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Plantar fasciitis is a common injury among female runners and can sideline them for weeks or even months. The pain, usually felt in the heel and bottom of the foot, can sometimes be caused or made worse by wearing the wrong type of running shoes.
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis or you’re worried about it coming back, what you’re wearing on your feet matters. Whether you run or walk, prefer roads or trails, you’re sure to find a shoe on this list of the best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis that meets your needs, budget, and preferences.
If you’d like a well-priced, high-quality, and supportive shoe for plantar fasciitis, look no further than the ASICS GT-2000 women’s running shoe. Durable and high-performing, the ASICS GEL cushioning system helps dissipate the impact and allows your foot to move more fluidly through your stride.
The shoe’s cushioning is lightweight, yet still plush, making it an ideal shoe for runs of any distance and on any terrain. With its Heel Clutching System, the running shoe provides ample support and a sturdy fit, which is crucial for runners with plantar fasciitis. This model is available in a range of colors and sizes, and you can choose between a narrow, medium, or wide shoe width.
While quality running shoes often come with a high price tag, you don’t have to break the bank to get a supportive, cushioned pair from a trusted brand. Saucony’s affordable Versafoam Cohesion running shoes provide exceptional cushioning that absorbs impact and reduces pressure, giving relief to women with plantar fasciitis.
The rubber outsole is sturdy and supportive, while the mesh upper is breathable and lightweight. Available in regular or wide widths and in six different designs, these are an inexpensive yet high-quality option for runners or women who want a comfy, all-day-wear shoe.
“People who are prone to plantar fasciitis should look for good support in a running shoe as well as cushioning. I recommend looking for shoes that are supportive and not too flexible. The shoe should only bend at the toes, and you should not be able to twist it. It should also have a good heel counter so your heel doesn't slip.”—Ami Sheth, DPM., podiatrist in Los Gatos, California.
If you’re looking for a running shoe with maximum cushioning, the Hoka One One Women’s Bondi running shoe is an obvious choice. While Hoka’s signature thick, wide soles give them an unusual look, most runners don’t seem to care because of the shoe’s comfort and performance.
This model's superior plush EVA material cushioning provides excellent shock absorption and also helps decrease pressure under the heel and ball of the foot. An Ortholite molded insole also adds to the cushioning, comfort, and support. With a tough rubber outsole and zonal rubber placed in key areas that typically wear, these shoes are extremely durable.
The shoes come in a dozen different color combinations, from subtle to bold, and in sizes 5 through 12 with medium to wide widths.
Another solid, high-quality product from ASICS, their women’s GEL Kayano running shoe gives runners with plantar fasciitis the excellent support and comfort they need. They feature ASICS’ popular GEL cushioning, which helps with shock absorption and provides superior comfort, especially in the forefoot and rearfoot.
This shoe is perfect for neutral and overpronating female runners, even those logging high mileage while training for long distance races. ASICS’ Flytefoam midsole technology allows the shoe to bounce back to its original shape after each stride, providing lightweight, cushioned comfort for your run, no matter how far you’re going.
With superb overall support and comfort, the Brooks Women’s Addiction running shoes are a great option for women who enjoy running on paved roads and paths and are worried about their plantar fasciitis flaring up. This shoe features Brooks’ DNA cushioning system, which provides shock absorption and cushioning with each step, no matter what distance you’re running.
With their Diagonal Rollbar to help control pronation, the shoes are also great for runners with flat feet. Users love the support and stability they get from them, even after running or walking long distances. They are also wide and deep enough to accommodate orthotics. You'll find them in sizes 5 through 12 and in four different widths: narrow, medium, wide, and extra wide.
If you want a running shoe that works well for both road and trail running or walking, the ASICS Women’s GEL Venture running shoes are a nice choice and an excellent value for the price. Asics’ popular GEL cushioning helps absorb shock from impact and provides overall comfort, no matter how far you’re running.
The reverse-traction lugs on the outsole give the shoe some additional cushion as well as great traction when running or walking on trails or in wet weather. The shoes come with a supportive sock liner, which can be removed if you want to wear orthotics. The outsoles are reinforced in high-wear areas, which adds to their durability. They’re available in sizes 5 through 12 and medium and wide widths.
These lightweight running shoes feature New Balance’s Fresh Foam midsole as well as cushy Ortholite insoles for a comfy, smooth ride. The wide toe box allows your toes to splay out for better stability, while the midsoles provide exceptional shock absorption and support. Sleek and fashionable, they can take you right from the gym to a casual brunch, in comfort and style.
This model comes in sizes 5 through 13 and in four different width options—from narrow to extra-wide.
Saucony Women’s Guide running shoes offer great stability and cushioning, but they are still lightweight, making them an excellent choice for long distance runners who are dealing with plantar fasciitis or worried about a recurrence. The shoe’s PWRRUN cushioning is responsive, so you’ll feel strong, smooth, and comfortable with each takeoff and landing. Runners who overpronate like these shoes for their maximum support and stability.
Users like that they have a wide toe box and don’t require a break-in period, so they’re comfortable right out of the box. They’re available in medium and wide sizes to accommodate insoles, so it’s easier to get the right fit for your foot.
With their 847 shoe model, New Balance offers an excellent option for women who have wide feet and are also prone to plantar fasciitis. In addition to regular widths, they’re available in wide, extra-wide, and extra-extra-wide sizes.
Boasting a cushy synthetic sole, breathable mesh overlays, a comfy foam-padded tongue and collar, and a removable OrthoLite foam insert, these shoes help keep you feeling light and happy on your feet, no matter how many miles you log. Designed with comfort and breathability in mind, they’re a good, lightweight option for warm-weather running or walking.
If you don’t have flat feet or very high arches, these Brooks Glycerin running shoes are perfect for neutral runners like you. The plush cushioning provides the comfort that runners with plantar fasciitis desire, while the two-way stretch mesh allows for good breathability, excellent flexibility, and a customized fit.
Available in a variety of colors and widths, these durable shoes are a solid choice for running and other exercise as well as all-day wear.
Comfort
Support and cushioning are two of the most important things to evaluate when choosing a running shoe, and both become even more important if you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis. Ideally, you want something that feels just right for your foot right out of the box. You want enough cushioning to pad your foot as it strikes, but also something that is flexible and nimble. The distance you run regularly and where you run (treadmill, street, track, trail, etc.) are also factors when evaluating the amount of cushioning you want in a shoe.
Fit
From the toe box to the heel and everything in between, the shoe needs to fit your foot as well as possible. If you have wide or narrow feet, make sure to look for shoe styles that offer varying widths.
Style
Just because a shoe is designed to be good for your feet doesn’t mean it can’t look good too. Fortunately, there’s a wide selection of running shoes in all sorts of colors and styles that are still good for your feet. Fit and comfort should definitely be your first priorities, but if great-looking shoes motivate you to get moving, then you should be able to find a stylish pair that checks those boxes.
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Thing J, Maruthappu M, Rogers J. Diagnosis and management of plantar fasciitis in primary care. Br J Gen Pract. 2012;62(601):443-4. doi:10.3399/bjgp12X653769