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16 Best Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Now you can stride confidently and comfortably.
If you live with plantar fasciitis, you know that every step can be a struggle. And if you don’t know what that is, here’s a little overview: Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running along the bottom of your foot, becomes inflamed, causing sharp, often debilitating heel pain. It’s a condition that affects runners, walkers, and those who spend significant time on their feet.
We know it can be tempting to make your go-to summer shoes stable, chunky sneakers with great arch support and cushioning (all of which are crucial for this condition), but it probably won’t be the coolest option. Instead, look to these 16 lightweight sandals that still offer stability, breathability, and relief from plantar fasciitis pain.
Pros
- Molded footbed
- High-traction soles
Cons
- Only whole sizes available
An effortless slide, made incredibly polished—because who says you can’t have both?
| Sizes | 7-13 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 3 |
| Width | Medium |
Pros
- Superior breathability
- Earth-friendly sugarcane footbed
Cons
- Can run large
Another article where we express our love for Hoka? Shocking. But there’s a good reason why. The brand is unmatched when it comes to style and comfort, and their Ora Recovery Slides (which are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association) deliver just that.
| Sizes | 3-16 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 13 |
| Width | Average |
Pros
- Flexible and lightweight sole
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- Can sell-out quickly
Known for its iconic and timeless designs, Birkenstock has been crafting legendary-in-comfort sandals, clogs, and sneakers since 1973. This particular style, which features a soft footbed and all-day support, proves the brand’s ethos to be true.
| Sizes | 6-17.5 |
|---|---|
| Colorway | 4 |
| Width | Normal, Wide, Narrow |
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to pack
- Fun colorways available
Cons
- Can run small
If the electric green doesn’t get you, the soft yet responsive foam surely will.
| Sizes | 4-18 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 7 |
| Width | Average |
Pros
- Snug but not constricting
- No break-in period
Cons
- Heavier than other options
Well constructed and crafted with out-of-the-box comfort, Ecco’s Yucatan sandals are the ideal companion for all your summer adventures.
| Sizes | 4-16 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 22 |
| Width | Average |
Pros
- Squishy footbed
- Made with sustainable leather
Cons
- Not the best option for narrow feet
Modern, clean, and easy to wear, this pair of slides by Reef are designed with an incredibly natural fit and come with an adjustable two-bar shape for maximum comfort.
| Sizes | 7-13 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 6 |
| Width | Regular |
Olukai Ohana Sandals
Pros
- No-slip grip
- Water-resistant straps
Cons
- Not the most stylish option
Whether you’re headed to the beach or to the poolside cabana, these Ohana sandals should be the #1 thing you pack in your bag (besides sunscreen, of course). Crafted with a water-resistant rubber and smooth-drop footbed, they have the perfect anatomical fit.
| Sizes | 7-17 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 32 |
| Width | Medium |
Pros
- Contrasting midsoles for a stacked effect
- Moulded footbeds
Cons
- Pricier than other options
With these exclusive soft suede buckled strap sandals, you’ll never have to suffer in the name of style again.
| Sizes | 40-46 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 4 |
| Width | Normal |
Pros
- Unmatched heel support
- Simple, secure strap in
Cons
- Bulkier than other options
This pair of sandals by Kuru was specially engineered to fight foot pain mile after mile—and considering this is an article about plantar fasciitis, that’s a pretty big selling point. Made with rugged waterproof leather and a microsuede footbed, they’re ready for just about anything that comes your way.
| Sizes | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 6 |
| Width | Medium |
Pros
- Flexible outsole
- Easy to wear
Cons
- Not the chicest option
Skechers—you know, that brand that you probably wore on your first day of third grade—has a three-point thong sandal that features a contoured Luxe Foam® footbed for a roomy and comfortable feel.
| Sizes | 8-13 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 2 |
| Width | Medium |
Pros
- Contoured arch-support
- Shock-absorbing cushion
Cons
- Not the chicest option
If you’re a no-frills type of guy and are looking for a dependable orthotic sandal, look no further. This APMA-certified option comes crafted with exclusive alignment technology for complete body balance, and the lightweight, flexible EVA midsoles help reduce stress on feet, ankles, and knees.
| Sizes | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | Grey |
| Width | Medium |
Pros
- Machine washable
- Designed to eliminate odor
Cons
- No added traction
A contemporary spin on the classic slide that will eliminate stress pain on the knees, back, and joints—what more could you want?
| Sizes | 4-19 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 5 |
| Width | Average |
Pros
- Adjustable strap heels
- Super lightweight and super chic
Cons
- Can be hard to clean
It’s 2024, my dude, which means you can officially get a pair of stylish sandals that won’t wreak havoc on your body. Cue Todd Snyder’s suede option. Handcrafted by artisans in Tuscany, they’re made with a molded foam footbed for all-day wear.
| Sizes | 8-13 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | Dark Brown |
| Width | Average |
Lululemon Restfeel Slides
Pros
- Solid grip
- Heel-to-toe rubber traction
Cons
- Can be challenging to keep clean
Give your dogs the rest they deserve with Lululemon’s plush slides.
| Sizes | 7-14 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | 6 |
| Width | Medium |
Pros
- Made from recycled materials
- Excellent traction
Cons
- Can run small
You get the best of both worlds with Teva’s Urban Sandals. With a classic design that combines the ideal parts of a shoe and sandal, they have a secure fit and will allow you to enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way.
| Sizes | 9-14 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | Black |
| Width | Medium |
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Fisher Sandals
Pros
- Hand-stitched detailing
- Molded footbed
Cons
- On the pricier side
It’s all about the detailing when it comes to these calfskin slide sandals by Ralph Lauren’s luxurious Purple Label.
| Sizes | 7-13 |
|---|---|
| Colorways | Gold |
| Width | Average |
Other Supportive Shoes, Vetted by Our Experts
- For those more formal occasions, check out 8 dress shoes designed for men with plantar fasciitis.
- With these 16 best walking sneakers, you can walk 500 miles, and then 500 more.
- If you also have flat feet and don’t own one of these pairs of sneakers, you’re doing it wrong.
- When it’s hot out, look to these breezy flip-flops that don’t compromise on arch support.
What to Look For
Material: Although this doesn’t have much to do with whether you have plantar fasciitis or not, you still want to look for lightweight, breathable, and durable materials that won’t overheat your feet during the warm summer months.
Support and Stability: When shopping for sandals for plantar fasciitis, prioritize features like arch support, a flexible outsole, and a padded insole. Choose sandals with softer outsole materials, such as rubber, to cushion each step and reduce stress on the plantar fascia. Additionally, ensure the sandals have extra midsole rigidity and added midfoot cushioning to minimize heel impact.
How We Chose
When compiling this list of the best sandals for plantar fasciitis, our experts knew that our guide needed to feature comfortable options with an elevated heel and great arch support.
To narrow our list down to the best 16 options, we considered factors like material and fit, versatility, sizing, and price. We also recruited our talented colleagues to shape this guide and considered user reviews and Internet forums for honest opinions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear sandals if you have plantar fasciitis?
Here’s the good news—just because you have plantar fasciitis doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in dense, chunky sneakers during the summer months. You can wear sandals. With that being said, you’ll want to find options that are stable and supportive and have a curved insole and elevated heel. So in other words, stay away from discounted, flimsy flip-flops.
What should I avoid if I have plantar fasciitis?
Steer clear of thin-soled sandals that don’t have adequate arch support. You’ll thank us later.
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