Supportive footwear options specifically designed to alleviate heel pain and discomfort.
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KURU Footwear
World’s Most Comfortable Shoes
Best for Foot Pain
Price Range:$100-$185*
4.0/5.0
(411)
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Want some of the best shoes for heel pain when walking? You’ve found them. Experience footwear uniquely designed to hug and protect your heels and support your arches. KURU’s secret sauce is in their patented KURUSOLE technology, a revolutionary heel-hugging tech that dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels, making them some of the best shoes for heel pain on the market.
What We Like
Patented Heel Technology
Superior Arch Support
Shock Absorbing Foams
Deep Heel Cup
Built with an Ortho-Cushion™ system with a mild rocker design and an insole that curves ergonomically with the shape of the foot, Orthofeet shoes are built for comfort. The biomechanical orthotic insole helps reduce pressure on the bottom of the foot, making them good shoes for heel pain relief.
What We Like
Enhanced arch support
Roomy toebox
Easy to clean
What We Don’t Like
Inconsistent fit
Higher price tag
Brooks specializes in high-performance running shoes, believing in the transformative power of running. Since they study running biomechanics to engineer their footwear, you can count on the best quality materials and design. A shock-absorbing midsole can reduce heel pain from shoes while running.
What We Like
Shock-absorbing midsole
Breathable
Variety of colors
What We Don’t Like
Run slightly narrow
Higher price tag
WalkHero takes personalized pain relief to the next level. Specializing in 3D printing and pressure plating to create customizable insoles, WalkHero shoes are able to achieve a truly customized fit designed to address your unique foot conditions. WalkHero’s emphasis on heel cushioning also make them an easy choice for heel pain relief shoes.
What We Like
Customizable insoles
Lightweight and breathable upper
Affordable price tag
What We Don’t Like
Inconsistent sizing
Take some time to break in
When you’re looking for the best shoes for painful heels, sometimes all you want is some relief. That’s where OOFOS comes in. Prioritizing recovery footwear, OOFOS footwear is made with OOfoam™ technology, promising a 37% reduction in impact compared to average foams. This can help reduce pressure and strain on painful heels and joints.
What We Like
Easy to clean
Lightweight
Easy on and off slip-on style
What We Don’t Like
Limited style options
Not suitable for all occasions
Designed with plenty of cushion and support, HOKA styles have been a favorite among those with heel pain and other foot pain conditions. Select styles have been backed by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance. HOKA’s world-class running and high-performance orthopedic shoes are all engineered to be kind to the body.
What We Like
Cushioning for prolonged shock absorption
Wide and extra-wide options
Breathable
What We Don’t Like
Higher price tag
Narrow toe box
Dansko is perhaps most well known for its famous supportive clogs, which have been widely popular with healthcare professionals and those standing on their feet for long periods. Dansko’s clogs feature a cushioned footbed and a rocker bottom that can help heel pain sufferers walk with more ease. Each of their shoes also meets the American Podiatric Medical Association approval standards (APMA) and carry the APMA seal of Acceptance.
What We Like
Easy to clean
Rocker bottom propels the foot forward
Provides heel and ankle stability
What We Don’t Like
May require a break-in period
Heavier in weight
Higher price tag
Every Vionic shoe is engineered with their unique Vio-Motion™ technology, which combines arch support, a deep heel cup, cushioning, and flexibility to bring the whole body into better balance and alignment. A deep heel cup and proper cushioning has been shown to help alleviate heel pain symptoms.
What We Like
Excellent arch support
Soft and supportive footbed
Stylish and modern design
What We Don’t Like
Inconsistent fit
Take some time to break in
Higher price tag
Aetrex specializes creating footwear with built-in orthotics, resulting in heel pain relief shoes in a wide variety of styles. Aetrex pioneered specialized pressure foot scanning to help customers find the perfect orthotic shape for their foot, helping to target symptoms for a customized solution.
What We Like
Enhanced arch support
Wide size range
Durable construction
What We Don’t Like
Take some time to break in
Higher price tag
Founded in 1949, Asics has been a leading running footwear brand for decades. Pioneering a wide variety of cushioning technologies, Asics shoes are the “runner’s choice,” prioritizing comfort, support, shock-absorption, and performance—all effective ingredients for treating heel pain with shoes.
What We Like
Cushioning for prolonged shock absorption
Durable construction
Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
Inconsistent fit
Higher price tag
Can feel stiff
*The price assessments displayed on this page were conducted and recorded as of 11.20.23 by KURU Footwear (price assessor). Please note that prices may have changed since the assessment date.
Disclaimer: The shoe comparison provided is to assist individuals seeking orthopedic footwear options. It is important to note that while these shoes may be beneficial for alleviating foot pain symptoms, they may have varying use cases and functionalities. We recommend considering your specific needs and consulting with a healthcare professional before making a final purchasing decision. Remember that individual experiences may vary, and what works well for one person may not necessarily work for another.
Best for Foot Pain
Our Shoes
4.0/5.0
(411)
$100-$185*
Price Range
Others
$100–$170*
Price Range
9.5 – 10.5 oz.
Narrow (A) – XX-Wide (6E)
Size 5 (W) – 14 (M)
Others
$65.00-$250.00*
Price Range
7 – 12 oz.
X-Narrow (2A) – Wide (2E)
Size 5 (W) – 16 (M)
Others
$59.95-$73.85*
Price Range
7 – 10.2 oz.
Standard (B) – Wide (D)
Size 6 (W) – 14 (M)
Others
$59.95-$199.95*
Price Range
6 – 10 oz.
Standard (B) – Wide (D)
Size 5 (W) – 20 (M)
Great for Running
Others
$60.00-$275.00*
Price Range
7 – 21 oz.
Standard and Wide
Size 3 (W) – 16 (M)
Others
$85.00-$240.00*
Price Range
8 – 18 oz.
Standard and Wide
Size 4 (W) – 14 (M)
Others
$64.95-$249.95*
Price Range
7 – 15 oz.
Narrow – Wide
Size 4 (W) – 14 (M)
Others
$99.95-$229.95*
Price Range
19.2 – 23.2 oz.
Standard (B) – Wide (C)
Size 5 (W) – 14 (M)
Others
$55.00-$280.00*
Price Range
7 – 13 oz.
Narrow (2A) – Extra Wide (4E)
Size 3.5 (W) – 17 (M)
*The price assessments displayed on this page were conducted and recorded as of 11.20.23 by KURU Footwear (price assessor). Please note that prices may have changed since the assessment date.
Disclaimer: The images shown alongside each brand are for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as a direct depiction of the included information. They are intended to provide a general representation of the product category and may not accurately reflect the specific details provided.
Disclaimer: The shoe comparison provided is to assist individuals seeking orthopedic footwear options. It is important to note that while these shoes may be beneficial for alleviating foot pain symptoms, they may have varying use cases and functionalities. We recommend considering your specific needs and consulting with a healthcare professional before making a final purchasing decision. Remember that individual experiences may vary, and what works well for one person may not necessarily work for another.
Before you go, don’t miss out on this extraordinary review from our extensive collection of 31,000+ 5-star reviews! Uncover the reasons behind the rave about KURU and indulge in the ultimate comfort firsthand!
“Heel Pain Gone! This was my first purchase of KURU shoes and I’m in love with these shoes. I will definitely purchase more in the future. I bought these because of the many reviews saying they helped relieve heel and foot pain. After a few days of wearing these around the house my pain was completely gone. I have flat feet and walk around on our hard floors at home all day long. I am constantly on my feet and now I wear these around the house and I feel so much better. Definitely worth the money.”
Jaime G.
FAQs
What causes heel pain?
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in the US. It often stems from overdoing exercise or other activities. Other sources of heel pain include heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, or trauma & injury.
What are the best shoes to wear when you have heel pain?
The best shoes for heel pain should feature a deep heel cup that hugs and protects the heel, shock-absorbing cushion to reduce impact while walking or exercising, and plenty of high-quality arch support.
What are the benefits of wearing shoes for heel pain?
The benefits of wearing shoes for heel pain are a decrease in painful symptoms, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the region.
When buying heel pain shoes, what key factors should I consider?
When buying heel pain shoes, look for a few key features: a deep heel cup, shock-absorbing cushion, and high-quality arch support.
What shoes should I avoid if I have heel pain?
When you have heel pain, avoid wearing high heels, shoes without adequate cushion, and flat insoles with little-to-no arch support.
How often should I replace my shoes with with heel pain?
Podiatrists recommend replacing footwear, including footwear for those experiencing heel pain, every 300–500 miles or every 6–12 months.
Creating Footwear for Enhanced Comfort, Support, and Improved Foot Health
At KURU, we believe your heels deserve better. Every step you take starts with your heels—and it can get painful, fast. In fact, 77% of Americans experience foot pain, with heel pain at the top of the list.*
That’s why at KURU, we believe health starts with heel. Our patented KURUSOLE technology dynamically flexes with each step to hug and protect your heels for pain relief you can count on. KURU orthopedic shoes for plantar fasciitis deliver pain relief, so you can Heel Confident, Heel Energized, Heel Better™.
*Based on 2023 study reported in KURU’s 2023 Foot Pain Trends Report.
How We Test
At KURU, we’re passionate about pain relief because we’re passionate about life—and helping you live it to the fullest.
So, we studied the foot’s natural biomechanics and designed footwear to match. No flat insoles. No flimsy inserts. Just the most comfortable shoes for plantar fasciitis with perfect cushion and support in all the right places.
We pioneered the world’s first dynamic heel-hugging technology, and we continue to evaluate wear-tester and customer reviews to better engineer the Healthiest Shoes on Earth.
16
Hours of Research
33
Models Considered
Why Trust Us?
With over 15 years in the footwear business, we’ve channeled our focus into innovation and a passionate mission to eliminate foot pain all over the world. Our patented KURUSOLE technology has helped thousands to relieve foot pain and live the life they love.
Backed by 31,000+ 5-star reviews, our customers demonstrate that KURU delivers pain relief. In fact, over 7 in 10 KURU customers report improved pain symptoms—and of those customers, 97% experience improvement in less than 4 weeks. Let’s hear it for Pain Relief Beyond Belief.
Just as we pioneered revolutionary heel-hugging footwear technology for pain relief, we also pioneer foot health research to stay on top of industry trends. View our 2023 Foot Health Trends Report for the cutting-edge data on foot health and wellness.
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