Hoka Bondi 8
Sizes: 5 to 12 (W), 7 to 16 (M) | Heel-to-toe Drop: 4 millimeters | Wide Sizes: Yes | Cushion Level: Plush
There’s a reason this Hoka style keeps appearing on our footwear lists: The Bondi 8 is highly cushioned and offers excellent heel protection, where impact—and plantar fasciitis pain—can be most felt. This version is also made of a softer and more lightweight foam than previous iterations, giving cloud-like comfort with every step you take. Expect reduced foot pain and a balanced feel thanks to its memory foam collar, rear crash pad and metarocking sole that prevents your foot from sitting too flat. It’s also a great pick if you have high arches because it “offers the most cushion while still remaining a neutral shoe,” says Dr. Schottenstein.
Best Hoka Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Lightweight And Streamlined For Every Stride
Hoka Mach 6
Sizes: 5 to 11 (W), 7 to 16 (M) | Heel-to-toe Drop: 5 millimeters | Wide Sizes: Yes | Cushion Level: Responsive
A good running shoe requires some bounce-back; the last thing you want is to feel like you’re stuck in a sunken position as you log those miles. The Mach 6’s midsole foam adds a springy bounciness and the lightweight, low-profile design won’t hold you back. The heel-to-toe drop on this style keeps your plantar fascia on stretch, which helps heal pain as you run—and reduce future occurrences.
Best Hoka Walking Shoes For Plantar Fasciities
High Heel Stack To Protect The Foot
Hoka Clifton 9
Sizes: 5 to 12 (W), 7 to 16 (M) | Heel-to-toe Drop: 5 millimeters | Wide Sizes: Yes | Cushion Level: Balanced
For a lightweight shoe that marries cushion and stability, go for the Clifton 9. It can, of course, still be worn for running, but thanks to its raised heel stack, responsive foam and plush heel, we think the Clifton 9 is a solid pick for walking as well. Its airy weight—4 grams less than its previous iteration, a noteworthy weight reduction for a shoe—and molded EVA midsole offer the perfect level of lightweight cushioning that feels plush for every step. Pro tip: If you frequently walk in bad weather, the Clifton 9 is also available in a GTX version that’s waterproof and extra-durable.
Best Hoka Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis
Molded-To-Your-Feet Comfort
Hoka Ora Recovery Fip
Sizes: 5 to 11 (W), 7 to 14 (M) | Heel-to-toe Drop: 6 millimeters | Wide Sizes: No | Cushion Level: Plush
After a tough workout or run—or if you travel, a long day exploring a new city on vacation—your feet can simply feel swollen, tired and sore. This is where the magic of the Ora Recovery Flip comes in: Simply slide your foot into the thong and prepare for some relaxation and cushiony healing benefits. Multiple reviewers say wearing these is like “walking on clouds” and with its soft fabric strap, signature rocking sole and footbed grooves that keep feet secure and feel like a light massage, we couldn’t agree more. One fit note, however, is these aren’t available in wide sizes, so you might want to try sizing up.
Best Hoka Hiking Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
High Traction, High Support
Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX
Sizes: 5 to 11 (W), 7 to 14 (M) | Heel-to-toe Drop: 4 millimeters | Wide Sizes: No | Cushion Level: Balanced
For hiking or an all-terrain trail run, consider the Speedgoat 5 GTX: It’s not only waterproof, it also has a super grippy Vibram sole and a cradling heel collar that helps your foot stay secure. The sockline’s molded to mimic the foot’s shape and the metarocking sole is designed to protect the foot with a smooth, cushioned transition as you step—or scramble—over rough terrain.
Best Stylish Hoka Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Fashionable Design With Plenty Of Support
Hoka Transport X
Sizes: M4/W5 to M14/W15 | Heel-to-toe Drop: 5 millimeters | Wide Sizes: No | Cushion Level: Balanced
We all know Hoka has an impressive range of fitness shoes, but the brand also has some pretty cool lifestyle options meant for everyday wear. The Transport X can be used for running or training if you want, but it’s great if you’re looking for a comfy everyday sneaker. It has well-known Hoka features like a responsive foam midsole and a smooth rocking sole for easy transitions as you walk, plus a carbon fiber plate, a sticky outsole that prevents slips and a sleek—and chic—look that adds sporty sophistication to just about any outfit. This is one of their all-gender styles so if you have particularly narrow or wide feet, you might want to try on a couple sizes to find the best fit.
Best Hoka Workout Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Extra Stability For All Your Moves
Hoka Solimar
Sizes: 5 to 11 (W), 7 to 14 (M) | Heel-to-toe Drop: 6 millimeters | Wide Sizes: Yes | Cushion Level: Balanced
If you’re lifting weights or circuit training, a super-cushiony running shoe with a bulky outsole might not provide enough stability for all the agile moves of your workout. The Solimar, inspired by a beach in Southern California, has a minimalist profile with a lower stack height and a balanced midsole that keeps you grounded. There’s an extended heel pull that makes it easy to pull on and off, a molded EVA sockliner and a high abrasion rubber outsole—plus Hoka’s signature rocking sole that provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition.
Best Supportive Hoka Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Added Stability To Prevent Inward Rolling
Hoka Arahi 7
Sizes: 5 to 12 (W), 7 to 15 (M) | Heel-to-toe Drop: 5 millimeters | Wide Sizes: Yes | Cushion Level: Balanced
Whether you work all day on your feet or just prefer a more supportive feel, the Arahi 7 is a top pick for its midfoot security, forefoot cushioning and a flat-knit, breathable mesh upper that prevents overheating as you’re on the move. It has a patented J-Frame technology that’s designed to prevent overpronation while locking your foot in place. Another surprisingly helpful feature: A dual gusset at the lace line keeps the plush tongue from annoyingly slipping to the side.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- This article was written by Forbes Vetted contributing writer Becky Eaton, who has a painful history of plantar fasciitis and has written several footwear stories on the topic. She has researched the market extensively and tested out many pairs of shoes, keeping in mind unique healing features like cushioning, arch support, heel-t0-toe drop and more.
- We also tapped the expertise of Miami-based, double board-certified podiatrist Dr. Julie Schottenstein for her medical insights into treating plantar fasciitis, why she recommends Hoka shoes to her patients and important features to look for when making your shopping decision.
- We research, test and evaluate countless shoe options to bring you the best of what the market has to offer the market. We spend hours reading customer reviews to ensure real people like you have a positive experience with the shoes we’re recommending. We also constantly update our footwear stories to include new styles and information.
How To Pick The Best Hoka Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Many Hoka styles have been awarded the APMA Seal of Acceptance, meaning a group of podiatrists ensures the shoe promotes foot health. This doesn’t mean that all Hokas are created alike when it comes to plantar fasciitis, however. Here’s some factors to consider when shopping for Hoka shoes for plantar fasciitis:
- Cushion: It might seem obvious, but a well-cushioned shoe makes a world of difference when you have plantar fasciitis, says Dr. Schottenstein. “If you happen to have a higher arch with plantar fasciitis, cushion is really the name of the game,” she says. “Not only is the foot more stiff when you have that high arch, but the plantar fascia itself is almost twisted in these cases, making [it] even more painful.”
- Heel-to-toe-drop: Look for a Hoka shoe that’s not too flat, with a high heel-to-toe-drop. “It will help take pressure off the Achilles,” says Dr. Schottenstein. “If you have too flat of a shoe, it makes the Achilles strained and tight, exacerbating the irritation and microtearing that occurs at the origin of the plantar fascia at the heel bone.”
- Stability: Many Hoka styles are designed with stability in the rearfoot to help control pronation, when the foot rolls inward. “Excessive pronation is seen in many cases of plantar fasciitis. Stability shoes help to counter this motion, helping to prevent strain on the plantar fascia origin at the heel and the arch,” says Dr. Schottenstein.
Are Hokas Good For Plantar Fasciitis?
Hoka shoes are an excellent option if you have plantar fasciitis. “The shoe has a great supportive arch, lots of cushion and they are not zero drop, meaning that they are higher in the back than the front,” says Dr. Schottenstein. “Zero drop shoes put a lot of pressure on the Achilles and the plantar fascia.” The early meta rocker sole, an important Hoka feature, helps you roll through gait. “It has less direct impact to the heel and arch, which is good for patients especially when they are already in pain.”
Why Do Podiatrists Recommend Hoka?
“Hokas are one of my favorite picks for patients with plantar fasciitis,” says Dr. Schottenstein. “They have a ton of cushion, an early meta rocker that feels like you are propelling yourself, a flexible toe and an arch that doesn’t bend.” The mesh upper material is breathable and can accommodate other foot conditions like bunions and hammertoes. “The mesh also allows for the foot to expand as opposed to less flexible materials.”
What Shoes Should You Not Wear With Plantar Fasciitis?
Pay attention to the heel-to-toe drop when you’re shopping for shoes. Flat shoes with zero drop “stresses both the Achilles and the plantar fascia,” says Dr. Schottenstein. “It’s almost like walking barefoot, which a big no-no for plantar fasciitis.” Flimsy shoes without arch support should also be avoided. “A shoe that can be folded in half will not support your arch. With plantar fasciitis, we want to support the arch and actually put the plantar fascia on stretch.”
