The 10 Best Women’s Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis of 2021

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Best Womenâs Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis — Verywell / Sabrina Jiang

Plantar fasciitis is a common injury among runners, slightly affecting females more than men, 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’ll want to find a pair of shoes that meets your needs, budget, and preferences.

Here are the best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis on the market.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

ASICS Women's GT-2000 8 Running Shoes at Amazon

Support and cushioning is essential for a runner with plantar fasciitis, and these lightweight shoes offer both.

Best Budget:

Saucony Versafoam Cohesion 13 at Amazon

These affordable shoes don't skimp on quality, providing exceptional cushioning that absorbs impact and reduces pressure.

Best Cushioning:

Hoka One One Bondi 6 Running Shoes at Hokaoneone.com

Hoka running shoes are known for their thick soles that provide maximum comfort and cushioning to protect your whole foot.

Best for Distance Runners:

ASICS Women's Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes at Amazon

ASICS’ popular GEL cushioning will allow you to run for miles without discomfort, with extra support in the forefoot and rearfoot.

Best for Road Running:

Brooks Addiction 14 at Amazon

If you enjoy running on paved roads, these well-cushioned shoes are your best option for preventing plantar fasciitis flare-ups.

Best for Trail Running:

ASICS GEL-Venture 7 Running Shoes at Amazon

Run on any terrain without having to worry about slipping or rolling an ankle and having a plantar fasciitis flare-up.

Best Lightweight:

New Balance Women's 1080v10 V4 Running Shoes at Dick's

No one likes running with heavy shoes, and this cushy and lightweight option also provides exceptional support.

Best for Flat Feet:

Saucony Women's Guide 13 Running Shoe at Amazon

If you have flat feet and tend to overpronate, these responsive shoes with a wide toe box are for you.

Best for Wide Feet:

New Balance Women's 847 V3 Walking Shoe at Amazon

Choose from three widths (wide, extra-wide, and extra-extra-wide) for a comfortable fit, no matter how wide your foot is.

Best for Neutral Runners:

Brooks Glycerin 18 Running Shoes at Amazon

If you don't have flat feet or very high arches, these plush running shoes are a solid choice for neutral runners.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Pros

Durable
Excellent cushioning
Lightweight
Various widths and colors

Cons

Sizes run small

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.

Materials: Synthetic sole, mesh upper | Cushioning: Forefoot gel technology | Closure: Lace-up

Saucony Versafoam Cohesion Running Shoes

Pros

Excellent cushioning
Lightweight and breathable
Various widths available

Cons

No extra-wide sizes

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.

Materials: Rubber sole, synthetic mesh upper | Cushioning: Versafoam | Closure: Lace-up

What Experts Say

“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.

Hoka One One Women’s Bondi Running Shoes

Pros

Excellent cushioning
Durable
Various widths and colors

Cons

Sizes run large

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.

Materials: Rubber outsole | Cushioning: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up

ASICS Women's Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes

Pros

Excellent cushioning
Ideal for neutral and overpronating runners
Various widths available

Cons

No extra-wide sizes

Another solid, high-quality product from ASICS, the 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.

Materials: Rubber sole, mesh upper | Cushioning: Maximum | Closure: Lace-up

Pros

Excellent cushioning
Helps control pronation
Various widths available
Compatible with orthotics

Cons

Not as durable as other options

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.

Materials: Rubber sole, mesh upper | Cushioning: BioMoGo DNA | Closure: Lace-up

Pros

Excellent cushioning
Durable
Various widths and colors
Compatible with orthotics

Cons

No extra-wide sizes

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 in medium and wide widths.

Materials: Rubber sole | Cushioning: Rearfoot GEL technology | Closure: Lace-up

Pros

Wide toe box
Excellent cushioning
Various widths

Cons

Sizes run small

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.

Materials: Jacquard upper, rubber outsole | Cushioning: Fresh Foam | Closure: Lace-up

Pros

Excellent cushioning
Lightweight
Wide toe box
Compatible with orthotics

Cons

Not as durable as other options

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.

Materials: Mesh upper | Cushioning: PWRRUN | Closure: Lace-up

Pros

Various widths
Lightweight and breathable
Compatible with orthotics

Cons

Limited color options

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.

Materials: Rubber sole, synthetic upper | Cushioning: Not listed | Closure: Lace-up

Pros

Excellent cushioning
Lightweight and breathable
Flexible
Various widths and colors

Cons

No extra-wide sizes

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.

Materials: Rubber sole, mesh upper | Cushioning: DNA LOFT | Closure: Lace-up

Final Verdict

Women experiencing plantar fasciitis can’t go wrong with the ASICS GT-2000 8 (view at Amazon), offered in narrow, regular, and wide widths for the perfect fit. Thanks to its gel and FlyteFoam technology, it works to absorb shock and offer responsiveness during your runs.

If affordability is a priority, the Saucony Versafoam Cohesion 13 (view at Amazon) gets the job done at half the cost. Providing impact-absorbing cushioning and a sturdy outsole, it’s designed to deliver pain relief and breathability no matter where your day takes you.

What to Look for in Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

Comfort

Cushioning and support are two important factors that contribute to comfort. Ideally, you want something that feels comfortable right out of the box, eliminating any need for a break-in period. When your foot strikes the ground, you should have enough padding to eliminate shock, but you also want something that’s flexible and nimble. Weight can also contribute to comfort.

“For some people, it’s a big deal and it affects their running,” says Dr. Ami Sheth, DPM, FACFAS. She says that having a lightweight shoe may be important, but the more important factor is stability and durability.

Support

People with plantar fasciitis feel strain when they bear weight on their feet, so a shoe with proper support is essential to avoid injury or pain.

“Sometimes, people really focus on the arch support and their foot may not need that much. So, for example, they feel ‘arch support’ but they are actually walking on the outsides of their feet,” says Sheth. Since support is difficult to define, she recommends finding a shoe that only flexes in the toe area and one that can’t twist. The heel counter should also hold your heel firm so that it doesn’t move around when you’re walking or running.

Fit

“It’s good to have a professional fit you,” notes Sheth. “Often sizes can vary as can the width of the shoe, so not every size 7.5 will fit the same in each brand.” She says that your feet should have a little more than half an inch of space between your longest toe and the edge of the interior of the shoe, allowing you to wiggle your toes in the toe box. If you have wide or narrow feet, make sure to focus on the width of the shoe before committing to a shoe.

Style

Even if a shoe is designed for support and performance, it can accommodate your style as well. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of running shoes in multiple colors and styles that still provide good durability and support. Fit and comfort should still be priorities, but if you’re looking for great-looking shoes to motivate you to get moving, a shoe should also be able to hit the marks with style.

FAQs

Are running shoes good to wear if you have plantar fasciitis?

Yes, wearing the right running shoes with proper support can help to ease the symptoms of plantar fasciitis or prevent it from coming back. The experts at a specialty running store can do a gait and foot analysis and give you recommendations on the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.

“Look for good support in a running shoe as well as cushioning,” says Ami Sheth, DPM., a podiatrist in Los Gatos, California. “Many shoes have a thinner sole now, to make them lighter, but that doesn't help with shock absorption. A shoe with good cushioning will help with impact.”

Can running make plantar fasciitis worse?

Research on continued activity with plantar fasciitis suggests that you should keep your pain levels to a minimum while running. However, it's worth noting that pain may exacerbate the condition, especially if you’re running in worn-out or the wrong type of shoes for your foot type. Talk to your podiatrist or physical therapist about steps to alleviate your symptoms.

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

As a running coach, marathon runner, and fitness writer, Christine Luff has spent years researching and recommending running and walking shoes. To walk in comfort and reduce injury risk, she suggests getting properly fitted for walking shoes and replacing them regularly.

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4 Sources

Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

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