There is nothing quite as satisfying as hitting a fresh trail on a crisp morning as you break in your new running shoes. It’s even better if you have a partner to share the pleasure with.
But, for many, the pleasure of running becomes a painful experience that can affect every part of their daily lives. Plantar fasciitis is responsible for approximately 8% of running injuries; it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, and you don’t even have to be a runner!
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Quite literally it’s a pain in the foot.
The name plantar fasciitis refers to a bunch of fibers that gather together at the base of your foot. They actually run from the heel to the toes, giving the whole foot support, much like a plant needs a good base.
Although the heel generally has very thick skin, if any of these fibers are hurt they will become inflamed. This will cause pressure on the other fibers and result in an extremely painful foot; every step will feel like agony and running may seem impossible.
The most common place to feel the pain of plantar fasciitis is the base of the heel; this is where the inner fibers meet and the inflammation can cause the most amount of pain.
If you try to run through this you’ll notice that the pain is worst as you start to run; it will lessen as you run. However, it’s likely that you feel it again as soon as you stop running.
Running barefoot is not the answer as this will aggravate it. Instead, you need to find the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.
There are several good options on the market which are designed to cushion the heel of your foot and alleviate the pain. What you will be relieved to note is that it is usually okay to keep on running, but you shouldn’t do so if it causes intense pain.
Getting yourself one of these pairs of shoes will help you to stay comfortable and keep on running while the fibers in your foot heal.
10 Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis 2020
Check out these top 10 running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and help your foot to heal; you may even be able to say goodbye to plantar fasciitis for good!
1. New Balance 1080v8 for Men, for Women
There are those that say New Balance shoes are not the most stylish. However, whether you believe this or not, there is no doubt that they are very good at providing support for your foot when running.
They do come in a range of colors and existing customers testify to its ability to keep up “mile after mile”. This is a surprising contender considering it’s against some much better-known brands, but it is definitely worth considering.
PROS
- Asymmetrical heel counter which locks the foot into place
- Removable insole
- Breathable Lining
- Heel Cushioning
- Rubber sole
- No-sew material
- Multiple color options and sizes
CONS
- The tongue can move when running which could irritate your foot
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2. ASICS GEL-Nimbus 20 for Men, for Women
ASICS is not a newcomer to the running or sportswear scene. They have been in business since 1949 and every product is thoroughly tested in their onsite facilities. The goal is simple, to supply the best possible shoes for every sports activity.
The Gel Nimbus is an exceptionally comfortable shoe and incorporates a “heel clutching system”; this provides support around your heel by gently holding it in place. This makes the gel nimbus one of the best options available to runners that strike the ground with their heel first.
PROS
- Fantastic heel support
- Breathable upper section
- High-quality production to ensure its capable of covering the miles
- Stylish and available in multiple color choices
- Flytefoam midsole technology gives great bounce back with every foot strike
- FluidRide midsole boosts cushioning power
- Gel at front and rear of the shoe to help cushion your feet as you run
CONS
- Toe section is a little narrow, this may cause restriction or pinching when running
- Some users have found them much less comfortable than previous offerings
- It is a little heavier, making it better suited for long-distance endurance than sprinting
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3. ASICS Gel-Kayano 25 for Men, for Women
It’s not surprising to find a second offering from ASICS on the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. After all, they have been established for many years and take the research and development of new products very seriously.
The Gel Kayano comes in a huge array of colors; you’ll certain to find something that you like. It also has gel cushioning in the front and rear, in the same way, that the Nimbus does. But, there are a number of other features which help this shoe to stand out from the crowd.
What is particularly interesting is that there the male and female versions of this shoe have different cushioning; both in terms of the level and positioning. This is undoubtedly a result of the research ASICS has done.
This is potentially the best shoe if you overpronate when running or walking.
PROS
- Fluidfit multidirectional upper for maximum support
- Gel cushioning in the heel protects your foot and keeps it balanced
- The company has a great reputation
- Huge range of colors to choose from
- Replaceable inserts allow you to tailor the inside to your foot
CONS
- Designed for overpronators; won’t be great for other running styles
- Inserts feel cheap, although they can be replaced
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4. Mizuno Wave Rider 19 for Men, for Women
This shoe, from Mizuno, is aimed at runners with a neutral strike with an excellent level of heel protection. There is plenty of cushioning under the shoe to ensure a smooth ride and the right level of bounce as you run. At the same time, there is a particular emphasis on heel support; preventing your plantar fasciitis from getting worse and even helping it to recover.
You’ll note that this is a firmer shoe than most running shoes; this can take a little while to adjust to but it will help you to keep running without damaging your foot further.
PROS
- Uses wave technology, (hence the name); this spreads the shock and reduces it
- Great heel support to reduce pain and allow your foot to heal
- Perfectly designed if you’re a neutral runner
- Vegan construction; if this is a concern to you
CONS
- Mizuno is not as well known as many of the other brands on this list; this can deter some buyers
- The toe section is a little narrow, it may pinch your feet when running which won’t improve your strike or comfort level
- The tongue is very thick which can cause comfort issues when running, especially if its long distance
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5. Brooks Addiction 13 for Men, for Women
This offering from Brooks is designed to improve your stability when you run, helping to boost your confidence and help you to keep going; even when you’re legs want to give up.
It also benefits from a lot of cushioning which will really help if you’re hoping to complete that marathon, or another endurance style run.
PROS
- Synthetic mesh
- Material designed to remove moisture; helping to keep your feet dry even on the hottest of days
- High level of cushioning across the shoe
- Lightweight and incredibly comfortable
- Heel cushion to boost comfort for anyone with plantar fasciitis
- Top choice for overpronators
CONS
- Sizes tend to be on the small side; order ½ a size extra to normal and you should get a comfortable fit
- Not a huge array of colors to choose from
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6. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 for Men, for Women
Brooks has a second offering in the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis list; and for good reason. This offering has the same fantastic level of support and cushioning as the Brooks Addition 12, but, it also has a progressive diagonal rollbar which is designed to correct overpronating ankles. You won’t have to do anything other than run, the problem will correct itself in these running shoes!
This makes it another great contender for anyone wanting to complete a marathon but struggling to find the right shoe.
PROS
- Ankle-high to provide stability and comfort
- Several appealing color choices
- Breathable and flexible mesh upper
- Synthetic upper materials
- Foam insole
- Progressive diagonal rollbar to reduce overpronation
- Thick lining ensures a snug fit, reducing heel movement when running
- Support is designed with long-distance runs in mind
CONS
- Heavier than most running shoes due to the extra cushioning. This makes them better for long distance than sprinting
- Cushioning reduces the feel of the road; which could be an issue for you
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7. Saucony Triumph ISO 5 for Men, for Women
Saucony is another well-established brand that focuses on providing the best running gear for all situations. They have an impressive range of shoes for most types of runners. The Triumph ISO has a bold design which emphasizes the creativity of the design team.
In fact, it’s fair to say that these running shoes are some of the boldest, brightest, and most distinctive shoes currently on the market.
That’s a good thing, especially when they’re packed with technology to ensure they are one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.
PROS
- ISOFIT adaptor to personalize the inside to the shape of your foot.
- High level of cushioning insole
- Surprisingly light, despite the cushioning
- Very supportive, especially with the snug grip on your foot reducing the pain of plantar fasciitis and the risk of blisters
CONS
- Sizing is not as accurate as it could be; you may need a little trial and error to find the best size for your feet
- Some customers have reported issues with premature wear thanks to the cushioning and lightness of the shoe
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8. Saucony Guide 10 for Men, for Women
You may be surprised to find the second offering from Saucony in this list, but it simply shows the quality of their products; especially if you’re looking for the perfect solution to help you run through the pain.
The Guide 10 is designed for people looking to run medium distance, not the whole marathon. This is because it incorporates stability into its design and padding, without being excessively bulky. It may not be the perfect sprint shoe but it’s a pretty good option for anyone wanting to increase the lengths of their runs.
PROS
- Good level of cushioning to help you run further
- Wide array of color choices; you’ll find the perfect style
- Surprisingly light, allowing you to reduce your personal best
- Very flexible, reducing rubbing and other irritations when you run
- Breathable mesh upper
- Tri-flex sole
- 8mm offset to distribute cushioning and weight evenly
- Designed to reduce inward pronation
CONS
- Unfortunately, the toe section is a little narrow which could be an issue for many runners
- You may not associate this brand with long distance, or middle distance, runners. This makes it harder to believe it’s the right product for you
- Some customers have reported the heel box starts to move after a very short time; potentially increasing the pain of plantar fasciitis
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9. Altra Torin 4 for Men, for Women
If you have wide feet then this is the running shoe you need. Although Altra is a relatively new name to the running scene, it has produced a wide array of shoes for every taste and running style. There are plenty of positive reviews from those who tried their shoes and it appears the Torin is one of their best products.
This is more than just a company trying to get into the lucrative sports market. They have put real thought into their designs and incorporated some unique technology.
PROS
- Foot-shaped toe box encourages toe spread; maximizing comfort and reducing the strain on your feet
- Footpod outsole technology; this is designed to identify the position of your bones and tendons; it then matches their layout to maximize the flex of the shoe as you run
- Good level of cushioning makes these a good option for the trail
- Zero drop; making it a minimalistic shoe
- Surprisingly light
CONS
- Size differences are common; you’ll need to try several sizes to ensure you get the one that is right for you
- Breathability could be better, especially when running long distance
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10. HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 6 for Men, for Women
If you’re into trail or ultra running then you’ve probably already heard of Hoka One One. They are considered by many to be the ultimate in running shoes for this style of running. All their shoes have thick soles which are perfect when trail running.
It also provides an excellent amount of comfort for road runners with plantar fasciitis. In fact, this shoe is actually designed for the road.
PROS
- Open engineered mesh encourages breathability and keeps the shoe lighter, perfect when it’s hot and you’re running long-distance
- Toe box room; it’s wider than most which helps to ensure a natural foot placement and maximum comfort; while reducing stress on your heel
- Thick sole but surprisingly lightweight
- A large amount of cushioning
- Durable outside ensuring it will last the distance
CONS
- Minimal flexibility which is good for support but not so good for feeing the road or increasing your pace; especially up and down hills
- Will never be mistaken for a minimalist shoe
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What Makes the Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
All of these have the capability to be your next running shoe and the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. However, before you rush out to get one it is important to consider your needs.
Here is what you should be considering when choosing the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis:
Stability
The most important element of any running shoe is that it offers you a stable surface for your particular type of stride.
The 3 main strides are:
- Overpronation; this is when you have a very small arch and your foot tends to roll inwards.
- Supination is when you have high arches and your foot will tend to roll outwards.
- Neutral sits between these two and is the ideal stride, but not possible for everyone.
Both overpronation and supination can lead to issues, including plantar fasciitis. Choosing the right shoe type for your stride will help to ensure you have a stable stride; reducing the likelihood of injury.
Reputation
It is important to consider the reputation of the shoe manufacturer. A well-established manufacturer with a good research facility will be designing shoes that can actually help you.
This doesn’t mean that lesser-known manufacturers should be ignored. But, it does mean you should do your homework. Check into their background and look at social media sites to get feedback from existing customers.
This will help you to make the right decision for your next pair of running shoes.
Support
Your arch is actually the shock absorber for your foot. Of course, over time and with plenty of use this shock absorber can become tired; increasing the chances of you developing plantar fasciitis.
To prevent this it is essential that you choose a running shoe that offers arch support. It can help to reduce the symptoms of plantar fasciitis, help your foot to heal, and even eliminate the issue altogether!
Price
Of course, you need to consider the price of your running shoes in comparison with your budget.
The best designs do tend to be more expensive which is why you may be looking at the lesser-known names.
The key thing to remember is that these shoes will be offering your feet a lot of protection and reducing or eliminating your plantar fasciitis issue. That may mean it is important to wait until you have the funds available to invest in the most expensive pair you want. But remember, while you may get what you pay for, being the most expensive doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best quality.
Testing
Don’t forget that it is better to try the shoe on before you buy or to ensure that the company has a good returns policy, like Amazon.
This will help to ensure you have a comfortable shoe and one that is the right size. It goes without saying that it should have heel support to reduce the pain of your injury and help you to recover.
Final Thoughts
Running through the pain of plantar fasciitis is possible and, in most cases, is a good idea. Of course, you know your own limits and if the pain is too great you should either reduce your running or even take a break until your foot is healed.
This doesn’t mean you have to be inactive; you’ll just need to choose activities which don’t put your foot under pressure.
Choosing the best running shoe for plantar fasciitis is possible, simply go through the above checklist and then select the pair that appeals to you the most. Providing you take a little time to choose wisely and honestly, you’ll have a pair of running shoes that will alleviate your pain, help your foot to heal, and keep you running.
What more could you ask for?
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