best shoes for plantar fasciitis

The 15 Best Nurse Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis 2026

Written by: Kristine Thorndyke

The best nurse shoes for plantar fasciitis will vary depending on your needs.  An ideal design will have good heel support and cushioning.  If you have high arches, it’s also good to look for arch support.  Some shoes will let you use your own orthotic inserts, which is great if you have an orthopedist already.

Our top pick is the Brooks Ghost 15.  These are the best nurse shoes for plantar fasciitis because of the excellent arch support, non-slip rubber sole, and sleek design. 

Our Top Pick
Brooks Women Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe
5.0

Perfect running shoes that can be worn throughout long shifts and provide support and comfort to those who suffer from joint pain and plantar fasciitis.

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The Best Nurse Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Brooks Ghost 15

These shoes make the top of the list due to their cushioning and neutral support.  The cushioning uses a combination of DNA LOFT and BioMoGo materials to absorb shock while remaining supportive.  The lightweight materials also allow you to work long shifts without suffering fatigue.

  • Available in 24 colors and patterns (on Amazon)
  • Rubber sole helps to prevent slipping
  • Sleeker design than some of the other shoes on this list
  • Also made our list of the best tennis shoes for nurses
Best Overall
Brooks Women Ghost 15 Neutral Running Shoe
5.0

Perfect running shoes that can be worn throughout long shifts and provide support and comfort to those who suffer from joint pain and plantar fasciitis.

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Dansko Paisley Waterproof Sneakers

These sneakers are made from suede with a completely waterproof leather upper.  They’re great for nurses who often work in wet environments.  Also included is a removable footbed that absorbs shock and supports the arches.  It has three layers of dense cushioning.  Without the footbed, the shoe accommodates most orthotics.

  • Available in 10 different colors
  • Made completely from suede and waterproof leather material
  • Can accommodate both standard and customized orthotics
  • Also helps with Achilles tendonitis
  • Provides relief to plantar fasciitis sufferers who aren’t helped by other options

Dansko Women's Paisley Waterproof Outdoor Sneaker
4.5

Rugged and durable, these sneakers are great for nurses who work in outdoor environments!

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Dansko Professional Clogs

These professional clogs are loved by nurses who suffer from plantar fasciitis but prefer nursing clogs to sneakers.  They’re made completely from waterproof leather and have dozens of different colors available.  The reinforced toe box gives your toes room to spread while protecting your feet, and the rocker bottom absorbs shock.

  • Available in 73 colors and patterns
  • Leather upper with a synthetic rocker-bottom sole
  • Nurses either love or hate these clogs
  • Slightly pricey, but worth it for those whose plantar fasciitis has been cured
  • Also made our list of the best shoes for surgeons

Dansko Women's Professional Clog
5.0
$139.95

These professional clogs make our top choice because of their comfort, durability, and support!

Pros:
  • Lasts for years
  • Built specifically for professionals
  • Resistant to odors and chafing
Cons:
  • Can be a little pricey
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10/23/2026 07:00 am GMT

New Balance V5 Sneaker

These shoes are made from 50 percent leather and 50 percent synthetic materials.  The mesh upper allows for extra breathability, while the fashion-forward silhouette looks great in and out of the workplace.  The foam bed provides exceptional cushioning for all-day comfort. These make great sneakers for nurses with flat feet. If you suffer from flat feet, check out our full list of the 16 Best Nursing Shoes for Flat Feet. 

  • Available in navy, black, or grey
  • Stylish silhouette with a breathable mesh upper
  • Significant cushion for heel pain
  • High arch support for flat feet
  • Extremely stable design

New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
4.5
$79.99 $59.95

A more relaxed shoe, these are ideal for nurses seeking a versatile option!

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10/23/2026 11:00 am GMT

Asics Gel Venture 8 Sneaker

This is one of the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis thanks to the combination of gel, foam, and Ortholite technology.  The Ortholite liner keeps your feet dry and clean, while the EVA foam allows for a springy step.  A gel cushion in the heel absorbs the shock of every impact, significantly reducing pain and inflammation.

  • Available in 19 different color combinations
  • Synthetic and mesh construction ideal for long-term wear
  • Combined gel and foam cushioning offer hours of support
  • Removable Ortholite sockliner wicks away moisture
  • Shock absorbing cushion in the heel is great for plantar fasciitis

ASICS Women's Gel-Venture 8 Running Shoes
4.0

These running shoes come in wide sizes and fit neutral foot types.

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Merrells Jungle Moc Slip On

These are durable and high-traction shoes that provide ideal cushioning.  The EVA foam midfoot conforms to the shape of your foot, while the patented air cushion offers lightweight shock absorption.  There is also targeted cushioning in the heel that’s perfect for plantar fasciitis sufferers.

  • Available in black and brown
  • Crafted completely from leather with a synthetic sole
  • Air cushioned heel is lightweight and absorbs shock
  • Contoured EVA footbed cushions your pressure points
  • Also made our list of the best shoes for male nurses

Merrell Women's Jungle Moc Slip-On Shoe
4.5
$90.59

These simple and comfortable shoes are great for nurses who are constantly on the go!

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10/23/2026 06:02 am GMT

Reebok DMX Max

These walking shoes are built for people who spend all day on their feet.  The memory foam cushioning helps to prevent shock when walking on hard surfaces.  Meanwhile, the DMX cushion moves air along the sole with each step, which helps you conserve energy.  A high-traction outsole makes these shoes ideal for slippery environments.

  • Available in black, blue, or grey
  • Leather and textile upper with a rubber sole
  • MemoryTech foam cushioning reduces pressure on the foot
  • DMX cushioning uses airflow to streamline your steps
  • Super durable, high-traction rubber outsole

Reebok Women's Walk Ultra 7 DMX Max Shoe
4.5
$50.82

Comfortable and practical, these walking shoes are great for those seeking a basic design!

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Birki Professional

These shoes are great for anyone seeking a simple, supportive design.  They use an engineered footbed to distribute your weight evenly, allowing for maximum support.  The footbed can also be replaced with your customized orthotics or other insoles.

  • Available in black, blue, or brown
  • Crafted entirely from Alpro-Foam
  • Design distributes weight evenly along the footbed
  • Supportive, lightweight construction
  • Removable footbed can be replaced with your own insoles

Birkenstock Professional Unisex Profi Birki Slip Resistant Work Shoe
4.0

Stylish and professional, these men’s shoes are our favorite for male nurses!

Pros:
  • Favored by male nurses and other healthcare professionals
  • Synthetic materials perform well while remaining inexpensive
  • Supportive footbed has lining that can be disinfected
Cons:
  • Not the most ideal choice for women, despite unisex labeling
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Oofos Orthopedic Clogs

These clogs are specifically made for people with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.  They feature a patented footbed that reduces stress on the joints, plus an OOfoam midsole that absorbs more shock than traditional foam.  They’re also machine washable, a great feature for nurses.

  • Available in matte black, glossy black, and latte
  • Made from leather and synthetic materials with a rubber sole
  • Patented footbed with OOfoam recovery engineering
  • Orthopedic nursing shoes that are great for people with foot conditions
  • Nursing shoes with arch support for high arches

OOFOS Unisex OOCloog Post Exercise Active Recovery Footwear
4.5
$79.95

A clog designed specifically to combat Plantar Fasciitis - impact absorbing orthopedic foot & heel pain relief.

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10/23/2026 07:02 am GMT

Alegria Duette Professional

If you’re looking for an easy slip-on shoe, this is a great choice.  It has a dual-density outsole that helps to distribute your weight evenly while providing ideal traction.  The padded collar increases comfort, while the removable footbed can be replaced with orthotics.

  • Available in 20 different colors and patterns
  • Stain-resistant upper with a slip-resistant outsole
  • Dual-density synthetic outsole
  • Easily slips on and off
  • Padded collar provides ankle protection and comfort

Alegria Duette Shoes
4.0

Slip into these cute leather loafers and enjoy pain-free wear all day!

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Alegria Women’s Keli Professional

These shoes feature a removable footbed that combines memory foam, latex, and cork.  The foam cushions your feet, the latex conforms to your foot shape, and the cork provides stability.  The slip-resistant sole is also designed to reduce pressure on the foot, and the stain-resistant leather upper is great for healthcare environments.

Alegria often makes our lists of best shoes or nurses, so this spot on our list of the best shoes for nurses with plantar fasciitis is a no-brainer! These shoes also come in wide sizes. If you have wide feet, you can also shop these 18 Nursing Shoes for Wide Feet.

  • Available in 53 colors, prints, and patterns
  • Leather lining and upper with a synthetic sole
  • Slip-resistant with a stain-resistant upper
  • Removable footbed for your orthotics needs
  • Made our list of the best white nursing shoes

Alegria Womens Keli Leather Shoes
4.5

Another great option built for professionals, these leather clogs are super comfy and durable!

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Orthofeet Sneakers

These orthopedic nursing shoes are specifically designed for conditions including plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, and bunions.  They’re available in wide and extra wide sizes as well, making them the best wide shoes for plantar fasciitis.  You can even test them for 60 days and get your money back if you’re not satisfied.

  • Available in grey, blue, and black
  • 60 day testing period with a money back guarantee
  • Built for plantar fasciitis, foot pain, bunions, and neuropathy
  • Extra widths available for wide feet
  • Orthopedic nursing shoes recommended by professionals

Orthofeet Walking Shoes - Perfect for Plantar Fasciitis
4.5

Lightweight yet effective walking shoes that support plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and flat feet.

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Hoka One One Clifton 8

These are among the most cushioned shoes on the list, and they’re great for long shifts.  One Amazon user noted, “They’re supportive but feel like you’re walking on marshmallows, or cotton candy, or clouds!  Seriously, I spend at least 12 hours a day on my feet and with these shoes, I go home pain free.”

  • Available in 12 different colors
  • Breathable upper keeps your feet dry during long shifts
  • Full EVA midsole provides thick cushioning
  • One of the most cushioned shoes on the list
  • Meta-Rocker technology conserves energy and absorbs shock