Are you a victim of Plantar Fasciitis and your heel pain just isn’t getting any better? Unable to find comforting yet trendy Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis for your needs?
Have already squandered money ordering incompetent shoes online? Well, here’s the good news for you! The search for the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis is over! Learn all about the attributes regarding the perfect running shoe for your condition, male and female-appropriate shoe types. Along with issues concerning the wearing of the wrong shoe or shoe size for a sufferer of Plantar Fasciitis.
And most importantly – the respective brands offer all the above!
Did you know? According to a study, plantar fasciitis affects 1 in 10 people at some point in their life. Moreover, with the most common incidence is in the age range of 40-60 years.
The severe pain is generally described as sharp and throbbing in nature, or sometimes the numbness and aching that it brings along.
You initially might get relief after a few minutes of pain. However if not taken care of it can intensify progressively.
Typically localizing in the heel, arch and midfoot (as shown in the picture on the right), it can gradually aggravate over time, making activities such as running and jogging difficult initially.
Later standing, walking and even lying in bed might cause excruciating pain. Therefore, acknowledging your foot needs is of key significance in this case.
Qualities of the best running shoe type
Now as you plan to start your journey towards a pain free-life, there are some aspects to look at beforehand. We understand how significant running/jogging/walking is for a healthier lifestyle; therefore, giving that up, especially for a manageable condition like plantar fasciitis, is not an option.
Having said that, we also realize that an active lifestyle involves vigorous foot functioning and selecting inappropriate running shoes might hinder your journey towards a pain-free life.
But how to select what’s best for your feet? That’s a question we are going to give a detailed answer about.
Let’s start with the size because there can’t be a running shoe enough suitable for you if it’s not your accurate fit, of course.
Since buying the incorrect size causes more damage to our feet, posture and thus, suffering, than we generally realize.
Standards to Look for Before Selecting the Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
There are certain standards to look for before selecting the perfect shoe, with the first and most important step being finding footwear that accurately fits your size.
Since buying the incorrect size causes more damage to our feet, posture and thus, suffering, than we generally apprehend.
Particularly in the case of plantar fasciitis, where the wrong fit often deteriorates the condition and exacerbates the pain.
Also, an exercise in any form, especially running in this case, can cause our arches to get inflamed and thereby, swell. In a situation like this, your feet demand extra padding and support throughout their range of motion to better handle it.
Accordingly, choosing a pair that offers better arch support with deep cupping of the heel certifies effective pain management and promotes healing. Even an added orthotics insert can prove incredibly potent and pocket-friendly as a cushion for your feet.
They’re easily available, online and in stores, with a diversity of options to opt from as per your requirements.
Moreover, prefer light and removable insoles with strong shock-absorbing capabilities. This prevents adding pressure on your bones and ligaments during each takeoff and landing of the feet by dispersing the pressure with each stride.
Light Weight Material of Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The lightweight material of your running shoe is also significant so that its weight doesn’t decrease your speed or make you put in more effort than necessary. This can help you achieve running for longer distances and not aggravating the plantar fasciitis.
It’s also vital to look good while you exercise duh! With the best bargain being comforting yet a fashionable running shoe pair. Long gone are the days of outdated and frumpy orthopaedic designs. With today’s modern technology, designers have fabricated all kinds of trendy and elegant footwear conceivable.
Some offer subtle colours and others offer loud highlights, you can select whatever suits your choices.
However, based on the aforementioned criteria, the budget should be set accordingly. And rightly so, keeping in view the service our feet provide us with, routinely.
There are many brands in the market currently, with some offering good sneakers at a relatively lower price while some charging a fortune for their innovative and impactful designs. Don’t worry though, we’ll guide you to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis that offer value for money.
Why are gender-specific types important?
Considering the often contrasting anatomy and styles of the two genders, there are different types of sneakers for plantar fasciitis designated for either sex.
Keeping in view the comparatively extra sensitive feet of women, shorter heel-to-ball length and more fashion-conscious nature – brands are bound to conceive shoes catering to gender needs.
Whereas, men’s feet are found to have more incidence of flatness of their sole, rough usage of shoes and strength in comparison to women.
The incidence of plantar fasciitis occurs twice as often in women in contrast to men. This is associated, along with the above-mentioned points, with the increased propensity of the former to develop heel spurs due to obesity and excessive pronation.
However, it can also be linked to the frequent use of wrong-sized running shoes and their inadequate cushioning. Resultantly, the arch of the foot drops, tensing the ligaments and muscles of the area.
Why is it important to select the perfect shoe for your needs?
It is significant to look for shoes that almost perfectly match your foot needs as the wrong pair can worsen the condition a lot quicker than given credit for.
Even for a shorter duration, it can cause a decline in your condition causing stress and pain to your bones, joints and soft tissues.
Furthermore, the risks of injury are often increased if you wear shoes that are not appropriate for the type of activity you perform for example flip flops for walking or running. Injuries like these can significantly limit and hinder your activity.
Since one foot may be of a different size than the other, always select shoes that cater for the slightly bigger size rather than compromising on the smaller one.
Best Running Shoes for Men with Plantar Fasciitis
ASICS Gel-Kayano 25 Men’s Running Shoe:
With a customer rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars at the time of writing, these sneakers have made it to our list. They offer eloquent and trendy designs, coupled with gender-specific cushioning, better breathability, comfort and foot support.
They have significantly upgraded since Kayano 23 and 24, with a wider toe box, better durability, and tremendous stability for overpronators and people suffering from plantar fasciitis.
the carefully devised dual sole technology provides you with adaptive cushioning throughout your run.
| Pros | Cons |
| Dual midsole for extra padding | Expensive |
| Stability for overpronators | Small color range |
| Better arch support |
New Balance fresh foam 1080v8 Running Shoe
With some customers referring to it as ‘life-changing’ and celebrating the lightweight and perfect cushioning it brings along, these running shoes may aid in healing your plantar fasciitis without making you give up on the active lifestyle.
They’re available in various trendy colours, in the perfect combination of comfort and fashion. With the removable insole, better breathability, efficient shock absorption, N2 cushioning and ‘arch-securing’ FantomFit quarter– the New Balance 1080 not only offers relief from your foot pain but also promises great road running mileage.
| Pros | Cons |
| Many widths available Long distance running Better durability | Heavier Expensive |
Saucony Men’s Kinvara Running Shoes
Saucony is a leading brand in today’s market producing less expensive shoes yet not compromising on the quality. Effective for moderate pronators, they grant supportive fit, solid traction, lightweight, and increased comfort.
They’re fast, trendy, and available in various colours; however, can wear out often earlier in usage. Its cushioning, support and incredible effectiveness on the pain is one of the reasons for its popularity amongst runners of plantar fasciitis.
| Pros | Cons |
| Woven heel support Light-weight Very versatile | Need more colors Wear off earlier |
Hoka One One Bondi 5
If you’re looking for running shoes that are most cushioned and supporting, well, look no further; Hoka One One Bondi 5 is the ultimate running shoe for your needs. It offers exceptional support in each stoke, a better grip, along with the breathable mesh and lightweight material, making it a perfectly comfortable footwear.
With the vastly improved quality, durability, fit and outsole, it is a great upgrade to the Bondi 4. It also features a superior plus EVA material on the soles, which provides excellent shock absorption and reduces pressure from the heel and ball of the foot.
It alleviates the foot pain caused by plantar fasciitis and proves invaluable in the long run (literally!).
| Pros | Cons |
| Luxurious cushioning Excellent shock absorption | Lack of good flexibility |
Brooks Adrenaline Gts 17
With an amazing 4.4 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon at the time of writing, Brooks running shoes have made it to our list as one of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis. Besides offering high energizing cushioning and better support to overpronators, Brooks Adrenaline Gts 17 offers an adjustable, asymmetric midfoot saddle that creates a more accurate and customizable fit. Best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
They’re versatile shoes which can be used for a variety of athletic endeavours such as running, walking, weight lifting, cross-training etc.
The segmented crash pad design and better stability are among its chief features. It’s a great option for distance runners who enjoy paved roads without fretting over their plantar fasciitis being flared up.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long distance running Versatile shoes Better fit | Soles wear off earlier |
Best Running Shoes for Women with Plantar Fasciitis
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 15 running shoes
Due to the powerful design and efficient support system, ASICS is admired and accepted as one of the best shoe sellers for active foot users albeit being at the higher end of the price range. Buyers generally rated it as 4.6 out of 5 stars. It offers a diverse colour range and better fitting.
Also featured is a FLUIDRIDE MIDSOLE which provides superior cushioning, and bounce-back properties in perfect combination with exceptional durability and lightweight.
The FLYTEFOAM Midsole technology allows for better shock-absorbing qualities and flexibility for your heels’ entire range of motion. It keeps your feet dry ensuring your feet can breathe and thus, securing customer satisfaction and promising sales.
| Pros | Cons |
| Better breathability Excellent shock absorption Large color range | Expensive Small toe box |
Saucony Women’s Guide 10 Running Shoes
With strategically placed stability zones which offer better comfort and performance, Saucony Guide gives you more for a lesser price. The specifications include:
TriFlex outsole, permitting optimal traction and flexibility, Everun cushioning, lightweight and greater stability.
Popular amongst overpronators, and long-distance runners, these prove effective also as plantar fasciitis running shoes. Available in narrow, medium and wide sizes, it’s trouble-free to choose the perfect size for your feet.
| Pros | Cons |
| Less expensive Better cushioning with Everun Excellent stability | Not very breathable Smaller toe box |
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam 1080v6 Running Shoe
With a buyer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars as of now, the New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v6 is a success. They offer high quality paired with a substantial arch for overpronators and effective heel support – a key element in searching for sufferers of plantar fasciitis.
It features a nice wide-toe box with lightweight and better cushioning. Customers often complimented the perfect wrapping moulding of the shoes granting a more personalized fit, reliable traction, and robust and efficient midsole unit. Best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The comfort the running shoes provide makes them perfect for all kinds of active foot activities including running, walking, cross-training or even standing for hours if needed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Roomy toe box Cushioning Long distance running Better construct and moulding Versatility | Expensive May cause blisters in some |
ASICS Gel Kayano 25 Women running shoes
With an excellent reputation already established amongst the masses, ASICS launched the Kayano series. Being especially popular among overpronators and runners suffering from plantar fasciitis, it provides healing and greater road running mileage.
Available in subtle and loud colours, they’re famous for their superior quality, durability, stability, and comfort.
Featuring ASICS’s Flytefoam Propel technology, it provides excellent adaptive cushioning and bounces to your feet throughout the run; the Dynamic DuoMax Support system enhances your foot’s stability and has reduced weight and better platform support. Best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Its specially engineered organic, durable ‘super fibres and Heel clutching system specifically targeting the foot rear provides extra comfort, especially for long-distance running.
The possible drawback, however, is the cost and the wider foot area. Though the latter can also prove to be a blessing for people having swollen feet, due to the condition and even for adding an orthotic insert.
| Pros | Cons |
| Effective for overpronators Solid stability Room for an additional orthotic insert | A little pricey Wider toe box |
Brooks Beast 18 Running Shoes
These versatile shoes manufactured by Brooks are widely admired among customers with a high rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars as I write.
They offer high arch support, are unbelievably lightweight, springy and extraordinarily comfortable; they’re exceptional in quality, style, and support. If ordered in the correct size, Brook’s beasts would fit you perfectly without resulting in unwanted blisters and pain.
They’re versatile shoes which can be used for a variety of athletic endeavours such as running, walking, weight lifting, cross-training etc. The segmented crash pad design, breathable lining, and better stability are among its chief features.
It’s a great option for distance runners who enjoy paved roads without fretting over their plantar fasciitis being flared up. The HPR outsole makes them durable and weather-resistant.
| Pros | Cons |
| Increased flexibilityVersatilityWeather resistantSuper DNA midsole for extra cushioningRoomy toe box | Expensive |
Best brands providing the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis
Amongst the many brands offering good shoes for runners dealing with an inflamed plantar fascia, the top few ones include New Balance, ASICS, Saucony, Hoka One One and Brooks. They were popular amongst the buyers due to their superior quality, better cushioning and the relief that provided against the excruciating pain runners of the respective condition suffered.
ASICS was increasingly famous in both genders due to their special consideration towards the user needs. They were credited with more than 4 stars out of 5 on average.
How Can You Manage Your Condition Effectively?
Besides opting for appropriate shoes for plantar fasciitis, you also need to work on your foot care and exercise routine. Best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis. Always warm up before you start running as to loosen up your tight calf muscles since this can be an important aggravating cause for the pain.
This is important since tight calves make your Achilles tendon inflexible and the plantar fascia stretching beyond its elasticity causes micro tears and ultimately, inflammation.
Adding to this, try to land on your feet with every stride and move forward with your upper body instead of the legs. Initially reduce your distance until the pain dissipates before gradually and eventually logging in extra miles.
This will help your body specifically your feet adapt to the exercise, and not put further stress on the plantar fascia.
Regular massage and care are needed to help you get rid of the discomfort and provide relief for longer times.
Conclusion
Running is an important part of exercise resulting in a healthy and disease-free life. Also significant, though, is not letting this vigorous activity affect your feet or body in any form.
This can be achieved by focusing on better warm-up coupled with appropriate attire for the task. You must have gotten an idea about how to select the perfect running footwear and the respective brands providing you with good shoes for plantar fasciitis.
