When I first got plantar fasciitis, every "shoe for heel pain" I found looked like something my nan would wear to the bowls club. Comfortable, sure. But I still wanted to look nice at dinner, at weddings and at work. So I worked out what my feet actually needed, and went looking for pretty shoes that had it.
The 4 things to look for
The Mayo Clinic's advice for plantar fasciitis is short and simple: buy shoes with a low to moderate heel, thick soles, good arch support and extra cushioning, and don't wear flats or walk barefoot (source). Here's how that looks in a real shoe:
- A gentle lift, never dead flat. Dead-flat shoes let your heel sit low, which pulls on the whole chain from your calf to the bottom of your foot. A high heel just moves the pain to the ball of your foot. A 3–5 cm wedge sits right in the middle.
- Real arch support. A footbed that holds your arch up instead of letting it collapse.
- A thick, cushioned sole and heel. Something soft between your heel and hard floors.
- A strap that holds your heel. Backless slides make your toes grip to keep the shoe on. A back strap or zip keeps your foot steady.
And my fifth rule: it has to be pretty enough to wear out. Otherwise you won't wear it, and it can't help you.
The pretty pairs I actually wear
For all day, every day: The Summer Mesh Sandal is the comfiest thing I own, with a thick, cushy sole and an adjustable back strap. The Zip-Back Wedge Sandal holds your whole heel in a closed, zip-up cup. The Stretch Knit Sandal is soft and stretchy, and kind to bunions too.
For work: The Buckle Wedge Sandal goes with work trousers and dresses, and The Peep-Toe Wedge Bootie is smart enough for the office.
For weddings and nights out: The Glitter Strappy Wedge gives you all the sparkle of a party heel with your whole heel supported. The Boho Sparkle Wedge and The Riviera Wedge are my holiday-dinner shoes.
For cooler days: The Cosy Wedge Ankle Boot keeps the same low, cushioned wedge.
You'll find every pair that passes all my rules in one place: Pretty Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
Shoes are only part of it
What made the biggest difference for me was doing the shoes and looking after my feet at home: stretching my calves and arches, rolling the soles of my feet, and never going barefoot on hard floors. I've put my whole routine into a free guide with photos of every stretch. Get my free Foot Ritual guide.
For the stretching part, I use a calf stretch rocker and a smooth foot massage ball. And for the shoes I already own, like sneakers and boots, firm arch insoles.
This is my own experience, and everyone's feet are different. Our shoes are designed for comfort and support, and they're not a medical treatment. If your pain is severe, getting worse or hasn't improved after a few weeks, please see a doctor or podiatrist.
Amanda, founder of Sunday Soles