If your feet roll inward when you walk, you may experience chronic heel pain. This is where the best walking shoes for overpronation and plantar fasciitis come in with ample arch support and a cushioned heel. To help me find the right kind of support for your needs, I reached out to an expert in the field: a podiatric foot surgeon.
The Expert
Suzanne Levine (DPM, RPT, PC) is a New York-based cosmetic podiatrist and board-certified podiatric foot surgeon specializing in cosmetic foot treatments and non-invasive procedures. Dr. Levine is also the founder of Millennium Podiatry.
What to Look for in a Supportive Walking Shoe
“When you walk, you put 2.5 times your body weight on your heel,” Dr. Levine explained in an email to Elite Daily. Since “overpronators tend to have flat feet,” and therefore a sagging arch, “the plantar fascia takes the brunt of it.” Therefore, the best walking shoes for overpronation and plantar fasciitis will cushion the heel and support the arch at the same time.
According to Dr. Levine, a supportive walking shoe for overpronation and plantar fasciitis will have the following features: “good arch support”, “solid heel cup”, and one “rigid sole” to prevent rolling of the foot (so avoid fragile or overly padded materials). It also helps if the shoe comes in a range of sizes, including wide options, as a good fit is paramount for proper support and narrow shoes can aggravate plantar fasciitis.
Shop the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Overpronation
- The walking sneaker recommended by the experts: Basket Orthofeet Coral
- The slip-on recommended by the experts: Vionic Brisk Jada Slip-On Leisure Shoes
- The economical walking shoe: Konhill Slip On Walking Trainers
- These comfortable yet stylish walking shoes: ECCO Soft 7 Sneaker
- The running shoe you can walk in: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
1. The expert-recommended walking sneaker
Advantages:
- Recommended by a podiatrist
- High-end orthopedic insoles
- Arch reinforcement and heel support
- Lightweight
The inconvenients:
- Some reviewers report they’re not the most durable
The Orthofeet Coral sneaker is Dr. Levine’s top pick because it has a “great insole” and it’s “not too heavy.” In fact, according to the brand and reviews, this shoe is recommended by many podiatrists, all thanks to its arch enhancer and carefully designed orthotic insoles (with multiple layers of cushioning). It also offers a stretchy knit upper, good heel support, a wide toe box, and easily adjustable laces, while still being lightweight and relatively sleek.
A reviewer wrote“Best sneakers! I have hammer toes, fallen arches, and plantar fasciitis. I’ve worn these shoes every day since I got them and haven’t had any issues.”
Available colors: 7 | Sizes available: 5 — 12 (available in Narrow, Wide and X-Wide)
2. The expert-recommended slip-on
Advantages:
- Tri-zone support (heel cup, forefoot cushioning, arch)
- Convenient slip-on design
- Great reviews
The inconvenients:
- Some buyers found the heel tab uncomfortable
Dr. Levine also recommends these Vionic Brisk Jada shoes, which cost less than $100 and have an overall rating of 4.4 stars from over 1,200 reviews. According to Dr. Levine, they offer “lots of support” in the form of a podiatrist-designed footbed with three-zone comfort: a deep heel cup, supportive forefoot padding, and a sockliner. intermediate with arch support suitable for flat feet. While they slip on straight without the need for ties or clasps, the elastic bands hug the foot all around, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit while you’re on the go.
A reviewer wrote: “LOVE THESE! Wonderful support and fantastic arch. Love these shoes. Vionic cured my plantar fasciitis.
Available colors: 3 | Sizes available: 6 — 10 (available in wide)
3. The economical walking shoe
Advantages:
- Less than $40
- Convenient slip-on design
- Extremely comfortable and supportive, according to reviews
The inconvenients:
- Doesn’t come in wide options
These slip-on walking sneakers are not a direct recommendation from our expert, but this is an affordable option that mimics the designs of the two pairs recommended above – and, according to reviewers, they’re very effective for foot problems. On top, you’ll find a sock-like mesh upper and elastic tie-free laces, which stretch to fit your foot from every angle. Inside, the cushioned insole supports and absorbs shock from every part of your sole, and the underside has a thick, slip-resistant outsole for added stability.
A reviewer wrote: “Since I have had plantar fasciitis and ankle impact issues, I was skeptical that these would provide enough support. However, I have found them to be wonderfully supportive. The soft bed of the shoe is perfectly comfortable for my tender foot. I might get another pair but first I want to see how well they hold up. Great price! Comfortable shoes!
Available colors: 18 | Sizes available: 5 — 13
4. These comfortable yet stylish walking shoes
Advantages:
- Fashionable nubuck design
- Offers support and style simultaneously
The inconvenients:
- Price
- Sizes aren’t too accurate so it can be more difficult to find the perfect fit
If style is a priority for you, the ECCO Soft 7 is meticulously designed to be comfortable and supportive while looking great. It’s not marketed as a plantar fasciitis shoe, but the shape of the sockliner (including impressive heel and arch support) makes it a favorite among reviewers with foot issues, including those suffering from overpronation and/or plantar fasciitis. It’s also available in six colors, all made from genuine nubuck leather, so it’s breathable, durable and on-trend.
A reviewer wrote“They’re super stylish in the grey, and they’re by far the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned and are actually really cute.” They are durable, stylish and perfect for travel. I have plantar fasciitis and when I travel I walk between 15,000 and 30,000 steps a day. These shoes provide perfect support for my terrible feet and they look great with skinny jeans and leggings.
Available colors: 6 | Sizes available: 4-4.5 — 12-12.5
5. The running shoe you can walk in
Advantages:
- Specially designed for overpronation
- Suitable for running
- Comes in tons of colors, sizes, and width options
The inconvenients:
It’s technically a running shoe, but the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 checks all the qualifications on Dr. Levine’s list: a barreled heel, plenty of arch support, and a stable, well-designed footbed (with rails guides designed to keep your knees and hips aligned). ). The upper is 3D printed to provide structure without excess bulk, and the shoe comes in narrow, wide, and extra-wide sizes so you can find the perfect fit. While not a direct recommendation from our expert, reviewers – many of whom have overpronation and/or flat feet – can’t help but rave about its support and comfort.
A reviewer wrote“These shoes give me the best support. My feet are overpronated when I walk causing shin splints and other foot issues. I have had many foot injuries in the past due to wearing shoes that did not provide the proper support for my gait. The Brooks Adrenaline GTS are the only trainers that are not only comfortable to wear and support my sore feet; those are nice shoes. These are the only brand and style of athletic shoes that I will continue to wear on a daily basis.
Available colors: 24 | Sizes available: 5 — 13 (available in Narrow, Wide and X-Wide)
Expert:
Suzanne Levine (DPM, RPT, PC), board-certified podiatric foot surgeon and founder of Millennium Podiatry.
