It doesn’t take a genius to understand why guys dealing with plantar fasciitis pain would want to find some comfortable and supportive shoes.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain for men.
It causes a sharp, stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot, near the achilles tendon, which makes bearing your own body weight quite painful.
(That’s especially true if you happen to spend a long time standing or walking on really hard surfaces, as many of us do for work.)
The bad news is that serious cases of plantar fasciitis may require treatment from a podiatrist, physical therapist or other medical experts, and no shoes can take the place of proper medical advice.
But the good news is that the right pair of supportive footwear can make a huge difference for less severe cases, and help relieve a lot of the pain you feel in your everyday life.
To help you find the best option to suit both your lifestyle and degree of foot problems, in this article we’ll share our top picks for the best men’s shoes for plantar fasciitis across a wide variety of styles and categories.
All of the shoes below have received positive reviews from real users, who have found them to be a good choice for comfort, support and all-around foot health.
- The (Absolute) Best Men’s Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
- Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Hoka Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Work Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Golf Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Slip On Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Casual Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best House Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best of the Rest
- FAQ
Say Hell No to Heel Pain:
The (Absolute) Best Men’s Plantar Fasciitis Shoes
Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 272 Reviews
Advantages:
The Gel Nimbus 25 from Asics is not only the right running shoe for guys dealing with plantar fasciitis, but our top pick for the single best shoe overall.
It’s a great choice because it checks a lot of boxes for people dealing with plantar issues.
It’s available in standard, wide and extra wide sizes, which allows you to choose a shoe with a wide toe box, giving your entire foot enough room to spread out and distribute your weight evenly.
In addition to making it easy to find the right fit, the Nimbus also provides a ton of shock absorption thanks to a midsole made with Asics’ Pure Gel tech, which provides enough extra cushioning that it negates the need to add removable insoles.
Promising Review
Great for plantar fasciitis. My doc recommended another brand of fancy running shoes at a similar price point but I could not stand their colors.
I’ve found that Asics fit my feet the best so I took a chance on these. I no longer need orthotic inserts.
– A.User
Runner Up:
New Balance 410 Trail Running Shoe
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 7,440 Reviews
Promising Review
Bought these men’s sneakers after bunion surgery to accommodate my swollen foot. These sneakers are so comfortable! The insoles support my foot and DO NOT aggravate my plantar fasciitis.
Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 2,772 Reviews
Promising Review
This shoe has worked great for me since I was recently diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. I have been able to resume my daily walks without pain. The shoe fit me perfect and there is plenty of cushion in the shoe especially the heel area.
I have a higher arch and this shoe provides the perfect support for me. I’m so happy to be able to walk and get around and not have the terrible foot pain that goes with plantar fasciitis.
Runner Up:
Saucony Echelon Walker 3
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 186 Reviews
Promising Review
am Tourguide and have been through dozens of black shoes over the years. These are the best I have found. Zero break in, super comfortable and important for me, a very stable sole.
Best Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
K-Swiss Men’s Ultrashot 3 Tennis Shoe
Rating:
- 4.4 Stars
- 162 Reviews
Promising Review
Love this shoe. It’s extremely durable. As a regular tennis player, this is the 2nd consecutive time I’ve purchased the untra shot 3.
The sole of most tennis shoes I’ve had in the past, will last 3 to 4 months. The ultra shot 3’s sole has lasted 8 months. Love it for the durability and comfort.
Runner Up:
Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 5 Tennis Shoes
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 17 Reviews
Promising Review
Very comfortable. Very good shoe!!!
Excellent stability, well balanced and good grip. !!!
Highly recommended!!!
– Carlos
Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Longwings
Rating:
- 4.9 Stars
- 1,267 Reviews
Promising Review
Love them so far! It’s like walking in tennis shoes but they look sharp!
– Richard Y.
Runner Up:
Amberjack Originals
Rating:
- 4.8 Stars
- 1,313 Reviews
Promising Review
When you don’t notice you are wearing shoes, you know what that means? It means you are wearing comfortable shoes. Very impressed with quality and comfort.
– Salvatore Di Buono
Best Hoka Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
HOKA Clifton 8
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 233 Reviews
Promising Review
I have very bad plantar fasciitis and this brand has helped me so very much.
Runner Up:
Hoka One Bondi 8
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 250 Reviews
Promising Review
So extremely comfortable. I had severe ankle pain and this was the only solution that worked (lots of money spent on various shoes and inserts).
I have a pair for running, with over 300 miles. I was initially running with other shoes and I felt like I was developing dreaded plantar fasciitis. I switched to running with only these and I’ve never had any pain.
– User55
Best Work Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Kuru Kinetic
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 756 Reviews
Promising Review
I have been buying these for about five years now they do great to help with my foot pain and get me through my working season where I’m on my feet all the time would recommend this shoe to anyone.
– Chad L.C.
Runner Up:
Wolverine DuraShocks Work Boots
Rating:
- 4.0 Stars
- 133 Reviews
Promising Review
One of the most comfortable work boots I’ve worn to date. The combination of internal padding and external foam sole compress so you don’t feel the pressure of each step.
Combine that with the lightweight composite toe, and you have a well put together work boot.
– JDixon
Deep Dive:
For more comfy and supportive options, check out our full round-up of the most comfortable work boots on the market.
Best Golf Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Cole Haan ZERØGRAND Overtake Golf Shoe
Rating:
- 4.8 Stars
- 37 Reviews
Promising Review
Most comfortable golf shoes ever and they grip the ground very well. I have been very impressed with the quality and function of these golf shoes.
– Docgolfer
Runner Up:
Wolf & Shepherd Crossover Golf
Rating:
- 4.9 Stars
- 60 Reviews
Promising Review
Love these golf shoes! Took a leap of faith as I couldn’t really see any reviews on them but so glad I did. They are the most comfortable I’ve worn. Cannot recommend them enough!!
– Aaron K.
Best Slip On Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Kuru Atom Slip-On
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 112 Reviews
Promising Review
I love my Kurus. I have 3 pairs and my wife has 2. I’ve tried Hokas & Oofos and The Kurus are far above them in quality and pain relief!
– Fred R.
Runner Up:
Vionic Khai Slip On
Rating:
- 4.1 Stars
- 125 Reviews
Promising Review
Amazing shoe high arch support for comfort and smooth performance when walking around in all places. The style and color matches every fashion of style. A great buy.
Best Casual Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Kuru Roam
Rating:
- 4.2 Stars
- 240 Reviews
Promising Review
The shoes are beautiful! They fit wonderfully, and immediately upon putting them on, I felt relief.
I have plantar fasciitis in both feet. After wearing them for a whole day of teaching, my feet felt better than my normal 10am feet.
– Cecelia P.
Runner Up:
Wolf & Shepherd Swiftknit Derby
Rating:
- 4.8 Stars
- 1,736 Reviews
Promising Review
I have two pairs of the SwiftKnit Derby’s. They’re a great look to match with athletic fitting dress clothes and have a cushion-y feel to them. Very comfortable to walk around in every day.
– Joey A.
Best House Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Gecko Men’s Mesh Slippers
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 155 Reviews
Promising Review
I recommend Geckoman to my patients because it helps provide the right support to relieve plantar fasciitis.
– Kate F., MD, Founder of Foot CareLab Consulting
Runner Up:
Ugg Men’s Tasman Slippers
Rating:
- 4.7 Stars
- 13,615 Reviews
Promising Review
The shoes are extremely comfortable, and have very supportive sole and interior. They are extremely well made, and perfect for tired feet!
– Jack K.
Best of the Rest
The shoes above represent our top picks in some of the most sought-after categories for plantar fasciitis shoes.
But they’re hardly the only ones on the market.
In fact, we had to kick a lot of great shoes (and in one case, great flip flops) to the curb in order to narrow down our list.
But in case you didn’t find what you’re looking for above, we thought we’d share a few of our favorite almost-made-its, all of which provide great arch support.
Any of these would make a great option if you’re looking for a second pair of supportive shoes that won’t require you to spring for custom orthotics.
Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis ↓
KOCOTA Arch Support Recovery Slide
Rating:
- 4 Stars
- 2,661 Reviews
Promising Review
Was struggling with plantar fasciitis and going on vacation to Florida. I needed something to wear around the pool. So satisfied with this choice, reasonable and comfortable.
I highly recommend these if you need good cushion and comfort!!
– Marymax
Asics Gel-Kayano
Rating:
- 4.5 Stars
- 433 Reviews
Promising Review
Worth the money spent. I’ve suffered from Plantar fasciitis for over year now. These shoes make me forget I have it.
They take a little getting used to as the support in the soles feels like nothing I’ve worn before, but I’m walking comfortably again.
– Sam Hawk
Mizuno Men’s Wage Rider
Rating:
- 4.6 Stars
- 704 Reviews
Promising Review
Comfortable and supportive. I had one pair of this model for a year and a half and I’m so satisfied so I ordered another two before they disappear from the market
OrthoFeet Comfort Sneakers
Rating:
- 4.1 Stars
- 859 Reviews
Promising Review
Husband was having a problem with plantar fasciitis while on vacation in Arizona. I ordered these for him and it was amazing how well they worked.
Dansko Men’s XP2.0 Clogs
Rating:
- 4.3 Stars
- 1,179 Reviews
Promising Review
Best shoes for plantar fasciitis. But get one size bigger than regular shoes.
– Antar
FAQ
In order to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, it helps to understand a little bit more about what it is, and how your shoes can help mitigate some of its negative effects.
So in addition to the list itself, we thought we’d take a look at a few common questions around plantar fasciitis footwear, so you can make a more informed decision when choosing the right shoes for you.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition where the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that connects your heel to your toes, becomes inflamed, causing heel pain and stiffness.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, “The condition occurs when the plantar fascia is strained over time beyond its normal extension, causing the soft tissue fibers of the fascia to tear or stretch at points along its length; this leads to inflammation, pain, and possibly the growth of a bone spur where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone.”
What are the most common causes of plantar fasciitis?
The most common causes of plantar fasciitis are repetitive strains to the ligament along the sole of your foot. These strains sometimes occur because of long runs or walks, inadequate foot gear, age-related wear and tear, obesity, or jobs that require being on your feet often.
Certain foot types, like flat feet, can also predispose you to plantar fasciitis. Flat feet can affect the way weight is distributed across the foot during physical activity, leading to strain on the plantar fascia, can cause inflammation or tearing over time.
What are the most common symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Common symptoms of plantar fasciitis include a stabbing pain in the bottom of the heel, which is typically most severe with the first few steps you take after you wake up each morning.
As mentioned above, the pain can also occur after long hours spent standing, or when you’re getting up from a seated position.
What shoes should I wear to prevent plantar fasciitis?
If you have plantar fasciitis, wear footwear that offers adequate arch support, a low to moderate heel, good cushioning, and a flexible sole to help distribute pressure. Avoid wearing high heels, flip-flops, or other footwear with poor support.
Do special shoes help with plantar fasciitis?
Special shoes designed for plantar fasciitis can help, but models that are specific to plantar fasciitis are pretty hard to find.
Instead, you’re better off looking for shoes that offer good arch support, heel cushioning, and a proper alignment, which helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Should I wear shoes all day with plantar fasciitis?
If you have plantar fasciitis, you shouldn’t walk around barefoot or wear shoes with poor support, but wearing shoes every second of the day isn’t necessary either.
Give your feet some time to rest, but ensure you’re wearing footwear with proper support when you’re up and about.
The Recap ↓
Summary
The Gel Nimbus 25 from Asics is not only the right running shoe for guys dealing with plantar fasciitis, but our top pick for the single best shoe overall.
More Resources ↓
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Dave- thank you so much for this!! I know only a small % of your readers have plantar fasciitis, but for those who do, we really appreciate you putting this together.
My pleasure Eric! I can only imagine how painful and annoying it must be to deal with PF. Thank you for the kind words, I hope you’re doing well!