If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of time on your feet and have experienced the pain that comes with wearing high heels. But you don’t have to give up your favorite shoe style—there are plenty of comfortable alternatives that can help you save your heels, so they’ll last longer and feel better.

This blog is all about helping you find the best shoes for hurting heels. We’ll take a look at several different types of shoes that are good for people who regularly wear high heels, and we’ll explain why they’re good options.

Best Shoes For Hurting Heels

We rely on our feet to support us and move us through every day, but heel pain can stop us short. When you need to keep moving, wearing supportive shoes can help. Here are 15 of the best shoes for heel pain, plus four inserts/insoles for the shoes you already have.

Do I need shoes for heel pain? 

Our feet have 25% of the bones in our entire body. The heel is a crucial part of the support system in the foot. The heel bone (formally known as the calcaneus) connects to the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot and the fibula and talus at the back and bottom of the ankle. These structures are surrounded by muscles, tendons, and ligaments that provide support for every move we make on our feet.

When the structures weaken, age, or are injured, heel pain can result. Some of the main causes of heel pain include:

  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Fracture or injury
  • Heel spur
  • Osteomyelitis
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

The first step for heel pain should always be talking to your doctor. While wearing the proper shoes can certainly help the symptoms of heel pain, nothing takes the place of a proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause. Your doctor will offer not only traditional treatment options but also other treatments such as yoga or acupuncture for heel pain.

You have a variety of treatment options for heel pain – talk to your doctor first to figure out the best treatment plan for you.

What kinds of shoes are best for heel pain?

The best shoes for heel pain have some features in common to relieve pain and pressure in the feet. Look for shoes that have proper arch support with a wide foot bed to absorb and disperse shock, especially in the heel. Shoes for plantar fasciitis in particular need to have good arch support and a contoured foot bed.

Other features to consider include:

  • Lightweight material
  • Wide toes boxes
  • Straps or laces for support
  • Proper fit
  • Removable insoles
  • Low (or no) heel

Each of these features help maintain the structural integrity of your foot. This means that it can function properly in conjunction with the rest of your lower leg – this prevents further injury or referred pain elsewhere in the body.

Four of the best shoes for heel pain 

Overall, here are four of the best shoes for heel pain.

1. Dansko professional clogs

What users love: The day-long comfort, ease, and flexibility.

Key features: With a roomy toe box and excellent shock absorption, these shoes for heel pain have the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association

User review: “I have been wearing Danskos for almost 10 years now. These are the only shoes I will wear to work…At the end of a long day with patients my feet don’t hurt at all, not like they would when I would wear tennis shoes that were just as expensive.”

Price: range from $85 to $275, available in women’s styles and men’s styles

2. OOFOS Unisex OOCloog

What users love: These clogs are machine washable and easy to wear.

Key features: Bio-mechanically designed foot bed that rocks with each movement.

User review: “I’m an ICU nurse and I’m on my feet for most of my 13-hr shifts. I developed plantar fasciitis in my right foot. The pain was terrible, and I was limping out of work each day. Nothing helped. So I gave OOFOS a try in a last-ditch effort. These are miracle shoes! Started wearing them all the time and now the plantar fasciitis is gone!”

Price: Price ranges from $50 to $293

3. NAOT Krista

What users love: These stylish sandals provide ample support for heel pain.

Key features: Shock absorbing arch support and a flexible foot bed.

User review: “Look great. So comfortable and supportive. I have plantar fasciitis and enjoy wearing these. I can walk much longer in these and have much more energy with them. No foot soreness to worry about anymore.”

Price: $75 to $180, depending on style

4. KEEN Men’s Newport H2 Sandal

What users love: Durable, comfortable support in all kinds of terrain and for all kinds of uses.

Key features: Shock absorbing soles and adjustable laces help you find your perfect fit.

User review: “Took these to a trip to Hawaii. They suffered through hikes over lava rock, went underwater several times during hikes and at the beach, and were many times over filled with sand and covered in mud. The rubber is thick and protective; this is not your average once-and-done super market water shoe. They held up extremely well, are of high quality and are very comfortable.”

Price: ranges from $70 to $254

Four of the best shoes for heel pain when walking 

 The best shoes for heel pain when walking combine additional support, adjustable fit, and flexibility in the entire shoe for better balance and reduced stress on the feet and legs.

1. ABEO Petra

What users love: The comfort of the wider toe box reduces fatigue when walking.

Key features: A wide toe box and deep heel cup for better balance, stability and support.

User review: “Very comfortable and looks good. I ended up buying another pair. Since I have hip replacements and often have plantar fasciitis, these are very good and feet and hips don’t hurt.”

Price: $175, available in four colors

2. Rockport Men’s Eureka Walking Shoe

What users love: The all-day comfort and genuine leather uppers for comfort and good looks.

Key features: Fatigue-fighting foot bed, moisture-wicking lining, and a shock-absorbing midsole.

User review: “Love these Rockports, sized perfectly for me. Quality materials at a great price!”

Price: At $46 to $146, a more affordable entry into walking shoes

3. Orthofeet Breeze

What users love: Velcro that is easy to adjust and style that doesn’t look like an orthopedic shoe

Key features: These shoes come with arch support, supportive cushioning, and a comfort guarantee.

User review: “I purchased these shoes for my mom, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. I looked into other orthopedic insoles and shoes, which is how I came across Orthofeet. These shoes are great. My mom was initially reluctant to wear “regular” shoes after wearing crocs for years. However, she said they were even more comfortable and supportive.”

Price: $125, also available in wide widths

4. Orthofeet Tacoma

 What users love: The wide toe box and removable insoles for perfect fit and all-day comfort.

Key features: Therapeutic design minimizes stress on joints while providing support.

User review: “This is my second pair of Orthofeet shoes. I have wide feet, and these super-wides fit the bill! They are light, wide, cushioning, and easy on my feet. I have neuropathy and foot pain issues, and it’s nearly impossible to find a really comfortable pair of tennis shoes, or any shoe. They are more comfortable and fitting than shoes I had custom made at orthopedic shoe stores and by orthopedic doctors! Less money too.”

Price: $125, available in extra wide widths

Three best running shoes for heel pain 

Runners need lightweight support that prevents heel pain and protects the joints from stress and strain. Here are our picks for the best running shoes for heel pain.

1. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20

What users love: The comfort, the cushioning, and the streamlined fit.

Key features: The Guiderails Holistic Support System minimizes excessive movement in the feet to not only support people with heel pain but to also protect the knees.

User review: “It’s like running or walking on pillows. I have knee issues and feet issues. These shoes make exercise capable again.”

Price: $53 to $270, available in 24 colors and in wide and extra-wide widths

2. Brooks Women’s Cascadia 15

What users love: The soft and responsive spring of a supportive sole.

Key features: If you are looking for shoes for Achilles tendonitis, these shoes have been granted the APMA Seal of Acceptance in terms of support, comfort, and fit

User review: “I have been having problems with my feet trying to find a shoe that will give me comfort!! I stand all day, I work in surgery standing for long periods of time and spent so much money on shoes looking for one that will stop my feet from hurting!!! I love these Brooks!”

Price: $110 to $281, available in 31 colors and wide and narrow widths

3. ASICS Gel-Cumulus 23 (for men and women)

What users love: The comfortable, lightweight structure of the shoe.

Key features: Gender-specific construction makes allowances for the way a foot falls and offers cushion and support.

User review: “I bought these for speed walking since my knees are not allowing me to run much anymore. I found that these shoes are very comfortable and true to size. They are light and protect my feet without be bulky feeling or getting in the way of my stride.”

Price: The price for both men’s and women’s ranges between $120 and $230, with wide widths available

Four best dress shoes for heel pain 

 Stylish shoes should still provide all-day support. We’ve rounded up options for men and women.

 1. Vionic Men’s Astor Preston Slip-on Loafer

What users love: Easy on and off comfort that doesn’t sacrifice style

Key features: A footbed designed by a podiatrist for stability and support.

User review: “My sore heel is happy now. These shoes seem to be well-made and provide excellent arch support!”

Price: Available in two colors from $120 to $165

2. Dockers Men’s Gordon Leather Oxford Dress Shoe

What users love: Timeless style in an affordable orthotic shoe.

Key features: The American Podiatric Medical Association endorses this shoe for supporting foot function and health.

User review: “I’m on my 4th or 5th pair (lost track at this point). They look great and they’re comfy, especially for someone with flat feet.”

Price: $50 to $75 in two colors

3. NAOT Footwear Women’s Maryjane Heel

What users love: When only a heel will do, the Maryjane heel offers style without sacrificing comfort.

Key features: Padded heel cup and memory foam-wrapped footbed for additional support.

User review: “I have extremely problematic feet. It has been literally years since I’ve been able to wear dressy dresses because I could wear the shoes needed to look nice. These are quite good. I can be on my feet for several hours (a requirement for me) and not be miserable.”

Price: $130 to $210 in three colors

4. Vionic Women’s Minna

What users love: Stylish comfort available in a variety of colors and both wide and narrow widths.

Key features: Awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance for promoting good foot health and proper function with a supportive footbed and design.

User review: “I am mostly a heel person so I decided to buy a pair of ballet flats when I went traveling and knew I would be walking a lot. These shoes are super cute and comfortable. I can easily walk 6-7 miles in them.”

Price: $38 to $153, available in 25 colors in wide and narrow widths

Four best shoe inserts for heel pain 

 Sometimes you just need a shoe insert to help out with heel pain. Here are four of the best.

1. Dr. Scholl’s Pain Relief Orthotics

What users love: These orthotics can be worn discreetly with most types of shoes.

Key features: Specifically designed for heel pain, with no trimming required.

User review: “Great product! I am on my feet 10-12 hours a day and my heel spur on my right foot was killing me. Wearing these inserts helps me tremendously.”

Price: $12, in various sizes

2. ViveSole Silicone Gel Heel Cups

What users love: Comfortable and supportive without adding bulk.

Key features: Shock-absorbing gel and latex-free material contours to the heel for support.

User review: “Excellent heel pads for plantar fasciitis. Very, very comfortable…price was great and better than prescription set from doctors.”

Price: A bargain at $10 for a pair

3. Walk Hero Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles

What users love: Comfortable and supportive for everyday relief of heel pain.

Key features: Deep heel cup and shock absorbing material.

User review: “This is one of the best products for who suffers from [plantar fasciitis] foot pain during walking. I’m so happy after daily use. No more doctors visit after this. Now I’m walking two miles a day. Well-made product.”

Price: Between $10 and $20 (larger sizes increase the price per pair)

4. Powerstep Pinnacle Breeze Insole

What users love: No need to cut down these true-to-size inserts

Key features: If you like high-impact workouts, the Pinnacle breeze offer semi-rigid support to protect against heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

User review: “They are as supportive as my custom orthotics, and inserting a lateral heel wedge provides for over supination. Plus saves a lot of money vs than buying more custom orthotics. IMHO, you cannot go wrong with these inserts.”

Price: $36 to $48 in men’s and women’s sizes

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