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The TRUTH about the BEST shoes for plantar fasciitis

JeremySallerMD

151,777 views

Still waking up to stabbing heel pain? Grab my free "Heel Pain to Pain Free Playbook".
https://jeremysallermd.kit.com/fc45ec...

NOTE: AT THIS TIME, DR. SALLER IS UNABLE TO SEE PATIENTS VIRTUALLY OUTSIDE OF WISCONSIN. If you live in Northeast Wisconsin, you are welcome to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Saller in the office.

Best shoes for plantar fasciitis explained—what actually works (and what makes it worse)

Fix your plantar fasciitis faster ➡ This One Exercise Fixes Heel Pain Faster T...

If you’re searching for the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, this video breaks down what actually works—and what could be keeping your pain coming back. As an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, I explain why popular shoes like Brooks Adrenaline and Hoka Bondi can help in the short term, but may not be the long-term solution. You’ll learn a phase-based approach to choosing footwear that supports healing, restores foot strength, and prevents recurring heel pain. Most importantly, you’ll understand how foot mechanics—not just cushioning—determine real recovery.

In this video, you'll learn:
• Why cushioned and stability shoes help (but can backfire)
• The 3 phases of plantar fasciitis recovery
• How to transition shoes safely without worsening pain
• The role of toe box shape, heel drop, and foot strength
• My top 5 shoe recommendations for each recovery stage

All Products and Gear Mentioned in this video:
• Brooks Adrenaline
(Men) https://amzn.to/4v3e9iw (Women) https://amzn.to/4bVsvJ3
• Hoka Bondi
(Men) https://amzn.to/4dThDOw(Women) https://amzn.to/4sKxlQM
• Topo Phantom
(Men) https://amzn.to/3PGkMY2 (Women) https://amzn.to/3PIvoFN
• Topo Fli-Lyte
(Men)https://amzn.to/4tjSIZ8 (Women) https://amzn.to/4dlpRif
• Altra Torin
(Men) https://amzn.to/4bHZ3HR (Women) https://amzn.to/4thFmwn
• Altra Escalante
(Men) https://amzn.to/4deVZnH (Women) https://amzn.to/4chuWac
• FLUX Adapt Runner (Men and Women) https://amzn.to/4sEp8gN

Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.

00:00 Why Most Shoes Fail You
01:00 The 3 Recovery Phases Explained
01:56 Brooks Adrenaline: Pros & Cons
04:01 Hoka Bondi: Cushion Breakdown
05:50 Best Transition Shoe - Topo
08:56 Altra Shoe - What are the differences?
11:06 Time to rebuild foot strength - Flux Footwear
13:30 Summary of the 3 Phases

About:
Welcome to JeremySallerMD. This channel provides evidence-based education on foot and ankle injuries, recovery, and injury prevention to help you stay active and avoid chronic pain.

DISCLAIMER:
The content of this YouTube Channel, JeremySallerMD is for GENERAL INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. This content does not and is not intended to convey medical advice and does not constitute the practice of medicine. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. You should consult with your healthcare professional before doing any exercises shown on this channel. Any injury sustained or perpetuated while performing these exercises is solely the responsibility of the individual performing these exercises. By watching this video, you agree that Dr. Saller is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented on the Channel.

#PlantarFasciitis #FootPainRelief #RunningShoes #HeelPain

20 Comments

@JeremySallerMD Creator 3 months ago (edited) Pinned

Shoes help — but they don't heal plantar fasciitis. The exercises do.
I'm an orthopedic foot & ankle surgeon, and these are the 5 I give patients before we ever discuss injections or surgery. Free guide + a weekly progression to keep you on track:
👉 https://jeremysallermd.kit.com/fc45ecefdd

@InternalcombustionChamber 1 day ago

Nice to see a “doctor” who is actually an MD vs do many other “doctors” on YouTube who are chiropractors.

@samus4040 2 months ago (edited)

You know, people are not stupid. We can see through all these YouTube videos. In one, a shoe is recommended, then in another, it’s the worst. We pick through the ridiculousness, but we learn because there is knowledge. Your video, I believe, sums it up exactly the way I see it. And I thank you! This is the most comprehensive yet concise video available for treating PF via footwear.

@JeremySallerMD Creator 5 months ago (edited)

I appreciate all of your comments and critiques! A couple of viewers informed me that the Hoka Bondi 9 is actually a 5mm drop (not 8 to 10 mm drop). This puts it on par with the Topo Phantom as a lower drop shoe alternative that can provide more cushion and support. The Hoka Clifton is a more standard 8 mm drop version. This was in error on my part in my description of the this shoe in the video. The rest of the information on Hoka Bondi is accurate. Since it is important to all of you, that I provide you the most up to date accurate information, I will pin this comment so anyone watching can see this and get the correct information. Thank you to @graevanhooser7348 and @philipppuchner1115 for pointing this out!

@laylalovely3076 4 months ago

Here’s my advice. Wear whatever shoe is comfortable for you. Had podiatrists recommend certain brands that caused a lot of pain. After trying nearly every brand out there, have found that New Balance 860 is the only shoe that works for me. My one daughter wears only brooks, my other daughter wears only Mizuno. Get whatever works for YOU.

@Windranger6 5 months ago

Update:

I was having sharp pains on the mid section of my feet for months. Soon My Achilles/calves were also feeling pain. I wore Hoka Bondi 9 and brooks but they still made my feet hurt.

When I transitioned to topo 4 wp it was a major game changer! My feet felt a lot better. I am a server working 8-12 hours a day on my feet. I have also been doing the exercises and stretches that Dr.Jeremy has been recommending me. It was life changing! Thank you doc!

@stephenievanburen8539 6 months ago

Your videos have been extraordinary helpful. I had a bout for 6 weeks and your content got me through it. I did your exercises, stretched on a slant board, started wearing a night sock, and it started calming down by the day. I now wear Topo Phantom 4 for jogging, Altra Escalante 4 for errands and outside walking, and I go barefoot with toe spreaders for walking around my house. I am so grateful for the ability to do this and I can't thank you enough!

@mynameisnotcory 5 months ago

My hokas are the sole reason i had crippling knee pain and developed PF. They were the most comfortable shoes id ever owned for 4 months. It was insane. And then it just got worse and worse and i couldnt figure it out because most of my shoes last way longer

@aidacontreras1449 3 months ago

Dr Saller I am 82 years old 107 lbs. I don’t plantar fasciitis.
My problem is I’ve lost fat on my heel and is painful I also have a high instep.

@christinamartinez8132 4 months ago (edited)

I appreciate your thorough review. ❤❤

@cctxsurf 4 months ago

Thank you !!!!

@stacymatthews_insurance 2 months ago

This was soooo helpful. Thank you !

@stockdetective4396 3 months ago

The ons cloudstratus triggered plantar fasciitis, wore some shity pumas 3 yrs straight before, never had an issue

@nickinge617 3 weeks ago

Great video!

@Alexis-po1eg 4 months ago

Great ❤

@lyrical-feline 1 month ago

Excellent- thanks so much! Clear reasoning, matched with relevant recommendations. 🎉

@carleynorthcoast1915 5 months ago (edited)

In case anyone sees this Brooks max support shoe is the "Beast" and the Hoka support shoe is the "Gaviota". It looks like shoe companies don't like to limit their market to people who need support so the so-called support shoes often have a bit of compromise and sometimes the shoe will no longer be a support shoe in future editions even if the name remains the same.

@FamilySmith 1 month ago

You're RIGHT! The Brooks Adrenaline DID help me during the WORST of my Plantar Fasciitis!!! I wish I could give this video 100 thumbs up!!! I'm ordering my Topos right now!!! Thank you, Doc! :)

@scottripley8535 2 weeks ago

This is why my Under Armour cushioned flip flops feel so good. Wide toe splay with a flat foot bed and soft cushioning

@scottripley8535 2 weeks ago

Dude, I mean Dr.,I know you know your shlt but I'm a construction worker that puts on a squishy Nike after work and it feels like heaven. The relief make not even care about building anything. I just want that pain gone. I'm a new subscriber and I'm sure your content is going to save me. Thanks for donating your time to people like me that need it. I have Cadillac insurance but a Doctor on YouTube is my first option. Thanks again doc