Athletic
Best Shoes for Heel Spurs: Heel Cushioning & Support for Bone Spur Pain
What Are Heel Spurs?
A heel spur is a small, bony growth (a calcium deposit) that forms on the underside of the heel bone. According to Victoria's Better Health Channel, an abnormal walking style — such as rolling the feet inwards — places extra strain on the plantar fascia, and chronic inflammation from that strain can, over time, lead to this bony growth.1
Heel spurs are closely related to plantar fasciitis, but they're not the same thing. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia itself (the band of tissue running along the sole of the foot), while a heel spur is the bone spur that can develop where that fascia attaches to the heel. If your pain is more about the arch and the underside of the foot generally, our plantar fasciitis footwear guide may be the better starting point.
Why Does Footwear Matter for Heel Spurs?
Better Health Channel's footwear advice for heel pain is direct: "wear shoes that fit you properly with a firm fastening, such as laces," and "choose shoes with shock-absorbent soles and supportive heels." It also recommends repairing or replacing shoes with worn-down heels, since old, unsupportive footwear no longer gives the foot the support it needs.1
For someone with a heel spur, every step lands weight directly on or near the point of the spur. A shoe with a built-in heel cushion pad, a firm heel counter and a shock-absorbing sole spreads that impact out instead of concentrating it — which is why the right pair of shoes is one of the most practical, non-surgical things you can control day to day.
What Should You Look for in Shoes for Heel Spurs?
- Built-in heel cushion pad — reduces the impact that lands directly on the spur with every step.
- Shock-absorbing rocker sole — smooths the walking motion so less force pushes straight down through the heel.
- Firm heel counter — holds the heel steady inside the shoe instead of letting it shift and re-irritate the spur.
- Removable footbed — lets you fit a heel-cushioning insole or prescribed orthotic without buying a size up.
- Supportive midsole and shank — reduces overall strain travelling up through the heel and arch.
Ready to get properly fitted?
Call now for advice, or find your nearest clinic for an in-person fitting with our team.
📞 Call 0406 929 623Our Recommended Picks for Heel Spurs
Feature specs vary between men's and women's lasts, so here's what we'd reach for first from each range — confirmed against the current product listings, not a generic recommendation.
Voyager by Drew
- Lightweight EVA midsole — absorbs heel-strike shock with every step
- Firm heel counter — locks the rearfoot securely in place to stabilize your stride
- Dual shank system — wide synthetic fibre shank + external TPU shank for support and stability
- Rocker bottom design — works with your natural stride, easing pressure off the heel and forefoot
- Plus Fitting System — two removable footbeds for orthotics or extra depth
Drew Paige
- Shock-absorbing EVA midsole — reduces impact for greater walking comfort
- Firm heel counter — adds support and helps maintain proper foot alignment
- Rocker bottom — promotes natural motion and reduces foot fatigue
- Dual shank system — wide synthetic fibre shank + external TPU shank for enhanced support
- Plus Fitting System — two removable footbeds, accommodates prescribed orthotics
Not sure which is right for your foot? That's exactly what an in-clinic fitting is for — book below and we'll check heel cushioning, width and depth in person.
NDIS, DVA and Private Health Fund Support
Heel-spur-friendly footwear from Barefoot Freedom can be accessed through NDIS plans and is DVA approved for eligible veterans. Ask our team at your fitting about your options, including Home Care Package and private health fund support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes heel spurs?
Heel spurs form when repeated strain on the plantar fascia — often from an abnormal walking pattern, such as rolling the feet inwards — leads to chronic inflammation, which can gradually cause a bony growth to develop on the heel bone.1
What is the treatment for heel spurs?
Most heel spurs are managed without surgery: supportive footwear, orthotics, rest and stretching are the usual first steps. Better Health Channel notes that surgery is only considered in some cases for conditions like this.1 We focus on the footwear side — a shoe with proper heel cushioning and support — and recommend seeing your GP or podiatrist for a full treatment plan.
How are heel spurs treated without surgery?
Non-surgical management typically centres on taking pressure off the heel: supportive, well-cushioned shoes, orthotic inserts, stretching the calf and plantar fascia, and rest from high-impact activity. The right footwear won't remove the spur itself, but it can make day-to-day walking considerably more comfortable.
Are heel spurs the same as plantar fasciitis?
No — they're related but different. Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia band itself, while a heel spur is a bony growth that can develop where that fascia meets the heel bone, often as a result of the same underlying strain. See our plantar fasciitis shoe guide if that's a closer match to your symptoms.
Can the right shoes fix heel spur pain on their own?
Supportive shoes are one of the most practical things you can control, but they work alongside — not instead of — advice from your GP or podiatrist. If pain persists, it's worth getting the spur assessed properly; in the meantime, a well-fitted, well-cushioned shoe reduces the day-to-day impact on the area.
Explore More
- Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Best Shoes for Flat Feet
- Shoes for Swollen Feet & Oedema
- NDIS Footwear
- DVA Approved Footwear
- Book a Fitting
Source: 1. Better Health Channel (Victoria State Government) — Foot problems: heel pain, accessed 2026-09-06.