Are Xero Shoes good for plantar fasciitis?Updated a month ago
We’re not able to give medical advice, and whether any shoe is right for plantar fasciitis depends on your feet, your symptoms, and what your healthcare provider recommends. What we can do is explain how our shoes are designed so you and your provider can decide together.
How Xero Shoes are designed
- Wide toe box — room for your toes to spread naturally
- Flexible sole — lets your foot bend and move rather than holding it rigid
- Zero-drop — heel and forefoot at the same height, no elevated heel
- No built-in arch support — your foot muscles do the work
This is a different approach from supportive, cushioned footwear. Some customers with plantar fasciitis find it works well for them; others prefer more support. Neither is right or wrong, it depends on the person!
If you decide to try them
- Talk with your healthcare provider first, especially if you’re currently in treatment or have been told to wear supportive shoes or orthotics.
- Transition slowly. Going from supportive shoes to minimalist ones too quickly can aggravate symptoms. Start with short periods and build up over several weeks.
- Listen to your feet. Mild muscle soreness as your feet adapt is normal; sharp or worsening heel pain is a signal to stop and check with your provider.
- Using orthotics? Many of our styles have a removable insole, so you can try your own inserts.
Try them risk-free
Exchanges are free on US orders, so if they’re not working for you, you can swap or return them. See our Exchanges & Returns page for details.
Further reading
We’ve written about plantar fasciitis and natural movement on our blog. These are our perspective, not medical guidance:
- Tips for plantar fasciitis and going barefoot
- Will barefoot running heal my injuries?
- Plantar fasciitis and barefoot running
Still have questions?
Contact Us and we’ll help you find a style to start with.