2025 Foot Pain Trends Report
Survey Reveals the Latest on
Foot Pain in America
Download the full report
Medically Reviewed on Mar 30, 2025
Introduction
Millions of Americans start the day on their feet, but for many, foot pain disrupts even the simplest routines. Our latest survey reveals that 81% of people in the United States experience foot pain—a reality that not only impacts physical health but also limits daily activities and overall quality of life. These numbers reinforce the importance of understanding how foot health habits and trends are evolving.
At KURU Footwear, we believe that every step matters. Over the past year, we’ve worked to deepen our understanding of the factors driving foot pain—listening to customer experiences, analyzing data, and studying the latest research. This commitment helps us innovate footwear that goes beyond comfort, empowering people to stay active and live fuller lives.
In this year’s report, we’ll explore how foot health in America has shifted, share findings from our most recent survey, and highlight actionable insights that can inspire healthier habits for years to come.
Methodology
The 2025 Foot Pain Trends Report builds on the findings from previous years, with a particular focus on identifying shifts in foot health behaviors and uncovering emerging challenges across the United States. This year’s data is sourced from government health organizations, market research firms, peer-reviewed studies, and proprietary insights collected by KURU Footwear. The goal is to provide a deeper understanding of how foot pain affects both daily activities and long-term well-being.
The 2025 survey analyzed responses from 2,000 American adults (out of 2,463 total respondents), aged 18 and older, who reported experiencing foot pain between November 2023 and October 2024. With a margin of error of +/- 3% and a confidence level of 95%, this year’s findings offer a more focused perspective on key trends. By comparison, our 2024 report included responses from 2,500 individuals, contributing to a total sample size of 3,085 adults.
To learn more about our products, please visit our website at www.kurufootwear.com.
Please note
This report is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or serve as an offer to purchase KURU Footwear products. Any official offers or communications will be issued directly through authorized KURU channels.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, no guarantees are provided. Unless explicitly attributed to medical professionals, the content should not be considered professional guidance.
At KURU Footwear, we remain committed to advancing foot health awareness through the annual Foot Pain Trends Report. For updates, additional findings, or new areas of research, please visit https://www.kurufootwear.com/pages/reports-foot-pain-2025.
Common Causes and Symptoms of Foot Pain
Our 2025 survey data highlights the complex nature of foot pain, often affecting multiple areas at once. The most commonly reported area remains the arch of the foot (39%), followed closely by the ball of the foot (34%), the heel (33%), and the ankle (32%). Pain in some toes (26%), the top of the foot (23%), and all toes (9%) also reflect the diverse challenges people face in managing foot health.
Plantar fasciitis continues to be the leading cause of heel pain in the U.S. This condition occurs when the plantar fascia—a crucial connective tissue band—becomes inflamed, often due to repetitive strain or improper footwear. The pain frequently starts at the heel and radiates through the arch, impacting mobility and daily function.
In the following sections, we’ll explore additional foot conditions and discuss innovative approaches to managing these issues in 2025.
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Underneath the Arch -
At the Ball of the Foot
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Under the Heel
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At the Ankle
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Some Toes
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Top of the Foot
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All the Toes
Influence of Foot Pain on Overall Body Health
Foot pain often sets off a chain reaction, impacting other parts of the body. When the feet are in pain, it can alter movement patterns and add extra stress on the back, knees, and hips.
This year’s survey confirms that many respondents with foot pain also reported discomfort in these areas, reinforcing how closely foot health is tied to overall physical well-being. These findings reflect the broader challenges of managing foot-related pain and its effects on the body.
Dig deeper into our Common Causes and Symptoms of Foot Pain data:
Heel Pain Relief
Superior cushion and support for those seeking to live life to the fullest.
Prevalence of Foot Pain in 2025
Foot pain remains a widespread issue, with 81% of Americans reporting experiences of discomfort in 2025, according to a recent KURU Footwear survey. This figure, unchanged from 2024, reflects the ongoing challenges posed by modern lifestyles and occupational demands. Notably, 63% of respondents reported experiencing foot pain for less than a year, while 10% have endured pain for over a decade.
Lifestyle habits such as standing on hard surfaces and wearing poorly designed footwear continue to harm foot health. Among respondents, 19% reported experiencing foot pain for 1–5 years, with 33% noting related pain in their back, knees, or hips. These findings emphasize the need for ongoing education, better footwear options, and increased awareness of how daily habits impact foot health.
Dig deeper into our Prevalence of Foot Pain data:
The Impact of Foot Pain
Foot pain significantly affects mobility and daily activities, often disrupting independence and overall well-being. Walking is the most impacted activity, with 68% of respondents in 2025 reporting difficulty, unchanged from the previous year. Exercise challenges persist for 38% of individuals, limiting their ability to maintain physical health. Even household chores have become increasingly difficult, affecting 28% of respondents and often leading to greater reliance on assistance. These findings highlight the need for proactive care, including supportive footwear, stretching routines, and early medical intervention to preserve mobility.
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Exercising
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Walking
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Household Chores
Timely intervention remains critical in preventing long-term complications. Healthcare providers emphasize early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of chronic pain and secondary injuries. Regular foot exercises, proper footwear, and stress management techniques can improve outcomes. However, many individuals delay seeking help, assuming foot pain will resolve on its own. Experts stress that preventive measures, such as calf stretching and foot strengthening, are essential to maintaining foot health and preventing further deterioration.
Beyond mobility, foot pain has a significant impact on sleep and energy levels. Survey respondents reported the highest discomfort in the evening (40%) and at night (28%), leading to disrupted sleep patterns and daytime fatigue. The link between foot pain and poor sleep further exacerbates physical and mental health challenges, making pain management strategies like stretching, massage, and orthotics essential for improving overall well-being.
Reduced physical activity due to foot pain also increases the risk of serious health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, unintended weight gain, and muscle weakness. Mental health is another concern, as 56% of respondents report that foot pain directly contributes to stress and anxiety. Persistent discomfort can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and even depression. Holistic treatment approaches that combine medical care, pain management strategies, and mental health support are increasingly being recognized as necessary for addressing the full impact of foot pain.
Advancements in treatment options and technology are improving access to care. Telehealth consultations, foot health apps, and wearable diagnostic tools are making early detection and treatment more accessible. While self-diagnosis through online resources remains common, there is a growing trend toward professional consultations, signaling a shift in foot health awareness. By prioritizing early intervention, managing stress, and utilizing available tools, individuals can take control of their foot health, maintain mobility, and enhance their quality of life.
Dive Deeper Into the Impact of Foot Pain data:
Discover The Perfect Shoe For You.
Improving and Preventing Foot Pain in 2025
A shift toward a more comprehensive approach to diagnosing and managing foot pain is underway, combining patient history, physical exams, and advanced imaging technologies. While 32% of adults with foot pain in 2025 have received an official diagnosis, this marks a decline from 37% in 2024, suggesting possible changes in healthcare-seeking behavior, severity of cases, or access to medical care. Fewer individuals are self-diagnosing, but digital platforms like Google and medical websites remain common sources for those without a formal diagnosis.
Non-invasive treatments remain the most popular methods for managing foot pain. Over-the-counter medication, stretching, ice therapy, and massage continue to be widely used, though their prevalence has slightly declined compared to 2024. Meanwhile, the use of orthotics and prescribed medications has also dropped, suggesting evolving treatment preferences. More intensive interventions such as steroid injections and surgery have maintained steady usage, while alternative therapies like acupuncture and massage are gaining traction as complementary pain management strategies.
Medical experts, particularly podiatrists, play an essential role in diagnosing and treating foot conditions. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, podiatric consultations have increased due to growing awareness of specialized foot care. Imaging technologies like X-rays, MRIs, and gait analysis continue to enhance diagnostic accuracy, helping healthcare providers tailor treatment plans. However, misconceptions about the differences between podiatrists and orthopedic surgeons persist, highlighting the need for better public education on specialized foot health expertise.
Advancements in preventive care are also shaping foot health strategies. Stretching and strengthening exercises remain key in reducing pain and improving mobility, with 70% of individuals incorporating stretching into their routine. Footwear choices play a critical role in foot health, yet many individuals wear improperly fitted shoes that contribute to pain. Supportive, well-cushioned footwear with proper arch support and toe box space can help reduce strain and discomfort.
As insurance providers increasingly prioritize preventive care, coverage for foot health services is expanding. More insurers are supporting biomechanical assessments, regular screenings, and wearable technology that tracks foot health metrics. With the growing adoption of digital health tools, foot pain management is becoming more proactive, integrating technology, specialized care, and non-invasive treatments to help individuals maintain mobility and prevent chronic pain.
Dig deeper into our Improving and Preventing Foot Pain data:
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ATOM 2
$165
Let your muscles feel the burn—not your feet. Flat, flimsy footwear simply doesn’t cut it when your goals are on the line. From your first rep to your final cool down—or from the mall to the kitchen—ATOM 2 helps ensure foot pain is never the reason you slow down.
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QUANTUM 2
$165
Our best got better. As we celebrate 10 years of fan-favorite QUANTUM, we bring you the next generation of heel pain relief: QUANTUM 2. This premium walking shoe brings you our most cushioned midsole yet, a wider base with a wide toe box, and upgraded KURUSOLE heel support for ultimate foot pain relief.
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Via
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FLEX Via
$130
Feel the flex. It’s the wear-everywhere shoe, built with our most flexible outsole and a clean, minimalist aesthetic. FLEX Via flexes to fit your life for the utmost versatility—with any outfit, on every human. Flex away foot pain with effortless roll through, an adjustable fit, and unparalleled heel support.
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The Financial Impact of Foot Pain in 2025
Foot pain is more than just a physical discomfort—it carries significant financial consequences for individuals, businesses, and healthcare systems. Managing foot pain often requires ongoing doctor visits, imaging tests, medications, and therapies such as physical therapy or custom orthotics. Without adequate financial support, many people face tough choices between treating their pain and covering other essential expenses. Meanwhile, healthcare providers allocate substantial resources to foot-related conditions, adding strain to public and private systems.
The direct costs of foot pain vary widely, depending on the severity of the condition. Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRIs, prescription medications, and physical therapy are common early expenses. Specialist visits to podiatrists or orthopedic surgeons add to the financial burden, particularly when custom orthotics, braces, or footwear modifications are necessary. In more severe cases, surgical procedures like bunion correction or tendon repair can require hospital stays, leading to high medical bills. Rehabilitation after surgery or injury further increases costs, as long-term therapy and recovery programs are often needed.
Survey data from 2025 highlights the recurring nature of these expenses. Among adults with foot pain, 67% report spending money monthly on treatments. Nearly half spend under $100 per month, while 20% pay between $100 and $250, and 7% exceed $250. These numbers demonstrate the financial toll foot pain takes over time, particularly for those with chronic conditions requiring ongoing care.
Beyond direct costs, foot pain also leads to hidden financial burdens. Lost wages due to missed workdays and reduced productivity are common consequences, particularly for individuals in physically demanding jobs. Workplace injuries related to foot pain further compound financial stress, affecting both employees and employers. According to labor statistics, over 93,000 workplace foot injuries were reported in recent years, underscoring the need for better prevention strategies.
For some, foot pain escalates into long-term disability, requiring continuous medical care and rehabilitation. This not only affects individuals’ income but also increases reliance on disability benefits, adding pressure to public resources. On a larger scale, businesses absorb costs through increased healthcare premiums and lost productivity, while national economies feel the impact of decreased workforce participation.
As foot pain continues to affect millions, addressing its financial impact requires a comprehensive approach. Expanding access to preventive care, improving ergonomic workplace practices, and ensuring affordable treatment options can help reduce both personal and societal costs. Investing in foot health now can lead to long-term savings for individuals and economies alike.
Dig deeper into our Financial Impact of Foot Pain data:
Innovations in Foot Health Technology for 2025
The innovations of 2025 are reshaping foot health, making prevention, treatment, and recovery more effective and accessible. From wearable technology and 3D-printed orthotics to minimally invasive procedures and regenerative medicine, these advancements are improving mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing overall foot care. With a stronger focus on personalization and early detection, foot health solutions are becoming more practical and widely available.
- Wearable Technology is transforming foot health management by offering real-time insights into biomechanics, pressure distribution, and gait patterns. Smart insoles, socks, and shoes now help detect early signs of conditions like plantar fasciitis and stress fractures, making them invaluable for athletes and individuals with chronic foot pain. With AI integration on the horizon, these wearables will soon provide predictive insights and personalized recommendations for even better foot health outcomes.
- Virtual Reality (VR) is emerging as a powerful tool in pain management and rehabilitation. VR-based therapy introduces interactive exercises that enhance mobility and recovery while making treatment more engaging. The technology also improves accessibility through virtual consultations, allowing specialists to assess movement patterns remotely and provide effective, personalized care.
- 3D Printing and AI are revolutionizing orthotic design and diagnostics. 3D-printed orthotics offer a new level of customization and precision, significantly reducing production time while ensuring a perfect fit. Meanwhile, AI-powered imaging and predictive analytics enable early detection of conditions like arthritis and stress fractures, improving treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
- Advancements in telemedicine and minimally invasive procedures are making foot care more efficient and accessible. Telemedicine allows remote consultations, digital assessments, and integration with wearables for real-time monitoring. Minimally invasive surgeries, enhanced by robotic technology, result in quicker recovery times, reduced pain, and more precise surgical outcomes.
- Looking ahead, regenerative medicine—including stem cell therapy and PRP injections—offers promising non-surgical treatments for chronic foot conditions. As AI, robotics, and regenerative therapies continue to advance, foot health technology is poised to provide more personalized, proactive, and effective solutions, helping millions maintain mobility and live pain-free lives.
Dig deeper into our Innovations in Foot Health Technology data:
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ATOM 2
$165
Let your muscles feel the burn—not your feet. Flat, flimsy footwear simply doesn’t cut it when your goals are on the line. From your first rep to your final cool down—or from the mall to the kitchen—ATOM 2 helps ensure foot pain is never the reason you slow down.
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ATOM Fusion
$155
A day where your feet don’t just keep up—they lead the way—becomes possible with the versatile ATOM Fusion. Designed to tackle foot pain head-on, it’s your perfect partner for comfortable walks, gym sessions, and everyday tasks. The breathable mesh keeps things cool, even when the pace heats up, while the stable, supportive design ensures every step is balanced. This isn’t just a sneaker—it’s a tool for pushing past your limits and discovering new ones.
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QUANTUM 2
$164
You’re on top of it. You’ve got a pulse on your pace and your weekly mileage—plus a gel or two for long runs. Nothing can stop you… except for achy feet. Whether you’re starting oOur best got better. As we celebrate 10 years of fan-favorite QUANTUM, we bring you the next generation of heel pain relief: QUANTUM 2. This premium walking shoe brings you our most cushioned midsole yet, a wider base with a wide toe box, and upgraded KURUSOLE heel support for ultimate foot pain relief.ut, recovering from injury, or training for your next 10K, TRIPLE MAX Ion delivers relief to help you run again.
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Conclusion
Our latest findings reveal that foot health remains a critical area of concern for many Americans, with numerous factors driving the ongoing prevalence of foot pain.
The good news is that individuals have the tools to take charge of their foot health. Consistent physical activity, wearing supportive footwear, and incorporating stretching exercises into daily routines are proven ways to help prevent and alleviate discomfort.
Healthcare professionals play an increasingly vital role in this effort. Their expertise in identifying and addressing foot-related issues early, combined with patient education on preventive care and injury avoidance, is more important than ever.
Looking ahead, fostering collaboration between individuals and healthcare providers is key to combating the persistent challenge of foot pain. By prioritizing prevention, proactive care, and accessible treatment, we can enhance comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life for countless individuals—emphasizing the ongoing importance of addressing this widespread health issue.
