Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: A Physiotherapist’s Guide to Heel Pain Relief
Book a plantar fasciitis footwear fitting
Call 0406 929 623 or book online — we’ll confirm which clinic and time suits you.
📞 Call 0406 929 623Shop 1, Lower Ground Floor, 205 Pacific Hwy (entrance via Herbert St), St Leonards NSW 2065
(02) 9438 5554
1/236 Lambton Rd, New Lambton NSW 2305
(02) 4965 5099
48 Mann St, Gosford NSW 2250
0406 929 623
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia — the thick band of connective tissue running along the bottom of the foot — becomes irritated or overloaded. This tissue helps support the arch and absorbs force during walking, so when it’s repeatedly stressed, it can become painful, especially near the heel.
Common signs include:
- Sharp or aching pain under the heel
- Pain with the first few steps in the morning
- Heel pain after standing for long periods
- Pain after walking, exercise or work
- Tightness through the arch or calf
- Discomfort when walking barefoot on hard floors
Footwear doesn’t “cure” plantar fasciitis on its own, but the right shoes can help reduce strain, improve comfort and support better foot mechanics during daily activity.
Why Does Footwear Matter for Plantar Fasciitis?
Poor footwear can increase stress through the heel and plantar fascia. Shoes that are too soft, too flat, too narrow or lacking support may allow the foot to collapse, increasing load through the arch and heel — which is exactly what a supportive shoe is designed to prevent.
Healthdirect, the Australian Government’s health information service, lists wearing “shoes with good support and cushioning” and inserting “heel pads or arch supports (orthotics)” as part of managing plantar fasciitis — and names “shoes with poor arch support” as a risk factor for developing it in the first place.
Source: Healthdirect Australia — Plantar fasciitis: treatment, symptoms and causes, fetched and confirmed 2026-08-27.
What Should You Look for in Plantar Fasciitis Shoes?
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis usually combine several features working together — tap each one below.
1. Strong Heel Counter
A strong heel counter helps hold the back of the foot more securely, reducing excessive movement through the rearfoot. For people with plantar fasciitis, a stable heel area may help reduce unnecessary pulling and irritation through the plantar fascia.
2. Cushioned Heel
Heel cushioning helps absorb impact during walking and standing, which matters most for people who feel pain directly under the heel. A good plantar fasciitis shoe cushions without being unstable — too much softness can increase foot fatigue because the foot has to work harder for stability.
3. Firm, Stable Sole
A supportive sole reduces excessive bending and twisting through the shoe, which may help reduce strain on the heel and arch. Barefoot Freedom’s medical-grade footwear often includes stability features such as a firm sole, supportive midsole and structured design.
4. Extra Depth for Orthotics
Many people with plantar fasciitis are advised to use orthotics, but standard shoes often don’t have enough internal depth to fit them comfortably. We stock extra-depth, orthotic-friendly footwear that allows more room for inserts without crowding the toes or pressing on the top of the foot.
5. Wide Fit Options
Shoes that are too narrow can create pressure, discomfort and poor foot positioning — especially for wide feet, toe deformities, or feet accommodating orthotics or braces. We provide footwear in multiple width options to help achieve a safer, more comfortable fit.
Our Recommended Picks for Plantar Fasciitis
Rather than browsing our full range, here are three styles we’d point you to first — all built around the features above. Sizing and width are confirmed at a fitting, since standard size charts don’t capture depth or width needs.
Voyager by Drew Orthopaedic Shoe
An athletic-look orthopaedic shoe with a firm heel counter and a dual shank system for stability — it’s one of the styles in our own Shop by Condition: Plantar Fasciitis range.
- Firm heel counter — reduces overpronation
- Dual Shank System (synthetic fibre + TPU) — reinforced arch support
- Rocker bottom sole — supports a smoother, more natural stride
- Plus Fitting System® — two removable footbeds, accommodates custom orthotics
Drew Magnolia Orthopaedic Shoe
A hook-and-loop everyday shoe with a tempered steel shank and extended medial heel stabiliser for added support, plus a rocker bottom sole for smoother walking mechanics.
- Tempered steel shank + heel stabiliser for support
- Rocker bottom outsole — promotes a smoother gait
- Plus Fitting System® — two removable footbeds for extra depth
- Slip-resistant, lightweight outsole
Drew Paige Orthopaedic Shoe
An athletic-look walking shoe with a firm heel counter and a dual shank system (wide synthetic fibre shank plus an external TPU shank) for added support through the arch.
- Firm heel counter — supports proper foot alignment
- Dual shank system — reinforced arch support
- Rocker bottom + shock-absorbing EVA midsole
- Removable footbeds — accommodates prescribed orthotics
Want to see everything we stock for plantar fasciitis? Browse the full plantar fasciitis range →
NDIS, DVA and Private Health Fund Support
Barefoot Freedom provides specialist medical-grade footwear solutions for people with plantar fasciitis, NDIS participants and DVA clients, across St Leonards, Newcastle and Gosford. Some private health funds also cover orthopaedic footwear for diagnosed foot conditions — we can provide a Statement of Purchase for you to submit for a rebate; check with your provider to see what’s covered.
See our NDIS footwear funding and DVA-approved footwear pages for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis combine a firm heel counter, cushioned heel, stable sole and enough depth for orthotics. Our medical-grade range is selected with these features in mind, and our team can help you find the right fit in-clinic.
What shoes should I avoid with plantar fasciitis?
Shoes that are too soft, too flat or lacking arch and heel support can let the foot collapse and increase strain through the plantar fascia. Flimsy sandals and unsupportive flats are common culprits worth avoiding.
Do orthotics help with plantar fasciitis shoes?
Many people with plantar fasciitis are advised to use orthotics, but standard shoes often don’t have enough internal depth to fit them comfortably. We stock extra-depth, orthotic-friendly styles designed to accommodate inserts without crowding the toes.
Can walking shoes help with plantar fasciitis?
Yes — a walking shoe with a firm heel counter, cushioned heel and stable sole can support the same features as our orthopaedic range. The fit still matters more than the shoe style, which is why we check depth, width and heel stability at a fitting.
How do I get properly fitted for plantar fasciitis shoes?
A professional fitting checks heel stability, arch support and width so the shoe actually matches your foot and any orthotics you use. You can book an in-clinic fitting with our team at St Leonards, Newcastle or Gosford.
Book your plantar fasciitis footwear fitting
St Leonards · Newcastle / New Lambton · Gosford
📞 Call 0406 929 623