Last Updated on November 3, 2022 by admin
Among all the causes of foot pain, plantar fasciitis is one of the most common among runners. It’s an excruciatingly painful condition that has a massive impact on lifestyle, as countless sufferers will know.
With this in mind, sufferers need not be reminded that anything which makes their suffering any worse is a huge no-no, and so they must find the right shoe to support their poor feet. For runners, this is particularly important as nothing in this activity is more important than happy, healthy feet.
Though there are sadly not many shoes out there designed specifically for sufferers of plantar fasciitis, it’s handy to know what to look for in a shoe that will help alleviate the symptoms.
With plantar fasciitis, you need an excellent quality shoe that will support your foot throughout the day no matter what you’re doing. Furthermore, for the ladies out there, you’re looking for something stylish with a fresh face.
Wondering where to find that all-important women’s running shoe for plantar fasciitis? Read on…
Best Women’s Running Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis
New Balance 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoe
- Ultra Heel and Bootie Construction
- Engineered Mesh with No-Sew material application
- Fresh Foam
- 8 MM Drop
- Ortholite Sockliner
With a marketing slogan of ‘Stylish mile-after-mile comfort,’ you would expect this shoe to deliver. Thankfully, this shoe keeps pace with some of the more well-known brands on the market.
The New Balance 1080 range, with the most recent v9 hitting the market relatively recently, comes in a variety of colors and styles to fit every personality.
Despite the fact that this is a stylish shoe it doesn’t embrace another popular phrase, ‘it hurts to look this good!’. It includes many other features designed for your comfort, including N2 Heel Cushioning, ABZORB Crash Pad and ‘arch securing’ FantomFit Quarter.
One tester stated that it fit snugly on her wider feet but didn’t struggle with any extra pressure from the shoe.
It doubles as a great shoe for running, featuring an asymmetrical heel counter, which helps to keep the foot locked into place, and provides excellent midsole cushioning for optimal comfort. It’s been cited to work wonders on a variety of terrains and is hard-wearing with excellent shock absorption. This shoe is ideal not only for running, though – it also works great as an everyday sneaker for casual wearing.
Reviewers have cited this shoe as delivering comfort straight out of the box, which is precisely what you’re looking for in a shoe for plantar fasciitis. Though, that’s not to say this shoe doesn’t come at a hefty price being one of the most expensive shoes in our list.
Overall, it’s a premium shoe that’s worth the price tag for that extra added comfort.
Pros
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Suitable for wider feet
- Good performance in varied terrain
Cons
- Expensive
Mizuno Wave Rider 22 Running Shoes
- Proven Cloudwave Platform for smooth and responsive ride
- U4ic midsole with soft heel center
- Engineered Stretch Mesh for adaptive Fit in Motion
- Articulated Heel Zone for smoother transition
Certainly a unique entry on this list, in its 22nd iteration the Mizuno Wave Rider running shoes interestingly claim to be vegan! This aside, the Mizuno Wave Rider claims a ‘superb underfoot sensation’ which eases heel pain.
Its’ foam sole cushions the foot while also still being firm, so it’s one for those who prefer a slightly firmer shoe without compromising comfort and support.
It’s a shoe for everyday wear and for running, so it’s ideal for practicality purposes. It also has great breathability, improving especially in the upper end of the shoe from the 21st edition of the shoe for which a common complaint
was lack of breathability in the upper. However, the shoe is not consistent as far as its’ fit is concerned. It’s tighter in the upper end of the shoe, with more cushioning and support in the lower.
Many have also cited the shoe as being constrictive in the upper and quite narrow, which is something to look out for if your feet are on the wider size.
One thing you don’t have to worry about with this shoe is the shoe going unnoticed. It comes in a wide variety of colors and designs. One, particularly of interest, is the luminous green – Not that being seen in the dark is a necessity with plantar fasciitis, but it’s definitely a plus!
The shoe is feminine and trendy – allowing you to run with the confidence that your shoe is center stage.
The Mizuno Wave Rider provides an enjoyable ride without compromising your comfort and is an ideal running shoe for even the most ambitious of marathoners!
Pros
- Firm, but cushioned
- Eases heel pain
- Potentially vegan
- Good breathability
- Variety of colors
Cons
- Constrictive in the upper
- An irritating tongue, as noted by some reviewers
- Expensive
Saucony Women’s Guide Iso 2 Running Shoe
- Successor to the guide ISO EVERUN topsole construction for enhanced energy return and continuous cushioning throughout the run updated ISOFIT design
- Form-fit performance contoured footbed
- closure_type: lace-up
A running shoe with a host of modern features optimized for comfort and support, the Saucony Women’s Guide Iso 2 Running Shoe is a sneaker worth considering for those with plantar fasciitis.
This shoe is highly rated for a reason – it runs up there with the best of them!
This shoe is great for whatever pace you’re going – walking, running, or a mix of both. With a range of fresh, fun colors you can run in style. Particularly eye-catching is the teal/pink edition!
One drawback of this shoe is that it’s quite limited in its neutral colors, so you will need to make sure your shoe coordinates well with the rest of your outfit! The shoe also has reflective elements that allow you to be seen easily in the dark.
The cushioning is plush, making it particularly comfortable for your feet. In addition, the footbeds are contoured and the mesh construction ensures the shoe fits to your foot perfectly. These are probably more comfortable than glass slippers!
The marketing slogan of this shoe is ‘Stability or cushioning?’ and thankfully the shoe does not compromise on either. The shoe is constructed to enable a smooth landing and help with a powerful take off on the next stride. The shoe also helps to maintain center of gravity.
Though the price varies on the design, this shoe is also a good choice if you’re on a budget.
Pros
- Variety of color options
- Smooth and Natural ride
- Combines stability and cushioning
- Reflective design – good for evening runs
Cons
- Limited in neutral and basic colors
- Some complaints of poor breathability
ASICS Gel-Kayano 26 Running Shoes
- SpevaFoam 45 Lasting – Employs 45 degree full length SpevaFoam 45 lasting material for a soft platform feel and improved comfort.
- I.G.S (Impact Guidance System) Technology – ASICS design philosophy that employs linked componentry to enhance the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.
- FlyteFoam Lyte Technology – ASICS lightest weight midsole formulation that provides continuous cushion thanks to organic nano fibers.
- FlyteFoam Propel Technology – ASICS energetic foam formulation that provides supreme bounce thanks to a unique elastomer compound.
- Dynamic DuoMax Support System – This evolution of DuoMax system enhances stability and support, with reduced weight and increased platform support.
This shoe has an interesting twist on some of the others mentioned in this list, in that the shoes are catered to the gender of the wearer. The cushioning is carefully considered to the needs of the feet of each gender.
In addition to this, the ASICS Gel Kayano has a great balance of style and fit which makes it stand out from the crowd. It’s no wonder that with this attention to detail the shoe boasts such high customer ratings.
In the women’s version, the shoe provides additional height to relieve the Achilles tendon and includes technologies to reduce weight without compromising cushioning. The shoe is stable and bounces effortlessly as you run.
It’s designed for long distances, so no need to worry about this shoe wearing out too quickly! They’re also very breathable and dry out quickly, even after heavy rain. Some have noted, however, that the chunky shoe can feel much more cumbersome in shorter distances than long, so this may be more suitable to longer runs.
The shoe has a great selection of attractive colors, ranging from hot pink to a more neutral jet black, so there’s something there for everyone. Moreover, it has a distinct pattern that will complement any workout attire. Be aware, however, it’s quite pricey for what it offers!
There’s a reason this shoe has made it to its 26th version – it’s a shoe that lasts and is designed for longevity, much like this range.
Pros
- Great color selection
- Shoe specifications different for each gender
- Breathable
- Designed for long-distance
Cons
- Some do not recommend for short distances
- Expensive
Hoka One One M Bondi 6 Running Shoe
- Brand New
- 100% Authentic
- Original Packaging
A slightly less well-known brand, this shoe nevertheless is a notable mention as far as running shoes for women with plantar fasciitis. This shoe has been praised mainly for its overall comfort in the upper.
The feeling of lycra in the heel of the shoes provides a plush bed for your foot to rest on, with great shock absorbency for running. It also gives the toes plenty of room to move as it’s rather wide at the toe. It provides comfort for long periods of time, so it’s one for the slow, long-distance runners out there.
One downside of this shoe is that it doesn’t seem to breathe well, so it can feel clogged with water or sweat. It is also sized slightly smaller than some other brands, so it’s worth checking a sizing chart for your dimensions before purchasing your standard shoe size.
However, they claim to be ‘versatile enough for on and off-road use,’ so it’s worth giving these bad boys a try on different road conditions!
Though comparably slightly less impressive aesthetically than some other brands out there, this footwear comes in a variety of style options and stand out positively.
Pros
- Decent color options
- Suitable for slower, long-distance running
- Good comfort in the upper
Cons
- Sizing needs to be checked as smaller than standard sizing
Buyers Guide
Introduction
When buying a shoe for feet that are particularly sensitive and don’t always agree with all shoes, it can be tricky to pick out what’s best for your poor, painful feet. Thankfully, your feet don’t need to hurt for much longer with the right choice of running shoe.
But what exactly is plantar fasciitis, and what do you need to look for in a running shoe for this condition?
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue in the bottom of the foot that runs from heel to toe. Generally, the condition is worse following periods of rest and sleep. It tends to feel better after exercise, but after spending prolonged time on your feet it can worsen.
The pain is generally clustered around the heel and mid-section of the foot. It can affect both feet or only one foot. Some people also find it challenging to raise their toes off the floor if they have this condition.
Women are at higher risk of plantar fasciitis, so it’s worth keeping the above shoes in mind if you struggle with this condition and enjoy running. Comfortable shoes are one of the most common answers for pain in the feet.
If you are suffering from symptoms related to this condition, it is recommended that you contact your doctor to rule out other conditions.
How can I alleviate symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
There are several home remedies to help reduce symptoms of this condition, including:
- Simple foot exercises while idle. Resting and raising the feet on a stool. This can even be done at a desk in work if you are office-based.
- Put an ice pack or a frozen bag of peas wrapped in a towel on the affected area for approximately 20 minutes no more than 3 hours apart.
- Participating in exercises that don’t put too much strain on the feet, e.g. swimming
- Take paracetamol (Read recommended intake instructions)
What should I look for in a shoe for plantar fasciitis?
There are several things to look for in a running shoe if you’re struggling with plantar fasciitis. Here are some suggestions:
Durability
Many of these shoes come attached to a high price tag, so the shoes must last the test of time. There is absolutely no point in buying a pricey shoe if it falls apart in the next ten minutes. Furthermore, the chances are if it’s not durable, it probably isn’t very comfortable either. Wearing shoes that are falling apart also leaves you more susceptible to running injury, making your pain that much worse.
Wide & Comfortable
Your feet need plenty of room to move without being loose enough to fall off! You also need a shoe that isn’t going to make your feet want to cry out in pain. Naturally, heels are not recommended for those with plantar fasciitis. The shoe should be one with a plush insole that cushions your feet and feels comfortable. Ensure that the shoe also has a flexible toe box, so your toes have plenty of wiggle room and that the shoe has a robust heel. This, combined with good arch support, should ensure that the shoe is suitable for optimal comfort.
Breathability
You need to make sure the shoes are well ventilated and dry quickly when they become wet, otherwise this will affect the breathability of the shoe. In addition, you may start to get the reputation that your feet stink. Not a good look!
Weight
In general, heavier shoes are better for plantar fasciitis, as lighter shoes often don’t offer as much support. There are exceptions, of course.
Good Arch Support
The shoe needs to be able to support the arch of your foot. Arguably, this is the most important part as without it, the shoe will continue to stretch and compress the plantar fasciitis. You will also get better performance out of a shoe with good arch support.
A Reputable Brand & Quality
You’re looking for quality when it comes to buying running shoes, particularly when you suffer from plantar fasciitis. You will get what you pay for, and a higher price tag is a small price to pay for a good quality shoe. Keep in mind all the other factors, though – don’t just go for a brand name if it doesn’t have what you need for your own comfort.