For people with plantar fasciitis, the struggle to find a pair of comfortable shoes can feel endless.

But don’t abandon hope just yet – the wonders of modern science and innovation have created an abundance of options for you!

Today’s market is chock-full of walking sneakers built specifically to relieve the pain and suffering of those with  plantar fasciitis.

Better yet, you won’t even have to bother combing through hundreds of products – we’ve done the hardest part for you.

We’ve researched and reviewed the top walking shoes for plantar fasciitis so that you never have to deal with another day of foot pain in your life.

Best Women’s Plantar Fasciitis Walking Shoes

	Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Shoes	UMYOGO Walking Blade Sneakers	Vionic Women's Walker
Heel:	Cushioned heel seat	Reinforced	Deep heel cup w/ contours
Insole:	Orthotic insoles	Padded	Orthotic Insoles
Upper:	Seamless	Knit	Suede / Leather
Sizes:	5 - 12, Wide, X-Wide	5.5 - 10.5	5 - 11, Wide

For more of my shoe recommendations, have a look through these popular Women’s Workout guide links: Long Distance Walking Shoes, Cushioned Running Shoes, Spin Shoes. 

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Plantar Fasciitis Walking Shoes

1. Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
2. UMYOGO Women’s Walking Blade Sneakers
3. Vionic Women’s Walker
4. Ryka Women’s Devotion Walking Shoes
5. Skechers Women’s D’Lites
6. TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes
7. Ryka Vida RZX Sneakers

Our reviews of the top rated walking shoes for plantar fasciitis with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right one for you.

Plantar Fasciitis Walking Shoe Reviews

#1 Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Walking Shoes

Like their name suggests, the Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Shoes are built specifically for people who suffer from plantar fasciitis.

With an air-cushioned ergonomic outer sole and multiple layers of cushioning, they provide pillow-like support that will do wonders for decreasing heel pain!

They also feature premium orthotic insoles with anatomical arch support. These comfort features all work together to reduce overpronation and protect your heel from unnecessary stress.

A wide toe box offers a comfortable, non-binding fit, and eases pressure on bunions, hammer toes and sensitive feet.

The Orthofeet also sport an extra-depth design with ample space for custom made orthotics – so if your doctor has prescribed you special inserts, you can easily swap them in.

These are by far the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis – they’re even certified by medicare and qualified as women’s therapeutic shoes under code A5500 of the Diabetic Shoe Bill.

You really won’t go wrong with these. Get a pair today and put your feet to rest.

#2 UMYOGO Women’s Walking Blade Sneakers

The UMYOGO Women’s Walking Blade Sneakers are another top contender for the best women’s shoes for plantar fasciitis.

These are a breathable pair of mesh sports shoes, which expand with your foot as you step forward and reduce the friction that can so easily aggravate sensitive soles.

With a reinforced heel, padded insole and knit upper, your foot will be fully supported wherever you go.

They are great to wear when casually walking, shopping, or even when you have to stand for long periods of time at work.

Better yet, with these you’ll never have to sacrifice comfort for style – they’re available in 10 different colors, from peachy coral to highlighter green to deep purple.

The UMYOGO’s offer people with plantar fasciitis a way to express themselves in both style and comfort – without breaking the bank.

#3 Vionic Women’s Walker

The Vionic Women’s Walkers were designed with support and comfort as top priority.

With biomechanic removable orthotic soles, a motion-controlled footbed, and contoured arch support with a deep heel cup, these shoes work hard to realign your stride while you walk.

A firm thermoplastic heel counter takes the pressure off your own sore heels, making these some of the best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis.

These also feature a removable molded EVA midsole with built in .5″ elevation. This will reduce foot strain and provide smooth transition in the heel-to-toe strike zone

They also feature premium full-grain, water resistant leather uppers and moisture-wicking cool mesh liner, so you’ll be able to walk through puddles or the rain while keeping your toes dry!

The Vionic’s are available from sizes 5 – 11 and in Wide sizing as well, so spare your toes the overcrowding and get a pair while you still can!

#4 Ryka Women’s Devotion Walking Shoes

With flowing and feminine seamless overlays, the Ryka Devotions are a trendy yet comfortable option for those who need more foot support than normal.

Designed with a modular network of proprietary re-zorb® active foam, a lyrca lined tongue and a comfort collar with built in cushioning, they will protect your feet with every step.

These are also made specifically for the shape and structure of women’s feet, which are built slightly differently from men’s feet.

They feature a lace-up closure, a low-top shaft and a reinforced synthetic sole which absorbs shock, easing the strain on your poor, sore heels.

A high-instep insole guards your arches and does wonders in terms of alleviating pain.

Available in 22 different colors and both regular and wide models from sizes 5 – 11, these sneakers are both beautiful and supportive.

#5 Skechers Women’s D’Lites Walking Shoes

Skechers is a global leader in lifestyle footwear, and the Women’s D’Lites are just another example of the golden standard they’ve set for sneakers.

With a leather upper, a padded collar and tongue, and a thick midsole, these offer a completely shock-absorbed step that is perfect for people with plantar fasciitis.

Their flexible sole and deep heel cup work together perfectly to take unnecessary strain off your heel and ankle.

The memory foam insoles contour to the shape of your feet and provide enhanced arch support that will put an end to your pain once and for all.

Better yet, these shoes are available in 38 different color combinations, each more vibrant than the last.

Available in regular, wide and extra wide models from sizes 5 – 11, these are definitely some of the best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis available today.

#6 TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes

Next up, we have the TIOSEBON Women’s Athletic Walking Shoes.

These breathable knit sneakers feature an exceptionally lightweight yet cushioned midsole, with excellent bounce-back and durability. 

A cushioned HI-POLY insole with a ComfortDry sock-liner protects your arches and provides an overall cooler, drier, and healthier shoe environment that will keep your toes happy. 

#7 Ryka Vida RZX Walking Sneakers

Finally, we have the Ryka Vida RZX Sneakers.

These feature a high-impact heel cushion and ultra flex forefoot, to provide both enhanced support and flexibility for your feet.

With an extra deep design, there is also room for removable inserts, so there are no issues if you need to swap in your custom orthotics as prescribed by a doctor. Protect those arches!

These sport a low-top shaft and anatomical precise-return footbed, as well as a thick rubber outsole with strategic flex grooves.

They are available from sizes 5 – 11, though they don’t come in wide or extra wide variations.

However, most reviews note how roomy, deep and wide the shoe is, so if you need a wider fit, you can still stick with your usual size.

Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Now that we’ve taken you through the top women’s shoes for plantar fasciitis, it’s time to settle on a pair to bring home.

Picking the right option for your unique lifestyle and foot condition is intrinsic to alleviating your pain, so it’s important that you choose wisely.

With that in mind, we’ve written a comprehensive buying guide which outlines the key factors to consider throughout the selection process.

With our guidance, you’ll be well on your way to reducing your pain in no time!

Talk To Your Doctor

First and foremost, you should consult a physician to get a proper evaluation of the state of your feet.

Cases of plantar fasciitis can vary widely from person to person, but all involve the inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the tissue band running across the bottom of your foot.

This causes intense heel pain, tiny muscle tears and sometimes even fractures.

Depending on the intensity of your case, you may need physical therapy, oral anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or cortisone shots, or even surgery.

However, in most cases, simply switching to supportive footwear is one of the first things a doctor will recommend, as it can significantly reduce pain and increase recovery speed.

Keep reading to find out what to look for in a shoe if you have plantar fasciitis.

Arch & Heel Support

Good arch support in a shoe will relieve strain on your foot muscles when you walk and stand. This is especially important in people with plantar fasciitis.

Look for a shoe with anatomical arch support located right under your natural arch. This supports the foot and reduces the tendency for overpronation, which is when your ankle rolls inward as you step.

It also reduces the pressure on your fascia.

Heel pain is the most intense symptom of plantar fasciitis, so aim for a model with a deep heel cup. The right one will hug your heel to protect your bone and realign your step.

It can also prevent pronation and supination, which is when the majority of weight falls on the outside of your foot, causing disproportionate stress.

Foot doctors also recommend a firm heel counter in order to protect your Achilles tendon. This will minimize abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia.

Sole Support + Impact

Go for a shoe with extra rigidity in the sole and cushioning in the midfoot. This will prevent impact on the heel, where most of the pain is associated.

A shoe with a thick midsole is ideal, so look for soles cushioned with foam or memory foam, which will conform to your foot contours.

An ergonomic sole will also pay dividends in terms of reducing heel pain, as it facilitates more efficient foot motion, thus further reducing impact.

Width + Size

The most common mistake people make when buying shoes is sizing too small. If you already suffer from foot pain, you really don’t want to make this mistake.

Instead, look for shoes with a roomy toe box so as not to overcrowd your toes. Many shoes are also available in wide and extra wide sizes to better accommodate your plantar fasciitis.

FAQs About Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Q: What kind of shoes are good for plantar fasciitis?

A: Look for shoes with at least one of the following: strong arch support, a deep contoured heel cup, a cushioned sole, and/or a roomy toe box.

Q: What aggravates plantar fasciitis?

A: Plantar fasciitis can creep up on people gradually after years with no symptoms – this is because for most people, it is a slow onset overuse injury.

It often is the result of gym or sports-related high-impact activity.

It is also more common in people who are obese, flat-footed, or elderly (the planta fascia loses elasticity with age.)

It can also arise due to consistent use of improper footwear over time.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, the one thing that will aggravate it most is continuing as if nothing is wrong, without addressing the pain.

This is an injury that can’t just be walked off – it requires a change in behavior or physical therapy to feel better. It will not just fade with time like some of our bodily aches and pains do.

Q: Will Dr. Scholls inserts help plantar fasciitis?

A: Yes, if you buy the inserts made specially for plantar fasciitis.

The Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief Orthotic Inserts are clinically proven to help.

Q: How can you tell the difference between heel spurs and plantar fasciitis?

A: Heel spurs are calcium deposits that collect along the plantar fascia, forming a bony protrusion. In most cases, they form because of plantar fasciitis, rather than being a separate issue.

If your plantar fascia is damaged and you don’t seek treatment, you are likely to develop heel spurs – they are your body’s natural attempt to provide extra support for your heel.

The much maligned heel spurs are not to blame for heel pain – in fact, only 5% of people with them will ever feel pain as a result.

The intense pain comes from plantar fasciitis, which heel spurs are a symptom of.

Tips For Choosing The Best Women’s Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

#1: Talk to your doctor

Every pair of feet is different!

Because cases of plantar fasciitis can vary widely from person to person, it is important to consult with your physician before investing in a new pair of shoes.

#2: Choose heel support

Plantar fasciitis aggravates the heel of your foot, often resulting in heel spurs and intense pain.

To prevent this, prioritize models with reinforced heels or with a deeper heel cup.

The right heel design will protect your bone and realign your step.

#3: Size up!

The most common mistake people make when buying shoes is sizing too small.

Be sure your toes have adequate room – if you already suffer from plantar fasciitis, you don’t want a pair of too-tight shoes to further aggravate your pain.

Give your feet a break!

Summary

Now that you know how to find a good pair of walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, it’s time to settle on the right option for your unique feet.

Be sure you’ve considered all the important features of supportive shoes – heel and arch support, cushioned impact, and the right sizing.

And of course, don’t forget to consult your doctor before making any sudden moves!

Thanks for reading, & happy shopping.

How We Researched

To come up with the top walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Walmart, Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources