The Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis, According To Podiatric Experts

Forbes

23-04-2025

If you've ever dealt with plantar fasciitis—a painful condition afflicting the heel—you know how important it is to wear supportive shoes. Good footwear can absorb shock, distribute pressure and take strain off your feet. And if you're someone who wears open-toed footwear, finding the best sandals for plantar fasciitis is a smart step in the right direction. Our top pick, the Oofos OOriginal Sandal, uses lightweight, cushy foam to support and protect your feet. It's just one of the many sandals we recommend for those seeking relief.
The best sandals for plantar fasciitis can offer short-term relief for heel pain and play a role in ... More long-term healing.
'The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the arch,' says Dr. Saylee Tulpule, a board certified podiatrist. 'When there is strain placed upon this ligament, it is known as plantar fasciitis. This increased tension results in inflammation and heel and arch pain.'
Although it's a highly unpleasant condition, it's not permanent, and relief can come in the form of supportive footwear. Below, the best sandals for plantar fasciitis, and how to find a pair that's right for you.
OOFOS
Sizes: 3 to 16 | Materials: Closed-cell foam | Colors: 4
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Soft, supportive and lightweight, Oofos Ooriginal Sandals were designed with foot relief in mind. They are purpose-built 'recovery sandals' for short-term use after an intense workout at the gym or a long run, or for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. Made entirely of closed cell foam, each sandal weighs a mere 6.5 ounces, and they come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different feet. The foot settles into a layer of foam that acts as a soft cradle, lessening impact over hard surfaces, and ensures every step feels a bit like walking on a cloud.
When not on your feet, these odor-resistant sandals won't give off unpleasant fragrances, and they can be safely tossed in the washing machine if need be. Some reviews say they run a bit large, and an improper fit can hinder plantar fasciitis relief, so be ready to size down. Also note the wide thong strap can feel awkward between your toes and might take some getting used to, especially if you're accustomed to slides. All told, these are highly-rated and well-trusted sandals that have brought relief to thousands of feet.
Amazon
Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Vegan leather, EVA, rubber | Colors: 13
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If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis but don't want to spend a lot of money on cushioned sandals with good orthopedic arch support, then you'll be in good company with the many thousands of people who have purchased sandals from Coface. These affordable and actually rather stylish sandals have a thick, soft footbed that's shaped to support your arches and reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. And as they come in more than a dozen colors, they can support your fashion sense, too.
An adjustable strap lets you get a proper, secure fit, but note that a number of confirmed wearers have called that strap rather flimsy. If you're looking for sandals you can wear daily for months or years to come, this price-conscious style probably won't cut it, but for relief from acute plantar fasciitis, they are a well-reasoned buy.
Vionic
Sizes: 5 to 13 | Materials: Leather, canvas, rubber, nitrogen-infused foam | Colors: 8
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If you are going to be logging many long miles on your feet, then you might consider wearing a pair of Vionic Walk Max Wanderer Sandals. They feature two thick adjustable bands that secure your foot right where it needs to be for plantar fasciitis relief—in close contact with that thick, soft and supportive nitrogen-infused foam insole. Plus, a deep, supportive heel cup also helps keep your foot in place.
These are pricey sandals but they are well-made and will last for years of regular use. Just note that before you can get regular use out of them, you need to break them in with limited wear over the course of several days. Once molded to your feet and with the straps adjusted just right, they will serve as your perfect walking partner, mile after mile.
Amazon
Sizes: 6 to 11 | Materials: Vegan leather, polyurethane| Colors: 22
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These understated, casual sandals look great when paired with a dress, jeans, colorful shorts or whatever else you you have in wardrobe because they come in nearly two dozen colors. And don't let the casual look fool you: This is purpose-built footwear designed to provide solid foot support and relief from plantar fasciitis pain. The polyurethane footbed is thick, cushioned and molded for proper arch and heel support.
The sandals only come in whole sizes from 6 to 11, which might be an issue for some feet, and they run a bit narrow, but if they fit, you'll love the support, and the affordability. If they ever get dirty, simply scrub them with soap and water to bring them back to life.
HOKA
Sizes: 3 to 14 | Materials: Rubber, sugarcane EVA | Colors: 7
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As the name implies, your feet will slide right into the ORA Recovery Slide 3 from Hoka, but they won't slip right back out thanks to the broad band encircling the top of your foot and the raised lip behind the heel. A molded footbed made partially from natural sugarcane-derived foam cradles your foot and supports the arch, reducing foot pain, while the more rugged outsole can handle concrete, gravel, roots, rocks and other terrain.
The supportive design receives the American Pediatric Medical Association's seal of acceptance, so you can count on it to be a good fit for plantar fasciitis relief. Some people have reported a different fit between the left and right sandal, so be sure to try them on in-person if you need the assurance. Ultimately, when you get a pair that fits just right, you'll love how easily you can slip into comfort.
Birkenstock
Sizes: 6 to 13 | Materials: Leather, EVA | Colors: 7
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The Arizona sandal from Birkenstock has been around since 1973, and in that five-plus decade span, not much has changed about the look or design of this slide. And why should something that already works well change anyway? Arizonas have a soft and molded EVA footbed designed to support the foot's arch and allow the toes to spread out comfortably, while the inset heel cup lets a wearer stand or walk with a natural orientation—think barefoot walking in sand or on soft grass.
This Birk has two bands of soft suede leather than can be adjusted to create a secure and comfortable fit, while a raised edge around the front of the footbed protects the toes even as most of your foot is exposed to fresh air. Arizonas are more expensive than most of the other sandals covered in this guide, but they bring with them decades of approval from wearers all over the world.
KURU Footwear
Sizes: 7 to 13 | Materials: Leather, microsuede, rubber | Colors: 4
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If you suffer from both plantar fasciitis pain and a serious case of wanderlust, the Kuru Tread can help with both. Designed for use on rugged terrain, this tough, capable sandal is surprisingly gentle on your feet. The toughness comes from a thick rubber outsole with deep lugs set into a tread pattern that will grab onto roots, rocks and more, while the soft support is thanks to a a microsuede-lined footbed that properly positions your foot and cradles it in place.
Broad adjustable bands near the ankle and over the bridge of the foot ensure a secure fit, while soft padding within those bands reduces friction to help prevent blisters. This is an expensive sandal, and it's on the heavier side, but if you want your feet properly supported while you're far afield, it's a smart buy.
At Forbes Vetted, the gear team only recommends equipment and apparel after doing our homework. We talk to trusted experts, dig deep into research, analyze reviews from verified buyers and spend time with products over the course of many months.
Your footwear plays a critical role in keeping you comfortable from the ground up. To find supportive, comfortable, durable sandals for plantar fasciitis, we took the following steps:
'Footwear and supportive products play a critical role in managing plantar fasciitis, particularly by reducing load on the fascia and encouraging optimal foot mechanics,' says Dr. Rodgers. Here are three key factors to keep in mind:
Start by looking for sandals that promote arch support. This is of critical importance because a well-established arch helps distribute pressure across the foot, reducing strain on the plantar fascia. The sandals should have a raised, cushioned arch that fits your foot well, and it shouldn't feel forced or obtrusive. If you normally wear shoes that don't have an arch, look for sandals with a gentle arch for basic support.
'A deep heel cup will help to absorb shock as well as cradle and support the heel, which will reduce strain on the plantar fascia," says Dr. Sharkey. A deep heel cup isn't going to force the back of your foot into a mold, but it will feel as if the back of the sandal is raised slightly above the base of your heel. This added support keeps your foot in place and helps evenly distribute forces.
A thick, sturdy outsole, supportive midsole and cushioned insole are all critical in sandals used to treat plantar fasciitis. 'Sandals [need to] absorb impact and reduce stress on the plantar fascia thanks to deep cushioning, which helps reduce heel impact during walking,' explains Dr. Rodgers.
While all of the sandals in this guide feature thick, cushy bases, some are simpler than others. For example, the Oofos Ooriginal Sandal is made purely of closed-cell foam, while the Kuru Tread features an outer layer for grip and internal layers for support. What's right for you comes down to pure comfort and where you intend to wear your sandals.
'Plantar fasciitis is an inflammatory condition that impacts the fibrous tissue band running along the bottom of the foot, from the heel to the toes,' says Bailey. 'It is aggravated when the plantar aponeurosis becomes overly tight.' And simply put, it's painful—it can make it difficult to walk or stand still, and the effects can go well beyond the foot, impacting the ankles, knees and back as you compensate for the pain by changing your gait or stance.
'Several factors can cause [plantar fasciitis],' says Dr. Tulpule, 'but the most common cause is ill-fitting shoes, so shoes that lack support and cushion, such as ballet flats." The condition can also be caused or exacerbated by high-impact activities like running, or because of foot biomechanics, such as flat feet, high arches or a tight Achilles tendon. Prolonged standing is also a risk factor, which is why you should invest in shoes for standing all day if you spend hours on your feet.
No, plantar fasciitis is not a permanent condition in all but rare cases. Most people recover completely within months with proper treatment, like stretching, rest and supportive shoes or sandals. While chronic cases or lack of treatment can lead to complications and longer recovery times, successful intervention is possible.