The Top 6 Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Brooks Women's Glycerin GTS 20 Supportive Running Shoe
Brooks Women’s Ariel GTS 23 Supportive Running Shoe
If you have high arches and struggle to find running shoes with adequate support, the Brooks Ariel GTS 23 are definitely worth considering. Foot hugging but squishy, the added padding adds a new degree of comfort compared to others we've tried. The pillow-like padding absorbed impact when running on hard surfaces, relieving existing knee problems and minimizing calf soreness after training.
We appreciated the broad arch support and wide base, which added spring to our steps, propelling us ahead stride by stride. The flexible fabric upper and firm soles felt robust and held up well after a month of testing.
The snug fit kept every portion of our foot securely in place. Although the added cushioning did restrict space for our toes, the trade-off was increased stability, which will appeal to anyone with knee or ankle issues. The shoes come in medium, wide, and extra-wide sizes, so we recommend trying on a few before deciding on the best fit.
Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe
These super-light, lofty Hoka Arahi 6s give excellent support on flat, hard ground, allowing you to run confidently without exacerbating existing knee issues. The large toe box and strong heel kept our feet comfy and cushioned, with no achilles strain or chafing. The pillowy yet sensitive soles let us to run longer distances while reducing joint impact. Despite a tiny blister, these shoes received good marks for general comfort, with one editor characterizing the fit as "snugged and hugged." The wide sole and extensive arch support ensured outstanding stability and balance, preventing inward rolling or overpronation. Though the lofted soles may not appeal to everyone's aesthetic preferences, Hoka's eye-catching hues are always present. The breathable mesh top, soft tongue, and extended heel pull provide excellent utility. They also have a vegan certification. The finest feature of all? At only 7.6 ounces each shoe, you'll hardly notice you're wearing them.
These shoes' tight yet comfortable fit provided excellent stability, while the firm cushioning absorbed impact, eliminating suffering from shin splints, hip tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis.
The super-supportive heel cushion significantly reduced knee pain. Even for our editors with high arches, these shoes provided exceptional comfort and support from the first wear, with no arch pain during testing.
These shoes' bouncy cushioning enabled for smooth transitions between strides but provided little forward thrust. We liked how the sole traction didn't hold too tightly but still provided excellent non-slip stability. After a brief break-in period, these shoes adapted to our curves so well that one editor said that they looked like part of their foot, while another praised the cushioning for making them feel taller. These are a thicker shoe and not designed for speed, but if you can afford the higher price, we recommend them as a nicely cushioned pair.