A heel spur is a small bony growth on the underside of the heel bone. Many people have one without knowing it, and a spur on its own is often not the source of heel pain. The pain people blame on a spur usually comes from the plantar fascia, the band of tissue along the sole, and the right shoe can make everyday walking more comfortable.
This guide explains what is known about heel spurs, how footwear fits in and nine cushioned shoes for men and women that are in stock on the web US.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not medical advice. Heel pain has several causes, and shoes do not remove a heel spur. See a doctor or podiatrist if the pain is severe, keeps coming back or does not improve with self-care.
Heel spur basics
- MedlinePlus says heel spurs show up on x-rays in people with and without plantar fasciitis, so a spur is not the cause of that pain.[2]
- OrthoInfo agrees that heel spurs do not cause plantar fasciitis pain, and that the pain can be treated without removing the spur.[1]
- The NHS suggests shoes with cushioned heels and good arch support, plus insoles or heel pads.[3]
- OrthoInfo says shoes with thick soles and extra cushioning can reduce pain with standing and walking.[1]
- Replace worn-out shoes. Cushioning becomes less effective over time, even without use.[1][4]
Key Specs
| No. | Shoe | Type | Closure | Width options | Drop / Cushion | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics Gel Cumulus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | FF BLAST MAX | – |
| 5 | New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V9 | Running | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | Fresh Foam | 9.7 oz |
| 8 | Asics Gel Nimbus 28 | Running | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | PureGEL | – |
| 2 | Reebok Rapid Strike | Walking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | EVA | – |
| 3 | AVIA Avi-Verge | Walking | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | MEMORY FOAM | – |
| 4 | New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop | Walking | Hook-and-loop | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | Abzorb | 13.6 oz |
| 6 | Vionic Walk Strider Knit | Walking | – | Medium, Wide | – | – |
| 7 | Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 | Casual sneaker | Lace-up | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | – | 10.2 oz |
| 9 | New Balance 608 V5 | Casual sneaker | – | Medium, Wide, X-Wide | ABZORB | – |
– = not stated by the maker. Specs as stated by the maker, not tested by us.
What Is a Heel Spur?
A heel spur is a bony outgrowth on the heel bone. It can be seen on an X-ray, and it often causes no symptoms at all.[1] Heel pain that sends people to the doctor is more often plantar fasciitis, which MedlinePlus describes as pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel that is often worse with the first steps in the morning and after standing or sitting for a while.[2] Our article on walking shoes for plantar fasciitis covers that condition in more detail.
What Can Contribute to Heel Pain
- New or Increased Activity – OrthoInfo lists new or increased activity and repetitive high-impact activity such as running as risk factors for plantar fasciitis.[1]
- Hard Surfaces – Standing for long periods on hard surfaces is another risk factor, especially for healthcare workers, factory workers and teachers.[1]
- Foot Type and Weight – Flat feet, high arches, tight calf muscles and obesity make the condition more likely.[1][2]
- Shoes – MedlinePlus lists shoes with poor arch support or soft soles as a factor.[2]
Features of a Good Shoe for Heel Pain
- Cushioned Heel – The NHS suggests cushioned heels, and OrthoInfo says a cushioned shoe or insert reduces the tension the plantar fascia takes with every step.[1][3]
- Arch Support – The NHS recommends good arch support, and a podiatrist can advise on insoles and the right shoe for your foot.[3]
- Fit – Leave about a half inch between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, and try shoes on at the end of the day.[4]
- Fresh Cushioning – Avoid shoes that are worn out or have sat on a shelf for years.[1][4]
Things to Avoid
The NHS advises against long periods of walking or standing, high heels, tight pointed shoes, flip-flops, backless slippers and walking barefoot on hard surfaces when you have heel pain.[3]
How We Chose These Shoes
We do not test shoes ourselves. We compared each model’s cushioning, support and fit using the makers’ descriptions and The web product pages, and we kept only pairs that are in stock on the web US. Brands do not pay to be included, but we may earn a commission from purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Heel Spurs
- Can shoes remove a heel spur?
No. Shoes cannot remove a bony growth. A cushioned, supportive shoe can make standing and walking more comfortable while you deal with the underlying heel pain. - How long does heel pain last?
OrthoInfo says more than 90% of people with plantar fasciitis improve within 10 months of starting simple treatment.[1] - When should I see a doctor?
The NHS says to see a GP if the pain is severe, keeps coming back, is getting worse, has not improved after two weeks of self-care, comes with tingling or numbness, or if you have diabetes.[3]
Our Picks: Shoes for Heel Spurs
Here are nine pairs with cushioned heels and supportive midsoles. Each one is in stock on the web US. We may earn a commission if you buy through the links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
1Neutral Cushioned Trainer
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Cumulus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Cumulus 28 is a neutral daily trainer with a soft, energetic ride. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- FF Blast Max foam and rearfoot PureGEL cushion each landing and return energy at toe-off.
- The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, and the Fluidride outsole blends EVA and rubber for traction without extra weight.
- An OrthoLite X-30 sockliner cushions and manages moisture, and reflective details help you stay visible in low light.
5
Cushioned Daily Trainer
New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V9 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V9 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v9 is a light, cushioned daily trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- A Fresh Foam midsole with bio-based content gives a soft, responsive ride.
- The molded engineered mesh upper breathes well, and the integrated rubber outsole grips on roads, sidewalks and gym floors.
- It weighs about 9.7 oz, and the lace-up closure lets you adjust the fit.
8
Max-Cushion Trainer
Asics Gel Nimbus 28 - Men
Currently unavailable
Asics Gel Nimbus 28 - Women
Currently unavailable
The ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 is a neutral, max-cushion trainer. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The engineered knit upper is light and breathable, with few overlays.
- Rearfoot PureGEL and FF Blast Plus foam give a soft landing and a responsive ride.
- An OrthoLite X-55 sockliner manages moisture, reflective details add visibility, and the Hybrid Asicsgrip outsole grips on varied surfaces.
Walking and Everyday Shoes
2Light Walking Shoe, Wide Widths
Reebok Rapid Strike - Men
Currently unavailable
Reebok Rapid Strike - Women
Currently unavailable
The Reebok Rapid Strike is a light walking and cross-training shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- A breathable mesh tongue keeps air moving, and the synthetic upper holds its structure.
- The EVA midsole is light and absorbs impact, and the TPR outsole grips and lasts.
- The open-cell sockliner is removable, and the shoe comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
3
Cushioned Court and Walking Shoe
AVIA Avi-Verge - Men
Currently unavailable
AVIA Avi-Verge - Women
Currently unavailable
The Avia Avi-Verge is a cross trainer that also suits walking and pickleball. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- A compression-molded EVA midsole and an anatomical heel cradle center the heel and absorb shock.
- The removable memory foam sockliner conforms to your foot.
- The non-marking TPR outsole is tough, and wide sizes are available.
4
Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoe
New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 577 v1 Hook and Loop is a leather walking shoe that fastens without laces. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- Abzorb cushioning in the heel absorbs impact, and the polyurethane midsole gives stable cushioning.
- The leather upper holds its shape, reflective accents catch the light, and the hook-and-loop closure is easy to adjust.
- The shoe carries Medicare code A5500, so it may qualify for reimbursement under the diabetic shoe benefit.
6
Walking Sneaker with Arch Support
Vionic Walk Strider Knit - Men
Currently unavailable
Vionic Walk Strider Knit - Women
Currently unavailable
The Vionic Walk Strider Knit is a walking sneaker with a built-in orthotic footbed. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The Vio Motion footbed has contoured arch support, shock-absorbing cushioning, a deep heel cup and forefoot flexibility.
- The knit upper is soft and breathable.
- Anti-roll and lateral rigidity features add stability, and the forefoot flexes for walking.
7
Neutral Trainer, Wide Widths
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Men
Currently unavailable
Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 - Women
Currently unavailable
The Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11 is a neutral trainer that balances cushioning and flexibility. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- The mesh upper has leather overlays that add midfoot support, and at least 30% of the upper is recycled content.
- Charged+ midsole cushioning is soft, and the rubber outsole has flex grooves for toe-off.
- It weighs about 10.2 oz and comes in medium, wide and extra-wide widths.
9
Casual Cross Trainer
New Balance 608 V5 - Men
Currently unavailable
New Balance 608 V5 - Women
Currently unavailable
The New Balance 608 v5 is a casual cross trainer that works as an everyday walking shoe. It comes in men’s and women’s versions.
- An Abzorb heel crash pad absorbs impact, and a molded insert adds cushioning underfoot.
- The suede upper breaks in to your foot, and dual-density collar foam steadies the ankle.
- A Phantom Liner interior has few seams to rub, and the EVA midsole has an internal shank for midfoot stability.
Index Table: Shoes for Heel Spurs Compared
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asics® - Neutral Cushioned Trainer |  |  |
| Asics |
| 5 | New Balance® - Cushioned Daily Trainer |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 8 | Asics® - Max-Cushion Trainer |  |  |
| Asics |
| 2 | Reebok® - Light Walking Shoe, Wide Widths |  |  |
| Reebok |
| 3 | AVIA® - Cushioned Court and Walking Shoe |  |  |
| AVIA |
| 4 | New Balance® - Hook-and-Loop Walking Shoe |  |  |
| New Balance |
| 6 | Vionic® - Walking Sneaker with Arch Support |  |  |
| Vionic |
| 7 | Under Armour® - Neutral Trainer, Wide Widths |  |  |
| Under Armour |
| 9 | New Balance® - Casual Cross Trainer |  |  |
| New Balance |
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Plantar Fasciitis and Bone Spurs. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- MedlinePlus (NIH). Plantar fasciitis. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- National Health Service (NHS). Plantar fasciitis. Accessed October 26, 2026.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Athletic Shoes. Accessed October 26, 2026.
Update History
- Oct 2026: Rewrote the article around OrthoInfo, MedlinePlus and NHS guidance, corrected the heel spur description, removed the claims that shoes reduce pain or aid healing and rewrote the product notes for all nine pairs
- Oct 2026: Updated Asics Gel Cumulus 24 to Gel Cumulus 28; replaced Reebok Work ‘N Cushion 4.0 with Reebok Rapid Strike; replaced New Balance MW577 with New Balance 577 V1 Hook and Loop; replaced New Balance 990V5 with New Balance Fresh Foam 680 V9; replaced Vionic Walker with Vionic Walk Strider Knit; replaced Mephisto Paco with Under Armour Charged+ Assert 11; updated Asics Gel Nimbus 26 to Gel Nimbus 28; replaced Orthofeet Glacier with New Balance 608 V5
- Oct 2026: Removed Vionic Walker, Skechers Shape Ups and Skechers Go Walk 6 (unavailable)
- Oct 2026: Added a Key Specs table and a Sources section; checked availability of every product
- Sep 2015: Published
