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14 Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Behold: Pretty styles that won't hurt your heels.

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Whether you’re headed to a party or just want to fancy up your maxi skirt style, it’s not easy to find a pair of dressy sandals that will amp up your outfit without causing excruciating foot pain — or worse, a plantar fasciitis flare-up. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best dress shoes for plantar fasciitis that will get you through wedding season pain-free.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting your toes and your heel becomes inflamed. These “flare-ups” can be caused by certain exercises, obesity, age, and simply having flat feet. Doctors recommend treating plantar fasciitis with special stretches and wearing orthotic shoes or sandals designed especially for plantar fasciitis whenever you can.

For years, orthotic sandals and shoes got a bad rap for not being stylish. Thick-soled and clunky (but so, so comfy), they were often thought of as “old lady shoes.” Thankfully, shoe brands heard our pleas for more cute looks, and you can now find sandals and shoes for plantar fasciitis that are just as cool as any other sandal, but comfier. Even better? Buying orthotic shoes no longer breaks the bank. The sandals below range from $20-$140, so you don’t have to spend your paycheck for foot pain relief.

What are the best dress shoes for plantar fasciitis? 

According to NYC podiatrist, Dr Emily Splichal, DPM, MS, CES, the best way to treat plantar fasciitis is to take the pressure off the affected area by wearing a shoe with ample arch support. “Typically in acute plantar fasciitis you want to look for a sandal that will take stress off of the arch or plantar fascia,” she says. “A sandal from a brand like Vionic or Aetrex has built-in medial arch support and can take stress off of the foot and fascia.”

To read about how one woman successfully healed her plantar fasciitis with the right shoes, click here: “A Pair of Stylish Flip Flops Finally Healed My Painful Plantar Fasciitis!”

Here are our favorites, and keep scrolling for reviews of each:

What brand of shoes do podiatrists recommend for plantar fasciitis? 

“Typically anything that takes stress off of the foot or controls flat feet (over-pronation) can provide relief in acute plantar fasciitis,” says Dr. Splichal. “There are many good sandal options with arch support which means that if you have plantar fasciitis in warmer months you are not limited to only sneakers.” 

Here are all the shoe brands we love that have dress shoes for plantar fasciitis:

Are sandals bad for plantar fasciitis? 

That depends on the sandal. Plenty of sandals and flip flops out there have little to no support — those can cause a flare-up or worsen your existing plantar fasciitis.

“In acute plantar fasciitis a sandal that is totally flat and thin can increase stress to the plantar fascia and heel,” says Dr. Splichal. “This increased stress can increase symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis such as sharp pain in the heel or along the arch.”

While it’s easy to assume sneaker-like sandals are the best option for stability and pain relief, Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, claims the strappier styles are just as effective. “The strappier the sandal the better, because it holds your feet in so you don’t have to over grip with your toe muscles. If the straps are adjustable that’s a plus, so this way you can accommodate for anything individualized like bunions, hammertoes, or a wide foot.”

More shoes for plantar fasciitis our editors love:

Vionic Lupe Sandal

Best Vionic dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
best sandals for plantar fasciitis

Buy at Amazon, starting at $59.95

Why we like them:

  • Lightweight, flexible EVA midsole with built-in orthotics
  • Received APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Available in 5 colors and medium and wide widths

It’s hard to pick just one pair of Vionic sandals to hold the “best Vionic sandals” title (keep scrolling for several more of our faves from the renowned brand), but based on its glowing reviews and versatile design, the Lupe sandal gets our top pick. This lightweight style has a shock-resistant orthotic footbed that is biomechanically designed to relieve foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The adjustable strap and medium and wide width sizes allow you to get just the right fit, and the grippy sole provides excellent traction and stability. Like many Vionic styles, this one received the APMA Seal of Acceptance, proving even podiatrists are obsessed with the brand’s high-quality (and stylish!) orthotic shoes.

Happy customer: “This sandal is the BEST Vionic sandal, and I have several pairs. It has a strap that keeps it secure, and it has good arch support for those like myself who have a high arch and plantar fasciitis. It is so cute, better than the picture, and so comfortable and easy to adjust! I’m going to order another pair in black.”

Vionic Sami Women’s Heeled Sandal

Best heeled dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Amazon

Buy at Amazon, $39.99

Why we like them:

  • Style is exclusive to Vionic
  • Biomechanically designed for arch support
  • 6 colors

If you’re looking for heels, Vionic makes a beautiful block heel that gives you the height you crave without putting pressure on your arches. Exclusive to Vionic, the Sami sandal is adorned with metal hardware and supple suede straps that are adjustable. Like all the brand’s gorgeous styles, these have a biomechanically designed footbed that evenly distributes your weight and supports your arches in the places they feel most pained.

Happy customer: “For a person who doesn’t normally wear heals, I found these sandals to be easy to walk in with the much needed padding.”

Vionic Ella Sandal

Best dress flat shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
best sandals for plantar fasciitis

Buy at DSW, $90

Why we like them:

  • Biomechanically designed to hug your arches
  • Vionic best-seller
  • 4 colors

We’ve talked about Vionic extensively, but in case you missed my ravings, all you really need to know is that the brand is iconic for designing beautiful orthotic shoes and sandals for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. This flat, embossed Ella sandal is a best-seller on their site, which is saying a lot because they have so many pretty pairs. Biomechanically designed to hug your arches, you’ll feel completely supported without putting an ounce of pressure on your most pained areas.

Happy customer (from Nordstrom): “Unique flat with arch support. Really comfy and does not cut against my toes as this style often does. Picked up the nude and considering getting the black, too.”

Vince Camuto Platform Slide Sandals

Best trendy dress shoe for plantar fasciitis
Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
QVC
39% off!

Buy from QVC, $71.98 (was $119)

Why we like it:

  • Slip-on style
  • Comes in three color options, including a shimmery metal
  • Fits true to size

Wedges are easier to walk in than stilettos, and these dress sandals from Vince Camuto are simply gorgeous. The wide front strap covers most of the foot but exposes the toes, so you can show off your most recent pedi. The wedge is 3.5 inches high but is super comfortable with its rubber bottom and low front. Sizes go up to 12 medium, and the sandal comes in three different colors. We’re partial to the metal color (shown above), which has a shimmery iridescence — very big spring shoe trend for 2023.

Pella Moda Krisa Wedged Sandal

Best dress wedge shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Zappos

Buy at Zappos, $149.90

Why we like them:

  • Scallop detail
  • Low wedge
  • Comes in 2 colors

Wedges give you just enough height to lengthen your legs and dress up your outfit without making it impossible to walk. That’s why we like these Krisa Pella Moda sandals. They’re low enough for comfort but high in style — a perfect combo in our opinion. We love the open toe silhouette, scalloped straps, and the woven bottom. They will make the plainest pair of jeans or a basic skirt seem suddenly exciting.

Happy customer: “Another fabulous shoe from Pella Moda! Comfortable and stylish. I love this brand for casual and dressy shoes.”

Eurosoft Lexi Wedge

Best dress low wedge sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
best sandals for plantar fasciitis
DSW

Buy at DSW, $69.99

Why we like them:

  • 700+ 5-star reviews
  • Hook and loop closure
  • 3 colors

One DSW reviewer described these best dress sandals for plantar fasciitis as “comfortable right out of the box,” which isn’t always the case with strappy sandals. The cross strap secures with a hook and loop making them easy to slip on and off, and the cushioned footbed is wrapped with cork for a subtle detail that adds just the right amount of trendy to your look. You’ll be comfy all day wearing this classic style.

Happy customer: “I tried these on a whim and was immediately impressed. They are so comfortable. I have plantar fasciitis and a Morton’s neuroma. Comfort is the most important factor over style… So cute and comfortable!”

Ronin Wide Sandals

Best dress pump sandals For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at Dolce Vita, $79.90

Why we like them:

  • 1,300 5-star reviews
  • Interior cushion pod
  • Comes in narrow, medium and wide widths
  • 10 colors

This classic pump sandal is made with a water based leather, recycled TR outsole and recycled latex foam padding. A low heel combined with a padded sole ensures the stability you need to walk (or dance!) without slipping, and the braided strap keeps your feet from sliding around the shoe. The best part? They come in five trendy colors so you’re sure to find a pair — or multiple — that will suit your style.

Happy customer: “Perfect height of heel, gorgeous details, really nice design and comfy. I don’t have super wide feet but they’re def wider than the normal. These fit perfect and are so nice to wear! Loooove want them in every color now.”

BZees Secret Wedge Sandal

Best washable dress sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
best sandals for plantar fasciitis

Buy at DSW, $79.99

Why we like them:

  • Machine-washable!
  • BZees Cloud Technology footbed
  • 5 colors

Before you start worrying about how to keep these white knit wedges clean, know that all BZee’s are machine washable, so you can just toss them into the wash and they come out sparkling! If that feature wasn’t enough, the Secret Wedge sandal is designed with BZee’s iconic Cloud Technology, allowing your arches to feel supported as you walk. The stretchy knit fabric and elastic slingback make it easy to put them on without a struggle. They would look great with a formal dress, maxi skirt, or even jeans, and can be worn for hours without foot pain.

Happy customer: “I have been dealing with plantar fasciitis for over a year and needed a shoe that looked somewhat casual dressy. I’m a teacher, so I’m on my feet all day. I couldn’t believe how comfortable these shoes are. Even after being on my feet for 9 hours my feet still felt great! I have even gotten several compliments on the style. After a month of wearing these already, I haven’t had any planters fasciitis symptoms at all. They run pretty true to size. They fit like a comfortable glove.”

Skechers Women’s Slide Wedge Sandal

most affordable heeled dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Amazon

Buy at Amazon, starting at $38.42

Why we like them:

  • More than 8,000 Amazon reviews
  • Lots of color options
  • Low wedge

Wedges are a great option when plantar fasciitis is the concern. However, if balance is also an issue, keep things low with a dressy sandal like this one from Sketchers. Its slide-on style makes it a breeze to slip on and off, and the bottom’s rubber grip is great for walking slippery surfaces like shopping centers or marble stoned lobbies. The straps have delicate geometric and floral patterns that catch the eye, and the shoe looks great with jeans, shorts or a pretty flouncy skirt. Marked under $50, they’re a total steal!

Happy Customer: “Bought these for evening dinners at an all-inclusive in Mexico. Evening dress code meant no flip flops… But it’s Mexico and I’m on vacation! These were SUPER comfortable, required almost no “break in” period, and the nude color went with all my outfits. I’m normally between 8.5 and 9, so I bought a 9. I kicked these off by accident a few times, so size down if you’re in doubt.”

Dr. Scholl’s Islander Wedge

Best flat dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
best sandals for plantar fasciitis
DSW

Buy at Amazon, $64

Why we like them:

  • Elastic straps keep your foot in place
  • Anatomical cushioning and support
  • 3 color combo

Dr. Scholl’s Islanders are technically a wedge sandal, but are low so you’ll get just enough of a lift to stretch your arches and lengthen your legs without feeling like you’re wearing heels. These come in three styles that can be dressed up or down (including an all-black option), but we love how the two-tone cheetah print can add a little pop of fashion to an everyday look. The anatomical cushioning in the sole will keep the pressure off your arches, and the straps will keep your feet from sliding around. If you have a job that keeps you on your feet all day, these will keep you pain-free. Would you expect anything less from the best dress sandals for plantar fasciitis?

Happy customer: “I just bought these for spring because I needed a sandal with great support. This shoe is so comfortable with great arch support! I would recommend this shoe!”

Vionic Rest Kirra Backstrap Sandal

Best seller dress Sandal For Plantar Fasciitis
best sandals for plantar fasciitis
Amazon

Buy at Amazon, $99.95

Why we like them:

  • 2,300+ 5 star reviews
  • Wide widths available
  • 12 colors

More than 2,000 Amazon reviews gave these Kirra sandals five stars, and based on Vionic’s reputation for creating beautiful, podiatrist-approved orthotic shoes, we’re not surprised at the reception. A classic t-strap style with an adjustable slingback strap, these sandals can be dressed up or down. The footbed is biomechanical designed to provide complete support to your arches and heels, so you can be mid- plantar fasciitis flare-up and still walk pain-free. They come in wide width and medium sizes, and 12 different colors that are almost impossible to choose from.

Happy customer: “I wear Vionics for the awesome support and cute styles. My plantar fasciitis has gone away since wearing these shoes. When I first realized I had plantar fasciitis, I though I would have to wear “special” shoes and never get to wear anything cute again. But Vionics have the cutest flip flops and sandals and slippers…I’ll always find something I like. I just ordered a pair of their flip flops after getting these. I am super happy with this company and how much it has helped my feet to feel better. Plantar fasciitis is so painful and these shoes take away all that pain!”

Munro Abby Slingback Sandal

Best slingback heeled dress shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
best sandals for plantar fasciitis

Buy from Nordstrom, $195

Why we like them:

  • Adjustable slingback
  • Flex zone in midsole
  • Available in 3 colors

Consider this your stylish everyday shoe, capable of being worn with jeans, pants or dressier things, like a maxi skirt or summery frock. The block heel is shock absorbent, so whether you’re pounding the pavement of the mean city or strolling down the sidewalk of the suburbs, your high arches won’t ache. An open toe and cut leather upper adds breathability to the feet, and the midsole is fitted with flexibility.

Happy customer: “I saw a women wearing these and knew I had to get a pair! She said they are the most comfortable shoes she owns. She also said she bought them in most of the colors! I was sold — bought them online before she even left the meeting we were in! They are so soft and comfortable. I wore them the first day for more than 8 hours. I normally have very sensitive feet but never thought twice about how long I [had them on]!”

SAS Suntimer

Best dress Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis in multiple widths
best sandals for plantar fasciitis

Buy at Zappos, $148.95

Why we like them:

  • Multiple widths available
  • SAS Tripad® Comfort System for pressure relief
  • 5 colors

Whether you have a standard-width foot or not, these sandals are inclusive to all shapes and sizes. No really, you can choose from slim, narrow, medium, wide, and double wide widths, and five colors that will dress up your fanciest outfits. The straps are designed to keep your foot securely in place with an easily adjustable hook-and-loop closure. The SAS Tripad® Comfort System adapts to all three pressure points of the foot — your ball, heel, and arch — to provide ample relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Happy customer: “I bought these shoes for my mom. She has a collapsing arch and has a pinched nerve between her third and fourth toes. She has these shoes in two other colors and loves them especially since they come in double wide width. She finds them extra comfortable. Zappos also has them at a great price. My mom wears these shoes out and about and her Vionic flip flops indoors and has seen a significant reduction in her foot pain. Highly recommended!”

Vionic Paradise Kaytie Backstrap Wedges

Best Strappy dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Amazon

Buy at Amazon, $79.95

Why we like them:

  • Biomechanical footbed for support
  • Adjustable straps
  • Podiatrist approved
  • 5 colors

Strappy sandals are some of the most versatile — not only are they flattering on every size and shape of foot, they can be worn at both dressy or casual occasions. These are low but will still give you some height, and of course, have all the biomechanical support of other podiatrist-approved Vionic styles. Comfy straps are adjustable to hold your foot in place without rubbing, and provide the stability you need to walk and dance freely without having to worry about slipping. A cushy, ergonomic footbed relieves plantar fasciitis inflammation and evenly distributes your weight to avoid pressure points. The subtly embossed snake pattern comes in this neutral shade and black, and will be your new favorite sandals.

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