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If your days begin and end with pain at the bottom of your heel, then it’s possible you’re struggling with persistent plantar fasciitis. Activities like sports, running, or standing for extended periods of time put strain on the heel, all of which can cause plantar fasciitis, says board-certified podiatrist William Spielfogel, DPM. Luckily, there are products like insoles, heel cups, massagers, and more that can offer support.
To find the best plantar fasciitis and heel spur relief products, we first spoke with podiatrists to learn more about which key features to look for when shopping. Then, we researched and tested dozens of options, considering different wearables and therapeutic devices. For the options we researched, we evaluated each one for materials, effectiveness, and value. For our tested option, we evaluated it for its support, comfort, pain relief, breathability, and value.
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Who They’re For
Best for individuals experiencing plantar fasciitis or heel pain who want supportive, shock-absorbing insoles for all-day comfort.
Why We Love Them
If you spend hours on your feet all day and experience symptoms of plantar fasciitis, including heel pain, a pair of quality insoles for your shoes is a must. Walk-Hero’s Comfort and Support Plantar Fasciitis Insoles feature shock-absorbing silicone, reducing pressure on the bottom of the foot and relieving existing soreness. The deep heel cup on the insole also maintains the correct foot position, which protects the heel from heavier, jarring landings.
The insoles fit comfortably inside walking shoes, hiking shoes, work shoes, and more. And we love how comfortable and supported our feet feel when using these. Plus, they helped to relieve knee, shin, and ankle pain, even after a full day of wear. If you’re looking for a pair of insoles to help support your plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, we love this pick.
Potential Flaws
- These insoles aren’t super breathable. We suggest avoiding using them on very hot days.
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Who They’re For
Best for individuals who prefer cushioned heel cups over full-length insoles for everyday wear.
Why We Love Them
If you prefer the feel and fit of heel cups in your shoes as opposed to full-length insoles, it’s hard to beat Heel That Pain’s Heel Seats. These are designed by doctors to help realign the plantar fascia ligament, as well as to provide both cushioning and therapeutic acupressure to the heel in order to relieve pain and prevent it from recurring in the future.
They are made with an extra-firm gel that provides continuous support for those who spend hours on their feet each day. They come in four different sizes to fit shoes with backing, and their anti-slip surface wicks away sweat and excess moisture. What’s more, they come with a 120-day manufacturer return and refund policy, so you really have nothing to lose in giving them a try.
Potential Flaws
- These may be too thick to wear with certain shoes, which may not be ideal for individuals who want a more versatile option.
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APMA-accepted
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Good shock absorption
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Easy to use
Who They’re For
Best for individuals who want heel cups that provide support during extended periods of standing and running.
Why We Love Them
Tuli’s Heavy Duty Gel Heel Cups provide top performance, foot protection, comfortable cushioning, and two layers of shock-absorbing gel. We like that they’re twice as thick as standard Tuli heel cups, but they still fit in most active shoes and work boots. The gel’s latex-free waffle design absorbs shock and supports the natural alignment of your feet, knees, hips, and back.
We think these are a good choice to wear with your running shoes, especially if you have bad knees, and they’re also ideal if you’re on your feet for long periods of time. Plus, we love that they’re budget-friendly, easy to use, and American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) accepted, meaning a group of podiatrists has determined that they promote good foot health.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers have noted that these tend to pick up lint easily when worn with socks.
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Who It’s For
Best for those who want nighttime support for plantar fasciitis.
Why We Love It
Sleeping with your foot in a plantar fasciitis splint may help encourage the flexion (or gentle stretching) of your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia ligament, though more research is needed. This position may help reduce inflammation and prevent muscle contractions that further tighten and agitate these areas, bringing relief to the bottoms of your feet when you wake up in the morning. Alpha Medical’s Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint is sturdy, lightweight, low-profile, and breathable, making it surprisingly comfortable to sleep in.
We love that the interior is lined with soft foam, and the padded external straps keep your foot secure but not overly restricted. The padding features a washable cover that stays cool against your skin while you sleep. Plus, we love that it’s budget-friendly and is available in three sizes, allowing you to get the perfect fit.
Potential Flaws
- Sleeping with this on may require an adjustment period; however, we think it’s worth it for the potential symptom reduction.
- Some wearers report that this isn’t the easiest to put on at first.
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Who They’re For
Best for those who want foot sleeves that offer solid arch support and comfortable compression.
Why We Love Them
Compression support along the arch and heel is often effective in relieving pain associated with plantar fasciitis, as it improves blood circulation that carries oxygen into the foot and lactic acid buildup out of the foot. SB SOX’s Compression Foot Sleeves—which really look more like socks—are a top choice of doctors and trainers alike for foot pain relief that doesn’t compromise your mobility. We like that they’re form-fitting, with comfortable, light compression, and come in four different sizes to ensure the perfect fit.
They’re lightweight and can be worn with various types of shoes under a pair of socks. Made from breathable fabric that both wicks moisture away and resists odor-causing bacteria, these socks are ideal for those who tend to run warm or are in a hotter climate. Some users choose to wear them to bed in lieu of a splint, finding that they provide similar overnight pain relief.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers noted that they tend to run small, so consider sizing up.
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Who It’s For
Best for individuals who want a cold therapy wrap that stays in place, provides light compression, and can also be utilized for heat therapy.
Why We Love It
Cold therapy is an excellent way to reduce swelling and inflammation, but finding a cold pack that sits comfortably along the bottom of your foot without sliding out of place can be challenging. Bodyprox’s Cold and Hot Therapy Wrap is one of the few that not only stays put but also utilizes a gel pack that stays cold. The wrap itself offers a little bit of compression as well, further relieving plantar fasciitis-related pain by lifting the plantar fascia tissue.
This reusable pack can also be heated for other muscle relief efforts, and the adjustable straps easily secure it on your arm, wrist, elbow, and ankle as needed. Consider it a budget-friendly first aid essential worth having in your home. Just remember to practice cold therapy correctly when soothing the bottoms of your feet—ten to 20 minutes at a time several times throughout the day.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers with smaller feet note that his therapy wrap doesn’t fit them as well.
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Doesn’t always stay in place
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Works best for arch, not heel
Who It’s For
Best for individuals who want an effective, lightweight, and travel-friendly foot massage roller to help relieve pain and tension.
Why We Love It
Unwind from long days with the help of TheraFlow’s Foot Massage Roller. It uses two independent rollers, so you can massage both of your feet at the same time. What’s more, its various nubs and ridges are specifically designed to help knead, stimulate, and relax soft tissue in your feet, effectively relieving the tension felt in your arches and toward your heels.
This budget-friendly massage roller is lightweight, making it easy to relocate throughout your home, and it even fits easily in a backpack for traveling. If you experience symptoms of plantar fasciitis, consistent foot therapy is a key to resolving the source of your pain, and this massager makes it easy, relaxing, and enjoyable.
Potential Flaws
- Some users note that it may move around slightly when in use.
- This massage roller works best for targeting the arches, not the heels.
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Who It’s For
Best for those who want a convenient, lightweight, and portable massage ball that easily and effectively targets the soles of the feet.
Why We Love It
Master of Muscle’s Massage Ball is a small yet extremely effective option that can be a powerful tool in your plantar fasciitis pain relief arsenal. Made of dense, firm rubber, it provides a stimulating massage and releases tension in the plantar fascia. Using the rubber spikes, you can focus on specific areas of your feet that are tight and get some relief. We also like that it’s budget-friendly and very easy to use.
Podiatrist Jackie Sutera, DPM, says that it’s best to use this massager after a shower when the skin is soft and warmed up. For plantar fascial release, she suggests massaging vertically up and down the arch, then horizontally across from the ball of the foot to the heel. Compact, lightweight, and portable, this massage ball is easy to toss in your gym bag, backpack, or work bag, so you can roll out your foot before tackling your daily routine or post-workout.
Potential Flaws
- This massage ball is firm with spikes on it, which may feel too intense for users with more sensitive skin.
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Who They’re For
Best for individuals who want socks with targeted compression and moisture-wicking features.
Why We Love Them
Relief from plantar fasciitis is as easy as putting on socks, thanks to Feetures’ Plantar Fasciitis Relief Socks. They provide targeted, comfortable compression in three different areas of the foot to help ease heel and arch pain. Made with performance fabric, the socks wick away sweat, keeping your feet dry and blister-free.
Whether you want to wear them for running, walking, or while you’re sleeping for nighttime pain relief, they’re a convenient way to alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Like all Feetures socks, this pair comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can feel confident about the quality and durability. They’re available in four different sizes so that you can find the perfect fit and compression level for your needs.
Potential Flaws
- These socks may run small, so we recommend sizing up.
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.
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