What types of shoes can irritate plantar fasciitis?

There’s no particular style of shoe that can aggravate plantar fasciitis, but there is a design element (for any type of shoe) that can worsen or prolong your symptoms: a flat sole. “The worst thing you could wear is something with no support,” says Dr. Spielfogel. “Ballet slippers, flip-flops, anything like that is not good for someone with plantar fasciitis because there’s no support.” In order to reduce strain on the fascia, you need to not only support your arches but lift your heel up slightly higher than the front of your foot. Otherwise, says Dr. Spielfogel, as your foot flattens, the fascia will become strained and irritated. This can aggravate symptoms of plantar fasciitis or even initiate symptoms in people with no prior inflammation if you wear flat shoes frequently enough.

How long does it take for plantar fasciitis to go away?

Most plantar fasciitis pain lasts for at least a few weeks but often longer. The less you do to treat your pain, the longer it will take to go away—it could be anywhere from six months to one year before it’s entirely resolved. You might be able to bounce back more quickly if you address your symptoms right away. “It’s easier to remedy the symptoms if you treat it early on when you first notice it,” says Dr. Spielfogel. “A lot of people let it go on for a long period of time, and then it gets harder to treat.” There are other things you can do to potentially speed up the recovery process, too. Dr. Spielfogel advises gently stretching the fascia regularly, applying ice, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (unless contraindicated by your doctor), and, of course, wearing supportive shoes.

Are sandals good for ankle support?

They can be, but you need to know what to look for. Eby says that well-fitting sandals with optimal strap placement and adjustability can provide good ankle support. “Any sandal should be secured to the foot, so that gripping of the toes is not needed to keep the sandal in place,” she explains. “Straps around the back of the heel and close to the ankle on the top of the foot are both important for stability in a sandal.”

The 10 Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis of 2023

Woman walking in sandals — Suthep Wongkhad / EyeEm / Getty Images

When you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you want all of your footwear to be supportive at all times—even in warm weather. “You should wear appropriate footwear for your daily activities, whether that’s running, playing tennis, or just being on your feet all day, so you don’t aggravate the fascia,” says William Spielfogel, DPM, director of the Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program at Lenox Hill Hospital-Northwell Health. “It’s an overuse injury, [so] the type of shoe you wear makes a difference.”

When shopping for sandals for plantar fasciitis, there are a few key features you will want to look out for when making your selection. The material and sizing are important factors to take into consideration when thinking about comfort, but proper arch support and cushioning are even more important for those with the condition. Arch support takes the pressure off your heel and forefoot, preventing your fascia tissue from being overworked and promoting proper foot alignment.

Additionally, you’ll want to consider a sandal with a heel strap. Sandals without heel straps can cause your fascia to tighten, which can contribute to plantar fasciitis. Having a strap will help your toes better grip the shoe without being overworked. With that in mind, we researched dozens of sandals and evaluated their materials, selection size, arch-supporting designs, and price to help you find the best pair for plantar fasciitis.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal at Amazon

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Best Budget:

FUNKYMONKEY Comfort Slides at Amazon

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Best Breathable Design:

OOFOS OOlala Luxe Sandal at Amazon

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Most Comfortable:

HOKA ORA Recovery Slide at Amazon

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Best for All-Day Wear:

Crocs LiteRide Stretch Sandals at Amazon

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Best for Larger Feet:

Walk Hero Orthotic Flip Flops at Amazon

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Best Orthotic:

Aerothotic Orthotic Flip Flops at Amazon

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Best for Flat Feet:

MEGNYA Orthotic Flip Flops at Amazon

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Best for Bunions:

Merrell Terran Post II Sandal at Amazon

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Best with Back Strap:

Orthofeet Paloma Camel Sandal at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Health

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Can be worn by men or women
Large selection of colors
Molds to your feet as you wear them

Cons

May take time to break in
Expensive

Birkenstocks are our top choice for comfort and style when it comes to shopping for sandals for plantar fasciitis. They may be a bit uncomfortable at first (the company recommends wearing them around the house in slowly increasing intervals to break them in without blisters), but once they have molded to your feet, they're great for keeping your arches supported.

The Arizona style is particularly beneficial to those with the condition, featuring a latex foam-cushioned footbed, anatomically designed to lift your arches and support your heels and toes. You can get a fairly customized fit with your shoes thanks to the double adjustable straps, and they traditionally are offered in narrow and wide sizes. While they don't offer a heel strap the way some other sandals on this list do, their ability to conform to the foot helps keep your feet in place without the help of a back strap. The Birkenstock Arizona is also a unisex design, so both men and women can reap the benefits of this form-fitting sandal for their plantar fasciitis pain.

Price at time of publication: $105

Material: 100% leather (rubber sole) | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: Two adjustable buckle straps

Amazon

Pros

Affordable
Contoured footbed
Wide variety of bright colors and patterns for summer

Cons

Sizing can be tricky
Not as durable as higher-cost styles
May be noisy while walking

If you like the theory behind Birkenstocks but can’t afford the price, these adjustable-strap slides by Funky Monkey might be a cheap summer alternative. With a contoured foam footbed designed to mold to your feet as you break them in, they promise to support your feet exactly where it’s needed (in other words, your heels and arches, so your plantar fascia can catch a break).

“For daily wear, the most comfortable insole materials are absorbent and slip-resistant, such as leather/suede, cork, or padded with manmade materials, such as neoprene,” says Susan Eby, MS, PT, of Eby Physical Therapy in New York City.

We love that the shoes are adjustable, come in more than two dozen colors and patterns, and can be worn by men or women. We also like that their synthetic rubber and foam construction means they’re flexible and comfy but also durable. One caveat, though: We don’t recommend choosing these sandals if you’re looking for a die-hard pair that can be worn all day long. They’re better for providing heel support when doing normal day-to-day activities, like running errands for a pool party or walking from the beach parking lot to the sandy shore.

Price at time of publication: $25

Material: EVA foam | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: Two adjustable buckle straps

Amazon

Pros

Foam bed slide
Comes in seven colors
Absorbs 37% more impact

Cons

Expensive

The OOFOS Oolala Luxe Sandal is an easy, slip-on shoe that’s ideal for walking and everyday wear—despite not having a heel strap. Made with the brand’s signature foam technology and footbed, the shoe absorbs 37 percent more impact than other footwear options and reduces stress on the knees, ankles, and joints. This sandal stands out from others on our list because it’s machine washable and features a closed-cell design. This means that the foam has no openings to minimize odor, moisture, and bacteria.

From magenta to aqua blue, the shoe comes in seven fun colors. It’s also available in seven sizes, between 5 and 11. And if you’re unsure of the fit, you can try the pair for 30 days and return it if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.

Price at time of publication: $75

Material: Foam | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: None (thong-style flip flop)

Amazon

Pros

Comfortable and supportive
Has traction
Comes in five colors

Cons

No half sizes

The HOKA ORA Recovery Slides are the perfect sandal for running errands, cleaning the house, or any activity where you want support without bulk. This geometric-shaped sandal has a resilient midsole, offering durability and stability for people with plantar fasciitis. The grooves along the outsole provide traction, so you won't have to worry about slipping, and the slide has a soft cushion to absorb impact with each stride. Eby explains that substantial padding and cushioning are important features because they "minimize stressors and abnormal forces to that area."

These slides come in black, white, and three other fun colors and are designed with breathable holes so the top of your foot stays cool while you move about your day.

Price at time of publication: $64

Material: Synthetic materials | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: None (slip-on/slide style)

Amazon

Pros

Lightweight
All-day comfort

Cons

Runs narrow
Front strap may feel too tight for some wearers

The stretchy, flexible upper straps on these Crocs sandals manage to be both fashionable and supportive, giving you airy cushioning for your worst plantar fasciitis pain. A relaxed fit means they’re never restrictive, and the textured insole is like a mini-massage for your feet.

The sandal comes in nine different colors and features a foam material that allows the shoe to be bouncy, airy, and reliable all at once. The heel strap on this design means you won’t have to worry about your shoe slipping or sliding off while you move around. One word of warning is that these shoes may be too narrow for people with wide feet, but if that’s not you, we can’t see how your feet could go wrong in a pair of these fashion-forward sandals that will go with every outfit.

Price at time of publication: $45

Material: Stretch gore (upper), EVA foam (insole/outsole) | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: Cross strap

Amazon

Pros

Shock absorption for heel
High traction sole
Water-friendly and dry quickly

Cons

Takes time to break in
May be too large or loose for wearers with narrow feet

With deep heel cupping and 360-degree shock absorption, these flip-flops by Walk Hero will help save your plantar fascia this summer. The sandals come in standard sizing and three neutral, goes-with-everything colors—khaki, gray, and coffee.

There are a few other things to love about this sandal, too, like the molded and contoured foam footbed, the comfy synthetic nubuck thong, and the full arch support wedge. Most notable is the fact that it’s water-friendly; the sole and thong dry out quickly, preventing mold or irritation, and the bottom sole features traction for extra grip when wet.

“If you’re looking for an outdoor or active sandal, you want something that is waterproof, quick-drying, relatively light-weight, and cushioned,” says Eby, who adds that EVA and polyurethane (PU) are the materials used most often for these types of sandals.

Price at time of publication: $36

Material: Synthetic nubuck (upper), EVA foam (insole/outsole) | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: None (thong-style flip-flop)

4.6

Amazon

Pros

High arch support
Water-resistant
Padded thong straps for comfort

Cons

Runs narrow
Could be slippery in wrong conditions

With a 1-inch heel that goes everywhere but keeps your heels lifted comfortably off the hard ground, you’ll quickly discover that these sandals from Aerothotic can go everywhere and do everything—all without causing your plantar fasciitis to flare up.

“Wearing flat shoes is fine for lounging around, but not for being on your feet for a long period of time,” says Dr. Spielfogel. “If you have plantar fasciitis and need to wear a sandal-type shoe, choose one with structure and a little bit of a heel or a wedge.”

Dr. Spielfogel adds that people should “avoid soles that are too flexible or too thin; thicker-soled shoes with shock absorption [are better for people with fasciitis].”

The insoles of these shoes have a gel insert for your heel, plus a medium heel cup and high arch support to take the pressure off the back of your foot. They’re available in more than a dozen colors, all with a black insole. The thong piece, which can often be so uncomfortable in flip-flops, is padded for extra comfort. Finally, these shoes are made with summer in mind: They’re water-resistant and come with a sweat-resistant footbed.

Price at time of publication: $40

Material: Polyurethane (insole/outsole), unspecified (thong) | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: None (thong-style flip-flop)

Amazon

Pros

Cushioned midsole for arch and heel pain
Deep heel cup
Anti-slip sole for traction during activities

Cons

Sizes run wide

MEGNYA's orthotic flip-flops feature high arch support and relief from uncomfortable conditions like plantar fasciitis and flat feet that it forgets to mention how cute its shoes are.

Available in nine different styles and standard women’s sizing, these sandals boast a cushioned midsole that can help correct your back foot habits, like incorrect positioning or walking patterns. The thong strap is padded for comfort, and the footbed is made from squishy, flexible foam for a cloud-like feeling beneath your feet; the heel cup is also deeply supportive for people with heel pain.

Made with nonslip soles and water-resistant materials, these sandals can keep you comfortable during all your favorite summertime activities.

Price at time of publication: $40

Material: Synthetic leather (thong), EVA foam (insole/outsole) | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: None (thong-style flip-flop)

Amazon

Pros

Unisex style and sizing
Separator for big toe and bunion correction
Breathable and stretchy

Cons

No half-sizes
Expensive

At first glance, these sandals don’t look like anything special—but the little sleeve that pockets the big toe is important here, especially if you suffer from bunions. A common foot condition, a bunion is a bony bump that protrudes from the outer edge of your big toe. Given that one of the best ways to correct a bunion is with a toe separator that realigns the big toe, it’s easy to see why these slide-on sandals by Merrell could help. Like a built-in toe separator, the sleeve at the front of these sandals not only keeps your sandals on your feet, it keeps your big toe in line where it belongs.

“Bunions offer yet another fitting challenge,” says Eby. “You may need to find a sandal that comes in wide widths to accommodate the bunion [and] if straps cross the bunion, they should be adjustable to avoid irritation.”

As far as plantar fasciitis goes, these sandals get top marks for that, too. They’re made of soft, comfortable nubuck leather, include an air-cushioned insole, and feature “Remember Me” foam designed to mold to the unique contours of your feet and never lose their shape.

Price at time of publication: $80

Material: 100% nubuck leather (rubber sole) | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: None (slip-on/slide style)

Amazon

Pros

Features ergonomic sole and arch booster
60-day wear test

Cons

Expensive

The best sandals for plantar fasciitis prevent the fascia tissue from being overworked, and this one features two secure straps. The ankle and foot strap work to keep the foot in place and the sandal is designed with an ergonomic sole to allow for a natural foot alignment. The interior is made from soft fibers to minimize the chances of skin irritation. Beyond being comfortable and supportive, it is safer to wear thanks to the rubber outsoles, which prevent you from slipping.

Not to mention, the brand offers a 60-day risk-free trial. This means that you can test the shoe for 60 days, and if you are unsatisfied with your purchase or the comfort of the shoe, you can return it for a full refund.

Price at time of publication: $125

Material: Leather | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: Two adjustable straps

How We Selected the Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

When selecting sandals for plantar fasciitis, we spoke with physical therapists and podiatrists and spent hours combing the web for the best and most effective products. After taking all of our options into consideration, we determined which to feature based on a few key criteria: arch support, material, cushioning, sizing, and special features.

Once we narrowed our options, we compared each sandal's benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive, we wanted to give a wide range of options that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on all of these factors, we compiled this list of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis.

What to Look for in Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

Arch Support

Pronation, which refers to the motion of your foot and ankle and how much they move from side to side as you walk or run, plays a big role in the importance of arch support—especially for people with plantar fasciitis. All feet do this to some degree, but many people have overpronation, which causes the foot to turn excessively inward when they walk. This can cause or worsen flat feet—and people with flat feet are prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can also cause the flattening of the foot.

That’s where arch support comes in. “Appropriate arch support prevents excessive pronation in flat-footed individuals and provides an additional contact area for those with high arches,” explains Eby.

Not only will arch support help shape the movement of your feet as you walk, but it can also help shape the insole of your feet into an optimal curvature that’s not too flat or too high.

Slight Heel

Experts recommend that men and women both look for a sandal with a slight heel or wedge to relieve fasciitis symptoms. This doesn’t mean that everyone should be walking around in high heels, but that the heel of your shoe should be raised at least a small amount above the rest of your foot.

“The sandal should have a mild lift heel with a minimum heel drop of four millimeters,” advises Eby. “This helps minimize tension on the plantar fascia.”

Thick, Contoured Footbed

You obviously want to cushion your tender heel, but it’s important to look for sandals that have a thick insole overall for maximum shock absorption and a full range of support along every part of your foot as you walk. Eby says a cushioned, contoured footbed will keep your foot solidly on the insole, prevent slipping and excessive pronation, and stabilize your foot in the most natural position for you.

Additionally, any well-contoured footbed should come with a defined heel cup, an inset for your heel to fit snugly within. Eby explains that this is because "heel cups help to both stabilize your foot on the sandal and contain the fat pad under your heel, which offers natural cushioning."

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of shoes can irritate plantar fasciitis?

There’s no particular style of shoe that can aggravate plantar fasciitis, but there is a design element (for any type of shoe) that can worsen or prolong your symptoms: a flat sole.
“The worst thing you could wear is something with no support,” says Dr. Spielfogel. “Ballet slippers, flip-flops, anything like that is not good for someone with plantar fasciitis because there’s no support.”
In order to reduce strain on the fascia, you need to not only support your arches but lift your heel up slightly higher than the front of your foot. Otherwise, says Dr. Spielfogel, as your foot flattens, the fascia will become strained and irritated. This can aggravate symptoms of plantar fasciitis or even initiate symptoms in people with no prior inflammation if you wear flat shoes frequently enough.
How long does it take for plantar fasciitis to go away?

Most plantar fasciitis pain lasts for at least a few weeks but often longer. The less you do to treat your pain, the longer it will take to go away—it could be anywhere from six months to one year before it’s entirely resolved. You might be able to bounce back more quickly if you address your symptoms right away.
“It’s easier to remedy the symptoms if you treat it early on when you first notice it,” says Dr. Spielfogel. “A lot of people let it go on for a long period of time, and then it gets harder to treat.”
There are other things you can do to potentially speed up the recovery process, too. Dr. Spielfogel advises gently stretching the fascia regularly, applying ice, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (unless contraindicated by your doctor), and, of course, wearing supportive shoes.
Are sandals good for ankle support?

They can be, but you need to know what to look for. Eby says that well-fitting sandals with optimal strap placement and adjustability can provide good ankle support.
“Any sandal should be secured to the foot, so that gripping of the toes is not needed to keep the sandal in place,” she explains. “Straps around the back of the heel and close to the ankle on the top of the foot are both important for stability in a sandal.”

Why Trust Verywell Health

Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017—everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.