7 Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis in 2023
Based on studies, plantar fasciitis affects 1 in every 10 adults, both men and women. Whether you are an athlete or not, one of the ways to reduce plantar fasciitis is to wear comfortable shoes.
We have tested over 40 running shoes that are recommended for plantar fasciitis in our lab to help you find the best ones. And because you may have preferences regarding the level of support, cushioning, or price range, we have selected our top picks in different categories.
And if you want to learn more about this foot condition, read our in-depth article on plantar fasciitis and how to deal with it.
Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis overall
What makes it the best?
The Adrenaline GTS 23 is hands down the best overall shoe for people with plantar fasciitis. It has rock-solid support, ample cushioning, and high heel to toe drop that are ideal for runners who need that added bit of protection for their feet.
And it's hard to find shoes that keep feet protected as well as the GTS 23. Its GuideRails system did a great job keeping the foot from rolling too far inwards or outwards during our runs. The shoe's midsole width in the forefoot and heel are also 4.5 mm and 7 mm wider than average, and we appreciated the safe landing platform that the wide base provided.
The GTS 23 has a good amount of cushioning in the heel with 34.1 mm of foam, which we measured to be 20.7% softer than the average shoe. That combination of cushioning and comfort makes the GTS 23 ideal for cruising along in easy runs.
The GTS 23 also has a 12.6 mm heel to toe drop, which is 41.5% taller than the average running shoe. This is great since shoes with a higher drop help to put weight more in the forefoot and away from the plantar in the heel.
However, the GTS 23 doesn't quite hold up in terms of toebox durability. The shoe scored 1 out of 5 as the mesh upper was significantly destroyed in our standardized Dremel test. So those looking for a shoe with a more durable upper better look elsewhere.
Pros
- Excellent stability without being intrusive
- Ideal for easy miles
- Specifically designed for heel strikers
- Outstanding breathability
- Comfortable and cushioned
- Availability in narrow and wide sizes
- Capable of handling tempo paces
- Not expensive at all
Cons
- The engineered mesh upper lacks durability
- Lacks cushion for forefoot strikers
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Best lightweight running shoes for plantar fasciitis
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Balanced cushioning
- Lightweight for stability shoes
- Good lockdown
- Stable platform
- Fun to run in
- Very comfortable
- Improved lacing
Cons
- Grip is not reliable
- Durability problems
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Running shoes for plantar fasciitis with the best cushioning
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Excellent for heel strikers
- Provides protective cushioning
- Offers comfort on easy running days
- Ensures smooth transitions
- Features a secure heel counter
- Comes with a soft, stretchy upper
- Good breathability
- Effective GuideRails system
Cons
- Midsole may feel overly firm for some runners
- Pricier than many alternatives
- On the heavier side
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Best daily running shoes for plantar fasciitis
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Cushioned for long miles
- Supportive for a neutral shoe
- Wide platform
- Secure foothold
- Well-padded interiors
- Highly breathable
- Great for casual wear
- Value for money
- True to size
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Firm heel landings
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Best running shoes with a wide toebox for plantar fasciitis
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Softer, more comfortable upper
- Breathable
- Excellent lockdown
- Good guidance without being too intrusive
- Protective and fairly responsive
- Good grip
- Natural-feeling ride
- Roomy toe box
- Lightweight
- Best for daily miles and as a walking shoe
Cons
- Uncomfortable for going sockless
- Firm cushioning
- Does not like to go fast
- Durability is so-so
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Best trail running shoes for plantar fasciitis
What makes it the best?
Pros
- Highly stable and supportive
- Great for hiking and backpacking
- Grippy on various surfaces
- Durable construction
- Versatile: trail-to-road
- Lots of foot protection
- Generously padded inside
- Breathable mesh
- Quick and easy lacing
Cons
- Stiff and bulky for running
- High heel-to-toe drop
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Best value running shoes for plantar fasciitis
What makes it the best?
The ASICS GT 2000 11 is an easy choice for our top value shoe for people with plantar fasciitis. This lightweight stability shoe delivers a lot for just $140, as it has the right combination of gentle support and comfortable cushioning that can ably protect plantar fasciitis-afflicted runners.
At 9.95 oz (282g), the GT 2000 11 doesn't weigh as much as other stability shoes (10.5 oz or 298.3g on average) due to its less robust stability elements. But its LITETRUSS system is still more than capable of providing that added support. We didn't feel it as much during our runs, but it was certainly there when needed.
The overall comfort of the GT 2000 11 was hard to miss, though. We measured the softness of the dual-density midsole at 29.3 HA, which was 17.7% harder than the average running shoe. But we felt that it had a nice balanced cushioning that was neither too soft nor too firm.
And while the GT 2000 11 is far from the stiffest stability shoe — our 90-degree bend test showed it was 24.8% more flexible than average — it still has a good amount of spring from the FF Blast in the forefoot.
However, the GT 2000 11 runs a bit narrow in the forefoot area. We measured it at 95.6 mm, 2.3 mm narrower than the average. However, ASICS does offer the shoe in wide and extra-wide options.
Pros
- A gentle stability shoe
- Well-cushioned
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Responsive ride
- Light for its kind
- Secure lockdown
- Breathable
- Great value for money
Cons
- Narrower-than-expected toebox
- Overly padded tongue
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Comparison of the 7 best running shoes for plantar fasciitis
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What is plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is the pain in the arch of the foot that is caused by the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick ligament that connects the heel and the front of your foot. The repetitive pressure on the ligament can cause lots of small tears that result in pain and inflammation.
Those who are suffering from this foot condition often notice acute pain in the morning, after a running session or after exercise. The pain also tends to become unbearable when standing for a long period.
5 expert tips to find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis
If you are experiencing plantar fasciitis, your goal is to find a comfortable running shoe that is cushioned and at the same time, supportive. In finding the right pair, consider these tips:
Good cushioning helps with pain relief
Cushioned running shoes will protect the plantar fascia from tension caused by repetitive impact while running. A reliable running shoe for plantar fasciitis offers excellent shock absorption as the foot strikes to the ground.
At the same time, it is not recommended to wear an overly plush shoe as it may cause instability in the foot and ankle.
Running shoes with balanced or firm cushioning are more suitable in the case of plantar fasciitis.
Adequate arch support is important
Arch support is one of the important elements to look out for if you have plantar fasciitis. No matter how expensive the shoe is, without proper arch support, the problem will continue.
Depending on the severity of the condition, arch support comes in different levels. Some running shoes are better for high arches while others are best for low arches; thus, it is important to find a shoe that matches your arch needs:
- If plantar fasciitis is accompanied by low arches/flat feet and overpronation, consider stability shoes for moderate cases and motion control shoes for severe ones.
- For those with normal or high arches, it is more beneficial to wear a softer, neutral shoe.
neutral shoe (left) vs. stability shoe (center) vs. motion control shoe (right)
Robust heel counter stabilizes the feet
A firm heel counter reduces the abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia. It also stabilizes the feet and keeps them aligned. A flexible toe box goes well with a robust heel counter, allowing the front of the shoe to stretch while keeping the back of the foot strong and stable.
Runners with plantar fasciitis can also benefit from shoes with deep heel cups as it also protects the heel bone and reduces pronation.
Avoid minimalist running shoes
Minimalist running shoes are not recommended for runners with plantar fasciitis because they have less cushioning with little to no arch support.
Merrell Vapor Glove is one of the most well-known minimalist shoes
Minimalist shoes are bad for both heel and forefoot strikers since there is no enough cushioning to lessen the impact forces.
Consider wearing orthotics
Orthotics provide additional arch support that your running shoe may lack and the deep heel cup helps absorbs impact in every step. Orthotics are also great in minimizing the tension on the plantar fascia.
Both custom and over-the-counter orthotics offer plantar fasciitis relief. If you wear custom orthotics, consider buying a shoe with a removable insole.
For more guidance on custom insoles and orthotics, see our ultimate guide.
Plantar fasciitis and flat feet: Are they related?
Plantar fasciitis and flat feet are often confused. They are not the same but they are related.
Flat feet, sometimes called fallen arches, refer to a foot condition in which the arches are flattened, so when standing, the soles of the feet touch the floor. Flat feet are linked with overpronation and those suffering from this condition are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis.
How to prevent plantar fasciitis
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few things to remember to avoid or address an early stage of plantar fasciitis.
- Do not wear uncomfortable shoes. Avoid heels and shoes with no support. Instead, choose running shoes with impact-absorbing heel support.
- Rest as soon as you notice discomfort during or after running. Avoid running and other impact sports for a few weeks.
- Keep doing leg and foot stretches.
How we test running shoes
Foot pain is no joke. It is our mission to help you find the best shoe to alleviate the discomfort of plantar fasciitis. Given our extensive knowledge base, we have developed a comprehensive review methodology to find out which shoes work the best.
- To avoid bias, we purchase all running shoes with our own money.
- Log at least 30 miles in each pair, indoors and outdoors, and on roads and trails.
- Cut the running shoes open and measure 30+ different parameters.
- Summarize our data and observations all in an extensive review.
