The 6 Best Sneakers for Plantar Fasciitis and Women Over 50: Supportive, Stylish Shoe Options

Foot pain is high up on our list of frustrating ailments, and we're not just talking about the pain you may experience while wearing high heels (although that's no fun either). More specifically, we're talking about plantar fasciitis, a painful, frustrating condition many of us experience in our feet that can make even the most simple of tasks, such as walking, unbearable. And, it's even more common for women over 50. Thankfully, the right shoes can help relieve and even prevent plantar fasciitis from developing. If you're unsure where to start looking, we've got you covered. Here, we rounded up the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis that are especially beneficial for women over 50 — and don't worry, they're just as stylish as they are comfortable.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue that connects the heel to the toes at the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, according to Mayo Clinic. "A leading cause of plantar fasciitis is weight gain, circulatory problems, trauma and gravity over many years resulting in wear and tear," says Suzanne Levine, DPM, RPT, PC, podiatrist at Millenium Podiatry in New York City.

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The symptoms of plantar fasciitis include stabbing pain especially near the heel, swelling and arch pain, among others. It's most common in people ages 40-60 , so the older you get, the more important it is to take care of your feet and treat them with some extra TLC. Even more, plantar fasciitis is more common in women than men , making it vital for women over 50 to invest in the right pair of sneakers for plantar fasciitis.

What to look for in sneakers for plantar fasciitis

We get it: If you have plantar fasciitis (or even if you don't) and are over 50, you're probably over wearing heels (why do we put ourselves through that pain, anyway?!). So if you're like us, you reach for sneakers more often than not nowadays as they're less likely to flare up your plantar fasciitis and foot pain. However, choosing the wrong sneakers that are not supportive can make your pain even worse. Below, a few key features to keep in mind when looking for sneakers for plantar fasciitis.

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1. Sneakers with arch support

Proper arch support is so important for a variety of foot conditions, from flat feet to plantar fasciitis. The natural arch of our feet tend to flatten as we age, regardless of if we have plantar fasciitis or not, so looking for sneakers with arch support is a must.

2. Sneakers with an elevated heel

If you have plantar fasciitis, you'll want sneakers that have a slightly raised heel to take off some of the weight and strain. Since plantar fasciitis is primarily a heel condition, you'll want to make sure the heel cup is supportive.

3. Sneakers with a sturdy midsole/footbed

You'll want the footbed to be flexible enough to be comfortable walking, but not too flexible where the midsole bends very easily. Shock-absorbing footbeds will be your best bet for plantar fasciitis.

The 6 best sneakers for plantar fasciitis

Keep reading for our top picks for the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis for women over 50.

Vionic Walk Max Lace Up Sneaker

The Vionic Walk Max Sneakers make a strong case for the best sneaker for plantar fasciitis. They are made with great arch support, lots of stability, comfortable cushioning, a water-repellent upper and even a nitrogen-infused midsole for peak rebound. Even more, they are super lightweight and breathable, designed with moisture control. And they have a slight platform heel, perfect for relieving that heel pain.

Hoka Clifton 9

If you're a big runner or do daily walking laps around the neighborhood, Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers are top tier. They have a bit of height with a cushioned heel, and are raved about by reviewers. They've received 5 stars from 3,702 reviewers on their website, and have become wildly popular on social media and in real life. Plus, we love the pops of color on this pair.

Easy Spirit Denise Austin Mel EMOVE Walking Shoes

Feel pretty in pink with Easy Spirit Denise Austin Mel EMOVE Walking Shoes (available in 10 other colors if pink isn't your style). Not only are they adorable, they're designed with comfort and support in mind. They feature a cushioned memory foam insole, arch support and are available in both medium and wide sizing. They're made for all-day walking and standing, so you'll feel comfortable no matter how long you're on your feet.

Orthofeet Coral Sneakers

The Orthofeet Coral Sneakers are truly the full package when it comes to sneakers for plantar fasciitis. One of our favorite features of this shoe is its removable orthotic insole, which has layered cushioning as well as arch support to give feet extra support. They also have a wide toe box, so if you experience swelling from plantar fasciitis, you'll still feel comfortable in your sneakers.

Dr. Scholl's Women's Feel Good Lace Up Sneaker

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For a casual sneaker option, Dr. Scholl's Women's Feel Good Lace Up Sneakers were specifically designed for those with plantar fasciitis. They have patented Shock Guard technology to absorb shock and relieve pressure off of heels, as well as arch support. As an added bonus, they are anti-microbial and anti-odor so your feet will smell fresh all day, and they have a comfy cushioned foam insole.

Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Big League Sneakers

Skechers has long been loved for having comfortable, long-wear shoes, so it doesn't come as a surprise that they made our list. The brand's Arch Fit 2.0 Big League pair was specifically designed with arch support in mind — great for plantar fasciitis — and have a traction outsole to prevent any slipping or sliding while wearing.

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