Best Shoes For Heel Spurs in 2023

Heel spurs are a painful condition that can hamper day-to-day activity.

While choosing the best shoes for heel spurs won’t necessarily cure them, it can definitely help alleviate pain and inflammation and give you a bit of relief during your day. 

The number one shoe for daily use that we recommend is the Brooks Ghost 14. It has a full-length DNA LOFT midsole for great, soft cushioning, removable insoles if you have a custom orthotic, and have a cloud-like feel to them.

Top 4 Best and Favorites

Brooks Ghost 14

  • Full-length DNA LOFT technology
  • BioMoGo DNA midsole
  • Wide toe box
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

Hoka Bondi 7

  • Extremely well cushioned
  • Internal heel counter
  • Full-length EVA midsole
CHECK MEN’S PRICECHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

Propet Villager

  • Built-in contoured heel stabilizer
  • Cushioned collar
  • Cushioned orthotic footbed
CHECK MEN’S PRICE

Orthofeet Springfield

  • Contoured orthotic insole
  • Gel-padded heel seat
  • Seam-free lining
CHECK WOMEN’S PRICE

We’ve found many other shoes for a variety of different activities and in other styles. They range from tennis shoes to dress shoes to hiking boots.

Read on to see all of our favorites… 

Best Overall

1. Brooks Ghost 14

The Brooks Ghost 14 may be a running shoe, but it’s good for daily use if your feet are painful or you have any kind of discomfort. The Ghost 14s are very well cushioned, which helps when you’re dealing with heel spurs.

DNA LOFT technology runs the length of the sole, which gives the shoe its plush, soft, cloud-like feeling. Many customers have raved about the cushioning in this shoe, so it’s definitely a feature that stands out and has been well-received.

Because the cushioning is full-length, it provides some softness on the heel while still supporting it properly and also supporting the arch nicely with the removable insole.

If you have your own orthotics that you wear that are customized for your feet, you can remove the ones the shoes come with and add your own, which will just make these shoes more comfortable and easy on the feet.

PROS:

  • Full-length DNA LOFT technology 
  • BioMoGo DNA midsole 
  • Removable insoles 
  • Spacious toe box

CONS:

  • You’d need to get your shoes half a size bigger as these shoes can run small
 

Best Walking Shoes

2. Hoka Bondi 7

The thick sole on the Hoka Bondi 7 can make these shoes look a bit chunky, but it also provides second-to-none cushioning that could be a foot-saver on walks. If you also underpronate, then these shoes would be an even better option for you. They are aimed at those with a neutral to underpronating gait.

They only have a 4mm drop, which means the weight of your foot is spread evenly and your forefoot won’t compensate for your sore heels too much. The shoes also have an early stage Meta-Rocker in the sole, which reduces impact quite a lot which can help decrease pain from heel spurs.

A molded heel counter keeps the heel firmly in place and provides adequate support. The full-length EVA midsole is sturdy but springy high-performance cushioning that is Hoka’s most cushioned shoe in their road running range.

It also has a new memory foam collar design for secure, comfortable fit at all times, reducing foot movement in the shoe and keeping your feet as stable as possible.

PROS:

  • Molded Ortholite footbed
  • Internal heel counter
  • Full-length EVA midsole
  • Mesh uppers with synthetic overlays

CONS:

  • Some may find that there is too much cushioned
 

Best Men’s Dress Shoes

3. Propet Villager

It’s important to find a comfortable pair of dress shoes to wear when going out that will be easy on your feet, especially if you struggle with heel spurs, and these shoes could be the ones for you. They come in black and two shades of brown, so you can get a pair for every occasion.

The contoured stabilizing heel counter should keep your heel from slipping and make sure you’re comfortable on your feet throughout the event. A cushioned ankle collar and padded tongue also provide support without chafing.

You won’t have to worry about feeling impact on your heels when you walk, thanks to the EVA midsole, rocker bottom, and cushioned orthotic footbed. You can take the orthotic out if you want to insert your own custom one.

The good news is that these shoes are HCPCS code A5500 diabetic shoes, which means that under certain circumstances you could be reimbursed by Medicare.

They also have a breathable, antimicrobial, treated lining for a cool, dry feel no matter when or where you wear these.

PROS:

  • Built-in contoured heel stabilizer 
  • Cushioned collar 
  • Molded EVA midsole 
  • Cushioned orthotic footbed

CONS:

  • Some may find that the sole of the shoe will crack under the ball of the foot
 

Best Women’s Dress Shoes

4. Orthofeet Springfield – Women’s Mary Jane Stretchable

Ladies, if you’re looking for something pretty and practical, this could be the shoe for you. It can be difficult to find a smart-looking shoe that also provides the comfort and support that you require when heel spurs are a part of your daily life.

The Mary Jane only comes in two colors — black and navy — but you don’t need much more for dress shoes. They are made from Lycra, which is soft and comfortable on the feet.

To support the heel, there’s a gel-padded heel seat for stability and a contoured orthotic insole with anatomically-designed arch support. A multi-layer cushioned bottom means you’ll be walking on air, with little pressure placed on your heel while the foam collar stabilizes the heel and keeps it from moving unnecessarily.

A stretchable elastic upper and a seam-free lining improve the comfort of this shoe even more, so you won’t be feeling discomfort when you step out with these shoes on. A few buyers have said that the strap sits too high across their ankle which is uncomfortable and restricts movement.

PROS:

  • Contoured orthotic insole 
  • Gel-padded heel seat 
  • Elastic upper 
  • Seam-free lining

CONS:

  • Some people may find that the strap sits high across the ankle which could interfere with range of movement
 

Best Work Shoes

5. New Balance Slip Resistant 626v2

If you’re going to be on your feet a lot, you may want to consider the New Balance 626v2 Slip Resistant shoe as they’ll support and cushion your feet all day. The outsoles of the shoes are made from slip-resistant rubber, which is also ASTM 2913-11 certified slip resistance.

You’ll find that your foot is cradled by the ABZORB foam cushioning of the midsole that absorbs shock and provides comfort. This comfort and cushioning is extended to the heel, as it features an ABZORB heel crash pad. This allows you to wear the shoes
for an extended period of time, as the cushioning of the shoe also provides arch support and padding from the forefoot to the heel

It has a removable EVA foam footbed to accommodate custom orthotics. The upper is made from long-lasting leather and the padded tongue helps to alleviate pressure points on the foot. When you order this shoe, you’d want to order a half size bigger as the shoe does run narrow.

PROS:

  • Compression molded midsole 
  • Removable EVA foam footbed 
  • Certified slip-resistant rubber outsole 
  • Padded tongue and collar

CONS:

  • When you order the shoes, you’d want to order a half size bigger as the toe could be narrow for some people
 

Best Women’s Work Boot

6. Orthofeet Emma – Women’s Boot

These women’s work boots are smart and stylish and also helpful for heel spurs if you work in an office and need to dress smartly and spend some of your day on your feet.

These shoes use BioHeels advanced orthotic insoles, which are well cushioned and provide adequate arch support. There is also a heel cushion, which will provide some support and softness for the heel to rest upon. You can remove these insoles and replace them with others if you have custom ones.

The heel counter and cup also make sure that the heel stays firmly in the shoe and stays on the heel pad where it can be well supported. The raised heel can also help alleviate pressure on the heel by transferring weight more to the midfoot and forefoot, although this will be subtle.

These shoes also have an antimicrobial lining which keeps them fresh, and they come in normal, wide, and extra wide sizes so there’s a size to suit every foot. Choosing the right width can also help reduce pressure on the foot that could make heel pain worse.

PROS:

  • Antimicrobial lining 
  • Flexible rubber outsole 
  • Heel counter and cup 
  • Seam-free lining

CONS:

  • Some buyers have reported that the toe box is narrow
 

Best Running Shoes

7. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 24

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus is one of the most padded running shoes, so it’s excellent for runners with heel spurs who are looking for a cushioned and comfortable shoe.

You’ll find that it offers plenty of softness but still gives a high-energy return on your footstrike. The FlyteFoam Lyte Technology midsole is made up of organic nanofibers that don’t flatten easily, which provides a springy response and a soft underfoot feel.

As well as the foam midsole, you’ll find rearfoot and forefoot GEL pads, which absorb impact when your foot hits the ground, and allow the foot to move comfortably through multiple planes as it works through the gait cycle. ASICS’ Heel Clutching System has a built-in heel counter to create a more comfortable, stable fit and offer more support where you need it most.

The HG10MM heel gradient also helps to reduce pressure on the heels by shifting the body’s mass forward slightly while wearing these shoes. This alleviates pressure on the sore spots of the heels.

Some people may find this shoe to be heavy as the men’s weighs 12 ounces and the women’s weighs 11.2 ounces.

PROS:

  • FlyteFoam Lyte Technology midsole 
  • GEL cushioning systems 
  • HG10MM heel gradient 
  • Mesh upper

CONS:

  • Some people may find the shoe to be heavy
 

Best Tennis Shoes

8. New Balance Court 806

Just walking around the house can hurt your feet when you have heel spurs. If you’re looking to stay active and play some tennis, it can be even more so, but you’ll find that the New Balance Court 806 will provide the support you need.

These shoes feature ABZORB® cushioning, which you’ll find in the heel and forefoot of the shoe. This cushioning is designed to provide exceptional shock absorption, while the Rollbar system in the midsole prevents the foot from twisting excessively. The outsole is New Balance’s own Ndurance® rubber, which provides great traction and helps to minimize the shock of impact. Some buyers who have bought the shoe have reported that the sole comes apart after a few uses.

The leather uppers allow for some flexibility without restricting your natural range of motion, while providing additional support. You’ll find that your foot is held securely in place by the upper as you move. The tongue and collar are padded for additional comfort.

This shoe is registered with Medicare as a diabetic shoe — Medicare/HCPCS code = A5500 diabetic shoe.

PROS:

  • ABZORB cushioning 
  • Padded collar and tongue 
  • Non-marking rubber outsole 
  • Full-grain leather uppers

CONS:

  • Some buyers have reported that the sole comes apart after a few uses
 

Best Athletic Shoes

9. Hoka One One Clifton 8

You’ll find that the Hoka One One Clifton 8 will provide a lot of cushioning for your feet. The midsole is made from a full compression EVA foam, which absorbs shock and reduces the impact from your footstrike. This shoe also features Hoka’s Meta-Rocker technology, which helps to move you forward without disrupting your natural footstrike.

Hoka also uses their Active Foot Frame technology, which helps to keep the foot placed in the midsole as opposed to being on top. This will provide the additional support that you need when you have a heel spur, and can help alleviate the pain.

The outsole of the shoe is made from high-abrasion rubber, with more durable rubber being used in the heel and the forefoot. This reduces the impact of your footstrike on surfaces and provides more traction.

The seamless upper is made from a lightweight mesh that offers additional support and helps to keep the midfoot securely in place. The tongue is stitched into the mesh strap of the shoe and this stops it from moving around while you go about your daily activities.

The upper is made from a double layer of mesh material and some people may find this too thick, which leads to their feet being too warm.

PROS:

  • Full-compression EVA midsole 
  • Early-stage Meta-Rocker 
  • High-abrasion rubber outsole 
  • Lightweight mesh upper

CONS:

  • Some may find that the upper is too thick which leads to their feet being warm
 

Best Hiking Boots

10. Hoka One One Challenger Mid Gore-Tex

This lightweight boot will help reduce impact when your foot lands, as it has an early-stage meta rocker that helps the foot transition from the heel to the toe quickly. The midsole features compression-molded EVA foam which provides cushioning, support and helps to absorb shock. The internal heel counter will provide support and keep your foot in place as you walk.

The upper is made from waterproof nubuck leather, which allows for good air circulation, while the GORE-TEX® waterproof bootie keeps your feet dry even when it rains. The collar and tongue are made from a molded foam collar that provide a comfortable fit without creating pressure points on the foot.

Made from long-lasting rubber, the outsole of the shoe is designed to absorb the impact of foot strikes and provide stability on all surfaces. You may want to see if you can order these shoes in a wide, as the toe-box is a bit narrow.

PROS:

  • Waterproof nubuck leather upper 
  • Molded foam collar and tongue 
  • Early-Stage Meta-Rocker geometry 
  • Compression Molded EVA midsole

CONS:

  • Some may find the shoe runs narrow, even for a regular foot
 
 

 

FAQs 

What should you look for when buying shoes for heel spurs? 

The golden rule when buying shoes for heel spurs is that you want as much support as you can get in the arch and heel. You also want to get a shoe that has a rigid sole. You may want to keep the following in mind: 

  • Firm heel counter 
  • Cushioned midsole 
  • Soft impact 
  • Heels that aren’t higher than three inches 
  • Comfortable upper 

If you get a shoe that has a firm heel counter, you’ll find that this can help alleviate inflammation and reduce pain, as it will minimize stretching. 

You also want to make sure that the impact from your footsteps is reduced when you’re walking. A shoe that has a rocker bottom or a thick midsole can help reduce the impact when the foot lands, which will minimize the pain from heel spurs. 

Pay attention to arch support, because if you have flat feet you’d need a shoe that provides adequate support. A person with high arches, on the other hand, would find that their foot is already at an angle, and rigid arch support would restrict their range of motion even further.