For all you dedicated runners out there, let’s make sure you run is as impressive as you are
If you are someone who loves running and running thought life as well and hardly has any time to really go through this entire article, let me help you. Our top pick for “OVERALL PERFORMANCE” is Asics Gel Nimbus 22 and for the “MOST SUPPORTIVE” is Brooks Ghost 11 & Brooks Ghost 12
The fact that you are reading this article means that you are someone who has problems with pain in your feet or heels. You could either be suffering from plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, but the main problem is that you feel intense pain, especially while you are running. So, don’t go anywhere, keep reading, and you won’t regret your decision to do so. In this article, we will ensure you find the best pair of shoes that will provide excellent cushioning and support which you need to help you with the problem you are facing. Once you see these shoes, you will realize that not only will your pain be minimized, but your performance will be exponentially better.
What should you demand from The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?
If you are someone who has been suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, then for a fact, you already know that ignoring the kind of pain you feel simply isn’t the solution. Plantar Fasciitis is a medical condition that is caused when the ligaments that connect the front of your feet to your heel either collapse or stretch, causing you to develop flatted feet; once this happens, any activity, whether small or big, whether just walking to the salon or just jogging in the park can become a nightmare for your feet.
As you know, this can become very disheartening to anyone who is into fitness and running; thankfully, many companies invest millions of dollars into developing new technologies that can help sort out this problem for us. In today’s day and age, there are many different things one can use, from compression socks, supportive sleeves, to custom made orthotics, the options are unlimited. But eventually, everything comes down to how supportive are the shoes one wears.
While picking out one of The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, keep in mind that these shoes must be able to provide you with all of the below:
- Brilliant Arch Support – The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis must also have fantastic arch support to ensure it can protect you and your feet during strenuous training. No matter what incredible features running shoes have, for someone suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, the most vital one would be excellent arch support. Runners who have an advanced version of Plantar Fasciitis should avoid shoes with low arches and opt for a pair with excellent arch support.
- Superior Shock Absorption – The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis must ensure it provides high levels of shock absorption, which will absorb the entire impact and force generated when the foot collides with the floor. This shock absorption will ensure that it keeps the foot comfortably at ease and makes sure it doesn’t have to suffer the entire burden of the impact.
- A Well Reputed Brand Name – The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis usually come from some of the most well-reputed shoe companies, the reason being they spend millions of dollars and years of research into finding the best of techniques, materials, and designs to ensure your feet have the best experience they can ever imagine. They can provide you have the top two points also very well taken care of, as they invest oodles of money into medical research and advancement of the best and latest healthy designs and styles. All of the above is done to ensure they are at the top of their market game. However, there are also a lot of other companies in the market that do a fabulous job with running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
- Positive and Great Reviews – The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis should normally have great reviews, which are positive and come from runners with Plantar Fasciitis. This means they have already been tried and tested by professionals.
- A Flexible Toe Box, Sturdy Midsole, and Tough Heel Counters – The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis should ensure your feet are kept as far away from foot problems as possible. Good Plantar Fasciitis shoes aim to help your feet become more robust and help you develop your natural arches. A toe box that is flexible and a tough heel counter ensures that your shoes flex well at the toe area while maintaining a rigid and robust rear. Shoes with these qualities make sure your arches are always at the right angle they need to be at, to avoid any further damage to already collapsed ligaments.
A few reasons why some of the shoes which are for running don’t provide the needed benefits:
- They are not well constructed and are made from cheaper quality material.
- They hardly have any cushioning or heel support; they could resemble barefoot shoes.
- They are so concentrated on making the shoe light-weight that they don’t provide sufficient support to your foot during rigorous sessions.
The Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Reviews
So here we go! The 6 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis – Men’s Edition
ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 Review
Asics is known to cater to the needs of all kinds of activities and all kinds of feet. Hence for a fact, we see that they keep in mind people suffering from Plantar Fasciitis. In this category, the Gel Nimbus 22 from ASICS steals the spot at the top of our list of the 6 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
It comes with a unique Gel Technology, which enhances the shock absorption and adapts to your feet’s gait cycle.
It also has additional cushioning at the back and front for superior support for your arches.
This shoe also comes inbuilt with a technology called the TRUSSTIC SYSTEM; this makes the shoe lighter than most of its competitors; however, this doesn’t compromise its stability and structural integrity.
They also come with other innovative technologies like SPEYAFOAM-45 LASTING, FLYTEFOAM LYTE, AND FLYTEFOAM PROPEL. These provide a softer platform feeling for a greater comfort level, light-weight midsoles made from nanofibers that ensure premium cushioning, and energetic foam made from a unique elastomer compound, contributing to the added bounce respectively. All these features together contribute to the exceptional comfort features of theses phenomenal shoes.
To keep adding to these shoes’ comfort features, they also come with a mesh upper, which is very breathable, flexible, and provides additional comfort.
These winners are top-rated for their all-weather features and their outsoles, which have superior traction.
Asics has been a brand that has always been very well known and loved by all its users; with all the features and technology packed into their shoes, this power-packed brand bags two places in the top list of the Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
One of the critical factors that make these shoes so loved by most runners who have plantar fasciitis is its heel clutching arrangement; this ensures it provides the utmost safety and support to your heels, your foot’s area is in genuine requirement of it.
Asics have specially designed these shoes for runners who have neutral feet since it offers excellent comfort to your harrowing feet. Many reviewers and users have mentioned that these shoes allow you to have the nearest experience of walking on clouds.
The ASICS Gel Nimbus 22 is available in various colors and style options for both men and women.
Pros:
- By far the most comfortable in its segment because of its Flytefoam
- Comes with superior cushioning
- Comes with a very stable feel
- Comes with uppers which are flexible
- Trysstic system makes it very light-weight
- Very good for long runs
Cons:
- We dint find any deal breakers here
New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v10 Review
New Balance is one of those brands which has been in the shoe business for years and is known to offer amazingly talented and stylish shoes, especially for running.
The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v10 running shoe is a member of the Fresh Foam series. This collection distinctively features a midsole that is made of thick foam and offers good heel and arch support, which are essential features for people with Plantar Fasciitis.
This shoe is made of synthetic and mesh, which are in a 50-50 percent ratio. These shoes come with a leather or Hypoknit mesh upper in a brilliant construction that ensures long-lasting durability, enhanced flexibility, and great support. These uppers ensure they hug your ankles for better support during long-distant runs.
These runners come with a midsole that has been laser-cut to ensure improved flexibility and elimination of excess weight. The toe box of these shoes is wide and allows you to spread your toes to improve stability from a more relaxed user experience.
This shoe also features the fresh-foam technology from New Balance, which is engineered to offer a great light-weight journey and an ultra-cushioned feel for your heels.
A plushness when it comes to cushioning is obtained by its ABZORB midsole, which takes in most of the impact during landing. This is done through the combination of its compression resistance, and it’s plush cushioning.
Lastly, the rubber outsole is designed with a pressure mapping technology, which allows you to understand and learn your running pattern after completing your run. They are also designed to provide the ultimate experience when it comes to prolonged wear-and-tear stability.
These brilliant Fresh Foam 1080 v10 shoes from New Balance are offered to all you runners out there in a plethora of color combinations and styles, to ensure every one of you finds your favorite.
They also have options for women as well.
Pros:
- Comes with a plush cushioning
- Comes with a knit-uppers for a great fit
- A very light-weight structure despite its protective features
- Comes with a long-lasting rubber sole
- Comes with a roomy toe box
- It is very responsive
Cons:
- Might not have up to the mark traction
Brooks Ghost 11 Review
Brooks Ghost 12 Review
Like New Balance and ASICS, Brooks also invests in designing and developing specialized footwear for runners with plantar fasciitis. Out of all of the series of running shoes that Brook’s develops, the Ghost series seems to steal the show for us; hence we have both the Brooks Ghost 11 and Brooks Ghost 12 on our list of the 6 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
Both the Brooks Ghost 11 and Brooks Ghost 12 are made of a combination of water-proof mesh and synthetic uppers, which provide just the right mix of forefoot flexibility and breathability to its users.
Both the Ghost 11 and 12 come with DNA LOFT and BioMoGo technology; these technologies out together ensure they produce just the right amount of softness without compromising on long-lasting durability and outstanding responsiveness. Despite being so well-cushioned and supportive, these shoes are relatively light-weight.
Both the 11 and 12 come with their very own segmented “Crash Pad” the company states that no matter what you do or how you land, this crash pad will ensure it provides you with the utmost comfort, cushioning, and care during every step you take. This is achieved by its well-integrated shock absorption system.
The last common feature between the two is the 3D-Fit Print and engineered mesh, which merges with your foot for additional support and comfort.
The Brooks Ghost 11 has always been voted one of the topmost running shoes for people with plantar fasciitis. They support runners who have high-to-medium arches and who are looking for neutral support.
Whereas, the Brooks Ghost 12 is very well appreciated by runners who are looking for a light-weight pair of shoes without compromising on ample cushioning. They provide neutral support and high energy cushioning to runners.
If you are someone who has never used a pair of these fantastic shoes, then I’m sure any Brook’s Ghost fan or loyalist would vouch for them. Trust us; they surely won’t let you down.
Both are available in a range of color options and widths to choose from for both women and men.
Pros:
- Comes with brilliant arch support
- Comes with plush cushioning
- Comes in wider options for all foot sizes
- Comes with a wide toe box
- It is very light-weight
- It is said to be well accepted by more prominent runners
Pros:
- Has a light-responsive midsole
- Has a breathable mesh upper
- Has an excellent shock absorption
- Has a roomy space for your toes
- Has great traction
Cons:
- Few complaints of quick sole wear-out
Cons:
- Reviewers have said they aren’t satisfied with the color options
Hoka One One Bondi 6 Review
The Hoka One One Bondi 6 turns the spotlight on its sole, which indeed is the widest and the thickest in our list of the 6 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis. This is a pair of shoes that may or may not be a fair bet for everyone because of its bulky look.
However, it is a pair of shoes that come with excellent features that can overrule the above statement. Bondi 6 from Hoka is by far one of the most well-cushioned and supportive shoes for runners suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.
The extra depth, which is a star feature of this shoe, renders brilliant shock absorption and great cushioning in essential areas, which aids heel and toe pain.
They have a 4mm heel-toe drop and a wide toe box; this ensures greater stability and support. It also comes with a foam insole that is well-padded and removable; this makes it great for roads and pavements as it is further cushioned and supported by this insole. The removable insole allows you to add on your own custom orthotics if needed.
A very well-engineered upper made from mesh provides added comfort and breathability, while the internal heel-counter assists in a locked-in fit improvement for more comfort and stability. These uppers make the months of summer more bearable and also make those achy heels more comfortable.
An EVA midsole, along with Hoka’s meta-rocker technology, ensures you are given a balanced, stable, pressure-free, and smooth follow-through during your journey. This rocker bottom ensures it reduces the being put on your heels.
Many runners with Plantar Fasciitis have vouched for these shoes from Hoka, saying that they offer ample amounts of support and pain relief. These shoes are also known to be very supportive when it comes to Supination.
Another main reason why these Hoka One One Bondi 6 are on our list is that Bondi 6 is the proud owner of an APMA award of acceptance. This means that it is a product that is made of exceptionally excellent quality and ensures it promotes good foot health. Lastly, it is manufactured and designed, keeping the customer as the top priority when it comes to their safety and comfort.
The Bondi 6 comes with a range of color options for both men and women.
Pros:
- Comes with excellent Shock Absorption
- Comes with uppers which are very comfortable
- Comes with a Technology called Meta-Rocker
- Comes with ample cushioning
- They ensure your feet are well protected
- Are constructed with high-quality materials
Cons:
- Tend to look a bit bulky
- Tend to be a little less breathable then expected
ASICS GEL-Venture 7 Review
Another pair of shoes from ASICS creeps its way into our list of the 6 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis. These Gel venture 7 shoes are an excellent pick for those of you who are looking for an all-terrain pair of shoes.
ASICS’s says that these Gel-Venture 7 shoes mold themselves to each runner’s feet and help improve the comfort and support felt during every run.
These shoes come in-built with ASICS’s brilliant cushioning system; in addition, they also have an extra cushioned heel collar, which absorbs the shock generated on impact.
These shoes also come with a very long-lasting and durable outsole made from rubber; this outsole is reinforced in high wear-and-tear areas.
Another of its unique features is its Ortholite X-40; this special sockliner provides excellent breathability and high levels of moisture management; this adds to its comfort during long runs.
This premium sockliner is also removable, allowing the runner to add on his or her own custom orthotics for extra pumped up support.
The well-patterned reverse-lugs on its undersoles help provide excellent traction for various multi-terrain and wet surfaces.
If you are a runner who has been scouting for the best all-terrain trail shoes, which are durable, supportive and very well cushioned to ensure it supports Plantar Fasciitis, look no further are the perfect shoes for your feet.
These wallet-friendly shoes come in a range of color options and combinations to choose from. They are also available in women’s sizes.
Pros:
- Constructed from very long-lasting and robust materials
- Wallet-friendly for its amazing features
- Comes with a heel collar, which is very supportive
- Provides great traction for various surfaces
- Supports during long runs
Cons:
- Heavy in comparison to other shoes in its bracket
- Not built for people which high arches
Saucony Guide ISO 2 Review
The Guide ISO 2 from Saucony is genuinely stable, well designed, and supportive shoes when it comes to plantar fasciitis, especially for those who are suffering from overpronation.
A well-contoured, form-fit footbed supports low to normal arched runners along with runner with either severe or mild pronation, with its reflective elements that are located at the heel.
The Guide ISO 2 comes with Saucony’s inbuilt EVERUN topsole, this ensures extended cushioning along with a more electrifying and energized running experience.
It also has an ISOFit upper, which ensures a very responsive fit. The midsole, which is PWRFoam, ensures it prolongs the durability factor of these shoes and great shock-absorption.
These shoes come with a well-tractional rubber sole, in addition to its well-contoured footbed that offers brilliant support from heel to toe. This is undoubtedly a very well-cushioned pair of shoes for plantar fasciitis.
This shoe’s lacing design allows for better adaption of the uppers to the runner’s foot shape. Also, it allows great flexibility for a very comfortable and non-obstructive run.
These shoes are known to be very comfortable for runners who have very sensitive skin and have an issue with a lot of topstitching, which irritates the skin; they are a favorite as they do not have any stitching on their uppers.
One of the last features which make these shoes so well appreciated is their wider fit; it allows it to provide more stability during each run.
They are suitable for track runners along with road runners and are safe for pronation and plantar fasciitis.
These fantastic looking shoes come in a range of color options from both men and women.
Pros:
- Comes with mesh uppers which are breathable
- Comes with a long-lasting, plush cushioned footbed
- Helps lessen overpronating
- Comes with an excellent lacing support
- Comes with the ISOFit
Cons:
- Wide Toe Box
- Structured for overpronators
Conclusion
According to my research and understanding, let’s look at the best features in each of these shoes and what they are best known for,
- Top Pick (Over All Performance) – ASICS Gel Nimbus 22
- Top Pick (Most Well-Cushioned) – New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v10
- Top Pick (Most Supportive) – Brooks Ghost 11/ Brooks Ghost 12
- Top Pick (Perfect for Supination) – Hoka One One Bondi 6
- Top Pick (Perfect for Multi-Terrains) – ASICS GEL-Venture 7
- Top Pick (Perfect for Overpronation) – Saucony Guide ISO 2
Here you go, an in-depth write up on how to pick up the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis. It would help if you kept in mind that you are buying running, which needs to ensure they protect and support your feet’ needs. This means you cannot only look at style and fashion; you need to ensure they are well-researched shoes with all the traits mentioned at the beginning of the article.
Firstly, the shoe you buy should not be too flexible; you shouldn’t manage to fold it into half by either twisting or turning it. Next, the shoe you find should be a pair of shoes that adapt to your stride; this can assist you in recovery from any form of heel pain. Lastly, you need to ensure the shoes you buy need to be running specific shoes.
Don’t ever make the mistake of running in shoes made for walking since they are not built with enough support that you need to ensure you are protected during your run. Ensure you keep these 3 points on the top of your checklist when you next go out shoe hunting.
One last and crucial thing I need to tell you for your protection is that any run-down or worn-out sneakers are a big NO-NO during running, as they can cause much more harm than you can ever imagine. So, ensure you trash them all and grab a new pair of Plantar Fasciitis friendly shoes for your run. I promise you will thank me later. If you are looking out for functional waking shoes, you can read through our article on the The best shoes for walking on concrete.
Let’s live our dreams without having to hold on to worries, Run-Free, Live-Life.
Happy Shopping, All the best.
It’s a great day to live our dreams.
Happy Feet, Happy Running, Happy Us…
*** Please note all of the above are written using data, research, and reviews. We don’t intentionally want to recommend one product over another.
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