The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (2024)

The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (1)

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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.

The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (2)

Image courtesy of Amazon

Altra Men’s Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe

Price: $170-$197

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Altra Women’s Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe

Price: $170

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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.

The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (3)

Courtesy of Kuru Footwear

Kuru Men’s Footwear Atom

Price: $155

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Kuru Women’s Footwear Atom

Price: $155

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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.

The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (4)

Image courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods

Hoka One One Men’s Clifton 8

Price: $140

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Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 8

Price: $140

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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.

The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (5)

Courtesy of Amazon

Asics Men’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes

Price: $69-$176

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Asics Women’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes

Price: $56-$149

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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.

The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (6)

Image courtesy of Zappos

Dockers Gordon Cap Toe Oxford

Price: $46-$85

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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.

The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (7)

Image courtesy of Zappos

SAS Bliss Loafers

Price: $128 $100

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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.

The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (8)

Courtesy of Amazon

Clarks Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flops

Price: $23-$101

Buy Now

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.

The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (9)

Courtesy of Amazon

Asics Men’s Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes

Price: $40-$138

Buy Now

Asics Women’s Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes

Price: $54-$139

Buy Now

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The 8 Best Shoes for Heel Spurs, According to a Podiatrist (2024)

FAQs

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for heel pain? ›

Most recommended shoe for plantar fasciitis: Brooks Ghost 15

Multiple podiatrists told CBS Sports that the Brooks Ghost line is one of the shoes they recommend most often to patients with plantar fasciitis.

Are Hokas good for bone 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.

What does a podiatrist do for heel spurs? ›

Your foot doctor may inject the area with cortisol, apply a friction massage, or call for a custom orthotic. A custom orthotic provides cushioning so that the heel spur does not bear weight. Podiatrists are specialist foot doctors who can provide services such as bunion surgery and heel spur treatment.

What New Balance shoe is best for heel spurs? ›

New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v12

The 1080 is also comfortable for people who suffer from other types of foot pain, including bunions, heel spurs, arch pain, ball of foot pain, knee pain, and back pain.

What shoes do orthopedic surgeons recommend? ›

Klaw 528
  • Klaw 528. Best orthopedic shoe overall. ...
  • More options. Dansko Fawna Mary Jane for Women. ...
  • More options. Cole Haan Men's Original Grand Shortwing Oxford. ...
  • Hoka Bondi 8. Best orthopedic walking shoe. ...
  • More options. Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Running Shoes. ...
  • More options. ...
  • Vionic Karmelle Oxford Casual Sneaker. ...
  • Kuru Atom.
Mar 21, 2024

What orthopedic shoes do podiatrists recommend? ›

Best orthopedic shoes, at a glance:

Best podiatrist-approved: Klaw, Klaw 528, $148. Best orthopedic classic: New Balance, 990v6, $200. Best orthopedic gel: Asics, Gel Kayano 30, $160. Best orthopedic shoes for comfort: Hoka, Gaviota 5, $175.

Do podiatrists recommend Hokas? ›

Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, said that Hoka One One is one of his favorite sneaker brands and added that he also frequently recommends the shoes to patients — especially those with wide feet.

Which HOKA is better for heel pain? ›

The HOKA Bondi 8 is widely regarded as one of the best HOKA running shoes, even for individuals with plantar fasciitis. With its neutral design and maximum cushioning, it is a popular choice among runners who experience foot pain.

What do you wear for heel spurs? ›

Shoes with extra cushioning: "Look for a shoe with a generously cushioned heel. You also want to look for built-in arch support that limits overpronation. This will reduce stress on the plantar fascia."

What is the fastest way to heal a heel spur? ›

Heel spur treatments
  1. Ice packs after walking and exercise.
  2. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
  3. Injections of anti-inflammatory medications such as cortisone.
  4. Stretching exercises, especially before bed.
  5. Physical therapy.
  6. Resting your feet.

How do I stop my heel spurs from growing? ›

You can prevent heel spurs by wearing well-fitting shoes with shock-absorbent soles, rigid shanks, and supportive heel counters; choosing appropriate shoes for each physical activity; warming up and doing stretching exercises before each activity; and pacing yourself during the activities.

Is walking good for heel spurs? ›

Is walking good for heel spurs? If the way you walk is causing more stress on your heel bone from your plantar fascia pain, then this is not ideal for the heel spur or for your pain levels.

Why do podiatrists recommend New Balance? ›

One of the primary reasons podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes is their exceptional arch support. Proper arch support is vital for maintaining the natural alignment of the foot and preventing issues like overpronation (inward rolling of the foot) or supination (outward rolling of the foot).

What makes heel spurs worse? ›

Repetitive stress from walking, running, or jumping on hard surfaces is a common cause of heel spurs. They may also develop from wearing shoes that don't support your foot.

How do you get rid of heel spurs without surgery? ›

Some things you can do include:
  1. Cold compresses to relieve pain.
  2. Over-the-counter painkillers and anti-inflammatories.
  3. Stretches like foot flexes and calf stretches to relieve pressure.
  4. Wearing the correct shoes.
  5. Orthotics.

What do podiatrists think of Skechers? ›

Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

What is the difference between heel pain and plantar fasciitis? ›

Defining Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Heel spurs are bony growths on the heel bone, which may or may not cause pain depending on their size and location. On the other hand, plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament, which often results in sharp pain in the heel.

Are Hokas good for heel pain? ›

Suffering from heel pain can be uncomfortable and painful if you are on your feet all day. We've teamed up with The Royal College of Podiatry who have recommended selected HOKA products to help aid rehabilitation.

How I got rid of long term plantar fasciitis or heel pain? ›

Stretching and Physical Therapy

Stretching is one of the best treatments for plantar fasciitis. Stretching should be focused on the plantar fascia and the Achilles tendon. A physical therapist can show you stretching exercises that you can repeat at home several times a day.

References

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