What to Look for When Shopping for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur Relief Products

• Purpose: Before choosing a product for relief from plantar fasciitis, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. If you only experience pain first thing in the morning, consider using a massage or stretching tool to help warm up and loosen the plantar fascia and your calf muscles. For people who are on their feet all day, compression socks and sleeves offer convenient and effective pain relief. Fitness walkers and runners may want to get insoles that are best suited for active people.

• Cushioning and Support: If you’re currently dealing with plantar fasciitis or worried about a recurrence, wearing insoles or heel cups that provide good support, cushioning, and shock absorption, especially in the heel area, can make a big difference, says Spielfogel. Cushioning not only helps with pain relief but can also prevent further inflammation and improve foot stability. Support in the arch and ankle area should be firm but flexible.

• Quality: Look for high-quality products from trusted brands that have a proven track record. Check to see if the product has earned the APMA's Seal of Acceptance/Approval.

How We Selected and Tested the Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spur Relief Products

To find the best plantar fasciitis and heel spur relief products, we first spoke with two podiatrists to gain their insight about the most important features to look for and what to avoid. Then, we extensively researched the best-selling relief products from the most popular and trusted brands, evaluating each product for materials, effectiveness, and value. We also hands-on tested one product, Walk-Hero's Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles. When testing insoles, we evaluate them based on the following key criteria.

• Support: We evaluate the product's supportiveness, focusing on how our feet, ankles, and knees feel during use. Do they encourage proper alignment? Are they well-made? Do they have enough structure? Are they supportive during various activities and workouts?

• Comfort: Do they feel too firm or too soft? Are they comfortable enough to forget we're wearing them? Do they support our typical daily movement?

• Pain Relief: Do they offer effective pain relief? Has our pain significantly decreased with use? We prioritize insoles that reduce or completely eliminate our foot pain.

• Breathability: Do they feel airy and wick away moisture effectively? Do our feet get sweaty when wearing them? Are we comfortable wearing them in hot weather and during more intense workouts?

• Value: At the end of the testing period, we check the price. Would we recommend them to friends and family? Would we only purchase them on sale? We prioritize products whose quality exceeds their value.
  

Our Experts

We consulted two board-certified podiatrists throughout our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us learn more about the conditions and what to look for when choosing quality products for plantar fasciitis and heel spur relief. Although we choose products independently, expert input influences our decisions.

• Jackie Sutera, DPM, podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab Member

• William Spielfogel, DPM, board-certified podiatrist and medical advisor at The Good Feet Store

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get ride of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs?

After periods of rest, the plantar fascia and Achilles tighten up, and when you put weight down without warming up, it starts the inflammation cycle all over again, says Sutera. Before getting out of bed, do a calf stretch by extending your leg, locking your knee, and using a belt or shirt looped around the ball of your foot to pull your foot back to stretch your calf and plantar fascia, she adds. Wearing supportive shoes or insoles is an easy, non-invasive way to help alleviate pain and minimize the strain on the plantar fascia, but in some cases, a cortisone injection or surgery may also be needed if symptoms persist, says Spielfogel.

What should I not do with plantar fasciitis?

Some people, especially those with flat feet or high arches, are more prone to plantar fasciitis than others. Plantar fasciitis can be aggravated by a sudden increase in activity, an increase in body weight, improper shoes, overpronation, fat pad atrophy, tight Achilles tendons, as well as other issues, says Sutera. Be sure to stretch, wear the proper shoes, and listen to your body when it comes to exercising, especially high-impact workouts.

Should I go barefoot with plantar fasciitis?

Going barefoot with plantar fasciitis isn't ideal, as the plantar fascia will not be properly supported, says Spielfogel. It's best to walk with adequate support so the condition doesn't worsen, he adds.

What are the best shoes for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis?

The best shoes for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs include options with cushioned heels, solid arch support, and good shock absorption. Podiatrist-recommended brands include Orthofeet, Asics, New Balance, and Kuru.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a writer for Verywell Fit, Alena Davis understands how important it is to know exactly what you’re getting in a product intended for medical use. In addition to working as a fitness trainer, Davis has served as a consultant for companies focused on health and healthcare. Over the years, she has reviewed dozens of products, from athletic recovery aids to condition-specific products to homeopathic essential oils, to help readers discover products that can help you live your best life.

Additional reporting by Christine Luff, ACE-CPT

Certified running coach and Verywell Fit writer Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, has spent years researching, testing, and recommending fitness and athletic products and knows that the right gear can tremendously improve performance and comfort. As an ACE-certified personal trainer, certified running coach, and certified youth fitness specialist, she knows what qualities to look for in fitness equipment and accessories.

For this article, both authors reviewed insights from our experts and the Verywell Fit testing team to thoroughly evaluate each product. They consulted board-certified podiatrists to learn about the best types of products for plantar fasciitis and heel spur relief, as well as the most important key features to look for.