We Tested Over 30 Sandals for 2,000 Hours to Find the Best for Plantar Fasciitis Relief

Plantar fasciitis accounts for 80% of all cases of heel pain. When you consider that nearly 85% of people exacerbate or even cause this pain by wearing inappropriate footwear, it puts the need for a pair of good sandals into perspective. Wearing flat shoes with minimal heel height or a hard insole without arch support are two of the biggest no-nos when you have plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury of the plantar fascia, a connective tissue that spans from the heel all the way to the ball of the foot, says Anne Sharkey, DPM, a podiatrist at North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute. Sometimes referred to as “heel spur syndrome,” Dr. Sharkey says people often describe the pain as feeling like a stone bruise on the bottom of their heel. While there are a variety of causes for this condition (such as a change in activity or weight gain), wearing the wrong shoes can contribute to the issue.

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We made it our mission to find the best sandals to reduce heel pain and prevent plantar fasciitis altogether. We tested 31 different pairs of sandals for nearly 2,000 hours. We evaluated the sandals based on their fit, comfort, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, quality, and value. The end result is a comprehensive list of 14 sandals that will give you the support and comfort you need. An occupational therapist from our Medical Expert Board reviewed the content of this article about plantar fasciitis and how certain shoes can help to reduce plantar fasciitis pain.

What to Look for in Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

When shopping for sandals to wear with plantar fasciitis, Dr. Sharkey advises to look for cushioning, support, and stability. Ideally, your sandals will have a supportive, contoured arch and shock absorption with a deep heel cup that can help support your heel. You should also avoid overly flexible or bendy sandals, she says. Look for a sandal that bends at the toes but cannot be easily twisted or bent in half.

• Foot Type: Knowing your foot type before going shoe shopping can be helpful. To help you find the right pair of sandals, Dr. Sharkey suggests standing on a piece of paper and tracing the outline of your foot. Bring this outline with you to the shoe store. When you try on shoes, the shoe borders should be wider than your foot outline, meaning your whole foot will be supported. If your foot outline is overhanging the shoes, they won’t provide enough support for your foot, she says. Since everyone’s feet are different, it is important to try different brands of shoes to find what feels better for your specific foot.
• Arch Support: Proper arch support is a crucial factor in relieving plantar fasciitis pain. Dr. Sharkey suggests a sandal that contours to the arch of your foot, providing gentle and comfortable support. Avoid sandals that feel like they are aggressively pushing up into your arch. If you’re more flat-footed or have a collapsed arch, you’ll need a shoe with more support and stability, so look for shoes labeled “stability” or “motion control,” Dr. Sharkey says.
• Fit & Comfort: Sandals should be immediately comfortable when you put them on and feel natural and supportive, with no pressure points or rubbing. There should also be enough room at the end of the sandals where your toes sit. The thought that you need to break in shoes for comfort is a fallacy, explains Dr. Sharkey.
• Cushioning: The goal of cushioning is to provide shock absorption, provide comfort, protect your feet, and reduce the impact and stress on your foot. The best sandals balance cushioning with functionality, stability, and support. Dr. Sharkey says people with higher arches need more cushion due to poor shock absorption, but the exact amount needed depends on personal preference.
• Raised Heels: Wearing wedge heels decreases the range of motion in your ankles and transmits less force to the plantar fascia, which can help alleviate symptoms. This is due to the strong relationship between tight calf muscles and the onset of plantar fasciitis symptoms, says Dr. Sharkey. Flat shoes require more range of motion in your ankles, she says, and when calf muscles are tight, your body compensates by placing increased stress and strain onto the plantar fascia.

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