantar fasciitis:
| BRAND / MODEL | READERS SAY | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
Vionic Valeri Espadrilles | “We love Vionic for their balance of comfort with fashion – the Valeri espadrilles shown are our latest shoe obsession!” | Check Price | |
Skechers GOWalk Slip-on | “Readers love that Skechers GOwalks are super light and have a thick but bouncy sole that cushions the feet, allowing you to walk for hours in total comfort!” | Check Price | |
Keen Whisper | “This was the third most mentioned brand. Keen’s most known for its recognizable adventure sandals like the Keen Whisper shown.” | Check Price | |
Dansko Vera Sandal | “TFG readers love their sandals and sneakers for hours of exploring new destinations, ranking them as some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.” | Check Price | |
Naot Sabrina Flat | “Naot Sabrina sandal has been a TFG favorite for years! It’s cute, doesn’t look like a comfort shoe, can be dressed up or down, is comfortable, and will last ages.” | Check Price | |
Fitflop Superskate Loafer | “TFG readers mentioned Fitflops “microwobbleboard” insole technology, which is especially loved by plantar fasciitis sufferers.” | Check Price | |
Birkenstock Gizeh Thong | “In recent years, Birkenstocks have again become popular…but did they ever really go out of style? Some new, slightly more attractive styles, like the Gizeh, are popular with TFG readers.” | Check Price | |
Clarks Lucena Sandal | “Clarks offers a full range of styles, including everything from sneakers, boots, wedges, sandals, and more, making them some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.” | Check Price | |
OOFOS Ooriginal Thong | “Some readers mentioned Oofos, which is a recovery shoe, as the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.” | Check Price | |
ECCO Chase II Tie Sneaker | “From performance hikers to city styles, Ecco boots, shoes, and sandals are made for any travel destination, including outdoor adventures in the concrete jungle or the wilderness.” | Check Price |
Superfeet insoles
Don’t forget about insoles! Many readers raved about Superfeet insoles in particular. They stabilize the feet, which helps reduce some of the stress on the plantar fascia. The company website claims to not just remedy plantar fasciitis, but prevent it!
Readers love that these insoles come in various colors and levels of support. Consider switching out the insoles in your current favorite shoes with Superfeet and you may find a whole new level of comfort and relief! Insoles can turn regular shoes into the best shoes for plantar fasciitis.
TFG readers say:
“I’ve found that if a hiking boot fits good everywhere else, then I can add SuperFeet insoles (or orthotics) for arch support.”
“I use SuperFeet inserts in them both and they really help. They were recommended by my podiatrist.”
“Get Superfeet inserts, as long as the insoles in the boots are removable. I put these into my running shoes and they helped my plantar fasciitis heal quickly.”
Just a note: if your shoe doesn’t have removable insoles, you might not be able to use Superfeet—or you’ll have to buy ½ size larger shoe to accommodate the Superfeet.
TFG readers say:
“I use Superfeet to replace the insoles in anything from flats to sneakers!”
“I had the best luck surviving two weeks in Prague using green Superfeet insoles. I’ll spend 7 weeks in Portugal, Spain, and France this summer so I will switch my Superfeet insoles to my Superga sneakers.”
Tips for choosing the right shoe if you have plantar fasciitis:
- Look for the sandals with removable insoles and heel and arch support.
- Consider taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever the night before big walking days.
- Europe’s cobblestone streets don’t work well with high heels. Try low wedges, an ankle or motorcycle boot, a low hiking shoe with added heel cushioning, or a soft moccasin.
- Rely on public transit to reduce the amount of walking. Many popular destinations, especially in Europe, have safe, excellent transit.
- Consider getting customized insoles or orthotics from a footwear store.
- Remember: quality shoes and insoles may be expensive, but they’re worth it!
Keep in mind that your destination may require specific types of shoes. Read these guides on how to choose shoes for Europe’s cobblestone streets and how to choose the best travel shoes in general!
What do you think are the best shoes for plantar fasciitis? Share in the comments!
For more tips on travel shoes, please read:
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