Best Womens Flat Dress Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Whether you're headed to a party or just want to fancy up your maxi skirt style, it's not easy to find a pair of dressy sandals that will amp up your outfit without causing excruciating foot pain — or worse, a plantar fasciitis flare-up. That's why we've rounded up the best dress shoes for plantar fasciitis that will get you through wedding season pain-free.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick band of tissue connecting your toes and your heel becomes inflamed. These "flare-ups" can be caused by certain exercises, obesity, age, and simply having flat feet. Doctors recommend treating plantar fasciitis with special stretches and wearing orthotic shoes or sandals designed especially for plantar fasciitis whenever you can.

For years, orthotic sandals and shoes got a bad rap for not being stylish. Thick-soled and clunky (but so, so comfy), they were often thought of as "old lady shoes." Thankfully, shoe brands heard our pleas for more cute looks, and you can now find sandals and shoes for plantar fasciitis that are just as cool as any other sandal, but comfier. Even better? Buying orthotic shoes no longer breaks the bank. The sandals below range from $20-$140, so you don't have to spend your paycheck for foot pain relief.

What are the best dress shoes for plantar fasciitis?

According to NYC podiatrist, Dr Emily Splichal, DPM, MS, CES, the best way to treat plantar fasciitis is to take the pressure off the affected area by wearing a shoe with ample arch support. "Typically in acute plantar fasciitis you want to look for a sandal that will take stress off of the arch or plantar fascia," she says. "A sandal from a brand like Vionic or Aetrex has built-in medial arch support and can take stress off of the foot and fascia."

Here are our favorites, and keep scrolling for reviews of each:

• Best Vionic dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis : Vionic Lupe Sandal
• Best heeled dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis : Vionic Leana Heeled Sandal
• Best dress flat shoes For Plantar Fasciitis : Vionic Ella Sandal
• Best dress wedge shoes For Plantar Fasciitis : Lifestride Keaton Espadrille Wedge
• Best dress low wedge sandals for Plantar Fasciitis : Eurosoft Lexi Wedge
• Best dress pump sandals For Plantar Fasciitis : Cobb Hill Women's Aubrey Dress Pump
• Most affordable heeled dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis : Crocs Women's Leigh II Wedge Sandal
• Best flat dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis : Dr. Scholl's Islander Wedge
• Best dress Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis in multiple widths : SAS Suntimer
• Best slingback heeled dress shoe For Plantar Fasciitis : Vionic Bianca Heel
• Best seller dress Sandal For Plantar Fasciitis : Vionic Rest Kirra Backstrap Sandal
• Best strappy dress shoes for Plantar fasciitis : Vionic Tess Wedge Sandal
• Best washable dress sandals For Plantar Fasciitis : BZees Secret Wedge Sandal

What brand of shoes do podiatrists recommend for plantar fasciitis?

"Typically anything that takes stress off of the foot or controls flat feet (over-pronation) can provide relief in acute plantar fasciitis," says Dr. Splichal. "There are many good sandal options with arch support which means that if you have plantar fasciitis in warmer months you are not limited to only sneakers."

Here are all the shoe brands we love that have dress shoes for plantar fasciitis:

• Vionic
• Birkenstock
• BZees
• Dr. Scholl's
• Crocs
• Teva
• OOFOS
• Skechers
• Aetrex
• Clark's

Are sandals bad for plantar fasciitis?

That depends on the sandal. Plenty of sandals and flip flops out there have little to no support — those can cause a flare-up or worsen your existing plantar fasciitis.

"In acute plantar fasciitis a sandal that is totally flat and thin can increase stress to the plantar fascia and heel," says Dr. Splichal. "This increased stress can increase symptoms associated with plantar fasciitis such as sharp pain in the heel or along the arch."

While it's easy to assume sneaker-like sandals are the best option for stability and pain relief, Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, claims the strappier styles are just as effective. "The strappier the sandal the better, because it holds your feet in so you don't have to over grip with your toe muscles. If the straps are adjustable that's a plus, so this way you can accommodate for anything individualized like bunions, hammertoes, or a wide foot."

More shoes for plantar fasciitis our editors love:

• 28 Best Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis in 2022 That You'll Love Wearing
• 8 Best Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis
• 10 Orthotic Sandals That Are as Pretty as They Are Supportive
• 22 Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2022 That Women Are Buying Over and Over

Vionic Lupe Sandal

Best Vionic dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at Amazon, starting at $42.70

Why we like them:

• Lightweight, flexible EVA midsole with built-in orthotics
• Received APMA Seal of Acceptance
• Available in 5 colors and medium and wide widths

It's hard to pick just one pair of Vionic sandals to hold the "best Vionic sandals" title (keep scrolling for several more of our faves from the renowned brand), but based on its glowing reviews and versatile design, the Lupe sandal gets our top pick. This lightweight style has a shock-resistant orthotic footbed that is biomechanically designed to relieve foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The adjustable strap and medium and wide width sizes allow you to get just the right fit, and the grippy sole provides excellent traction and stability. Like many Vionic styles, this one received the APMA Seal of Acceptance, proving even podiatrists are obsessed with the brand's high-quality (and stylish!) orthotic shoes.

Happy customer: "This sandal is the BEST Vionic sandal, and I have several pairs. It has a strap that keeps it secure, and it has good arch support for those like myself who have a high arch and plantar fasciitis. It is so cute, better than the picture, and so comfortable and easy to adjust! I'm going to order another pair in black."

Vionic Leana Heeled Sandal

Best heeled dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at Amazon, starting from $75.95

Why we like them:

• Style is exclusive to Vionic
• Biomechanically designed for arch support
• 3 colors

If you're looking for heels, Vionic makes a beautiful block heel that gives you the height you crave without putting pressure on your arches. Exclusive to Vionic, the Leana sandal is adorned with metal hardware and supple suede straps that are adjustable. Like all the brand's gorgeous styles, these have a biomechanically designed footbed that evenly distributes your weight and supports your arches in the places they feel most pained.

Happy customer: "The perfect summer (and into fall) sandal. I'm in love. So comfortable for heels and so cute!! Love they my arches are supported even in heels."

Vionic Ella Sandal

Best dress flat shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at Vionic, $109.95

Why we like them:

• Biomechanically designed to hug your arches
• Vionic best-seller
• 4 colors

We've talked about Vionic extensively, but in case you missed my ravings, all you really need to know is that the brand is iconic for designing beautiful orthotic shoes and sandals for people suffering from plantar fasciitis. This flat, embossed Ella sandal is a best-seller on their site, which is saying a lot because they have so many pretty pairs. Biomechanically designed to hug your arches, you'll feel completely supported without putting an ounce of pressure on your most pained areas.

Happy customer (from Nordstrom): "Unique flat with arch support. Really comfy and does not cut against my toes as this style often does. Picked up the nude and considering getting the black, too."

Lifestride Keaton Espadrille Wedge

Best dress wedge shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at DSW, $59.99

Why we like them:

• Velocity 2.0 cushioned footbed
• Elastic straps
• 3 colors

Wedges give you just enough height to lengthen your legs and dress up your outfit without making it impossible to walk. Pair that with Velocity 2.0 cushioning and arch support, and you have this lovely Lifestride Keaton espadrille wedge. These sandals come in three colors, but we love this summery floral print. The elastic crisscross straps will keep your feet from slipping, and the fabric lining will be soft against your skin. Reviewers rave that they are able to wear them for hours without foot pain, which is rare for such a pretty sandal!

Happy customer: "These are amazingly comfortable and just the right height for pants or dresses. Perfect for spring and summer outfits!"

Eurosoft Lexi Wedge

Best dress low wedge sandals for Plantar Fasciitis

DSW

Buy at DSW, $34.98 (origionally $80)

Why we like them:

• 700+ 5-star reviews
• Hook and loop closure
• 3 colors

One DSW reviewer described these ultra-cool low wedges as "comfortable right out of the box," which isn't always the case with strappy sandals. The cross strap secures with a hook and loop making them easy to slip on and off, and the cushioned footbed is wrapped with cork for a subtle detail that adds just the right amount of trendy to your look. You'll be comfy all day wearing this classic style.

Happy customer: "I tried these on a whim and was immediately impressed. They are so comfortable. I have plantar fasciitis and a Morton's neuroma. Comfort is the most important factor over style… So cute and comfortable!"

Cobb Hill Women's Aubrey Dress Pump

Best dress pump sandals For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at Amazon, starting at $78.75

Why we like them:

• 1,300 5-star reviews
• Interior cushion pod
• Comes in narrow, medium and wide widths
• 10 colors

This classic pump sandal has more than 1,300 5-star reviews on Amazon. Made with 100 percent genuine leather, the quality construction of the Cobb Hill sandal will last you for years. A low heel combined with an adjustable ankle strap ensures the stability you need to walk (or dance!) without slipping, and the interior cushion pod keeps your foot from experiencing the pressure and inflammation that is common with plantar fasciitis. The best part? They come in narrow, medium, and wide widths, so you can find the perfect fit for your feet.

Happy customer: "I encourage any woman who has had issues with dress shoes due to orthopedic issues to try the Cobb Hill Aubrey Dress Pump. Having had 4 foot surgeries and a total knee replacement in less than 10 years, I felt that I was condemned to wearing New Balance walking shoes and Orthaheel flip flops EVERYWHERE. With a wedding coming up, I decided to renew my search for some dressy shoes to go with my new party dress. I decided on Cobb Hill because, like New Balance, they offer wide widths. I'm glad I did. The Aubrey Dress Pump is very classy-looking, sort of Art Deco. The insole provides excellent arch support. The heel is very attractive and safe – not too narrow. The T-strap has a lengthening effect to the leg and provides extra security."

Crocs Women's Leigh II Wedge Sandal

most affordable heeled dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at Amazon, starting at $36.74

Why we like them:

• 2,900 5-star Amazon reviews
• 2 colors
• Ample arch support and grip

Amazon reviewers are going wild for these dressy wedge sandals from Crocs with more than 2,900 5-star reviews. Starting at just $28, this is possibly one of the most affordable sandals for plantar fasciitis you'll find. The Leigh II Wedge footbed is angled to alleviate heel inflammation and relieve pressure from your arches. The adjustable ankle strap helps to keep your foot in place, and the grippy soles add stability for dancing the day away at a friend's wedding. Crocs haven't let us down yet, and this style is no exception!

Happy customer: "I have these in black as well. I absolutely love these shoes. So comfortable to wear all day. You can dress them up or down. I have plantar fasciitis and I can wear these with no problem."

Dr. Scholl's Islander Wedge

Best flat dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

DSW

Buy at DSW, $59.99

Why we like them:

• Elastic straps keep your foot in place
• Anatomical cushioning and support
• 3 color combo

Dr. Scholl's Islanders are technically a wedge sandal, but are low so you'll get just enough of a lift to stretch your arches and lengthen your legs without feeling like you're wearing heels. These come in three styles that can be dressed up or down (including an all-black option), but we love how the two-tone cheetah print can add a little pop of fashion to an everyday look. The anatomical cushioning in the sole will keep the pressure off your arches, and the straps will keep your feet from sliding around. If you have a job that keeps you on your feet all day, these will keep you pain-free.

Happy customer: "I just bought these for spring because I needed a sandal with great support. This shoe is so comfortable with great arch support! I would recommend this shoe!"

SAS Suntimer

Best dress Sandals For Plantar Fasciitis in multiple widths

Buy at Amazon, starting from $49.99

Why we like them:

• Multiple widths available
• SAS Tripad® Comfort System for pressure relief
• 5 colors

Whether you have a standard-width foot or not, these sandals are inclusive to all shapes and sizes. No really, you can choose from slim, narrow, medium, wide, and double wide widths, and five colors that will dress up your fanciest outfits. The straps are designed to keep your foot securely in place with an easily adjustable hook-and-loop closure. The SAS Tripad® Comfort System adapts to all three pressure points of the foot — your ball, heel, and arch — to provide ample relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms.

Happy customer: "I bought these shoes for my mom. She has a collapsing arch and has a pinched nerve between her third and fourth toes. She has these shoes in two other colors and loves them especially since they come in double wide width. She finds them extra comfortable. Zappos also has them at a great price. My mom wears these shoes out and about and her Vionic flip flops indoors and has seen a significant reduction in her foot pain. Highly recommended!"

Vionic Bianca Heel

Best slingback heeled dress shoe For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at Amazon, starting from $53.99

Why we like them:

• Adjustable slingback
• Biomechanically designed footbed for ample arch support
• 4 colors

These multi-seasonal block heels have an adjustable slingback and all the orthotic bells and whistles of other Vionic styles — quality materials and a biomechanically designed footbed that is made specifically for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. They come in four rich colors and don't rub when you walk. The footbed is lined with breathable man-made sock fabric, so they can withstand even the stickiest days without causing you to sweat.

Happy customer: "These are the best heels I've bought in forever — comfortable with the cushioned sole and the way the straps hold my feet yet don't crunch my bunion, beautiful in the sexy yet subtle wine colored suede. Thrilled with these shoes."

Vionic Rest Kirra Backstrap Sandal

Best seller dress Sandal For Plantar Fasciitis

Amazon

Buy at Amazon, starting at $45.73

Why we like them:

• 2,300+ 5 star reviews
• Wide widths available
• 12 colors

More than 2,000 Amazon reviews gave these Kirra sandals five stars, and based on Vionic's reputation for creating beautiful, podiatrist-approved orthotic shoes, we're not surprised at the reception. A classic t-strap style with an adjustable slingback strap, these sandals can be dressed up or down. The footbed is biomechanical designed to provide complete support to your arches and heels, so you can be mid- plantar fasciitis flare-up and still walk pain-free. They come in wide width and medium sizes, and 12 different colors that are almost impossible to choose from.

Happy customer: "I wear Vionics for the awesome support and cute styles. My plantar fasciitis has gone away since wearing these shoes. When I first realized I had plantar fasciitis, I though I would have to wear "special" shoes and never get to wear anything cute again. But Vionics have the cutest flip flops and sandals and slippers…I'll always find something I like. I just ordered a pair of their flip flops after getting these. I am super happy with this company and how much it has helped my feet to feel better. Plantar fasciitis is so painful and these shoes take away all that pain!"

Vionic Tess Wedge Sandal

Best Strappy dress shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at Amazon, starting from $49.99

Why we like them:

• Biomechanical footbed for support
• Adjustable straps
• Podiatrist approved
• 2 colors

Strappy sandals are some of the most versatile — not only are they flattering on every size and shape of foot, they can be worn at both dressy or casual occasions. These Tess wedges are low but will still give you some height, and of course, have all the biomechanical support of other podiatrist-approved Vionic styles. Comfy straps are adjustable to hold your foot in place without rubbing, and provide the stability you need to walk and dance freely without having to worry about slipping. A cushy, ergonomic footbed relieves plantar fasciitis inflammation and evenly distributes your weight to avoid pressure points. The subtly embossed snake pattern comes in this neutral shade and black, and will be your new favorite sandals.

BZees Secret Wedge Sandal

Best washable dress sandals For Plantar Fasciitis

Buy at DSW, $104.99

Why we like them:

• Machine-washable!
• BZees Cloud Technology footbed
• 5 colors

Before you start worrying about how to keep these white knit wedges clean, know that all BZee's are machine washable, so you can just toss them into the wash and they come out sparkling! If that feature wasn't enough, the Secret Wedge sandal is designed with BZee's iconic Cloud Technology, allowing your arches to feel supported as you walk. The stretchy knit fabric and elastic slingback make it easy to put them on without a struggle. They would look great with a formal dress, maxi skirt, or even jeans, and can be worn for hours without foot pain.

Happy customer: "I have been dealing with plantar fasciitis for over a year and needed a shoe that looked somewhat casual dressy. I'm a teacher, so I'm on my feet all day. I couldn't believe how comfortable these shoes are. Even after being on my feet for 9 hours my feet still felt great! I have even gotten several compliments on the style. After a month of wearing these already, I haven't had any planters fasciitis symptoms at all. They run pretty true to size. They fit like a comfortable glove."

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Source: https://www.womansworld.com/posts/fashion/best-dress-shoes-for-plantar-fasciitis

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