According to Schaeffer and the rest of the experts we spoke with, treating plantar fasciitis requires a combination of therapy and treatments—think stretching, foot massage, and (occasionally) surgery, depending on the individual’s foot needs. But Schaeffer says the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis could help alleviate and prevent arch and foot pain.
What To Consider
Cushioning
Most brands market shoes with minimal, medium, or maximum cushioning. Our list includes both medium and max options, which are expert-recommended for plantar fasciitis sufferers. This puts a buffer between your arch and a hard surface to help with shock absorption says Saylee Tulpule, DPM, who is board-certified in podiatric medicine and is a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), who has suffered from plantar fasciitis herself.
Heel-To-Toe Drop
“Having a larger heel-to-toe drop, like eight to 12 millimeters, could ease pressure on the heel, which helps to reduce tension and inflammation on the plantar fascia,” says Tulpule.
Arch Support
“Neutral” support shoes work well for many runners, but if you tend to overpronate (meaning your feet roll inward when you run and is often associated with lower arches, something you can typically visually and/or will be told if you’ve ever been fit for running shoes), you can look for shoes marketed as “stability” or “support.”
Of course, the absolute best running sneaker for you depends on your unique foot, which is why we recommend seeing a podiatrist or heading to a running store for gait analysis for the most specific shoe recommendation. But if you’re strapped for time and want to buy a sneak online, we consulted with experts to find great running shoes for plantar fasciitis that look and feel amazing on your feet.
How We Chose
Women’s Health consulted personal trainers and foot doctors for their professional opinions on the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. WH contributor Caitlin Carlson, who has run 12 marathons and countless half-marathons, then used the parameters they shared above to narrow down the field to the four absolute best picks for people with plantar fasciitis.
“/>
1
Best Overall Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Pros
- Lighter weight for good energy return
- Support in heel and arch
Cons
- Slightly less plush than other options on this list
This Brooks shoe comes with the stamp of approval of two of our experts: Schaeffer and Tulpule, which is why we crowned it best overall. Schaeffer calls out that the Adrenaline GTS has great support for both the heel and the arch of the foot. Tulpule has been wearing a version of the Brooks Adrenaline for 10+ years and says it’s made all the difference in her own plantar fasciitis.
Along with the support, we like that these running shoes have nitrogen-infused insole foam, which Dr. Tulpule says helps make the shoe light, and durable, and provides better energy return. “This may help with shock absorption when it comes to the plantar fascia,” she adds. While the experts didn’t call out weight as an important consideration when it comes to running shoes for plantar fasciitis, this model and the On option are the two lightest on this list (at 8.8oz).
Finally, the shoe is on the less expensive end compared to others on this list—and there are 25 color combos to choose from.
Read more: Best Running Shoes
| Cushioning level | Medium |
|---|---|
| Support or neutral | Support |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 12mm |
2
Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis With Color Options
Asics Gel-Kayano 31
Pros
- Feels plush with every step
- Fits snug
Cons
- Less support since it’s a neutral shoe
This model gets Tulpule’s blessing, too, and while I personally have more often run in the Gel Nimbus, I’m a fan of many different Asics models, including the Kayano. Compared to the Nimbus, the Kayano has a higher heel-to-toe drop (10mm compared to the Nimbus’s 8mm) and is a stability shoe that can help control over-pronation per Dr. Tulpule. “This reduces tension on the plantar fascia, allowing it to function better, hence, less inflammation and pain,” she says. “The shoe also offers great cushion[ing] and shock absorption for the ligament. With 27 color options, there’s surely an option that fits your style, to boot (er, sneaker).
| Cushioning level | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Support or neutral | Neutral |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
3
Best Stylish Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
On Cloudflyer 5
Pros
- External heel counter helps stabilize feet
- Four layers of cushion
Cons
- Less firm arch support
“This is extremely well cushioned, and comfortable, yet provides a firm and stable ride,” says ACE-certified personal trainer Melissa Kendter. On has four levels of cushioning and this one boasts the second from the most (called “plush,” which sounds kinda nice if you ask us). We also love the Cloudflyer’s external heel counter (the stiff material in the back of the shoe that helps stabilize your foot; often they’re on the inside, which some say provides less cushioning against your heel) that helps keep your foot in a neutral position. Plus, there’s additional cushioning under the heel to lessen the pressure on your plantar fascia.
| Cushioning level | Medium-Maximum |
|---|---|
| Support or neutral | Support |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9mm |
4
Best Snug Fit Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Nike Pegasus 41 Road Running Shoes
Pros
- Lighter weight
- Glove-like fit
Cons
- Less cushioned than other options on this list
I love how “locked in” my feet feel in these Nike Pegasus sneaks fit without the shoe being overly restrictive. I often deal with my heels popping out of the back of a shoe, but that doesn’t happen in these. In my opinion, they have a medium level of cushioning—they’re not ultra plush but also far from a minimalist option. That said, they’re still cushioned enough to be appropriate for those with plantar fasciitis and, with a 10mm drop, Tululpe also gives the new Pegasus her stamp of approval. Plus, with 18 colorway options, there’s bound to be a choice that fits your style.
| Cushioning level | Medium |
|---|---|
| Support or neutral | Neutral |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 10mm |
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Some common warning signs include pain at the heel, tightness from the ball of the foot to the heel (along the whole heel cord), pain when walking, limping, and/or foot swelling. The more you run with an actively inflamed fascia, the more it will hurt—especially if it’s not treated soon after noticing the aggravating sensation. If you just try to run through the pain, you’ll only make things worse, says John A. Mercer, PhD, a professor of kinesiology and nutrition sciences at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
Can the wrong shoes make plantar fasciitis worse?
The wrong shoe can make plantar fasciitis worse by putting more stress on your plantar fascia, which in turn can cause pain in other parts of your body. That’s because using the wrong sneakers may cause your feet to overcompensate and shift that pain to another part of the body. “You could have plantar fasciitis in your left foot and end up feeling it in your right knee,” says Mercer, who adds that it’s important to change out your running shoe long before you notice visible signs of wear and tear on the outsole.
Does plantar fasciitis get better?
In short, yes. But, the recovery process takes time and conscious effort to work. In some cases, says Mercer, it could take six months to a year to fully resolve. “Usually you’re going to need to aggressively stretch or do physical therapy in order to loosen up the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot,” says Schaeffer. These plantar fasciitis exercises not only help in recovery, but also serve as a preventative measure.
Watch Next
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
