Plantar fasciitis is a common foot problem that can really cause pain, and impact the quality of life for the people it affects. To learn more about the different causes of plantar fasciitis, click here. In order to get rid of heel pain from plantar fasciitis, several changes or new practices need to take place, from stretching, icing, possible new inserts, and temporarily changing your activity.
One of the key ways to help get rid of plantar fasciitis is by changing your shoes. The right pair of shoes can help you overcome plantar fasciitis in several ways:
By placing your feet in proper alignment to remove excess stress or strain from your plantar fascia
By adding cushion to your heel
To give your foot additional support
An orthotic can be added inside of the shoe to allow for even more correction of your foot when walking, standing, or running.
As a foot doctor, there are certain tennis or athletic shoe brands that are great for people dealing with plantar fasciitis. These tennis shoes check all of the above bullet points. These shoe brands also have received the seal of acceptance from the APMA or the American Podiatric Medical Association. These brands have made it their mission to understand the biomechanics of the foot and to design shoes that contribute to this, and overall foot health. This list isn't exhaustive list by any means, but my personal favorites, as a foot doctor for shoes to wear that help in overcoming plantar fasciitis. To see the full list of brands, click here for the link to the APMA.
Note: This list are my pics in the athletic or tennis shoe category for plantar fasciitis. If you are looking for my pics for dress shoe brands that are best for plantar fasciitis, click here.
5 Best Tennis Shoe Brands For Plantar Fasciitis
Table of Contents
1. Brooks
Personally, I started wearing Brooks in 2021, and have never looked back. Brooks shoes are designed for runners and tend to be very lightweight. Brooks also has shoes for trail running, hiking, the gym, and walking. I've owned several pairs of Brooks shoes from the Cascadia, Hyperion Tempo, and now the Launch 9.
Hallmarks of Brooks Shoes
Brooks makes comfort a priority by using a ample amount of cushion and supportive materials in their designs.
Brooks has many options for pronation control to fit different running and walking styles.
Brooks shoes are very durable, and rubber soles give great traction.
2. New Balance
New Balance has become a trusted brand among athletes and casual wearers. New Balance is known for their comfort, featuring cushioning systems that offer responsive support and shock absorption.
While in residency, I developed plantar fasciitis. New Balance was the shoe brand that helped me overcome this, along with stretching, shoe inserts, and more. To read about how I overcame plantar fasciitis, without steroid injections, click here.
Hallmarks of New Balance Shoes
New Balance offers a wide range of styles designed for different activities, including running, walking, training, anti-skid shoes for people that work on slippery floors, and even diabetic or orthopedic shoes.
New Balance caters to many different foot types, with styles available for those who require extra stability or have specific arch support needs.
New Balance offer extended sizing options, including a wide range of widths.
3. Hoka
Hoka is a brand that has made a huge splash in the running shoe community with its unique approach to shoe design. Hoka shoes are known for their maximalist cushioning and distinctively chunky appearance.
Hallmarks of Hoka Tennis Shoes
The hallmark feature of Hoka shoes is definitely their generous cushioning. With thick midsoles, Hoka shoes give great shock absorption, lowering the impact on joints and muscles when standing, walking, running, and more.
Despite the amount of cushion that these shoes have, Hokas are still surprisingly lightweight.
Hoka shoes also feature a unique meta-rocker technology. The curved sole encourages a natural rolling motion from heel to toe.
4. Asics
ASICS shoes provide a snug and supportive feel. I will say that for me personally, Asics toebox in their shoes tends to run narrower than the other brands stated above. To be sure that you are getting the right fit for you, try them on in person, or order from a website with a good return policy.
Hallmarks of Asics Shoes
Asics also features advanced cushioning technology that gives shock absorption and energy return.
ASICS also prioritizes stability and support, therefore having models for different types of pronation.
Durability
The shoes give a lot of traction and grip, even on very different surfaces.
5. Saucony
Saucony is a brand that has been around for a while now. Saucony was very popular in the early 2000s, but it's now making a resurgence as new people discover this brand for the first time. One thing I do love about Saucony, outside of the fact that they are great for people trying to overcome plantar fasciitis or prevent it from coming back, is that in addition to their athletic or tennis shoes, they do offer many casual or fashion sneaker options.
Hallmarks of Saucony shoes:
Saucony shoes are lightweight shoes without skimping on cushioning and support.
Different width options are available
Shoes designed for different environments and terrains, from rail running, trail running, gym workouts, or walking
Durability
The right pair of shoes can really aid in your journey to healing from plantar fasciitis, and prevent it from coming back. These are some shoe brands that I wear myself, as someone who has health with plantar fasciitis, and brands that I always recommend to my patients, as a foot doctor.