The Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis That’ll Fit Any Kind of Style

If you’ve ever suffered from plantar fasciitis, you know it’s one of the most agonizing causes of foot pain. Whether you’re currently mid-flare-up (my thoughts are with you) or like me and trying to prevent the inevitable return of the stabbing, mind-numbing foot pain, your shoe game doesn’t have to suffer, too. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best sandals for plantar fasciitis that will get you through summer pain-free.

How to find the best fit for your foot

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 whenever you can.

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, and the best way to do that is to wear 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. 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.”

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.

Casual Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

1. Best flat sandals: Dr. Scholl’s Islander Wedge
2. Best Vionic sandals: Vionic Lupe Sandal
3. Best adjustable sandals: Aetrex Gabby Sandals
4. Best wedge sandals: BZees Dream Wedge Sandal
5. Best walking sandals: Birkenstock Mayari
6. Best slip on wedge sandals: BZees Smile Wedge Sandal

Dressy Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

1. Best dressy wedge sandals: Lifestride Keaton Espadrille Wedge
2. Best heeled sandals: Vionic Perk Sami Strappy Sandal
3. Best slingback heeled sandals: Vionic Bianca Heel
4. Best dressy pump sandals: Rockport Cobb Hill Women’s Aubrey Dress Pump
5. Best washable sandals: BZees Secret Wedge Sandal

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.”

Need even more shoe shopping inspiration? Keep reading:

22 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2022 That Women Are Buying Over and Over

8 Best Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis

13 Best Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

10 Orthotic Sandals That Are as Pretty as They Are Supportive