Pain in any area of
your foot can be extremely uncomfortable and distracting, but pain in the heel of your foot, well, that's on a different level. And people with plantar fasciitis— an intense stabbing sensation that runs along the bottom of the foot— know this all too well.
Unfortunately, flare-ups can happen anytime and anywhere, and when you're at a formal event, meeting with the head honchos from corporate, or interviewing for a job, foot pain should be the least of your worries. That's why finding a pair of dress shoes that not only have great arch support and cushioning, but also have a flexible outsole and low heel is crucial. And, as we all know, traditional dress shoes can be stiff, come with hard outsoles, and high heels, so the search isn't an easy one. To make things a little simpler for you, we've included the best 8 options below.
Pros
Memory-foam arch support- Sneaker-like feel
Cons
- Some buyers say the sizing is confusing
These dress shoes by Amber Jack are obviously good, but their undercover comfort is what makes them secretly great. Crafted with full-grain leather and sheepskin lining, they have a dual-function athletic outsole and heat-activated insole for next-level support.
best performance dress shoes for plantar fasciitis
Cole Haan Wingtip Oxfords
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Pros
- Molded footbed
- Currently on sale
- Great traction
Cons
- Sells-out quickly
These Cole Haan Oxfords are the perfect mashup between dress shoes and performance footwear. With its iconic running outsole, classic welting detail, and premium leather upper, it is the OG hybrid dress shoe.
Pros
- Durable and versatile
- Breathable comfort
- Lace-up fastening for a secure, custom fit
Cons
- Some buyers say they run too narrow
With crafted leather uppers for a classic look, a super-soft footbed for all-day comfort, and grippy soles, these polished bogues are the ultimate desk-to-drinks wardrobe staple.
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Pros
- Elegant stitching around the top
- Removable insole
Cons
- Not waterproof
Derbies are technically a little less formal than oxfords, but don't let that worry you too much. A good pair can work with just about any kind of suit, and this Ecco style is classic, versatile, and, most importantly, comfortable as hell.
Pros
- Classic round toe
- Easy to care for
Cons
- Can run large
Available in calfskin, bovine, and suede, these Chelsea boots are perfect for the guy who isn't a fan of laces (cue the sleek pull tab). Dress them up with stylish slacks or pair them with slimmer jeans for a more casual fit. The world is your oyster—try it all.
Pros
- Made in Italy
- Rubber outsole
Cons
- Pricier than other options
When it comes to loafers, Loro Piana knows what they're talking about. This style is the epitome of luxury; I mean, just imagine yourself wearing these bad boys while smoking a Gurkha Royal Cigar—but if that isn't possible, they'll still keep you comfortable wherever you go.
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best versatile dress shoes for plantar fasciitis
Allen Edmonds Park Avenue Shoes
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Can scratch easily
Crafted in Port Washington, Wisconsin, these Allen Edmonds shoes are ultra-refined and feature 360-degree bench-welt construction for extra durability and stability. Plus, they have classic, clean lines that make them easy to dress up or down, depending on the day.
Pros
- Full leather lining
- Painted and burnished by hand
Cons
- Final sale
This coffee style from Taft is designed to turn heads while still keeping your feet secure—it's the best of both worlds. Featuring a bold criss-cross double monk design and welted construction for durability and longevity, this shoe will be comfortable right out of the box and for years to come.
What To Look For
Material: Although this doesn't have much to do with whether you have plantar fasciitis or not, you still want to look for lightweight, breathable, and durable materials, like leather. Luckily, when it comes to dress shoes, most options are available in this type of fabric.
Support and Stability: Arch support, a flexible outsole, and a padded insole are crucial when shopping for dress shoes for people with plantar fasciitis. Search for softer outsole materials like rubber to help cushion the impact of each step, which will also mean less stress on your plantar fascia. And always look for shoes that will keep your feet as flat as possible and your heels comfortable.
Fit: When it comes to dress shoes for plantar fasciitis, it's crucial to find a pair that fits snug around your foot, has good arch support, and has enough room in the toe box without feeling too cramped.
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Why You Can Trust Esquire
We're not going to say something is great unless it's actually great. When it comes to dress shoes for plantar fasciitis, you can rest assured that we did our research. And while not all of us have plantar fasciitis, we've made sure to comb through multiple product reviews, internet forums, and stories from those who do, to provide you with the most accurate list.
Throughout our testing processes we had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these dress shoes for plantar fasciitis are the ones that are simply the best.
