Best shoes for plantar fasciitis
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Short answer
For plantar fasciitis, look for a shoe with thick heel cushioning, a firm heel counter, arch support and a rocker sole that reduces how much the foot bends. The HOKA Bondi 9 checks every box and holds the APMA Seal of Acceptance. If your feet roll inward, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 adds stability. Pair either with a supportive insole if the stock one feels flat, and avoid flat shoes and flip-flops.
Illustration Best overall
HOKA Bondi 9
Very thick, soft foam and a rocker shape designed to roll you from heel to toe with less toe bending. Rocker soles have no guideline grade, but many people with heel pain find them comfortable.
- Max cushion with rocker
- 5 mm listed drop (≈9 mm lab-measured)
- Regular, wide, X-wide
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
Skip it if: you find thick soles unstable; try the Clifton 11.
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Illustration Lighter rocker option
HOKA Clifton 11
Less foam than the Bondi but still a rocker, and noticeably lighter. Better if the Bondi feels clunky or you want one shoe for walks and runs.
- Cushioned neutral, rocker
- 8 mm listed drop
- Regular, wide, X-wide
- APMA Seal (per HOKA)
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Illustration If your feet roll in (overpronation)
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
A stability shoe that guides the foot and knee instead of blocking motion. It suits flexible flat feet and people whose arches collapse as they walk.
- Stability (GuideRails)
- 10 mm listed drop
- Narrow to extra-wide
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
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Illustration Traditional cushioned shoe, wide sizes to 4E
Brooks Ghost 18
A traditional, well-cushioned trainer with a 10 mm heel-to-toe drop. That higher heel takes some strain off the Achilles and calf, which is why it's a common pick for Achilles pain.
- Neutral cushioning
- 10 mm listed drop
- Narrow to extra-wide (B–4E)
- Removable insole
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Illustration Max-stability walking shoe for long days
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
A firm, motion-control leather walking shoe. Heavy, but very stable, which many people with flat feet find comfortable.
- Leather walking shoe
- Motion-control rollbar
- 12 mm drop
- Widths B to 4E
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| Shoe | Type | Drop | Widths | APMA Seal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA Bondi 9 | Max cushion, rocker | 5 mm listed | Reg, wide, X-wide | Yes |
| HOKA Clifton 11 | Cushioned, rocker | 8 mm | Reg, wide, X-wide | Yes (per HOKA) |
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 | Stability | 10 mm | Narrow–X-wide | Yes |
| Brooks Ghost 18 | Neutral cushion | 10 mm | B–4E | Not confirmed |
| Brooks Addiction Walker 2 | Motion-control walker | 12 mm | B–4E | Not confirmed |
Why these features matter
AAOS, Mayo Clinic and the NHS all recommend cushioned, supportive shoes with arch support and advise against flat shoes and walking barefoot. Rocker soles are designed to roll you forward with less toe bending; there's no guideline grade for them, but many people with heel pain find them comfortable. APMA's advice is to check that the heel counter is firm.
What APMA says to check in any shoe
- Heel counter: squeeze the back of the heel. It should be firm and not collapse.
- Midsole: the shoe shouldn't twist much through the middle.
- Toe bend: it should bend at the toes, but not too easily.
- Fit: measure both feet late in the day, shop for the larger foot, and wear the socks you'll use. It should feel comfortable right away, with no "break-in".
Also see: insoles, sandals and slippers for plantar fasciitis.
Common questions
Are HOKAs good for plantar fasciitis?
The Bondi 9's thick cushioning, rocker and APMA Seal make it a strong choice. Some people find max-cushion shoes unstable; the Clifton 11 is a lighter middle ground.
Should I wear shoes in the house with plantar fasciitis?
Yes. Medical sources advise against barefoot walking. A supportive slipper or recovery slide works.