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If you suffer from foot pain such as plantar fasciitis, walking barefoot (even when you’re lounging at home) can be painful. Fortunately, you can get the support you need and still be comfortable with a pair of the best slippers for plantar fasciitis. There’s nothing like coming home after a long day of work and kicking off your shoes to relax and de-stress, and donning a soft, supportive pair of slippers or house shoes can help.
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem, that’s essentially “tiny microtears in the fascia causing inflammation,” says Neha Pathak, a New York City-based podiatrist and head of Universal Footcare. It is characterized by acute heel pain, or tenderness and stiffness along the arch of the foot. The pain may be more intense in the mornings or after being seated for a while. It’s often an overuse injury, so you may experience it after an uptick in exercise, for example. “Abnormal foot biomechanics, increased activity, weight gain, or incorrect shoe gear choices” are other factors that can lead to the common ailment, Pathak notes.
Walking barefoot can aggravate your symptoms, so podiatrists like Pathak advise patients to wear supportive footwear, like walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, as much as possible. This includes wearing slippers for plantar fasciitis when you’re at home. “Biomechanically, shoes and slippers can reduce the amount of your foot flattening out, reduce pronation, provide more shock absorption, and give more support, allowing your foot to work more efficiently”, says Mark Mendeszoon, a podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. There’s a wide range of house shoes and slippers for plantar fasciitis available, and you can even try insoles for plantar fasciitis in your favorite slippers for added support.
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To narrow this list, we consulted with expert podiatrists and searched for well-known, top-rated brands. We evaluated the best slippers for plantar fasciitis based on their arch support, cushioning, and heel stability. We also looked for slippers in a variety of styles, including slippers for women and slippers for men, to suit your every need.
Below are the 13 best slippers for plantar fasciitis that are both supportive and comfy. We promise that wearing these slippers after a busy day will be the best part of your at-home evening routine.
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Materials: Terrycloth, rubber
Special features: Anti-slip rubber sole, machine washable
What reviewers say: “Every time I push my feet into these slippers, I get a little pop of pleasure. They feel so cozy. I also like the soles because whether inside of the house or out, even in wet grass, my feet remain comfortable and dry.”
Materials: Faux fur, rubber
Special features: Adjustable upper, machine washable
What reviewers say: “I purchased these in my third trimester of pregnancy due to foot pain. The increase in relaxin resulted in flatter arches which was making walking, especially by the end of the day, very painful. These definitely gave my arch some support making it more comfortable to walk around the house. I found they were also okay for walking around the patio or to the mailbox because the bottom is a tougher
Materials: Suede, rubber
Special features: Durable outsole, deep heel cup
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Materials: Faux fur, rubber
Special features: Shock-absorbing insole, machine washable
What reviewers say: “I have neuropathy and knee problems and this shoe has helped tremendously! I use it as a slipper to wear around the house.”
Materials: Stretch knit, rubber
Special features: Orthotic insole, available in several widths, good for many foot conditions
What reviewers say: “So comfortable. Easy to walk in. Easy on and easy off. Good arch support. These are my everyday shoes now.”
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Materials: Wool, rubber
Special features: Memory foam, lightweight
What reviewers say: “I have been wearing these slippers for years. This is my third or fourth pair. They are extremely comfortable and well made. A little on the expensive side but well worth the money as they last a long time.”
Materials: Nylon, fleece, rubber
Special features: Deep, rounded heel cup
What reviewers say: “These slippers are so great! I have really bad heel pain and as soon as I put my foot in one I knew these were for me! The support is like no other!”
Materials: Polyester, velvet, rubber
Special features: Non-skid outsole
What reviewers say: “I am really impressed by the feel and comfort of these slippers. Perfect arch support and super soft inner liner that does not make my feet overheat or sweat. Truly comfortable and feels high quality.”
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Materials: Terrycloth, Rubber
Special features: Orthotic footbed, adjustable upper, anti-bacterial, odor-resistant
What reviewers say: “I’ve been wearing these slippers for several years. Soft and warm, great arch support for my flat feet, and no more pain from the plantar facsciitis that I had several years back. Cannot live without them, wear all the time at home as we have hardwood floors. And, they run wide.”
Materials: Suede, fleece, rubber
Special features: Top and heel adjustability, memory foam footbed
What reviewers say: “These slippers are a perfect fit for my disabled husband because of the Velcro and he loves how comfortable they are.”
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Materials: Faux fur, rubber
Special features: Adjustable top strap, orthotic insole
What reviewers say: “I needed a new pair of slippers. So I did my research and found these orthofeet slippers. I am very happy with them. They have a good supportive arch, they are very comfortable, and nice sole to walk outside. They are not waterproof, so I wouldn’t recommend if you’re looking for slippers that you can use outside in wet weather.”
Materials: Canvas, rubber
Special features: Two different insole options, non-skid outsole
What reviewers say: “I suffer from fallen arches as well as plantar fasciitis. I also have pins in my foot and these slippers feel great and stopped my foot pain. I would recommend them to anyone suffering from foot pain.”
Materials: Suede, faux fur, rubber
Special features: Deep heel cup for stability, footbed helps correct pronation
What reviewers say: “Excellent support and comfort. Relieves foot pain and plantar fasciitis. Have had them for about a year now – winter is coming back in the Southern hemisphere so I have brought them out again – very happy with these. Still almost like new after a lot of wear.”
What to Look For in the Best Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
Proper footwear helps with plantar fasciitis treatment, and wearing good, supportive shoes for plantar fasciitis throughout the day is most important. Mendeszoon suggests wearing supportive slippers for short times in the mornings and evenings while relaxing or lounging at home instead of going barefoot. “Comfort and feeling support in your arch and heel are the most important factors when buying a slipper,” he says. Not all slippers are created equal, however. “If you can bend the shoe in half, it is likely unsupportive,” Pathak says. The best slippers for plantar fasciitis will share a lot of the same qualities as running shoes or walking shoes for plantar fasciitis, including:
- Arch support: Arguably the most important element of proper shoes for plantar fasciitis is neutral arch support to help balance weight evenly across the entire foot. This will combat issues associated with high arches and flat feet, two biomechanical problems that lead to exerting too much pressure in the wrong places, such as the plantar fascia.
- A heel counter: A heel counter is an insert in the heel that reinforces it, providing extra stability. “Look for a more rigid heel counter, so that if you are a pronator, the shoe can control your pronation and keep your heel in a neutral position,” Pathak explains. A deep heel cup has a similar effect, keeping the heel in place so your feet get the full benefit of a shoe’s support.
- Ergonomic cushioning: The best judge of your foot comfort is you. Plenty of cushioning means your feet are supported and aren’t feeling the impact of the ground. Comfortable feet without pain are an indication of healthy feet.
- Durable outsole: To protect the integrity of your slippers and make them last longer, look for an outsole that has traction and can hold up to basic daily wear and tear. Rubber is a commonly used option in the best slippers for plantar fasciitis.
Related: Best Shoes for Flat Feet
How We Chose the Best Slippers for Plantar Fasciitis
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
To select the best slippers for plantar fasciitis, we consulted two podiatrists to properly understand the needs of someone suffering with plantar fasciitis as well as why supportive footwear, including slippers, is important for treatment. Our experts also advised us on what features to look for when shopping for slippers, such as good arch support and a stable heel counter. We researched products from top-rated brands and looked for slippers with positive reviews that include good arch support, cushioning, heel stability, and overall durability. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Neha Pathak is a New York City-based podiatrist and head of Universal Footcare wear she provides advanced conservative and surgical treatment for a variety of foot and ankle ailments. As an athlete herself, Dr. Pathak understands the need for effective, minimally invasive treatments and preventions for plantar fasciitis.
Dr. Mark Mendeszoon, DPM, is a podiatrist based in Ohio who has worked with athletes from high school to Olympians. Dr. Mendeszoon lectures nationally and internationally, and is a physician spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association. He specializes in sports medicine, diabetic foot and ankle conditions, and reconstructive and trauma surgery.
Meet the Authors
Jen Zeltwanger is a certified exercise physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine, and a freelance writer and editor specializing in health and fitness topics and product reviews. As an avid runner, she knows the discomfort of plantar fasciitis first hand and how a good pair of slippers can make all the difference in recovery. Learn more about Footwear News here.
