8 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed 2025
<p>Your foot type, sneaker preference, and, in particular, current pain level will determine your best fit. Super painful <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g60846584/dress-shoes-for-plantar-fascilitis/” target=”_blank”>plantar fasciitis</a> demands <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g61816679/best-hoka-shoes/” target=”_blank”>soft cushioning</a>, but one that’s on the up might need <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g61947383/best-barefoot-shoes/” target=”_blank”>a little more stability</a>. Here, we have 8 <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/g62930435/long-distance-running-shoes/” target=”_blank”>running sneakers</a> that feel soft on the heel and easy on the arches.</p>” data-next-head/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
Kuru
Best Size-Inclusive Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 V15 Running Shoe
Pros
Narrow, standard, wide, & extra wide sizing
Great cushion
Cons
Mid-size toe box
Runners of all kinds love the New Balance Fresh Foam X 880, in particular those with foot pain and fatigue. These have a ton of cushion, more than iterations past, but it still has some spring so you don’t feel weighed down. It’s lightweight, stretchy, and also great for errand-running. We also appreciate how it comes in fourth widths, which is more inclusive than most.
Stack height
40.5/34.5mm
Heel drop
6mm
Best Zero-Drop Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
Altra Torin 8
Pros
Built to keep foot in optimal place
Zero drop great for some foot types
Cons
Wide option only come in 1 color
Altra running shoes are known for two things: a foot-shaped toe box and a zero-drop. They are designed to match foot anatomy—to work with the shape rather than compete against it. Now, a zero drop (where there is no difference between the heel cushion height and the forefoot) is not for everyone, particularly not when you’re actively in pain. But if you’re building your foot strength back up, this is one of the healthiest, comfiest shoes to do it in.
Stack height
30/30mm
Heel drop
0mm
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Best Lightweight Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
Saucony Guide 18
Pros
Regular, wide, extra wide sizing
Lightweight at 9.6oz
Cons
Not super stabilizing
This Saucony Guide 18 is one of our favorites for wearing every day, particularly if you’re dealing with active foot pain or trying to prevent any. They have the chunky, techy feel, but still feel low-key. The heel is super cushioned, the upper is soft and stretchy, and the lightweight construction is an easy 9.6oz.
Stack height
35/29mm
Heel drop
6mm
Best Bevel-Heeled Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
Kuru TRIPLE MAX Ion
Pros
Supportive heel pad
Designed with foot health in mind
Cons
A bit heavier at 14.5oz
Kuru sneakers were designed with plantar fasciitis (among other foot issues) in mind. First, the 23mm beveled heel, which is the best heel support we’ve found for gently rocking your foot forward. It keeps your heel secure but not so locked in that you can’t use the whole of your foot. If you haven’t found a shoe that doesn’t irritate yet, Kurus might change that.
Stack height
Unlisted
Heel drop
6mm
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Most Breathable Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
Nobull Journey
Pros
Great for everyday
Super lightweight upper
Cons
Not as durable as some other options
Nobull’s Journey sneakers are lightweight and super breathable, so we like them especially for hotter days and tougher workouts. (You can actually feel the air blow through the upper.) It’s a good shoe for less painful days with a springy nylon plate that helps move your foot forward but doesn’t constrict your foot muscles, either.
Stack height
22.5/31mm
Heel drop
8.5mm
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Softest Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
Asics Gel Kayano 31
Pros
Super soft heel and collar
A ton of cushion
Cons
Knit collar gets beat up quickly
The Asics Gel Kayano 31 for just about anything is indeed the hill I will die on. This is a favorite for recovery, injury, and nagging issues alike: the midsole is super cushion-y but has some bounce, the upper is soft and flexible. Last year, I had something insane called lace bite (tendonitis on the top of my foot from, and this is not a joke, tying my laces too tight). These were the only shoes I could stomach on my very sensitive feet.
Stack height
40/30mm
Heel drop
10mm
Podatrists’ Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Pros
Comes in standard, weatherized, & waterproof GTX
Great arch and heel support
Cons
Runs small
Podiatrists love Brooks, and we can’t blame them. Brooks does it right. The Adrenaline GTS 24 is a solid option for plantar fasciitis pain, thanks to its hidden support. This pair uses GuideRails along the underfoot to stabilize your foot and has excellent heel strike absorption. If you’re looking to get back into running but want to prevent plantar pain, grab these.
Stack height
36/24mm
Heel drop
12mm
What to Consider
Cushion
Plantar fasciitis can feel extradordinarily sensitive during flare-ups, and a shoe with great cushioning can help soften your heel strike. For acute pain, we’re going for more cushion. For preventing and managing pain, we like smart cushioning with some extra heel support but a bit more stability.
Heel Drop & Stack Height
Both the heel drop and the stack height have to do with the cushion amount. The stack height is how much cushion there is, and the heel drop is the difference in stack height measured from heel to forefoot. Most PTs or sports medicine doctors dealing with plantar fasciitis will recommend specific numbers here—listen to them for your best bet.
Weight
A lightweight shoe is great for day-to-day wearing, when your plantar pain is manageable or lying dormant. But for longer days or tougher runs, a heavier shoe often indicates more cushion and shock absorption. We like having one on either end of the spectrum, depending on how the feets are feeling.
How We Tested
Living in a waking city means a constant influx of foot, calf, and ankle pain. Here, we tested these for heel support and softness, keeping in mind how sensitive flared up plantar fasciitis can feel. But we were also looking for support—constructions that take the pressure off but keep your form right.
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Why Trust Esquire
We are obsessed with sneakers, if that wasn’t blatantly obvious, and we wear them hard. All of these sneakers have gotten us and our trusted colleagues through plantar fasciitis pain, tendonitis, and, yes, the mysterious Lace Bite incident of 2024.