The 5 Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed by a Fitness Editor

Reported by Women's Health Magazine.

Plantar fasciitis doesn't care about your fitness goals — it just cares about making every step feel like a punishment. The right shoe won't cure it, but it can make the difference between a productive walk and a hobbled commute. According to Women's Health Magazine, five shoes are worth your serious attention if you're navigating this particular kind of foot hell.

At the top of the list: the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25, which took home Best Overall Walking Shoe at this year's Women's Health Fitness Awards. Its nitrogen-infused cushioning delivers a noticeably smoother ride than its predecessor, while GuideRails technology — firm foam along both sides of the heel — keeps your gait aligned and prevents the inward rolling that wrecks overpronators. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop shifts load away from your heel, and after 40 logged miles, the tester reported zero inflammation. For flat feet especially, this is the benchmark. The Asics Gel-Kayano 32 earns runner-up status for similar reasons: updated lightweight foam, GEL cushioning that absorbs pavement impact without feeling clunky, and the same 10mm drop. It's firmer than the Brooks, but fast walkers who need structure without bulk will appreciate the trade-off.

When Cushion Is the Point

The Hoka Bondi 9 plays a different game entirely. Its maximum cushioning and low 5mm drop make it a recovery-day hero — especially for high arches — and it now comes in extra-wide sizing for bunion owners who've been left out of the supportive-shoe conversation. Just know it isn't built to correct overpronation, and if your plantar pain is severe, you may need that higher drop to fully offload pressure. The Hoka Clifton 10 is the sleeker sibling: an upgraded 8mm drop (previously 5mm), the same plush EVA foam as the Bondi, and a lighter 8.8-ounce build that somehow manages to feel both bouncy and stable. It's designed for neutral arches but reportedly molds well to high ones too.

For the woman who refuses to sacrifice style for orthopedic necessity, the New Balance 574 Core delivers. A firm foam heel wedge layered over plush cushioning, a 13mm drop, and a silhouette that genuinely passes as a fashion choice. Fair warning: it runs a half-size small and narrow, so size up and consider wide if you want the comfort to actually reach your toes.

The best plantar fasciitis shoe is ultimately the one that matches your specific foot mechanics — but the data is clear that heel-to-toe drop, arch support, and stability structure aren't negotiable features; they're the whole point.

Read the original at Women's Health Magazine.