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12 best Plantar Fasciitis shoes for managing pain

1 in 10 adults suffer from the condition

Headshot of Morgan FargoBy Morgan Fargo
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Istock//Getty Images

If you don't suffer from plantar fasciitis pain, 'Plantar Fasciitis shoes' are probably a completely foreign concept to you. Shoes that help with a condition more difficult to spell than 'super cali fragilistic expialidocious' (and not nearly so fun to say)? What's that?

Well, if you do experience Plantar Fasciitis pain (and 1 in 10 adults do), Plantar Fasciitis shoes are kicks that'll help you stay active and mobile without putting more strain on your tootsies. And thank god. The debilitating sensation caused by over-stressing your arches is enough to make even the most resilient person wince, let alone want to run on already inflamed feet.

Best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

  • 1
    Women's Triumph 20

    saucony Women's Triumph 20

    $170 at Saucony
    Read more
  • 2
    Women's Tree Dashers
  • 3
    Shipping & Returns
  • 4
    Fresh Foam X 1080v12
  • 5
    Asics GlideRide Women's Running Shoes

    Asics Asics GlideRide Women's Running Shoes

    Read more

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

It's painful AF is what it is. But medically speaking it's the inflammation of and trauma to a specific ligament in your foot.

'The Plantar Fascia is a fibrous band or aponeurosis that acts very much like a ligament, and plays an important role as one of the support structures of the foot arch or instep,' says Mr Rohit Madhav, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Foot and Ankle Specialist at The Princess Grace Hospital.

'When injured by repetitive micro-trauma, stress or excessive strain/ load, the Fascia undergoes degenerative change, even possibly have partial tear in it. This presents as medial heel pain which is called Plantar fasciitis.'

What causes Plantar Fasciitis?

Whilst tight and ill-fitting (and this includes worn out, too) shoes can cause trauma to the fascia, it's more muscular imbalance of the leg, foot and ankle that overload the arch and cause pain.

However, there are a couple of common scenarios that exacerbate the risk of Plantar fasciitis pain.

  • Sudden and prolonged footwear changes

'Any sudden change in type of footwear can create stress injuries and so it is important to vary or rotate the styles of shoes regularly. The most common example of this is walking in flip flops during summer, which you don’t regularly use, then return to your normal routine and then the heel starts to hurt,' explains Madhav.

  • Regular switching between flats and heels

'Another type of presentation is going from predominantly heels to flats bringing out the imbalance in your muscles which then strain the arch starting with the fascia. The pain commonly starts a short time after.'

  • Changes in daily routine

'Sudden changes in intensity or terrain of activities can also do this despite wearing your normal footwear such as having a city break and walking around the sights for hours, or rapidly changing your type of exercise, level or routine,' says Madhav

What should you look for in a pair of shoes?

According to Madhav there are a number of things to look for in a pair of kicks comfortable enough for you and your PF pain to gad about in:

'Once you have the diagnosis made, it is important to support the arch structures and reduce the forces of the muscle imbalance,' he says. 'Therefore try to use structured supportive footwear, not too soft, with thicker preferably cushioned heel and support under the instep/arch area.'

Are there any types of shoes to avoid if you have plantar fasciitis?

Madhav suggests steering clear of barefoot activities and flat, think shoes or sandals such as:

  • Bedroom slippers
  • Plimsolls
  • Flip-flops
  • Ballet pumps

Now that you're clued up on exactly what plantar fasciitis is, let's get you booted-up in the best treads for your feet. And yes, the price does run slightly higher than your run-of-the-mill shoes but that's because these gems are engineered with added cushioning, stability and tech to keep you trotting along in pain-free peace. Which, we're sure, you'll consider worth it. Ready? Let's shop.

1

saucony Women's Triumph 20

Women's Triumph 20
1

saucony Women's Triumph 20

$170 at Saucony
Credit: Saucony

Designed for: Running

A soft, responsive underfoot keeps you free from unwanted impact as you run, walk or jog around your route of choice, whilst the fit helps you feel secure but not locked in.

2

Allbirds Women's Tree Dashers

Women's Tree Dashers
2

Allbirds Women's Tree Dashers

Credit: All Birds

Designed for: Running

Sustainable California brand, Allbirds, designed these trainers with a supportive dual-density midsole (made of sugarcane!) to support your every stride and flex with your gait.

3

on running Shipping & Returns

Shipping & Returns
3

on running Shipping & Returns

Credit: On Running

Designed for: Outdoor running

If plantar fasciitis isn't going to stop you getting out there, we doubt wet weather will either. These wind and waterproof shoes are not only breathable but the foot-hugging design and midfoot stability tube keeps you supported throughout, too.

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4

Fresh Foam X 1080v12

Fresh Foam X 1080v12
4

Fresh Foam X 1080v12

Credit: New Balance

Designed for: Running'

Flexible, supportive, and versatile, these New Balance sneakers will carry you through an ever-changing workout routine. Available in standard and wide widths, there's something for every runner who wants cushion, comfort and technology all baked into one shoe.

5

Asics Asics GlideRide Women's Running Shoes

Asics GlideRide Women's Running Shoes
5

Asics Asics GlideRide Women's Running Shoes

Now 48% Off
Credit: ASICS

Designed for: Running

These trainers have something called a 'clutch counter' to fit and support your lower ankle throughout your entire stride, as well as a supportive midsole to take some GD stress off those overworked arches. Thanks, team!

6

Under Armour Women's UA HOVR™ Infinite 4 Running Shoes

Women's UA HOVR™ Infinite 4 Running Shoes
6

Under Armour Women's UA HOVR™ Infinite 4 Running Shoes

Now 50% Off
Credit: Under Armour

Designed for: Running

A more budget friendly option, Under Armour designed these kicks to be perfectly cushioned and reactive whilst the internal heel counter keeps your foot in a firm and upright position for added protection and durability.

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7

Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 Wide

Endorphin Shift 3 Wide
7

Saucony Endorphin Shift 3 Wide

Credit: Saucony

Designed for: Running

Double down on stability with these shoes with streamlined heel clips that work to keep you upright and balanced with a durable cradling and cushioned midsole.

8

Altra Torin 4 Women's Running Shoes

Torin 4 Women's Running Shoes
8

Altra Torin 4 Women's Running Shoes

Credit: Altra

Designed for: Running

A wide toe-box to let your feet naturally splay out? Where do we sign up! More toe. space allows the foot to relax and spread which reduces over-pronation and adds stability. Basically, you're in for one smooth, comfortable ride.

9

HKR HKR Womens Walking Trainers

HKR Womens Walking Trainers
9

HKR HKR Womens Walking Trainers

Now 15% Off
Credit: HKR

Best for: Walking

These easy to slip on shoes with a stretch mesh upper have a supportively cushioned base that helps to ease the pain of Planter Fasciitis that comes with walking.

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10

Merrell Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX

Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX
10

Merrell Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX

Credit: Merrell

Designed for: Hiking

A staple for hikers for over 15 years, these shotes will keep your feet dry (they're totally waterproof) as well as supported due to the Kinetic Fit Advanced removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support.

11

Jack Wolfskin Jack Wolfskin Womens Vojo III Low Hiking Shoes

Jack Wolfskin Womens Vojo III Low Hiking Shoes
11

Jack Wolfskin Jack Wolfskin Womens Vojo III Low Hiking Shoes

Now 42% Off
Credit: Jack Wolfskin

Designed for: Hiking

Whether you choose to head to the trails, road or gravel tracks, this hiking shoe has great grip, as well as good cushioning and support to keep you trekking on. (Geddit?) They're also waterproof which is a mega-bonus.

12

Strive Boston

Boston
12

Strive Boston

Credit: .

Designed for: Lifestyle

Go from smart-casual to straight up casual with these extra-cushioned shoes. Specifically designed for those suffering with Plantar Fasciitis, you'll be looking stylish and feeling comfortable.

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