If you ask any runner, he or she will tell you about how common plantar fasciitis is among athletes. While many of them invest in safety practices, the pain and aches that come with this condition, cannot be minimized or treated by the regular shoes. All you need is a good pair of running shoes and not just any pair, but the recommended best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Wearing orthotic inserts is one of the approaches to dealing with sore heels as you train, but the best you can get of running shoes are those with arch support and firm ankle. The discussion in this article about running shoes for plantar fasciitis is an important eye opener for athletes because these shoes are highly rated by professional runners who have found them useful for alleviating pain.

Why It is Important to Choose the Right Running Shoe

Running as well as other moderate exercises can potentially put you at an elevated risk of getting plantar fasciitis. Once you get this condition, it pulls you back and sort of discontinues from your regular training activities.

Most physicians are keen on advising their clients to moderate their activities so as to prevent further inflammation of their fascia ligaments. This means the athletes can continue with their routine workouts and training if they can get the right support for their feet. The beginning of this is getting the right shoe that protects your ankles, heels, arches, and Achilles.

Common Features and Distinguishing Factors of Best Running Shoes

Running shoes give you support as your motion changes in a way that doesn’t exacerbate your condition and this is important if you are to be as pain-free as possible during running. Some of the key features of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis include:

• Excellent shock absorption to help disperse the force of heel striking.
• Maximum arch support to lessen the impact of strenuous activities

You should also look at the reviews particularly from runners with plantar fasciitis. Keep off from shoes that are manufactured with cheap material, too light and flexible to give you sufficient support, and those that offer little or no foot and heel support.

A shoe may look good, but if it doesn’t offer the heel and arch support that is required, its usefulness is next to nothing.

Study Insights

Over the years, a number of studies have been conducted which link the benefit of conservative treatment options and the short-term benefits received by patients. However, physicians tend to keep off from recommending best running shoes for plantar fasciitis in their pain management therapies.

Experts have laid out some techniques runners can adopt to help them treat plantar fasciitis. One of the measures is for the athletes to reduce their stride length and enhance their cadence as they await their injury to resolve. Runners are also advised to avoid making initial contact with their forefoot or midfoot and instead go for a heel strike. A mid or forefoot landing can increase tension on the plantar fasciitis.

The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Reviews

Having looked at some of the important points above, we can now delve into the shoes that can help minimize shock absorption and give you excellent heel cushioning.

1. Asics GEL Nimbus 15

Asics is one of the top brands in athletic shoes and their newest line of running shoes is the GEL Nimbus 15. In these shoes, they have greatly enhanced the fit, cushion, and stability. In order to give you top of the line shock absorption, the Asics GEL Nimbus 15 comes with a FluidRide midsole and more forefoot.

Upside: These shoes are comfortable, durable, and have a nice cushioning which is an excellent solution for high arches.

2. New Balance 990v3

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With classic looks and a standard EVA foam, the New Balance 990v3 seeks to protect you against shock and is a suitable option for a majority of foot types. Despite its simplicity, it is among the best sneakers for people with plantar fasciitis.

Upside: These shoes are available in multiple width sizes, very comfortable, and allow you to add OTC inserts. If you are a heavier runner, these are the shoes to go for.

3. Asics Gel Kayano 20

This shoe is part of the legendary Gel Kayano series. It has FluidFit technology which combines stretch reinforcements with multidirectional stretch to create a truly customized fit. Also, there is the dynamic DuoMax support system which enhances support and stability.

This shoe is built for runners who are looking for a combination of stability and cushioning. By bringing in the Asics design philosophy, this shoe enhances the natural gait of the foot from heel strike to toe off.

4. Saucony Kinvara 4

This is a replacement of the Saucony Kinvara 3 model. It is highly rated thanks to its lightweight and a lower heel to toe drop. As a bonus, this model features a wider toe box.

Upside: This running shoe model will give you a supportive feet and a solid traction. Because of its lightweight, it can be a great shoe for marathoners.

5. Brooks Adrenaline GTS14

These running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis have a segmented midsole to give you a smoother ride by enhancing your heel to midfoot transmission. The GTS14 is the best of the Adrenaline GTS model.

Upside: These shoes are comfortable for runners with flat feet, are more durable compared to some of the popular brands in the market, and are comfortable for walking, working, or running.

6. Asics GT2000 2

This is a continuation of the Asics GT-2170 lineage which has been among the popular running shoes for years particularly for runners suffering from plantar fasciitis. This latest running shoe model is deliberately designed lighter complete with an Impact Guidance System to help improve your natural gait to toe off from heel strike. Currently, it is one of the top running shoes.

Upside: This shoe is a great fit, has an exceptional midsole and heel support, and is optimal for neutral fit. If you are looking for stability, Asics GT2000 2 is the shoe to go for.

7. Saucony Guide 7

This is among the highest rated shoe for female runners with plantar fasciitis. The Saucony Guide 6 running shoe was discontinued and Guide 7 introduced. The strategic stability zones that come with Guide 7 offer additional support and functionality while at the same time maintains optimal flexibility and cushion. Both moderate and neutral runners can hugely benefit from this shoe.

Upside: This is a great shoe for running long distance. It is also light, stable, and offers good cushioning.

8. New Balance W1540

This is one of the top running shoes for plantar fasciitis with excellent midfoot cushioning technologies as well as motion control enhancements. The foot pain cloud is among the huge following that New Balance W1540 has managed to gather.

Upside: With plenty of arch and heel support, this shoe is a good fit for people who are overweight. It has received a lot of support and positive feedback from runners with plantar fasciitis.

9. New Balance W1340

The important design feature that makes these shoes one of the premier training shoes is the Stabilicore medial support system. This design technology gives runners a smooth transition from heel strike to toe off. They also offer exceptional torsional stability. If you have heel and foot pain, these shoes are the best choice for you.

Upside: They are available at different width options and they are excellent for flat feet. One other reason why these shoes are great for the plantar fasciitis crowd is their ability to correct motion.

10. Brooks Addiction 11

The Addiction 10 is still a high-rated running shoe in the market, but the newer version, Addiction 11 comes with some interesting upgrades. Brooks Addiction 11 is one of the best  running shoes for plantar fasciitis. Its cushioning system is customized to give runners of any size a smooth ride. They respond to every strike and substantially disperse the impact. Among those who rate this shoe highly are those with flat feet, plantar fasciitis, and the moderate over-pronators especially for its motion control and support.

Upside: The overall support this shoe gives runners is what has attracted most of the positive reviews.

11. Asics Gel Exalt

This shoe has attracted a huge following mainly because of its Rarefoot Gel cushioning that significantly disperses shock upon impact. The Trusstic System enables these shoes to retain structural integrity which is a plus for runners with plantar fasciitis and problematic arches.

Upside: They are relatively inexpensive and they fit true to size. They are also comfortable and well-cushioned hence a great fit for those suffering from plantar fasciitis pain.

12. New Balance WL574

If you are an athlete suffering from plantar fasciitis, but still want to stick to and achieve your goals, this shoe is what will take you there. New Balance WL574 running shoe has a lace-up closure that is designed for easy fit adjustment.

Upside: This shoe is fitted with EVA foam midsole that keeps you very comfortable and perfectly cushioned, irrespective of how long you run or the nature of the terrain you are running on. The breathable mesh ensures that your feet remain fresh and cool throughout, which is a big plus for runners dealing with plantar fasciitis.

Support From More Brands with New Updates

The discussion above certainly doesn’t include all running shoes for plantar fasciitis, but has picked out the best from the rest. Newer models are bound to come as shoe manufacturers’ frequent updates. However, the above models and brands will live on to give you every support you need for plantar fasciitis!