We’ve reviewed 10 best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis that have tremendously helped people like you get back to running pain-free AGAIN.
FYI, there are some sandals that help with Plantar Fasciitis. Make sure you check them out if you’re looking for some good sandals.
10 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
New Balance 1080
This is the newest entry (to date) in the New Balance lineup, the New Balance 1080. With an 8mm heel-to-toe offset, the 1080 is a highly cushioned daily trainer built for the neutral runner.
The 1080 is considered to be New Balance’s premium cushioned shoe. It offers a similar design to the 1080, but small noteworthy updates should help provide an enhanced fit and underfoot feel.
Upper
Starting off with the upper, the 1080 uses the engineered mesh that is fairly basic, but it works pretty well. The mesh on the 1080 seems to be softer on foot, slightly more breathable and just overall more comfortable.
There are some overlays that maintain the structure of the upper. Although they aren’t the most appealing, the overlays get the job done.
The toe cap gives the front end of the shoe a bit more reinforcement. Combined with a modified heel counter, this upper is one of the most supportive uppers in any neutral shoe.
The cushion around the heel and tongue is moderate, which I think works well because sometimes too much cushion around the foot isn’t the best. And this upper finds a happy medium.
Midsole
In the midsole, we see the continued use of Fresh foam cushioning but small changes in geometrical patterns as well as the addition of laser engravings on the heel to help generate an even softer foot landing. Fresh foam is one of the softest foams I’ve tried in any shoe this year – the plushness is real.
The underfoot feel is great for those who need that extra comfort for longer runs. The 1080 Fresh Foam has a slightly different look to it than last year’s. The midsole’s pattern is a little bit different and it has some small little engravings towards the heel. I’m assuming this must help with the compression of the foam to be a bit softer or at least it feels softer when we’re running in it.
Outsole
The outsole, though, looks very similar to last year’s small design changes to help improve durability and traction. I didn’t notice that the rubber near the perimeter of the shoe was a bit tougher compared to the other parts of the outsole where the rubber was a bit softer. This blend of hard and soft rubber helps the shoe have decent durability, great impact protection, and added comfort.
The base of the shoe is wide, which really gives the shoe a stable platform. The flexibility of the shoe is pretty stiff, which I suppose helps keep the shoe more stable. Yet, I prefer a bit more flex in my step.
Along with the addition of a TPU heel clip, the shoe offers added heel support for the miles ahead.
The Fresh Foam 1080 is a great shoe for comfort. But it’s still a bulky shoe. It may not be a great everyday running shoe if you want to hit some paces. The responsiveness of this shoe is lacking, but it is a shoe that has the purpose of a high cushion, high comfort road shoe.
If you’re in need of a shoe that can help your Plantar Fasciitis flares, do a long run, recovery runs or something for everyday comfort, this can be your shoe. But if you want to go fast, it’s not a good choice.
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 is one of these top New Balance shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in our recent article.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS
With its narrow heel, wide toe box, and bunion window, the Adrenaline GTS comfortably accommodates bunions on both feet.
The Adrenaline GTS is Brooks’ best-selling running shoe. GTS stands for go-to shoes because it simply works for so many runners. Whether you run a lot or a little, the GTS is a perfect balance of cushion and support for the smoothest ride.
Right off the bat, you’ll see a sleek update to the design, especially in the upper. Not only is that pretty cool but you’ll also run faster in it. Why? Its design is specifically constructed to be more aerodynamic. The upper is designed to ensure the fit feels comfortable and secure. Runners love this new design saying it’s soft and comfortable and a shoe that allows you to stay focused on the run.
For stability and support, the GTS utilizes Brooks’ time-tested Progressive Diagonal Rollbar. The Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar guides your body into its natural motion path, which is great for moderate-to-sever overpronation. Running with your natural gait definitely improves both your speed and limits your risk of injury. The GTS’s new sidewall design disperses impact away from your body creating a soft and even ride.
The segmented Crashpad provides a soft stable and secure foundation no matter how your foot lands. It also reduces injury by absorbing shock from when your feet hit the ground.
Comfort and proper fit should be high in the priority list for you. You’ll love the customizable fit in the heel which is a common problem area in standard shoes. You don’t want your feet slipping and sliding all over the place in your shoe and the GTS’ asymmetrical saddle has adjustable eyelets that really give your feet extra snug feel.
Speaking of comfort, there’s even more comfort in this shoe. The cushion level in the GTS is considered as one of the highest cushion levels in the market. Brooks has also tuned their DNA cushioning to adapt its firmness to your individual step and stride, making you get the perfect amount of cushioning.
The GTS is in the stability category but its weight won’t bring you down as it has an average weight for a stability shoe at only 10.7oz. It has a 12mm heel-to-toe offset, which is the angle your feet are set at in the shoe.
Saucony Guide
With an 8-mm heel-to-toe offset, the Guide is a standard daily running shoe designed for moderate to overpronators looking for more stability for their Plantar Fasciitis issues.
The Guide series is considered a lightweight running shoe at 10.01oz and falls in the stability category, which is great if you have medium-height arches and tend to overpronate.
The Guide really helps guide those ankles in line to a perfect running gait and that helps prevent potential injuries in the future.
Comfort is key when you run.
Everun Technology
Continuing the use of an Everun top sole along with a more streamlined midsole design, the Guide offers a smooth cushioned ride and plenty of energy return as well.
This means you’ll run longer while experiencing a feeling of extra springiness upon each toe-off. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your feet getting all banged up.
Midsole
The backside is a bit more cushioned than the midsole area for those runners who overpronate a little bit and are looking for some firmness in the middle of the shoe.
The midsole offers incredible shock absorption, which reduces the tough impact on your feet.
The upper keeps the Guide nice and light while giving you a personalized fit. In the Saucony Guide 9, Saucony introduced a super lightweight FlexFilm upper that allows for fewer layers and added flexibility.
But don’t worry …
Your feet will stay cool and dry thanks to the engineered mesh moisture-wicking run-dry lining.
Outsole
The bottom has a very consistent outsole. There are large enough spaces between each of the rubber cushioning pads where rocks and debris couldn’t get caught in so that’s good for trail running as well as being firm enough that you can get away with running on asphalt throughout the year.
The Guide is great for asphalt running and light trail running and it performs well, especially on those long runs that lead up to a marathon.
Along with the redesigned TriFlex outsole with improved ground contact and flexibility, the Guide disperses energy evenly upon contact and is ready to take on the miles ahead.
The Saucony Guide is a firmer and more cushioned ride for runners looking for more stability in their running.
Asics Gel Nimbus
This is the legendary high-end cushioned Nimbus series. The Nimbus is a premium daily running shoe designed for the neutral runner.
One of the things you’ll notice right away about this update is its complete seamless construction of the upper. Asics has made the Nimbus without any seams, stitches, and overlays that often cause friction and irritation and don’t give enough room for bunions.
It’s also a great option for bad knees and shin splints. These are some of the best running shoes for shin splints.
Known for its plush cushioning, the Nimbus utilizes a new gel placement designed to improve adaptability on the road.
It features a carbon rubber outsole which really helps with durability and traction and it’s a carryover from the previous models.
You also have the famous FluiRide midsole which is also a carryover from the previous Nimbus and provides bounce-back and cushioning properties. But with this new version, we have the Convergence Gel.
Gel is not new to Asics, of course, but what Asics did is they took the Gel and they’ve set it more at an angle closer to the foot. This is going to help with cushioning properties and really make sure that you’re floating on clouds.
The Nimbus also features a new 3D-printed upper which is going to help with holding your foot in place. It’s seamless meaning you’re not going to get a lot of irritation and it’s breathable so you’re going to get a light airy feel while you’re running.
You can take the Nimbus running in your neighborhood, on high mileage runs, or anywhere you want to train for your upcoming 5K, half marathon, marathon…
The men’s comes in at 11.4oz while the women’s comes in at 9.2oz. We also have a heel-to-toe drop on the men’s of 10mm but on the women’s we have a 13mm drop. So the women’s version has 3mm of extra comfort for Achilles tension for example.
Along with an improved guidance line technology for a smoother ride and a FluidRide midsole for lightweight responsiveness, this premium trainer is ready for the long miles ahead.
Asics Gel Kayano
This premium maximum support trainer is built for mild to moderate overpronators looking for top-of-the-class cushioning with plenty of pronation control. So it’s one of the best options for Plantar Fasciitis.
Asics makes pretty good running shoes and I think you probably know that. Honestly, after so many iterations of the Kayano series, you’re probably wondering what new features could Asics possibly add to make the Kayano better.
FlyteFoam vs. Solyte Midsole
Asics have added the brand new FlyteFoam midsole to this legend of a shoe. It’s a little lighter and firmer. It’s about 33% lighter compared to Solyte, 8% more durable and about 5% more bounceback. So you can really fly with that FlyteFoam midsole.
Upper
It also features the Adaptive Stability upper continuing the seamless story told in the Kayano 22 now just making it more to the foot. The upper is a little more breathable and wraps your foot better.
The Kayano also features a new sloped post. It’s a post that’s a little bit more angled so that as your foot goes to roll in, it gets supported by the Dynamic Duomax system.
It’s going to guide you into the support a little bit more. You may not notice it and you may not feel it but it’s there to hug you and support you like the Kayano always has.
This best-in-class stability shoe still features women’s specific cushioning and offset.
Asics have improved the fit around the heel and made it a little snugger to help with lockdown. I didn’t have any issues with the 22 so I don’t see this as a big factor, but it might be an upgrade for some people.
The Kayano has a little bit more added toe spring at the forefoot to really bounce you off that front step.
It fits about a half size small and as far as optics, the Kayano 23 looks very similar to the 22. Asics added some new colors but no major changes.
The Kayano 23 is definitely comfortable as you would expect from the Kayano series. It was a little bit stiff at first but just took a couple of runs to break it in.
Overall, it doesn’t matter what distance you are running and I don’t think there’s going to be many complaints here when it comes to comfort – no cramping or pain points or anything like that.
The lockdown is solid and your feet won’t slide around and your heel won’t pop in and out.
If you’ve been using some bush-league and not-so-great running shoes and then you try these, you’ll definitely notice the difference in bounceback and spring.
The Gel Kayano 23 is actually 1 ounce lighter than the 22 but the drop is still 10mm.
It’s great for short and long-distance running. It’s not the best for trail running but it does have some solid tread.
With a soft absorbing feel and a plushy wrapped upper, overpronators can experience a feel of ultimate luxury in the miles ahead.
Saucony Kinvara
Read the full review of the Saucony Kinvara 11.
A lot of runners with Plantar Fasciitis have found the Kinvara to be able to correct their condition. It is a lightweight stripped-down neutral trainer.
The Kinvara is one of Saucony’s most popular running shoes.
It is highly regarded as one of the better all-around lightweight trainers. Every year, Saucony changes a few things up.
For better or worse, let’s see what this update has to offer.
Upper
The first thing to note is the new updated upper. Saucony decided to go with a more stretchy engineered mesh. It definitely feels softer to the touch which adds to the overall comfort.
Breathability on the Kinvara 8 wasn’t ever bad, but this model further improved upon the previous models.
The mesh on the Kinvara does have a slight more give to better accommodate your feet. The structure and the stability of the upper are actually quite good for a lightweight trainer.
Saucony really found a great blend of using overlays to keep the shoe stable while maintaining a sleek design. The comfy woven heel support keeps the shoe locked in and secure without being too rigid.
The ProLock lacing system works as intended and once this shoe is tied, it stays locked in.
Saucony has also added some padding around the tongue and collar for a little bit of added comfort. Compared to last year’s model, the overall shoe just feels lighter on foot.
The midfoot feels snug and the toe box is open enough to allow your feet some extra room. Essentially, the overall Kinvara’s upper was improved over last year’s model in subtle ways.
EVA/Everun Combo
The midsole uses Saucony’s High Abrasion EVA foam with the Everun top sole. Everun is Saucony’s premium cushion material that allows for a consistent responsive ride. It’s located right under the sock liner and provides a bit of spring to your step.
Although this is a similar setup to the Kinvara 8, the EVA/Everun combo on the Kinvara 9 just feels a tad firmer compared to last year’s model.
Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, it really depends on the individual. I actually didn’t mind because it gave the Kinvara a bit more of a faster feel. There was still enough cushion to get us through longer runs.
With the Kinvara being a lightweight daily trainer, I felt that it can be a decent race-day shoe for the roads if you prefer a bit more cushion compared to a traditional racing flat.
Overall, the ride of the Kinvara feels a bit more responsive.
Outsole
The outsole uses blown rubber across the majority of the shoe. I think the use of this rubber is part of the reason why the Kinvara feels so light.
At the same time, while being light, the Kinvaras are not expected to last a long time. Traction-wise, there’s not much going on. Running at wet grass was not ideal.
The Kinvara seems to be a true road shoe and I would be conscious to use it elsewhere, especially trail.
The flex grooves are a bit different than the Kinvara 8’s. As far as flexibility, it is noticeably more flexible, which may be a good thing for some people and bad for others. It depends on what you like.
For those who want a really nice stable platform, this shoe might not cut it.
The Kinvara didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does strive to be more than it was.
The upper was a solid improvement, the ride of the shoe is still great and has a bit more response to it.
But where the Kinvara really shines is versatility. For distance runners, it can be a great shoe for tempo workouts. It also works great for longer track workouts.
As far as lightweight running shoes, I believe the Kinvara is still one of the best options out there and if you already love the Kinvara series, you will likely enjoy this one, too.
Asics GT 2000
Visually, the GT-2000 is very similar to Kayano and it has taken a lot of features from that shoe. It uses a new Asics midsole called FluidRide which is lighter and softer than the previous foam cushioning. It also uses Dynamic Duomax support system for overpronation prevention.
However, they’ve had a slight tweak on it to make it slightly more stable by removing some of the pillars. That means the shoe guarantees a smooth flexible ride while offering slightly more support.
It uses minimum overlays as there is not a lot of stitching going on which, again, cuts down on weight and makes the foot more comfortable inside the shoe.
Outsole
The outsole once again is made of AHAR Plus rubber (Asics High-Abrasion Rubber), which is Asics’ most durable and “grippiest” rubber. The GT-2000 uses fairly deep flex grooves making it pretty flexible.
It also uses Asics Guidance Line and Guidance Trusstic System for an efficient gait cycle, which means that your foot is basically trying to run along that line in the bottom so you get a nice and smooth lay down.
The GT 2000 is very snug in the heel, which Asics is quite well-known for. It uses a memory foam liner around the heel for a very customized fit in there.
The 2000 2 is more supportive than most other running sneakers while being just as cushioned and just as flexible.
Brooks Glycerin
The Glycerin is absolutely one of the best options for Plantar Fasciitis. It’s a very neutral shoe definitely designed for heel strikers. The Glycerin is known as Brooks’ top-of-the-line premium high cushioning neutral shoe.
3D Print Upper
It comes with the 3D print engineered mesh upper. The upper has a much more of a sock-snug wraparound feeling that provides an almost custom fit. It has a good amount of stretch to it and adapts well. It is definitely one of the most comfortable shoes to have on.
The breathability in the upper was about what I expected. It wasn’t anything mind-blowing, but it did the job.
The interior lining of the shoe is very smooth and has a nice slipping feel. There’s a good amount of padding around the foot which really gives you that overall comfort shoe feel.
The heel feels pretty stable. And although the heel comes up a bit high than I would like, luckily the material in the heel is so smooth I have no rubbing issues.
DNA Loft Midsole
The midsole introduces Brooks new DNA Loft technology. This new foam gives the shoe an overall softer and more consistent feel.
The Glycerin has been known to be one of the softest shoes out there. When running on concrete and road-like surfaces, the Glycerin just absorbs the impact, which is great for longer runs.
But going faster in this shoe feels like it was somewhat of a chore. But given, this was not supposed to be a speed shoe by any means.
The DNA Loft in the heel felt nice and embraced much of the impact when coming through the transition. The cushioning in the midfoot felt like it could have been firmed up just a bit for a smoother toe-off. The ride was a bit sloppy at times even when compared to the other high cushioning shoes that I tried these past years.
Overall, the ride was great for slower longer runs, but any time it was time to pick up the pace, it was a bit of a struggle.
Outsole
The outsole provides a good amount of protection across the shoe and the traction excelled on the roads. While this shoe is pretty stiff at first, it should break in nicely after a few miles.
The rubber itself does a great job absorbing impact, which just adds to the already cushioned ride of the shoe.
So the Glycerin is essentially a great long run recovery shoe. It’s a bit on the heavy side, but it’s kind of what I expected given the amount of support and cushion it has.
The Glycerin is nice and flexible and it’s going to guide your foot through a natural footstrike from heel to toe.
New Balance 1540
This shoe is made perfectly for the moderate to severe overpronator who’s looking for the reinforced stability. Its level of stability and support makes it a great option for Plantar Fasciitis as well. It delivers optimal control at the heel and is sure to stay in place while you’re running.
Upper
It features a breathable mesh on the upper as well as lining on the interior to keep your skin cool and breathing. The soft lining also feels great in the Achilles support. The toe box is extremely breathable.
Its overlays lockdown that lace-up system and it delivers a very nice and secure fit with the lace-up.
The NB 1540 also has the in-cap technology at the back which is a higher-density synthetic foam that offers a lot of stability.
It features a wonderful Rollbar along with medial and lateral TPU post at the instep for the ultimate motion control and the maximum stability you’ve been looking for.
Midsole
The midsole is a combination of ACTIVA and Absorb foam cushioning for a maximized dynamic shock absorption.
Outsole
And it all sits on a durable blown rubber outsole offering increased durability for the high-wear areas and guaranteeing excellent toe-off.
If you need a steady, comfortable, and flexible base this is a great option for you.
Asics Gel Exalt 4
Comfortable, durable and featuring a very plushy and soft interior, the Exalt 4 is an awesome shoe for mild to overpronation and a great option for Plantar Fasciitis.
It is highly cherished by road runners seeking that great combination of stability, support, and protection in one shoe.
It’s fairly flexible and lightweight in construction and it’s crafted from a super breathable knit upper. Also, it has synthetic supportive overlays throughout the upper.
It has a full lace-up closure, light cushioning around the ankle for comfort, and a soft and breathable lining.
There’s a fixed Ortholite footbed, which provides a bed of underfoot cushioning for you throughout the course of your day.
Midsole
The shoe benefits from a full-length dual-density SpEVA midsole that offers maximized energy return and reduced midsole breakdown catering also a lot to the arch support of the shoe. There’s also a rearfoot gel cushioning that will absorb shock and improve ease of movement.
Outsole
All of that sits atop of a very sticky AHAR rubber outsole that gives you long-lasting durability. The outsole features durable rubber right where you need it with a built-in Trusstic System for added support.
If you’re after great style, great comfort, and support, make sure you slip into the Exalt.
How To Know If Your Running Shoes Are Good For Plantar Fasciitis
The first test you should always do is to try to fold the shoe with both your hands. If it bends all the way around, it’s going to cause you a lot of pain. The right shoe should bend at the toe box but the mid-foot and heel area should stay firm.
The second test is to try to twist the shoe. If it twists really easily, it is going to cause pronation and supination and it is going to put excessive strain on the plantar fascia ligament.
How Does Plantar Fasciitis Happen
Basically, the Fascia is a set of bands of connective tissue that go from the ball of the foot through the arch and attach into a point in the heel. And what happens is that the fascia tends to have a spring-like effect to your foot and hold in all the twenty-six bones on the bottom side, basically connecting your forefoot to your heel.
One of the big things that can cause the injury is if your calf is so tight by being over-powered and over-used all the time, it pulls up on your very strong Achilles Tendon, which puts pressure on your heel. Now what compounds the injury is if you heel strike, you’re hitting with three to five times your body weight on the fascia area where it connects in a straight line across your heel bone. Because your body is back you’re going to lose some time to get over and load your foot over midfoot, and if you have a kind of rotation or force as well like pronation, you’re going to have to rotate and push off with a lot of strain.
How To Run If You Have Plantar Fasciitis
How Can You Run Without Causing Much Strain On Your Fascia
By landing more underneath your body, landing parallel to the ground relaxing and levering forward and then simply lifting off, you’ve taken a lot of strain off your fascia. So to make sure you get me right, the easiest way to try to override a lot of this pain is to land very parallel to the ground. This way, you’re not putting excessive strain on any part of the foot or any part of the lower leg like the calf and the Achilles. So as you’re lifting from the core and letting the foot touch very level to the ground it really reduces the strain level.
