Eighty-five percent of people with plantar fasciitis exacerbate the condition by wearing unsupportive footwear, so it’s crucial to be mindful of your shoes. The good news is that podiatrists still recommend sandals, even if you have plantar fasciitis. “Sandals are fine to wear if you have plantar fasciitis, but there are certain features to look out for to help support the foot,” says Mark Razzante, DPM, Dean of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine. “Ideally, you should get some sort of heel counter or heel cup, compared to something entirely flat. That’ll help stabilize your rear foot as you’re walking.”
Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury of the plantar fascia, a connective tissue that spans from the heel all the way to the ball of the foot, says Anne Sharkey, DPM, a podiatrist at North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute. According to Jason Spector, DPM, MS, AACFAS, a fellowship-trained, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle expert with Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists, certain foot conditions, like flat feet, high arches, and Achilles tendinitis, are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis, while spending a lot of time on your feet, changes in activity, and weight gain can also lead to its development. The experts we consulted noted that wearing the right shoes can help reduce symptoms and pain. For our part, we tested over 50 pairs of sandals for more than 5,000 hours to identify the best sandals for plantar fasciitis, evaluating factors such as fit, comfort, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, quality, and value.
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What Podiatrists Want You to Know About Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
When shopping for sandals to wear with plantar fasciitis, Sharkey advises to look for cushioning, support, and stability. Ideally, your sandals will have a supportive, contoured arch and shock absorption with a deep heel cup that can help support your heel. Bruce Pinker, DPM and ABPM-certified owner of Progressive Foot Care in New York, also recommends looking for sandals with straps as those without have “limited support.” You should also avoid overly flexible or bendy sandals, Sharkey adds. Look for a sandal that bends at the toes but cannot be easily twisted or bent in half.
- Arch support: Proper arch support is a crucial factor in relieving plantar fasciitis pain because the plantar fascia muscle supports the arch of the foot. Sharkey suggests a sandal that contours to the arch of your foot, providing gentle and comfortable support. You should also avoid sandals that offer too much arch support.
- Stability: If you’re more flat-footed or have a collapsed arch, you’ll need a shoe with more support and stability, so look for shoes labeled “stability” or “motion control,” Sharkey says. They will help to reduce aggravation in the plantar fascia by keeping the muscle straight during walking.
- Cushioning: The goal of cushioning is to provide shock absorption, provide comfort, protect your feet, and reduce the impact and stress on your foot. The best sandals balance cushioning with functionality, stability, and support. Sharkey says people with higher arches need more cushion due to poor shock absorption, but the exact amount needed depends on personal preference.
- Heel height: Wearing wedge or non-flat heels decreases the range of motion in your ankles and transmits less force to the plantar fascia, which can help alleviate symptoms. This is due to the strong relationship between tight calf muscles and the onset of plantar fasciitis symptoms, says Sharkey. Flat shoes require more range of motion in your ankles, she says, and when calf muscles are tight, your body compensates by placing increased stress and strain onto the plantar fascia.
- Sole flexibility: You should also avoid overly flexible or bendy sandals, she says. Look for a sandal that bends at the toes but cannot be easily twisted or bent in half.
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How We Selected the Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
To find the best sandals for plantar fasciitis, we tested more than 50 pairs for over 5,000 hours. Many sandals were tested by two people, and we considered each pair based on fit, comfort, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, quality, and value.
- Fit: As our experts pointed out, sandal fit is one of the most important features, and ill-fitting sandals can cause additional pain. We evaluated each pair to see how well the brand’s size and width listings matched expectations. We also considered how well any adjustable straps helped in the overall fit.
- Comfort and cushioning: Comfort was one of our top priorities, with many of our testers wearing their tested sandals for several hours or much of the day. We noted if any additional cushioning added support or made feet more sore and how well arch support in each shoe would work for multiple foot types.
- Stability: Podiatrists also noted stability as one of the most important features when shopping for sandals for plantar fasciitis, so our testers considered how secure their feet felt while walking and transitioning between surfaces. We also looked at ankle and knee support and shock absorption.
- Responsiveness: Most of our testing was conducted while walking, so our testers noted how springy each shoe felt while walking and if the shoes offered any kind of bounce back that propelled them into their next strides.
- Quality and value: We noted how well made each shoe was, how long we thought they would last beyond the test, if they were suitable for daily wear, and if they were too expensive for their price point.
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Our Expertise
Jaylyn Pruitt is an associate editor for Health, covering shoes, sleep, and oral health. Since 2022, she’s tested more than 100 health and wellness products—including dozens of pairs of sandals. We also spoke to the following experts:
- Jason Spector, DPM, MS, AACFAS, a fellowship-trained, board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle expert with Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists
- Anne Sharkey, DPM, a podiatrist at North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute and an ambassador for the Pedestrian Project
- Diana Valencia, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot and Ankle Center
- Mark Razzante, DPM, Dean of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at Samuel Merritt University College of Podiatric Medicine
- Bruce Pinker, DPM and ABPM-certified owner of Progressive Foot Care in New York
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a comfortable and secure sandal that fits perfectly right out of the box, check out the Ecco Women’s Flowt 2 Band Sandal. Not only do these sandals stay in place, but they are also slip-proof, whether you’re walking uphill, downhill, or on uneven terrain. Pinker noted the Ecco Flowt 2 Band Sandal as high quality, with a great design and good ankle strap support.
We especially liked the heel cup in these sandals and their shock support, two of the expert-recommended features for plantar fasciitis. With the platform-like bottom, they do a great job absorbing any jolts you normally experience when walking; plus their wedge heel puts less force on the plantar fascia, as Sharkey noted. We felt like these cushiony shoes propelled us forward with every stride and put a spring in our step.
The sandals also pass the “twist and bend test,” meaning they give slightly without being too flexible. The front only bends about an inch upward, but the heel barely moves, which means these sandals will provide the support you need.
It’s Worth Noting
The straps don’t have any padding, which could lead to some initial discomfort for some people.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4–12.5 (half sizes) |
| Widths | Regular |
| Heel Height | 1 inch |
| Colors available | 6 |
Why We Like It
Sharkey explains that decreasing the range of motion in the ankles transmits less force to the plantar fascia, which can help to reduce pain and alleviate plantar fasciitis symptoms. The Teva Zymic, which has adjustable straps at the ankle and toes, kept our ankles and knees in place and stable on all terrain.
The thick, responsive midsole and comfortable footbed absorb all the shock of walking. “[T]hese sandals are super comfortable,” our tester said. “They’re lightweight too, so it felt like I was walking on air.” And no matter what position our foot was in, we never felt like it was sliding around. In fact, these sandals are comfortable enough that you should have no issue walking in them all day, especially since they provide great arch support. They also accommodate wide feet, which is a plus if your feet swell on hotter days.
We also liked that these sandals are treated with what the manufacturer calls Life Naturals, a peppermint-based antimicrobial that fights the growth of odor-causing bacteria and increases their longevity.
It’s Worth Noting
The only downside is that the straps don’t have any padding (except the heel strap).
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-11 |
| Widths | Regular |
| Heel Height | 1.6 in |
| Colors available | 8 |
Why We Like It
If you’re someone who walks a lot, goes on muddy hikes, or covers a lot of different terrains, you can’t beat these Hoka Hopara All-Terrain Shoes. Not only do they provide excellent heel and ankle stability needed to prevent plantar fascia aggravation, but they also are built to last. Razzante called out Hoka in particular for their cushion, especially for flat feet. These shoes are a mix between sandals and sneakers and are as high-quality as they are effective, with one of our testers describing them as “luxe” and “long lasting”.
Our testers agreed that they were incredibly comfortable, supportive, and breathable for all-day and all-terrain wear. “From the first 15 minutes, to 3 hours, to a whole day of wearing them, there was no irritation or break in phase of wearing these shoes,” our tester said. With another tester adding, “They were breathable and most of all felt secure, safe, and were comfy on a 5+ mile hike,” noting that their knees and ankles were supported the whole time.
They also have a plump sole that transitions between all surfaces and provides some spring when you’re walking and is indicative of the shoe’s shock absorption capabilities—a real plus for anyone with heel pain. Their unique quick-lace system makes them easy to take on and off.
It’s Worth Noting
The only downside is that they’re not overly stylish, although they do come in a variety of fun colors. Once you feel the squishiness and support, though, you won’t even notice what they look like.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-11 |
| Widths | Regular |
| Heel Height | 5mm |
| Colors available | 3 |
Why We Like It
The best sandals for walking should be supportive and protective for all-day wear. The ultimate all-terrain sandal, the Terra Fi 5 Universal Women’s Sandals, is tailored to match the contour of your foot. Designed with a midsole that cushions and supports your feet, you can walk with ease and confidence in these ultra-grippy sandals, even on rocky or uneven terrain. Plus, the easy hook-and-loop closure means these shoes not only come on and off quickly but also fit just right.
“These are probably the most stable shoes I have worn because their curved soles align with the shape of my foot, so walking is akin to walking barefoot,” our tester said. We also appreciated their slightly chunky heel, which Sharkey noted could help to take pressure off the plantar fascia. “The sandal’s rubber soles supplies bounce, so each step feels effortless and energized,” our tester also noted, adding that “walking in them feels natural and not clunky,” despite their larger sole. Pinker also noted the shoe’s quality outsole as having great traction and shock absorption.
The curved soles of these shoes provide smooth transitions with each step, allowing you to walk naturally, adding some spring to our step. We found that wearing them all day helped to eliminate heel pain altogether, and their cushioned straps prevented blisters, even on our sensitive feet. Plus, either side of the sandal has a lip that keeps your foot firmly in place and prevents your heels and toes from slipping. Plus, they’re waterproof.
It’s Worth Noting
We wish they were offered in half sizes for a more customizable fit.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-14 |
| Widths | Regular |
| Heel Height | 29mm height; 7mm drop |
| Colors available | 5 |
Why We Like It
Flat feet are more prone to plantar fasciitis because of the added stress on the plantar fascia because flat feet are typically associated with overpronation. The Birkenstock Mogami Terra felt like it offered just the right amount of support for our flat feet and kept our feet from being fatigued during long walks and extended wear. While they don’t feature Birkenstock’s signature cork footbed, we found that the polyurethane footbed molded to our feet as well as traditional Birkenstocks do, and the deep heel cup kept our feet, ankles, and knees steady and pain-free.
Our tester noted the excellent shock absorption on her flat feet on all terrains, no matter if she was walking or standing. The sandals passed our twist and bend tests, staying almost completely solid and only bending under the toe. The raised footbed edges and transverse arch support help to control motion, meeting Sharkey’s recommendations for plantar fasciitis sandals for flat feet. Pinker also appreciated the durability of these shoes, noting the outsole’s traction for good stability.
Overall, we appreciated how solid and supportive these sandals were while still being lightweight. “I’m thankful for these sandals for bringing me back to wearing sandals daily again,” our tester said.
It’s Worth Noting
We would’ve liked them to be easier to slip on.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4/4.5–12/12.5 |
| Widths | One width, designed for regular and wide fits |
| Heel Height | Not listed |
| Colors available | 6 |
Why We Like It
If you’re looking for plantar fasciitis relief for standing, short distances, or a day at the pool, the Teva ApreTrail impressed our tester with plantar fasciitis with their ultra cushy and supportive fit. “I would forget I had them on, except for when I took them off and realized how much less comfortable I was without them,” our tester said.
While the experts we spoke to generally recommend sandals with straps, we found the ApreTrail slides to be supportive and springy for short distances and standing. We wore them often around the house, particularly while cooking, for added comfort and pain relief against hardwood and tiled floors. “I love how they made my arches and knees feel when I was standing for long periods of time,” our tester added.
We also found them to be a great fit on wide feet and appreciated the ventilated top strap, drying our feet quickly for extra stability while wearing them at the pool. The sole features rubberized pods for extra grip.
It’s Worth Noting
We felt some chafing from the top strap during long periods of wear.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-6 |
| Widths | Regular |
| Heel Height | 1 in |
| Colors available | 6 |
Why We Like It
Sometimes podiatrists will recommend a recovery sandal designed to be supportive yet comfortable while you recover from foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis. The goal of wearing recovery sandals is to reduce the stress and impact on your feet, decrease energy exertion, lower inflammation and pain, and increase support, Spector says. Parthasarathy is a fan of Oofos and notes that their more luxe cushion feel—versus a harder-soled sandal—often comes down to personal preference. “These are mega cushioned,” our tester said, describing the squishy footbed as “marshmallow-y.”
While they were extremely cushioned, we did still find the arch firm and supportive. “I love how these flip-flops cradle my arches, which is not something I’d ever thought I’d say,” our tester said. “I love that I can stand for long periods of time and not feel my plantar fasciitis start to act up.”
We appreciated the deep heel cup and shoe shape, which both supported our feet and added extra stability. The straps were flexible and formed well to all foot shapes and sizes, including wide feet. They also molded quickly to our feet for a customized fit.
It’s Worth Noting
They’re not necessarily a walking sandal as we found them a little too squishy for long distances. We did appreciate how well they alleviated pain while standing for long periods, which often causes plantar fasciitis flares.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-11 |
| Widths | Regular |
| Heel Height | 6mm |
| Colors available | 4 |
While many sandal brands offer the deep heel cup, stable ankle straps, and supportive, cushioned soles that doctors recommend for shoppers with plantar fasciitis, there are a few brands that the experts we spoke to recommended as favorites, thanks to their focus on foot care and quality craftsmanship.
- Hoka: Parthasarathy, Razzante, and Spector all specifically mentioned Hoka shoes, particularly for their cushion. All the experts we consulted emphasized finding the right cushion level for your feet, as well as your personal preference. Many Hoka shoes, including the Hopara sandals on our list, have the APMA Seal of Acceptance.
- Teva: Razzante recommended Tevas because of their heel counter design, which is present in many of their sandals. Heel counters are a U-shaped piece of material that surrounds the heel at the back of the shoe, keeping it in place and adding stability. Pinker also mentioned the grippy outsole—also present on most Tevas—that adds traction and stability on many surfaces.
- Birkenstock: Parthasarathy recommends Birkenstocks due to their footbeds, which mold to wearers’ feet, providing just the right level of support for any arch. The footbeds also feature raised edges and deep heel cups to keep feet in place.
