The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis, or the inflammation of the plantar fascia ligaments that connect the toes and heels, can be debilitating. It can also make it more painful to run and exercise. Luckily, running shoes for plantar fasciitis cushion and support your feet to make your workouts a whole lot easier. Take a moment to have a look at our guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, and don’t let foot pain get in the way of your exercise routine.

What to Look for in Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis can be uncomfortable. However, it should not stop you from the activities you love. With this in mind, here are a few tips for selecting a pair of great shoes for plantar fasciitis.

• Shock Absorption and Arch Support

  Whether you have flat feet or high arches, shock absorption is key. A quality pair of athletic shoes should minimize the impact of each step, as you walk or run. As the arches play a vital role in absorbing the impact of running, diverting it away from the heels, a reliable pair of sneakers should also deliver quality arch support.

• Flexible Toe Boxes and Firm Heel Counter Cups

  Running shoes for plantar fasciitis have two functions—the first one being to alleviate discomfort and the second to strengthen the feet. Firm heel support cradles and flexible toe boxes can do exactly this by ensuring that the shoes bend at the front and remain relatively rigid at the back.

• Fit

  No matter how good the shoes, they are very unlikely to alleviate the discomfort of plantar fasciitis if they do not fit. Most running shoes come in a multitude of sizes. If your feet are particularly narrow or wide, look for footwear that comes in standard, narrow, wide, and extra-wide sizes.

• Style

  Running shoes come in a huge variety of styles and brands. And while comfort and support should be your first priority, it is also important that you like the style of the shoes that you are buying. After all, what better way to motivate yourself to go for that run than slipping on a pair of stylish running shoes.

Best Ways to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Aside from investing in a pair of quality running shoes for plantar fasciitis, there are a number of other steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort of this crippling condition.

• Night Splints

  Night splints keep your feet at a 90-degree angle, stretching the plantar fascia ligaments as you sleep. This is particularly important since many of us sleep with our feet pointed down, which can shorten the plantar fascia and cause heel pain in the mornings. While night splints tend to be bulky, they are surprisingly effective and usually are only required for 1 to 3 months.

• Orthotics

  Placing inserts in your shoes can be a game-changer when it comes to minimizing the pain of plantar fasciitis. Soft and supportive, shoe insoles work by redistributing body weight across the feet and supporting the arches. Orthotics can be custom-made or purchased at most pharmacies.

• Exercise

  Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises are another way of soothing the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. Stretching the calves, arches, and Achilles tendons, for example, can stabilize your ankles and feet to ease the pain of plantar fasciitis. Speak with your podiatrist, if you are not sure what exercises are best for your particular situation.

• Steroid Injections

  If your plantar fasciitis pain does not respond to pain killer medication, your doctor may suggest trying steroid injections. Administered right into the plantar fascia, steroid injections generally alleviate the pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis for around a month.

• Surgery

  Surgery is only ever considered in the most serious cases of plantar fasciitis, and very few people need it. Usually performed under local anesthesia, it can involve detaching the plantar fascia ligament from the heel bone. Most people can resume their normal activities within 3 to 6 weeks of the surgery, however, running is nor recommended until 3 months after surgery.

Weighing All the Factors

Taking everything into account, ASICS’ men’s GEL venture 5 running shoes are the perfect choice for your daily workouts. Available in a variety of sizes and colors, they feature rearfoot gel cushioning and removable sock liners. Our other two contenders—Adidas’ cloudfoam pure running shoes and ASICS’ women’s running shoes—also come with their own unique strengths.