Podiatrists Say These Are the 10 Best Sandals to Wear if You Have Plantar Fasciitis

Finding comfortable sandals can feel like a hassle, right? I mean, I can’t even count how many times I’ve bought a cute pair of flip-flops, only to end up with blisters after just a few hours of wear. Sure, sandals aren’t exactly the go-to comfort shoe, but there are still plenty of options out there that are both cushy and stylish.

For those with plantar fasciitis, though, comfort isn’t always that simple. This condition, which “involves microtearing and scarring of a band of tissue in the arch of the foot,” makes wearing flat, unsupportive shoes unbearable, says podiatrist and founder of Step Up Footcare Nelya Lobkova, DPM. In simpler terms, it means people with plantar fasciitis often experience heel pain and inflammation, making even casual footwear a source of discomfort. And sandals like flip-flops can make that pain even worse, she adds.

So, does this mean you can never wear sandals if you have plantar fasciitis? Not at all. While it may not always be practical to wear closed-toe shoes, especially in the hot summer months, some sandals are actually designed to accommodate plantar fasciitis—you just need to know which ones to look for! Lucky for you, we rounded up the best (and most affordable) sandals for plantar fasciitis, and your sandal shopping has never been easier.

Best sandals for plantar fasciitis, at a glance:

• Best lightweight sandal: Dansco Women's Racquel
• Most budget-friendly: COFACE Women's Fashion Orthotic Flip Flops
• Best unisex sandal: Oofos Gender Inclusive OOahh Slide Sandal
• Best arch support: Vionic Women's Brea Sandal
• Best cushioning: Skechers Women's Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 Sandal
• Most stylish sandal: SOREL Ona Streetworks Sandal
• Best slip-on sandal: Adilette Platform Clogs
• Most luxurious sandal: Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Slingback Sandal
• Most eco-friendly sandal: Teva Women's Madera Wedge Sandal
• Most comfortable sandal: REEF Cushion Rem Hi-Footbed

What to look for when purchasing sandals for plantar fasciitis

Shopping for sandals with plantar fasciitis doesn’t have to be a hassle. Knowing what to look for can make your experience much smoother—and help you avoid the frustration of returns. Here are three important features to keep in mind when purchasing your next pair of summer sandals:

Firm midsole

“People with plantar fasciitis need extra rigidity in the midsole and cushioning in the midfoot to reduce impact on the heel, where pain from plantar fasciitis is most noticeable,” explains Dr. Lobkova. A firm, thick midsole helps alleviate tension on the heel and keeps inflammation at bay.

Dr. Lobkova recommends choosing sandals that don’t bend or twist easily. You should be able to flex the toe area, but not the entire shoe. “If the sandal bends easily, it’s a sign that the midsole isn’t supportive enough, even if there is an ankle strap,” she adds.

Ankle strap

Ankle straps aren’t just a stylish feature—they play an important role for people with plantar fasciitis. Dr. Lobkova points out that sandals with ankle straps help “stabilize the ankle and prevent the calcaneus (heel bone) from tilting abnormally while walking.” A tilted heel bone can aggravate your condition.

However, it’s important to remember that just because a sandal has an ankle strap, it doesn’t necessarily make it comfortable for people with plantar fasciitis. The perfect combination is a firm midsole plus ankle straps for a comfortable, supportive fit that won’t worsen inflammation.

Arch support

Don’t forget about arch support! When shopping for sandals, Dr. Lobkova advises checking the insole: “Does it provide firm elevation in the arch?” Shoes with proper arch support help “gently roll the foot outward as you walk, increasing the stretch of the plantar fascia band,” she explains. This added support can help reduce pain and provide long-term relief for those dealing with plantar fasciitis.

The 10 best sandals for plantar fasciitis

Best Lightweight Sandal: Dansco Women's Racquel

$70

A personal favorite of Dr. Lobkova, the Dansko Racquel sandals feature a “springy” midsole and lightweight straps that won’t dig into your skin, making them an excellent choice for heel pain. The midsole has four layers, each designed to enhance comfort in its own way. The sandals are built with Dansko’s Natural Arch technology, which provides support for your arch and helps keep your foot properly elevated. Honestly, if these aren’t the best sandals for plantar fasciitis, then I don’t know what is.

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Pros:

• Lightweight and flexible straps 
• Constructed with Natural Arch technology for extra support 
• Style Versatile (can be dressed up and down)

Cons:

• Some reviewers note the fit is inconsistent, with the shoe being too wide for certain foot shapes

Most Budget-Friendly: COFACE Women's Fashion Orthotic Flip Flops

$28

If you need an everyday sandal, look no further than the COFACE orthotic flip-flops. They don’t have ankle straps, sure, but that doesn’t make them any less supportive—especially with a ton of great features like a non-slip sole (!!!), orthopedic arch support with a bionic design, and a cushy footbed that helps relieve tension from your heel—and your bad knees! Oh, and let’s not forget that they come in 10+ colors to mix and match with your wardrobe. Cool, huh?

Shop at Amazon

Pros:

• Non-slip sole for added safety
• Ergonomic arch support for comfort
• Footbed with a slight cup to prevent sliding

Cons:

• Molds to your foot shape over time, which can reduce support
• Absorbs moisture, potentially causing odor buildup

Best Unisex Sandal: Oofos Gender Inclusive OOahh Slide Sandal

$60

Okay, these aren’t the most stylish shoes out there. I mean, they’re unisex sandals that come in pretty basic colors. But let’s be honest—you can’t beat the comfort. These sandals are biomechanically engineered with specialized padding designed to relieve tension from your heels, knees, and even your back. They might not win any fashion awards, but they’re perfect for anyone prioritizing comfort over style. 

Shop at Nordstrom

Pros:

• Constructed with closed-cell foam to prevent odor buildup 
• Engineered with OOfoam to absorb shock 

Cons:

• Does not offer half-sizes
• Runs wide 

Best Arch Support: Vionic Women's Brea Sandal

$110

If you spot this beauty on the rack, you’ll be surprised by how cushy it is. Don’t judge a shoe by its appearance—this Vionic sandal is so comfortable. It features a soft toe post (for added comfort) and a deep heel cup that promotes stability. Plus, its built-in VIO MOTION Technology footbed offers contoured arch support that molds to your feet, providing relief tailored to your exact foot shape.

Shop at Vionic

Pros:

• Has a more classy, elegant design 
• Has a soft toe post for ultimate cushioning 

Cons:

• Ankle strap isn’t adjustable 

Best Cushioning: Skechers Women's Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 Sandal

$68

There’s a reason Sketchers has been in the shoe business for so long—their products are quality, okay? The Max Cushioning sandal is a favorite in the plantar fasciitis community for its thick (and I mean thick) soles that provide maximum cushioning. These sandals are chunky, but in the best way. Plus, Skechers designers wisely included a velcro top strap to prevent sliding, ensuring your feet stay secure and comfortable all day long.

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Pros

• Has a velcro top strap to prevent sliding 
• Thick soles

Cons:

• Testers say the shoe takes time to break in 

Most Stylish Sandal: SOREL Ona Streetworks Sandal

$69

31% off

Sorel is known for making comfortable and supportive shoes, so it’s no surprise they’re on this list. While the Ona Streetworks sandal may not have the most pronounced arch (compared to other picks here), its durable EVA foam construction and wide straps (that won’t chafe, either!) definitely make it a strong contender. Plus, the color is absolutely gorgeous. 

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Pros:

• Adjustable slingback strap 
• Durable EVA foam construction

Cons:

• Too wide for a narrow foot
• Does not have the best arch support, compared to other shoes on this list

Best Slip-on Sandal: Adilette Platform Clogs

$45

Speaking of stylish, it doesn’t get cuter than these Adilette clogs. They’re like Crocs but with double the cushioning. Sure, it’s a bit of a bummer that the built-in ankle straps aren’t adjustable, but reviewers say the fit is so perfect that it doesn’t even matter. And I absolutely love the traction outsole. Its nonslip construction is a godsend, especially since these give you a height boost—and the last thing someone with plantar fasciitis needs is a fall from poor traction.

Shop at Adidas

Pros:

• Slip-on construction, making it a grab-and-go shoe 
• Reviewers say it’s like walking on clouds

Cons:

• Ankle strap isn’t adjustable 

Most Luxurious Sandal: Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Slingback Sandal

$175

Dr. Lobkova loves Birkenstocks—though only those with slingback straps. “They have an arch support (a firm bump in the insole) that helps stabilize the plantar fascia,” she explains. Unlike some other sandals, Birkenstocks’ contoured footbed doesn’t lose support over time. Instead, it provides consistent cushioning that molds to the curves and grooves of your specific foot shape. And omg, the patented leather and gold buckles. They elevate these Birkenstock sandals from regular footwear to something more classy and stylish.

Shop at Nordstrom

Pros:

• Adjustable top and slingback straps 
• No “break” in is needed 

Cons:

• Most expensive sandal on this list 

Most Eco-Friendly Sandal: Teva Women's Madera Wedge Sandal

$100

I’m not usually a fan of leather shoes in the summer—leather + heat is a big no-no for me. But Dr. Lobkova says these shoes are a great choice if you have PF, mainly because “the wedge is part EVA foam and part cork.” This combo makes the pair lightweight and cushy, while still offering stability. Plus, the faux leather has a luxe look, making them versatile enough for both casual wear and dressy events.

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Pros:

• Constructed with microfiber lining that feels soft against the skin
• Infused with Life Natural (peppermint-based antimicrobial) to treat fungus and odor
• Made with recyclable plastic for a sustainable, environmentally friendly option

Cons:

• Shoes make a squishy sound as you walk

Most Comfortable Sandal: REEF Cushion Rem Hi-Footbed

$70

“REEF’s Cushion Rem Hi-Footbed has a deep heel cup (like the Birkenstocks), but with even more cushioning,” Dr. Lobkova explains. Seriously, these sandals are some of the thickest—and most comfortable—shoes out there. And since they’re so comfy, we know over-wear is inevitable. Luckily, REEF offers a year-long warranty, so you can get touch-ups at no cost. But that’s not all! Did we mention how stylish these shoes are? It’s not just me who thinks so, either. “These wedges can be dressed up for summer,” Dr. Lobkova adds.

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Pros:

• Year-long warranty 
• Thick and bouncy footbed offers ultimate cushion

Cons:

• Has a high platform (which can cause falls or trips)
• Tight straps 

When to see a healthcare provider for plantar fasciitis

Unsure if you have plantar fasciitis? I get it! Maybe that heel pain was a phantom symptom, or you’ve watched too many HealthToks and now you’re ultra-paranoid. Well, before you book that doctor’s appointment, read this first.

Dr. Lobkova explains that plantar fasciitis symptoms generally appear in the morning, with pain "in the heel when walking or after standing for a period of rest.” She continues, “The first step out of bed aggressively wakes up and stretches the fascia, causing pain and microtearing where the plantar fascia inserts into the heel. You might also notice mild swelling and redness in the heel, which suggests an inflammatory reaction.”

If you experience these symptoms and they haven’t improved after a week of icing and stretching, then it’s time to call your podiatrist. Don’t ignore the pain—that’s a big no-no, says Dr. Lobkova. “Allowing the pain to linger will create a chronic condition that’s much harder to treat,” she warns. “Chronic tearing of the plantar fascia leads to a build-up of abnormal or scarred tissue, causing prolonged pain and discomfort.”

Once you have an appointment with your podiatrist, they’ll offer a range of treatments, including lifestyle adjustments. You might need to take a break from activities that put strain on your feet (think things like HIIT workouts or morning runs, according to Dr. Lobkova). But don't worry—these changes are temporary. Plantar fasciitis is a self-limiting condition, meaning it goes away on its own, though it can take months or even years. In the meantime, there are plenty of over-the-counter orthotics, custom insoles, laser therapy, and other treatments to help ease the pain.

Ultimately, Dr. Lobkova’s number one tip is: “Stretch, stretch, stretch!” Especially in the morning! Stretching regularly can make a huge difference in managing plantar fasciitis. And the good news? You don’t have to let PF stop you from wearing cute and comfy shoes. With the right footwear and stretches, you can enjoy comfort and style without the pain.