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A cousin of common foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and Achilles tendinitis, heel spur is a condition that can quickly upend the day’s work, workout, or playtime.
“Heel spurs are a bony growth at the bottom of your heel,” says Dr. Mike Rushton, podiatrist, co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion, headquartered in St. George, Utah. “They don’t push straight down, they push into the contour of your foot.”
Heel spurs don’t always cause pain, and some people may not even know they have them. But when they do cause discomfort, the symptoms are similar to those of plantar fasciitis – sometimes causing sharp pain (especially after prolonged periods of not moving, such as when you wake up in the morning) or a dull ache.
In some cases, doctors can intervene surgically, however, “most doctors find it best to treat the symptoms,” says Dr. Rushton.
How the right shoes can help to treat heel spur
A heel spur often develops from overuse, as does plantar fasciitis or ill-fitting shoes. Appropriate footwear can prevent and relieve the pain caused by the disease. “If your foot doesn’t have adequate padding underneath, when rolling forward you’re more likely to pinch yourself between the bottom of your foot and the ground,” says Dr. Rushton.
A heel cup can also reduce impact by preventing your heel from making contact with the ground. Dr. Rushton recommends Tuli’s brand of heel cups, which can be purchased over-the-counter at retailers like Amazon and inserted into the shoe of your choice.
What to look for the most comfortable heel spur shoes
“If you have a spur, you need a soft heel,” says Dr. Rushton. He turns to brands like Altra and Hoka One One to provide ample support.
The anatomical arch support is also helpful in promoting healthy foot alignment. Proper alignment means the whole foot will absorb the impact of every step, rather than just the heel.
There are many shoe options on the market for men and women with heel spurs, from the best work shoes and walking shoes to cute summer sandals and winter boots, and everything in between. .
Below are 15 of the best shoes for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, including dress shoes, running shoes, tennis shoes and more.
Altra Olympus 4 Track Running shoes
Best Shoes for Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
Dr. Rushton turns to Altra for orthopedic support that can accommodate any type of foot. For heel spur sufferers, in particular, he recommends the brand’s Olympus 4 trail running shoe because the style “has a lot of cushioning,” he says. These shoes offer tons of traction, making them suitable for the toughest terrain, and a wide toe box that allows digits to spread comfortably. The insole also promotes flexibility to prevent plantar fasciitis.
CREDIT: Image courtesy of Amazon
Shoes Atom Kuru Footwear
Best Walking Shoes for Heel Spurs
The Atom sneakers from Kuru Footwear are among the best walking shoes for heel spurs thanks to Kuru’s patented support that hugs the heel. They also feature an ultra-cushioned midsole for full-length comfort and a wedge-shaped heel that absorbs shock. Reviewers note that they alleviate a variety of foot issues, from heel spurs to plantar fasciitis, and are lightweight enough to slip on for any sporting activity. Take them in medium or wide width options.
CREDIT: Courtesy of Kuru Footwear
Hoka One One Clifton 8 Shoes
Best Running Shoes for Heel Spurs
“A Hoka has a lot of cushion, and extra cushion is what you want if you have a heel spur,” says Dr. Rushton. The latest edition to the customer-loved Clifton styles, Hoka’s Clifton 8 offers the trademark compression-molded cushioning and support, making it one of the best running shoes for heel spurs, but has a midsole even lighter for extra bounce with every step.
CREDIT: Image courtesy of Dick’s Sporting Goods
Asics Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes
Best Tennis Shoes for Heel Spurs
Tennis fans know that wearing the proper shoes that support lateral movement (as opposed to traditional running shoes) is key to performing your best on the court. The Gel-Dedicate 6 from Asics is designed for sports but also offers the orthopedic comfort needed to combat heel spurs. EVA midsole provides quick rebound and shock absorption. The liner is comfortable on long rallies but can also be removed if players need heel spur inserts. The shoe’s overall construction helps control torsion, so athletes can move better on the court.
CREDIT: Courtesy of Amazon
Dockers Gordon for men Stretch Oxford Shoes
Best Dress Shoes for Heel Spurs
For heel pain relief, the Gordon Stretch Oxford from Dockers is one of the best dress shoes for heel spurs. Available in a medium or wide fit, they’re more flexible than typical dress shoes, allowing your foot to give in a bit. The cushioned sockliner features a heel pad for extra cushioning where you need it, while the leather sockliner molds to your foot and wicks away moisture. Plus, the outsole has tread to keep you stable even on smooth surfaces.
CREDIT: Image courtesy of Zappos
SAS The happiness of women Loafers
Best work shoes for heel spurs
SAS Bliss loafers go well with office attire but are still designed for all-day comfort. The polyurethane outsole is shock absorbent and lightweight, while the insole provides extra support at the three main pressure points of the foot: the inner ball, the outer ball and the heel. Also featuring a removable leather-lined footbed with generous foam cushioning, they are among the best work shoes for heel spurs and also provide support for flat feet and plantar fasciitis pain.
CREDIT: Image courtesy of Zappos
Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip Flops
Best Travel Shoes for Heel Spurs
While your favorite sneakers are fantastic travel companions, some occasions, like beach outings, call for sandals. Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip Flops offer way more support than your regular flip flops or flip flops. The Ortholite sockliner cushions your heel against unnecessary shocks and the EVA outsole provides extra protection against hard surfaces. They are light, so they are easy to store in a suitcase.
CREDIT: Courtesy of Amazon
Asics gel container 5 running shoes
Best Shoes for Heel Spurs and Achilles Tendinitis
Boasting over 10,000 4.5-star reviews on Amazon, the Gel-Contend 5 running shoes from Asics are a great option that provides total foot support to prevent and relieve tension from Achilles tendonitis. The internal heel counter provides excellent support as the rearfoot gel works to prevent foot fatigue and the rubber outsole provides traction and durability. “Asics is the only brand I wear for running,” said one reviewer.
CREDIT: Courtesy of Amazon
