Stay Cute (And Pain-Free) in Our Favorite Podiatrist-Approved Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis (2024)

What We're Testing

In advance of sandal season, we're testing new, podiatrist-approved sandal options from brands like Vionic, Merrell, and ECCO. We'll have more great sandal options for you in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out.

• Our Picks

• We Also Tested

• How We Selected

• Our Experts

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Health

Key Specs:

Material: Leather (rubber sole) | Cushioning: Yes | Closure: Two adjustable velcro straps

Why We Recommend It

One of the best ways to mitigate plantar fasciitis symptoms—especially while wearing sandals—is to keep your feet in place. Most sandals only offer bare minimum support with one or two straps, but the ECCO Flowt sandal has a third strap for crucial support in the mid-foot. Plus, the forefoot and ankle straps are fully adjustable with velcro closures for maximum support. We also liked that these shoes offer plenty of firm cushioning and arch support, which are much needed to keep plantar fasciitis pain at bay.

The ECCO Flowt sandal was our best overall because they were comfortable and supportive right out of the box with almost no break-in required. They stood up to plenty of wear and tear, including running and walking across surfaces and inclines. We also appreciated the platform base, which provided good shock support and left our feet feeling cushioned even after all-day wear.

Keep in Mind

While the shoes were instantly comfortable, we did find that you may want to move up half a size if you like a little more space.

Key Specs:

Material: EVA foam| Cushioning: Yes| Closure: Two adjustable velcro straps

Why We Recommend It

These sandals by Teva offer support without breaking the bank. They're also crafted from recycled materials that cushion feet while keeping them outdoor-ready.

These lower-priced sandals boast a lightweight build for breathable support. One of our favorite features is the textured footbed that keeps your feet in place without having to grip the shoe with your toes. We also found that these shoes are great at holding their shape, no matter where we wore them or for how long. They also boast an antimicrobial coating that keeps feet fresh if you do decide to wear them all day.

Keep in Mind

While the grippy bottom makes it easy to walk across surfaces, these sandals don't have quite as much cushion if you're planning to walk on rougher surfaces.

Key Specs:

Material: Rubberized EVA| Cushioning: Yes | Closure: Lace pull closure

Why We Recommend It

Like most Hoka shoes, Hoka Hopara sandals require almost no break-in period, which is ideal for immediate comfort. If you're a fan of Hoka's thick, foamy footbeds, the Hopara sandals offer the same support with a more breathable, sandal-like upper. We loved the breathability and mesh side panels on hot days, as well as the all-terrain style for easy wear on hikes or at the beach.

Like Hoka sneakers, we found that the Hopara sandals have a springy sole that propelled us through each step and made it easy to transition from grass to concrete and everywhere in between. We felt like we were walking on air while wearing the Hoparas, thanks to their lightweight construction and cushiony footbeds that created zero blisters or discomfort after all-day wear.

Keep in Mind

They're not the most stylish sandals on our list.

Key Specs:

Why We Recommend It

Merrell is known for supportive, all-surface hiking and walking shoes, but the brand delivers equally well when it comes to sandals. The Merrell Bravada offers an EVA foam footbed that molded easily to our feet during testing with built-in arches for plenty of support.

The Bravada is adjustable in three places, which we loved for full support and comfort. Plus, the sandal has an EVA foam footbed with raised edges that keep feet in place, which we found helpful while walking across surfaces and even in water. Even better, we never felt our feet getting sweaty, even in scorching temperatures.

Keep in Mind

The ankle straps might be on the large side if you have skinnier ankles.

Key Specs:

Material: Cork, EVA| Cushioning: Yes| Closure: Three adjustable buckle straps

Why We Recommend It

Birkenstocks are a favorite for foot pain thanks to their moldable cork footbed that fits to your foot for complete support. Birkenstock Milano sandals also feature a third strap around the back of the foot for added support, and all three are fully adjustable to keep feet in place.

One of our favorite features during testing was the third ankle strap. Feet have a tendency to grip sandals while walking, which can cause added pain and cramping in the feet. However, we found that the third strap kept our feet in place without our toes gripping the sandal for support.

Keep in Mind

While the moldable footbeds were one of our favorite features of the Birkenstock Milano, we did find that it took a little while to break them in. But once broken in, our feet were completely supported.

Key Specs:

Material: Cork, leather| Cushioning: Yes| Closure: Bungee lock closure

Why We Recommend It

The stretchy, flexible upper straps on the Keen Elle Mixed Strap sandals manage to be both fashionable and supportive, giving you airy cushioning for your worst plantar fasciitis pain. A relaxed fit means they’re never restrictive, and the textured cork insole forms easily to feet for all-day wear. Plus, the bungee lace-lock closure keeps feet in place.

Eby says insoles that are made with absorbent, non-slip materials like leather, suede, neoprene, and cork are ideal for daily wear. We liked that these sandals immediately fit like a glove without any of the breaking-in that cork footbeds sometimes require. The criss-crossed straps were supportive enough to keep feet in place during long days but soft enough to keep blisters and discomfort at bay. Though only three colors are available, they're neutral and stylish enough to take between the office and the outdoors.

Keep in Mind

While the soles were immediately comfortable, their cork construction may not offer enough cushion for some people.

Key Specs:

Material: Synthetic nubuck (upper), EVA foam (insole/outsole)| Cushioning: Yes| Closure: Velcro straps

Why We Recommend It

If you're looking for more coverage from your sandals, we like the Sorel Kinetic Impact II sandals for their almost sneaker-like design. They boast scalloped, thicker platform soles for added sturdiness. And, even with the thicker soles, we found the sandals had no issue moving with our feet—no slipping or sliding and plenty of shock absorption along the way. We also found that the support and shock absorption felt more like wearing a sneaker than a sandal.

In testing, we found that the material easily molded to our feet during wear without discomfort. Eby notes that if you're shopping for an outdoor shoe, you should opt for a product that's waterproof, lightweight, and well-cushioned. The Kinetic Impact II sandals fit that bill.

Keep in Mind

If your feet run on the smaller side, it would probably be best to order a half-size down.

Key Specs:

Material: Leather, suede | Cushioning: Yes| Closure: Buckle

Why We Recommend It

With a 1-inch platform that keeps your heels lifted comfortably off the hard ground, you’ll quickly discover that Vionic Reyna Flatform sandals can go everywhere and do everything—all without causing your plantar fasciitis to flare up.

Dr. Spielfogel recommends that people with plantar fasciitis wear sandals with structure and a bit of a heel or wedge, which is exactly what these sandals offer. During testing, we liked how well-made and comfortable these sandals felt. We also loved the cross-straps, which did a great job at holding the sandals in place while we were walking on a variety of surfaces.

Keep in Mind

One potential issue we noticed was that these shoes have a lot of arch support, which could be too much for people with normal arches.

Key Specs:

Material: EVA, nubuck leather| Cushioning: Yes| Closure: Adjustable closure

Why We Recommend It

Having flat feet can exacerbate plantar fasciitis, so you need just the right shoe to cradle arches and support the plantar fascia. The Keen Ellecity Backstrap Sandals boast a cushioned midsole that can help correct your back foot habits, like incorrect positioning or walking patterns. The footbed is made from squishy, flexible EVA foam for a cloud-like feeling beneath your feet; the heel cup is also deeply supportive for people with heel pain.

We also like the slight platform, which we felt offered shock absorption and a little spring while walking. Made with textured nonslip soles and comfortable nubuck leather, they're great for all-day wear for any of your daily activities.

Keep in Mind

If you prefer a lot of cushioning, you might find these are on the lighter side for long walks or hours on your feet.

Key Specs:

Material: Suede, latex| Cushioning: Yes| Closure: Hook and loop strap

Why We Recommend It

If you suffer from bunions, finding the right fit in sandals can be difficult. The right shoes for bunions offer plenty of space for feet with material that stretches easily around the bunion. The Munro Corine sandals do just that. Our editor, who suffers from bunions, found that the suede straps stretched easily to accommodate bunions.

Eby notes that those who suffer from bunions should look for a sandal that comes in wider width options and offers adjustable straps to avoid irritation. We love that these sandals are available in five widths, from the brand's Super Slim to Wide Wide, easily accommodating all feet. As far as plantar fasciitis goes, these sandals get top marks for that, too. They’re made of soft, comfortable suede, and include a cork footbed designed to mold to the unique contours of your feet and never lose their shape.

Keep in Mind

The sandals run on the narrow side.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are sandals good for ankle support?

  They can be, but you need to know what to look for. Eby says that well-fitting sandals with optimal strap placement and adjustability can provide good ankle support.Sandals need straps to keep them secure, so look for products with straps in the back and close to the ankle for extra stability.

• What types of shoes can irritate plantar fasciitis?

  There’s no particular style of shoe that can aggravate plantar fasciitis, but there is a design element (for any type of shoe) that can worsen or prolong your symptoms: a flat sole. Footwear with no support is a no-no, says Dr. Spielfogel. This includes ballet slippers and flip-flops.