Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes For Women (22 Cute, Comfortable Shoes) (2024)

Plantar Fasciitis is the number one cause of foot pain seen in my practice. I recommend proper supportive shoes as the first line of defense. I’ve written about the absolute best plantar fasciitis shoes for both genders; Now I want to focus on shoes for women with plantar fasciitis. After all, women are 2.5 times more likely to have plantar fasciitis than men.

Often considered an overuse condition, plantar fasciitis symptoms manifest as pain in the heel and arch. Whether choosing a casual, dress, or athletic shoe, there are factors you should look for to ensure that your footwear is giving you enough support to manage pain and aid in healing. I’ll help you determine what makes a good shoe and show you my list of top choices for casual and dress shoes.

How Women’s Shoes Differ from Men’s Shoes

Women’s feet are not just a smaller version of men’s; there are several biological differences. For these reasons many shoes are designed specifically for women or men in the following ways:

• Width of the toe box. Women generally have a wider forefoot and a narrower heel than men, so women’s shoes are designed to reflect this difference.

• How they provide support. The Q-angle is generally wider in women which causes them to pronate more. Women’s shoes provide more support in the heel area.

• Weight. On average, women have 15% less muscle than men, making them comparably lighter. The midsoles of women’s shoes are often made with lighter, softer materials since they don’t have to sustain as much impact.

• Arch shape. The arch height and foot length can differ between men and women, so even if you find a man’s shoe in your size the arch may not line up correctly.

• Flex grooves. Since women have a lower body mass, the flex grooves in the front of the outsole are deeper in women’s shoes to make flexing easier.

Some women with wider feet may feel more comfortable wearing a men’s shoe or unisex shoe. To determine your size in men’s shoes add 1.5 to your shoe size to find your equivalent.

Best Casual Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women

Whether it’s for work or home wear, casual shoes are the ones you’ll probably be wearing the most, so you want to make sure they provide plenty of support and comfort. A plantar fasciitis sufferer should look for shoes with good arch support, a cushioned footbed, extra rigidity in the outsole, a firm heel counter, and great shock absorption.

Some of the top brands podiatrists recommend for causal plantar fasciitis shoes include Vionic, Orthofeet, New Balance, Saucony, Hoka, and Brooks. You can find a decent pair of casual shoes for around $50-$100. Mid-range shoes with more support will be a bit more expensive, while the best running shoes can range up to $250.

HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Bondi 6 Running Shoes

If you often transition from exercise to housework, this high-profile women’s running shoe is a great choice. While the extra-thick sole provides tons of cushioning support, they may not be the most subtle shoe for office work.

Pros:

• Good for running, walking, and standing
• Full-EVA midsole keeps pressure off the heel
• Pain-relieving arch support

Cons:

• Boxy design isn’t very stylish
• Heavy and bulky
• Higher-end price
• Wear out fairly quickly

Orthofeet Best Plantar Fasciitis Shoes

These certified therapeutic shoes are among the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions. The wide toe is great for bunions or hammertoe, and a smooth interior lining is more comfortable for sensitive feet, diabetes, arthritis, or neuropathy.

Pros

• Roomy toe box provides a non-binding fit
• Superior cushioning without the added weight
• Risk-free 60-day wear test
• Enhances stability

Cons

• Soles wear out quickly
• Do not conform to the feet
• May not help with painful feet

Orthaheel Women’s Action Walker Shoes

While this wide shoe for walking might not have the most attractive design, it does offer a nice supportive sole for plantar fasciitis pain and good support for flat feet. People with foot conditions also enjoy the roomy shoe width.

Pros

• Comfortable for extended wear
• Firm sole
• Works well with custom orthotics
• Nice wide toe box

Cons

• Rigid and clunky in appearance
• May run small
• Arch support can wear out quickly
• Hard sole not good for shock absorption

No products found.

Designed for diabetics and others with painful foot conditions, these shoes are great for walking and being on your feet all day. They feature a simple design for all casual wear and easy-to-fasten Velcro.

No products found.

Pros

• Great support for PF and other foot issues
• Easy to take on and off
• Good plantar fascia support
• Roomy toe box
• Removable insoles

Cons

• Bulky shoes that may be hot to wear
• Tongue is too long and uncomfortable
• May not fit properly
• Not enough cushioning for some

New Balance Women’s WX608v4 Comfort Pack Training Shoe

The walking shoes are popular with women who do a lot of standing and walking during the workday. They offer ample arch support and cushioning and come in a variety of colors so that you can easily match them with your work attire.

Pros

• Roomy fit for women with bigger feet
• Nice arch support and padding
• Good shoes for work
• Works well with a shoe insert

Cons

• Ankle support can rub uncomfortably
• Not good for sensitive feet
• Poor quality

Orthofeet Verve Orthopedic Diabetic Athletic Shoes For Women

Orthofeet once again proves that orthotic shoes for foot pain don’t have to be unattractive. These wide width shoes come in two designs that are good for work or casual wear.

No products found.

Pros

• Stylish for orthopedic shoes
• 60-day money-back guarantee
• Lighter than most walking shoes
• Excellent arch support

Cons

• Doesn’t provide enough pain relief for some
• May wear out too quickly
• Not flexible enough
• Can fit uncomfortably

Saucony Women’s Grid Omni Walker

This is a great pair of shoes for workers or avid walkers who suffer from heel pain like heel spurs. These long-lasting shoes for plantar fasciitis have a nice roomy toe area, built-in shock absorption, and stability technology.

Pros

• Supportive for flat feet and high arches
• Well made to last long
• Comfortable for foot conditions
• Don’t need to be broken in

Cons

• Limited colors
• Sole can be squeaky
• Sizing may be inconsistent
• Too bulky for some

Birkenstock Arizona Unisex Leather Sandal

Birkenstocks have been a popular brand for years because of their clean, simple design and high comfort factor. Birkenstocks are exceptional sandals for plantar fasciitis because they mold to your foot, providing optimal stability and comfort.

No products found.

Pros

• Comfortable upper with wide straps
• Easy to slide on and off
• Deep heel cup and roomy toe box
• Plenty of arch support

Cons

• May cause blisters or irritation for some
• Sizing is tricky since shoes stretch with wear
• Can be hard to break-in

OOFOS Unisex Ooahh Slide Sandal

These slip-on sandals are one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis to have around the house. They’re also great for the gym, beach, or amusem*nt park since they’re machine washable and float in water.

Pros

• Odor-resistant and easy to clean
• Reduces foot, knee, and back soreness
• Incredibly comfortable
• Great arch support

Cons

• Not an attractive design
• Can be hard to get the sizing right
• Tend to wear down quickly

Vionic Kiwi Slide Sandal

If you have plantar fasciitis or heel pain these are some of the best sandals for everyday wear. They’re great for slipping on around the house, at the pool, the beach, or any other place where orthotic tennis shoes aren’t practical.

Pros

• Provides great cushioning for PF and heel spurs
• Easy to clean
• Takes pressure off balls of feet
• Give feet proper alignment

Cons

• Not a very attractive design
• Arch support may be uncomfortable for some
• Thick and bulky across the top

Footminders BALTRA Unisex Orthotic Arch Support Sandals

These orthotic unisex sandals aren’t your average flip flops. Though they’re just as easy to slip on and off and just as easy to clean, they offer the arch support and shock absorption that you won’t find in a run-of-the-mill sandal.

Pros

• Thick soles to absorb impact
• Keep feet and ankles properly aligned
• Superior arch support for a sandal
• Plenty of toe space

Cons

• Not enough cushioning for some
• Can wear out quickly
• Some find the arches too high

Oboz Women's Sapphire Low B-Dry Waterproof Hiking Shoe

These hiking shoes for women offer superior stability and traction whether you’re walking the trails or strolling the mall. The EVA midsole provides the supportive balanced cushioning to make them one of the best heavy-duty shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Pros

• More arch support than comparable shoes
• Exceptionally secure on slippery surfaces
• Comfortable fit
• Stylish look

Cons

• Stiffer than other styles
• May take time to break-in
• Tongue and upper fasteners may rub on the ankle

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Boot

These classic hiking shoes for plantar fasciitis are among the best shoes for women who enjoy the outdoors. The lightweight midsole has superior cushioning to keep your feet comfortable during a long day on the trail.

Pros

• Excellent shock absorption
• Keep feet dry and warm in wet conditions
• Don’t need to be broken in

Cons

• Can rub against ankles if you don’t wear high socks
• Wide upper opening allows debris/snow to fall into the shoe
• Not durable enough for some

Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in Women

Though you’re likely to wear dress shoes less than casual or athletic shoes, you still need to be sure that your plantar fascia is fully supported. You can find a great dressy plantar fasciitis shoe in Dansko, Vionic, Orthofeet, and Naot brands. A minimalist shoe can cost close to $50, while high-end shoes can run $100 or more.

Look for a plantar fasciitis dress shoe that provides ample arch support and footbed cushioning, a broad heel base for heightened shock absorption, an ample heel cup for stability. Aim for nothing taller than a 2″-3″ heel.

Vionic Women’s Tide II Toe Post Sandal

These stylish thong-style sandals can go either casual or dress. Designed by a podiatrist, they offer the lightweight on-and-off ease of a flip flop but provide the extra support you require.

Pros

• Podiatrist-designed orthotic footbed
• Deep heel cup provides exceptional support
• Orthopedic with a stylish look
• Wide band offers good grip

Cons

• Not as supportive as a tennis shoe
• Seem cheap and flimsy
• Can take a while to get used to

Orthofeet Comfortable 2 Inch Low Heels Vera

With a low heel, this orthotic shoe can help with plantar fasciitis pain while still looking dressy enough for work or a night out. Like Orthofeet sneakers, these have hidden layers of support that provide relief for many foot conditions.

No products found.

Pros

• 60-day money-back guarantee
• Wide, roomy toe box
• Lightweight sole
• Adjustable strap

Cons

• Only one color choice
• May run small
• May cause pain in the ball of the foot

Dansko Women’s Sophie Sandal

These sandals have an attractive design that can double as casual or dress wear for all-day comfort. Even though they’re made for plantar fasciitis support, the wood-look platform and suede straps give them a stylish look.

Pros

• Dri-Lex socklining provides moisture control
• Shock-absorbing foam midsole
• Durable material
• Attractive design

Cons

• May run small, consider buying a size up
• Buckles and straps may rub on feet
• Cannot be safely adjusted for wide feet

Taos Women’s Trulie Wedge Sandal

This attractive wedge sandal is a great supportive shoe for dressier occasions. It doesn’t have the look of a “comfort” shoe, though it provides good arch support and comfort for all-day wear.

Pros

• Comfortable for all-day wear
• Many attractive colors
• Ample arch support
• Adjustable for a perfect fit

Cons

• Somewhat pricey
• Not enough tread for slippery surfaces
• Upper straps may cause rubbing or blisters
• Not supportive in the right places for some

NAOT Women's Helm Ankle Bootie

Whether worn as a casual shoe or a professional shoe for work, these ankle boots provide comforting support to keep foot pain at bay. The footbed is removable if you wish to add your own orthotic insole.

Pros

• Good arch support
• Easy to zip on and off
• Comfortable and cute

Cons

• May run narrow
• Less cushioning than other NAOT shoes
• Not good enough quality for the price

Naot Women's Madison Wedge Sandal

These cute wedge sandals are stylish enough for dressy occasions yet comfortable enough for a casual shoe. This women’s shoe for plantar fasciitis is at the higher end of the price spectrum but will provide the support you need for long-term wear.

Pros

• Flexible and lightweight
• Great arch support
• Adjustable straps help you find the right fit
• Nice variety of colors

Cons

• Too narrow for women with wider feet
• Straps are uncomfortable and may rub on the toes
• Hard to break-in

Vionic Noble Laurie Backstrap Sandal

A foot-friendly substitute for a traditional high heel, this dressy plantar fasciitis shoe provides heel pain relief for more formal occasions. Though they’re a bit pricy, women with plantar fasciitis rave about how comfortable these sandals feel.

Pros

• Relieve PF pain
• Adjustable straps for a comfortable fit
• Nicely padded footbed
• Superior arch support for a heel

Cons

• Hard to buckle due to stiff straps
• May not fit true to size
• Ankle strap can be restrictive

Vionic Women's Country Thatcher Ankle Boot

These ankle boots are one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis when it comes to versatility. They’re easy to slide on and off, stylish enough for a dress or work shoe, and comfortable enough for wear in any season.

Pros

• Fashionable design
• Comfortable walking shoe
• Stay dry in wet conditions
• Don’t need to be broken in

Cons

• Easily scuff and wear down
• Tight around the back of the foot
• May be too roomy around the ankle

Alegria Women's Keli Professional

Available in enough stylish designs to be considered a dressy plantar fasciitis shoe, the Keli also makes a good work shoe. Worn often by nurses, these shoes are supportive and comfortable enough for extensive walking.

Pros

• Very comfortable work shoes for plantar fasciitis
• Attractive design
• Durable enough for daily wear
• Good arch support for walking and standing

Cons

• Make squeaking or “clip-clop” sounds when walking
• Sizes run a little small
• Slip around on the heel for some
• Material easily wears down

How to Select the Appropriate Women’s Footwear to Help with Plantar Fasciitis

While looks rate high in shoe-shopping importance – especially when you want a fancy shoe for special occasions- comfort should be the #1 factor when you have a foot condition. Look for a shoe that doesn’t just look good, but feels good too.

Things to consider when shopping for a plantar fasciitis shoe are:

• Heel height. Women with plantar fasciitis should avoid anything with more than a 3″ heel. High heels can cause a shortening of the Achilles tendon, which in turn will pull up on the plantar fascia.

• Arch support. A footbed with plenty of arch support is a must for supporting the fascia and keeping arch pain at bay. Look for ample cushioning in the forefoot and a deep heel cup to provide the best stability.

• Type of sole. Look for a shoe with a firm but flexible midsole. It should have enough cushioning to absorb shock from foot strike while not feeling too weighty.

• Customizability. If you use shoe inserts, make sure to buy a shoe that allows for some adjustability. Some shoes have a removable insole so that you can add your custom orthotic for the best fit.

FAQ’s

Conclusion

Women with plantar fasciitis don’t have to settle for unattractive orthopedic shoes. There are many options for work, home, and special occasions that look great and give you the support you need. If you’re looking for a good plantar fasciitis running shoe you can find my recommendations here.