The best shoes for plantar fasciitis, according to experts

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that affects the heel.

While it's treatable through exercise and physiotherapy, it's really important to have supportive shoes while dealing with the condition. We spoke to three experts to better understand the condition and get their recommendations on the shoes you should be wearing when you have plantar fasciitis.

But first of all...

What is plantar fasciitis?

We asked physiotherapists Adam Monteith from Evoker Premium Physiotherapy Services and Garima Bharti from Get Better Physiotherapy to explain.

According to Monteith, plantar fasciitis is an irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a strong, fibrous, thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.

Its role is to connect the base of your heel bone to the base of your toes, and it functions to support the arch of your foot.

The condition can be quite painful – "like you are walking, or hobbling rather, on broken glass," says Monteith – especially on your heels, as sufferers start to move first thing in the morning. This is because the fascia is adjusting to bearing weight after having the night off. The heel pain in this instance can be acute.

What causes plantar fasciitis?

Bharti tells us that a list of things can cause plantar fasciitis, including spending a long time on your feet, running and jumping.

It can also be caused by activities that involve being on tip-toe, like ballet and dancing, but also tight calves, flat feet, improper shoes, an increase in weight, trauma or injury to the feet, or bone spurs in the heel.

Monteith adds that age can also be a factor, with plantar fasciitis most common in people between 40 and 60.

What do you need in a shoe if you have plantar fasciitis?

"Shoes that have arch support for sure," says Bharti.

"Some people may require more or less arch support depending upon how flat their arches are, and shoes with a slightly higher heel will help to reduce the pressure on the heel."

Based on these criteria, we have a list of shoe recommendations courtesy of Angela Holland, Managing Director and Principal Podiatrist of Advance Foot Clinic.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

Ascent Groove Thongs and Slides

Men's thongs $79.99Women's thongs $79.99

Women's slides $79.99Men's slides $79.99

According to Holland, going barefoot at home is a "big no-no" if you ask a podiatrist. In that case, the thongs and slides from Ascent are a good option when walking around the home or running errands. With "built-in arch support and cushioning, they are the perfect summer recovery shoe for plantar fasciitis," says Holland.

Archies Thongs and Slides

$39.99 on The Athlete's Foot

Archies is the brainchild of physiotherapist Daniel Jones, created to give Australians a supportive pair of thongs. This means they have decent arch support. They also come in a wide range of colours, so you can get some in your style.

Also check out their slides...

$59.99 on The Athlete's Foot

New Balance 860 Shoes

Get the men's pair for $240Get the women's pair for $190

The New Balance 860 Shoes are especially supportive for those who over-pronate when walking or running.

"Excessive pronation is one of the leading risk factors for plantar fasciitis, and wearing a supportive anti-pronation shoe is essential to treat the condition," says Holland.

Men's Asics Gel Kayano 31 Shoes

Get the men's pair for $279.99Get the women's pair for $189.99

This particular pair of Asics is popular for its "cloud-like cushioning and moulded arch support," adds Holland.

"They're perfect for immediately improving the symptoms of plantar fasciitis."

Ascent Stratus Shoes

$189.99 here

The Stratus Shoes from Ascent have a supportive, cushioned insole. They feature a breathable upper, a firm heel counter and a sturdy sole construction.

"Patients love them because they don't look like orthopedic shoes and have all of the arch support and cushioning needed to improve their plantar fasciitis," says Holland.

Monteith also added that Brooks, Mizuno, and Hoka are ones to try for plantar fasciitis.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22

Men's pair on sale for $169.95Women's pair $259.95

The Brooks Adrenaline shoe is best for those who need added support and a soft landing when running. They feature ample cushioning and are engineered for smooth transitions. They also suit feet that have a flat to medium arch.

Mizuno Wave Rider TT 2

$250 on Mizuno

The Mizuno Wave Rider has an enhanced outsole grip and upper support. The shoe also features a comfortable midsole, made of Mizuno Enerzy material, which also features in the heel wedge.

Hoka Arahi 7

Yours for $259.99

The Hoka Arahi 7 features an improved midfoot lockdown and a compression-moulded EVA midsole to support the arch of your foot. The patented J-Frame technology makes it one of Hoka's most stable shoes.

Hoka Gaviota 5

Buy them here for $199.99

The Hoka Gaviota features inherent stability and comfort, with cushioning for a soft underfoot feel and plenty of support, too. It features a trademarked H-Frame, which allows for the implementation of very soft foam. The compression-moulded EVA midsole gives arch support, while the Early Stage Meta Rocker helps rock your gait forward for seamless movement.

READ MORE: I gave in to the Hoka hype, and these are my honest thoughts