These Running Shoes Could Help Women With Plantar Fasciitis Find Relief (2024)

• Our Picks

• How We Selected and Tested

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Fit

Hoka's Bondi 8 is our top pick for women with plantar fasciitis because our testers who suffer from the injury raved about how well they fit and performed when they wore them on runs. We also love that this shoe has earned the APMA's Seal of Acceptance, which means that a group of podiatrists at the American Podiatric Medical Association have determined that it helps promote good foot health.

When we tried them on, we immediately noticed how much room there was in the toe box and how the back of the shoe perfectly cupped our heels, a crucial feature to look for in running shoes for plantar fasciitis, according to Sheth. We found that our feet felt snug and supported in these stable sneakers as we walked.

The Bondi 8s are supremely easy to walk in, even on uneven ground. We like that their thick sole helps absorb shock and reduces the load on your plantar fascia, making it a solid choice for anyone with aggravated tendons and heel pain.

Our feet never feel hot or sweaty when running in these shoes because their breathable mesh upper allows air to circulate. We did find that they weren't as responsive as other shoes we tested. Even so, this shoe is our top recommendation for protecting your feet while on the run. Just note that it's a bit pricier than other shoes on our list, but we think it's priced appropriately for the quality.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Thick midsole, rear crash pad | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 8.9 ounces}

For a shoe with plenty of cushioning, we recommend Saucony's Ride 15. Another APMA Seal of Acceptance winner, the Ride 15 has a soft, foam midsole that's contoured to hug your foot. A padded sockliner offers stability and support while you run.

The mesh upper is breathable, and the rubber outsole is durable, no matter where you like to run. It's also made with recycled materials for a sleek and eco-friendly shoe. Meant for neutral runners, it's a lightweight shoe built for comfort. However, some wearers note that the Ride 15 may run narrow, even in the wide version.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper with recycled materials, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam midsole, cushioned sockliner | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 7.8 ounces}

The lightest sneakers on our list, we recommend Hoka's Arahi 6 if you're searching for a shoe to help you beat your personal record. Designed with the most stability Hoka offers, the Arahi 6 is sturdy underfoot and comfortably padded. It's also built to gently correct overpronation, or excessive inward rolling of the foot and ankle.

A third APMA Seal of Acceptance recipient, the Arahi 6 also has a molded midsole and a cushioned tongue. We like the extended heel pull, which makes it easy to get the shoe on and off (even without a traditional tab). Extra rubber in certain places on the outsole provides better durability where you need it most.

When testing this running shoe, we liked that although it's very lightweight, it still has a lot of cushion that helps absorb shock, even when running on hard pavement. We also like that it feels somewhat bouncy and springy, even though it offers a lot of support.

The toe box is wide enough for most feet, but the outsole might not have enough traction for running outdoors in rain or snow.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, mesh lining with recycled materials, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Compression-molded foam midsole | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 7.6 ounces}

Brooks' Cascadia 16 is our top pick for a shoe that's great for plantar fasciitis and trail running. With a durable rock plate and increased stability, these sneakers are ideal for taking on uneven, gravelly routes.

The rubber outsole has deep lugs that provide great traction. We like the foam midsole, which feels soft underfoot. Wearers also note that the toe box is wide for a roomy, comfortable fit.

While the Cascadia is meant for trail running, it's not designed for ultra-rugged terrain. It's also not water-resistant or waterproof, so you may want to be careful with yours in the rain or snow.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam midsole | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 9.5 ounces}

If you're an overpronator with plantar fasciitis, we recommend the Gel-Kayano 28 from Asics because they're designed to help correct your stride. Available in three widths in a wide range of sizes, these sneakers have more rearfoot support and a lower heel counter for added stability.

We love the midsole, which uses foam and gel to absorb shock and cushion your stride. A mesh upper encourages airflow, while a lightweight sockliner feels comfortable, even on long runs.

The durable rubber outsole performs well whether you're running indoors or out. However, it's also one of the more expensive shoes on our list.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam and gel | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Weight: 9.1 ounces}

Underpronators with plantar fasciitis need a running shoe with good stability and structured support, like Asics' Gel-Nimbus 24. These sneakers have a soft foam midsole and a durable rubber outsole to keep you feeling light on your feet.

Available in a wide range of colors and sizes, the Gel-Nimbus 24 was made to fit every style. There's also a knit tongue for additional support across the top of your feet. We like that they have reflective details for running in low-light conditions. However, These come in at a higher price point, and it's also worth noting that some wearers have found that the shoes run small.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper with recycled materials, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam midsole | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Weight: 8.7 ounces}

If you have flat feet and plantar fasciitis, we recommend Brooks' Ghost 14. Another APMA Seal of Acceptance winner, the Ghost 14 has plush foam cushioning for comfortable runs. When testing these shoes, we noted that they have the perfect amount of cushioning without feeling too cushy and provide great stability during runs. We like the smooth transitions and neutral support, which set this shoe apart from others on our list.

This shoe is carbon neutral and made with recycled materials, including plastic bottles. It also contains a crash pad for extra padding underfoot. It features a wide toe box, allowing toes to splay out comfortably.

We love the flexible upper, which provides a close fit. However, the laces are a little short, making the shoes a bit difficult to adjust. All in all, these shoes are some of the most comfortable ones we've ever worn running, and we highly recommend them to wearers with flat feet who also struggle with plantar fasciitis.

^{Key Specs:
Materials: Recycled upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam midsole | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Weight: 9.0 ounces}

If you need extra support for high arches, we recommend the Fresh Foam 880v13 from New Balance, a brand known for excellent cushioning and shock absorption. These shoes have a very plush midsole and mesh upper that provides support and breathability. When testing this pair, they fit true to size with plenty of room in the toe box and a secure fit around the heel, so they never gave us blisters or hot spots. They cradle our feet and provide plenty of support in the arch.

The shoes feel lightweight and have a natural bounce and shock absorption. Our feet, ankles, and knees felt supported throughout the day wearing these shoes and never felt painful or sore, even at the end of the day. One of our testers, who has high arches, noted that she uses special inserts for plantar fasciitis, but even without those inserts, these shoes relieved pain and made her feel like she was walking on air.

The shoes are sturdy and durable, although lighter colors may show wear quickly, especially if you run on rugged terrain. They have a thick rubber outsole and are very stable, which is what you want in a shoe for plantar fasciitis. When initially testing these shoes for stability, they bent at the toe as expected and didn't twist easily. The heel design is also slightly elevated to relieve pressure.

We like that they are partially made with renewable and recycled resources and come in nine colors and three width options.

_{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam midsole | Sizes: 5 to 13 | Weight: 8.4 ounces}

With lots of cushioning, Mizuno's Wave Inspire 19 is our top pick for walkers and runners looking to combat heel pain. A wave plate design in the shoe dissipates shock and provides stability for a natural, smooth transition between steps. There's extra cushioning in the heel, which is elevated to relieve pressure. When wearing these shoes on runs, the heel cup is supportive and hugs our heel so it doesn't slide in and out of the shoe. It's worth noting that we had to size up half a size in these shoes because they run a little small. We also noticed some uncomfortable rubbing of the heel tab and collar during our first few runs. But this gets better after the shoes are broken in.

The shoes fit well and provide great stability, making us confident that we won't fall or trip, even when running on more technical terrain. They offer good shock absorption and evenly distribute our weight during runs.

Although the shoes are cushiony, they're also springy, and we never feel like we're sinking into them on runs. The extra cushioning in the heel relieves pain, but these shoes don't provide any arch support. The insoles, while soft, are completely flat.

After one month of consistent use, these shoes don't show any signs of wear and tear, and the cushioning still feels plush. These shoes come in seven color combinations and have a mesh upper that is breathable and has a sock-like fit and feel.

_{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam midsole | Sizes: 6 to 12 | Weight: 8.6 ounces}

For runners looking for a responsive shoe but still needing support for plantar fasciitis relief, we recommend the Gel-Venture 9. This shoe provides solid arch support and plenty of cushioning for pain relief while also being springy to help with forward momentum. During our test, the shoe fit great right out of the box and was true to size. This pair is form-fitting without being too tight, and the heel counter is secure and prevents our heels from slipping or rubbing. The toe box is roomy, and we love that the arch support is so good that we don't need extra inserts.

The GEL technology in these shoes improves shock absorption, creating a softer feeling during footstrike. It also helps with energy return to make walking and running feel easier. During runs, the shoes bounce back quickly after each step, reducing foot fatigue. We never have foot pain or discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis while wearing these shoes; they always feel solid and stable. All that stability comes at a cost, though, as the outsoles of these shoes can feel a little clunky.

The shoes have a rugged outsole that improves grip on all surfaces, and the insole is stiff with just the right amount of arch support. They also have a mesh upper for breathability. After four weeks of wearing these regularly, they showed no noticeable wear and tear.

_{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, gel midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Gel midsole | Sizes: 5 to 12 | Weight: 8.8 ounces}

These APMA Accepted shoes from Altra provide plenty of plantar fasciitis pain relief with cushioning and support for narrow feet. When wearing these shoes on runs, the foam midsole provides good arch and heel support and a natural bounce that allows the shoes to help propel you forward. They feel stable and secure on all types of terrain and have good shock absorption that minimizes stress on our feet.

They never cause pressure points or hot spots and feel secure around the heel and snug around the center of the foot. It's worth noting that these shoes sometimes feel too tight when feet are in a flexed position. But this shouldn't be a problem if you mostly wear them on runs. They run true to size, relieve plantar fasciitis pain, and remain supportive and shock-absorbing after many weeks of regular wear.

The shoe showed no significant wear and tear during testing, bent at the toe as it should, and was stiff enough to resist twisting. We also like that it comes in half sizes.

_{Key Specs:
Materials: Mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Foam midsole | Sizes: 5.5 to 12 | Weight: 9.3 ounces}

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are running shoes good to wear if you have plantar fasciitis?

  Yes, wearing the right running shoes with proper support can help to ease the symptoms of plantar fasciitis or prevent it from coming back. The experts at a specialty running store can do a gait and foot analysis and give you recommendations on the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.

  “Look for good support in a running shoe as well as cushioning,” Dr. Sheth says. “Many shoes have a thinner sole now, to make them lighter, but that doesn't help with shock absorption. A shoe with good cushioning will help with impact.”

• Can running make plantar fasciitis worse?

  Research on continued activity with plantar fasciitis suggests that you should keep your pain levels to a minimum while running. However, it's worth noting that pain may exacerbate the condition, especially if you’re running in worn-out shoes or using the wrong one for your foot type. Talk to your podiatrist or physical therapist about steps (like consistent at-home stretching) to alleviate your symptoms.

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