The 5 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (Women’s & Men’s Sneakers)

best running shoes for plantar fasciitis

Regular physical activity is important, and running is one of the easiest ways to stay in shape and improve your health. To get the most out of running, you need proper shoes. The need for adequate footwear intensifies if you also happen to have plantar fasciitis (PF) or want to minimize the risk of getting it. Scroll down to learn about qualities to look for in running shoes as well as brief reviews of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis for both men and women.

Why You Need Proper Running Shoes if You Suffer from PF

Buying running shoes isn’t just about ordering the first pair you see online or buying some random footwear in the store. You do need to make some effort in order to get the best value for your money and to experience stability and comfort. Evidence shows running is one of many risk factors for plantar fasciitis. If you want to cut down that risk or run without pain in case you already have PF, then choosing proper running shoes is a must.

Right buying choice stabilizes your heel and doesn't allow it to move while you run. At the same time, your toes get much-needed space to help you avoid tightness and pain. As a result, blood flow is unrestricted which is essential for all runners including those with PF. Running shoes with proper cushioning protect the feet, especially plantar fascia, from stress and pressure. Your running shoes also support high arch which is a common problem.

What to Look for in Running Shoes for PF​

Not all running shoes provide the same benefits, particularly for people with plantar fasciitis. Here are some factors to consider when buying footwear for plantar fasciitis:

  • Strong heel support
  • Toe box width
  • Soft cushioning
  • Good arch support
  • Weight (heavier or lightweight)
  • Flexibility
  • Budget

Take the running habits into consideration. If you're a long-distance runner, you may benefit more from lightweight shoes. If you want need more stability, but don’t do long-distance running then you may consider heavier sneakers. Before you buy shoes, check to see whether toe box and cushioning are good enough for your needs.

The 5 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis​

Below, you can see brief reviews of some of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis on the market.

1. New Balance 990v3 Running Shoe (for men)

best running shoes for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs

New Balance is one of the most popular brands in sports shoes and apparel industry. Based in Boston, New Balance is the only major company that makes or assembles more than four million of athletic footwear per year in the US, while many other brands manufacture their shoes overseas. Their 990v3 shoes are one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis and heel spurs you can find on the market today.

These shoes have a classic look that many other brands try to imitate, and they come with EVA foam midsole whose purpose is to protect your feet from shock. Running shoes from New Balance support your arch and make sure there is no excessive pressure on your heel and plantar fascia. Since running puts stress on your feet each time you hit the ground without proper support people with plantar fasciitis wouldn’t be able to run the same way they used to.

PROS:

  • Numerous color options available
  • Arch support
  • Classic design
  • Protects feet against shock and stress
  • Comfortable
  • Good for heavier runners

CONS:

  • Tongue tends to slide to the side
  • Some people may need more support than these shoes offer

2. Saucony Women’s Guide 7 Running Shoe

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

Finding running shoes isn’t the easiest thing for many women. You want to get the much-needed support, but at the same time, you want the footwear to look nice. Saucony made one of the best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis, and they look adorable.

The outsole of these running shoes is similar to that of previous Saucony Guide versions. That being said, it incorporates a greater amount of rubber for more coverage. The brand also removed triangle lugs from Guide 6 range thus allowing these shoes to provide more protection, particularly for women with plantar fasciitis.

The functionality and support are provided by strategic stability zones which also allow these running shoes to provide enough flexibility and cushioning. Lightweight nature of the shoes is of huge benefit for long-distance runners because it prevents feet from being weighted down excessively. Since they’re easy and light on your feet, the shoes can prevent fatigue as well.

PROS:

  • HydraMAX collar lining with moisture-wicking properties
  • Power Grid inserts for full-length cushioning
  • Dual-density SSL EVA midsole
  • Great for long-distance running
  • Lightweight
  • Provide support and stability
  • Vibrant colors

CONS:

  • May be too tight for some women
  • Not as flexible as some other shoes

3. Orthofeet Orthopedic Men’s Sneakers

best mens running shoes for plantar fasciitis

The Orthofeet brand is an excellent choice for people who suffer from various foot conditions and don’t want to risk it with other brands that don’t generally specialize in creating this footwear. This particular brand focuses primarily on shoes that give your feet much-needed support and help you remain active even if you have plantar fasciitis, flat feet, high arch, and other problems.

Their orthopedic men’s sneakers offer extra room for toe movement and a non-binding fit. At the same time, these running shoes provide maximum protection against pressure points. The sneakers feature Ortho-Comfort, premium orthotic insoles, which provide anatomical arch support. Thanks to the multiple cushioning layers these sneakers ensure proper foot and leg alignment, comfort, and protection against stress that occurs each time you hit the ground while running.

Besides plantar fasciitis, these sneakers are also suitable for men with diabetic feet, foot pain, knee pain, arch pain, back pain, and ball of the foot pain. They enhance comfort for people with sensitive feet, arthritis, neuropathy, and other conditions.

PROS:

  • Orthotic support
  • Suitable for men with different foot conditions
  • Arch support
  • Great cushioning
  • Adds spring to your step
  • More space for your toes
  • Extra depth design

CONS:

  • May not be ideal for persons whose feet aren't wide
  • On the heavier side which is not always practical for long-distance running

4. ASICS Women’s Gel-Nimbus 18 Running Shoe

plantar fasciitis running shoes ASICS

ACIS is one of the best brands of athletic shoes that help you run faster without experiencing too much pain and discomfort. The Gel-Nimbus shoes offer modernized geometry of cushioning, and they are specifically designed to enhance adaptability and mitigate brisk impacts. Thanks to the improved Guidance Line technology these running shoes harmoniously sync componentry in order to embrace the motion of your gait cycle.

What makes these sneakers stand out is that their glove-like fit due to the FluidFit upper technology that combines stretch reinforcements and multi-directional stretch mesh. In addition, the gel technology attenuates shock during impact while the exoskeletal heel counter provides improved support that people with plantar fasciitis need.

The risk of friction and irritation is minimized with the use of seamless materials. Multiple color options are available to make sure that sneakers not only allow stability and ease of movement but to look great at the same time.

PROS:

  • Great cushioning
  • Features different technologies such FluidFit upper tech, FluidRide midsole, ortholine lasting material and X-40 sockliner, etc.
  • Different colors available
  • Supports arch to provide stability
  • Supports heels

CONS:

  • May be too tight in the toe box for some

5. ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano

ASICS Men’s Gel-Kayano

ACIS created a fantastic range of men's running shoes as well, and their Gel-Kayano footwear is one of the best running shoes for wide feet to consider. These sneakers are specifically designed for persons who moderately to severely pronate while running. The shoes feature a removable insert, gel cushioning, and a textured outsole. What makes Gel-Kayano range so useful is a seamless construction that holds the middle of the foot in place to avoid causing pressure points.

Thanks to the heel clutching system, you can expect the heel to stay in place as you run. This is particularly important for persons with plantar fasciitis because the shoes are able to protect the spot where plantar fascia meets the heel. Not only do these sneakers protect plantar fascia, but they also minimize pain and discomfort while running thanks to outstanding support and stability. Since heel stays in place, you don’t end up pushing your toes further. When you combine that with a wider toe box you get more comfortable that is necessary for regular runners. Different sizes and color options are available.

PROS:

  • Heel clutching system
  • Gel cushioning
  • Stability and protection
  • Wider toe box
  • Rubber sole
  • Lightweight

CONS:

  • May be a little too stiff for some people

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis doesn’t have to stop you from running regularly. In order to avoid pain and discomfort, you just need right shoes that provide stability, comfort and protect your feet. Throughout this post, you learned more about running shoes for plantar fasciitis and how to find them. Consider your needs before buying these sneakers. The right choice depends on your preferences. New Balance uses a classic design that supports the arch, but if you don’t want to risk you can opt for footwear made by Orthofeet.

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