Heel spurs can swiftly interfere with one’s plans for the day’s work, exercise, or leisure activities. They are related to common foot conditions, including plantar fasciitis, bunions, and Achilles tendonitis.

Sometimes heel spurs don’t hurt, and some individuals may not even know they have them. However, when they break, the symptoms resemble plantar fasciitis. They can occasionally produce a sharp pain (especially after sitting still for a long time, such as when you first get up in the morning) or dull aching.

Dr. Mike Rushton, a podiatrist and the co-founder and medical director of Forward Motion, based in St. George, Utah, explains that heel spurs are a growth of bone on the bottom of your heel.

How to cure heel spurs with the appropriate footwear

Like plantar fasciitis, a heel spur frequently results from overuse or poorly fitted shoes. The condition’s discomfort can be prevented and reduced with proper footwear. According to Dr. Rushton, if your foot doesn’t have enough cushioning below it, you’re more likely to pinch as you roll forward between the bottom of the foot and the ground.

By preventing your heel from contacting the ground, a heel cup can help minimize the impact. Dr. Rushton advises buying Tuli’s brand heel cups over the counter from merchants like Amazon and inserting them into your preferred shoe.

How to choose the most supportive footwear for heel spurs

Dr. Rushton advises wearing heels with cushioning if you have a spur. He turns to companies like Hoka One One and Altra for solid support.

Additionally helpful in promoting proper foot posture is anatomical arch support. An adequately aligned foot will allow the complete foot to absorb impact rather than just the heel.

Many shoe alternatives are available for both men and women with heel spurs, ranging from the most significant business shoes and walking shoes to adorable summer sandals, warm winter boots, and everything in between.

The best shoes for heel spurs and plantar fasciitis are listed below and include dress shoes, tennis shoes, running shoes, and more.

Shoes for trail running by Altra Olympus 4

Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs: Best Shoes

Dr. Rushton turns to Altra for universally compatible orthotic assistance. He specifically suggests the company’s Olympus 4 trail running shoe for those who have heel spurs since it “has a lot of cushioning to it.” These shoes include a big toe box that allows digits to spread out quickly and loads of grip, making them appropriate for the roughest terrain. Additionally, the insole encourages flexibility to ward against plantar fasciitis.

Kuru Footwear Atom Shoes

The ideal walking footwear for heel spurs

The innovative heel-hugging support of Kuru Footwear’s Atom sneakers makes them some of the best shoes for heel spurs. They also feature a wedge-shaped heel that cushions impact and an ultra-cushioned midsole for all-day comfort. They are lightweight enough to use for any sports activity, and they are noted by reviewers to relieve a range of foot problems, including heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. Choose between medium and broad widths.

Hoka One One Clifton 8 Shoes

The ideal running footwear for heel spurs

Dr. Rushton explains, “A Hoka has a lot of cushions, and the greater cushion is what you want if you have a heel spur.” Hoka’s Clifton 8, the newest iteration of the popular Clifton models, features an even lighter midsole for a greater rebound with each stride, in addition to the brand’s distinctive cushioning and compression-molded support that makes them among the best shoes for heel spurs for running.

Tennis Shoe Asics Gel-Dedicate 6

Heel Spurs with Tennis Shoes

Tennis players know that wearing the right shoes—as opposed to conventional running shoes—that assist lateral movement—is crucial to performing at one’s peak on the court. The Gel-Dedicate 6 from Asics is made for sports but offers the orthotic comfort needed to prevent heel spurs. Providing rapid rebound and shock absorption is the EVA midsole. The sock liner makes long rallies more comfortable, which can be taken out if players need inserts for heel spurs. The general design of the shoe lets competitors move more fluidly over the court by reducing torsion.

Gordon Cap Toe Oxford Shoes by Dockers for Men

For heel spurs, the best dress shoes

One of the best shoes for heel spurs for dresses is the Gordon cap-toe oxford from Dockers. These are more flexible than the traditional dress shoe, giving your foot some issue, and are available in a medium or wide fit. The leather lining molds to your foot and is moisture-wicking on top of that, while the cushioned footbed contains a heel pad for extra comfort where you need it. Additionally, the outsole incorporates traction to help you maintain stability even in slick conditions.

Bliss Loafers by SAS for Women

For heel spurs, the best work shoes

The SAS Bliss loafers complement business dress while still being comfortable throughout the day. The insole provides additional support at the foot’s three primary pressure points—the inside ball, outer ball, and heel—while the polyurethane outsole absorbs stress and is lightweight. They are among the best shoes for heel spurs for work and provide support for flat feet and plantar fasciitis discomfort. They also include a detachable, leather-lined footbed with thick foam cushioning.

Women’s Breeze Sea Flip-Flops by Clarks

The best shoes for travel with heel spurs

While your beloved shoes make a great travel companion, sandals are more appropriate for some activities, such as vacations to the beach. The Breeze Sea Flip-Flops from Clarks for ladies provide much more support than your typical thong sandal or flip-flop. Your heel is protected from unneeded impact by the Orthite footbed, and the EVA outsole provides further defense against rough terrain. These are light, making it simple to pack them in a suitcase.

Conclusion

One of the frequent reasons for heel discomfort is heel spurs. Inflammation or injury causes these abnormal bone growths on the heel bone to form. Despite being linked to plantar fasciitis, heel spurs seldom cause discomfort.