What differentiate the best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis from the regular items? This type of shoe is specially designed with a high amount of cushions at the heel to minimize foot pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis.
In this article, we review the 10 best shoes for people who have Plantar Fasciitis in 2023. Also, we share with you several important factors you want to notice when buying this type of footwear. They will surely benefit you, your feet, and your overall physique in the long run.
Alright! Let’s get started!10 Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Here come our top 10 best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis!
1: New Balance 680v6 - Best For Versatility
Specification
- Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Material of sole: Rubber
- Material of upper part: Synthetic, mesh
- Material of midsole: EVA foam
- Color options: 15
- Size options: 6.5 - 20
- For: Men
- Key feature: High versatility
Pros
Cons
The New Balance Men’s 680v6 is the first product we want to introduce to you. What we like about this shoe model is its high versatility.
With a wide range of sizes from 6.5 to 20, the product will fit all types of men, from small and narrow, thin and long to wide feet.
Even if you require shoes that are extra roomy inside, this 680v6 can also please you. Each size number, except the 6.5, 16, 17, 18, and 20, has two more extra options: Wide and X-Wide.
The wide range of size options is not only the best feature! We have to give a big compliment to the responsive EVA midsole of this product.
The manufacturers have chosen the injection-molded EVA foam to create a super-lightweight cushioning to the midsole. With this design, the athletic shoes can absorb all the shocks while running, preventing the Plantar Fascia from hurting your feet.
We don’t like the NB Response 2.0 performance insert of these lightweight shoes. They are not thick enough to support the entire bottom of your feet. However, you can replace these removable insoles with a thicker pair.
2: ASICS GEL-Nimbus 22 - Best For Responsiveness
Specification
- Weight: 1.45 ounces
- Material of sole: Rubber
- Material of upper part: Synthetic, mesh
- Material of midsole: FlyteFoam
- Color options: 24
- Size options: 5 - 13
- Key feature: Exceptional bounce back and high responsiveness
Pros
Cons
We will continue with this ASICS GEL-Nimbus 22 model. These cushioned running shoes have attracted a lot of female customers due to their beautiful design and lightweight support.
How much support does this product provide? Just have a look at its midsole. The manufacturers have applied the FlyteFoam technology to build the midsoles, aiming to give runners extra bounce back and more responsiveness under their feet.
Thanks to this feature, you will always feel your feet light when walking and running. The energetic foam with an exclusive elastomer compound will reduce all the impact from the ground to your feet when you take a step.
It will be a miss if we do not mention the Trusstic system technology of these shoes. This system minimizes the weight of the entire sole unit, allowing you to walk and run more flexibly.
What turns this model down is the toe box. Compared to other products, this item provides less room in the front section. That’s why you may feel a little bit bulky at the toes when wearing these shoes.
3: Salomon XR - Best For Smart Lacing System
Specification
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Material of sole: Rubber
- Material of upper part: Synthetic, mesh
- Material of midsole: Molded EVA
- Color options: 2
- Size options: 5.5 - 11
- Key feature: Quick-lace vamp
Pros
Cons
A necessary feature of Plantar Fasciitis shoes is to keep the foot in place during the movement. If the feet slip or bend, they may easily get hurt. In this case, you can put your trust in this Salomon XR, as it provides the best fit to keep your feet in the right form and shape when you run.
The most outstanding feature of these shoes is the quick-lace vamp. This system allows you to tighten the laces after just one pull for the most custom fit.
There is also a lace pocket that keeps the excess part of the strings out of your way so that you never worry about stepping on it while running.
Since the feet fit completely inside the shoes, they will not slip or bend when you exercise. Instead, they will stay tidy and stable in their place. As a result, you will avoid pain caused by movement impact.
Secure fit does not mean less comfortability. The upper part of these shoes is constructed of colorful mesh. Not only do they look beautiful but also have high breathability. Hence, worrying about sweating or a foot smell is not necessary!
Like the New Balance Men's 680v6, this product has thin insoles of about 2 - 3 mm. This thickness is not enough to support Plantar Fasciitis feet. We advise you to buy another pair of thicker shoe inserts and replace the original ones.
4: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34 - Best For Acceleration
Specification
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Material of sole: Rubber
- Material of upper part: mesh
- Color options: 35
- Size options: 3.5 for big kids, 2 - 17.5 for adults
- Key feature: Adding speed
Pros
Cons
Do you want to run at high speed without injuring the feet? If yes, you should refer to this Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34. This product is designed to protect your foot and first accelerate, then maintain the speed when you sprint.
Look at the bottom of the shoes, and you can notice a strip made of rubber. This add-on supports the smooth transition from the heel to the toe area, thereby offering a flexible feel to you.
The Nike company also combines a foam cushion with its exclusive Zoom Air units to build the forefoot area and the heel. With this design, you will feel like you are being pushed forward when running.
Never worry about slipping! Just try your best shot for sprinting at the highest speed physically possible. The rubber sections on the outsole are raised widely to give maximum grip on the road. You will have enough traction to run smoothly and stably.
We are not the biggest fan of the durability of the tongue that keeps the shoelaces in place. After a time of usage, this part starts ripping out of the constructed seam. This issue makes the tongue unable to hold the strings well.
5: New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 - Best For Sweat And Odor Prevention
Specification
- Material of sole: Rubber
- Material of upper part: 50% Synthetic, 50% mesh
- Color options: 9
- Size options: 5 - 13 (each size number has 4 options)
- Key feature: Keeping feet fresh during the running
Pros
Cons
As you have Plantar Fasciitis, you need to keep the feet fresh at all times. Otherwise, bacteria and fungus may grow and cause inflammation. If you want to avoid this terrible scenario, you can try using this New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 model.
The manufacturers have combined synthetic materials and mesh to build the upper section of these shoes for women. While synthetic fabrics maintain the shoes’ durability, the mesh will allow air to get inside them, keeping your feet cool and dry.
Many tiny holes on the mesh also encourage the moisture trapped inside to escape. If your feet usually sweat, the bad odor can vanish quickly. With this high breathability, you can rest assured that no bacteria or fungus can grow.
This pair of shoes comes along with Ortholite sock liners. They will create a high amount of cushion under the feet while reducing the amount of moisture inside the shoes. Try going on your toughest run, and you will be amazed by how fresh these Ortholite insoles keep your foot.
If you buy this product, better choose one size bigger than your actual foot measurement. The top portion of the shoes is a little bit tight that may rub your foot and cause discomfort.
6. Brooks Ghost 13 - Best For Shock Absorbing
Specification
- Weight: 10.1 ounces
- Material of sole: Rubber
- Material of upper part: Mesh
- Material of midsole: BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT
- Color options: 20
- Size options: 7, 7.5, and 8 (each size number has 3-4 options)
- Key feature: Integrated system of shock absorbers
Pros
Cons
There will be no more shock during exercising! This Brooks Ghost 13 will work its best to reduce all the impact from the ground to your feet and give you the smoothest run.
It is needless to say; these shoes are highly breathable. The upper part of the shoes still has a thin mesh construction to allow the airflow to circulate as much as possible. So, feel free to do heavy exercises without enduring any foot odor!
Besides strong ventilation, these shoes also have a great ability to absorb the shock when you run.
The Brooks manufacturers have added their special BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT midsoles to the shoes. These pieces of equipment will absorb all the shocks from the ground and minimize them before they affect your Plantar Fasciitis feet.
The BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT technology allows the midsoles to withstand the impact of compression. Therefore, they will remain cushioned and durable after every heavy step you make during the run.
The back of the ankle area has an awkward shape. It may fold inwards can cause difficulty for you to put the shoes on your feet. Here is our advice: you should loosen the shoe laces and the work will be easier.
7. ASICS Gel-Contend 6 - Best For Moisture Management
Specification
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Material of sole: Synthetic
- Material of upper part: Synthetic, mesh
- Material of midsole: AmpliFoam
- Color options: 14
- Size options: 7 - 15 (each size number has 2 options)
- Key feature: Moisture management
Pros
Cons
If you let your feet be moist for a long period, the tissues of the skin on the feet and toes may break down, leading to irregular skin wear and callus formation. But don’t worry too much because the ASICS Gel-Contend 6 (4E) is here to help!
Like the Women's Fresh Foam 1080 V10, this item contains Ortholite inserts. As you know, these footbeds are lined with thin fabric to stay cushioned and breathable. They will work to wick out all the moisture inside the shoes.
The shoes also come up with synthetic mesh. This piece of equipment optimizes the amount of airflow getting into the shoes, thereby keeping your feet cool during the entire day of exercising.
What turns this item down is its heel construction. If you run regularly and excessively, the heel section may wear out quickly, causing loss of stability.
8. ASICS Gel-Kayano 27 - Best Lightweight Men’s Shoes
Specification
- Weight: 1.72 pounds
- Material of sole: Foam
- Material of upper part: Synthetic, fabric
- Material of midsole: FlyteFoam
- Color options: 16
- Size options: 6 - 16 (each size number has different extra options)
- Key feature: Weight reduction for smooth running
Pros
Cons
We don’t exaggerate, but running with this ASICS Men's Gel-Kayano 27 is like walking on the clouds! Try putting these shoes on, and you will be amazed by how light they are.
The top feature of this product is the Dynamic DuoMax Support system. It works to reduce all the weight of the sole and provide extra support to the platform. Thanks to it, you can move your feet up and down quickly with comfort.
You will nearly feel nothing when making the steps. These shoes have been equipped with FlyteFoam Midsole to possess added bounce back. Due to the high responsiveness of these midsoles, you can travel over a long distance without feeling tired at the foot.
The toe box seems to be quite defective. It usually rubs the toes of your foot while running and causes discomfort. If the manufacturers can improve the size of this front area, the Gel-Kayano 27 will definitely have a better place on this list.
9. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 - Best For Foot Alignment
Specification
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Material of sole: Rubber
- Material of upper part: Synthetic, mesh
- Color options: 19
- Size options: 5 - 15 (each size number has different extra options)
- Key feature: Keeping excess movement in check
Pros
Cons
If you search for comfortable running shoes that help correct your foot alignment while running, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 will be our best recommendation. With these shoes, you never have to worry about excess movement hurting your feet.
Thumb up for the Guide Rails holistic support system of this item! The manufacturers have combined this system with the midsole. These pieces of equipment will keep the feet in place, increasing the extra stability to do any exercise.
The advertisement has said the truth. This item can support you in playing multiple sports. The energizing cushioning and stability of the shoes are more than enough to help you go road running, cross-training, or lifting weights in the gym.
You will never feel these shoes bulky to wear. They have a streamlined and engineered mesh design, along with a 3D Fit Print, to fit the foot completely. Since they stay close to the feet, all movements when running will be in check.
Please only wash these shoes by hand. The synthetic construction of them will downgrade quickly under the strong pressure of the washing machine.
10: Saucony Triumph 17 - Best For Comfort
Specification
- Material of midsole: PWRRUN+ foam
- Material of upper part: Synthetic, mesh
- Color options: 3
- Size options: 7, 8, 8.5, and 11
- Key feature: Providing comfort in use
Last but not least, we share with you the Saucony Triumph 17. This item has left a big impression on us due to the ability to provide the comfort of usage.
With the FORMFIT technology, the shoes can make a bucket seat for the feet. The room inside them is not bulky but wide enough to make your feet comfortable from all angles.
We can confirm that the Saucony company delivers what’s promised on the ad. This Triumph 17 gives you a cushioning that is about 25% lighter than the previous models. If you have used Saucony’s products, you definitely will be amazed by the lightweight of these shoes.
Along with the lightweight cushioning, this item also has a PWRRUN+ midsole equipped. This midsole will increase the bounce back and responsiveness to help you run and jump at the most comfortable state, as mentioned above.
We have to give a minus point to the options for sizes and colors. Runners can only choose from the 4 shoe sizes, which are 7, 8, 8.5, and 11. Besides, the Saucony only offers 3 options for color styles.
Pros
Cons
Buying Guide
It is not hard to find the best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis. There are 4 important factors that signal whether the item is good or not. When buying, you want to check those carefully.
Firm Midsole
A pair of shoes that treat Plantar Fasciitis should not only reduce the foot pain but also strengthen them to be more powerful. They should also be able to develop the foot arches naturally as well. To get this ability, the shoes definitely have to provide firm midsoles.
The firm midsoles keep the form of the feet when you run. They minimize the impact from the ground to your feet so that you will never feel hurt. The firmness of the midsoles also maintains the arches at a safe angle and makes them stronger.
Shock Absorption
Shock at feet during running or walking is a big nightmare for Plantar Fasciitis patients. This issue causes a heavy impact on the arches and the heels, making them suffer a lot of pain.
That’s why you want to look for comfortable shoes that provide good shock absorption. Usually, a good pair of shoes absorbing shock well comes along with EVA foam cushioning.
The EVA foams will dissipate a large amount of kinetic power of every footstep to minimize shock. With this design, you will have a smoother running session.
Arch Support
Another important feature of every shoe for Plantar Fasciitis is the arch support. As mentioned, the item should not only reduce the pain but also treat it.
If the stability running shoes can support and strengthen your arches, you will never have to deal with this pain again in the future.
Every product has a different level of arch support to serve specific purposes: treating low to high arches. You may want to ask the sellers about the support levels to find the most suitable product.
Related post: Best running shoes for high arches
Firm Heel Counter
You probably ask, what is a heel counter? It is a piece of materials located in the rear part of the shoes. The work of the heel counter is to keep the heel stabilized and tight while you are running. A firm heel counter will minimize the risk of your feet getting blisters.
The most common materials used for the heel counters are leather and plastic. When buying, you want to choose supportive running shoes with heel protective parts made of one of these materials.
Difference Between Flat Feet And Plantar Fasciitis
Flat feet and Plantar Fasciitis are not the same issues. However, they relate strongly to each other.
Flat feet lack support at the arches. They lean inwards when you run. Usually, this issue does not cause pain to your foot, but it makes you lose stability when running, increasing the risk of physical injury.
Because Flat feet cause stability decline, this problem indirectly creates heavy impacts on the joints of the feet and legs. As a consequence, it may lead to Plantar Fasciitis.
On the other hand, Plantar Fasciitis creates pain at the heel and the arch. Of course, this problem can be treated by protecting the arch and training it.
However, some people usually misunderstand the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis as normal foot pain and ignore them.
If there is no treatment for Plantar Fasciitis on time, it will cause irritation and inflammation at the foot. That’s why we always advise our customers to buy supportive shoes whenever they have symptoms.
Read more: Flat feet and running shoes for flat feet
FAQs
Below are some common questions you may have while reading our reviews.
#1: What Is The Best Way To Run With Plantar Fasciitis?
Don’t let Plantar Fasciitis ruin your running hobby. You can do the following tips to take care of your hurt feet before, during, and after running.
Before running, you can cover your feet with orthotics tapes. These pieces of equipment reduce stress and aggravation to the arches and Plantar Fascia.
Don’t forget to warm up before exercising! Warming up helps all the joints in the feet stretch out to avoid getting injured during the run.
You may want to run at a slow to medium speed. This way helps the arches receive less pressure. Once you feel the arches are stiffer, you can start increasing the speed later. Never train too aggressively, or else you may hurt the feet.
Finally, when you complete the exercise, you may ice your Plantar Fascia with a pack of crushed ice. Cooling down the feet will help constrict the blood vessels and muscle fibers. As a result, you can avoid foot swelling and soreness
#2: Can You Get Rid Of Plantar Fasciitis?
As we have said above, Plantar Fasciitis can be treated completely. Your job is to protect the feet and train them to be stronger.
Here are what you can do to treat Plantar Fasciitis:
Leave the feet rest and stretch them gently;
Use supportive footwear to protect the feet, such as stability shoes, orthotic tapes, etc.;
Warming up before running;
Ice your feet after running.
Remember that you have to do these tips daily. The Plantar Fasciitis pain will not go away in a few days. But it will minimize after each month. After one year of daily protection and training, you will treat the disease completely.
#3: Do You Need Orthotics In Your Shoes?
You must not have orthotics in your shoes, but you should. The orthotics can give extra support to the arches.
In fact, you can get many benefits if you use custom orthotics along with shoes. These pieces of equipment prevent heel pain, reduce lower back pain, and remove discomfort at the foot.
Conclusion
Above are our top 10 best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis. Has any product caught your eyes?
Each product has its special feature to support different purposes. Before making the buying decision, you should determine what you need from a pair of Plantar Fasciitis running shoes.
Don’t forget to check the important factors we have explained in the buying guide. No matter which outstanding features the shoes have, those 4 essential factors are the must-have ones.
Hopefully, the item you choose will help you recover from Plantar Fasciitis. We want to say many thanks to you for having read this article and wish you good foot health.
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