Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis causes a sharp pain under the heel, often worst with your first steps in the morning. It happens when the thick band of tissue along the sole of your foot gets irritated from repeated loading.

The right shoe won’t cure it, but it can take enough strain off the plantar fascia to let you keep running while it settles.

Plantar fasciitis affects the band of tissue along the sole, usually near the heel.

Every runner is different. Take our 2-minute quiz to find the shoes matched to your injuries, feet, routes and budget.

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What to look for

A cushioned heel
More foam under the heel softens each landing, where plantar fasciitis pain is usually worst.
A drop of 8 mm or more
A higher heel reduces how far the plantar fascia stretches with every stride.
A supportive, stable fit
A secure heel and a stable midsole stop the foot from moving around and straining the arch.
Avoid zero- or low-drop shoes for now
They put more stretch through the sole of the foot, which can aggravate heel pain.

Shoes to consider

These picks come from the same matching logic as our quiz, for a road runner who wants an everyday trainer. Specs are approximate for recent versions.

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1.Nike Pegasus

Neutral shoe

37/27 mm stack10 mm dropabout 285 g

Nike’s long-running workhorse. It’s responsive rather than plush, durable, and suits a huge range of runners, which is why so many people own one.

  • A cushioned heel (37 mm) and a 10 mm drop soften heel strike and reduce how much the plantar fascia stretches with each step.
Compare prices for the Pegasus

2.ASICS Novablast

Neutral shoe

41/33 mm stack8 mm dropabout 256 g

A high-stack, bouncy trainer with a fun, springy ride. It handles easy runs well and still feels lively when you pick up the pace.

  • A cushioned heel (41 mm) and a 8 mm drop soften heel strike and reduce how much the plantar fascia stretches with each step.
Compare prices for the Novablast

3.Hoka Clifton

Neutral shoe

42/34 mm stack8 mm dropabout 275 g

A lightweight max-cushion shoe with a rocker that rolls you smoothly from heel to toe. Comfortable for long and easy miles.

  • A cushioned heel (42 mm) and a 8 mm drop soften heel strike and reduce how much the plantar fascia stretches with each step.
Compare prices for the Clifton

4.ASICS Gel-Nimbus

Neutral shoe

43/35 mm stack8 mm dropabout 290 g

ASICS’ premium cushioned trainer. Soft, protective and comfortable for long runs and recovery days.

  • A cushioned heel (43 mm) and a 8 mm drop soften heel strike and reduce how much the plantar fascia stretches with each step.
Compare prices for the Gel-Nimbus

5.Nike Vomero

Neutral shoe

46/36 mm stack10 mm dropabout 306 g

A very tall, plush trainer from Nike designed for long, easy miles where comfort matters more than speed.

  • A cushioned heel (46 mm) and a 10 mm drop soften heel strike and reduce how much the plantar fascia stretches with each step.
Compare prices for the Vomero

Want picks that also account for your arches, gait, routes and weekly distance?

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Common questions

Can running shoes cure plantar fasciitis?

No. Shoes reduce the load on the plantar fascia, but recovery usually also needs calf and foot strengthening, stretching, and managing how much you run. See a physio if the pain lasts more than a few weeks.

Should I stop running with plantar fasciitis?

Many runners keep going at reduced volume if the pain stays mild and settles within a day. If it gets worse during runs or changes how you walk, rest and get it assessed.

Are max-cushion shoes good for plantar fasciitis?

Often, yes. A well-cushioned heel with a moderate-to-high drop suits many runners with heel pain, as long as the shoe still feels stable.