Best Women’s Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis 2024

More than 90% of shoes on the market will worsen heel pain. That is why choosing a perfect women’s running shoes is an essential decision if you want to get rid of plantar fasciitis. But first, It is important to know that even the best supportive shoes will not cure your plantar fasciitis alone.

Human populations that generally do not wear shoes rarely, if ever, suffer from plantar fasciitis.

With that said, to get rid of your plantar fasciitis once and for all, your main goal is to develop the strength of your foot. But because you are already in pain, you need to move slowly from “full support” to minimalist shoes.

Best Women’s Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis

1. New Balance Women’s 1080 Running Shoes

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

The New Balance 1080 is one of my best options. It has a lot of cushioning around the neck and in the insole, so it will be a very comfortable shoe for walking or running, as it is a running shoe, after all. Beyond cushioning, there is an asymmetrical heel counter to keep your foot locked in place.

It will keep your foot in a healthier position while cushioning the impact of your step so that your heel does not swell further. The unique design will also redistribute the shock so it doesn’t shoot directly through the heel. So these are an amazing option to wear all day while you are recovering from severe plantar fasciitis.

Pros
  • Perfect for intense pain.
  • Super comfortable design that protects the heel and keeps the foot in place.
Cons
  • The weight of the shoe can be annoying.

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

2. Brooks Ghost Running Shoes For Women

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

From what I discovered in my research, many women’s sneakers have stiffer soles that make them bad for your feet if you have plantar fasciitis. Therefore, it is much more difficult to find a women’s running shoe that provides the support and cushioning you need. The Ghost model is one of the few shoes that have not this problem. It has a softer rubber sole. Rubber is an excellent choice because it is a material solid enough to provide support, but flexible and soft enough not to force the foot into a strange position.

The arch support has been designed for those with a neutral arch or a slight underpronation, so it has a lower but slightly firmer arch. The outsole also has this pretty center to heel split design that helps redistribute and absorb shock so that it extends around the heel instead of shooting directly through it. Overall, the Ghost model is another amazing option for intense heel pain.

Pros
  • Great arch support
  • Comfortable heel cushioning
  • A popular brand for plantar fasciitis sufferers
  • Great for walking and running
  • Several unique color options
  • Light
  • Comfortable toe cap
  • Waterproof mesh upper
Cons
  • It can run a little smaller than its normal size
  • Some complaints of fabric tear

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

3. Mizuno Wave Rider Running Shoes

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

The Wave Rider will help keep the heel in place and keep you protected from the impact of walking or running. But what I found interesting about the design is that, despite the stiff sole, this shoe is built with a wider, more flexible toe. Therefore, this combination would allow you to minimize pain and injury while training and strengthening your foot to prevent future injury.

You can use a toe separator or orthotics with these, which also makes them a good transition shoe (transition to a “semi-support” shoe). You can start with these inserts and then gradually remove them over time instead of having to buy different shoes for the different stages of your recovery.

Pros
  • A unique combination of great arch support and tip flexibility helps gently strengthen the foot
Cons
  • The ride could be a little smoother

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

4. Saucony Guide 10 Shoes

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

Saucony’s Guide 10 is best for the mid-stage recovery from plantar fasciitis. When your pain has settled at maybe 6 or 7 (out of 10). It has an 8mm mid-range heel drop that will help naturally encourage you to walk more in the middle of the foot than the heel. This is important because hitting the heel of the ground first is one of the most common ways that people injure their feet in the first place.

So this shoe helps correct the problem. But it does so while providing great cushioning that will keep your foot protected. The outsole also has a nice design that maintains flexibility while redistributing impact around the foot instead of allowing it to shoot directly through the heel. In my opinion, Guide 10 could also easily become your daily shoe to avoid future problems.

Pros
  • A great daily shoe to prevent long-term heel pain
  • Impressive pre-transition to minimalist shoes
Cons
  • Works with a small-medium size, so consider buying a larger medium size

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

5. Z-Coil Women’s Shoes

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

If you’re tired of heel pain and want sudden results then Z-Coil is the best choice for you. These shoes have been designed to minimize the impact as much as possible. They have a steel coil in the heel that provides the perfect amount of elastic recovery so you can walk (or run) without your heel suffering from a strong impact. Despite having a steel coil, there are more features of these shoes too.

It also has a large amount of padding on both the heel and toe. The finger box is wide enough to allow fingers to spread naturally. Even the sole at the bottom of the shoe is cushioned to further cushion the impact. Inside of the shoe is a built-in orthosis that gives the support you would expect from a plantar fasciitis shoe.

These shoes provide the best support on the market. And it’s exactly what you need if you have severe plantar fasciitis pain. These are the perfect shoes for recovery.

Pros
  • The best design to minimize impact and protect a healing foot
Cons
  • It seems kind of fun to some

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

6. Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

The latest Pegasus 36 is a neutral road shoe with a 10mm drop and luxurious cushioning.

They’re designed for people with high arches that don’t overweight, so you won’t be able to trust them if you overweight, but if you’re a neutral runner this is a great option.

A full piece of Cushlon foam provides cushioning, while airbags provide responsiveness and increased shock absorption.

These are a great option for those with plantar fasciitis with neutral pronation and high arches.

Pros
  • Good for high arches
  • Orthotic friendly
  • Foot shaping sock
  • Very breathable
  • Flywire technology provides a secure fit upper
Cons
  • It runs a little tight

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

7. Asics Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoes

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

Gel-Venture 6 is one of Asics most well-reviewed women’s running shoes, only to be surpassed by the Gel-Venture 5. The trail-specific outsole on ASICS GEL VENTURE 6 is specially designed for maximum traction on multiple types of terrain. While its rearfoot gel cushioning system works to absorb shock and allow for a smooth transition to mid position. The Gel-Venture 6 has all the arch support you need, but it also comes with a removable insert in case you want to add yours. These are the most popular ASICS shoes for both men and women plantar fasciitis issues.

Pros
  • High-value sports shoe
  • Various bright and elegant options
  • One of the best brands that heel likes
  • Sufficient arch support
  • Very good general support
Cons
  • You May Not Have the Full-Arch Support You Need
  • It might be a little stiff out of the box
  • A couple of negative complaints about receiving faulty shoes

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

8. Salomon X Mission 3 Trail

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

The Salomon X Mission 3 Trail Running shoes are another great shoe for heel pain. It is added to the list due to its increasing popularity score for the arch support. This shoe has a somewhat breathable mesh upper, an EVA midsole, a comfortable foam insole, and a durable grippy outsole for traction on slippery and uneven terrain. This shoe also comes with an exclusive one-pull lacing system for absolute comfort. We have rated the Salomon X Mission 3 as the best trail running shoe for plantar fasciitis.

Pros
  • Nice bright colors
  • Comfortable sneakers with some cushioning
  • A good amount of arch support
  • Pretty popular sneakers
  • Good tread for walking, running, and hiking
  • A good amount of toe room.
  • Removable insole
Cons
  • Maybe a little stiff during the filming period
  • It may not be wide enough for some types of feet
  • Could use more cushion
  • Not everyone likes laces without a tie

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

9. Hoka One One Bondi 6 Running Shoes For Women

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

The Hoka One One Bondi is one of the shoes that has constantly made its way into the running community. When it comes to heel pain, the Bondi 6 gets rave reviews as a running shoe with arch support. This running shoe is lightweight, breathable, and made with plush material for added comfort. This shoe Is recommended for people with wide feet. This shoe is neutral and probably not a good choice if you overpronate and need more stability.

Pros
  • Comfortable insole with some cushioning
  • Suitable arch support
  • Comfortable box fit for many
  • The toe seems to be good and not too tight
  • Removable insert
Cons
  • Shoe prices and size availability fluctuate (Bondi 5 above has tons of rave reviews)
  • Few complaints about the early use
  • Arch support could be better
  • A little bulkier than others

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

10. Brooks Ariel 18 Women’s Running Shoes

best women's running shoes for plantar fasciitis

For those who need an overpronation running shoe, Brooks recommends the Ariel 18. This shoe has positive support from the plantar fasciitis community because of its early version. It’s similar to the Ghost 11 in that it comes with a 12mm midsole drop, which puts more emphasis on the antepié instead of the heel (which makes it more comfortable). But unlike the Ghost, Brooks recommends this shoe to people with flat or medium arches and who need more movement control and stability.

Pros
  • Perfect fit around the entire foot
  • Wider toe cap than others
  • Good stability
  • Good arch support
  • Good shoe for flat feet
  • You can replace the insert
Cons
  • Expensive
  • There are not enough color options.
  • Seems like they made some minor changes from their previous well-rated version
  • It can be a little stiff
  • Some complaints about premature wear on the ankle padding

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

How to choose the best shoes for plantar fasciitis?

Women stretching to warm up before running

First things first: conflicting views

There are different schools of thought about the treatment of plantar fasciitis.

Some believe that it is better to wear a minimalist style shoe with very little support to strengthen the arch of the foot. They may even recommend going barefoot when it’s convenient.

Others believe that to cure or prevent plantar fasciitis you need a supportive and stable shoe with a suitable cushion.

Who is right?

The truth is, that what works to cure one person’s plantar fasciitis can worsen another’s pain.

In other words, some runners improve using barefoot or minimalist shoes, while other runners find supportive shoes helpful.

A female runner with barefoot sneakers closeup

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

How to decide the best shoes for you?

This depends upon the source which is causing plantar fasciitis. For this, it may need to be reviewed by a professional.

Plantar fasciitis can be caused by different things. Anything from being overweight, standing all day, having tight muscles, an old injury, or, more commonly, being overpronated.

If you are overweight or forced to stand all day, these are not things that can be changed quickly, so it is best to find supportive, well-padded shoes and incorporate some stretch into your routine.

If, on the other hand, your pain is the result of overpronation and tight muscles, this is something you can work with slowly to increase strength and flexibility.

I still recommend starting with supportive, well-padded shoes for your run, and working on the strength and flexibility of your foot between runs. Once your pain is reduced, you can begin the transition to more neutral shoes.

Watch this video for ideas on strength and flexibility exercises for plantar fasciitis.

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

What To Look For

Arch Support

Most people with plantar fasciitis tend to overweight or have a degree of foot instability. For this reason, stability or movement control shoes are usually the most comfortable.

If you’re interested in more overpronator shoes, we have even more great options on this list. If you know you have flat feet, why not take a look at our guide to the best sneakers for flat feet.

On the other hand, if you know you do not overpronate, you could still benefit from a neutral shoe that incorporates some stability features so your foot muscles don’t overload and make your plantar fasciitis worse.

Lastly, in rare cases, runners with high arches who become depressed or supinate may also end up with plantar fasciitis. If that’s your case, be sure to read our guide to the best running shoes for underpronators.

Heel Support

A sturdy heel counter and a deep heel cup will help with stability and keep the heel in place inside the shoe.

Avoid a flat insole because it will not hold your foot in place and will cause an unstable landing.

Cushion

Look for a shoe with wide cushioning and a fitted insole.

When you have plantar fasciitis, your foot muscles are swollen and sore, so extra cushioning is important to keep you comfortable.

But cushioning also means shock absorption. If your shoes are not well padded, your foot and lower leg muscles will be forced to cope with the impact of repetitive landing that can worsen plantar fasciitis.

Good shock absorption will reduce the load on the muscles.

young woman running in the morning outdoors

Shoe Drop

The “drop” of the shoe is a measure of the difference between the heel sole height compared to the forefoot.

If a shoe is 15mm high at the heel and 5mm high at the toe, the drop is 10mm.

Why does shoe drop matter?

The fall of the shoe affects two things

First, a steep drop, say 10mm or more, pushes you slightly forward as you run. These shoes make runners feel they move faster.

Second, a shoe drop affects where the foot bump occurs. A low or medium drop shoe tends to hit close to the front or midsole. A higher drop encourages a heel strike.

What does this mean for you?

It is important that you already know if you are a heel forward, a midfoot forward, or a forefoot forward, and that you match your shoes drop to match this.

If you are a heel kicker and suddenly start running in a low pair of shoes, your foot and leg muscles will have to work harder and will probably get worse s your plantar fasciitis.

The Toe Box

A good shoe for plantar fasciitis should be snug on the heel and midfoot.

But…

The toe of the shoe where the toes are, called the toe box, should be spacious and wide enough for the toes to naturally extend as you run.

Why do my toes need space?

When your toes have enough room to land as intended by nature, this keeps your foot bones in proper alignment.

More exercising than running shoes? No problem! We have a list of the best plantar fasciitis training shoes that will help you.

best women’s running shoes for plantar fasciitis

Frequently Asked Questions

A man running on Bay Walk during the day

What are the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis?

The best shoes for plantar fasciitis are the ones that provide the right amount of support for your foot type with plenty of cushioning.

There is no best shoe for plantar fasciitis because each person’s feet are different. The most important thing is that the shoe fits you well and is comfortable.

Does running make plantar fasciitis worse?

Running can make plantar fasciitis worse if you don’t wear the right shoes or don’t stretch between runs.

What shoes shouldn’t you wear with plantar fasciitis?

Old and worn-out shoes, or shoes with limited stability or cushioning are not a great option for those with plantar fasciitis.

I wish you success in your search for the best sneakers for plantar fasciitis and I hope you will send me a line in the comments to let me know which sneakers you like best.

Leave a Comment