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11 Of The Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

The best slippers for plantar fasciitis help ease some of the discomfort that comes with the condition—which causes inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot, according to New York City sports podiatrist Lori S. Weisenfeld, DPM. I know about the pain firsthand since I suffer from plantar fasciitis. I tried a morning stretch routine and silicone foot roller, but ultimately, I experienced the most noticeable relief from switching my slippers to a pair of Crocs, per my podiatrist’s recommendation.

Walking on a floor with bare feet is a big no-no since there’s not enough natural cushioning on the foot to absorb the impact of the hard surface, which can lead to stabbing heel pain and arch stiffness. The best slippers for plantar fasciitis are contoured to shift the weight off your heel and provide arch support. Ahead, I researched the most soothing options out there and Dr. Weisenfeld also provided additional tips. For walking outside, check out the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, too.

Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis Overall

Pain-Relieving Technology For Ultimate Foot Support

MOST POPULAR

Kuru Draft Slippers

Sizes: 6 to 12 | Materials: Mesh or fleece upper, rubber outsole, polyurethane insole | Heel drop: 10 mm | Width: Medium

  • What’s notable: The arch support and cushioning in this pair makes them extremely comfy right out of the box.
  • What could be better: Some reviewers say that they run small so you may want to size up, and they can be slightly heavy.

While the Kuru Draft might be a bit of an investment for a pair of slippers, its pain-relieving and supportive technology makes it unlike any other slipper I’ve seen. The heel-hugging design protects the foot’s delicate heel pad, while the built-in dual-density foam insole offers arch support and and shock absorption. The slip-on style is convenient for everyday wear and it’s available in two different uppers—mesh or fleece—for comfort, no matter the season.


Best Affordable Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Spa-Like Comfort At A Low Price

Isotoner Terry Hoodback Clog Slippers

Sizes: 6.5 to 10 | Materials: Microterry upper, EVA, memory foam, rubber outsole | Heel drop: 1 inch | Width: Medium

  • What’s notable: The breathable liner means your feet won’t sweat in these. They also come in seven colors, so you’ll have lots of options to choose from.
  • What could be better: These run small, so you should definitely consider sizing up.

For a budget pick, I like Isotoner’s Terry Hoodback Slippers since they provide necessary support and cozy, all-day comfort for less than $20. The cushy memory foam insole absorbs heel impact while the moisture-wicking microterry liner adds softness and warmth. They’re also conveniently machine-washable, which can be helpful for refreshing the memory foam.


Best House Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Breathable, Stylish And Supportive

Crocs Classic Cozzzy Sandal

Sizes: 4 to 12 | Materials: Foam footbed, synthetic liner | Heel drop: Not listed | Width: Medium

  • What’s notable: These offer nice support when walking on hardwood floors.
  • What could be better: Some comment that the fuzzy liner can collect debris.

Love or hate them, Crocs’s footwear is ultra supportive and great for those with plantar fasciitis, as I discovered. The Classic Cozzzy Sandal combines the comfort of a fuzzy slipper with the breathability of a sandal. Thanks to their trademark footbeds, these have the same lightweight flexibility of other Crocs styles. The elevated outsole adds a touch of style.


Best Orthopedic Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Multi-Layered Ergonomic Support

Orthofeet Charlotte Slippers

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Suede, faux fur | Heel drop: Not listed | Widths: Standard (B), Wide (D), Extra Wide (2E)

  • What’s notable: This cushiony style allows toes room to spread out, and it’s available in four widths.
  • What could be better: You can’t machine wash these, so you may want to consider wearing them with socks so they don’t get stinky over time.

Orthofeet specializes in supportive footwear and the Charlotte Slippers come with orthotic insoles that help realign the foot and provide arch support. They also have a wide toe box for a little more breathing room and an adjustable strap that tightens across the foot for a customized fit. A faux fur lining takes the cozy level up a notch. Also great: Orthofeet offers a 60-day wear test period, after which you can return the slippers if you’re not satisfied. For a tighter fit, consider ordering a half-size down.


Best Doctor Recommended Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Arch Support Technology Designed By A Podiatrist

Vionic Gemma Slipper

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Polyester terrycloth, TPR outsole, rubber sole | Heel drop: Not listed | Width: Medium-Wide

  • What’s notable: The strap on top helps you adjust the width for a more customized fit.
  • What could be better: Some say they are on the heavy side and comment that these stay on your feet more easily if you wear socks.

Orthotic inserts are a proven plantar fasciitis treatment due to their foot-realigning and supportive properties, and Vionic’s Gemma slippers come with a built-in orthotic sole along with podiatrist-designed contoured arch support. A deep heel cup further cushions the heel area, which can be sore after being on your feet all day. These slippers carry the seal of the American Podiatric Medical Association for promoting foot health.


Best Arch Support Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Highly Supportive Arch And Heel Cup For Pain Relief

Ergofoot Orthotic Slippers With Arch Support

Sizes: 7 to 15 | Materials: Polyester, silver fox velvet lining, EVA midsole, rubber sole | Heel drop: Not listed | Width: Wide

  • What’s notable: These are lightweight so you won’t feel like you’re lugging around clunky slippers, and they have a grippy tread to keep you stable on slippery surfaces.
  • What could be better: The fit of these is too loose for some and makes them feel unstable.

Ergofoot’s Orthotic slippers aim to counteract plantar fasciitis heel pain. Orthotic details like an ergonomic footbed provides arch support, a deep heel cup protects and cushions the heel, and a flexible EVA midsole absorbs shock while reducing stress on the feet, ankles and knees when you walk. Note: the brand recommends wearing these for a few hours at first, and then gradually increasing the amount, to give your feet time to adjust to the therapeutic arch-stretching effect.


Best Slides For Plantar Fasciitis

Easy To Wear With a Molded Footbed

Archies Arch Support Slides

Sizes: 5 to 16 | Materials: Foam | Heel drop: Not listed | Width: Medium

  • What’s notable: These easy-care shoes stand out for their support and comfort.
  • What could be better: These have the potential to shrink if you leave them out in the hot sun, so be careful with that.

If you’re a fan of slides, Archies improves on the design so they’re not so flat and potentially ache-inducing. These comfortable foam sandals have a built-in 2.2 centimeter arch support, and they’re made from durable closed-cell foam, eliminating the risk of cracking while molding to your foot with wear. The arch support, plus an elevated heel, reduces pressure on the foot, ensuring all-day comfort.


Best Comfortable Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Pillow-Like Cushiness For All-Day Wear

The Cloudies Original Cloud Slides

Sizes: 4 to 12 | Materials: EVA | Heel drop: 15-degree angle, toe-to-heel | Width: Medium

  • What’s notable: The thick sole is cushy and supportive, and they come at a wallet-friendly price.
  • What could be better: These run wide, so if you have a narrower foot they may not work for you.

Cloudies provide extra cushioning on your soles with a puffy, 100% EVA design that surrounds the foot in ergonomic softness. The versatile style—which comes in seven color options—slips on and can be worn with anything, anywhere. They’re waterproof with an anti-skid sole and the midsole has some slight give that reduces fatigue on your feet, ankles and knees. To maximize the pillow-like comfort, the brand recommends soaking them in water for 30 minutes to soften them up before your first wear.


Best Outdoor Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Easy-To-Wear Comfort Indoors And Out

Oofos Women's Oocoozie Low Shoe

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Materials: Textile upper and lining, foam midsole | Heel drop: 1.25 inches | Widths: Medium

  • What’s notable: These are easy to get on and off your feet—so they work well if you have limited mobility—and the fabric has a soft feel.
  • What could be better: Reviewers say these run small, so keep that in mind when purchasing.

Not only does this indoor-outdoor pair of Oofos shoes tout patented closed-cell foam technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam, it’s also supremely comfortable with an easy slip-on stretchy upper and a cozy faux shearling lining. The footbed design provides necessary cushioning to relieve foot, ankle and back stress, plus the shoe is machine washable, which helps them stay fresh longer.


Best Stylish Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Birkenstock's Well-Designed Support Plus A Shearling Lining

Birkenstock Zermatt Genuine Shearling Lined Slipper

Sizes: 5 to 10.5 | Materials: Cork-latex footbed, latex sole, shearling lining, wool felt upper | Heel drop: Not listed | Widths: Narrow to Medium (A/B)

  • What’s notable: These are extremely durable, and they’ll win you style points.
  • What could be better: The lighter colors can be hard to track down.

Birkenstock bring years of supportive footwear experience to the slipper space with their cork-soled, shearling-lined Zermatt. It’s lightweight with some flexibility and the anatomically-shaped footbed cradles your arch and heel. Sustainability bonus: Birkenstock sells a variety of insoles separately, so you can easily replace the cork footbed when it wears out. Multiple reviewers commented on the narrow width, so size up accordingly.


Best Travel Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Packable And Engineered For Lightweight Support

FitFlop Chrissie Shearling Slipper

Sizes: 5 to 11 | Materials: Suede upper, shearling lining and footbed, EVA outsole | Heel drop: Not listed | Widths: Medium

  • What’s notable: These modern, stylish slippers excel at comfort.
  • What could be better: Because they’re suede, you can’t throw these in the washing machine.

Don’t let the minimal profile of FitFlop’s Chrissie Shearling Slippers fool you; they offer ergonomic foot support, high-rebound air-foam cushioning and a cozy shearling lining. The anatomically-shaped footbeds mimic the curves of the foot, adding support and stability. Plus, these slippers are ultra-lightweight and flexible, perfect for packing into a suitcase or overnight bag.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

At Forbes Vetted, we have published numerous articles on supportive footwear, including guides to the best walking shoes and the most comfortable sneakers for women. The author of this piece, Becky Eaton, suffers from plantar fasciitis herself and drew on her firsthand experience to select the most supportive and comfortable options. Additionally, our writers and contributors regularly interview experts to get their insights and advice on footwear: We’ve rigorously tested everything from the best slippers to the most comfortable flats, and our expertise also extends to men’s footwear, with guides to the best walking shoes for men and most comfortable dress shoes. This story was most recently updated in May 2024.


How We Chose The Best Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

To find the best slippers for plantar fasciitis, the Forbes Vetted team researched the top footwear brands, considering factors such as the overall support, comfort, quality and orthopedic capabilities. We also considered a range of styles, sizes and fits and price points, as well as shipping and return policies and other services that guarantee an excellent shopping experience. Finally, we consulted with a board-certified podiatrist to determine whether these styles have the appropriate features to help people affected by this condition.


What To Consider When Buying Slippers For Plantar Fasciitis

Your Foot Type

Don’t assume that if you have a certain foot type or shape you’re immune to having sore heels. "Any foot type can get plantar fasciitis, although someone with a flat foot is more prone to it because they need more arch support,” says New York City sports podiatrist Lori S. Weisenfeld, DPM. “But people with a high arch tend to have very tight calf muscles and the plantar fascia tends to be tight for those people as well."

Arch Support and Cushioning

“Most slippers will have cushioning, but they may not give you enough support and are generally very flat,” says Dr. Weisenfeld. While many slippers say they have certain foams in the soles for softness, look specifically for those with a molded footbed and arch support. Many foams that are used in slippers squish down easily and do little to promote proper foot positioning.

Heel Height

It may sound surprising, but if you suffer from heel pain you should seek out styles that have a slight lift at the heel. “Slippers that are made particularly for people with plantar fasciitis have a bit of an elevated heel—maybe half inch or one inch,” says Weisenfeld. This elevation decreases the strain on the plantar fascia.

Sole

It seems obvious, but if you’ll be wearing your slippers to the mailbox or on quick errands, look for styles with grippy rubber soles that will help you stay secure on slick surfaces, like Ergofeet’s Orthotic Slipper and Kuru’s Draft Slipper.

Care

If you prefer not to wear socks with your slippers, they can become smelly over time, so it’s good to have the option to throw them in the wash. Isotoner’s Terry Hoodback Clog Slippers are an inexpensive washable option.


What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an incredibly common condition that plagues people of all foot shapes and activity levels. “It is in an inflammation of the ligament-like structure that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot,” says Weisenfeld. “When that becomes inflamed, most people complain of pain on the bottom of the heel, often on the inner side.” There are a variety of factors that can cause plantar fasciitis, including foot mechanics, how much you stand, certain types of exercise and even age. “Pain tends to be worse after a period of rest, like right after you wake up, or especially after prolonged activity, such as from walking or running or commuting to and from work," says Weisenfeld.

Should I Wear Slippers At Home If I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

Yes, because being barefoot at home will make plantar fasciitis worse for those who suffer from it, says Weisenfeld. "If you have plantar fasciitis, wear a supportive shoe at home and avoid walking around in socks.” In addition to wearing slippers with arch support, Weisenfeld advises stretching your calf muscles and says that “putting on shoes with a slightly elevated heel can help reduce heel pain.”

How Can I Help Relieve Plantar Fasciitis At Home?

There are lots of exercises you can do at home to decrease discomfort. "To help reduce heel pain from plantar fasciitis, stretch your calf muscles every day twice a day, gently but consistently,” says Weisenfeld. “Ice for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Choose the right supportive sneaker when you’re outdoors or exercising. Some people also find rolling the bottom of their foot with a lacrosse ball or spiky ball is helpful.” If none of that is working, she says, see a podiatrist.

What Shoes Should I Avoid Wearing If I Have Plantar Fasciitis?

“Avoid very flat flip flops, scuffs and slides—or really anything without built in arch support," says Weisenfeld.


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