Shopping for new running shoes can be both exciting and daunting, but when you add plantar fasciitis to the equation, the decision becomes even more important. Plantar fasciitis is essentially inflammation of the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. The most common symptom is heel pain, but you could also feel it in your arch or Achilles tendon. According to NIH data, plantar fasciitis affects about 10 percent of the general population, and incidences are higher among runners.
While plantar fasciitis is an acute condition that can generally be treated within a matter of weeks or months with a holistic approach combining things like routine stretching and icing, if left unchecked, it can evolve into a chronic condition called plantar fasciosis. “Plantar fasciitis is inflammation, and then plantar fasciosis is degeneration,” says Milica McDowell, DPT, certified exercise physiologist and vice president of operations at Gait Happens. That’s why, for runners with plantar fasciitis pain looking to avoid the point of no return, selecting the right shoes for the job is key.
The good news? Running shoe makers got the memo, and almost all the major brands (and a few innovative indies) have at least a handful of options that cater to runners with plantar fasciitis. Better yet, certain design attributes can even help speed recovery along. We kept all of those in mind while researching and testing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis below.
The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, in Brief
From the track to the trail, here are our top picks across the board.
The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Overall: Saucony Guide 17
If you’re looking for a go-to running shoe for plantar fasciitis that can handle a variety of runs, distances, and speeds, look no further than the Saucony Guide 17. Of all the shoes we tested, no other model checked more items off our plantar fasciitis checklist than this one. The cushioning is soft, but not squishy; the built-in support is stable, without feeling rigid; the stretchy, breathable upper allows for natural toe splay; and the shoe is generally flexible and foldable enough to keep your foot’s muscles, nerves, and plantar fascia engaged—the latter being especially important for not only alleviating foot pain while running but actually helping your feet heal.
The Best Lightweight Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Adidas Ultraboost 5x
The Ultraboost 5x maintains everything we loved about the Ultraboost 5, but tips the scale at a mere 9.7 ounces—17 grams lighter than its predecessor, officially making it the lightest Boost to date. Better yet, the way Adidas got here was by introducing a new integrated midfoot support, which is great news for anyone with plantar fasciitis. The energy return you feel with each stride is palpable, but the real star of this show is the upper. Marketing speak usually isn’t to be trusted, however in this case the term “hyper-anatomical” that Adidas uses to describe the 5x’s Primeknit upper seems fitting. It might just be the most comfortable running shoe, period.
The Best Active Recovery Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Lululamon Beyondfeel
Admittedly, there are more exciting looking running shoes out there. However, when you put these on, it’s immediately clear that Lululemon’s design team was much more interested in appealing to another one of your senses—and it’s right there in the name. While the Beyondfeel may not exactly be a sight for sore eyes, it’s downright messianic for tired feet. From the pressure-mapped outsole to the plush yet breathable upper infused with strategically placed extra cushioning on the tongue and heel collar, these shoes are perfectly set up to carry you through recovery runs and leave you feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for more.
The Best Low-Drop Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Altra FWD VIA
You almost can’t go wrong with any pair of Altras for plantar fasciitis. (Just steer clear of carbon-plated models, like the Mont Blanc, which prevent the plantar fascia from exercising its full range of motion.) One of Altra’s claims to fame is the brand’s signature foot-shaped toe box, which allows the toes to splay out and stabilize you as you run. The FWD VIA sports Altra’s roomiest toe box yet—great for wide feet. Another defining characteristic of Altras is their low heel-to-toe drop, which puts the foot in a more natural position. With a 4mm, drop, FWD VIA gives you the best of both worlds: a low drop with just a little extra cushion in the back to protect sensitive heels.
The Best Trail Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Salomon Genesis
The Salomon Genesis checks all the boxes of an all-star trail running shoe, and just so happens to be a perfect fit for plantar fasciitis. This moderately cushioned, highly technical trail shoe comes equipped with multi-directional 4.5mm lugs to allow you to confidently negotiate unpredictable inclines and declines, while the lightweight EVA foam provides just enough cushion to maximize comfort without sacrificing ground feel. The tongue is more of a sleeve that, together with Salomon’s now-iconic Quicklace system, hugs the midfoot in place, and a tough combination of Kevlar and technical yarn provides protection against abrasion.
The Best Cross-Training Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Gel-Kayano 31
While we generally don’t recommend wearing running shoes for non-running workouts like weightlifting or CrossFit, some situations demand a bit of both, whether that be a Barry’s class or a run with some calisthenics sprinkled in. In terms of footwear, you can approach this from either side: a training shoe that’s decent for running, or a running shoe that’s decent for training. If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, we suggest the latter, as running shoes tend to have better heel cushioning and flexibility. We found the Gel-Kayano 31 to strike the right balance, complete with a wide, flat base and stretchy forefoot upper that support stability during cross-training sessions.
The Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: HOKA Bondi 8
You typically don’t want too much cushioning in a running shoe for plantar fasciitis, as it can detract from ground feel and stability. However, plantar fasciitis or not, it’s a good idea to have a bit more cushioning for longer runs, partly for comfort and partly to protect your joints from extended impact. For a slightly more cushioned shoe that’s ideal for longer runs, the Hoke Bondi is a top pick—and one endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Coming in noticeably lighter than other similarly cushioned running shoes, and with a substantially lower heel-to-toe drop, Hoka’s model is geared to go the distance in comfort—without adding bulk to your stride.
The Best Race Day Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Brooks Glycerin GTS 21
These days, carbon-plated running shoes are all the rage when it comes to lacing up on the big day. But they’re probably the last shoes you’d want to wear if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis. So, you’ve got to get your edge somewhere else. The Glycerin GTS 21 is one of those shoes that just feels fast the moment you put it on. The heel collar is plush but supportive, and the upper is simultaneously secure in the midfoot and stretchy around the toes—a coveted combination for any running shoe. What it lacks in flash, it makes up for in feel, delivering a soft but snappy ride. Overall, the Glycerin GTS 21 manages to be greater than the sum of its parts.
More Running Shoes We Love for Plantar Fasciitis
InfinityRN 4
“These Nike’s started as injury prevention shoes and while they’ve shaken off those claims in their later generations, I still find them to be the shoe to run in if you’re prone to aches and pains from a few extra miles,” Ali Finney, GQ‘s Associate Commerce Director, says. “The Flyknit upper has been revamped to fit like a sock, which means that when you put these shoes on, they feel like an extension of your foot. The rocker shaped foam in the midsole keeps you from striking your heel too hard on the pavement which can aggravate plantar faciitis. Since wearing these, my PF has improved and I’ve been able to extend my runs and ramp up my training.”
On Cloudflyer 5
Most running shoes available today are geared towards heel strikers—probably because most recreational runners tend to be heel strikers. However, for those of us who prefer to land farther forward, the criteria for a shoe change slightly. If you’re a midfoot or forefoot striker working around plantar fasciitis, On’s latest Cloudflyer might just be what you need. Softer in the forefoot than it is in the heel, the midsole does well to absorb impact, while the spacious toe box provides ample room for the forefoot to stabilize itself with each stride. In true On fashion, the shoe’s overall construction is pure quality, and we’re fans of the two-tone colorway on the heel.
Asics GT-2000 13
If we had to award any shoe on this list the distinction of “best value,” it would probably be the Asics GT-2000 13. Despite the modest design, there’s actually a lot of great technologies at play here—certainly more than the $140 price tag would suggest. Asics’ 3D Guidance System is a game changer for adaptive heel and midfoot stability (further enhanced by the shoe’s distinctly wide heel), while the FF Blast+ cushioning provides the perfect ratio of cushioning and responsiveness. And while we don’t talk much about traction when it comes to road shoes, it’s worth mentioning that the AHAR outsole handles particularly well across various surfaces.
Mizuno Wave Rider 28
There are almost as many iterations of Mizuno’s flagship running shoe as there are seasons of The Simpsons. So, it’s no surprise that the latest model to carry the torch for the iconic Wave Rider franchise is the most advanced yet. While the 28 introduces plantar fasciitis-friendly updates like a flexible jacquard upper and re-engineered, cushy midsole, what hasn’t changed (thankfully) is the smoothness that you feel while running in Wave Riders—something the brand has really homed in on with this latest version. The combination of a 12mm drop and Mizuno’s ENERZY NXT foam coaxes you forward into a fluid stride, with each footstrike transitioning seamlessly into the next.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v14
A solid go-to shoe for daily miles—and a reliable pick for those suffering from plantar fasciitis—the 860 is soft and supportive in all the right places. The first thing you’ll notice when putting these on is the reassuringly rigid heel counter, followed by the soft Fresh Foam X cushioning. The result is an immediate sense of controlled comfort, maximized by a gusseted tongue and stretchy, lightweight upper—both engineered from a breathable mesh that covers the majority of the shoe’s surface area. Once you lace up and get going, the shoe’s subtle rocker profile makes the most of your momentum, supporting fluid turnover and a smooth, steady cadence.
Kuru Flux
Compared with the household names on this list, Kuru is a lesser-known brand but a strong contender nonetheless when it comes to high-quality running shoes that are ideal for plantar fasciitis. Engineered in line with Kuru’s “Heel First” design philosophy, the Flux is an everyday runner with a unique edge: a dynamic, heel-cupping sole that braces on each impact to keep your foot secure and arches supported—especially important if you have flat feet. The stretchy, sock-like fit of the upper gives the shoe an attractive form factor but also an element of convenience; they’re so easy to slip on and off that you’ll probably find yourself throwing these on anytime you need to leave the house to run errands.
What to Look for in Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The best running shoes for plantar fasciitis probably aren’t the cheapest ones you can find on Amazon. Next, you need to take a serious look at your shoe size. “Around 60 percent of people are wearing the wrong size,” says Dr. McDowell. “A shoe that’s too short is culprit number one.”
“The plantar fascia runs between your heel and the ball of your foot. So If you’re in a shoe that’s too short, you’re putting tension on your plantar fascia at all times,” she explains. “I typically recommend that grown adults get their feet measured once a year. That’s a huge piece of the puzzle.”
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