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Podiatrists reveal the best shoes for plantar fasciitis in 2024
Hoka / Asics / Brooks
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. When it flares up, you’ll feel a stabbing ache that shoots through your foot with every step. This pain can make running, walking or any kind of workout too excruciating to keep up with.
If you’ve been struggling with plantar fasciitis that makes it all but impossible to meet your fitness goals or even just live your everyday life without chronic pain, it can feel like nothing helps. But the good news is that, according to the podiatrists we talked to, the right shoes can make all the difference.
“To avoid and to treat plantar fasciitis, the foundation is the shoes you wear and how much arch support you give your feet,” Dr. Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS told CBS Essentials. By wearing supportive walking shoes or running shoes, you can minimize the pain that tends to shoot through your foot each time you step down.
What makes a good shoe for plantar fasciitis? According to Dr. Mohammad Rimawi, a New York City-based board-certified podiatrist, “Arch support, shock absorption in the heel and flexibility in the forefoot are crucial.”
Keep reading to find the absolute best shoes for plantar fasciitis you can get right now, according to podiatrists.
Most recommended shoe for plantar fasciitis: Brooks Ghost 16
Brooks
Multiple podiatrists said the Brooks Ghost line is one of the shoes they recommend most often to patients with plantar fasciitis.
“With a 12mm heel-to-toe drop, stable midsole and wide toe box, this shoe is ideal for everyday training and can help alleviate stress on the plantar fascia,” Rimawi said.
The Brooks Ghost 16 is the latest in this line of podiatrist-recommended shoes. It’s designed for a soft, smooth ride to keep your foot comfortable on long runs. That means maximum shock absorption, support only where you need it and a design that won’t feel heavy on your foot, even after logging multiple miles.
“This is a great option for people with plantar fasciitis,” added Daughtry, who also recommended the shoe. “It is a neutral running shoe with slightly more cushioning.”
The balanced design cushions each step for a soft landing, which can help minimize the stabbing pain people with plantar fasciitis often feel when they’re on the move.
Top features of the Brooks Ghost 16
- With a 12 mm heel drop, this running shoe offers good arch support while still being a relatively neutral running shoe.
- The GlideRoll rocker helps your foot move naturally, minimizing the pain caused by flexing the ligaments in your plantar fascia.
- Plush cushioning provides next-level shock absorption while walking or running.
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Get Ghost-like comfort for less with the Brooks Ghost 15
Brooks
While the Ghost 16 features all the latest upgrades, you can get a similarly cushy feel at a discount if you shop clearance deals on the Brooks Ghost 15. Instead of paying $140, you can get a pair of last year’s shoes for under $100 at Amazon.
Note that Amazon pricing varies by colorway. More styles are available at Brooks for $100.
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Best shoes for shock absorption: Asics Gel Kayano 31
Asics
Another shoe that was mentioned often by podiatrists was the Asics Gel Kayano line.
“Featuring a 10mm heel-to-toe drop, external heel cushioning and a deep heel cup, this shoe reduces the load and forces on the plantar fascia,” Rimawi said of the Asics Gel Kayano.
The latest model, Asics Gel Kayano 31, has a lower heel drop than the Brooks Ghost 16, but maximum cushioning with gel injected into the heels makes this one of the best shoes to wear for shock absorption. If your pain is at its worst right when your heel first strikes the ground, this is the shoe for you. That gel gently cradles your heel and redistributes the shock of each step.
The shoe also offers good support in the form of a responsive foam sole and ortholite X-55 sock liner. Overall, it’s still neutral enough to feel comfortable on most feet while offering cutting-edge cushioning for the softest landing possible.
Get a pair of Asics’ softest, most supportive shoe for $165.
Top features of the Asics Gel Kayano 31:
- Gel embedded in the rear of the midsole provides best-in-class shock absorption on every heel strike.
- Lightweight and responsive foam adds extra cushioning while helping your foot glide through each step.
- A deep heel cup and midfoot structure provide gentle support suitable for a neutral gait.
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Save on Asics’ shock-melting shoes by shopping clearance deals
Asics
Frugal shoppers can get almost the same features of the Asics Gel Kayano 31 for less by picking up an earlier model at its clearance price. Right now, you can get the Asics Gel Kayano 30 for under $100 at Amazon (reduced from $160). More styles are available from Asics for $110.
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Cushiest running shoe for plantar fasciitis: Hoka Bondi 8
Hoka
Just about any would be a great pick for someone with plantar fasciitis, though the Hoka Bondi collection is probably the best example of everything that makes a Hoka so great for aching feet.
“This shoe’s rocker-type structure allows for more natural foot movement, minimizing strain on the plantar fascia and calf,” Rimawi said.
The Hoka Bondi 8, for example, offers a tall stack of cushioning and a rear crash pad for great shock absorption. The lightweight foam strikes that balance between soft and bouncy to cushion impact while adding a boost to each step so your feet aren’t straining as hard to walk.
It’s available in regular, wide and extra-wide sizing so you’ll be able to get the right fit, further easing the pressure on your aching feet. These Hoka shoes retail for $165, though some styles are available at Amazon for a lower price.
Top features of the Hoka Bondi 8:
- A unique rocker with responsive foam helps facilitate a smooth stride so your feet can relax.
- Lots of cushioning provides shock absorption and comfort.
- The lightweight running shoe offers neutral support that will fit well on most feet.
- A memory foam collar cradles your ankle for gentle, friction-free support.
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Shop more top-rated shoes for plantar fasciitis
What’s the best running shoe for plantar fasciitis?
The shoes doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis are cushy and stable — often from top-rated running shoe brands like Hoka or Brooks. But the common denominator across every shoe doctors recommended: arch support and shock absorption.
“The brands of shoes that I recommend for patients with plantar fasciitis are either On or Hoka, as they provide ample cushion and support while still being relatively light,” said Dr. Matt Tanneberg, chiropractor and certified strength and conditioning specialist at Body Check Chiropractic & Sports Rehabilitation.
“Always lean to the side of more supportive and cushioned,” Tanneberg emphasized, adding that you should stay away from minimalist or flat shoes if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis.
In addition to wearing the right shoes, podiatrists also noted the importance of getting rid of old shoes.
“Regularly replace worn-out sneakers to maintain proper support and shock absorption,” Rimaw advised. The rule of thumb is to replace your walking shoes or running shoes every 500 miles, but the key is to pay attention to signs of wear and tear. If that once-cushy and supportive insole now looks flattened and worn, it might be time for an upgrade.
Does anything really help plantar fasciitis?
In general, podiatrists agree that the best way to help plantar fasciitis is to wear supportive shoes and make stretching and massage part of your daily routine.
“Stretching exercises help keep the ligament gently stretched to avoid excessive tightness,” Daughtry says. Your daily routine should include a massage gun to alleviate muscle tension followed by gentle stretches that help improve flexibility and minimize tightness.
Another key for both treating and preventing future flare-ups of plantar fasciitis: Wear supportive shoes all the time. “Supportive footwear should be worn not only during physical activity but also at home to reduce strain on the plantar fascia,” Rimawi said.
If you don’t typically wear shoes in your house, consider getting a pair of supportive that you only wear at home.
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Gold has long served as a safe-haven asset for investors during times of economic uncertainty and market volatility, which is a large part of why it has been so popular over the past year. Thanks to that uptick in gold interest, the price of gold has been climbing throughout much of 2024 — hitting multiple record highs and surpassing $2,700 per ounce at one point late in the year. That price trend has been shifting lately, though, and over the last few weeks, there have been significant fluctuations in gold prices, with the price of gold dropping over the last few days in particular.
With gold’s price currently sitting at under $2,650 per ounce, today’s lower price is prompting many investors to reassess their positions in gold-related investments — including gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These investment vehicles, which track the price of gold without requiring physical ownership of the precious metal, have become increasingly popular among retail and institutional investors alike. Much of the appeal of gold ETFs lies in their simplicity and accessibility. Unlike physical gold, these funds can be easily bought and sold through standard brokerage accounts, offering investors a convenient way to gain exposure to gold price movements.
But while the current price dip could present a good opportunity to buy into gold at a discount, it makes sense to remain cautious about any type of investment right now. So is investing in gold ETFs still a good strategy now that the price of gold is slipping?
Find out how to add gold to your portfolio today.
Are gold ETFs a good investment now that the price is dropping?
When gold prices drop, it can create opportunities for investors to buy at a lower cost, potentially increasing their returns if prices rebound. Gold ETFs provide an easy way to capitalize on this strategy. Unlike physical gold, ETFs can be traded on stock exchanges just like equities, offering liquidity and convenience. They also eliminate the need for storage and security concerns associated with owning physical gold.
There are also a few other reasons to consider investing in gold ETFs despite the current price drops. For starters, gold ETFs offer an efficient way to implement dollar-cost averaging during price dips. By regularly investing fixed amounts, investors can potentially lower their average purchase price over time. This strategy can be particularly effective during periods of price volatility, allowing investors to accumulate positions at various price points.
And while gold prices may be dipping now, it’s unlikely that today’s lower prices will remain the status quo over the longer term. Gold prices have historically rebounded and grown over longer time horizons, so while the current price may be lower than it was a few weeks ago, it could represent a good entry point for long-term investors. That’s particularly true if the fundamental factors supporting gold prices remain intact, such as inflation concerns, currency devaluation risks and global economic uncertainties.
However, investors should consider that there are risks to investing in gold ETFs. One issue is that gold ETFs are subject to market volatility and may not provide immediate returns — so it’s important to make any investing decision based on your unique investment goals and strategy. Gold also generates no income or dividends, making it a pure price appreciation play. The opportunity cost of holding gold ETFs also becomes more significant in high-rate environments where yield-generating investments become more attractive.
Diversify your investments by adding gold to your portfolio now.
Who should invest in gold ETFs now?
While investing in gold ETFs may not make sense for all investors right now, it could be particularly suitable for certain types. For example, investors who need to diversify their portfolios may find gold ETFs attractive, as gold has historically shown a low correlation with traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds. So, the current price drop could present an opportunity to achieve portfolio diversification at more favorable prices.
Risk-conscious investors who are looking to hedge against inflation, currency risks or geopolitical uncertainties might also want to consider adding gold ETF exposure. After all, with the uptick in inflation over the last few months, gold’s historical role as a store of value remains relevant right now, despite the potential for short-term price volatility. Long-term investors might also find current prices attractive in terms of building strategic positions.
However, short-term traders and income-focused investors may want to exercise caution when it comes to gold ETFs. Gold’s price volatility can make short-term trading challenging, while the lack of yield may not align with income-oriented investment objectives.
The bottom line
The current drop in gold prices presents an intriguing opportunity for investors who are interested in gold ETFs, but it’s essential to weigh the potential risks and rewards of this type of gold investing carefully. Gold ETFs offer a convenient and liquid way to gain exposure to gold, making them a viable option for many investors, but they are just one of several ways to invest in this precious metal. Whether or not gold ETFs are the right choice for you will ultimately depend on your investment objectives, risk tolerance and overall portfolio strategy, so before you buy in, do your homework to make sure your decision aligns with your long-term goals.
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