(661) 282-8584 contactus@ariptcare.com Fax: (661) 727-0005 Español
Book an Appointment

Patient Questions  /  Shoes for heel pain

Foot & Ankle

What Kind of Shoes Help Heel Pain?

Shoes with good arch support, a cushioned heel and a slightly raised heel usually feel best for heel pain, and going barefoot on hard floors often makes it worse. Shoes help, but stretching and strengthening are what fix it.

Request an Evaluation

What to look for

  • A cushioned, slightly raised heel. A small heel-to-toe drop takes some strain off the plantar fascia and calf.
  • Arch support. Firm midsoles and supportive insoles help many people. Over-the-counter inserts are often enough.
  • A stable sole that doesn't twist easily.
  • Fresh cushioning. Worn-out shoes lose support. Replace walking or running shoes regularly.

What usually makes it worse

  • Going barefoot on tile or hardwood floors, especially first thing in the morning.
  • Completely flat shoes and flip-flops with no support.
  • Standing for long periods in worn-out work shoes.

Tip: keep supportive shoes or sandals by the bed so the first steps of the day aren't barefoot.

Shoes are only part of it

For plantar fasciitis, the treatments with the best support are calf and plantar fascia stretching, foot and calf strengthening, taping, and changing activity for a while. Shoes make these work better.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • Heel pain after a fall or jump, or pain that is worse with every step and doesn't warm up
  • Numbness or burning in the foot
  • Swelling, redness or warmth, especially with fever or diabetes

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist confirms what's causing the heel pain, uses hands-on care and taping, and gives you stretching and strengthening exercises plus footwear advice suited to your feet and your day.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Plantar fasciitis and heel pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026