Top 10 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Unfortunately, many runners will end up becoming injured with Plantar Fasciitis during their lifetime. Thankfully, it is easy to continue running while treating this injury. By investing in one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis that provides excellent support and durability, you can enjoy running as if you were never injured at all. An investment in a quality, medically-approved running shoe will keep you happy, healthy, and on a continuous road to recovery.

With the wide variety of models targeted toward providing comfort and performance to sufferers of plantar fasciitis, you need to be educated about what features truly make a difference. Each aspect of a running shoe is designed to fit certain types of consumers. When trying to treat the effects of plantar fasciitis, you will need to be extra careful about which features you choose to invest in. For example, if you choose a model with poor arch support for your foot type, you could worsen the symptoms of your plantar fasciitis.

To help you out, we have put together this short list of the most important features to keep your eye out for when looking for the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis:

Increased Arch Support
Maximum Shock Absorption
High-End Brand Names
Approved by Runners with Plantar Fasciitis
Durable Build
A Price Tag that Fits Your Budget

The 10 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis for Men and Women

New Balance Men’s 990v3:

New Balance Men’s M990v3 Running Shoe

New Balance has been making a comeback over the last few years, rebranding itself as a stylish company that has the health of their customers in mind above all else. The New Balance Men’s 990v3 is an excellent model that provides the wearer with a standard EVA foam midsole that allows the runner to gain extra shock protection. Additionally, these features allow for a quiet run. Proving itself to be one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, this model keeps the foot comfortable, and wards off bruising and aches. To top it all of, all New Balance shoes are made in the USA, so you can appease your patriotic nature while effectively treating your plantar fasciitis!

Pros:

Perfect for heavy Runners
EVA Foam Midsole

Cons:

The Tongue Could be Firmer
Mid-Range Brand

Saucony Men’s Kinvara 6:

Saucony Men’s Kinvara 6 Running Shoe

Following up one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis of the last decade, the Saucony Kinvara 6 is proving that Saucony is far from a one trick pony. With a lightweight design, and a lower heel-to-toe drop than the Saucony Kinvara 5, you can run for miles in these shoes without feeling any sense of unwanted tension. Finally, this model provides a wider toe box than the 5, making it more accessible than its predecessor. Runners with plantar fasciitis will love the extra comfort the 6 provides over the 5.

Pros:

Lightweight and Flexible
Supportive Fit
Solid Traction

Cons:

Not as Durable as Other Models

Asics Men’s GEL Nimbus 17:

ASICS Men’s GEL Nimbus 17 Running Shoe

When looking to buy one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, few brands are as highly praised as Asics. Continuing the brand’s tradition of excellence, the Asics GEL Nimbus 17 is one of the best running shoes the company has put out in years, which is saying a lot. Improving the fit, stability, cushion, and durability of past models, the GEL Nimbus 15 has many new features that perfectly fit the needs of runners with plantar fasciitis. Finally, this amazing model features the new FluidRide midsole addition that gives the runner more shock absorption than most other current products on the market.

Pros:

Excellent Cushioning
FluidRide Midsole
Highly Durable

Cons:

The Thin Design May Put-Off Wide Footed Runners

Asics Men’s GT-2000 2:

ASICS Men’s GT 2000-2 Running Shoe

Asics’ GT-2170 model was the top-choice for runners with plantar fasciitis for many years. That excellent reputation is continued with the Asics GT-2000 2 model. Lighter than the previous model, the GT-2000 2 has an Impact Guidance System that increases the natural gait of runners. Easily one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis on our list, anyone with plantar fasciitis will be well served by the Asics GT-2000 2 running shoe.

Pros:

Fantastic Fit
Perfect for Natural Feet
Highly Durable

Cons:

Mesh Could be More Durable
Short Laces

Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS14:

Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 14 Running Shoe

Brooks has been touting their Adrenaline GTS line as the highest-quality running shoe they have to offer for the last few years. Given this, their claim that the GTS14 model is the best of them all, catches the attention of those serious about running. This fantastic model has many features that keep runners with plantar fasciitis comfortable during long runs. The midsole “crash pad” of the shoe allows more efficient heel-to-midfoot transition, which helps keep tons of tension off of your feet. Although this model is excellent, the GTS12 model actually has a bit of a head start on the new model. Finding this model, however, tends to be difficult. Few running shoes prove themselves to be in the running for the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis like the Adrenaline GTS14.

Pros:

Perfect for Runners with Flat Feet
Highly Durable
“Crash Pad” Midsole

Cons:

Inferior to the GTS12 Model
A Tight Fit

New Balance Women’s W1340:

New Balance Women’s W1340v2 Optimum Control Running Shoe

A perfect mid-range model for those looking for the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, the New Balance W1340 model uses the company’s Stabilicore medial support system to ensure a comfortable and healthy run. Allowing for an excellent transition from heel strike to toe-off this shoe will keep you balanced during long runs. Additionally, the shoe’s TBeam shank design provides excellent torsional stability for the wearer. Although it is somewhat shown up by the superior New Balance W1540 model, the W1340 is great for consumers looking for a less expensive pair of running shoes. With this incredible model, you never have to feel pressured to break your budget to get healthy.

Pros:

TBeam Shank Design
Stabilicore Medial Support System
Affordable
Highly Durable

Cons:

Short Laces
Awkward Sizing Choices

Asics Women’s Gel Exalt 2:

ASICS Women’s GEL-Exalt 2 Running Shoe

One of the top recommended running shoe choices for neutral and over-pronator runners, the Asics Gel Exalt 2 brings the top-tier brand name to a model meant for the highest amount of comfort possible. The Rearfoot Gel cushioning technology allows for shock desperation when experiencing impact, making the shoes both lightweight, and easy on your joints and muscles. Additionally, the model’s Trusstic System is engineered to keep the structural integrity of the shoe intact for many years. For runners who constantly run into problems with the arches of their shoe, the Asics Gel Exalt 2 provides a stylish and comfortable solution for those looking for the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Pros:

Affordable and Stylish
High-End Comfort
Rearfoot Gel Cushioning Technology
Trusstic System

Cons:

Heavier than Other Models
Over-the-Counter Inserts are Recommended

Saucony Women’s Guide 8:

Saucony Women’s Guide 8 Running Shoe

Following up the highest-rated best running shoes for plantar fasciitis in women, the Saucony Guide 7, the Saucony Guide 8 model improves on the previous market dominator. Using strategically planned “stability zones,” which add to the cushion, flexibility, and support of the shoe, the Guide 8 is 3 years in the making. This amazing upgrade to an already fantastic shoe is great for most runners, especially neutral and over-pronator runners. However, some still prefer the Guide 7 model, although it is difficult to find both new and second hand.

Pros:

Great for Running Long Distance
Lightweight Design
Excellent Cushioning

Cons:

Color Options are a Bit Hectic
Potentially Inferior to the Previous Model

Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes:

Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes

Coming off the trail of the ultra-popular Brooks Addiction 10, the Brooks Women’s Addiction Walker Walking shoe model continues to innovate. Runners with plantar fasciitis will immediately appreciate the DNA cushioning system, which allows for a smoother running operation than most other shoes on the market. Every step is given a more dispersing impact with the Addiction Walker Walking Shoes, allowing you to gain better support and motion control. Additionally, over-pronator runners will love the uniquely modeled arch support the Addiction Walker Walking Shoes model has to offer. Some runners still prefer the Addiction 11 model, but given how difficult it can be to find, the new model from the Brooks brand more than makes up for it. The women’s Addiction Walker Walking Shoes model easily enters the race for the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis in women.

Pros:

Awesome Support Options
DNA Cushioning System

Cons:

Very Few Color Options

New Balance Women’s W1540:

New Balance Women’s W1540V2 Running Shoe

Rated slightly above the previously listed W1340 model, the W1540s from New Balance are considered to be some of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis in women for motion control. To achieve this control, the W1540 uses Rollbar supports and mid-foot cushioning features to ensure your run is comfortable for many miles. This aspect helps runners with plantar fasciitis to avoid undue tension or bruising from running. Currently one of the more popular models for people with plantar fasciitis, you can be ensured an investment in a pair of W1540s is worth your hard earned time and money.

Pros: