If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, you know how painful and debilitating it can be. But with the right shoes, you can find relief and get back to daily activities in no time.
In the search for athletic shoes that aid in mitigating plantar fasciitis and other types of foot pain, we’ve compiled a list of the top options available on Zappos. As one of the largest online shoe store, Zappos boasts a wide enough selection of shoes to meet most, if not all, needs.
Our list contains options from varied brands, as each manufacturer employs different technology in the search for the most upportive athletic shoe. From brands like ASICS, Brooks and New Balance, these picks are designed to keep your feet feeling comfortable all day long. Their cushioning systems provide plenty of shock absorption while providing the stability needed for running and jumping movements.
Continue scrolling to discover the selection criteria we followed, and then browse our top picks ensured to bring you foot relief.
Athletic Shoes And Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis is a very common condition that affects many adults, and not just those that maintain very active lifestyles. Indeed, it can sometimes be linked to poor shoes, obesity or even pregnancy, too.
Whether you’re standing all day, walking for miles or a long-distance runner, your plantar is exposed to regular strain and pressure. The plantar is a band of connective tissue under the foot that links the heel to the balls of your feet. In short, it acts as nature’s suspension.
Although we believed for many years that Plantar Fasciitis was an inflammation, it’s actually a structural breakdown of the plantar caused by micro-fissures and trauma.
Nevertheless, if you’re a sportsman and enjoy walking or running, you don’t want this disorder to mean the end of the road! As such, many shoe manufacturers have realised the importance of catering to this condition and keeping you on your feet.
Plantar Fasciitis Walking Shoe Features
Basically, shoes that help alleviate Plantar Fasciitis symptoms endeavour to release pressure off the Plantar. The resulting effect is a reduction of stress and inflammation, which also helps the tears heal.
Similarly, the shoes are designed to be largely preventative. Therefore, if you’re prone to the condition or think it may be something that would affect you, these are an important insurance policy to protect yourself.
Here are a few features to look out for that can help alleviate Plantar Fasciitis symptoms:
- Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Midsole: EVA is one of the most shock absorbing materials readily available on the market. Soles made from this will greatly reduce pressure off the Plantar.
- Lightweight Materials: Another common method for alleviating pain is simply reducing the load carried by the feet. Lightweight materials can offer the same support and stability but greatly reduce the load.
- Arch Support: A feature often found in the insole, sometimes they’re built into the shoe. Ensuring that your arch type is properly supported will reduce the Plantar’s strain. However, make sure that it isn’t too much or too little as this could aggravate symptoms.
- Deep Cushioning: The craze where low-profiled shoes mimicked running barefoot caused an increase in foot injuries and disorders. We since realised that cushioning is essential for soothing pain and preventing injury.
- Motion Control: Anti-roll bars and heel counters prevent your feet from rolling inwards or outwards, which is known as pronation. This makes sure that you walk or run with the correct gait and don’t tear at the plantar.
Zappos’ Best Athletic Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $109.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
The Omni Walker is a comfortable sneaker that’s also appropriate for some professions, thank to their streamlined white or black color schemes. Known for their high-quality and innovative designs, Saucony often excel in making great sports footwear.
Those with Plantar Fasciitis will notably benefit by using the Omni Walkers because they’re specifically designed for walkers who suffer from this condition. Specifically, these shoes feature a wide, supportive base with a cushioned midsole that helps to reduce pressure on the foot. It also has a durable leather upper that provides extra support and stability. Additionally, the Omni Walker 3 has a comfortable, breathable lining that helps to prevent moisture buildup and keep feet dry throughout any activities you may chose to engage in.
- Style: Trail Running Boots
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $159.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Trail running can be particularly tough on the Plantar Fascia. With uneven terrain and a mix of soft and hard surfaces, it can severely strain your feet. However, shoes designed for trail running can offer the necessary protection to keep yours safe.
Designed with high arches in mind, the OrthoLite insoles provided both support and cushion. Furthermore, the Premium Wet Traction Contragrip provides solid grip in any weather conditions whilst the midsole gives great return on hard surfaces.
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $159.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
A particular feature that helps reduce plantar pressure is motion control. Basically, shoes with this feature are designed to correct your stride, so you don’t roll your feet inwards or outwards, which is known as pronation. We were impressed by the Brooks Beast ’20 and particularly how well its external heel counter worked.
Best suited for those with lower arches who tend to overpronate, these offer excellent motion control. Their BioMoGo DNA midsole provides maximum cushioning and an energized return. Meanwhile, the proprietary DRB Accel unit acts like a shank and ensures torsional rigidity in the mid-foot.
When it comes to colors, you can choose between black, gray, or orange-accented black. Unlike many modern athletic shoes, Brooks has chosen to keep the color schemes relatively subtle, allowing you to get the comfort you need without making a big statement with your footwear choice.
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $139.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
An accomplished contemporary classic sneaker, New Balance’s 840 V3 is renowned for providing wearer relief from various ailments. They’re great for Plantar Fasciitis as they are for other disorders too.
Designed primarily for walking, the ABZORB midsole gives the wearer excellent foam cushioning . Furthermore, a full-length EVA strobel board gives full comfort whilst the breathable mesh uppers prevent build-up of heat and sweat.
The 840 V3 seems to be solely available these days in an all-black conformation. Although we’ve seen more stylish shoes, they are comfortable indeed.
- Style: Athletic Boots
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $229.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
If you’re serious on about your athletic activity, you might consider investing in boots rather than shoes. These will provide more support on the ankle, which is an area that tends have an impact on your plantar’s health.
With their trademark Sensifit foot-wrapping design and lace-up closure, the Solomon Quest 4 GTX boots will help you benefit from added motion control even in the roughest terrain. Furhtermore, improved forefoot flexion gives the wearer a smoother gait, and the lug offers an improved grip. Meanwhile, a cushioned OrthoLite insole provides the necessary arch support and cushion for comfort.
Shoe Content
