Best Sandals to Wear With Plantar Fasciitis

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you know how crucial proper footwear is for pain relief. The wrong sandals can worsen your condition, while the right ones provide support, cushioning, and stability. You need arch support, heel cushioning, and a contoured footbed to reduce strain on your plantar fascia. 

Fortunately, several sandals are designed specifically for this condition. In this guide, we'll help you find the best sandals to ease your discomfort and keep you comfortable all day. Whether you're walking, standing, or running errands, the right pair can make a significant difference. Let's find out your top options.

Key Features of Plantar Fasciitis Sandals (What to Look For)

The right supportive sandals for plantar fasciitis will ease your pain and keep your feet comfortable. Focus on these essential features:

• Arch Support: Firm but contoured arches reduce strain on your plantar fascia and prevent overpronation.

• Cushioned Midsole: EVA foam or memory foam absorbs shock.

• Sturdy Straps: Adjustable ankle or heel straps provide stability to your foot, preventing your toes from gripping for balance.

• Rocker Bottom: A slight curve in the sole encourages a natural stride and minimizes heel impact.

• Deep Heel Cup: A snug heel cradle prevents slippage and keeps your foot aligned.

Avoid Flat soles, thin flip-flops, or overly flexible designs that lack support. If you prefer leather sandals for plantar fasciitis, check their features. For convenience, the best slide sandals for plantar fasciitis should still offer a supportive footbed and secure fit. With these key elements, you can find sandals that relieve discomfort and support your feet all day.

Top Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis (Podiatrist & User-Approved)

Ivy Women's Slip-On Sandals

If you need supportive sandals for plantar fasciitis that blend comfort and style, the Ivy Women's Slip-On Sandals deserve your attention. With an anatomically designed footbed and deep heel support, these sandals target pressure points to reduce knee, back, and foot pain.

Why These Sandals Work for Plantar Fasciitis:

• Arch Support: The microfiber footbed cushions have medium arches, aligning your feet.

• Deep Heel Cup: A contoured heel cradle stabilizes your hindfoot and prevents excess movement.

• Shock-Absorbing Sole: The polyurethane gel-infused midsole softens impact, while the wave-shaped outsole grips uneven surfaces.

• Adjustable Fit: Faux leather straps with threaded borders provide a secure, slip-on fit without toe gripping.

Key Features:

• True to size (whole sizes only, narrow width – 3.3")

• Lightweight (0.85 lbs per pair)

• 0.75" heel for slight elevation without strain

These sandals with heel support offer relief for daily wear in spring, summer, or fall. At just $29.99, they're a budget-friendly pick that doesn't sacrifice comfort.

For those who prefer leather sandals for plantar fasciitis, the synthetic leather upper ensures durability, while the padded sole keeps each step pain-free. If you want the best slide sandals that are easy to wear for plantar fasciitis and supportive, the Ivy Slip-Ons check all the boxes.

Ideal for: Walking, travel, or all-day wear when you need relief without compromising style.

Serena Double-Strappy Leather Platform Sandals

For those who want supportive sandals for plantar fasciitis without sacrificing style, the Serena Double Strappy Leather Platform Sandals deliver comfort and elegance. These premium leather sandals for plantar fasciitis combine adjustable support with a footbed that molds to your feet, making them ideal for all-day wear.

Why These Sandals Work for Plantar Fasciitis:

• Cork Footbed: Naturally contours to your foot shape, reducing fatigue and improving alignment.

• Adjustable Double Straps: Velcro forefoot and buckle ankle straps ensure a secure, customized fit for narrow or wide feet.

• Deep Heel Cup: Stabilizes your foot and prevents excess movement, a must for sandals with heel support.

• EVA Outsole: Lightweight yet grippy, with a slight platform (0.75") for gentle arch elevation.

Key Features:

• 100% Genuine Leather: Soft, durable, and breathable for long-term wear.

• Neutral and versatile design: pairs well with dresses, jeans, or summer outfits.

• Lightweight (1.0 lb per pair): Walking in for extended periods is easy.

• Anti-microbial cork: Resists odors and keeps feet fresh.

At $120, these are an investment, but the quality materials and foot-friendly design justify the price. The adjustable straps make them one of the best slide sandals for plantar fasciitis, offering structured support while still comfortable.

Ideal for: Travel, evenings out, or daily wear when you need pain relief without sacrificing style.

Zion Adjustable Strappy Slingback Sandals for Women

The Zion Adjustable Strappy Slingback Sandals are among the best supportive sandals for plantar fasciitis. They combine therapeutic features with everyday style. The heel support delivers the right balance of cushioning and stability to keep feet comfortable during extended wear.

Why These Sandals Work for Plantar Fasciitis:

• Contoured Arch Support: Maintains proper foot alignment and reduces strain on the plantar fascia.

• Polyurethane Gel Insole: Absorbs shock and relieves pressure points for all-day comfort.

• Adjustable Velcro Straps: Secure your foot without restricting movement, ideal for narrow or wide feet.

• Medium Heel Cup: Stabilizes the heel to prevent excess motion and discomfort.

• Foam-Lined Footbed: Adds an extra cushioning layer for a plush, supportive feel.

Key Features:

• Lightweight (0.335 lbs per pair): Easy to wear for long periods.

• 0.5" heel: Provides slight elevation without strain.

• Synthetic leather upper: Durable and easy to maintain.

Priced at $60, these sandals offer excellent value for those seeking leather sandals with adjustable support for plantar fasciitis. Their breathable design makes them a great choice for spring, summer, or fall.

Ideal for: Work, errands, or casual outings where comfort and support matter.

Hadal Slingback Sandal

The Aerothotic Hadal Slingback Sandal is among the best supportive sandals for plantar fasciitis. With its APMA-approved design and therapeutic features, these sandals with heel support deliver the perfect mix of comfort, stability, and breathability for all-day wear.

Why These Sandals Work for Plantar Fasciitis:

• APMA-Certified: Podiatrist-approved for foot health, with built-in arch support to reduce strain.

• Shock-Absorbing PU Footbed: Cushions each step and aligns your feet properly.

• Adjustable Velcro Strap: Secures your heel without pressure points.

• Textured Non-Slip Outsole: Offers traction on both wet and dry surfaces.

• Breathable Mesh Upper: Keeps feet cool while offering a snug fit.

Key Features:

• Lightweight (0.7 lbs per pair): Easy for travel or long walks

• Water-friendly: Quick-drying materials work for beach or pool

• True to size: Fits medium to wide feet (3.6" width)

At $45, these rank among the most affordable leather sandals endorsed by medical professionals for plantar fasciitis. The crisscross design makes them a stylish pick among the best slide sandals for plantar fasciitis.

Ideal for: Beach trips, city walks, or daily errands requiring pain-free movement.

What to Avoid (Sandals That Worsen Plantar Fasciitis)

If you have plantar fasciitis, your footwear choices directly impact your pain levels. Avoid these common sandal types that aggravate symptoms:

1. Flip-Flops Without Arch Support

• No arch or heel support: They force your toes to grip with each step, straining your plantar fascia.

• Flat, thin soles: Offer no shock absorption, increasing impact on your heels.

2. Flat Ballet Sandals

• Zero arch support: Fail to distribute pressure evenly across your foot.

• Flimsy construction: It provides no stability for your heel or midfoot.

3. Minimalist/Barefoot Sandals

• Too flexible: Lack the structure your feet need during acute PF flare-ups.

Require transition time: Even if you prefer natural footwear, these often worsen pain before you adapt.

How to Maximize Comfort?

• Do calf stretches for 30+ seconds daily to relieve plantar fascia tension.

• Pair your sandals with orthotic inserts if you need extra arch support.

• Break in new sandals by wearing them indoors first before extended outdoor use.

• Always wear supportive slides at home instead of going barefoot.

• Rotate between multiple pairs of supportive sandals to prevent overuse.

• Choose sandals with thick, shock-absorbing soles for hard surfaces.

• Replace your sandals when the midsoles show visible wear and compression.

• Look for adjustable straps that provide a secure, customized fit.

• Prioritize sandals with deep heel cups to stabilize your foot alignment.

• Avoid sudden transitions to new footwear - introduce supportive styles gradually.

When to See a Podiatrist

If your plantar fasciitis pain continues for more than one week despite wearing supportive sandals for plantar fasciitis, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist immediately. You should also seek professional help if you notice swelling, redness, or stiffness that doesn't improve with rest and proper footwear. 

Morning heel pain that lingers throughout the day or sharp discomfort that interferes with daily activities warrants medical attention, especially if sandals with heel support, stretching, and ice therapy provide no relief. Persistent discomfort signals the need for a podiatrist's evaluation to prevent long-term damage and develop a targeted treatment plan.

The Bottom Line

The right supportive sandals make a critical difference for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Your footwear choice directly impacts pain levels, mobility, and recovery time. Premium leather sandals for plantar fasciitis offer the stability and cushioning your feet need to heal properly.

Complement your sandals with heel support with a complete treatment approach. Proper stretching routines and timely professional care enhance the benefits of supportive footwear.

Prioritize foot health today with sandals designed for your condition. The best footwear creates the foundation for pain-free movement and improved quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wear sandals if I have plantar fasciitis?

Yes, you can wear sandals if they provide proper arch support, cushioning, and a firm midsole. Avoid flat, flimsy flip-flops, as they can worsen plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Do plantar fasciitis sandals work?

Yes, plantar fasciitis sandals can help reduce heel pain and improve foot function by providing arch support and cushioning. Studies show they are as effective as in-shoe orthotics and better than flat sandals for managing plantar heel pain.

Which brand of shoes is best for plantar fasciitis?

Aerothotic is one of the best brands for plantar fasciitis. It offers sandals with arch support, deep heel cups, and cushioned soles. Their orthopedic design helps reduce heel pain and supports proper foot alignment.

Does walking barefoot improve plantar fasciitis?

If introduced gradually and cautiously, walking barefoot may help strengthen foot muscles and alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. However, starting barefoot walking too early or on hard surfaces can worsen pain and delay recovery.