10 Best Nursing Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Long hours of walking and standing, combined with fast-paced work that involves quick pivots, lifting heavy loads, and unpredictable needs, make nurses especially prone to foot issues and a type of heel pain called plantar fasciitis. 

You might have plantar fasciitis if you notice your heel pain is worse when you first stand up after sitting or resting. But, wearing shoes with proper arch support and cushioning can help with healing!

We've rounded up the top 10 best nursing shoes for relieving plantar fasciitis. Read on to find a style that works for you!

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The 10 Best Nursing Shoes for With Plantar Fasciitis

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1. Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit

Buy Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit Shoes Starting at $145*

Orthofeet Coral Stretch Knit shoes have not only helped in alleviating plantar fasciitis, but they also have several features nurses love:

• Customizable and removable arch support (sometimes plantar fasciitis is caused by a high arch, so being able to select your level of arch support is key!)
• Antimicrobial and moisture-wicking material
• Heel cushioning
• A wide toe box for comfort and navigating the many literal pivots nurses make on shift.

>>Want more nursing shoe suggestions? Check out our guide to the 10 best nursing shoes, complete with real reviews from nurses like you!

2. Nurse Mates Bryar

 

Buy on Amazon Starting at $59.95*

Current and retired RNs rave in Amazon reviews over these Nurse Mates Bryar shoes, noting their comfort and support. The features that make these nursing shoes perfect for nurses with plantar fasciitis include arch support, half and wide sizes for custom comfort, and a pillowtop foot bed for heel pain relief.

3. Skechers Loving Life

Buy on Amazon Starting at $29.98*

These slip-on sneakers by Skechers are as fun as they are functional. With a splashy neon design, these shoes also feature memory foam construction made with breathable materials. However, some reviews mention that despite their comfort, they don't hold up well for long shifts. If you like these shoes, you may want to choose them for when you're off-shift and need some support around the house or yard.

4. Tiosebon Slip-On Shoes

Buy on Amazon Starting at $20.39*

Tiosebon offers another breathable slip-on sneaker that’s perfect for walking. They have a sleek profile while still boasting plenty of arch support that can help relieve plantar fasciitis. Reviewers love how these shoes seem to expand with their feet, so if you have any issues with your feet swelling by the end of a long shift (been there), these may be a great option for you.

5. Reebok Walk Ultra 7 DMX MAX Women's Shoes

Buy on Amazon Starting at $42.61*

Reebok offers several supportive shoes that are great for nurses with plantar fasciitis. However, the Walk Ultra model offers a classic shoe with a vintage feel that can keep you supported all shift long. Specifically, the design actually moves air from your toe to your heel each and every time you take a step, which is exactly the mechanism that’s involved with plantar fasciitis pain.

6. Brooks Addiction Walker 2

Buy on Amazon Starting at $90.62*

Brooks has made a name for itself as a popular running shoe brand. But, as we all know, there is plenty of fast-paced action in nursing to warrant wearing athletic footwear. This shoe offers a ton of options for nurses with plantar fasciitis, including narrow, wide, and extra wide sizes, reliable cushioning, arch support, and a super-duty traction support outsole.

7. Orthofeet Sprint Tie-Less

 

Shop These Shoes Starting at $140*

Designed for men, these no-lace shoes are known to totally obliterate foot pain. Orthofeet claims this Sprint Tie-Less model relieves various ailments, from bunions to plantar fasciitis. Plus, they come loaded with nurse-friendly features like anti-microbial material, a heel grip to keep things stable, and of course, ample arch support.

8. Gravity Defyer Proven Women's G-Defy Mighty Walk

Buy on Amazon Starting at $99.95*

It doesn’t seem fair, but women are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. To help combat that, this "gravity-defying" shoe is built with the needs of women in mind, complete with forefoot foam, foam cushioning through the entire shoe, and VersoShock in the heel for targeted plantar fasciitis pain.

Plus, each pair of shoes comes with a custom pair of orthotics—the goal with these shoes is to reduce all types of leg, knee, and foot pain. The shoes are also healthcare worker-friendly, thanks to breathable mesh, non-skid bottoms, and roomy toe boxes.

9. On-Cloud

Buy on Amazon Starting at $135*

Want a pair of shoes that feels like you’re walking on a cloud? This pair of running shoes might just come close, thanks to patented CloudTec cushioning technology that activates when your foot strikes the ground, a necessary part of healing plantar fasciitis. Reviewers love the breathable mesh fabric and non-skid sole that will come in handy for healthcare workers.

10. Hoka Bondi 9

The Hoka Bondi 9 delivers cloud-like cushioning and a smooth meta-rocker sole that absorbs shock and guides your stride, helping reduce strain on the plantar fascia during long shifts. Its plush foam, stable base, and gentle 5 mm heel drop offer comforting relief and support for heel-pain sufferers.

Buy on Hoka starting at $175*

Final Thoughts

If you have had plantar fasciitis in the past, you may be more prone to getting it again in the future. The best way to help prevent it is to rest your feet after working a long shift, invest in supportive footwear (and be sure to replace your shoes often), and stretch as often as you can.

For recurring heel pain, be sure to visit a podiatrist who can help you determine if you need physical therapy or more personalized treatment options. Trying the supportive and well-cushioned shoes from this list may also help alleviate your pain.

FAQs

• How do I choose the right shoes for plantar fasciitis?
  

  • Everyone is different, so selecting a shoe to help with your plantar fasciitis is a very custom process. Ideally, you should visit a podiatrist for a custom recommendation. Key features of shoes that can help with plantar fasciitis are custom arch support and heel cushioning. 

• What shoes should I avoid if I have plantar fasciitis?
  

  • Shoes without proper arch support can be painful for those suffering from plantar fasciitis. If you're working as a nurse, focus on buying shoes that have plenty of support, and continually replace them as needed.  

• Why is plantar fasciitis such a problem for nurses?
  

  • According to the National Library of Medicine, nurses are prone to plantar fasciitis because they spend long hours on their feet, which inflames their ligaments, frequently work on hard surfaces, have sudden starts in activity level (e.g., Code Blues), may not always wear proper footwear, don't stretch enough, and some also suffer from health conditions like obesity.

• What exercises can I do to help with plantar fasciitis? 
  

  • The best exercises for plantar fasciitis involve stretching the plantar fascia (the band of tissue on the bottom of your feet) and your calves. You can also roll a cold water bottle along the bottom of your feet 4 times per day to break up the fascia, reduce inflammation, and help the muscles relax.

• What is plantar fasciitis?
  

  • Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue and ligament that connects the toes to the heel of the foot. It can lead to heel, arch, and foot pain, but most often causes a lot of heel pain. One of the tell-tale signs of plantar fasciitis is pain that is more intense after you’re at rest. 

• What causes plantar fasciitis? 
  

  • There isn’t one clear cause of plantar fasciitis, but it is common in people who have jobs that involve a lot of walking and standing, sharp changes in activity levels, long-distance runners, and those who are overweight and obese. 

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