Plantar fasciitis, also referred to as joggers’ heel or tennis heel, is a common foot condition known for causing foot pain, especially when getting out of bed in the morning.
Approximately 10% of the population suffers from plantar fasciitis, with many others likely going undiagnosed. You can treat plantar fasciitis with medical intervention and remain active, but in order to do so, lifestyle changes along with choosing the best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis are important.
Plantar fasciitis can cause leg pain as well as other symptoms, such as burning sensation, stiffness, swelling, inflammation, tenderness or sharp pain under the heel. Pain is typically worse in the morning, especially when first getting out of bed.
The good news is that choosing proper footwear to support and cushion the foot can help alleviate symptoms and prevent them from returning.
Here are our top picks for the best plantar fasciitis shoes.
Best sneakers for walking with plantar fasciitis
Women’s Coral | Men’s Lava
Why you’ll love it
- Multi-layer cushioning
- Stretchable, breathable uppers
Specs
- Sizes: women 5-12; men 7-14
- Widths: women Standard (B) - Extra Wide (2E) | men Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E)
- Upper materials: stretch knit
The multi-layer construction of the Coral and Lava sneakers incorporates a premium orthotic insole designed to reduce plantar fasciitis and other common foot pain.
The footbed places the foot in optimal neutral positioning to align the feet and body properly, while air and foam cushioning pockets disperse shock forces during impact. The antimicrobial footbed cover utilizes an anti-microbial fabric to wick away moisture, keeping feet clean, cool and dry.
The wide toe box and soft, 4 way stretch uppers create a supportive yet pressure free environment that allows for maximum toe movement and accommodates any foot shape. .
The sneakers’ protective interior offers a soft, seam free lining that eliminates pressure points and friction against the skin. The soft, padded collar at the heel helps to prevent feet from slipping in your shoes, while offering cushioned support at the back of the heel.
Both shoes are also available in a no-tie version, designed with a bungee cord you can adjust when you first put them on and from that point on, enjoy the freedom of not tying or untying laces.
Best sneakers with Velcro straps for plantar fasciitis
Women’s Joelle | Men’s Alamo
Why you’ll love it
- Contoured orthotic insole
- Shock absorbing outsole
Specs
- Sizes: women 5-12; men 7-14
- Widths: women Standard (B) - Extra Extra Wide (4E) | men Standard (D) - Extra Extra Wide (6E)
- Upper materials: stretch knit (Joelle); soft leather (Alamo)
The Joelle and Alamo sneakers feature a number of key design elements that can help to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with plantar fasciitis.
First, both sneakers are built with a contoured orthotic insole that is designed to support the arch and heel of the foot, ensuring pressure is distributed equally throughout the foot. This significantly reduces stress on the plantar fascia and eases pain and discomfort.
Second, the shoes feature a wide and deep toe box that allows the toes to naturally spread out, reducing pressure on the ball of the foot and promoting proper alignment of the foot and ankle.
Finally, the Alamo and Joelle sneakers are made with a lightweight sole that provides excellent shock absorption and cushioning. This helps to reduce the impact of each step and ease the strain on the plantar fascia.
The women's Joelle sneakers come with one Velcro strap across the instep and are designed with stretchable knitted uppers that keep feet ventilated while contouring to their specific shape.
The men’s Alamo sneakers have two adjustable Velcro straps and the upper material is soft, non-binding leather.
Best sneakers for wide feet with plantar fasciitis
Women’s Kita | Men’s Yari
Why you’ll love it
- Advanced tech allows hands-free wear
- Comes in a wide variety of widths
Specs
- Sizes: women 5-12; men 7-14
- Widths: women Standard (B) - Extra Wide (2E) | men Standard (D) - Extra Wide (4E)
- Upper materials: stretch knit
The women’s Kita and men’s Yari sneakers have a spacious toe box that provides ample room for the toes to spread out, reducing pressure on the forefoot and preventing the development of blisters and calluses.
These sneakers come with removable insoles that are contoured to support the arch and provide cushioning for the heel and ball of the foot, reducing stress on the plantar fascia.
The shoes also feature a lightweight sole that is designed to provide excellent shock absorption and reduce the impact of each step, helping to alleviate pain in the foot and heel.
The uppers are made with breathable materials that have two important functions. First, they keep your feet ventilated, preventing the development of foot odor and infections. Second, they can shape around any type of foot size, width and height.
On top of all that, these sneakers come with one more innovative feature that makes putting on and taking off your shoes effortless. The hands free patented technology enables you to slip your feet into the shoes without bending down or using your hands. You don't even have to tie laces, which can be especially helpful for those who have difficulty with mobility or dexterity.
How can I stay active and improve my plantar fasciitis symptoms?
With some lifestyle and footwear adjustments, it is absolutely possible to live pain free and minimize plantar fasciitis, even while maintaining an active lifestyle.
Regular stretching, along with anti-inflammatories as needed, can help relieve symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It’s important to listen to your body and not push through sharp pain.
How should I choose sneakers for plantar fasciitis?
Choosing the best shoes that help with plantar fasciitis is critical for feeling better on your feet. Since improper footwear can contribute to plantar fasciitis pain, it’s important to choose shoes that offer features that give your feet the support they need. The best shoes for plantar fasciitis should offer:
- Arch support to offer support and encourage proper alignment.
- Superior cushioning for added comfort and shock absorption.
- Deep heel cup to prevent slipping and protect the heel bone.
- Ergonomic sole – The best running shoes for plantar fasciitis should be designed with an ergonomic sole, which propels the foot forward, supporting proper gait and minimizing impact.
- Firm heel counter to protect the heel and prevent slipping when running.
- Roomy toe box to allow toes to wiggle room in the front of the shoe.
- Extra depth to accommodate orthotics.
