One of the most bothersome running injuries or pains is pain and inflammation caused by Plantar fasciitis. when you walk or run with Plantar Fasciitis, you can have heel pain for many months or even years before the Plantar Fascia heals.
Finding good shoe when you have Plantar Fasciitis could be quite a daunting task. The fortunate thing is that if you take care of your feet in most cases, Plantar Fasciitis will calm down and heal in a matter of weeks.
What is Plantar Fasciitis and What Causes It
Plantar Fasciitis is a foot condition that causes pain in the bottom of the heel, usually when you are active and especially after sleeping or resting for a while.
The Plantar fascia consists of a band of tissue or ligament that connects your heel bone to the toes or front of your foot and helps to support your arch when you walk.
When the Plantar Fascia becomes weak or damaged because of stress and strain from constant repetitive activities inflammation and swelling sets in causing pain and stiffness in the heel.
- Overweight – People who are overweight or have flat feet stand a greater chance of developing Plantar fasciitis than those who are lighter on their feet and have neutral or high arches.
Pregnancy – Pregnant women may also experience bouts of Plantar fasciitis later during their pregnancy.
Repetitive Activities – If you are active on your feet for long periods of time mainly performing repetitive activities that put a strain on your feet or arches you are at a very high risk of developing Plantar Fasciitis.
Footwear – Wearing shoes with soft soles or poor arch support does not provide enough support or shock absorption and can aggravate or cause Plantar fasciitis to develop.
If you are looking for a versatile shoe for running and training, the best Cross Training Shoes for Flat feet is a worthwhile article to consider.
How to Treat and Manage Plantar Fasciitis
Here are a few tips on managing Plantar Fasciitis
- Always wear a comfortable shoe that is well cushioned and provides excellent arch support.
- Avoid shoes that are hard or running or walking barefoot.
- Icing your feet a few times a day will relieve pain and swelling particularly after a run.
- Always stretch your calves, feet, and legs before running or performing and activity.
- You can use an over the counter orthotic insole in your running shoes that provides cushioning and arch support.
- Wear shoes that provide cushioning and arch support and that has a thicker sole.
The Best Shoe Types for Plantar Fasciitis
It is challenging to find the right shoe for running when you suffer from Plantar Fasciitis as you will need to look at the shape and size of your foot, your arch type as well as if you pronate or supinate.
Most individuals who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis have a flat or low arch and tend to Overpronate, although this is not always the case.
For performing any activity with a hard impact, especially running a good shoe must first and foremost provide excellent shock absorption and arch support as the impact of these activities can cause excessive strain on your feet, joints and muscles which can lead to pain and injury.
For those who suffer from Plantar Fasciitis good arch support, sturdy heel support and soft and ample cushioning are imperative. Some people may choose to have only one of these features; others may require all of them to deliver the correct amount of comfort and support.
As with any shoes, the primary consideration is to reduce the impact on the feet and in the case of Plantar Fasciitis, the heel to prevent pain and further damage.
Features of a Good Plantar Fasciitis Shoe
Some characteristics to look for in a good shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
- Construction – Light and comfortable construction.
- Breathability – Breathability and moisture wicking capabilities.
- Support – Good arch support.
- Cushioning – Well cushioned for support and comfort.
- Outsole – A durable and flexible thick outsole.
- Impact Resistance – Good shock absorbency.
- Fit – A proper and comfortable fit.
- Heel – A deeper and supportive heel cup.
How to Relieve Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
There are quite a few methods you can use to treat heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis ranging from less severe treatments to surgery in more serious cases.
Reducing the amount of time that you spend on your feet and taking rest periods between time on your feet will most definitely help.
Shoes contribute to at least 25% of all Plantar Fasciitis cases so make sure that you wear comfortable shoes that are undamaged and fit well.
A few stretching exercises can help to rehabilitate heel pain and Plantar Fasciitis.
Foot orthotics and supportive insoles along with medication are also great methods of treating Plantar Fasciitis.
Reviews: The Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Here are some great reviews on the best available walking, running, and dress shoes for Plantar Fasciitis sufferers;
The Saucony Guide 7 will provide you with the best forefoot comfort, excellent support, and stability in a durable and comfortable running shoe.
Top Features:
- The lightweight and Powergrid material used to construct the sole unit of the Saucony Guide 7 is much more durable and absorbs the impact from the ground.
- Strategically placed crash pads and a redesigned mid-foot shank provide even better support and enable a smoother heel to toe transition.
- An EVERUN top-sole providing continuous cushioning.
- The Tri-Flex outsole ensures better ground contact and flexibility.
- The compressed EVA foam midsole provides exceptional comfort and support.
- Comfortable and breathable uppers keep your feet dry and cool.
1 Stability Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
Top Features:
- The Asics Gel Kayano has been constructed to provide a customised fit for every foot shape using lightweight and breathable materials.
- Deepened flex grooves and gel pods in the forefoot area provide excellent flexibility and a smoother transition.
- The soft SoLyte foam in the midsole ensures cushioned comfort and shock absorbency.
- The exceptional heel supporting system ensures that you feel no pain or discomfort when you are running and that the plantar fascia is able to heal quicker.
2 Running Shoe for Bad Knees and Overpronation
Breathable; Comfortable and supportive the Saucony Kinvara 9 offers you all the desired features to improve your running performance and to relieve the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis.
Top Features:
- Synthetic and mesh uppers that are lightweight and breathable with Flex Film welding construction for a more flexible and comfortable fit.
- The durable XT-900 carbon rubber sole offers long-lasting traction and grip on different surface areas.
- A HydraMax moisture-wicking collar lining will keep your feet dry and comfortable.
- The impact absorbing Powergrid technology helps to center the feet and reduces the impact on the feet.
- A high abrasion EVA midsole provides lightweight comfort and cushioned support.
- The Saucony Kinvara 9 will offer you smooth transitioning while keeping your feet secure and comfortable.
3 Breathable Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
These stylish flip flop sandals will provide you with the most effective relief from pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis.
Top Features:
- Biomechanically designed to offer the best arch support and cushioning to reduce impact.
- A thick high traction outsole that absorbs shock.
- Soft padded and lined toe post uppers.
- A plush and comfortable contoured and cushioned footbed.
4 Flip Flop Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis
The New Balance 990V4 provides exceptional cushioning and shock absorbency capabilities which are exactly what you need for the painful symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis.
Top Features:
- A classic look with mesh inserts in the uppers for improved breathability, the New Balance running shoe is lightweight and comfortable.
- A dual density collar for a more supportive and snug fit.
- A blown rubber forefoot for lightweight cushioning and ABZORB cushioning in the midsole for further support and comfort.
- This athletic shoe offers excellent shock absorbency and lightweight support which makes it a perfect Plantar Fasciitis running shoe for heavy and long-distance runners.
5 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
The Vionic Kiwi is a comfortable slide sandal that will cradle and support your foot while providing effective relief from heel pain.
Top Features:
- Biomechanically engineered footbed that contours and cradles your foot.
- Excellent arch support and cushioning for comfort and shock absorbency.
- A durable outsole that offers good grip.
- The leather uppers have a soft and breathable padded lining.
- Comes with an additional Plantar Fasciitis relief foot roller.
6 Slide Sandal with Plantar Fasciitis Roller
An excellent pain relief shoe, the Dr. Comfort boot will not only protect pressure points on your feet but similarly provide relief from pain.
Top Features:
- Anatomical arch support with protection for all the key pressure points on your feet.
- Comfortable leather uppers with a non-binding relaxed fit and seam-free lining.
- The biomechanically designed orthotic insole offers cushioned comfort and support.
- This shoe is designed to provide pain relief related to conditions that affect your feet, knees and lower back.
- A durable shock absorbing outsole.
7 Plantar Fasciitis Relief High Top Boot
An excellent choice for overpronators and a wide width foot the Brooks Addiction 13 helps to control motion and offers a more wide and comfortable fit.
Top Features:
- The lightweight mesh uppers offer a wider and more flexible fit with the added benefit of keeping your feet cool and dry.
- The brooks addiction 10 provide two-layer cushioning with the DNA cushioning and the BioMoGo midsole for exceptional support and comfort throughout the entire shoe.
- The insoles will provide effective support and motion control to aid in correcting over-pronation.
- The Brooks Addiction 10 is well suited and durable enough for walking and running on hard and cement floors and tar surfaces.
8 Plantar Fasciitis Running Shoe for Overpronation
The Asics Gel Foundation 13 is a comfortable and supportive Walking and running shoe with cushioning to protect you against heel pain.
Top Features:
- Soft and flexible mesh and synthetic uppers for superior breathability.
- A Durasponge outsole for excellent cushioned comfort and shock absorbency, with a high traction tread.
- Trusstic Guidance system>
- The ComfortDry sock liner keeps your feet dry and the Dual density DuaMax insole provides cushioning and shock absorbency.
9 Walking and Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
The Nike Lunar Glide is a is a lightweight and supportive running shoe that offers excellent cushioning and comfort.
Top Features:
- The uppers consist of very lightweight and highly breathable Flyknit material.
- The modern sleek design is available in a few color options to choose from.
- Plush Lunar foam will ensure you enjoy cushioned comfort and support.
- The Flywire cables of excellent stability and a secure fit.
10 Plantar Fasciitis Running Shoe
The ideal shoe to prevent excessive pronation and relieve heel pain when running or walking, you simply cannot go wrong with this model from New Balance.
Top Features:
- very lightweight and breathable synthetic and mesh uppers with comfortable construction.
- The smooth interior linings keep your feet dry and odor free.
- Excellent rollbar support and stability.
- Cushioned for comfort and shock absorbency.
- Features a highly durable and good gripping rubber outsole.
11 Motion Control and Plantar Fasciitis Shoe
To Conclude
Plantar Fasciitis Running shoes are made to give you the best support especially as your motion changes in order to prevent aggravation to your condition which is important to remain pain-free.
The most important features of a running shoe for Plantar Fasciitis to always keep in mind are; Shock absorption and Arch support!
Index Table: Top Rated Plantar Fasciitis Running Shoes
| No. | Shoe | Men | Women | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saucony - Stability Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis |
|
|
Saucony | 90 |
| 2 | Asics - Running Shoe for Bad Knees and Overpronation |
|
|
Asics | 90 |
| 3 | Saucony - Breathable Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis |
|
|
Saucony | 92 |
| 4 | Vionic - Flip Flop Sandals for Plantar Fasciitis |
|
|
Vionic | 88 |
| 5 | New Balance - Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis |
|
|
New Balance | 90 |
| 6 | Vionic - Slide Sandal with Plantar Fasciitis Roller |
|
|
Vionic | 100 |
| 7 | Dr. Comfort - Plantar Fasciitis Relief High Top Boot |
|
|
Dr. Comfort | 90 |
| 8 | Brooks - Plantar Fasciitis Running Shoe for Overpronation |
|
|
Brooks | 90 |
| 9 | Asics - Walking and Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis |
|
|
Asics | 90 |
| 10 | Nike - Plantar Fasciitis Running Shoe |
|
|
Nike | 90 |
| 11 | New Balance - Motion Control and Plantar Fasciitis Shoe |
|
|
New Balance | 90 |
