Diagnosed with heel spurs but not looking to stop exercising?
When activity causes pain, it’s best to slow down. That being said, it doesn’t mean that your couch should become your new best friend.
To help you remain active, we’ve identified the best shoes for heel spurs when activity causes foot pain. Whether you’re going for a walk, gentle hike or run, you should find a suitable option.
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My favorite model is the New Balance Men’s 608 V5 for guys and the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe for the ladies.
Even so, here’s the complete list of the five best shoes for heel spurs:
- New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer
- Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20
- Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
- Slow Man Women’s Walking Sneakers
- Gravity Defyer Women’s Shoes for Heel Pain
The Best Shoes for Heel Spurs – Reviews
1. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer – Best Men’s Overall
This pair isn’t just one of the most popular shoes for heel spurs, it also combines style, comfort and efficiency to reduce heel pain.
They include a heel pad to help your feet recover. Plus, they provide extra cushioning to enhance shock absorbance as you exercise. However, note that they can be squeaky when walking.
In addition, this model is available in three different widths for a custom fit. Only the toe box can be a little tight for some reviewers.
Specs:
| Colors Available | 11 |
| Sizes | 6.5 to 18 |
| Material(s) | Leather |
Pros:
- X-wide sizes.
- Sturdy rubber sole.
- Extra cushioning.
- Includes a heel crash-pad.
- Shock absorbent.
Cons:
- Some users find the toe box too narrow.
- Tends to squeak when walking.
2. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20 – Best for Cushioning
This pair provides the needed padding and comfort to encourage your heels to heal. This is thanks to the sole’s soft DNA loft crash pad, which also acts as a spring for a slight rebound effect.
In addition, these shoes also include a “BuiMoGo DNA” padding. This proprietary feature increases the shoes’ responsiveness for a smoother walk or run. However, some reviewers found the toe box could be comfier.
Specs:
| Colors Available | 33 |
| Sizes | 7 to 15 |
| Material(s) | Synthetic and mesh |
Pros:
- Durable rubber sole.
- Provide stability and support.
- Protect the knees.
- Medium to high level of padding.
- Comes with crash pad cushions.
- Ideal for medium and high arches.
Pros:
- Some users find the toe box uncomfortable.
3. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe – Best Overall Women’s Shoes
If you’re heading for a hike and looking for a pair that’ll support your feet and reduce pain, this pair is worth looking at.
The supportive footbed should help relieve pressure from the back of your feet. In fact, users report fantastic arch support.
On top of that, the added cushioning under the heel absorbs shock to make your heels feel at ease.
Reviewers also love the style, but some wished they were lighter and less bulky.
Specs:
| Colors Available | 12 |
| Sizes | 6.5 to 11 |
| Material(s) | Suede leather, mesh |
Pros:
- Supportive footbed.
- Heel cushioning.
- Breathable material.
- Durable rubber outsole.
- Large toe box.
Cons:
- Can be too heavy and bulky for some users.
4. Slow Man Women’s Walking Sneakers – Best Budget Option for Women
If you’re looking for a comfy pair that won’t break the bank, this model is the most economical of my selection. However, be mindful when selecting the size—they tend to fit wider than other models.
Despite this, the shoes are light and allow excellent airflow thanks to the mesh, making walking easier and preventing sweaty feet.
Although some users wished for more padding, they still appreciate the fantastic arch support.
Specs:
| Colors Available | 21 |
| Sizes | 5.5 to 11 |
| Material(s) | Mesh fabric |
Pros:
- Very small sizes are available.
- Lightweight.
- Flexible and breathable shoes.
- Include an air cushion.
- Relief from impact.
- Provide arch support.
Cons:
- Could have more cushioning.
- Can fit wider than expected.
5. Gravity Defyer Women’s Shoes for Heel Pain – Best for Pain Relief
According to the manufacturer, a double-blind study showed that these shoes could relieve 75 percent of your foot pain. They can also decrease ankle, knee and back pains.
They include a heel cup and an ergonomic design, reducing foot strain and providing stability.
You should be able to stand on your feet comfortably for at least eight hours with this pair. However, bear in mind that the toe box can be a bit too narrow for wide feet.
Specs:
| Colors Available | 8 |
| Sizes | 6 to 11 |
| Material(s) | Fabric and synthetic |
Pros:
- Highly shock-absorbent.
- Removable insole.
- Heel cup.
- Provide comfort for over eight hours.
- Midfoot support.
- Frontal rocker.
- Roomy toe box.
- Relieve pain.
Cons:
- The toe box can still be too tight for wide feet.
What and Where are Heel Spurs
Heel spurs are calcium deposits made by the body to protect the ligaments that go from the inside of the heel to the front of the foot. They may cause no discomfort or they can be painful.
There are some things you can do to relieve the pain through massage. There are self-massaging tools that can help but a simple tennis ball rolled under the foot can be used.
You might also want to check to see if your shoes with orthotics inserts will help. Check this video for more.
Choosing the Best Shoes for Heel Spurs
While some can be asymptomatic, when they cause pain, the discomfort can disrupt someone’s life.
The key features of the best shoes for heel spurs when activity causes foot pain are:
Arch Support
Proper arch support should relieve pressure from the heel. Plus, this reinforcement can also alleviate plantar fasciitis, which is often associated with this condition.
Before committing, make sure that the insole and midsole are designed to fortify and strengthen your feet.
Shock-Absorbent
Walking and running create shocks and vibrations that resonate through your musculoskeletal system, especially the feet and legs.
These impacts can worsen fasciitis, which is most heel spurs’ root cause. They’ll also trigger pain in your already weakened heels, which is even more important if you’re walking or running on hard or concrete floors.
A shock-absorbent pair of shoes should reduce the impact and redistribute energy throughout the foot. This avoids putting too much pressure on the heel or toes.
Cushioning should also be present through the midsole and insole, while a gel pad under the heel will also absorb some of the shocks, reducing the pain.
Stability
You want your feet to be as stable as possible to allow your heel spurs to heal. This prevents your feet from sliding or moving inside the shoes, avoiding unnecessary fascia tension and heel pain.
For this, choose an ergonomic insole with a contoured footbed.
Rocker
You may notice an elevated frontal portion in some shoes, just like a boat. This shape is known as the rocker.
This design decreases foot and ankle pain while improving comfort, which is critical to reduce aches associated with heel spurs. They also allow better body weight redistribution throughout the feet while walking, putting less pressure on the heel.
Removable Insoles
Removable insoles can be helpful for two reasons:
- Easily replace them when worn and thin.
- Ideal for custom-made medical insoles for heel spurs.
Summary
Talking of shoes and painful foot and leg issues we’ve covered our best shoes for shin splints and for we also have a complete guide to the differences between trainers, running and walking shoes.
We’ve also covered shoes for Achilles Tendonitis.
The best shoes for heel spurs when activity causes foot pain should decrease the discomfort and promote healing. Pick a pair that provides excellent arch support, absorbs shocks and maintains foot stability.
The New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer is my first choice for the guys. I love the discreet but modern style. It can fit most males’ outfits perfectly, from jeans to more casual clothes.
For females, I love the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe. The heel pad and supportive footbed are ideal for heel spurs. Plus, the excellent arch support should make hiking a breeze.
