A Comprehensive Review of the Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2020

Plantar fasciitis causes a lot of pain and discomfort in the heels. Once a runner experiences some heel pain, it becomes very difficult to participate and compete in marathons and running races. With the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis, runners will experience less pain or no pain at all while on the track.

Therefore, the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis just like sandals for plantar fasciitis are considered the best investment that any runner could undertake during practising and running sessions. There are features that runners could look out for when buying the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. So, what are they?

To begin, a runner could look for running shoes that have good arch support. Also, you can pay attention to the supportive cushioning of the shoes and their shock absorption capabilities. Looking for shoes that have deep heel cup to keep your plantar fasciitis at bay is a smart thing that you could do while shopping.

How You Can Choose the Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

You already know some of the factors to consider when buying the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. Now, it’s time to dive deep into how to buy the best running shoes that will alleviate your heel pain. So, what should you look out for while shopping for some running shoes?

• Look for the shoes’ cushioning, comfort and solid design

Your primary goal is to have a painless running experience despite have plantar fasciitis. As such, look for running shoes with a flexible toe box and have robust heel counters. The flexibility of the toe box will make sure that your running shoes bend towards the front while the back remains solid.

Your heels will be safe from pain because of the rigidity of the shoes around the heels. The cushioning will also absorb the shocks that might impact the heels. Therefore, you will have a painless running experience if you consider this factor.

• Look for running shoes with ample arch support

Choosing the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis also involves checking if the running shoes have ample arch support. The severity of your plantar fasciitis will dictate the kind of arch support that your feet will need.
Runners who have a more severe plantar fasciitis condition will need to choose running shoes with very thick and strong arch support. Running shoes with lower arch support will be ideal for runners with less severe heel pain. You could examine the severity of your plantar fasciitis before choosing the best running shoes for your condition.

• Look for the shock absorption capabilities of the shoes

You don’t need additional pain while running. You need to have painless running sessions for you to have a heightened performance. Shoes with proper cushioning inside have the best shock absorption capabilities. Therefore, it is a great idea to buy the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis that have proper cushioning inside to absorb the impact of pain-inflicting force.

• Look at the shoes’ stability

Midsoles provide the stability that your feet need during running experiences outdoors. Therefore, considering the design of the midsole is important. Your running shoes’ midsole should be stable so that you can have painless running experiences.

Midsoles that are more stable reduce the stretching and flexing of your feet’s plantar fascia, which reduces the pain in the heels. As such, buying running shoes with stable midsole is a very crucial thing that any runner with heel pain should do.

• Consider the style of the running shoes

After checking if your running shoes have the most important features that will help alleviate your heel pain, the next step could be to buy your favorite style and design. You have already considered the most important factors. Now it’s time to be a happy runner who has some appealing and stylish running shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Top 7 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

After looking at factors to consider while shopping for running shoes for your plantar fasciitis, it’s now time to look at some of the best shoes that you could buy for your painful heels.

1. ASICS Womens Gel– Kayano 24 Running Shoe-Best for Multidirectional Movement

The ASIC Gel-Kayano 24 running shoes provide more than comfort and style to runners with plantar fasciitis. These running shoes are made of seamless and very soft woven fabric that improves air circulation inside them. Your feet will, therefore, remain safe, cool and dry during the running time.

Since stability is a key factor that alleviates plantar fasciitis, these running shoes have midsoles made of FlyteFoam. Their midsoles also have the Rearfoot and Forefoot gel technology which protects the feet from the impact that pain-inflicting force exerts under the feet. Their Dynamic DuoMax support system improves their midsole stability even further.

Protection doesn’t come from the inside alone. The outsole of the ASIC Gel-Kayano 24 running shoes also works to make sure you are safe while on the running track. They are made of two proprietary rubber compounds that work together to provide maximum traction and protection.

These high-quality outsoles protect your feet from wear and tear. Another additional feature is the rear foot crash pad that works to improve your feet’s landing during runs. The rear foot crash pads also improve feet transitions during toe-offs. So, what are the pros and cons of the ASIC Gel-Kayano 24 running shoes?

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2. Asics Gel Venture 5– Best for Multi Surface Traction

The upper part of the Asics Gel Venture 5 is breathable to keep your feet fresh. The breathable mesh material improves the air circulation into these running shoes. Since high-quality materials constitute this part of the shoes, you will expect long-lasting running shoes. Also, these shoes have the synthetic overlays that protect the upper part of these shoes from harsh conditions of the trail.

They also have anti-debris synthetic toe and heel cap to protect your feet from both the front and the rear side at all time. Since cushioning is important if you want running shoes with proper shock absorption capabilities, the Asics Gel Venture 5 have molded ethylene vinyl acetate to help you with your plantar fasciitis. The midsoles provide excellent shock absorption during the landing of your feet thus reducing the pain in the heels.

Also, these midsoles have the gel cushioning system in their rear side to make heel-striking less strenuous by providing excellent shock absorption. The outsoles of these running shoes work to protect runners from slips, wear and tear. Their outsoles have the gripping lugs that face multiple directions. Runners running in these shoes experience maximum traction that reduces chances of slipping and falling.

Also, these outsoles feature the Asics High Abrasion Resistant (AHAR) rubber that protects runners’ feet from the hazards of the trail. The rubber also protects the feet from debris. The Asics Gel Venture 5 running shoes also feature the horizontal and vertical grooves for smoother and flexible strides.

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3. New Balance Men’s 990v4– Best of Super Comfort and Breathability

To begin, the upper mesh material that forms part of these running shoes enables circulation of air into the shoes. The upper part is well-ventilated and more comfortable to the wearer. Also, the upper part consists of lightweight pigskin leather that protects your shoes from hazards on the track.

The upper part also features advanced tongue design to prevent it from slipping to the sides during runs. Also, the shoes have lace keepers to help keep the tongues in the right place. The midsoles of these shoes feature the ACTEVA LITE foam and polyurethane rim that gives the shoes excellent cushioning and stability respectively.

These two midsole technologies also make sure that these shoes last longer. The ACTEVA LITE foam cushioning of this shoe brand works together with the polyurethane material to prevent runners from experiencing overpronation. Runners with low arches can wear these running shoes since they provide support at the arches. Since the midsole has an excellent cushioning, your plantar fasciitis will be less painful because of the excellent shock absorption.

The outsole not only provides excellent cushioning but also provide adaptive traction as well. It features the blown rubber which has flexion grooves. The high-quality rubber can handle the rough conditions on the roads without damage. The outsole adds to the durability of these running shoes. Also, you could run on almost any terrain since these running shoes have adaptive traction beneath the outsole.

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4. Salomon Speedcross 4– Ideal for Technical Trial Running

The Salomon Speedcroos 4 running shoes keep the feet of runners safe and dry during runs. Their upper part uses the anti-debris and water resistant materials that protect the feet from dirt and water respectively. Also, the upper part is breathable and improves air circulation into the running shoes.

Besides the anti-debris technology, these running shoes have mudguard that protects your feet from the mud. Whether you are running in a puddle or a terrain full of mud, your feet remain safe at all time. The midsoles of the Salomon Speedcross 4 have the moulded EVA technology to provide the crucial cushioning that your feet need.

Therefore, the midsoles offer additional cushioning from objects in the trail or the rough surface that runners step on. Also, the midsoles consist of the LT muscle compounds that absorb the shock from the pain-inflicting force. Your feet remain safe even if you step on objects on the trail.

Safety doesn’t stop there if you wear these running shoes. Their outsoles have state-of-the-art design to provide maximum traction to prevent slips and falls. The contagrip rubber compound goes into the construct of these outsoles and they make the outsole to be long-lasting.

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5. Brooks Ghost 11– Best for Springy and Responsive Feeling Rides

The brooks ghost 11 running shoes feature breathable and lightweight top-foot coverage. The upper part is not only breathable and lightweight but is also very smooth, soft and stretchable. They accommodate runners’ feet without causing irritation and discomfort to the feet. The sleek design of the breathable upper part provides aesthetical beauty that most running shoes don’t provide. Since they are stretchable, they accommodate varying feet sizes without any hassle.

The midsoles of these running shoes feature the BioMoGo DNA foam that offers excellent feet cushioning. The cushioning is adaptive and provide shock absorption depending on the magnitude of the force underneath the feet. The DNA cushioning uses a gel base that allows it to quickly form and mold depending on the force that objects underneath the feet exert on it.

Therefore, your feet remain safe even during harder feet landing. Also, the midsole has Omega Flex Grooves on each side of its forefront. They provide further cushioning during feet transitions. The midsoles aren’t the only parts that offer protection to your plantar fasciitis. The outsole also helps alleviate the pain in your heels.

The forefoot area of the outsole has the blown rubber that provides durability, flexibility and responsive features that you will use during the toe-offs. Since protecting the heels during run times is the primary function of the outsole, your feet sit on strong carbon rubber found around your heel area.

Your feet remain safe while you are running if you choose these running shoes. As such, the Brooks Ghost 11 is one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis that you could buy for your painful heels.

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6. Saucony Kinvara 8– Ideal for Smother Landings and Stronger Takeoffs

The upper parts of these running shoes feature the open mesh which has laser-cut perforations that will improve air circulation inside the shoes. Also, the upper part features the FlexFilm technology that gives these shoes study but lightweight support. This part of the running shoes also has the ProLock system that holds your midfoot firmly without localizing pressure.

The midsole features a design that works to provide maximum shock absorption to your feet. The midsole uses a thick slab of SSL that runs its full length. The SSL works together with a layer of Everun in the top sole to provide a lightweight and responsive feet cushioning. The SSL and the Everun both run the full length of the midsole. As such, the cushioning is uniform.

The outsole, on the other hand, uses the high-quality carbon rubber to offer further protection to the feet. Also, the outsole features the Tri-Flex that offers improved flexibility and stability. Since traction is a fey safety feature in running shoes, the Saucony Kinvara 8 have the iBR+ rubber around the forefoot to provide the needed traction. Slipping and falls are now a thing of the past if you have these running shoes.

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7. Books Ravenna 8– Best for Multi directional Flexibility

The Brooks Ravenna has a seamless design in its upper part. The upper part uses a new air mesh design that improves air circulation in the running shoes. As such, the Brooks Ravenna 8 have proper ventilation that keeps your feet fresh and dry. Also, these shoes feature adjustable saddles which pull the heels thus providing a secure fit around your midfoot area.

The midsoles of these running shoes feature the BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning technology to provide efficient underfoot protection. Also, BioMoGo DNA provides a responsive feel. The midsoles also have new midfoot transition zone that provides a fast and smooth heel to toe transition.

Since alleviating your plantar fasciitis is the main goal for using these running shoes, the designers of the Brooks Ravenna 8 have additional safety features on the outsole. The outsole has a new rubber configuration to deliver sufficient traction that will prevent slips. Their outsole also provides sufficient flexibility, thanks to their Omega Flex grooves. So, what are the pros and cons of these running shoes?

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FAQs About Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

1) Will my plantar fasciitis subside if I buy a good insert for my current running shoes?

Buying a good insert for your current shoes might help reduce the heel pain. However, buying the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis is an excellent idea that will definitely reduce the severity of your plantar fasciitis. The best running shoes for people with this condition have the necessary design and materials that will alleviate your heel pains.

2) Should I wear the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis if I have a low arch?

You could wear these shoes even if you have a low arch as long as they fit you perfectly. People who have low arches or high arches could wear these running shoes since they are both prone to plantar fasciitis. However, they will need different shoe inserts that are ideal for their arches.

3) How long does it take to see the benefits of using these running shoes?

You will begin to see the benefits immediately you start wearing these shoes. Other running shoes will worsen your condition if you have plantar fasciitis. But if your wear these running shoes, running will become another painless experience. These shoes alleviate your pain the moment you start wearing or running in them.

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis could be a major setback when you are running. But with the proper footwear, your heel pain will be no more. Therefore, it is a prudent idea for every runner who has this condition to invest in these pain-relieving running shoes. The best running shoes for plantar fasciitis have benefits that other shoes don’t provide to runners.

They have a dedicated body construct and design that works to give you a painless or less painful running experience. Plus, they come in many colors. As a runner, you have a wide range to choose from. You only pick what works for you best when it comes to these shoes. If you have low arches, there are running shoes for your condition.

The same is also true for people with high arches. Therefore, everyone who has plantar fasciitis has options that work best for them. Invest in the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis like New Balance Men’s 990v4 and take your running experience to the next level.