6 Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis in 2023

Do you need some assistance finding the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis? For more information on some of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, refer to this guide.

Running is strenuous, so some soreness is expected after a long run. However, sharp pain along your heels and arches may indicate plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and attaches your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis gets its name from this thick band, which is known as the plantar fascia.

Daily tasks can be challenging if you have plantar fasciitis, especially if you run. Finding the best shoes for this condition may offer relief if you’re dealing with pain after walking, running, or standing for too long. In a perfect world, you would seek out footwear with the ideal proportions of arch support, shock absorption, and lightweight construction.

Your search might be more challenging if you’re looking for plantar fasciitis-friendly walking, running, or work shoes. Preventing foot pain largely depends on choosing running shoes, especially if you run frequently. It would help if you had a pair of shoes that fit your foot shape to help prevent foot pain and lower the risk of injuries.

The 6 Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

If you have plantar fasciitis in your feet, the shoes listed below are the best options.

#1 Best Running Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Gel-Nimbus

Asics running shoe

 

 

 

Asics has a history of producing attractive running shoes, and Gel Nimbus is no exception. The company doesn’t skimp on the inside either; you get excellent support for your heels when running long distances.

One of the best shock-absorbing running shoes, the Gel Nimbus is perfect for neutral and under-pronation runners. In addition to the recent GEL cushioning in the forefoot and heel, the shoe’s arch features TRUSSTIC technology for lighter weight, more stability, and longer product life.

High-mileage runners will value the midsole foam’s ability to distribute high-impact forces evenly. You won’t need to switch running shoes very frequently thanks to the excellent AHAR outsole and the engineered mesh upper.

If you want a highly-rated, durable shoe that will keep you comfortable running long distances, get the Asics Gel-Nimbus.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Excellent for Neutral and Underpronated runners
  • Reasonable price
  • Great color selection
Cons
  • Not recommended for Over-pronated runners

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#2 Best Running Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Ghost

Brooks ghost running shoe

 

Since they feel “barely there,” Brooks’ Ghost running shoes are aptly named. According to Brooks, the BioMoGo DNA and DNA Loft in their running shoes provide a remarkable tactile response and level of comfort.

You can find a set of shock absorbers for smooth heel-to-toe transitions by looking underneath the shoe. Thanks to Flex Grooves, your fore area will have enough flexibility to prevent foot issues and deformities.

The Ghost has a feature exclusive to the brand: 3D Fit Print. Where they are most useful, stretch and structure materials are combined.

Each pair is backed by a trial run guarantee, so if you’re unhappy with it within 90 days, you can return it for free. First-timers are free to test it out and see if it is superior to their current brand of running shoes.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Excellent lightweight materials
  • It has a 90-day moneyback guarantee
  • Good fit and feel
Cons
  • It may be too soft for some

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#3 Best Running Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Glycerin

Brooks glycerin running shoe

 

The Glycerin running shoes from Brooks are designed for the best possible ride and cushion. The item has four exciting features and makes for good casual shoes when anticipating some activity.

The DNA Loft provides outstanding forefoot cushioning without sacrificing durability or tactile response, making it the shoe’s most vital feature. The transition from heel to toe is seamless and cushioned. It’s important to note that this reduces the typical heel pain brought on by plantar fasciitis.

You’ll adore the OrthoLite sock liner, which offers additional comfort to experience a more natural running sensation—lastly, engineered mesh checks all the right boxes, including flexibility, breathability, and structure.

Brooks has a reputation for providing exceptional support. Each pair of running shoes from Brooks comes with a 90-day, sweat-free “trial period,” so you can decide if the item is correct.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Unbeatable softness and cushioning
  • Value for money
  • The urban design looks snappy and casual
Cons
  • None

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#4 Best Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Gel-Kayano

Asics running shoe

Another Asics product follows on this list of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. When it comes to stability, the Asics Gel-Kayano is unmatched. Toshikazu Kayano looked to nature, drawing his design’s inspiration from the tough exoskeleton shell of the stag beetle.

The Gel-Kayano features GEL technology cushioning along with an entirely new support structure. When your feet make an angled contact with the ground, shear deformation creates a sculpted incline for maximum impact absorption. The midsole’s FLYTEFOAM Propel technology and modified heel geometry improve the ride.

The outcome is a springy experience that can advance your running. The Gel-Kayano is a running shoe that boasts dependable cushioning and support. Additionally, DuoMax lessens the overpronation roll, lessening the load placed on the ankle.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Best structural support you can get
  • Asics quality and build
  • Very durable
  • Great for people with flat feet
Cons
  • A bit heavier than other running shoes

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#5 Best Running Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: Hoka One One Bondi

Hoke running shoe

The Bondi is a “road shoe” worn in various ways. The level of traction and stability is the same whether you’re running on concrete and gravel, veering off the beaten path, or traveling on clay or grass.

The most recent version has a giant toe box to give you more room to move around. According to Hoka One One, the Bondi is a road shoe with a “squishy soft” feel and lightweight materials. You’ll notice the extra thick outsole so that you won’t be wearing it down anytime soon. However, the shoe is feather-light and won’t make you feel heavy.

With the Bondi, you experience a solid tactile bounce and feel on any road surface. It certainly belongs in the top tier in terms of cushion and comfort. The running shoe can also serve as casual footwear when you spend most of the day walking around.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Thick outsole
  • Very lightweight
  • Good design options
  • Wide toe box
Cons
  • A bit more expensive

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#6 Best Running Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080

New balance running shoe

 

The brand New Balance is well-known and has a long history. For even more customization, their newest running shoe, 1080, can be purchased in various widths, ranging from Narrow to X-Wide.

This running shoe is built with Fresh Foam technology at its core. Fresh Foam is used in the midsole, which provides a better kinetic rebound than the competition. It’s very reasonably priced premium padding!

The midsole is thick, just like Bondi, with one unique addition: laser engraving removes the extra weight and gives the package excellent flexibility. Your feet get a tight fit with a Hypoknit and Ultra Heel without sacrificing style.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • One of the cheapest on the list
  • Very lightweight and stable
  • Has width options
Cons
  • Wears out pretty quickly

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Factors To Consider When Choosing the Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

While there are no guarantees that the long-distance running shoes you select will make your plantar fasciitis pain go away, if you find the right pair for your particular problem, the shoes you choose may be able to soothe the pain.

In light of this, let’s examine some elements you should consider when buying running shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Maximum Arch Support

When choosing their running shoes, people with plantar fasciitis who still want to run far distances should pay special attention to arch support. Your plantar fascia will continue to compress and stretch if your arch is not adequately supported, giving you more pain and worsening your condition.

Choose the level of arch support that best matches your condition’s severity because various levels are available. For instance, wear shoes with higher arches if you have severe plantar fasciitis.

Good Shock Absorption

Your feet’s arches are designed to support and absorb shock when you walk or run, increasing your mobility. However, if you have plantar fasciitis, you won’t have the usual bounce in your step. Even worse, you’ll experience pain because your arches can’t cushion the shock, so it all hits your soles and heels.

The best running shoes must offer excellent shock absorption to reduce the impact of each step on your feet and prevent or at least relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis.

Shoes with good shock absorption are also the best running shoes for bad knees and plantar fasciitis. However, you might want a knee brace for running if you have bad knees.

Flexibility

Your choice of footwear needs to fit you properly, be flexible, and be comfortable. Heel spurs are a common complication for those with plantar fasciitis, especially if they don’t wear the appropriate footwear.

The most flexible running shoes are the best for treating heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. They will therefore have an adjustable toe box and strong heel counters. The shoes will bend comfortably in the front while maintaining muscular rigidity in the back in this way. This keeps your arches at the proper angle, protecting your delicate ligaments from overworking.

Fit

The most crucial thing is to find shoes that fit you properly. Make sure you choose the correct shoe size, considering your foot width and any potential toe problems that require a larger or more flexible toe box.

Regardless of the shoe model, most brands offer a wide range of sizes, so you should have no trouble finding the right fit for your feet.

Heel Support

Whether you have plantar fasciitis or not, the most crucial component of a comfortable shoe is probably the heel support. Plantar fasciitis can be exacerbated by pronation and supination of the foot, which can be controlled by having a deep heel cup and good heel cushioning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

1) Plantar fasciitis: what is it?

Inflamed tissue in the plantar fascia, which connects your heel bone to your toes, gives plantar fasciitis its name as a medical condition. Heel pain is caused by inflamed tissue, which frequently worsens with exercise. Pain from plantar fasciitis can make it difficult to run, participate in sports, or even stand still for extended periods. The arch of your foot’s bottom is where you feel pain if you have plantar fasciitis.

Picking the proper shoes for your feet is essential if you have plantar fasciitis pain. Finding comfortable shoes depends on your stride and the shape of your foot. You want shoes that offer to cushion and support to prevent foot pain. While some people may prefer neutral running shoes, others may prefer stability shoes for plantar fasciitis. Running insoles are an additional choice.

2) Which shoes are best for plantar fasciitis?

Looking for a few key features will help you choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. It would be best to have footwear that offers excellent stability and cushioning. You won’t have to worry about heel pain following long runs in this manner. This entails purchasing a stability shoe that offers the required support for some. However, neutral shoes will work if you don’t overpronate. Finding the best shoes for your plantar fasciitis ultimately depends on your preferences.

3) Which footwear should you avoid if you have plantar fasciitis?

Avoid wearing high heels because they strain the feet and put more pressure on the foot’s arch, exacerbating symptoms. Work boots ought to have adequate cushioning and arch support to offer relief, but you might want to purchase an insert depending on the brand and the level of support they offer. Boat shoes and other footwear with little support should also be avoided.

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t mean the end of your hobby if you run. Please choose the best running shoes based on your preferences, and enjoy the improved quality of life it brings. You’ll know if it works when you don’t have as much heel pain as you go about your day or walk around the neighborhood.

Before you find the shoes that work for you, finding the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis may not be simple and may require some trial and error.

We sincerely hope that our list of the top running shoes for plantar fasciitis was helpful and that our reviews sped up and simplified your search. You can also check the 5 Best Olympic Benches For Home Gym in 2023.