If you don’t have time to read the entire review and just want to find out the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, then we recommend the Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Orthopedic Men’s Sneakers as the best choice.
One of the most debilitating disorders of the foot for runners is plantar fasciitis as it can cause extremely painful inflammation across the sole of the foot, and stabbing pains around the arch and heel areas.
It is often the case that the pain is not felt during running exercises but flares up after them. To help runners exercise as pain-free as possible a pair of running shoes with features that can alleviate plantar fasciitis is highly recommended.
Within this article, you can read our buying guide to the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, as well as reviews of the top shoes that are available.
We’re going to review the following best running shoes for plantar fasciitis:
- Asics Gel-Venture 6 MX Women’s Running-Shoes
- Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes
- Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Orthopedic Men’s Sneakers
- New Balance Men’s 990v4 Running Shoes
- SelfieGo Women’s Plantar Fasciitis Running Shoes
Table of Contents
Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Reviews
Asics Gel-Venture 6 MX Women’s Running-Shoes
Our first review of running shoes for plantar fasciitis is for the Venture 6 MX, from top sports brand, Asics, and they are designed primarily for female runners.
Product Highlights
We’ll start underneath these running shoes and highlight the sole, which is often overlooked, even though it is one of the most vitally important features of any sports shoe.
The rubber sole on the Venture 6 MX has excellent tread which incorporates reversed lugs so you can be assured of a sound footing when running. This is also very effective for ensuring traction when running up or down inclines.
The sole has also been designed using a branded ‘Asics High Abrasion Rubber’ (AHAR). The main benefit of AHAR is that it should add a high degree of durability to the sole and thus prolong the lifetime of your running shoes.
Within the running shoe, there is a gel cushioning system which helps to limit the impact when your foot hits the ground and as such should minimize the risk of any injuries or pain. The construction of this allows for an easier transition from your heel to the front of your foot, and thus promotes greater comfort.
With a condition like plantar fasciitis it is often the case that runners will need to use a medical orthotic in their running shoes, and to facilitate that, the sock liner is removable.
What I Like
There often seems to be a rule that some brands follow that says all sports footwear should be black, but thankfully Asics have quite literally gone to the other end of the spectrum, , with a huge choice of colors and trims
What I Don’t Like
While this is always in the eye of the beholder, they do appear a bit bulkier than many other running shoes of a similar type.
Pros
- Removable sock liner
- Gel cushioning to reduce impact
- Numerous color options
- ‘AHAR’ sole for durability
- Effective tread pattern
Cons
- Toe box is too large
- Lack of padding inside
Brooks Launch 5 Running Shoes
This best-selling running shoe for plantar fasciitis probably comes with more color options than any other sports shoe we have ever reviewed, so no matter what your favorite color, there’s bound to be one for you.
Product Highlights
Let’s start with those color options which we are very impressed with especially as there 25 of them with blue, red, purple, pink, mint green, white, gray and of course, black, being just some of the choices you can make. To make them even more stylish there is also a 3D print pattern on the uppers which is very eye-catching.
If we stay with the upper just a little longer, we should point out that it is made from a mesh material and adding to the comfort levels is an extra soft fabric lining which wraps snuggly around your feet.
The next feature you should be aware of is the DNA midsole as this plays a huge role in defining the comfort and stability of your running shoes. The compound it is made from provides a high level of flexibility in the shoe and also helps to cushion each foot as it lands.
Additional shock absorption is provided by the heel ‘crash pad’ which is shaped to allow your heel to land in as natural a position as possible.
Underfoot you have the rubber sole which has excellent grip, and in the toe area the rubber has been designed to be extra springy to promote better take off on each stride.
What I Like
With the midsole being at the very heart of any running shoe and influencing the comfort and stability, it is most pleasing to see that the one used in these running shoes is very effective.
What I Don’t Like
When you are running you want your feet to stay cool, so the fact that these do not seem to breathe very well is an issue, especially if your feet tend to get hot.
Pros
- Huge range of colors
- Extra springy toe area
- High spec midsole
- Extra soft lining fabric
- Excellent tread underfoot
Cons
- May take some time to break in
- Very narrow at the front
Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Orthopedic Men’s Sneakers
For running shoes to be suitable for those with plantar fasciitis they will need to have several features which enhance comfort and stability, and that is certainly the case with these ones from Orthofeet.
Product Highlights
It is often the case that a pair of running shoes will require a special orthotic insole to be inserted to make them suitable for runners with foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis, so it is one of the huge benefits of these running shoes that the special insole is already inside them.
The orthotic insole is specially designed to provide excellent arch and heel support, and it is cushioned for maximum comfort. The fabric used on the insole is anti-fungal and anti-microbial, so they should remain fresh and dry at all times.
Moving to the main shoe construction, there are further features which are specifically designed to help those with foot problems. First, you have air pockets within the heel of the shoe to provide as shock absorption where it is needed most.
Also, underfoot, within the midsole, there is an ‘ortho-cushion’ system which helps to reduce stress to your joints as you run and provides the appropriate level of stability for each stride.
In the top part of the running shoe, and to make the top of your foot as comfortable as possible, there is foam padding within the toe-box which extends back and within the tongue. Inside the shoe, the lining is extra-soft and seam free, to reduce the chances of abrasions
What I Like
The insoles which come with these running shoes are excellent and will be of huge benefit to anyone who has a foot condition.
What I Don’t Like
Unusually these are made with water-soluble glue. which means that they cannot be washed properly and thus likely to become grubby very quickly.
Pros
- Super-soft lining material
- Gel air pockets in the heel
- Foam padding within toe-box
- Excellent cushioning within the midsole
- Orthotic insoles supplied
Cons
- Velcro loses stickiness
- No width options
New Balance Men’s 990v4 Running Shoes
New Balance is one of the most recognizable brand names within the world of sports shoes, and with the 4th version of their ‘990’ running shoes, they have incorporated several enhanced features.
Product Highlights
The upper in these running shoes is very impressive, and it undoubtedly provides a high level of both comfort whether you are walking or running in them. It is made from a combination of mesh material and pigskin, which combine to make an upper that is breathable, durable, and it is fair to say, distinctive.
That distinctiveness can be made personal for you thanks to the fact that you have a kaleidoscope of color options to choose from. Every color combo under the rainbow is more or less available with some of the more notable ones being ‘Alpha Red,’ ‘Mustard,’ ‘Komen Pink’ and ‘UV Blue.’
At the core of these New Balance 990V4 running shoes, we have the midsole, and it is this more than anything that provides the stability required. This one is made from high-quality EVA, and that is why the running shoes are very stable when you are running while at the same time, they give you the necessary flexibility of movement in both feet.
To provide further comfort, the collar of the running shoes has double density foam, and to ensure that your laces are kept in place, the tongue has a lace keeper
What I Like
The uppers in these New Balance running shoes are exceptional, with a perfect mix of durability and comfort, plus the added fun of being able to choose from multiple color options
What I Don’t Like
A common issue with some New Balance sports shoes is that the grip on wet surfaces isn’t ideal, and unfortunately these fall (no pun intended) into that category.
Pros
- Pigskin upper for durability
- Uppers are also breathable
- Dual-density foam collar
- Lace keeper in the tongue
- EVA midsole for support
Cons
- Grit etc. gets stuck in the sole pattern
- Sizing can be small
SelfieGo Women’s Plantar Fasciitis Running Shoes
Our final review looks at a pair of running shoes for women which are also suitable for casual wear, walking and they could also be used as gym shoes
Product Highlights
One issue that many runners and participants in other sports have in relation to their footwear is excessive moisture building up inside their sports shoes.
This can lead to unpleasant odors and cause excessive irritation to your foot leading to blisters. Thankfully these shoes are made from a breathable material. and even better, the insoles are anti-bacterial which can help ventilate the shoes.
The orthotic insoles also play an important role in supporting your arches as they will mold themselves to the contours of your feet. They have air cushioning which will obviously help make your running shoes even more comfortable. Another positive is the fact that these running shoes come with an extra pair of orthotic insoles.
Within these running shoes, there is very supportive EVA padding which forms the core of the shoe. This provides a high level of stability but at the same time keeps the shoes flexible enough so that your running steps are not hampered in any way.
The less weight you carry when running the better and this includes the weight of the footwear you are running in. That should not be a problem with these running shoes as they are extremely lightweight.
What I Like
Having one pair of orthotic insoles in your running shoes is great, but to get a second pair of insoles as replacements is even better and gives these a huge tick in the positive column.
What I Don’t Like
Most running shoes have a bit of give in them in order to get them on when wearing sports socks, but these seem to lack that stretchiness, making this more difficult.
Pros
- EVA core for stability
- Ventilating orthotic insoles
- Breathable upper material
- Lightweight and flexible
- Extra orthotic insoles supplied
Cons
- Laces are longer than necessary
- The heel area is rather narrow
Buyer’s Guide
When you have a foot condition such as plantar fasciitis, choosing the correct footwear is infinitely more important than it would be if your feet were ailment-free.
Choosing wisely can mean the difference between being comfortable and pain-free or having to suffer from every stride or step you take. This takes on greater significance if the footwear you are buying is for running.
To ensure you have all the necessary information needed to make an informed choice, we have written this buyer’s guide.
It explains each of the 6 most important features you should be looking for in a pair of running shoes, especially if they are specifically for plantar fasciitis. This should allow you to choose the correct pair as you will be able to make a more informed comparison.
Arch Support
Arch support is crucial in any running shoe, but it is especially so if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. How arch support is provided will differ between brands, but the main way it is achieved is within the midsole, or with special orthotic insoles.
Shock Absorption
To minimize the impact of your foot hitting the ground and exacerbating the inflammation caused by plantar fasciitis, you want to purchase running shoes with a high degree of cushioning. Not only should this cushioning make them more comfortable, but it will act as a shock absorber for your feet.
Fit
The range of sizes that each manufacturer offers will differ, and unfortunately, if your size is at either end of the scale, it may be that the running shoe you want does not come in that size.
Some brands do half sizes, and others do not. One check you should make is the customer reviews to see if there is any feedback in terms of a shoe tending to be smaller or larger than the advertised size.
Cushioning
Cushioning can be found in several places within a running shoe and the degree to which a shoe is cushioned will differ between brands. Normally cushioning is to be found within the insole and the midsole. Some will also have padding around the collar which helps with comfort and stability.
Comfortability
It should be a given that you want your shoes to be comfortable and there are some things you can do to promote this. First, ensure you select the appropriate size, and ensure that you lace and tie your running shoes correctly.
You can improve the comfort of running shoes by adding special insoles, with some being specially designed for plantar fasciitis Beyond this you will want to assess the amount of cushioning, the support the shoes offer, and whether other customers have found them to be comfortable by reading their reviews.
Design
Designs will obviously vary from brand to brand and what you might feel is an appealing design. will differ from others. You will find some running shoes being offered with color options and in some cases the number of colors you can choose from is impressive.
Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis FAQ
How do I lace running shoes for plantar fasciitis?
The main objective when you lace up your running shoes for plantar fasciitis is that they are as tight as possible around the arch without being uncomfortable, but slightly looser towards your toe area.
How often should I change my running shoes to help my plantar fasciitis?
The main consideration in terms of when you change your running shoes is whether or not you can still run in them comfortably. There is not an arbitrary time scale simply because every running shoe will have a different level of durability. Check them regularly for wear and tear, especially in the tread.
What running shoes are good for plantar fasciitis?
The main features you want your running shoes to have is good arch support, a deep heel cup, and cushioning which makes them comfortable. In addition, soles with excellent shock absorption properties are highly desirable.
What shoes do doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis?
Ask any doctor which shoes you should wear if you suffer from plantar fasciitis and they will tell you that the top priority is the support that the shoe provides. This includes support for the arch and heel, as well as having a broad heel section to absorb impacts. Lightweight shoes are also preferable.
What causes plantar fasciitis in runners?
Plantar fasciitis is a condition caused by inflammation of tissues which runs along the length of your foot from the heel area to your toes. The repeated stretching of these tissues when running can compound the problem and can lead to stabbing pains in your foot.
Final Thoughts on the Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
As we conclude our reviews of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, it is hoped that you were able to make a more informed choice in terms of which ones you wish to purchase. If the buying guide and FAQ helped, then all the better.
All of the running shoes reviewed were excellent but if we were to choose our top option it would be the Orthofeet Plantar Fasciitis Orthopedic Men’s Sneakers.
Just about every feature they have is geared towards helping those with foot ailments, including plantar fasciitis. In particular, the orthotic insoles are excellent, as is the shoe’s construction which provides high levels of stability and comfort.
