We may receive an affiliate commission if you click on a link to an independently reviewed product or service and then make a purchase.

Heel spurs, a close relative of plantar fasciitis, bunions, and Achilles tendinitis, are a condition that can quickly disrupt one's work, exercise, or leisure plans for the day.

Doctors define heel spurs as bony outgrowths that manifest on the underside of the heel. St. Louis-based podiatrist and Forward Motion co-founder/medical director Mike Rushton Saint George, Utah They follow the shape of your foot rather than growing straight down. ”

There are cases where people with heel spurs don't feel any discomfort at all. However, when they do hurt, the pain is often sharp (especially after long periods of inactivity, like when you first get up in the morning) or dull, like plantar fasciitis.

While surgical intervention is an option in some situations, "most doctors find it's better to treat the symptoms," says Dr. According to what Rushton claims,

Heel spurs: what shoes to wear for relief

Overuse, as with plantar fasciitis, or improperly fitting shoes are common causes of a heel spur. The condition can be avoided and its symptoms mitigated with the right footwear. It's more likely that you'll feel a pinch between the sole of your foot and the ground if there isn't enough padding under your foot, says Dr. Rushton explains

A heel cup can further reduce force by preventing your heel from striking the floor. Dr Rushton suggests using heel cups like those manufactured by Tuli, which can be purchased without a prescription from places like Amazon and slipped into any pair of shoes.

The features you should seek out in the most accommodating footwear for heel spurs

You need a cushioned heel if you have a spur," Dr. In his words, Rushton Specifically, he favors supportive shoe manufacturers such as Altra and Hoka One One.

To further aid in proper foot alignment, anatomical arch supports can be worn. When your foot is properly aligned, the whole sole of your foot will take the brunt of your weight instead of just your heel.

Men and women with heel spurs can choose from a wide variety of shoes, ranging from the most supportive and comfortable work shoes and walking shoes to fashionable sandals and rugged boots.

Check out this list of the top 15 shoes (dress, athletic, tennis, and more) to alleviate the pain of heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

Trail-Running Shoes, Altra Olympus 4

A Look at the Top Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs

Dr Rushton prefers Altra because the brand's orthotic support is versatile enough to work with any foot shape. He says the Olympus 4 trail running shoe is the best for people with heel spurs because it "has a lot of cushioning to it." These shoes have a ton of traction, so you can use them on any surface, and a roomy toe box so your toes can spread out. In addition to promoting flexibility, the insole also works to ward off plantar fasciitis.

Podiatrist Dr. Mike Rushton counts on Altra for orthotic support that anyone can shop. He recommends the ALTRA Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe for heel spurs, “which has a lot of cushioning to it.” These are suitable for the toughest terrain with lots of traction. The wide toe box allows digits to spread comfortably. The insole also promotes flexibility to prevent plantar fasciitis.

Buy: Altra Men’s Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe $170-$197 Men's $170-$197 Altra Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoes

Buy: Altra Women’s Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoe $170 Women's $170 Altra Olympus 4 Trail Running Shoes are a Buy

Atom Shoes by Kuru

Shoes to Prevent Heel Spurs When Walking

Since the Kuru Footwear Atom sneakers feature the company's patented heel-hugging support, they are among the best walking shoes for heel spurs. They feature a super-cushioned midsole for all-day comfort and a wedge-shaped heel to reduce the effects of heel strike. Critics agree that they are a great choice for relieving the pain of plantar fasciitis and heel spurs while still being light enough to wear during any type of physical activity. Choose from a variety of widths.

Kuru Footwear Atom Sneakers

Buy: Kuru Men’s Footwear Atom $155 Atom $155 men's shoes by Kuru.

Buy: Kuru Women’s Footwear Atom $155 Atom, a pair of women's shoes from Kuru, is available for $155

Women's Hoka Clifton 8 Shoes

What Are the Finest Running Shoes for Heel Spurs?

Extra cushion is what you need if you have a heel spur, and a Hoka provides that," says Dr. Rushton argues Some of the best running shoes for heel spurs are Hoka's Clifton 8 models, the latest iteration of the widely popular Clifton line. These shoes feature the company's signature cushioning and compression-molded support, but also a lighter midsole for increased rebound with each stride.

Hoka One One Clifton 8

Buy: Hoka One One Men’s Clifton 8 $140 The Clifton 8 by Hoka One One is $140.

Buy: Hoka One One Women’s Clifton 8 $140 Get the Clifton 8 for Women by Hoka One One for $140.

Tennis Shoes: ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6

The Supreme Heel Spur Prevention Tennis Shoe

Tennis players know that they can't perform at their best unless they're wearing shoes designed to facilitate lateral movement (as opposed to more conventional running shoes). The Asics Gel-Dedicate 6 is a high-performance athletic shoe that also offers the orthotic support and shock absorption necessary to prevent and treat heel spurs. EVA provides a cushioned and responsive midsole. Long rallies won't be a problem thanks to the sock liner, and players who need inserts for heel spurs can easily take them out. The overall design of the shoe reduces torsion, allowing for more fluid motion on the court.

ASICS Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes

Buy: Asics Men’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes -$176 Obtain the -$176 Asics Men's Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes.

Buy: Asics Women’s Gel-Dedicate 6 Tennis Shoes $56-$149 Female tennis shoe purchasers, please consider the $56-$149 Asics Gel-Dedicate 6.

Gordon Cap Toe Oxford Shoes for Men by Dockers

What Are the Finest Formal Shoe Options for People with Heel Spurs?

Dockers' Gordon cap toe oxford is one of the most comfortable dress shoes for heel spurs. These are more accommodating than standard dress footwear, as they come in medium and wide widths and feature a flexible outsole. The leather lining shapes to your foot and wicks away moisture, and the cushioned footbed has a heel pad for extra support where you need it. The treaded outsole also ensures your stability on wet and slippery floors.

Dockers Gordon Cap Toe Oxford

Buy: Dockers Gordon Cap Toe Oxford $46- Shop the $46- Dockers Gordon Cap Toe Oxford.

Slip-On Bliss Slippers by SAS for Ladies

Shoe Solutions for Painful Heel Spurs at the Office

The SAS Bliss loafers are fashionable enough to wear to the office, but they were made with all-day comfort in mind. The polyurethane outsole is shock-absorbing and lightweight, and the insole provides cushioning at the heel, midfoot, and ball of the foot. They are some of the best work shoes for heel spurs and provide support for flat feet and plantar fasciitis pain thanks to the removable, leather-lined footbed with generous foam padding.

SAS Bliss Loafers

Buy: SAS Bliss Loafers $128 $100 Get the SAS Bliss Loafers for only $128!

Breeze Sea Flip-Flops by Clarks for Women.

Recommended Footwear for Those Suffering from Heel Spurs

While your trusty sneakers are great for sightseeing and sightseeing, sandals are more appropriate for the beach. The Breeze Sea Flip-Flops by Clarks for women provide much more arch support than traditional thong sandals. The EVA outsole and Ortholite footbed work together to protect your feet from the effects of walking on rough terrain. This is convenient for traveling because of its portability.

Clarks Women's Breeze Sea Flip-Flops

Buy: Clarks Women's Breeze Sea Flip-Flops $23-$101 Women's Breeze Sea Flip-Flops by Clarks, $23-$101

Asics Gel-Content 5 Running Shoes

The Top Running Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis and Heel Spurs

A number greater than 10,000 The Asics Gel-Contend 5 running shoes have received raving reviews (5 stars) on Amazon for providing exceptional arch and heel support, which helps to prevent and relieve Achilles tendonitis. Rubber outsole for traction and durability and an internal heel counter for optimal support. Rearfoot gel helps to reduce wear and tear on the feet. One reviewer gushed, "Asics is the only brand I wear to run."

ASICS Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes

Buy: Asics Men’s Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes $40-$138 Invest in the $40-$138 Asics Men's Gel-Content 5 Running Shoes.

Buy: Asics Women’s Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoes $54-$139 The Asics Gel-Contend 5 Running Shoe is available for purchase for $54–139.