The heel spurs are a pain...literally. Heel spurs, which are calcium deposits that protrude from the heel bone underneath your foot, often form as a result of plantar fasciitis. This is why the recommended heel spur shoes are similar to those of patients struggling with plantar fasciitis.

But before you worry too much, though, know that with proper care and the right footwear, you can keep your heel spurs in check and learn to live with them. Regardless of limitations, heel spurs should not stop you from wearing stylish and supportive shoes.

Keep reading to see the best shoes for heel spurs that are also fashionable, comfortable, and will keep your feet pain-free.

What Are Heel Spurs

Heel spurs are calcium deposits that can grow on one or both feet, specifically on the heel. While some cases of heel spurs are painless, some can cause discomfort, especially if the protrusion is large enough to be visible on an x-ray.

In many cases, heel spurs are caused by strain or stretching of the foot muscles. Over time, this can cause tearing of the protective membrane covering the heel bone. When this happens, calcium builds up, causing a protrusion to form on the heel.

Though the precise causes can vary, poorly designed shoes are often at least partially to blame. For example, if you have a high arch and do not wear shoes with enough arch support. This could lead to the formation of heel spurs. Alternatively, if you do a lot of exercises that put an unnatural strain on the tendons in your foot, this could also lead to spurs appearing over a period of several weeks or months. Even if you wear very comfortable shoes.

What Are The Treatment Options for Heel Spurs

In certain cases, heel spurs can be treated through exercise, pain medication, shoe inserts, or orthopedic shoes. The last option is the most common way to bring you support and lessen the effects of heel spurs –– at least in the short term. If the pain is severe and the previously mentioned options are not effective, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the calcium buildup.

What to Look for in a Shoe for Heel Spurs

If you’ve ever had heel spurs, you know that they can be painful. Even when they don’t cause a great deal of discomfort, they can still make it difficult to walk or run without some difficulty.

Since heel spurs are often caused by poor shoe design, this leaves many people wondering what kind of shoes work best to avoid or treat heel spurs. While a new pair of shoes won’t cure your heel spurs, they can make it easier to handle day-to-day activities without significant pain or discomfort. 

Midsole

When looking for a shoe for heel spurs, Dr. Lobkova recommends a rigid sole, as that dictates the stability of the shoe.

"Someone with heel spurs needs extra rigidity in the sole and cushioning in the midfoot to prevent impact on the heel," she explains.

To see whether your sole is rigid enough, Dr. Lobkova recommends a test: "Hold the front of the shoe with one hand and the back of the shoe with another hand. Try to twist the shoe side to side. There should be minimal to no twisting motion possible."

Supportive heel cup

A shoe with a supportive heel cup can reduce the strain on your heel when walking, according to Dr. Robinson.

“A supportive heel cup is when the fabric on the back of your heel is firm, holds the bottom of your heel, and reduces the shoe slipping off your foot.”

Firm rearfoot

The rearfoot is the very back part of your foot or shoe, including your heel. When a shoe has a firm rearfoot, it won’t bend easily under your heel. If the shoe is flexible in the back part of the bottom of your shoe, Dr. Robinson warns that it can cause extra strain.

Flexible forefoot

“The front of your shoes should be more flexible and bend at the toes. This helps you to propel forward smoothly and without applying extra strain,” says Dr. Robinson.

Cushioning

Having some cushioning in the sole of the shoe is ideal, according to Dr. Robinson. “If the cushioning is too soft it may cause extra strain,” she says. “It is important to get a sole which is responsive (bounces a bit) and cushioned so that it can help you propel forward.”

Comfort

Whether or not you have a foot condition such as a heel spur, comfort should take top priority. Fit is also important, as this helps ensure you are stable during movement.

Best Shoes for Heel Spurs 

#1 Best for Heel Spurs and Plantar Fasciitis

Sneakers are an excellent option for someone suffering from heel spurs. The sneaker is breathable, and has a removable footbed that provides exceptional metatarsal and arch support. It is perfect for everyday wear thanks to its simple, streamlined design.

For people with heel spurs, in particular, we recommend the WalkHero walking shoe since the style “has a lot of cushioning to it,” he says. These shoes feature tons of traction, making them suitable for the toughest terrain, and a wide toe box that allows digits to spread comfortably. The insole also promotes flexibility to prevent plantar fasciitis.

Shop Women's Walking Shoes with Arch Support

 

#2 Best Walking Shoes for Heel Spurs 

The rubber outsole is made to be much lighter, while also being more durable. The smooth shape of the outsole was designed for improved heel-to-toe transition. They have a full-length EVA midsole. This helps with balance during your run, not to mention that it’s super-soft and cushioned. Some runners have noted that the support from the midsole seemed to provide more bounce.

An internal heal counter adds additional support to the sneaker and helps the shoe feel more secure. It’s available in medium widths that making it an availble option for runners with wide feet.

 

#3 Best Loafers and Flats for Heel Spurs

This style of canvas sneaker is the best shoes for heel spurs. If you’re looking for something casual yet elegant, with enough support for your feet, but most importantly, heels. A thicker, higher platform works as an effective shock absorbent. While the premium removable orthotic footbed is perfect if you’re prone to foot pain from heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.

Shop Women's Canvas Loafers with Arch Support

 

#4 Best Outdoors-meets-indoors Shoes for Heel Spurs

We love versatile shoes with a distinguished, elegant look. The casual loafer is a canvas outdoors-meets-indoors shoe. That is indeed convertible with a collapsible back that turns this slip-on into stylish house slippers. The style is made from memory foams, polyurethanes, and thick foams footbed with exceptional arch and metatarsal support. These are the comfiest shoes for heel pain if you want the cozy feeling to follow you everywhere.

Shop Women's Canvas Slip-on Shoes with Arch Support

 

Conclusion

By wearing orthotic shoe inserts or supportive shoes, you can align your feet and reduce overpronation. Extra arch support and realignment of the lower leg to its natural angle reduce the pulling and strain on the plantar fascia. This can take away a common cause of heel pain and reduce the aggravation of heel spurs.

WalkHero technology is shown to help reduce overpronation and associated conditions due to misalignment. If you are looking for shoes for plantar fasciitis, find a pair of shoes from WALKHERO that provide heel support, comfort, and style. You can enjoy instant relief through this breakthrough technology built into a selection of stylish casual and slip-on shoes, walking‑specific shoes and sandals, supportive slippers, and more.

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