Press "Enter" to skip to content

The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Healthy Feet Review Team 0

Combining comfort and support, Men’s GEL venture 5 running shoes by ASICS are the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis on the market. Ideal for on and off-road running, they  come with snug mesh underlays and rearfoot gel padding. Keep reading to learn more about the full range of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis and find the best option for you.

Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoes by ASICS

Our Winner - Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoes by ASICS

Men’s GEL venture 5 running shoes by ASICS feature removable sock liners, rubber soles, and gel cushioning to keep you pain-free during workouts.

Buy on Amazon

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.

Our Top Picks

Our Winner

Men's GEL Venture<br>5 Running Shoes

ASICS

Men's GEL Venture
5 Running Shoes

Podiatrist Favorite

Cloudfoam Pure<br>Running Shoes

Adidas

Cloudfoam Pure
Running Shoes

Top Choice

Women's<br>Running Shoes

ASICS

Women's
Running Shoes

The 10 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

ProductBrandMen or WomenWidthsColorsBest Price
Men's GEL Venture 5 Running ShoesASICSMenNormal and X-Wide15Buy on Amazon
Cloudfoam Pure Running ShoesAdidasWomenNormal5Buy on Amazon
Women's Running ShoesASICSWomen28 Sizes, Normal and Wide27Buy on Amazon
Sport Men's Vigor 2.0 Trait Memory Foam SneakerSkechersMenNormal, Wide and X-Wide7Buy on Amazon
Women's Cohesion 10 Running ShoesSauconyWomenNormal and Wide13Buy on Amazon
Men's Charged Assert 8 Running ShoesUnder ArmourMenNormal and X-Wide19Buy on Amazon
Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V2 Running ShoesNew BalanceWomenNarrow, Normal, and Wide16Buy on Amazon
Men's 481 V3 Trail Running ShoesNew BalanceMenNormal and X-Wide5Buy on Amazon
Women's Running Shoes Breathable Air Cushion SneakersSTQWomenNormal14Buy on Amazon
Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for WomenOrthofeetWomenNarrow, Normal and Wide3Buy on Amazon

Our Winner: Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoes by ASICS

Available in normal and extra-wide sizes, these runners feature rear gel cushioning and outsoles with reverse-traction lugs for running on a variety of terrains. The brushstroke-patterned mesh underlays ensure a comfortable fit. Plus, the removable sock liners can be easily replaced with orthotics, if required.

Main Features

  • Rubber soles 
  • Removable sock liners
  • Available in extra-wide sizes
  • Mesh underlays
  • Rearfoot gel cushioning

Pros:

  • Complete support system
  • Great for a variety of terrains
  • Can accommodate orthotics
  • Brand dates back to 1977

Cons:

  • May not fit all foot types 
  • Not as durable as some other similar products

Podiatrist Favorite: Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoes by Adidas

Roomy and comfortable, these running shoes feature soft midsoles that cushion the feet to alleviate the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. Plus, they come with foot-hugging knit uppers, cloudfoam sock liners, and rubber soles. These athletic shoes are available in 11 sizes and 5 colors.

Main Features

  • Cloudfoam sock liners 
  • Rubber soles 
  • Textile lining 
  • Knit uppers 
  • Come in 11 sizes

Pros:

  • Roomy and comfortable 
  • Foot-hugging design
  • Available in 5 color options 
  • Female-friendly fit

Cons:

  • Not as supportive as some other runners
  • Sizes can run small

Top Choice: Women's Running Shoes by ASICS

Specifically designed with women in mind, these athletic shoes feature a shock-absorbing forefoot and gel cushioning on the heel. The sock liners are removable, so you can easily replace them with orthotics. Plus, the rubber outsoles come with reverse traction lugs for optimal grip on various terrain types.

Main Features

  • Removable sock liners
  • Forefoot cushioning
  • Rubber outsoles
  • 27 color variations 
  • Reverse lugs ensure traction

Pros:

  • Suitable for wide feet
  • Absorbing crash pads
  • Gel heel pads
  • Suitable for all-terrain types

Cons:

  • Sizes run large
  • Not as cushioning as some other brands

The Other Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis We Reviewed

Sport Men's Vigor 2.0 Trait Memory Foam Sneakers by Skechers

Sport Men's Vigor 2.0 Trait Memory Foam Sneakers by Skechers

Available in normal, wide, and extra-wide sizes, as well as 7 colors, these running shoes combine leather and textile. Plus, the cooling microperforations ensure that you stay sweat-free, even during strenuous workout sessions. Unfortunately, a number of reviewers have complained that these shoes started coming apart shortly after purchase.

Buy on Amazon
Women's Cohesion 10 Running Shoes by Saucony

Women's Cohesion 10 Running Shoes by Saucony

Designed to maximize your performance on different types of terrain, these running shoes for women feature outstanding cushioning and flexibility. In particular, it is the combination of rubber soles, molded EVA foam, and mesh material that makes these runners stand out from the pack. While these shoes come in a multitude of sizes, finding the right fit can be tricky.

Buy on Amazon
Men's Charged Assert 8 Running Shoes by Under Armour

Men's Charged Assert 8 Running Shoes by Under Armour

The highlights of these running shoes for plantar fasciitis include molded foam cushioning for incredible responsiveness and durability, and leather overlays for added stability. Plus, the 3-color mesh uppers are both comfortable and breathable. Please note that while these sneakers come in numerous colors, you may not receive exactly what you have asked for.

Buy on Amazon
Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V2 Running Shoes by New Balance

Women's Fresh Foam Arishi V2 Running Shoes by New Balance

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, these comfortable running shoes will ensure that your feet get the support and cushioning they deserve. Some of the outstanding features of these runners include midsoles made from a single piece of foam, responsive inserts, rubber outsoles, and a stitch-free design. On the downside, some users have complained that the tongue can migrate as you walk or run, making these shoes uncomfortable.

Buy on Amazon
Men's 481 V3 Trail Running Shoes by New Balance

Men's 481 V3 Trail Running Shoes by New Balance

Pairing leather and mesh material, these running shoes for plantar fasciitis deliver a comfortable and lightweight fit that hugs the ankles. The ultra-soft inserts provide both cushioning and support, while the AT tread outsoles offer traction on different types of terrain. Please note that some have found the sizing chart for this product misleading.

Buy on Amazon
Women's Running Shoes Breathable Air Cushion Sneakers by STQ

Women's Running Shoes Breathable Air Cushion Sneakers by STQ

These affordable sneakers for plantar fasciitis come with lightweight mesh and synthetic uppers for a snug fit. Plus, they feature semi-rigid arch support, heel cradles, and non-slip soles. While these shoes are advertised as being for women, some reviewers have complained that they feature a wide design more suited to men’s feet.

Buy on Amazon
Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women by Orthofeet

Plantar Fasciitis Shoes for Women by Orthofeet

Made with orthotics specifically designed to alleviate the pain of plantar fasciitis, this pair of shoes for women has been engineered with comfort in mind. Some of the highlights of these versatile sneakers include extra foam padding, stretchable uppers, and elastic laces. Plus, they come with a 60-day wear test for peace of mind. According to some reviewers, however, these shoes do not run true to the sizing chart.

Buy on Amazon

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.

Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoes by ASICS

Our Winner - Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoes by ASICS

Men’s GEL venture 5 running shoes by ASICS feature removable sock liners, rubber soles, and gel cushioning to keep you pain-free during workouts.

Buy on Amazon

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    2020 healthyfeet - All rights reserved