Heel pain is one of the most common foot problems. Pain on the bottom of the heel is most often plantar fasciitis, and pain at the back of the heel is often Achilles tendinitis, which affects the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.[1]
Rest, stretching, supportive footwear and orthotics ease heel pain over time for many people, and it rarely needs surgery.[1] Pain that keeps coming back or lasts for weeks can be a sign of a problem that needs a proper diagnosis.
If you have a foot condition or ongoing foot pain, talk to a doctor or podiatrist. Shoes can add comfort and support, but they are not a medical treatment. See a doctor if heel pain is severe, has not improved after two weeks of self-care, keeps coming back, or comes with tingling or loss of feeling in the foot.[3]
The Main Causes of Heel Pain
Common causes of heel pain include:
- Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The plantar fascia, the band of connective tissue along the bottom of the foot, is overused or stretched too far and becomes inflamed, which causes pain under the heel.[1][2]
- Heel Bursitis – Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. When the one at the back of the heel swells, it can cause a tender, bruise-like feeling, typically after a lot of time on your feet.[1]
- Haglund’s Deformity – Chronic irritation can form an enlarged, bony bump at the back of the heel, sometimes called a pump bump. Shoes with higher heels, like pumps, can make it more painful.[1]
- Heel Spurs – Long-standing tension on the plantar fascia can lead to a bony growth on the heel bone. AAOS says most people with heel spurs do not have heel pain, and spurs are not the cause of plantar fasciitis pain.[2]
- Bone Bruise – Stepping on a hard, sharp object can bruise the fat padding under the heel, and the heel stays tender when you walk and sometimes at rest.[1]
- Stress Fracture – A stress fracture can cause pain along the bottom, side and back of the heel.[1]
- Achilles Tendinitis – This overuse injury inflames the Achilles tendon and causes pain, swelling and stiffness at the back of the heel. Runners and basketball players are more prone to it.[1]
- Other conditions can also cause heel pain, which is why pain that does not settle should be examined.[1]
Self-Care for Heel Pain
For heel pain from plantar fasciitis, the usual first steps are simple. AAOS and the NHS suggest:[2][3]
- Rest, and cut back on activities that pound the heels, such as running on hard surfaces.
- Stretch the calf muscles and the plantar fascia. AAOS calls stretching the most effective way to relieve this kind of pain.
- Apply ice to the sore area for up to 20 minutes at a time.
- Wear shoes with cushioned heels and good arch support, and try insoles or heel pads.
- Avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces, high heels, flip-flops and backless slippers.
Features of a Good Shoe for Heel Pain
Risk factors for heel pain include flat feet, high arches, and shoes that fit badly or have no arch support and cushioning.[1] These are the features to look for when you choose footwear for heel pain:
- Arch support – Choose support that suits your arch type. The NHS advises shoes with cushioned heels and good arch support for plantar fasciitis.[3]
- Heel Cushioning – Heel support or a deep heel cup.
- Low, Solid Heel – A low, thick heel or platform sole is steadier. The NHS advises against high heels and tight, pointed shoes.[3]
- 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.
Key Specs Compared
Numbers match the reviews below (tap to jump).
| No. | Shoe | Type | Upper | Cushioning (as listed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASICS GT-2000 15 | Running Shoe | Not stated | PureGEL |
| 2 | FitFlop LULU Glitter Toe-Post / Trakk II (men's) | Sandal | Not stated | Not stated |
| 3 | New Balance 1540v3 / 990v6 (men's) | Running Shoe | Suede and mesh (men's), mesh and synthetic (women's) | Not stated |
| 4 | Propét Travelactiv / Stability Walker (men's) | Walking Shoe | Leather (men's), mesh (women's) | Not stated |
| 5 | Propét Washable Walker / Stability Walker (men's) | Walking Shoe | Not stated | Not stated |
| 6 | Vionic Pacific Naples / Tide (men's) | Sandal | Not stated | Not stated |
| 7 | ASICS DYNABLAST 6 | Running Shoe | Mesh | FF BLAST PLUS |
– = not stated on the Amazon listing. Specs as stated by the listing, not tested by us; check the listing before you buy.
Our Shoe Picks for Heel Pain
These picks include running shoes, sandals and casual styles with cushioning and arch support. Check the current sizes and colors on Amazon before you order.
We hope you love the products we recommend!
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1
Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The ASICS GT-2000 15 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for shoes for heel pain.
- Engineered woven upper: a lightweight, woven material that reduces the need for additional overlays, so the shoe does not feel heavy during running.
- Trampoline outsole pod: the brand’s outsole and midsole design that captures more energy return for an enhanced foam bouncing effect during toe-off, a useful trait in shoes for heel pain.
- Adaptive, on-demand stability system achieved through platform geometry and controlled deformation, the kind of support many people look for in shoes for heel pain.
- Rearfoot PureGEL technology: softer, updated version of the brand’s GEL technology that maintains the acclaimed properties that have made GEL technology famous. Approximately 65% softer vs standard GEL technology.
- FF BLAST MAX cushioning: one of the brand’s most energetic midsole foams that’s complemented with cloud-like softness and a responsive energy return in each step, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Offers good underfoot comfort.
- ASICS’ high abrasion resistant rubber located in the heel area that is approximately three times more durable than standard outsole rubbers.
2
Slip-Resistant Toe-Post Sandals
FitFlop sells these as two different toe-post sandals: the men’s Trakk II is a leather slip-on, and the women’s LULU Glitter has a microfiber-lined upper.
- Women’s LULU Glitter: microfiber-lined upper and a slip-resistant rubber outsole.
- FitFlop describes the women’s midsole as firm at the heel to reduce impact, soft in the middle and medium at the toes to help you push off.
- Both styles use the brand’s EVA Microwobbleboard midsole for cushioning.
- Men’s Trakk II is a leather toe-post sandal with a slip-on fit and an average width.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
3
Stability Running and Lifestyle Shoes
New Balance sells these as two different styles: the men’s Made in USA 990v6 is a lace-up lifestyle sneaker, and the women’s Made in US 1540v3 is a stability running shoe.
- Women’s 1540v3: the Encap midsole combines lightweight foam with a polyurethane rim for support and durability.
- Women’s 1540v3: a Rollbar stability post is designed to control rear-foot movement.
- Women’s 1540v3 upper is mesh and synthetic.
- Men’s 990v6: suede and mesh upper with an adjustable lace closure, a removable padded footbed and breathable textile lining.
4
Lace-Up and Strap Walking Shoes
Propét sells these as two different styles: the men’s Stability Walker is a lace-up leather walking shoe, and the women’s TravelActiv is a mesh Mary Jane style with a hook-and-loop strap.
- Women’s TravelActiv: perforated mesh upper, stretchy asymmetric Mary Jane strap with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure, and a lightweight flexible outsole.
- Men’s Stability Walker: full grain leather or suede upper with a rubber sole and a space lacing system.
- Men’s Stability Walker: wider forefoot and heel base, a rocker profile and an extended internal heel counter.
- Both have removable footbeds that make room for custom orthotics.
- Padded collar and tongue on the men’s style.
5
Walking Shoe for Everyday Walks
The Propét Stability Walker (men’s) and Washable Walker (women’s) are matching walking shoes from Propét, and both are worth a look for shoes for heel pain.
- Full grain leather OR suede with a rubber sole, helpful on the surfaces you meet during walking.
- Space lacing closure system, worth noting if fit is a priority for shoes for heel pain.
- Comfort Features: the PU insole features a heel pad and cushioning ridges for superior comfort, which helps keep long stretches of walking comfortable.
- These styles feature footbeds that can be removed to accommodate custom orthotics, which adds step-in comfort for walking.
- Padded collar and tongue.
- Extended internal heel counter for added support and stability.
- Removable cushioned orthotic.
6
Slide and Platform Sandals
Vionic sells these as two different sandals: the men’s Tide is an open-toe slide with leather trim, and the women’s Pacific Naples is a platform sandal.
- Men’s Tide: open-toe slide with leather trim and a patterned tread for traction on a range of surfaces.
- Men’s Tide: lightweight, flexible EVA midsole that absorbs shock, and a durable TPR outsole.
- Women’s Pacific Naples is a platform style, so its heel sits higher than the men’s slide.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
- Compare the size chart on the listing, since fit can vary between colorways and versions.
7
Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles
The ASICS DYNABLAST 6 comes in men’s and women’s versions, and this running shoe is worth a look for shoes for heel pain.
- Engineered mesh upper: a lightweight, breathable mesh material helps reduce the need for additional overlays, which helps feet stay comfortable through running.
- Midsole foam that provides a blend of cloud like cushioning and a responsive ride that is lighter than FF BLAST, which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- Trampoline-inspired outsole pod: the brand’s outsole and midsole design that captures more energy return for an enhanced foam bouncing effect during toe-off, a useful trait in shoes for heel pain.
- Sockliner that provides cushioning performance and moisture management for a cooler, dryer environment (OrthoLite is a registered trademark of ATP Manufacturing LLC), which helps keep long stretches of running comfortable.
- AHAR LO heel plug rubber: a lower-hardness rubber placed in key areas of the outsole for reliable grip and traction without sacrificing durability.
- Men’s and women’s versions are listed separately on Amazon, each with its own size range.
- Check the Amazon listing for current colors and size availability before you order.
Index Table: Shoes for Heel Pain
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ASICS® - Supportive Cushioned Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| ASICS |
| 2 | FitFlop® - Slip-Resistant Toe-Post Sandals |  |  |
| FitFlop |
| 3 | New Balance® - Stability Running and Lifestyle Shoes |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 4 | Propét® - Lace-Up and Strap Walking Shoes |  |  |
| Propét |
| 5 | Propét® - Walking Shoe for Everyday Walks |  |  | Propét | |
| 6 | Vionic® - Slide and Platform Sandals |  |  |
| Vionic |
| 7 | ASICS® - Cushioned Lightweight Running Shoe for Daily Miles |  |  |
| ASICS |
These shoes combine cushioning, arch support and stable soles in a mix of athletic and casual styles, and they can make walking more comfortable. Heel pain that continues should be examined by a doctor or podiatrist, because several different problems can cause it.[4]
Sources
General background on foot health and footwear. This is not medical advice; see a doctor or podiatrist about foot pain or a foot condition.
- Cleveland Clinic: Heel Pain: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo): Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs
- NHS: Plantar fasciitis
- Mayo Clinic: Plantar fasciitis: Symptoms and causes
Update History
- Oct 2026: Updated the Sources list
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics Gel Nimbus 27 to ASICS GT-2000 15
- Oct 2026: Updated FitFlop Glitter to FitFlop LULU Glitter Toe-Post
- Oct 2026: Updated New Balance W1540V3 to a current in-stock listing
- Oct 2026: Updated Propet Travelactiv to Propét Travelactiv
- Oct 2026: Updated Propet Washable Walker to Propét Washable Walker
- Oct 2026: Updated Vionic Pacific Rio to Vionic Pacific Naples
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics Defiance X to ASICS DYNABLAST 6
- Oct 2026: Removed SoftWalk Rocklin, Taryn Rose Tamara, Vionic Sky Alaina, Teva De La Vina Dos, Merrell Encore Q2 and Asics Gel Pulse 12 (unavailable)
- May 2025: Added Asics Gel Nimbus 27
- Jul 2021: Added FitFlop Glitter, Vionic Sky Alaina and Asics Gel Pulse 12
- Apr 2020: Added New Balance W1540V3
- Jan 2020: Added SoftWalk Rocklin, Teva De La Vina Dos, Asics Defiance X and Merrell Encore Q2
- Apr 2019: Added Propet Travelactiv, Propet Washable Walker and Vionic Pacific Rio
- Feb 2018: Added Taryn Rose Tamara
- Oct 2016: First published
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