If you are overweight or under an exercise program or activity that puts a lot of strain on your feet, then you are most likely to feel foot pain. Pain in the foot may have other causes—but if you satisfy the condition mentioned above, then the likelihood of it being plantar fasciitis is high. To address that, you may need to select the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis to minimize or remove the pain altogether.
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Plantar fasciitis is a relatively common ailment of the feet. A tenth of the human population will experience plantar fasciitis in their lifetime. If you are one of plantar fasciitis sufferers, you might benefit from shoes that minimize impact to the feet.
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99
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97
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96
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4 | 
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96
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5 | 
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94
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Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, one of the indications is the pain the moment you first step your foot after you wake up. During sleep, the plantar fascia relaxes and eventually stiffens. The pain you feel is an indication of the inability of the plantar fascia to stretch normally.
The plantar fascia is the ligament that connects and supports the arch of your foot. Repeated and prolonged strain on these ligaments can cause microscopic tears. Over time, the tears become significant and result to swelling and pain.
Other causes of Plantar Fasciitis include:
- Misoriented feet when walking (i.e. excessive pronation),
- Shape of the feet (i.e. feet is flat or with high arches),
- Prolonged standing, walking or running on concrete or hard surfaces,
- Being overweight
- Non-fitting shoes
- Tight calf muscles or Achilles' tendons.
How Can You Tell If You Have Plantar Fasciitis
If you have Plantar Fasciitis, the first thing you’ll notice is the pain after your feet has been rested for a while (e.g. sitting for a long period or sleeping). You may also experience stiffness of the base of the feet in addition to the pain.You’ll also feel pain whenever you climb a ladder, or stand for a long time.
These may not always indicate Plantar Fasciitis since there are other conditions of the feet with similar symptoms.If in doubt, the best way is to see a doctor and have yourself checked.
How Is Plantar Fasciitis Diagnosed?
Diagnosis is simple: the doctor will watch you stand and walk and will check your feet. In addition, he or she may ask you questions regarding any illness or injury you had with your feet as well as the level of your physical activity.
In addition, the doctor will also ask about your symptoms—where it hurts, how painful it is, what time of the day it is most painful and what type of activity causes your feet to hurt.
If the doctor suspects that the damage extends to the bones (due, for instance, to a stress fracture), he or she may require an X-ray.
Why You Need to Select the Perfect Running Shoes
Not only does exercises such as jumping, brisk walking or running for a prolonged period worsen plantar fasciitis, but they can also cause it, in the first place. If you neglect this need to have a comfortable pair of shoes, then over time you’ll develop the disease.
Be aware that once you have this disease, your chances of continuing or sustaining your exercise might be affected. Thus, to minimize the impact on your feet and to lessen your chances of contracting this condition or aggravating an existing one, it is imperative that you have the perfect shoes.
What Must The Perfect Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Have?
With so many shoes in the market today, it’s difficult to select one that is best for Plantar Fasciitis. In addition, no particular label allows you to identify shoes that are perfect for PF.To assist you with choosing the right shoes, we’ve identified some attributes that you must look for in your shoes.The perfects shoes for Plantar Fasciitis must have the following characteristics:
#1 Perfect Arch Support
The primary cause of Plantar Fasciitis is exercising on flat and hard surfaces. The strain your feet receives is primarily directed to the plantar fascia which causes damage and results to fasciitis.
Shoes with arch support have a specially designed insole that fits the arch of your feet. This helps reduce and manage heel pain.
#2 Excellent Shock Absorption
The perfect shoes must be able to absorb the force that your heel receives when striking the ground by dispersing it throughout the material of the shoes. Two aspects determine the shock-absorbing ability of the shoes: material and design.
Some rubber-derivatives or rubber-like materials have been devised for the past years and are the materials used for the soles of the most comfortable shoes.
But the design of the shoes and the soles also affect the efficiency of the shock absorbing capability of the shoes.
#3 Positive Feedback
In selecting the best shoes, you’ll need a shoe that has earned a lot of positive comments from previous users. Shoes are introduced to the market without sufficient time and avenue for testing. The best test of quality and efficiency is the feedback of the users.
You may not get feedback from people with PF, but you’ll certainly get remarks about comfort, design, and material of the shoes.
Also, feedbacks provide other details about the shoes that might assist you in choosing which among the shoes is the best for you.
Top 5 Of The Best Running Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Rank | Product Name | Image | Score | |
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1 |
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99
/100
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2 |
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97
/100
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3 |
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96
/100
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4 |
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96
/100
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5 |
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94
/100
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**For more detailed reviews, you can see the following information below. Also, you can click the links embedded in the table to see current prices of these products and customer's comments on Amazon as well**
#1 Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 14 Running Shoe
Via
When it comes to the ability to cushion the feet from impact, nothing beats Brooks and its DNA Cushioning Technology. The said technology is inspired by Non-Newtonian fluid’s response to high impact.
Brooks DNA Cushioning Technology allows the soles of the shoes to adapt to the runner’s feet position and force thus providing exceptional cushioning effect and stability.
In addition, the Adrenaline GTS 14 is specifically designed to support over pronation thus preventing plantar fasciitis or allowing those afflicted by this condition to run for a prolonged period.
Pros
- Flexible outsole with excellent support. Adrenaline GTS 14 uses a Flextra rubber that gives it an enhanced flexibility regardless of impact force or weight it receives.
- Supports improved transitions. The shoes have deep V-grooves that supports release and transitions.
- The outsole is abrasion resistant. The outsole is made of HPR Plus, a kind of rubber that wears out longer. This gives areas that are prone to contact and impact last longer.
- Perfect underfoot cushioning. The insole is a removable molded foam that cushions the underfoot.
- Breathable material. The mesh and the lining are breathable and comfortable thus allowing moisture to escape naturally.
Cons
- Fitting issues. You have to be careful with the size of the shoes since it adversely affects its performance. Users report their size to be a bit tighter.
- Thus, it would be wiser to select a size slightly bigger than yours.
#2 ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 15 Running Shoe
Via
The rubber soles coupled with the GEL cushioning in the midsole, makes the 1 ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 15 Running Shoe among the most responsive and comfortable shoes.
ASICS have been known for making shoes that have the best impact guidance and shock absorbance in the market. Not only is ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 15 Running Shoe perfect for high-impact running, but it is also ideal for long-distance running.
Pros
- Rubber sole. The sole is capable of absorbing shock and makes the feet comfortable even after extended period of running.
- Lightweight. Not only is this shoes comfortable, but it is also among the lightest shoes you can have.
- Ideal for long distances. This shoe boasts of a responsive natural trainer that ensures comfort and cushion thus making this shoe perfect for running long distances.
- Biomorphic Fit Upper. Often, when you have to run for long distances, your feet sustain blisters from the friction with the upper of the shoes. Thankfully, the ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 15 Running Shoe has Biomorphic Fit upper that allows it to move with the feet in the gait cycle.
Cons
- Durability issues. The shoes break down after a few weeks of use. If it is designed for long-distance running, then the company should consider making durable shoes instead of just prioritizing comfort and fitting.
- Squeaks over time. The shoes tend to be squeaky over time. You might not hear any squeak the first few days, but after some time, the shoes give off a sound whenever you step a foot.
- Upper is small for a standard foot. Although this shoe boasts of a Biomorphic Fit Upper, it seems to have been designed for those with smaller feet in mind. Most users find that the upper does not fit well on their feet and that instead of giving comfort, Biomorphic Fit Upper becomes restrictive.
#3 New Balance Men's M990v3 Running Shoe
Via
The New Balance Men's M990v3 Running Shoe is among the most popular shoes in the US for years now when it comes to durability, stability, cushioning and comfort.
Not only is this shoe very stable, but it also explicitly supports over pronation—which is the leading cause of Plantar Fasciitis. In addition, it is designed for the flat and hard surface. With its high cushioning technology, light weight, and stability, you can’t find any shoes perfect for your PF.
Also, the shoes have removable foam making it easy to clear out debris caught out inside the shoes. The upper material is made of pigskin leather and features a breathable mesh—all spells comfort for the feet.
Pros
- Rubber sole. The sole is capable of absorbing shock and makes the feet comfortable even after extended period of running.
- Lightweight. Not only is this shoes comfortable, but it is also among the lightest shoes you can have.
- Ideal for long distances. This shoe boasts of a responsive natural trainer that ensures comfort and cushion thus making this shoe perfect for running long distances.
- Biomorphic Fit Upper. Often, when you have to run for long distances, your feet sustain blisters from the friction with the upper of the shoes. Thankfully, the ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 15 Running Shoe has Biomorphic Fit upper that allows it to move with the feet in the gait cycle.
Cons
- Durability issues. The shoes break down after a few weeks of use. If it is designed for long-distance running, then the company should consider making durable shoes instead of just prioritizing comfort and fitting.
- Squeaks over time. The shoes tend to be squeaky over time. You might not hear any squeak the first few days, but after some time, the shoes give off a sound whenever you step a foot.
- Upper is small for a standard foot. Although this shoe boasts of a Biomorphic Fit Upper, it seems to have been designed for those with smaller feet in mind. Most users find that the upper does not fit well on their feet and that instead of giving comfort, Biomorphic Fit Upper becomes restrictive.
#4 ASICS Men's GT 2000 2 Running Shoe
Via
The GT 2000 is another perfect shoe for Plantar Fasciitis as this explicitly supports over pronation and improves stability. The cushioning is high-energizing which means that it responds to the amount of force you exert on it.
Remarkably, this shoes is lightweight and exhibits an excellent response. Also, the GT 2000 boats of an Impact Guidance System feature that enhances the natural gait of your foot.
Pros
- Flexible. The forefoot and rearfoot GEL cushioning system of the GT2000 allow it to absorb impact and enable the foot to move unrestrained.
- High energizing cushioning. The GT2000 has FluidRide midsole technology and allows the midsole to respond to the amount of force your feet exert and cushions it effectively.
- Durable and lightweight.
- Antimicrobial material. It has a ComforDry feature that ensures that the insides of the shoes do not only stays dry but free from bacterial growth that causes nasty odors.
Cons
- Stiff sole. Although it supports over pronation, users report discomfort due to the hard and inflexible sole. This could be an issue for some with PF.
#5 Saucony Men's Kinvara 4 Running Shoe
Via
This shoes has an excellent flexible response and is perfect for people who underpronates. Like other shoes featured in this article, the Kinvara 4 is designed for flat and hard surfaces (e.g. roads).
Of the shoes mentioned here, the Kinvara 4 is the only one with the water-resistance feature. Thus, your feet are protected from water.
Pros
- Durable soles. The shoes use XT-9OO carbon rubber to areas that are prone to wear due to underpronation. This gives the shoes exceptional durability and traction.
- Water-resistant. These shoes feature FLEXSHELL and synthetic materials that enable this shoe to prevent water from entering the insides.
- Lightweight and flexible. This shoe is ideal for prolonged running because it is lightweight thus it doesn’t strain your legs as much. It is also flexible. This absorbs impact and minimizes stress to the feet.
Cons
- Quality issues. Users report their shoes to be damaged after few months of use.
Conclusion
In choosing the best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, we considered a lot of factors including comfort, flexibility, stability, durability and its support for over-pronation. We believe that Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 14 Running Shoe is the best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis with a great buck for value ratio.
Its DNA cushioning technology, which uses materials that exhibit a non-Newtonian fluid response to impact force makes it the best shoes for Plantar Fasciitis.
One important factor that we mainly considered is the durability. All of the shoes mentioned here have a lot in common except for their ability to withstand damage after being used for an extended period. The Adrenaline GTS just outshines them with all its features plus its unparalleled durability.
Do you agree with our verdict? Do you have an experience with a better shoe? Let us know in the comments section below.
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