We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
The Best Men’s Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, Found and Tested by Experts
Run longer and farther with our picks from Asics, Hoka, New Balance, and more
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ChristineLuff-ab97d76c6b4f4f80a6b8ea43a31f671d.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MicheleStanten_1000-90f8f840b0f14fe596cb58067c9ac6f5.jpg)
Michele Stanten is a walking coach, certified group fitness instructor, and running coach. She is the author of Walk Off Weight and The Walking Solution.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/RichPic1-edit-8c4103768b5042988b0a22fc0c74e78f.jpg)
Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist who has covered technology, finance, sports, and lifestyle.
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
One of the most common causes of heel and arch pain that runners deal with is plantar fasciitis. While plantar fasciitis stretches can help manage the pain, you can often prevent it from getting worse by choosing the right shoes—running sneakers with plenty of cushioning and support. When shopping for plantar fasciitis-friendly running shoes, look for pairs with plush padding, solid arch support, a snug fit around the heel, and removable insoles (so you can add your own orthotics, if needed). To find the best men’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis, we first spoke with podiatrists and other experts for their advice on which key features each pair should have.
Then, we laced up and hit the pavement, testing 61 expert-approved running shoes in the real world. All of our testers have a plantar fasciitis diagnosis and regularly experience symptoms like heel and arch pain. During a series of test runs, we noted how supportive the shoes felt, especially in the heel and arch area, and whether the cushioning helped relieve pain and discomfort in our feet. Our favorite pairs received high scores for fit, comfort, stability, cushioning, and overall value. For even more guidance and shopping tips, we also had a walking coach and RRCA-certified running coach from our Review Board review this story.
What to Know Before You Get Started
Understanding these terms before you start shopping can make the process easier.
- Drop: A shoe’s drop, also known as heel-to-toe drop or offset, refers to the difference between the height of the sole at the heel and at the forefoot. It’s usually measured in millimeters. The larger the drop, the steeper the slope is from the back to the front of the shoe. For plantar fasciitis, a higher drop is better because it helps reduce the impact on your feet and enables your Achilles tendon to do its job.
- Weight: When a brand lists the weight of a running shoe, it typically refers to the weight of one shoe. The brand calculates this using the average shoe size, which is 10.5 for men and 8.5 for women.
- Cushioning: Running shoes have varying levels of cushioning. Some shoes are known for having firm midsoles, while others have a softer feel. The right pair for plantar fasciitis should have thick, plush padding, according to podiatrist Alan Bass, DPM. Look for additional cushioning under the heel for even more relief.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/asics-mens-gel-venture-9-running-shoe-9c24ffefc470450c98d6012529aa1c53.jpg)
Excellent arch and heel support
Budget-friendly
Soft, responsive cushioning
Not enough support for over- or underpronators
Key Specs
Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Drop: 10 millimeters | Weight: 10.6 ounces | Cushioning: Responsive | Our Overall Rating: 5/5
Who They’re For
Best for neutral runners looking for an everyday running shoe with a soft, springy footbed.
Why We Love Them
For relief from plantar fasciitis and protection from future flare-ups, Asics’ Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoe blew us away. When testing these shoes, we found that the insoles had the ideal balance of firm arch support and soft cushioning to keep our plantar fasciitis symptoms at bay. We also love how the heel cup hugs our rearfoot, keeping our feet locked into the shoes and preventing any slipping.
With a grippy rubber outsole, these shoes offered reliable traction when we wore them on pavement, concrete, grass, and gravel. We found that the combination of foam and gel in the midsole absorbed shock well (especially under our heels) and felt springy enough to propel us forward.
Another feature we love? The comfortable, padded collar and tongue, which prevented any annoying irritation or pressure points. Plus, the breathable mesh upper kept our feet feeling cool and fresh. Designed for neutral runners with normal arches, this is our go-to sneaker for running pain-free.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Kohl’s.
Potential Flaws
- Since they’re designed for neutral runners, these sneakers don’t have enough support if you over- or underpronate.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-shoes-plantar-fasciitis-test-asics-gel-venture-9-hildara-araya-gonzalez-01-01b17c7bce8149c3861c200ffca87f93.jpeg)
Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/brooks-mens-ghost-15-running-shoes-9563f17b05434b98948dd83a799d2e0f.jpg)
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Wide toe box
Great shock absorption
Heavier than previous versions
Not a lot of ankle support
Key Specs
Materials: Engineered mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Drop: 11 millimeters | Weight: 10.1 ounces | Cushioning: Soft and responsive | Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5
Who They’re For
Best distance and marathon runners with a neutral gait, especially if you have knee pain.
Why We Love Them
Brooks’ Ghost 15 Running Shoes are our top pick for marathon runners who are prone to plantar fasciitis and need a well-cushioned, supportive shoe for distance road running. We love that this sneaker has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, an award given to shoes that have been found to promote better foot health by a panel of podiatrists. It also has a segmented crash pad (a collection of shock absorbers in the outsole) that we noticed pushed us forward during our test runs. A go-to, everyday sneaker you can wear from marathon training to race day, the Ghost 15 is one of our favorite shoes for runners with knee problems due to its stellar support.
The heel counter creates a locked-in feel, while the generously padded heel tab, collar, and tongue enhance the shoe’s comfort. Padding along the inside of the arch helps prevent overpronation, while our blister-prone testers were impressed by how smooth and comfortable the upper feels. Plus, we love that each upper is made with around seven plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills. With a spacious toe box, we also noticed that the Ghost 15 has plenty of extra room for bunions or wide feet.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Brooks, and REI.
Potential Flaws
- This version is heavier than its predecessor, the Ghost 14, so long-time wearers may notice a difference.
- These shoes are excellent for running, but they don’t have enough ankle support for cross-training that requires more lateral movements.
![A person running on an outdoor court in the Brooks Ghost 15]()
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
![Brooks Ghost 15 on a shiny yellow surface]()
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
![A close up of the Brooks Ghost 15]()
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
![A person holding half of the cut up Brooks Men's Ghost 15 Running Shoes]()
Verywell Fit / Jessica Juliao
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-running-shoes-test-brooks-ghost-15-jjuliao-14646-d9570e025a7e46ae80baee0cb14f0fd2.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-product-brooks-ghost-15-jjuliao-14570-5eb1e571da5a43ef8af06172a74b646b.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-detail-brooks-ghost-15-jjuliao-14767-571fc3ae09e349d6b1df7ce11c1f4243.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-running-shoes-test-brooks-ghost-15-jjuliao-14982-52059e5f522e432d8d4ca71fcd1efe12.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mizuno-mens-wave-inspire-19-running-shoe-e2e0bbd1d1aa47138f7718783ecfb3d0.jpg)
Good stability
Extra padding in the heel
Wide, roomy toe box
Not as much arch support
May run small
Key Specs
Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining, textile and synthetic footbed, synthetic midsole, synthetic outsole | Drop: 12 millimeters | Weight: 10.7 ounces | Cushioning: Soft and responsive | Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5
Who They’re For
Best for runners who need some additional stability in a shoe that feels ultra-soft underfoot.
Why We Love Them
If you find that a well-cushioned shoe offers you the most relief from plantar fasciitis, Mizuno’s Wave Inspire 19 is our top pick. When testing this pair, we were impressed by how bouncy the footbed felt, evenly distributing the impact of running (and even a few Zumba classes) throughout our feet.
Although the Wave Inspire 19 feels soft, it’s not overly squishy, pushing us forward with each step rather than letting our feet sink in. We did notice that there’s extra padding in the heel, which we loved, plus a supportive heel cup to keep plantar fasciitis pain at bay. This sneaker is also very stable, keeping us feeling confident and sure-footed on sidewalks, grass, and paved trails.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Mizuno.
Potential Flaws
- In testing, we noticed that they run small, so you may want to size up a half size. But once we found the right fit, we liked how roomy the toe box was.
- Since these sneakers are so cushioned, they don’t have as much built-in arch support as some of our other top picks. But we love that the footbeds are removable, so you can add your own orthotics if you need to.
![The Mizuno Wave Inspire 19 on a treadmill]()
Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez
![A person wears the Mizuno Wave Inspire 19]()
Verywell Fit / Hildara Araya-Gonzalez
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-shoes-plantar-fasciitis-test-mizuno-wave-inspire-19-hildara-araya-gonzalez-01-8995511e07c6411994a77c3f322a2afb.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-shoes-plantar-fasciitis-test-mizuno-wave-inspire-19-hildara-araya-gonzalez-02-24428a79ef7b4082916166cc0ba1d166.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-880v13-4f524f2de23d41c0916da083691adc28.jpg)
Excellent arch support
Comes in four widths
Great shock absorption
May run small
Key Specs
Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining and insole, foam midsole, synthetic outsole | Drop: 10 millimeters | Weight: 10 ounces | Cushioning: Soft and supportive | Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5
Who They’re For
Best for neutral runners who want a stylish sneaker, especially if you have wide or narrow feet.
Why We Love Them
For runners with high arches and plantar fasciitis, we recommend New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 880v13. When testing this pair, we immediately noticed the soft cushioning, which comfortably cradled our feet. The full-length foam midsole provided a natural bounce and absorbed shock well while we ran. These shoes also have plenty of arch support—but even if it’s not quite what your feet need, the insoles are removable, so you can add your own inserts.
During testing, we noticed that the mesh upper felt snug and supportive, while the heel counter comfortably hugged our rearfoot for extra stability. The heel itself is wide and elevated, which we noticed took some pressure off of the balls of our feet and helped relieve our plantar fasciitis symptoms. Designed for neutral runners, this shoe comes in four widths, making it a solid option if you often struggle to find the right fit.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and New Balance.
Potential Flaws
- We didn’t have any issues with the fit during testing, but it’s worth noting that some wearers have needed to order at least a half size up from their usual.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/new-balance-mens-990v6-running-shoes-fb7cf8390ac54b8c89788a5a5f078c74.jpg)
Reflective details
Made with premium, durable materials
Comfortable, secure fit
Heavy
Pricier than other options
Key Specs
Materials: Suede and mesh upper, textile lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Drop: 12 millimeters | Weight: 13.2 ounces | Cushioning: Soft and responsive
Who They’re For
Best for casual runners and shorter distances.
Why We Love Them
New Balance’s 990v6 Running Shoes come in six widths, including wide, X-wide, and XX-wide, making them our all-time favorite sneaker if you have both wide feet and plantar fasciitis. Although we haven't tested these sneakers yet, we did test the previous model (the 990v5). During runs and plyometric circuits, we noticed that they were remarkably comfortable, responsive, and supportive.
Unlike less expensive shoes on our list, these are made with leather and suede to create a sturdier, more durable shoe that’s built to last. The 990v6 also has a removable footbed and a high heel tab to keep your feet locked firmly inside, plus reflective details for added safety if you like running in the dark.
Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and New Balance.
Potential Flaws
- These shoes are pricier than our other picks, although we think you get what you pay for in terms of high-quality, durable materials and a comfortable fit.
- We found that they’re very stable, but we also noticed a slight shift in our form due to how heavy and bulky they are—so we recommend them if you tend to run shorter distances.
![Person trying on New Balance Men’s M990v5 Running Shoes]()
Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
![New Balance Men's Classic,Heritage Sneaker]()
Verywell Fit / Tamara Staples
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-best-overall-shoe-test-new-balance-mens-m990v5-running-tstaples-014-d769998826ea48e98c512a08cc2948d6.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Web_4000-vwt-best-overall-shoe-test-new-balance-mens-m990v5-running-tstaples-059-39a17cbe7fe14513bd06412a5c8ad1c6.jpg)
Bonus Favorites
Although we didn’t test these shoes for ourselves, we still stand by them as solid options for runners with plantar fasciitis. Many of these pairs have features and price points that are similar to the sneakers we ran in.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/asics-mens-gel-kayano-30-running-shoes-0a74e7dbbdb749a294d18bcfa581e2f8.jpg)
Supportive and stable
Offers smooth transitions between strides
Comfortable for long-distance runs
Not as responsive
Sole may be too bulky for some
Key Specs
Materials: Engineered knit upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole | Drop: 10 millimeters | Weight: 10.7 ounces | Cushioning: Soft and responsive
Who They’re For
Best for overpronators, especially if you have wide feet.
Why We Love Them
Asics’ Gel-Kayano 30 offers the superb support and comfort that runners with plantar fasciitis need. A combination of firm, ultra-thick foam in the midsole and gel underneath the heel absorbs shock. Designed as a stability shoe with the most cushioning Asics has to offer, this pair is great for overpronators who also like to fitness walk (or who enjoy the run/walk method).
A steeper heel bevel (or the part of the outsole that turns up at the back of the shoe) ensures smooth transitions from mile one to mile ten. Meanwhile, the breathable knit upper prevents sweat from building up, even in warm weather. Available in three widths, we love that the Gel-Kayano 30 has plenty of room for wide feet or orthotics, like insoles for flat feet.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Asics.
Potential Flaws
- We noticed that the foam cushioning is so thick that it doesn't feel very responsive, making this shoe less springy than many of our other top picks.
- While the wider sole makes the Gel-Kayano 30 more stable than previous versions, it may be too bulky for some.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/saucony-mens-cohesion-16-1d122c999c2a4b02b5790352a94f9ec1.jpg)
Lightweight
Wide range of sizes
Breathable, perforated upper
May not be as durable as others
Key Specs
Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining, textile insole, foam midsole, synthetic outsole | Drop: 12 millimeters | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Cushioning: Moderate
Who They’re For
Best for new or casual runners looking for a lightweight, breathable shoe.
Why We Love Them
While supportive, well-cushioned running shoes can be pricey, Saucony’s Cohesion 16 is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to find a shoe that provides relief and protection from plantar fasciitis. The shoe boasts ample cushioning to absorb shock, and at just 9.1 ounces, we like that it’s lighter than most of our other top picks.
The Cohesion 16’s high heel-to-toe drop keeps your feet, especially your heels, protected from the pavement. We also like that the outsole has a staggered chevron pattern, for good traction on pavement and light trails. Plus, the fabric upper is stretchy and light, with strategic perforations to promote airflow and prevent blisters. Choose from two widths in sizes ranging from 3.5 to 15.
Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Saucony, and Famous Footwear.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers have found that they tend to wear faster than other shoes, making them less durable than other, pricier pairs.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hoka-mens-clifton-9-running-shoe-9c8a3a3fbf23416e8b6cdf515bc9a68f.jpg)
APMA Seal of Acceptance
Lightweight
Reflective details
Tall heel tab may cause irritation
Low drop
Key Specs
Materials: Recycled polyester mesh upper, recycled polyester collar and tongue lining, recycled nylon and recycled polyester laces, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Drop: 5 millimeters | Weight: 8.7 ounces | Cushioning: Maximum
Who They’re For
Best for avid runners with a neutral gait who are chasing their next personal record.
Why We Love Them
For distance running, we recommend Hoka’s Clifton 9, a streamlined shoe that’s plush and supportive without feeling clunky. Another APMA Seal of Acceptance-winner, it’s made with recycled materials throughout, from the laces to the lining. The soft, responsive cushioning helps reduce the impact on your feet and joints as you’re running, while a firm heel counter provides additional support for plantar fasciitis.
Unlike other highly cushioned shoes, the Clifton 9 weighs less than 9 ounces per shoe, to help prevent foot and leg fatigue towards the end of long runs. It also features Hoka’s signature Meta Rocker design, which pushes you forward for a smooth, effortless stride. The reflective panel on the back of each heel is an added bonus if you like to run at dawn or dusk. Meanwhile, the shoe’s gusseted tongue and foot-hugging, breathable mesh upper will keep your feet comfortable for miles.
Also available in women’s sizes at Zappos, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Hoka.
Potential Flaws
- The tall heel tab may be handy for getting the shoes off and on, but can also cause irritation if you’re not used to it.
- These shoes have a much lower drop than most of our other top picks do. It may feel like a big change if you’re used to running in shoes with a high drop, and it’s also worth noting that you may need a higher-drop shoe to feel more relief from your plantar fasciitis symptoms.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/hoka-speedgoat-5-trail-running-shoes-0978ecd2bc324654a837dec373e89810.jpg)
Excellent traction
Soft but responsive cushioning
Toe cap protects against debris
May run narrow
Thin tongue
Key Specs
Materials: Recycled polyester mesh upper, recycled nylon and recycled polyester laces, recycled polyester and foam liner, foam midsole, rubber outsole | Drop: 4 millimeters | Weight: 10.3 ounces | Cushioning: Maximum
Who They’re For
Best for trail runners of all experience levels who want a lightweight shoe with solid support, cushioning, and traction.
Why We Love Them
If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis but still enjoy trail running, we recommend giving Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoe a try. With a grippy rubber outsole that has deep, 5-millimeter lugs, these shoes provide reliable traction on rough and smooth surfaces alike. They also feature Hoka’s signature soft, responsive cushioning that offers springy comfort and support without feeling too heavy.
Suitable for both technical and non-technical trails, the Speedgoat 5 has a toe cap for protection from rocks, sticks, and other trail debris. The double-layer mesh upper keeps dirt out, while the heel counter keeps your rearfoot locked in for added stability and support. Plus, with a wide range of bright color combinations to choose from, there’s a style for every runner.
Also available in women’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hoka, and REI.
Potential Flaws
- Some wearers note that this updated version feels more narrow, so you may want to try a wider width.
- The tongue is thin, which some runners may like—but others may prefer more cushioning.
What to Look for When Shopping for Men’s Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
- Cushioning: If you’re currently dealing with plantar fasciitis or worried about a recurrence, wearing running shoes with excellent cushioning and shock absorption can make a big difference, according to Bass. It’s especially important to make sure there’s plenty of cushioning in the heel.
- Support: Look for running shoes that have firm ankle and arch support but are still flexible, so they won’t slow you down. Removable insoles are also important, Bass says, so you can add your own shoe inserts or custom orthotics for additional relief.
- Fit: Your running shoes should fit correctly and feel comfortable right out of the box, with no break-in period required. There should be enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes, and your heel should feel locked in and secure. If you have wide or narrow feet, look for running shoe brands that offer a range of widths, such as New Balance, Asics, and Brooks.
- Stability: Look for shoes that have solid, durable construction to provide better stability for your foot, as shoes that are flimsy and lack stability may put additional stress on your plantar fascia. This is crucial if you overpronate, meaning your ankles roll down and inward with each step. Overpronation lengthens your plantar fascia over time, irritating the point where the ligament attaches to your heels. This causes pain and inflammation, explains physical therapist Gus Gutierrez, PT, DPT. Stability or motion control shoes feature harder foam or guide rails in the middle of the shoe that lightly control the inward rolling of your feet, promoting a natural gait and reducing your risk of injury.
- Heel Drop: Heel-to-toe drop refers to the difference between the height of the shoe at the heel and at the forefoot. The drop of a running shoe can affect things such as your foot strike, stride efficiency, and what part of your body takes the most impact. If you have plantar fasciitis, look for shoes with a higher drop to help take the stress off of your plantar fascia.
- Price: High-quality running shoes for plantar fasciitis typically cost between $60 and $200. Our most budget-friendly options are often available for about $75. Our priciest pick was around $200 when we published this list. If you’re looking to score a deal on your running shoes, we recommend shopping for older models when new ones are released.
How We Selected and Tested Men’s Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
To find the best men’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis, we've tested over 61 pairs to date from the most trusted, popular brands on the market. When researching additional shoes to add to our lists, we first ask running and fitness experts which key features to look for in each pair. Then, we review the specifics of each shoe’s design and construction to assess what kind of runner could benefit from wearing it. We make sure to consider pairs across different brands, needs, and price points. When testing men’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis, we often have two runners test each pair for the most accurate results. As we continue to test more running shoes, we evaluate them while considering these key attributes:
- Fit: The first time we try the shoes on, we check the fit and see how comfortable they feel. We’re looking for a heel that’s snug and a toe box that’s wide enough for us to wiggle all of our toes. Based on our observations, we determine whether the shoes run too wide, too narrow, or just right.
- Stability: As we go on a short test walk and start running in each shoe, we assess whether our feet, heels, ankles, and knees feel stable and supported. We wear the shoes on wood floors, carpet, sidewalks, pavement, and grass, to check how stable they are on different terrains. We also consider how much arch and ankle support the sneakers have by noting any areas of pain or discomfort we start to feel during the first few days of wear.
- Responsiveness: Responsiveness refers to how effective the shoe is at pushing us forward with each step. As we run in them, we pay attention to the midsole’s cushioning—does it feel as if it’s giving energy back to us when we land? Are we propelled forward to the next stride? And how do our heels feel—do the sneakers absorb shock well enough to help combat our heel pain?
- Cushioning: While running, we note how the cushioning in each shoe feels. Is it plush or firm? We’re looking for shoes that make our feet feel supported and cradled, especially in the heel. If there’s any extra padding in the tongue, heel collar, or around the ankle, we record that, too.
- Comfort: During our first few runs, we make sure the shoe feels comfortable and doesn’t cause any blisters. We also observe whether we feel any pressure on the balls of our feet, especially while wearing shoes with elevated heels. We pay attention to how our plantar fasciitis pain and symptoms feel after taking the shoes off, and whether we can run farther than we could in our old shoes.
- Quality: When we first take the shoes out of the box, we inspect them for any manufacturing flaws and evaluate how durable the design and materials feel. We also bend the shoe at the forefoot to test its flexibility and twist it to gauge how sturdy it is. At the end of each testing period, we check to see how the shoes have held up. Are there any signs of wear and tear, like holes, fraying threads, or significant wear on the outsole?
- Value: To accurately rate each shoe’s overall value, we don’t check the price of each pair until after we’ve evaluated it in every other category. We compare the cost to the shoe’s performance—would we pay that much (or even more) for this shoe, based on how well it scored in all other categories?
Our Experts
We consulted experts at every phase of our research, testing, and reporting for this story. Some helped us better understand the signs and symptoms of plantar fasciitis and identified key features to consider in shoes designed for this specific condition. Others contributed valuable insights to refine our testing process.
- Alan Bass, DPM, a podiatrist, podiatric physician, and surgeon in Manalapan, New Jersey
- Gus Gutierrez, PT, DPT, a physical therapist, clinic director, and senior vice president at Baton Rouge Physical Therapy
- Diana Levin Valencia, DPM, a podiatric surgeon at NYC Foot & Ankle Center
- Elizabeth Auger, DPM, a podiatrist in Salt Lake City, Utah
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to run with plantar fasciitis?
If you have mild plantar fasciitis symptoms, then it’s usually safe to run—you may even find that your soreness goes away as you warm up and start running. However, running through moderate or severe pain may make your plantar fasciitis worse, especially if you’re running in worn-out shoes or the wrong pair for your arch type. You may need to stop running and consult a podiatrist or physical therapist for help alleviating your symptoms and preventing future injuries.
How should I run with plantar fasciitis?
If you’ve had to take a break from running because of plantar fasciitis or a flare-up of your symptoms, make sure to keep your runs short and slow. You can ease back into longer, faster runs as your symptoms improve. If your pain is so significant that it’s causing you to alter your gait, you should stop running, take a rest day or two, and check in with a medical professional if the pain persists.
How do you lace running shoes for plantar fasciitis?
When you have plantar fasciitis, you should lace your running shoes based on your foot shape: If you have wider feet, leave some room for your toes to spread out—we recommend skipping every other eyelet. For narrow, flat feet, keep your laces tight to prevent your feet from shifting around and worsening your plantar fasciitis pain, says Auger.
Why Trust Verywell Fit
Running coach and marathon runner Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, is no stranger to the discomfort and inconvenience of plantar fasciitis. She credits her podiatrist, a regimen of stretching and foam rolling, and wearing the right insoles and running shoes to help her rehab from it. For road and treadmill running, she prefers to wear a neutral shoe, like Hoka’s Clifton 9.
Ribeiro AP, Trombini-Souza F, Tessutti VD, Lima FR, João SM, Sacco IC. The effects of plantar fasciitis and pain on plantar pressure distribution of recreational runners. Clin Biomech. 2011;26(2):194-199. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2010.08.004
Zhang M, Zhou X, Zhang L, Liu H, Yu B. The effect of heel-to-toe drop of running shoes on patellofemoral joint stress during running. Gait Posture. 2022;93:230-234. doi:10.1016/j.gaitpost.2022.02.008
Karparova I. Running biomechanics and selection of sports shoes in benefit to amateur athletes. Trakia J Sci. 2021;19:841-846. doi:10.15547/tjs.2021.s.01.132
Malisoux L, Chambon N, Delattre N, et al. Injury risk in runners using standard or motion control shoes: a randomised controlled trial with participant and assessor blinding. Br J Sports Med. 2016;50:481-487. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-095031
Malisoux L, Chambon N, Urhausen A, Theisen D. Influence of the heel-to-toe drop of standard cushioned running shoes on injury risk in leisure-time runners: a randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(11):2933-2940. doi:10.1177/0363546516654690
Petraglia F, Ramazzina I, Costantino C. Plantar fasciitis in athletes: diagnostic and treatment strategies. A systematic review. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J. 2017;7(1):107-118. doi:10.11138/mltj/2017.7.1.107
Lim AT, How CH, Tan B. Management of plantar fasciitis in the outpatient setting. Singapore Med J. 2016;57(4):168-171. doi:10.11622/smedj.2016069
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-pickleball-shoes-test-nike-court-air-zoom-vapor-pro-2-kristen-geil-02_crop-266ed25a0d064d89a46c7a7ead9d95a2.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-running-shoes-bad-knees-test-brooks-glycerin-gts-20-ivy-ford-03-1-857ea6f144ae478d8e77467d69cbd976.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-running-shoes-bad-knees-test-on-running-cloudrunner-sophia-heald-01-1-1-15e93246b1bb4c9894ded022eddc469d.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-product-brooks-glycerin-gts-20-tstaples-105-fa7e771cea624c158cf6eda2bfac3b9f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-shoes-plantar-fasciitis-test-dansko-pace-diana-weesner-01-4c66a7e7d3994e9a99f1bade49d54582.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-best-overall-shoe-test-saucony-cohesion-15-tstaples-142-6c6d58c0bad644a1aef750bb6af59093.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-product-brooks-launch-10-jjuliao-14574-2716edc585704872b8cf3680187422cb.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-product-brooks-adrenaline-gts-22-tstaples-028-18a0a809b118488db53c953d3a94cae1.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-detail-hoka-speadgoat-5-gtx-jjuliao-14797-1-39c78a7aee074b7da275bcac1edce248.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-product-brooks-addiction-walker-2-tstaples-106-a5f6bd1e80ea49bc82bbc2becbd5d0a4.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-tier-3-primary-best-gym-shoes-women-ahuang-104-e5ed3dd0fb0c4cf7bfc559d2ba8289c8.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-walking-shoes-test-altra-lone-peak-7-jaylyn-pruitt-03-2bf78419ba75488f83ac14f12e23e022.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-running-shoes-aug-23-test-saucony-kinvara-14-billy-pennant-11-343fa6865d07446d968c6a3e279d4ada.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/VW-Fit-v1-The-10-Best-Womens-Running-Shoes-for-Plantar-Fasciitis-of-2021-4157597-b101a0cc172e4d3f884b3bced01ec2d7-1be8e725044f426f918ef8df067c6d28.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-walking-shoes-test-skechers-go-joy-jessica-fleming-01-522c14abbba94c63884e5dca08910a0f.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/vwt-hiking-shoes-test-merrell-moab-3-mid-gtx-lydia-price-03-a3d05a1ced854e18b85d308982dcb9ba.jpeg)