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A cousin to common foot ailments like plantar fasciitis, bunions, and Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs are a condition that can quickly throw a wrench in the day’s work, workout or leisure plans.
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“Heel spurs are a growth of bone on the bottom of your heel,” explains Dr. Mike Rushton, podiatrist, co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion headquartered in St. George, Utah. “They don’t grow straight down, they grow in the contour of your foot.”
Heel spurs don’t always cause pain, and some people might not even know they have them. But when they do cause discomfort, the symptoms are similar to plantar fasciitis — at times inducing a sharp pain (particularly after prolonged periods without moving, such as when you first wake in the morning) or a dull ache.
In certain cases, doctors may intervene surgically, however, “most doctors find it’s better to treat the symptoms,” Dr. Rushton says.
How the right shoes can help treat heel spurs
A heel spur often develops from overuse, just like plantar fasciitis, or ill-fitting shoes. Proper footwear can prevent and alleviate pain from the condition. “If your foot doesn’t have adequate padding beneath it, as you roll forward, you’re more likely to pinch between the bottom of the foot and the ground,” Dr. Rushton says.
A heel cup can also lessen the impact by stopping your heel from making contact with the ground. Dr. Rushton recommends Tuli’s brand of heel cups, which can be purchased at over-the-counter at retailers like Amazon and inserted into your shoe of choice.
What to look for in the most comfortable shoes for heel spurs
“If you have a spur, you need a cushy heel,” Dr. Rushton says. He looks to brands like Altra and Hoka One One to provide ample support.
Anatomical arch support is also helpful to promote healthy foot alignment. Good alignment means the entire foot will absorb the impact of every step, rather than just the heel.
There are plenty of shoe options on the market for men and women suffering from heel spurs, from the best work shoes and walking shoes to cute summer sandals and winter boots, and everything else in between.
Below are 15 of the best shoes for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis, including dress shoes, running shoes, tennis shoes and more.
Altra Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoes
Best Shoes for Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis
Dr. Rushton looks to Altra for orthotic support that can accommodate any foot type. For people with heel spurs, in particular, he recommends the brand’s Olympus 4 trail running shoe, since the style “has a lot of cushioning to it,” he says. These shoes feature tons of traction, making them suitable for the toughest terrain, and a wide toe box that allows digits to spread comfortably. The insole also promotes flexibility to prevent plantar fasciitis.
Image courtesy of Amazon
Altra Men’s Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe
Altra Women’s Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe
Kuru Footwear Atom Shoes
Best Walking Shoes for Heel Spurs
Kuru Footwear’s Atom sneakers are some of the best walking shoes for heel spurs thanks to Kuru’s patented heel-hugging support. They also boast an ultra-cushioned midsole for full-length comfort and wedge-shaped heel that absorbs impact. Reviewers note they alleviate a variety of foot issues, from heel spurs to plantar fasciitis, and are lightweight enough to don for any athletic activity. Grab them in medium or wide width options.
Courtesy of Kuru Footwear
Kuru Men’s Footwear Atom
Kuru Women’s Footwear Atom
Hoka One One Clifton 8 Shoes
Best Running Shoes for Heel Spurs
“A Hoka has a lot of cushion, and extra cushion is what you want if you have a heel spur,” Dr. Rushton says. The latest edition of the customer-loved Clifton styles, Hoka’s Clifton 8 provides the brand’s signature cushioning and compression-molded support, making them some of the best running shoes for heel spurs, but has an even lighter midsole for extra rebound with every step.
Image courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods
Hoka One One Men’s Clifton 8
Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 8
Asics Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes
Best Tennis Shoes for Heel Spurs
Tennis enthusiasts know that wearing proper footwear that supports lateral movement (as opposed to traditional running shoes) is essential to bringing one’s best to the court. Asics’ Gel-Dedicate 6 is designed for the sport but also provide orthotic comfort necessary to combat heel spurs. The EVA midsole offers quick rebound and shock absorption. The sock liner is comfortable during long rallies but can also be removed if players require inserts for heel spurs. The shoe’s overall construction helps control torsion, so athletes can better move across the court.
Courtesy of Amazon
Asics Men’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes
Asics Women’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes
Dockers Men’s Gordon Cap Toe Oxford Shoes
Best Dress Shoes for Heel Spurs
For relief from heel pain, Dockers’ Gordon cap toe oxford is one of the best dress shoes for heel spurs around. Available in a medium or wide fit, these are more flexible than the typical dress shoe, allowing your foot some give. The cushioned footbed has a heel pad for extra cushioning where you need it, while the leather lining conforms to your foot and is moisture-wicking to boot. Plus, the outsole has tread to keep you steady even on slick surfaces.
Image courtesy of Zappos
Dockers Gordon Cap Toe Oxford
SAS Women’s Bliss Loafers
Best Work Shoes for Heel Spurs
The SAS Bliss loafers go well with office attire but are still designed with all-day comfort in mind. The polyurethane outsole absorbs shock and is lightweight, while the insole offers extra support at the foot’s three main pressure points: the inside ball, outside ball and heel. Also featuring a removable, leather-lined footbed with generous foam padding, they’re some of the best work shoes for heel spurs and offer support for flat feet and plantar fasciitis pain, too.
Image courtesy of Zappos
SAS Bliss Loafers
Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flops
Best Traveling Shoes for Heel Spurs
While your favorite sneakers are a fantastic travel companion, certain occasions, like trips to the beach, call for sandals. Clarks women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flops offer way more support than your average thong sandals or flip-flops. The Ortholite footbed cushions your heel from unnecessary impact and the EVA outsole offers extra protection from tough surfaces. These are lightweight, so they’re easy to stow in a suitcase.
Courtesy of Amazon
Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flops
AsicsGel-Contend 5 Running Shoes
Best Shoes for Heel Spurs and Achilles Tendonitis
Boasting over 10,000 4.5-star reviews on Amazon, Asics’ Gel-Contend 5 running shoes are a great option that offers total foot support to prevent and eases the strain of Achilles tendonitis. The internal heel counter provides excellent support, as rearfoot gel works to ward off foot fatigue and the rubber outsole provides traction and durability. “Asics is the only brand I wear to run,” said one reviewer.
Courtesy of Amazon
Asics Men’s Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes
Asics Women’s Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes
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