As a runner, finding the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in your performance and comfort. This is especially true for those dealing with plantar fasciitis, a common condition that causes heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot.
When shopping for running shoes to alleviate pain and prevent further injury, it’s essential to consider factors such as arch support, cushioning, heel drop, and fit. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference in your journey towards healthier feet and a stronger, more comfortable run.
In this article, we’ll be highlighting the best running shoe options for plantar fasciitis on Zappos. We’ve chosen Zappos given their competitive prices and constant sales. Most notably, their generous return policy is incredibly reassuring, especially when it comes to shopping for shoes online.
Finding The Best Plantar Fasciitis Running Shoes
The plantar or Plantar Fascia is a band of connective tissue that is found under the feet. It joins the heel with the ball of the feet and acts as a natural shock absorber and suspension when running, walking, and jumping.
Doctors and scientists had presumed for a long time that the disorder was an inflammation of the Plantar. However, it was discovered not too long ago that the inflammation is actually a symptom of the cause itself. In reality, plantar fasciitis is a breakdown of the tissue through microtrauma.
Whilst its known causes include obesity, pregnancy, and poor shoes, it’s actually a larger issue for those who undertake regular sporting activities.
Whatever sport you enjoy including tennis or long-distance walking, the plantar will take a lot of punishment when submitted to repeated strain and movements.
Fortunately, many shoe manufacturers have mobilized in recent years upon realizing just how rife the disorder was. Furthermore, some shoe designs were even at fault, so contemporary footwear tends to focus on correcting this.
Therefore, you can breathe a sigh of relief that Plantar Fasciitis doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the road!
Running Shoe Features For Plantar Fasciitis
The focus of running shoes designed to alleviate pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis lies in taking pressure off the base of the foot. By removing some of the strain it endures when walking or running, the plantar is able to relax and reduce in inflammation. Eventually, the tears and trauma may begin to heal too.
Although quality running shoes can help to repair the damage, they’re unsurprisingly much more efficient as a preventative measure. Therefore, if you suspect that you may be prone to the disorder or begin to feel pain, it’s the ideal moment to invest in more protective running shoes.
Consider some of the following features when looking to buy running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis:
- Lightweight Materials: The easiest way to take pressure off the Plantar is by wearing lighter shoes. Most quality running shoes are made from feather-light materials that have an almost sock-like effect.
- Arch Support: The correct arch support is essential for maintaining healthy feet when you run. Make sure that the shoes offer just the right amount, as too little or too much will only make the disorder worse.
- Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Midsole: EVA is a well-known shock-absorbing midsole material that will offer an improved suspension and take pressure off the plantar by effectively doing the job for it.
- Motion Control: Over and underpronators may be more prone to Plantar Fasciitis as their feet roll in or outwards when walking and running. The extra strain can cause a lot of damage, so anti-rollbars and stabilized running shoes retain a correct running stride.
- Deep Cushioning: Cosy cushioning made by memory foams or gels will provide some bounce back for the feet as well as a comfortable cocoon for extra protection. This is always an added bonus and will help you run that extra mile.
Zappos’ Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Pain
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $159.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Both over and under pronation are caused by your feet rolling outwards or inwards, respectively. These common causes of Plantar as the band of connective tissue are put under excessive strain when you walk or run. Therefore, motion-control sneakers may be the right solution for you.
Although designed primarily for overpronators, these are likely functional for underpronators too. A DNA midsole offers maximum cushion whilst the DRB Accel unit provides a type of shank for mid-foot torsional rigidity. Finally, a Progressive Diagonal Rollbar offers pronation control at the medial arch.
We’re quite fond of the grey and black, which features a white midsole. However, a blue and grey style is also available for something more understated.
- Style: Trail Running Shoes
- 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 you safe.
Designed with high arches in mind, the OrthoLite insoles provided both support and cushion. Furthermore, the Premium Wet Traction Contragrip provides a solid grip in any weather conditions whilst the midsole gives a great return on hard surfaces.
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $160 [Buy Now On Zappos]
- Currently on Sale for $109.95
A favorite among those suffering from Platnar Fasciitis, ASICS’ Nimbus range is renowned for the superior performance and comfort that they have offered over the years. The Nimbus 24 offers one of the best experiences yet for those with higher-than-average arches, and it does it with a modern knit upper encountered across the highest-end running shoes and sneakers.
With the Flytefoam midsole technology, wearers can enjoy exceptional bounce and responsiveness through organic super fibers. Meanwhile, the Fluideride midsole features extra cushion to reduce the stress applied to the foot’s plantar.
You can’t beat classic black, but there are a few other colors to choose from depending on Zappos’ stock when you check. Our top pick is the white/black knit upper, as it adds a bit of style to an otherwise sterile colorway.
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $139.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Another well-known shoe for foot disorders is the latest New Balance 840 V5. With lots of deep cushioning and superior shock absorption, they’re ideal for particularly nasty cases of Plantar Fasciitis.
With the built-in ABZORB midsole, the wearer will experience deep foam cushioning, which is ideal for either walking or running. Furthermore, there’s a full-length EVA Strobel board for added shock absorption.
At this time, there are a couple of colorways available. We’ve highlighted what we find to be the sleekest option and which features a light blue upper, white outsole, and raised New Balance logo with a few dark grey accents. They’re not overly stylish, but they certainly do the job well.
- Style: Sneakers
- Formality: Casual
- Pricing: $214.95 [Buy Now On Zappos]
There was once a craze for wearing minimalist low-profile shoes that simulated barefoot running. Unsurprisingly, reports of various injuries started circulating, and we realized that it was actually quite hazardous. Shortly after, it became fashionable to wear high and deeply cushioned shoes, which offered superior protection.
Bondi X’s design is ideal for those with feet sensitive to Plantar Fasciitis. The maximum cushion is improved thanks to the proprietary Hoka One One Bucket Seat Midsole, whilst the slightly rounded toe offers smooth heel transitions. Furthermore, the Matryx upper (with high-tensile fibers across the foot) will provide the wearer with excellent structural support.
While it comes at a premium, Hoka’s color options with the Bondi X are anything but limited. We settled on the largely minimalistic black-on-white outsole. Still, there are numerous other varieties, many of which are much more colorful, which will allow you to express your personality a bit more (if you so desire.)
Shoe Content
