Review of Tested Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

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It is normal to experience some discomfort after running, but if you feel excruciating pain in your arches and heels, it could be a sign of plantar fasciitis. This overuse injury is caused by inflammation of the thick band running from your heel to your toes known as the plantar fascia, according to Hillary Brenner, D.P.M. She explains, "Plantar fasciitis is pain in the arch of your foot due to inflammation of a thick band that runs from your heel to your toes. The thick band is known as the plantar fascia, and when it becomes inflamed it's called plantar fasciitis." Symptoms include localized pain at the bottom of the foot, most commonly 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.

Although there is no definitive reason for this condition, there are certain risk factors associated with it. Lauren Schnidman, D.P.T., owner of In Motion Physical Therapy in Chicago, suggests that some of these risk factors include certain foot structures such as flat feet or high-arched feet, gait abnormalities like overpronation and oversupination, decreased ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, and tight Achilles tendons or calf muscles. Running can also be a risk factor since under-supportive or over-corrective shoes may contribute to over-pronation or over-supination, respectively.

To prevent plantar fasciitis, it is essential to address its root cause. Proper footwear is critical, including supportive running shoes specifically designed to combat plantar fasciitis. Podiatrists' recommendations informed our list of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. With seven different features including fit, comfort, stability, and more, we tested 25 pairs before narrowing down our options.

The Asics Gel-Venture 9 stands out among running shoes for plantar fasciitis for its excellent cushioning and responsiveness while still providing support for your heel and arch. While providing a springy feel, the shoes also offer adequate shock support, especially in the heels, making them ideal for those with plantar fasciitis. We tested them on various surfaces and found them to score highly on every single aspect we tested.

The New Balance Fresh Foam 880v13, on the other hand, has a supportive, stable midsole that cradles the arches for comfortable support, making it an ideal choice for runners with high arches who are more prone to developing plantar fasciitis. Plus, it fits true to size, which makes ordering easier, although our feet still felt tired after wearing them for extended periods.

If your primary concern is comfort, the Adidas Ultraboost 21 offers excellent cushioning and a breathable, stretchy knit upper that hugs your foot without trapping heat, making it comfortable enough to wear for hours. The rubber outsole is also designed for durability, ensuring it lasts mile after mile.

Overall, proper footwear is essential for preventing plantar fasciitis. With our list of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, you can avoid this overuse injury that plagues many runners.

Price and key specs for each of the three running shoes are listed below:

• Asics Gel-Venture 9: $65, Sizes 5 to 12, Width options: B (Medium), Colors: 14, Heel drop: 10 mm
• New Balance Fresh Foam 880v13: $140, Sizes 5 to 13, Width options: 2A (Narrow,) B (Medium), D (Wide), and EE (Extra Wide), Colors: 7, Heel drop: 10 mm
• Adidas Ultraboost 21: $180, Sizes 5 to 14, Width options: Regular, Colors: 7, Heel drop: 10 mm

To avoid getting blisters from shoes that are too big, New Balance suggests ordering a half-size down. Klamer agrees with this and adds that she usually wears size 10 in women’s shoes but wears a 9.5 women’s size in this particular shoe as it runs a little small. It is important to note that when ordering running shoes, it is typically recommended to order a larger size than your street shoes.

Price at the time of publish: $160

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

The Brooks signature shoe, which is Jennifer Garner-approved, combines cushioning with unbeatable support. The GuideRails support system prevents excessive movement while retaining the shoe's responsiveness. The shoe also has unbeatable arch support with a 12-millimeter midsole drop between your heel and foot and has built-in pronation control to prevent overpronation.

The laces on this shoe are short, which makes tying unnecessarily difficult, but this can be remedied by 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

The lightweight Mizuno shoe features Wave technology, which uses a wave-shaped plate to smooth the toe-to-heel transition for a more stable running experience. The sole's curve helps the stride flow from one step to the next, even when transitioning between surfaces. The shoe also has clean shock absorption with every step, so it does not aggravate any plantar fasciitis symptoms. A constructed, cushioned heel wedge, and removable foam midsole work together to keep feet comfortable throughout the run. The mesh upper keeps the shoe breathable and lightweight.

However, these shoes run small, so it is advisable to get a ½ size larger than usual and allow for a break-in period. Wearing taller socks is recommended, and the shoe may not have sufficient arch support for those with flat feet.

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

Saucony's super-structured running shoes are best for preventing plantar fasciitis and overpronation. Their stabilizing design combines a secure upper with an underfoot guidance frame that prevents twisting when you step. The shoe has comfortable cushioning and offers enhanced energy return. The shoe is a little heavier than others on this list, so it may not be ideal for those who prefer lightweight shoes.

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

The Reebok running shoe has bouncy, lightweight foam in the midsole that helps propel you forward with every step. Extra gel in the heel maximizes shock absorption making the shoe ideal for road runners or anyone needing a comfortable shoe for longer hours on their feet. The Trusstic system along the sole keeps your foot stabilized and in a neutral position, providing good support. The soft knit fabric gently hugs your foot without stifling it, thanks to the advanced ventilation.

If you overpronate, the Saucony Guide 16 shoes for plantar fasciitis may be more suitable as this shoe is designed for neutral or under-pronating strides.

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

Altra's running shoes have a wide toe box that allows the toes to spread out evenly, promoting natural alignment. The 0 mm heel-to-toe drop encourages low-impact landings, and the lightweight design is helpful for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis. However, it is important to order the Luxe model as it fixes the issue with the painful tongue that is seen in the regular version 5.

Sizes: 5 to 12 | Width options: B (Medium) | Colors: 2 | Heel drop: 0 mm

Powered by Swiss engineering, the On Running Cloudflyer 4 left a strong impression on us with its lightweight design (just over 9 ounces) and indulgent feel. The dual-density cushioning creates a sensation of floating on clouds. The shoe features a molded sock-like liner and external rear foot stability that locks your foot in place, while the high-tech mesh ensures both breathability and durability. We felt amazingly supported while wearing these shoes, with a bouncy and springy feel in every step. The cushioning held up nicely throughout our wear-testing period, giving us the confidence that these somewhat-pricey shoes offer long-lasting support.

On the downside, the shock absorption of the shoe seems to decline when transitioning from walking to running. For that reason, we suggest wearing these shoes for everyday errands or indoor use.

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

Trail runners understand the challenge of maintaining stability and support while navigating uneven terrain. The New Balance Fresh Foam X More Trail v2 impressed us with its excellent balance of premium cushioning and a ground feel. The rugged outsole delivers exceptional grip and helps avoid tripping over rocks and roots. The upper is well-ventilated and relatively durable, although the shoelace keepers are at risk of ripping out of their stitching, which is disappointing for a shoe meant for outdoor use.

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

In search of the best shoes for plantar fasciitis, we consulted Dr. Lauren Schnidman, a physical therapist in Chicago with expertise in running gait analysis. Dr. Schnidman shared insights on the causes of plantar fasciitis and helped steer us towards the ideal shoe for each category. Over a month-long wear-testing period, we evaluated 25 pairs of shoes (including several running shoes) based on seven criteria: fit, comfort, stability, responsiveness, cushioning, quality, and value. After the exhaustive testing phase, we selected the top-performing shoes for plantar fasciitis, including those approved by podiatrists. We intend to continually update this review with the latest insights from our testing and expert sources, as well as incorporating new shoe models as they become available.

It's essential to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to running shoes for plantar fasciitis. "You must identify the reason behind the plantar fasciitis to recognize which shoe features to look for," Dr. Schnidman stresses. "A physical therapist can help with that."

Wearing shoes with sufficient stability and arch support helps you achieve optimal alignment and prevent overstretching of the plantar fascia. Dr. Brenner's four-point guidelines for selecting a running shoe with suitable support include a super-thick arch, a chunky heel, and a shoe that cannot bend in either direction. If you have wide feet, opt for brands that offer size D or wider for women and size E or wider for men.

Overpronation refers to an ankle rolling too far inward with each step, which often occurs in individuals with flat feet. "If you're not using an orthosis or insert, a stability shoe may be recommended to help stabilize the foot and support the arch better," Dr. Schnidman explains. On the other hand, supination, when the foot rolls to the outside edge during a step, is most common in people with high and rigid arches. "With decent cushioning to absorb shock and provide adaptation to the ground, a neutral shoe is typically recommended," Dr. Schnidman advises.

The heel-to-toe drop is the height difference, usually measured in millimeters, between the heel and the forefoot area of running shoes. There are four categories of drop: zero-drop (0 mm), low-drop (1 to 4 mm), mid-drop (5 to 8 mm), and high drop (8 mm and beyond). Generally, a high heel drop is better for runners with tight calves, tight Achilles tendons, or who land on their heel first. On the other hand, medium or low heel drops are better suited for runners who land on the mid or forefront of the foot.

When shopping for running shoes with plantar fasciitis, you’ll choose the stability and cushioning level that best fits your needs. Stability refers to the support in your running shoes and includes neutral running shoes (usually best for supination), stability running shoes (often recommended for overpronators), and motion-control running shoes (which offer the most stability). Cushioning refers to how thick the foam in the midsole of the shoe is. Options will include barefoot (not recommended for runners with plantar fasciitis), minimal, moderate, and maximum.

Kristen Geil is a senior fitness editor at Shape who’s been a runner for over 10 years and has dealt with recurring bouts of plantar fasciitis herself. As a NASM-certified personal trainer and USA Track and Field Running Coach Level 1, she’s uniquely qualified to provide recommendations on the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. She conducted primary research to choose the shoes featured in this article (including expert interviews), and she also reviewed previous running shoe tests conducted by Shape to offer specific recommendations and resources.