Shopping for new running shoes can be both exciting and daunting, but when you add plantar fasciitis to the equation, the decision becomes even more important. Plantar fasciitis is essentially inflammation of the plantar fascia—the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. The most common symptom is heel pain, but you could also feel it in your arch or Achilles tendon. According to NIH data, plantar fasciitis affects about 10 percent of the general population, and incidences are higher among runners.
While plantar fasciitis is an acute condition that can generally be treated within a matter of weeks or months with a holistic approach combining things like routine stretching and icing, if left unchecked, it can evolve into a chronic condition called plantar fasciosis. “Plantar fasciitis is inflammation, and then plantar fasciosis is degeneration,” says Milica McDowell, DPT, certified exercise physiologist and vice president of operations at Gait Happens. That’s why, for runners with plantar fasciitis pain looking to avoid the point of no return, selecting the right shoes for the job is key.
The good news? Running shoe makers got the memo, and almost all the major brands (and a few innovative indies) have at least a handful of options that cater to runners with plantar fasciitis. Better yet, certain design attributes can even help speed recovery along. We kept all of those in mind while researching and testing the best shoes for plantar fasciitis below.
The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, According to GQ
In This Guide
The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Overall: Saucony Guide 17
If you’re looking for a go-to running shoe for plantar fasciitis that can handle a variety of runs, distances, and speeds, look no further than the Saucony Guide 17. Of all the shoes we tested, no other model checked more items off our plantar fasciitis checklist than this one. The cushioning is soft, but not squishy; the built-in support is stable, without feeling rigid; the stretchy, breathable upper allows for natural toe splay; and the shoe is generally flexible and foldable enough to keep your foot’s muscles, nerves, and plantar fascia engaged—the latter being especially important for not only alleviating foot pain while running but actually helping your feet heal.
The brand has released a newer model of the Guide, the 18 (naturally), and while we haven’t tried those out yet, we still think that the 17 will be your best bet if you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis. Given that these are now an older model, they’ll surely be marked down from retail, making them a better deal than ever before.
The Best Lightweight Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Adidas Ultraboost 5x
The Ultraboost 5x maintains everything we loved about the Ultraboost 5, but tips the scale at a mere 9.7 ounces—17 grams lighter than its predecessor, officially making it the lightest Boost to date. Better yet, the way Adidas got here was by introducing a new integrated midfoot support, which is great news for anyone with plantar fasciitis. The energy return you feel with each stride is palpable, but the real star of this show is the upper. Marketing speak usually isn’t to be trusted, however in this case the term “hyper-anatomical” that Adidas uses to describe the 5x’s Primeknit upper seems fitting. It might just be the most comfortable running shoe, period.
The Best Active Recovery Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Lululamon Beyondfeel
Admittedly, there are more exciting looking running shoes out there. However, when you put these on, it’s immediately clear that Lululemon’s design team was much more interested in appealing to another one of your senses—and it’s right there in the name. While the Beyondfeel may not exactly be a sight for sore eyes, it’s downright messianic for tired feet. From the pressure-mapped outsole to the plush yet breathable upper infused with strategically placed extra cushioning on the tongue and heel collar, these shoes are perfectly set up to carry you through recovery runs and leave you feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for more.
The Best Low-Drop Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Altra FWD VIA
You almost can’t go wrong with any pair of Altras for plantar fasciitis. (Just steer clear of carbon-plated models, like the Mont Blanc, which prevent the plantar fascia from exercising its full range of motion.) One of Altra’s claims to fame is the brand’s signature foot-shaped toe box, which allows the toes to splay out and stabilize you as you run. The FWD VIA sports Altra’s roomiest toe box yet—great for wide feet. Another defining characteristic of Altras is their low heel-to-toe drop, which puts the foot in a more natural position. With a 4mm, drop, FWD VIA gives you the best of both worlds: a low drop with just a little extra cushion in the back to protect sensitive heels.
The Best Trail Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Salomon Genesis
The Salomon Genesis checks all the boxes of an all-star trail running shoe, and just so happens to be a perfect fit for plantar fasciitis. This moderately cushioned, highly technical trail shoe comes equipped with multi-directional 4.5mm lugs to allow you to confidently negotiate unpredictable inclines and declines, while the lightweight EVA foam provides just enough cushion to maximize comfort without sacrificing ground feel. The tongue is more of a sleeve that, together with Salomon’s now-iconic Quicklace system, hugs the midfoot in place, and a tough combination of Kevlar and technical yarn provides protection against abrasion.
The Best Cross-Training Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: Asics Gel-Kayano 31
While we generally don’t recommend wearing running shoes for non-running workouts like weightlifting or CrossFit, some situations demand a bit of both, whether that be a Barry’s class or a run with some calisthenics sprinkled in. In terms of footwear, you can approach this from either side: a training shoe that’s decent for running, or a running shoe that’s decent for training. If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, we suggest the latter, as running shoes tend to have better heel cushioning and flexibility. We found the Gel-Kayano 31 to strike the right balance, complete with a wide, flat base and stretchy forefoot upper that support stability during cross-training sessions.
The Best Long-Distance Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis: HOKA Bondi 8
You typically don’t want too much cushioning in a running shoe for plantar fasciitis, as it can detract from ground feel and stability. However, plantar fasciitis or not, it’s a good idea to have a bit more cushioning for longer runs, partly for comfort and partly to protect your joints from extended impact. For a slightly more cushioned shoe that’s ideal for longer runs, the Hoke Bondi is a top pick—and one endorsed by the American Podiatric Medical Association. Coming in noticeably lighter than other similarly cushioned running shoes, and with a substantially lower heel-to-toe drop, Hoka’s model is geared to go the distance in comfort—without adding bulk to your stride.
More Running Shoes We Love for Plantar Fasciitis
What to Look for in Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The best running shoes for plantar fasciitis probably aren’t the cheapest ones you can find on Amazon. Next, you need to take a serious look at your shoe size. “Around 60 percent of people are wearing the wrong size,” says McDowell. “A shoe that’s too short is culprit number one.”
“The plantar fascia runs between your heel and the ball of your foot. So If you’re in a shoe that’s too short, you’re putting tension on your plantar fascia at all times,” she explains. “I typically recommend that grown adults get their feet measured once a year. That’s a huge piece of the puzzle.”