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The 11 Best Women’s Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Tested and Reviewed
We reviewed and tested the most comfortable sneakers for pain-free runs with the help of podiatrists
Plantar fasciitis is a common injury among women who run. It can sideline you for weeks or even months. The pain, usually felt in the heel and bottom of your foot, can sometimes be caused or worsened by wearing the wrong type of running shoes. If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis (or you’re worried about it coming back), what you’re wearing on your feet matters. “People prone to plantar fasciitis should look for good support in a running shoe as well as cushioning,” podiatrist Ami Sheth, DPM, FACFAS, says.
To find the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis on the market, we first interviewed two podiatrists, Sheth and Dr. Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, for their expert advice on what to look for when shopping for these types of shoes. We then researched dozens of options from trusted brands, evaluating each based on material, price, weight, breathability, and more. We also had a group of editors and runners with plantar fasciitis test some of our top picks following Verywell's at-home testing guidelines.
Another reason to trust us? We had an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach from our Review Board review this article to determine the accuracy of any claims surrounding how to find the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Thick, plush cushioning
Superior fit
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Pricier than other options
Not as responsive
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
Verywell Fit / Abigail Moore
Verywell Fit / Abigail Moore
Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Lightweight
Contoured midsole
May run narrow
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
Best Lightweight
Hoka Arahi 6
- Fit4.5/5
- Cushioning/Knee Protection5/5
- Comfort4.5/5
- Responsiveness4/5
- Stability4/5
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Good for overpronators
Extended heel pull
Might not have enough traction for some
Pricier than other options
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
Good traction
Soft, lightweight cushioning
Wide toe box
Not designed for rugged trails
Not water-resistant or waterproof
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
Best for Overpronation
Asics Women's Gel-Kayano 28
- Cushioning4/5
- Responsiveness5/5
- Fit5/5
- Value4/5
- Blister Protection5/5
Durable outsole
Two kinds of cushioning
Breathable mesh upper
Pricier than other options
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
Wide range of colors and sizes
Soft, knit tongue
Reflective details
May run small
Pricier than other options
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
Best for Flat Feet
Brooks Ghost 14
- Fit5/5
- Cushioning/Knee Protection4/5
- Comfort5/5
- Responsiveness4/5
- Stability5/5
Available in three widths
Carbon neutral
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Laces may be too short for some
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
Best for High Arches
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13
- Cushioning5/5
- Responsiveness5/5
- Stability4.8/5
- Fit5/5
- Value5/5
Fits true to size
Good shock absorption
Slightly elevated heel for pressure relief
Lighter colors will show wear quickly
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
Verywell Fit / Holly Klamer
Verywell Fit / Holly Klamer
Verywell Fit / Holly Klamer
Best for Heel Pain
Mizuno Wave Inspire 19
- Cushioning5/5
- Responsiveness4.8/5
- Stability4.5/5
- Fit4/5
- Value5/5
Extra cushioning in the heel
Good shock absorption
Snug heel cup prevents slipping
May run small
Flat insole; no arch support
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
Most Responsive
ASICS Gel-Venture 9
- Cushioning5/5
- Responsiveness5/5
- Stability5/5
- Fit5/5
- Value5/5
Great shock absorption
Provides good grip
Springy feel
The outsole may feel a little clunky to some
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
Best for Narrow Feet
Altra Paradigm 6
- Cushioning5/5
- Responsiveness5/5
- Stability5/5
- Fit4.2/5
- Value5/5
Snug around center of foot
Available in half sizes
Cushioned heel for added support
Pricier than other options
May be too tight for some
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
How We Selected and Tested the Best Women's Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
To choose the best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis, we drew on insights from our previous sneaker tests in The Verywell Testing Lab and in the real world. For this story, we made sure to gather a group of runners who all have plantar fasciitis and who deal with its symptoms daily.
When evaluating running shoes, we first try each pair on and assess how they fit. While going for a short walk, we note how they feel and whether they're causing any irritation or blisters. Then, we go for runs on treadmills, roads, and trails, depending on the type of sneaker we're testing. We consider how each shoe's cushioning feels underfoot and whether our feet, ankles, and knees feel supported while we run.
We run in each sneaker for dozens of miles over four weeks and evaluate them for their fit, cushioning, heel, and arch support, comfort, responsiveness, stability, and overall quality and value. We also perform a "bend test" on each shoe, noting whether the shoe bends at the toe and resists twisting. If the shoe successfully completes this test, it offers good stability—a crucial component of any running shoe for plantar fasciitis. When doing research for this piece, we also spoke with two podiatrists. Their advice and input, combined with our experience in the Lab and at home, helped guide our final list of recommendations.
Our Experts
To find the best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis, we first spoke to two experts for their advice on what key features we should look for in shoes for runners with plantar fasciitis. These experts also helped us to better understand what plantar fasciitis is and the connection between plantar fasciitis and footwear. More on our experts:
- Ami Sheth, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in Los Gatos, California.
- Dr. Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, a podiatric surgeon in New York City.
What to Look for in Women's Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Comfort
Cushioning and support are two important factors that contribute to comfort. Ideally, you want something that feels comfortable right out of the box, eliminating any need for a break-in period, though you can also add some insoles for flat feet or any other specific concern. When your foot strikes the ground, you should have enough padding to eliminate shock, but you also want something that’s flexible and nimble. Weight can also contribute to comfort.
“For some people, it’s a big deal and it affects their running,” says Dr. Ami Sheth, DPM, FACFAS. She says that having a lightweight running shoe may be important, but the more important factor is stability and durability.
Support
People with plantar fasciitis feel strain when they bear weight on their feet, so a shoe with proper support is essential to avoid injury or pain.
“Sometimes, people really focus on the arch support and their foot may not need that much. So, for example, they feel ‘arch support,’ but they are actually walking on the outsides of their feet,” says Dr. Sheth. Since support is difficult to define, she recommends finding a shoe that only flexes in the toe area and one that can’t twist. The heel counter should also hold your heel firm so that it doesn’t move around when you’re walking or running.
Fit
“It’s good to have a professional fit you,” notes Dr. Sheth. “Often, sizes can vary as can the width of the shoe, so not every size 7.5 will fit the same in each brand.” She says that your feet should have a little more than half an inch of space between your longest toe and the edge of the interior of the shoe, allowing you to wiggle your toes in the toe box. If you have wide or narrow feet, make sure to focus on the width of the shoe before committing. (Or look for one that comes in multiple widths so you can try a few sizes, like New Balance's Fresh Foam X 860v12.)
Style
Even if a shoe is designed for support and performance, it can accommodate your style as well. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of running shoes in multiple colors and styles that still provide good durability and support, like our top overall pick, Hoka's Bondi 8. Fit and comfort should still be priorities, but if you’re looking for great-looking shoes to motivate you to get moving, a shoe should also be able to hit the marks with style.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.”
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.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
As a running coach, marathon runner, and fitness writer, Christine Luff has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes. To walk in comfort and reduce injury risk, she suggests getting properly fitted for walking shoes and replacing them regularly.
Additional reporting by Sarah Felbin
With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that offer great value and make life easier.
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