The 7 Best Shoes For Heel Spurs: Support & Pain Management
Heel spurs are bony outgrowths that form on the heel bone; in other words, they are bone spurs on the heel. They are usually caused by repeated strain or stress on the plantar fascia – the ligament that runs underneath the foot – resulting in inflammation and the formation of a bony protrusion. That said, heel spurs are often associated with plantar fasciitis, a common condition characterized by inflammation of the tissue stretching from the toes to the heel. While heel spurs themselves are often asymptomatic, they can contribute to ongoing pain and discomfort for individuals with plantar fasciitis. Treatment for heel spurs may include physical therapy, medication, or in severe cases, surgery.
Word of note: Shoes are not your cure for heel spurs. But they are important for pain management and prevention of flair-ups. As a student PT, one of the biggest things I learned from my clinical experiences is that pain management is huge in literally ever case. To claify, pain management is vital not just because of the reduced pain but because reduced pain means that patients will be way more capable of following through with their prescribed exercises and interventions, which is what will ultimately lead to sustainable change.
In sum, while shoes cannot cure a heel spur, they can certainly help manage the pain and provide added support to the foot, helping to alleviate the discomfort associated with the condition, and thus allowing you to carry out your physical therapy exercise interventions and activities of daily living.
What is the best heel-to-toe drop?
In any case, well-fitted shoes that support the arch are important. For instance, wearing tennis shoes with flat soles may exacerbate heel spurs for some individuals due to the lack of proper arch support. But further thinking about biomechanics of the foot, the heel drop (difference in height between heel and forefoot of a shoe) is also considered. The selection of shoes in this round-up post includes shoes with high, mid, and low amounts of heel-to-toe drop. High heel drop shoes (typically above 10mm) encourage a heel-first landing, while low heel drop shoes (typically below 8mm) encourage a more natural, midfoot strike. It’s hard to say one is better than the other because there are benefits and considerations for each. For instance, a high heel drop reduces initial ankle plantarflexion, and thus reduces tension on the achilles tendon (which connects to plantar fascia, and should reduce tension on the plantar fascia too); However, high heel drop may be associated with more knee forces2. On the other hand, low heel drop shoes may be a better option for those with existing pain in knees. With that said, heel-to-toe drop in shoes may impact running form and foot strike, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that it directly affects injury risk1. Nonetheless, comfortable shoes help prevent foot fatigue and reduce pain.
For people with heel spurs, there is no one perfect heel drop. In truth, the best walking shoes for heel spurs depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Not to mention, more research is still needed on the matter especially in relation to heel spurs and heel drop. Overall, the best shoe for you is dependent on what you find comfortable.
What are the best shoes for heel spurs?
Read on for more details on each pair!
1. Orthofeet Women’s Coral Stretch Knit/ Men’s Edgewater Stretch
Overview
The orthofeet women’s coral stretch knit shoes and men’s edgewater stretch shoes are a great option for individuals with sensitive feet or foot alignments. All orthofeet shoes have undergone stringent assessments by licensed podiatrists and have earned the APMA seal of approval. Their design mimics the natural shape of the foot, offering a high amount of support and comfort —even to individuals dealing with foot pain, arthritis, or diabetes. One of the best features of orthofeet shoes is that they come with removable orthotic insoles, arch support, and spacers, allowing for greater personalization compared to other shoes. Just to note, the names of these shoes may differ for women and men; however, they provide the same advantages.
Top Features
- Comes with the cushioned, removable premium orthotic insole and removable arch booster
- Includes fitting spacer (1/16” and 1/8” thick) that can be kept or removed according to your preferred fit
- Breathable and great grip
- Wide toe-box and stretchy upper material allows a relaxed fit
- Option to choose different widths: standard, wide, extra wide, or XX wide
Considerations
- None
Cost
- $119.95
- Take a look at the reviews for the women’s shoe and men’s shoes.
2. Brooks Ghost 15
Overview
The women’s brooks ghost 15 and men’s brooks ghost 15 have earned a loyal following among runners due to its reliable fit, smooth transitions, and soft cushioning. The shoe is a great option for everyday use because it has comfortable, cushioned soles and smooth transitions between steps. Further, the shoe’s updated design provides a comfortable upper, making it a popular choice for everyday workouts. The Brooks Ghost 15 continues to be one of the most sought-after running shoes due to its improved design and advancements, with positive reviews from runners worldwide.
Features
- Soft, moderate-level cushioned shoe (moderate because there are Brooks shoes with more cushioning and less cushioning) with their nitrogen infused DNA loft v2 foam. If you prefer a highly cushioned shoe, the Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 would be a good option.
- Durable sole
- Breathable fabric
- Option to choose different widths: medium and wide
Considerations
- Heel drop is 12 mm, making this a high heel drop shoe. Refer to the above section to learn more about heel drop.
Cost
- $140
- Take a look at the reviews for the women’s shoes and men’s shoes.
3. Nike Air Max SC
Overview
The women’s nike air max SC and men’s nike air max SC is one nike’s most popular shoe. This shoe is a good option for all day comfort. The shoes feature an EVA foam midsole but its highlight is the air bubble technology in its heel, which provides extra cushioning and aids shock absorption. This air technology helps give the shoe its springiness. Additionally, the shoes’ construction comprises a blend of real and synthetic leather and mesh, aimed at creating a comfortable and breathable design.
Features
- Comfortable, moderate-level cushioned heel with air bubble technology and EVA foam.
- Breathable upper mesh and light-weight design
- Great responsiveness
- Outsole has good traction
- Affordable
Considerations
- No option for wider shoe
- Heel drop is 10mm, which is closer to the higher range. Refer to above section to learn more about heel drop.
Cost
- Ranges from $57.97 – $85
- Take a look at the reviews for the women’s shoes and men’s shoes.
4. Hoka Arahi 6
Overview
The women’s hoka arahi 6 and men’s hoka arahi 6 are a great combination of cushioning and stability. Its main catch is the J frame stability system in their midsole, which is designed to help prevent overpronation of the foot. Additionally, the Hoka Arahi 6 is APMA-certified. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) certification acknowledges products that help to maintain and improve the health of the feet.
Features
- Moderate-level cushioning (balance between their light and plush cushioning) with their compression-molded foam midsole
- Stable and prevent overpronation with the J-frame technology
- Durable rubber outsole
- Option to choose different widths: regular and wide
Considerations
- Heel drop is 5 mm, making this a low heel drop shoe. Refer to the above section to learn more about heel drop.
Cost
- $140
- Take a look at the reviews for the women’s shoes and men’s shoes.
5. Brooks Dyad 11
Overview
The women’s brooks dyad 11 and men’s brooks dyad 11 are a versatile running shoe that is designed to offer both neutral support and stability. Its simple yet effective design ensures that the shoe cradles your foot perfectly while providing ample room for orthotics especially for those with flat-feet. The upper has been revamped with fewer seam lines to create a smoother fit.
Features
- Mid-level cushioning with the BioMoGo DNA cushioning
- Added stability with the midfoot pods at the bottom of shoe
- Good people who use custom orthotics/ insoles support
- Roomier shoe
- Option to choose different widths: medium, wide fit, and extra wide
Considerations
- Heel drop is 10 mm, which is closer to high range. Refer to the above section to learn more about heel drop.
Cost
- $130
- Take a look at the reviews for the women’s shoes and men’s shoes.
6. Asics Novablast 3
Overview
The women’s novablast 3 and men’s novablast 3 have been redesigned to weight 30g less than its predecessor while still providing comfort and great support. This is one of the more cushioned pairs of shoes from Asics, and includes a heel counter for a more steady stride. The upper has been designed to allow more breathability and a secure lockdown.
Features
- Well cushioned with the flytefoam blast midsole
- Sidewall at the bottom of midsole helps provide heel support
- Durable
- More airy with the thinner tongue construction
Considerations
- Heel drop is 8 mm, which is mid-level. Refer to the above section to learn more about heel drop.
- No option for a wider shoe
Cost
- $140
- Take a look at the reviews for the women’s shoes and men’s shoes.
7. Nike Pegasus 40
Overview
The women’s pegasus 40 and men’s pegasus 40 are another comfortable option for running and daily wear. Shoe is designed to provide comfort in the areas of the toes, arch, and heel. Featuring a midfoot band that offers a secure fit for the wearer, and a highly-tuned, single-layer mesh that conforms to your foot shape. Additionally, the Peg 40 boasts a redesigned midfoot strap that caters to all sizes of arches. This neutral support shoe is a great option for both heel and forefoot strikers.
Features
- Moderate level cushioned footbed, offers balance between high-level cushioning and light cushioning
- Nike react technology midsole has heel and forefoot zoom air units, providing ample support and responsiveness.
- Just enough wiggle room for your toes
- Grip structure and bottom provide great traction
- Durable
Considerations
- Heel drop drop is 10mm, which is closer to the higher range.. Refer to the above section to learn more about heel drop.
Cost
- $130
- Take a look at the reviews for the women’s shoes and men’s shoes.
Bottomline – What are the best shoes for heel spurs?
This round-up post includes a good number of options for the best shoes for heel spurs. The right pair for you depends on your preferences and needs. For instance some people prefer super plush cushioned heels over light, responsive cushions. Or some prefer a more rigid sole. If you are experiencing heel pain, you have a good bet with the shoes included in this list.
References:
Malisoux, L., Chambon, N., Urhausen, A., & Theisen, D. (2016). Influence of the Heel-to-Toe Drop of Standard Cushioned Running Shoes on Injury Risk in Leisure-Time Runners: A Randomized Controlled Trial With 6-Month Follow-up. The American journal of sports medicine, 44(11), 2933–2940. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546516654690
Sun, X., Lam, W. K., Zhang, X., Wang, J., & Fu, W. (2020). Systematic Review of the Role of Footwear Constructions in Running Biomechanics: Implications for Running-Related Injury and Performance. Journal of sports science & medicine, 19(1), 20–37.
