If you, like me, suffer from plantar fasciitis, then you know the frustration that comes with wanting to be as active as you always were, but limited due to this painful condition. Thankfully, with the right footwear, you can help treat, and eventually heal, this condition over time.
Finding the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis can be a challenge, however. Shoe stores, and even stores geared toward athletes, don’t have signs posted above the shoes: “Plantar Fasciitis Shoes.” So it’s up to us, the runners, to do our own homework.
The idea is to reduce the amount of stress you place on your feet. By finding shoes that provide stress-relief as you engage in low-to-high impact activities, you can find relief and aid the healing process to take place over time.
A wide variety of running shoes exist to help those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. You will simply need to experiment and take great care trying on several brands and types of shoes before you make your final decision. Ideally, consult with a knowledgeable salesperson who will help you determine your needs and find the best pair for your particular foot.
Consider these helpful tips when selecting
- Choose shoes with strong arch support to relieve your heel pain.
- Forget about good looks. Select shoes based on their comfort and support.
- Getting used to arch support in your shoes takes time. Your foot isn’t accustomed to the feel of support under your arches, so wear them for a while each day for a week, gradually building up time.
- Replace shoes when the arch wears down. Wearing old shoes will aggravate the condition again.
- Don’t go barefoot around the house. Always wear comfortable, supportive shoes to avoid further injury or relapse.
- This is no one-size-fits-all condition. Dedicate yourself to finding the shoe that is best for YOU.
Much testing and research have already been done to determine the best running shoes. Nike, Brooks, Asics, New Balance, Mizuno, and Saucony are the companies most often sought out for shoes that aid the plantar fasciitis condition.
Almost anyone will benefit from this selection of shoes–a few “winners” when seeking the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis:
| Asics Gel Kayano 17
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The well-balanced Kayano puts a soft feel on some heavy support. The wide, stable heel holds gobs of cushy foam and Gel, offering the resiliency of a neutral-cushioned shoe at heel-strike and a smooth transition through toe-off. |
| Men’s Saucony Grid Stabil 6 | The men’s Saucony® Grid Stabil 6 gives you resilient cushioning and reliable motion control with a great fit through the arch and midfoot. |
| Brooks Beast | The Beast is a motion-control superhero, coming to the rescue of runners with low or flat arches and excessive pronation. |
| New Balance 1221 | The New Balance 1221 is a high-mileage trainer offering the ultimate in support and cushioning. |
| Nike Zoom Equal | Get the stability you need without sacrificing plush cushioning and flexibility. |
| Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 | Wave® Alchemy™ 11 offers improved comfort through the midfoot thanks to Mizuno®’s unique Dynamotion Fit™. Increased comfort throughout plus a more flexible upper thanks to flex eyelets, and greater forefoot stability. |
Don’t forget that one of the best (and simplest) tricks to relieving your plantar fasciitis on a daily basis, is to stretch the foot. To do the stretch, rest your ankle on your opposite leg and pull your toes toward the shin. Rub your finger along the plantar fascia for a count of ten. Do this at least three times a day. If you do this stretching protocol, it will keep your running pain-free.
Don’t let this painful condition keep you from your healthy, active lifestyle. Following the simple tips above will help you find the best shoes for plantar fasciitis so you can keep up your running regimen.
Also read: Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet
