11 Podiatrist-Approved Shoes for Runners with Plantar Fasciitis Who Refuse to Stop Running (2024)

It goes without saying that any running shoe for plantar fasciitis should support your heel and your arch — but that requirement often means sacrificing cushioning and responsiveness. Not so with the Asics Gel-Venture 9. We were thrilled to feel that tell-tale bounce-back and energy return that elevates a running shoe from good to great. They’re very springy without being squishy, helping to propel you forward with each stride. We also loved the shock support, especially in the heels. Overall, we felt supported and pain-free with each wear.

We tested them on a variety of surfaces just to make sure, and our findings held true: These running shoes scored high on every single aspect we tested, and we feel confident recommending them for runners with plantar fasciitis.

Key specs: Sizes: 5 to 12 | Width options: B (Medium) | Colors: 14 | Heel drop: 10 mm

Runners with high arches are especially prone to developing plantar fasciitis since high arches can increase the strain put on your plantar fascia (and cause more inflammation as a result). We loved the New Balance Fresh Foam 880v13 for its supportive, stable midsole, which cradles arches for cushioned, comfortable support. We tested this shoe on several different surfaces (carpet, hardwood floors, concrete pavement, and grass, just to name a few), and we felt stable on each one. Plus, unlike the New Balance 1080v12 Fresh Foam, the 880v13 fits true to size, which takes some of the guesswork out of ordering.

Our one note for this shoe is that our feet (and arches, specifically) still felt tired at the end of a day of wearing them. This leads us to think that the bounceback and responsiveness aren’t quite as high as our best running shoe for plantar fasciitis pick, the Asics Gel-Venture 9.

Key specs: Sizes: 5 to 13 | Width options: 2A (Narrow,) B (Medium), D (Wide), and EE (Extra Wide) | Colors: 7 | Heel drop: 10 mm

These running shoes earned rave reviews with our tester noting, “I could wear them for hours.” A full-length foam midsole cushions your entire foot without adding excess weight or reducing the shoe's flexibility — making them also great sneakers for standing all day. The attention to comfort continues with a breathable, stretchy knit upper that hugs the shoe to the foot without trapping heat. We specifically asked a runner struggling with plantar fasciitis to try this shoe and not only did they remain comfortable throughout the testing period, but we found they actually helped in the recovery process. The cushioning wasn’t a hindrance to their responsiveness; our runs made us feel like we propelled forward, rather than sinking into a pillow.

Besides comfort and support, we loved that these running shoes for plantar fasciitis are also super durable — they even have a rubber outsole that was designed using data collected from actual runners to ensure it lasts mile after mile. No wonder these earned a spot on our half-marathon gear checklist.

To avoid a too-big shoe (and the blisters that come with it), take note: New Balance suggests ordering a half-size down, which we echo. Our testers preferred the shoe in a half size down from their typical. That’s especially important to note, since it’s typically recommended to order running shoes in a larger size than your street shoes.

Sizes: 5 to 13 | Width options: 2A (Narrow,) B (Medium), D (Wide), and EE (Extra Wide) | Colors: 18 | Heel drop: 8 mm

Brooks' signature shoe (which, BTW, is Jennifer Garner-approved) accomplishes the impossible by combining cushioning with unbeatable support. The secret to its success is the GuideRails support system, which prevents excessive movement without taking away from the responsiveness of the shoe — one reason why it's also a great running shoe for bad knees.

You'll also find unbeatable arch support (with a 12-millimeter midsole drop between your heel and foot) and built-in pronation control to prevent injury from overpronation (aka when your foot rolls inward). The firm fit kept our feet secure and the heel cushioning kept our heels from sliding up and down as we ran. These also feature a wider toe box to give your toes room to spread, putting your foot at a more natural position to relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

A weird quirk of these shoes, however, is that the laces are incredibly short, which makes tying unnecessarily difficult. You might consider swapping in a new pair of laces.

Key specs: Sizes: 5 to 13 | Width options: 2A (Narrow,) B (Medium), D (Wide), and EE (Extra Wide) | Colors: 24 | Heel drop: 12 mm

This lightweight shoe features Mizuno's signature Wave technology, which uses a wave-shaped plate to smooth the toe-to-heel transition of your gait for a better (and more stable) running experience. We felt that the sole’s curve helped our stride flow from one step to the next, even when transitioning between surfaces. Even better, we noticed the clean shock absorption with every step, so running didn’t further aggravate any plantar fasciitis symptoms. A constructed, cushioned heel wedge and removable foam midsole work together to kept our feet comfortable throughout your run, while the mesh upper keeps the shoe breathable and lightweight.

However, these shoes ran small for our runners. We ended up needing a ½ size larger than our usual, and even then, we developed a small blister along the ankle — so plan to wear taller socks and allow for a break-in period. We also didn’t feel the arch support was sufficient; our runner has flat feet, and for her, the sole felt too flat under the midsole.

Key specs: Sizes: 6 to 12 | Width options: B (Medium), D (Wide) | Colors: 5 | Heel drop: 12 mm

Unsupportive shoes can not only cause plantar fasciitis, but they also invite a whole host of other foot problems, such as overpronation — when your foot rolls inward toward the arch with each step. To tackle both of these issues at once, opt for a pair of Saucony's super-structured running shoes. Their stabilizing design combines a secure upper with an underfoot guidance frame that prevents the shoe from twisting when you step. Of course, they still have plenty of comfy cushioning and offer enhanced energy return. Weight-wise, the shoe is a little heavier than others on this list, so if you prefer a lighter shoe, this may not be for you.

Key specs: Sizes: 5 to 12 | Width options: B (Medium), D (Wide) | Colors: 6 | Heel drop: 8 mm

Bouncy, lightweight foam in the midsole helps propel you forward with every step, while extra gel in the heel maximizes shock absorption. The combo makes the model — a Shape 2023 Sneaker Award-winner — great for road runners or anyone needing a comfy pick for longer hours on their feet. Despite the extra cushioning, you'll still get decent support, thanks to a built-in Trusstic system along the sole that keeps your foot stabilized and in a neutral position. The soft knit fabric gently hugs your foot without stifling it, thanks to the advanced ventilation.

While it’s not necessarily a con, it is helpful to know that this shoe was design for neutral or underpronating (aka supinating) strides. If you overprontate, try the Saucony Guide 16 shoes for plantar fasciitis instead.

Key specs: Sizes: 5 to 11.5 | Width options: B (Medium) | Colors: 6 | Heel drop: 8 mm

A super tapered toe box can cause inflammation in your arches by disrupting the foot's natural alignment, meaning the narrow fit of many running shoes could actually be part of your problem. Luckily, the wide toe box on Altra's running shoes allows your toes to spread out evenly, while a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop encourages low-impact landings. (And in general, Altra offers shoes with a wider toe box, notes Dr. Schnidman.) If you’re new to a zero drop running shoe, you may be initially surprised by the lack of arch support, but that’s kind of the point. The flatter shape paired with the zero drop (your heel sits at the same height as your toes) allowed our feet to sit flat,giving these shoes a very natural feel.

Before you try zero drop shoes, there’s a few things to know. As with most shoe decisions, zero-drop shoes for plantar fasciitis are hit or miss. It may help prevent the condition by strengthening your foot muscles. However, if you already suffer with it, there’s potential to cause a flare up. Start off slow with just a few miles per week when transitioning from a higher drop.

While the lightweight design might be an unconventional choice for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis, it actually encourages a natural alignment.

Sizes: 5.5 to 12 | Width options: B (Medium) | Colors: 5 | Heel drop: 0 mm

Power by Swiss engineering, the On Running Cloudflyer 4 impressed us with its light weight (just over 9 ounces) and plush feel, thanks to dual-density cushioning that literally feels like you’re running on clouds. A molded, socklike liner and external rear foot stability locks your foot in place, and the high-tech mesh is both breathable and durable. These shoes felt springy and bouncy on our feet, which felt totally cradled and cushioned while wearing. Best of all, this cushioning held up throughout the duration of the test, which helped us feel confident in these somewhat-pricey shoes.

On the con side, we thought the shock absorption in these shoes starting to fail as we progressed from walking to running. For that reason, we’d recommend these shoes be relegated to walking around the house or everyday errands.

Key specs: Sizes: 5 to 11 | Width options: B (Medium), D (Wide) | Colors: 4 | Heel drop: 11 mm

Trail runners know how tricky it is to balance stability with support while handling tricky terrain. The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 impressed us by balancing premium cushioning and ground feel. We also loved the rugged outsole, which enhances your grip and helps you avoid tripping over errant roots and rocks.

While the upper on this shoe is fairly durable (and well-ventilated), the shoelace keepers are prone to ripping out of their stitching, which is a huge bummer for a genre of shoes that needs to be able to hold up to anything.

Key specs: Sizes: 5.5 to 11 | Width options: B (Medium), D (Wide) | Colors: 2 | Heel drop: 4 mm

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is plantar fasciitis?

  Plantar fasciitis is an overuse injury that’s often caused by the repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, which is the connective tissue that supports the foot's arch and absorbs shock.

• What causes plantar fasciitis?

  Unfortunately, there's no one clear reason why someone might get plantar fasciitis, but there are certain risk factors for the injury. “These factors include particular foot structures (such as flat feet or high arched feet), gait abnormalities including overpronation and oversupination, decreased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and tight Achilles tendons or tight calf muscles, running,” says Lauren Schnidman, D.P.T., owner of In Motion Physical Therapy in Chicago, Certified Running Gait Analyst and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist. “Indirectly, under-supportive or over-corrective shoes can contribute to over-pronation or over-supination, respectively.”

  While there are plenty of tools available for dealing with inflammation after the fact, it's better to tackle the root of the problem before it starts. In other words, one of the most important steps you can take is buying the right footwear, including a pair of supportive running shoes that are specifically equipped to take plantar fasciitis head-on.

• What are common symptoms of plantar fasciitis?

  Symptoms of plantar fasciitis include localized pain at the bottom of the foot — most often in the heel, but also in the middle of the foot or the inner aspect of the heel, where the plantar fascia attaches to the heel bone.

• How do you treat plantar fasciitis?

  After consulting with a podiatrist or physical therapist, most plantar fasciitis can be treated at home with rest, icing, stretches for plantar fasciitis, and strengthening exercises.Wearing post-workout footwear like Hoka Ora Recovery Slides can also provide relief from foot pain and support for the feet.

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