We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Why Trust Us?
We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
As much as running does the body good, it can also take a huge toll on your feet. In fact, it’s not uncommon for many runners to experience plantar fasciitis—a type of foot pain that occurs when the band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed—because your heels and arches absorb a lot of impact.
Plantar fasciitis can feel like sharp pain around the heel, resulting in swelling or tenderness. This makes running a lot more painful, so you’ll want to find a pair of shoes that takes the pressure off of your joints to help you find relief. Finding the right pair of running shoes for plantar fasciitis pain comes down to stability and support, so we spoke with experts to roundup the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.
How we chose the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis
We consulted experts such as Jonathan Rouse, D.P.M., a Chicago-based podiatrist and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, and Jacqueline Sutera, D.P.M., a podiatrist at City Podiatry in New York City, who shared their top picks for shoes that support runners with plantar fasciitis. We also examined the bestselling running shoes on Amazon and combed through thousands of reviews from shoppers just like you to find the most comfortable, stylish, and supportive shoes for those with plantar fasciitis.
Our top picks
To save you from having to scour the internet, we’ve rounded up the best running shoes for those with plantar fasciitis. Check out our top picks below:
Best Overall
ASICS GT-2000 8 Running Shoe
Pros
Good for flat feet- Offers stability
Cons
- Runs small
These running shoes are built with ASICS’s signature gel cushioning, which provides heel-to-toe support and stability. They are also designed with a responsive midsole to give you just the right amount of give, meaning smoother transitions between strides. “This shoe has great rearfoot control, which prevents overpronation, the cause of plantar fasciitis,” Dr. Rouse says. “If you have flat feet, this is also a great choice. It has added forefoot support as well as a springy back sole, which will take some stress off of the foot,” he says.
Best Value
adidas QT Racer 2.0 Running Shoe
Pros
- Fun colors
- Lightweight
Cons
- Runs narrow
A more casual option, the Adidas QT Racer 2.0 Running Shoe can be worn off or on the trail. It boasts a ton of support in the form of a cushioned insole, and reviewers are calling them the “perfect” running shoe: “I felt like my feet were in a cloud as soon as I put them on. The back heel was also very well padded.”
Best for Sprinters
New Balance 940v4 Running Shoes
Best for Sprinters
New Balance 940v4 Running Shoes
Pros
- Great for bunions
- Room for custom orthotics
Cons
- Runs wide
As the latest edition of motion-control sneakers in the New Balance lineup, these running shoes will give you more spring in your strides. You’ll find high-density medial posts that provide structure and stability, making them a perfect choice for overpronators. They also feature full-foot cushioning and compression resistance that help protect the toes upon impact. “This shoe has a dual-dense post, which allows for a large amount of support to the plantar fascia,” Dr. Rouse says.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Absorbs shock
- Accommodates custom orthotics
Cons
- Thin padding by toes
If you’re a fan of trail running, this version of the Brooks’s popular Ghost 13s will keep your feet dry and cool during rainy, muddy days. The responsive DNA cushioning in the underfoot offers a soft landing with each stride, and the integrated crash pads on the forefoot help absorb shock. “These have slightly less rigid arch support but are still great for plantar fasciitis,” says Dr. Rouse.
Best for Distance
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v12
Pros
- Breathable structure
- Extra cushioned with foa
Cons
- Runs small
Designed with runners in mind, these sneakers were made for distance. The responsive cushioning in the midsoles are great for energy efficiency so you can go the distance, while the motion-control medial posts prevent your feet from overpronating. Dr. Rouse says they “offer great support to the midfoot as it has a medial post on the external heel.” He adds: “This will cause less strain to the plantar fascia, thus decreasing inflammation and pain.”
Pros
- Designed to absorb shock
- Great for running
Cons
- Narrow up front
If you’re looking for running shoes that offer a supportive, sock-like fit, these sneakers are for you. The flexible and breathable mesh upper are comfortably snug yet give your toes plenty room to breathe. They’re also designed with Brooks’s DNA LOFT cushioning that provides support in the underfoot and plantar fascia, Dr. Rouse says, offering shock absorption throughout the foot. “This allows the forces to distribute evenly and take the additional forces away from the plantar fascia,” he says.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Extra padding for sore joints
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lacking arch support
The Bondi 7 feels like you're walking on actual clouds. The popular walking shoe uses an EVA midsole and rubber inserts for a super plush feel, and reviewers are saying they improved their plantar fasciitis. “My plantar fasciitis pain is 98% better. These shoes are a great part of my recovery.”
Pros
- Contoured footbed
- Great for under-pronators
Cons
- Stiff
These versatile shoes are perfect for anyone looking to get started with running. The contoured footbed helps improve energy return, while the extra cushion helps relieve sore joints. The Echelon 8s are also great for those who need to wear orthotics (which easily slip in) and under-pronators.
Best Doctor-Recommended
Orthofeet Women's Sneaker
Pros
- Developed by doctors
- Great for bunions and joint pain
Cons
- Not super stylish
Designed by doctors, the Orthofeet Women's Sneakers are as supportive as it gets. They offer orthotic insoles with an adjustable arch booster and multiple layers of soft cushioning to provide pillow-like support. The shoes are specifically formulated to support those with plantar fasciitis, as well as back and joint pain.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Best Tennis Shoe
ASICS Speed FF 2 Tennis Shoes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Help stabilize joints
Cons
- Narrow
Each step in these tennis shoes is cushioned with special tech that helps stabilize your feet and take pressure off your joints. The exterior foam and rubber outsole help propel you forward to support range of motion as you walk or jog. Amazon shoppers are calling them the “the most comfortable tennis shoes” around.
How to shop for the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis
Podiatrists agree that a hybrid between motion controlled sneakers with stability features and arch support is the way to go. Here are some top-level features to keep in mind:
- Responsive cushioning with arch support is important, but too much cushioning can actually backfire by having too much give, and therefore, not enough support, Dr. Rouse explains.
- Medial posts and midsole support to help limit the amount of pronation. This is especially helpful for people with flatter feet who need more control when running, Dr. Sutera says.
- Responsive cushioning for the entire foot—not just the heel and forefoot—to help absorb shock.
- Removable insoles so you can add your own orthotics. Many running shoes come with insoles that provide arch support, but it’s a good idea to take them out and examine them. “If they are very thin and flat, they can be replaced with a more supportive device or a custom molded orthotic made by your podiatrist,” Dr. Sutera says.
- Roomy toe box that’s wide enough to let your toes and forefoot sit flat without being crowded or tight, Dr. Sutera says.
- Rigid material at the arch. This can be anything from kevlar to a piece of plastic, but as long as it has support, it should help with plantar fasciitis, Dr. Rouse says. Dr. Sutera adds that some designs on sneakers are hidden ways shoe brands add mid-foot support. “The seams and stripes that you sometimes see on sneakers, especially on the sides, help limit pronation to some extent,” she says. If you need more support and are flat footed, Dr. Sutera recommends opting for running shoes that have more dense fabric stripes sewn in on the sides for more control.
Once you find a pair of running shoes with these features, try them on before purchasing, particularly at the end of the day when your feet are swollen. Do they hurt? Are they comfortable? Are they breathable? Do they provide enough cushioning and support? “If the shoes don't feel good in the store, they aren't going to feel good later on. Shoes should not have a ‘break-in period’ before they are comfortable,” Dr. Rouse says.
Tiffany Ayuda
Tiffany Ayuda, a senior editor at Prevention and certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise, has specialized in fitness, health, and general wellness topics in her previously editorial roles at Life by Daily Burn, Everyday Health, and South Beach Diet. Tiffany’s work has also appeared in the Huffington Post, The Daily Beast, Women’s Health, Mind Body Green, PopSugar Beauty, Yahoo! Health, Health, and NBC News Better. When she’s not running or breaking a sweat with HIIT, Tiffany is cooking up healthy meals in her Brooklyn kitchen.
