Best Shoes for Heel Pain

One of the most common foot problems today is heel pain.

The sufferer will feel pain either under the heel, which refers to plantar fasciitis, or just behind the heel, known as Achilles Tendinitis, where the Achilles’ tendon connects the bone.

Heel pain can be quite severe and disabling, but it is rarely a health threat and usually disappears on its own, although there have been cases of chronic heel pain.


The Main Causes of Heel Pain

Common causes of heel pain include:

  • Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the Plantar Fascia, a ligament that runs from the heel to the tip of the foot, becomes stretched too far and inflames, causing pain under the foot and in the heel area.
  • Heel Bursitis occurs when there is inflammation at the back of the heel called the Bursa, a sac full of fluid that causes pain deep inside the heel or at the back of the heel. Heel Bursitis can because by pressure from footwear or landing hard or awkwardly on your heels.
  • Heel Bumps are more common in teenagers where the heel bone that is not yet fully developed rubs excessively, causing an excess bone to be formed. This is usually caused by younger females wearing high heels and is also a symptom of flat feet.
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when a large nerve in the back of the foot usually becomes pinched, a symptom of a condition called Neuropathy that can arise in the ankle or foot.
  • Chronic Inflammation of the heel pad from heavy footsteps can also cause heel pain.
  • Stress fractures caused by repetitive stress on the heel from strenuous exercises or sports and resulting from osteoporosis can cause chronic heel pain.
  • Certain more severe diseases and medical conditions can also lead to heel pain, amongst other symptoms.

Treatment and Prevention of Heel Pain

With a less severe case, there are a few tips you can follow to alleviate heel pain;

  • Resting after walking or standing for long periods of time.
  • Avoiding activities that place stress on the heels.
  • Avoid walking on hard surfaces.
  • Make sure that your footwear fits properly and provides adequate support and cushioning

Features of a Good Shoe for Heel Pain

The type of footwear that you choose to alleviate heel pain will also depend on your arch type. Here are a few tips for selecting footwear for heel pain;

  • Arch support – Good arch support for your specific arch type is key to keeping your feet in the right alignment and protecting you from excessive pronation, which may also lead to heel pain.
  • Heel Cushioning – Heel support or a deep heel cup.
  • Low and solid Heel – A low and thick heel or flatform style sole is advisable; stay clear of narrow high heels and flat heels at all costs.
  • Cushioned Footbed – The insole or footbed should offer ample cushioning for shock absorbency and comfort.
  • Shock Absorbency – EVA or foam in the midsole and a solid rubber heel or sole offers excellent shock absorbency.
  • Outsole – The outsole needs to be durable and slip-resistant made from rubber or synthetic materials.

Reviews: The Top Shoes for Heel Pain

Here are a few top choices in different styles of shoes that will help to prevent and alleviate heel pain;
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1

Athletic Shoe for Heel Pain

Twenty-One years of innovation and technology have gone into the Asics Gel Nimbus 24 to create a shoe that provides the best support and performance.
  • The improved guidance line technology aids in embracing the motion of the gait cycle.
  • FluidRide technology for an advanced bounce back and cushioning.
  • The and forefoot gel cushioning attenuates shock and allows for movement on multiple planes throughout the gait cycle.
  • The Asics FluidFit upper technology with multi-directional stretch mesh and stretch reinforcements adapt to your foot for a customized fit.
  • The heel clutching system and exoskeletal heel counter give improved support and a better fitting environment.
  • Seamless construction that is non-abrasive and not irritating to the feet.
  • A durable rubber outsole for excellent grip and traction on multiple surfaces.
  • Available in a range of colorful designs.

2

Plantar Fasciitis Chelsea Boot

The SoftWalk Rocklin is a Chelsea boot that aids in relieving the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain. A stunning boot that can be worn casually, to work, or as a dress shoe.
  • A side zip bootie for easy on and off.
  • Durable and comfortable leather uppers for all-day wear.
  • A unique shock-absorbing footbed minimizes foot pain and fatigue by returning energy to the feet and reducing strain.
  • Appropriate for extended hours of walking or standing.
  • A fantastic combination of style and comfort.
  • Available in different colors for every preference.

3

Thong Sandal for Heel Pain

A bedazzling pair of flare-toe thongs has the desired comfort features to minimize and prevent heel pain. The FitFlop thong sandals are both stylish and comfortable. The FitFlop Trakk for the Gents has a more simple and elegant style.
  • A triple-density midsole fusing three diagonal sections of multi-density EVA into a seamless underfoot platform that absorbs shock diffuses underfoot pressure, and keeps your feet comfortable.
  • Softly padded microfiber-lined suede uppers smothered with glittering Diamante decorations for a fashionable look and comfortable wear.
  • Dress up or dress down in these versatile and gorgeous sandals.
  • A durable outsole that will keep you firmly on the ground.
  • Available in a variety of trendy colors and designs.

4

Walking and Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis Heel Pain

The New Balance 1540 is one of the best available walking and running shoes for heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis. The rollbar technology and rearfoot stability support will keep you on your feet and pain-free even with those long walks.
  • Synthetic and mesh uppers for improved breathability.
  • A dual-density foam collar for a comfortable fit.
  • The Rollbar and lateral and medial rearfoot stability technology will keep you well supported and prevent injuries.
  • A no-sew material application for an irritation-free, comfortable fit.
  • The heel-to-toe drop improves natural movement.
  • Available in a variety of colors.

5

Silky Suede Pump

Many years ago, an orthopedic surgeon in Beverly Hills saw the need for stylish dress shoes that would neither injure nor hurt your feet. Taryn Rose envisioned this comfortable and supportive dress shoe, and today the Taryn Rose Tamara Silky Suede Pump is one of those designs. Similarly, the Dockers Edson features many comfort and style features making it a comfortable and supportive dress shoe for gents.
  • The uppers are manufactured from soft stretch material and patent leather for a flexible and accommodative fit.
  • A breathable leather lining keeps your feet dry and fresh.
  • Split leather and rubber durable and flexible outsole.
  • The memory foam midsole provides comfort and absorbs shock.
  • The enhanced arch support will reduce heel pain and the symptoms of Plantar fasciitis.
  • Available in black, leopard print, brown, and ruby colors.

6

Mary Jane Shoe for Heel Pain

A lightweight and breathable Mary-Jane style shoe that will relieve and prevent heel pain and provide superb comfort.
  • Fabric uppers with a lightweight and breathable design, as well as a secure fit closure.
  • The removable footbed ensures excellent cushioned comfort.
  • The thick rubber outsole is shock-absorbing and flexible.

7

Active Sneaker for Heel Pain

A sleek and lightweight, biomechanically designed active sneaker with all the features you need for heel pain relief.
  • Bio-Mechanical design that hugs and supports your arches for all-day comfort.
  • The rubber outsole offers excellent shock absorbency and slip resistance.
  • A removable textile-covered EVA footbed for cushioned dry comfort.
  • Textile uppers are lightweight and breathable.

8

Heel Pain Chelsea Boot

A stunning ankle-length Chelsea boot, perfect for all occasions, with the addition of some supper features to combat heel pain in its tracks.
  • Genuine leather uppers with a
  • The pigskin lining in the interior is soft and gentle against the skin.
  • A PU sock liner and footbed offers cushioned support.
  • The thick rubber outsole ensures good slip resistance, and the slight heel prevents heel pain.
  • A few color options are available in this boot.

9

Heel pain walking Shoe

A comfortable and lightweight walking shoe that offers excellent support to reduce heel pain, as well as an easy-to-clean design.
  • A comfortable and cushioned removable footbed.
  • The thick rubber outsole is highly slip-resistant.
  • Genuine leather uppers that are comfortable and breathable.
  • A unique, easily washable design.
  • Many color options are available.
  • The men’s model is a slip-on version and not a lace-up shoe.

10

Heel Pain relief Sandal

An APMA accepted and rated podiatric designed sandal to prevent and heal heel pain fast and effectively.
  • A podiatrist-designed footbed that promotes stability and cushioned comfort and support.
  • The platform-style heel has supportive and shock-absorbing rubber and cork.
  • Faux-leather uppers and an EVA footbed.
  • Available in a few color options to choose from.
  • The Vionic Boyes features Orthaheel Cushioning technology and adjustable front and back straps for the men.

11

Cross Trainers for Heel Pain

The Asics Defiance X range is ideal for walking or running shoes for heel pain.
  • Seamless and smooth uppers with a moisture-wicking lining and synthetic design.
  • Durable and high traction running and walking outsole.
  • Rearfoot Gel cushioning that absorbs shock.
  • A SPEVA bounce back, lightweight cushioned midsole.
  • Comfortable cushioned insole and fit.

12

Slip On Heel Pain Shoe

The Merrell Encore range is a comfortable and breathable slip-on open-back shoe ideal for heel pain.
  • Soft and breathable mesh uppers with synthetic overlays for structural stability.
  • A breathable and moisture-wicking mesh inner lining.
  • Air-cushioned footbed design to absorb shock.
  • Nylon arch shank for support.

13

Heel Pain Shoes

The Gel Puls from Asics is a cushioned and comfortable running and walking shoe with added Gel cushioning in the heel area for heel pain.
  • Synthetic leather and mesh uppers construction.
  • Rearfoot Gel cushioning for heel support and shock absorbency.
  • An AMPLIFOAM midsole and Ortholite moisture-controlling cushioned insole.
  • Guidance Line midsole technology for better gait efficiency.

Index Table: Best Shoes for Heel Pain

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Asics® - Athletic Shoe for Heel Pain Gel Nimbus 24 Gel Nimbus 24
  • Rubber Sole
  • Gel Cushioning
  • Heel Clutch
  • FluidRide Technology
Asics97
2Clarks® - Plantar Fasciitis Chelsea Boot Bushacre Rocklin
  • SoftWalk Footbed
  • Shock Absorbing
Clarks94
3FitFlop® - Thong Sandal for Heel Pain Trakk Glitter
  • Triple Density Midsole
  • Microwobbleboard
  • Padded uppers
FitFlop96
4New Balance® - Walking and Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis Heel Pain M1540V3 W1540V3
  • Rollbar
  • Breathable
  • Foam Collar
New Balance96
5Dockers® - Silky Suede Pump Edson Tamara
  • Ruber Sole
  • Poron Memory Midsole
Dockers95
6Propet® - Mary Jane Shoe for Heel Pain Stability Walker Travelactiv
  • Cushioned
  • Flexible
Propet96
7Vionic® - Active Sneaker for Heel Pain Black Walker Sky Alaina
  • EVA Footbed
  • Bio-Mechanical Design
Vionic96
8Clarks® - Heel Pain Chelsea Boot Paulson De La Vina Dos
  • Waterproof
  • Cushioned
Clarks97
9Propet® - Heel pain walking Shoe Washable Walker Washable Walker
  • Cushioned
  • Slip Resistant
Propet97
10Vionic® - Heel Pain relief Sandal Canoe Pacific Rio
  • EVA Footbed
  • CORK
  • APMA Accepted
Vionic97
11Asics® - Cross Trainers for Heel Pain Defiance X Defiance X
  • SPEVA
  • Gel Cushioning
  • Solyt Midsole
Asics97
12Merrell® - Slip On Heel Pain Shoe Encore Bypass Encore Q2
  • GRIP Outsole
  • Cushioned
  • Breathable Mesh
Merrell97
13Asics® - Heel Pain Shoes Gel Pulse 12 Gel Pulse 12
  • AmpliFoam Cushioning
  • Ortholite Sockliner
  • Gel Heel Cushion
Asics98

No matter what the cause, heel pain should be a worry of the past with our selection of supportive and comfortable shoes for every occasion and function.

With the right support and cushioning, you should no longer feel any pain associated with your heels.

There are different shoes available, from casual to dress, to alleviate heel and Plantar Fasciitis symptoms. The right arch support will also make a difference in your heels and feet’ health and well-being.



About the Author

David Alegeta

A Long Distance Hiker and Hiking Instructor. Recently a Blogger and Consultant for Top Shoe Brands. David is a Writer at Verywell and a Running & Hiking Coach for Teams in Training. He is a running and long-distance hiking coach, avid runner, trainer, nutrition specialist, and health & fitness writer. As a runner for 20+ years. Coached thousands of runners and has run 9 full marathons and countless other Triathlon races. David Studied Sport and Nutrition, MS at the University of Texas Dallas