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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Plantar fasciitis happens when a strain to the plantar fascia, the thin ligament that connects the heel bones to the toes, causes inflammation. It can occur as a result of running on hard surfaces, wearing shoes with insufficient cushioning or support, or doing too much or overenergetic exercise. Share on Pinterest Quick linksBest for a lightweight shoe ASICS Gel-Nimbus 22Best for improved stability New Balance 1080v11Best for road and sidewalk runners Brooks Glycerin 19Best for a thick and wide sole Hoka One One Bondi 7Best for shock absorption ASICS Gel-Venture 7Best for low arches Saucony Guide 15We refer to “women,” “men,” or both to align with how companies market their products, but there is no need to stick to one type or the other. A person should choose the product that best suits their needs. Plantar fasciitis and running According to experts, plantar fasciitis causes about 5–10% of running injuries. People with plantar fasciitis will need extra cushioning in their running shoes to relieve pain and provide support. Finding the right running shoe will help minimize foot and heel pain and may improve running performance. I recommend that patients who suffer from plantar fasciitis consider contributing factors before buying a shoe. Running excessively, running on irregular or hard surfaces, overpronation with ambulation, and tight Achilles tendon should all be considered. Giving attention to these issues can help alleviate symptoms. When it comes to shoes, generally speaking, athletic shoes with good firm support, arch support, a higher heel drop, and rigid shanks (metal insert in the sole of the shoe) are good for patients with plantar fasciitis. – Angela Bell, primary care sports medicine physician How we choose Medical News Today chooses products that fit the following criteria where possible:Arch support: MNT chooses shoes that adequately support the arch of the foot.Cushioning: MNT chooses shoes that have a range of cushioning to suit a person’s needs.Terrain: MNT chooses shoes that are suitable for a variety of terrains.Price: MNT chooses shoes that fit a range of budgets. Products Several companies sell running shoes that may be beneficial for people with plantar fasciitis. A person should carefully consider the type of shoe and the support it offers before committing to a purchase. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for a lightweight shoe ASICS Gel-Nimbus 22 ASICS makes several running shoes that may be suitable for people who experience plantar fasciitis. One of the more popular is the Gel-Nimbus 22. Available for men and women, the Gel-Nimbus 22 features cushioning at the front and back of the foot and added support toward the inside of the arch. The company states that it has included more foam in the midsole area to reduce the impact when the foot strikes the ground. The company’s TRUSSTIC technology also makes the shoe light while giving it structure and stability. ASICS has designed the Gel-Nimbus 22 for runners whose feet are neutral or supinated, meaning that they lean outward. The Gel-Nimbus 22 also features a flexible mesh upper for breathability and comfort. These running shoes are available online for $150.SHOP NOW Best for improved stability New Balance 1080v11 The New Balance 1080v11 shoe is part of New Balance’s Fresh Foam collection, a series of running shoes that have a thick foam midsole. This feature provides a good amount of arch and heel support for people with plantar fasciitis. Best for long-distance runners, this shoe has a laser-cut midsole, which eliminates extra weight and improves flexibility. The upper part of the running shoe hugs the ankles to provide further support, and the wide toe box allows the toes to spread for improved stability. New Balance 1080v11 running shoes cost $149.99, come in a range of widths and designs, and are available for men and women.SHOP NOW Best for road and sidewalk runners Brooks Glycerin 19 Brooks is another company that makes several shoes that may benefit people with plantar fasciitis. The Glycerin 19, which is suitable for road and sidewalk running, is one of the company’s more popular shoes. The shoe is made for runners with a neutral gait, and it incorporates plenty of cushioning without bulk or loss of responsiveness. An internal stretch bootie holds and supports the foot but expands with each stride, making the shoe comfortable and durable. A two-way stretch mesh upper gives added breathability and flexibility, while a DNA LOFT zone allows for smoother transitions during a run. Available for men and women, the Glycerin 19 comes in a range of widths and colors and costs $150.SHOP NOW Best for a thick and wide sole Hoka One One Bondi 7 Featuring the thickest and widest sole in this list, the Hoka One One Bondi 7 may not suit everyone. However, the extra depth in the sole provides excellent shock absorption and a good amount of cushioning for the heel and the ball of the foot. People with plantar fasciitis may find these shoes help relieve pain while providing plenty of support. The company says that the low heel-toe drop of 4 millimeters (mm) in the shoes and the wider toe box provides extra stability. It also notes that the removable foam padded insole gives further cushioning and support while running. Suitable for sidewalks and roads, the shoe also features a rubber outsole to improve durability on rougher terrains. An internal heel counter also helps improve the fit of the shoe, while the engineered mesh upper adds breathability and comfort. Available for men and women, the Hoka One One Bondi 7 comes in a range of widths and colors and costs $150.SHOP NOW Best for shock absorption ASICS Gel-Venture 7 This trail running shoe may be a good option for runners who prefer different terrains. The Gel-Venture 7 features ASICS’s classic cushioning, as well as extra cushioning at the rear of the foot to absorb shock on impact. The company states that the Gel-Venture 7 molds to the shape of the runner’s foot, improving comfort with each run. The Gel-Venture 7 also comes with a removable sock liner that allows runners to use shoe or heel inserts for extra support while running. Gel-Venture 7 shoes cost $70, and they are available for men and women in a range of widths and colors.SHOP NOW Best for low arches Saucony Guide 15 The Guide 15 is a highly cushioned shoe that may give people with plantar fasciitis extra comfort while running. This model is suitable for runners with a neutral to high arch and runners who have mild to severe pronation, which is when the foot rolls inward. The contoured footbed provides good support from toe to heel. The wider fit of the shoe also gives extra stability. The company notes that the PWRRUN midsole improves durability. Available for men and women, the Saucony Guide 15 costs $140.SHOP NOW How do the shoes compare The table below compares the key characteristics of the different shoes.ASICS Gel-Nimbus 22New Balance 1080v11Brooks Glycerin 19Hoka One One Bondi 7ASICS Gel-Venture 7Saucony Guide 15Price$150$149.99$150$150$70$140Weightfrom 255 grams (g)from 230 gfrom 255.1 gfrom 252 gfrom 247 gfrom 233 gHeel-toe drop13 mm8 mmno information available4 mm10 mm8 mmCushionmediumhighhighhighmediumhighArch supportsuitable for high and neutral archessuitable for neutral archessuitable for neutral archessuitable for neutral archessuitable for high and neutral archessuitable for high and neutral arches What to look for in running shoes for plantar fasciitis A person may consider the following factors when purchasing a new running shoe:Terrain type: People who intend to run along trails may need different shoes than those who road run.Heel-toe drop: People with plantar fasciitis may benefit from a larger heel-toe drop, as this means the shoe has a more defined arch.Cushioning: Some people may prefer a high amount of cushioning in the shoe to absorb impact while running.Weight of the shoe: People may prefer a lighter shoe that does not impact their run gait and time as much as a heavier shoe.Price: People may wish to consider their budget when choosing a new running shoe. Frequently asked questions Below are the answers to some common questions about shoes for plantar fasciitis. What shoes do doctors recommend for plantar fasciitis The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends that people always choose a shoe that provides comfort and durability. Additionally, recommendations the AAOS makes are to ensure that a person tries on both shoes at the end of the day and that there is a 1–2-in space between the toe on the larger foot and the end of the shoe. People may wish to receive a shoe fitting from a local running shop, if possible, to check whether the running shoe meets their requirements. Does running make plantar fasciitis worse Plantar fasciitis pain can become worse during exercise such as running. If a person experiences an increase in pain during exercise, they should stop immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional. Can new running shoes cause plantar fasciitis Plantar fasciitis results from overexertion of the foot. Ill-fitting shoes can overexert the foot, which may lead to plantar fasciitis. A person may wish to receive a shoe fitting from a running shop, if possible, to ensure they purchase a shoe that supports their feet. Summary Without adequate cushioning and support in running shoes, people with plantar fasciitis may experience more pain in the heels and arches of the feet, especially after exercising. Finding the right running shoe will help minimize foot and heel pain and provide support. People prone to plantar fasciitis can choose from a range of suitable running shoes, which come in a variety of widths and colors. Some running shoes come with removable socks or insoles, enabling people with plantar fasciitis to use their own shoe or heel inserts for additional support. Learn about the best exercise and treatment options for plantar fasciitis here. Last medically reviewed on May 15, 2022Uncategorized 6 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Buchanan, B. K., et al. (2022). Plantar fasciitis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431073/Footwear guide. (2019).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/footwear-guide/Heel pain. (2017).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/heel-pain/Plantar fasciitis. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plantar-fasciitis/Plantar fasciitis and bone spurs. (2010).https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/plantar-fasciitis-and-bone-spursTidy, C. (2022). Plantar fasciitis. Causes, symptoms and treatment.https://patient.info/doctor/plantar-fasciitis-proFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Adam Hotchkiss, DPM — By Joanne Lewsley — Updated on May 26, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageIs it good to run every day?Medically reviewed by Jake Tipane, CPT Regular running may reduce the risk of certain conditions and improve health in other ways. 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