The 5 Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis in 2025

Your podiatrist-approved guide to shoes that ease heel pain, support your plantar fascia, and keep you running happy.

Updated July 2025 by Tim Mulholland, podiatrist, runner, and absolute shoe enthusiast from Pride Podiatry, Melbourne.

Quick Summary Table

What Is Plantar Fasciitis? (And Why Shoes Matter)

Plantar fasciitis isn’t just heel pain, it’s that dreaded limp out of bed each morning. It happens when the plantar fascia, a strong band under your foot, gets overloaded, tight, and thick. Microtears build up, and pain follows.

Your running shoes aren’t just another accessory, they’re the foundation of your recovery. The right running shoes help your fascia heal, while the wrong ones can keep you stuck in pain.

What to Look for in a Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis

• Stable Heel – Absorbs shock and reduces harmful heel motion.
• Firm Midsole Support – Limits strain and most importantly, compression of your plantar fascia.
• Rocker Sole or Slightly Higher Drop – Decreases tension during push-off.

Imagine your plantar fascia as a rubber band stretched too tight—the right shoe gently eases the tension rather than pulling it tighter.

Top 5 Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis (2025 Edition)

Hoka Bondi 9 – Best for Maximum Cushioning

• Specs: 310g, 4mm drop, wide stable base.
• Why it works: Its broad heel platform spreads impact evenly, significantly reducing fascia stress at heel strike.
• Tim’s tip: Perfect if you’re a heavier runner or spend all day on your feet.

Brooks Ghost Max 2 – Soft and Stable Neutral Option

• Specs: 270g, 6mm drop, rocker geometry.
• Why it works: Smooth rocker sole limits excessive plantar fascia loading during toe-off.
• Tim’s tip: Ideal if you crave a soft feel without sacrificing stability. Bonus is that it comes in many colours, uppers (mesh, leather and suede). Downside is speed – this shoe doesn’t like to run faster than 5:00min pace.

On Cloudmonster 2 – Energy Return and Support

• Specs: 295g, 6mm drop, full-length speedboard.
• Why it works: The embedded plate reduces bending stress through your plantar fascia.
• Tim’s tip: Choose this if you want energy return with reliable fascia protection. Be mindful of sizing, this shoe needs to be tried on, it can fit a little weird!

ASICS Gel Nimbus 26 – Plush, Secure Comfort

• Specs: 285g, 8mm drop, balanced cushioning.
• Why it works: Provides supportive structure around the heel and arch, minimising excessive fascia stretch.
• Tim’s tip: A fantastic everyday trainer for runners who love comfort without compromising support.

Saucony Triumph 22 – Best for Forefoot Fit

• Specs: 280g, 10mm drop, wide midsole platform.
• Why it works: Stable base and firm cushioning makes it perfect for orthotics.
• Tim’s tip: If you use custom orthotics, this shoe is an absolute winner.

Shoe Comparison Table

Do I Need Orthotics as Well?

If pain lingers beyond a month despite a good shoe choice, shoes alone might not be enough. Combining the right shoes with supportive orthotics often provides the best outcomes. There’s a lot of old myths about orthotics and plantar fasciitis. So make sure if you are looking for the right pair of orthotics for your heel pain, you come to a podiatrist who gives you options and a risk free orthotic guarantee.

Avoid These Shoe Mistakes

• Overly flexible shoes: If you can fold it in half easily, skip it.
• Flat, zero-drop shoes: You need a bit more structure and lift.
• Super soft, unstable shoes: Cushioning is great, but stability is non-negotiable.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

• Pain that hangs around longer than 3–4 weeks.
• Symptoms that worsen despite shoe changes.
• History of recurring plantar fasciitis.
• You want a handsome professional to tell you how well you’re running. 😉

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are Hoka shoes good for plantar fasciitis? Absolutely! Their structured cushioning helps reduce fascia strain.
• What shoes are worst for plantar fasciitis? Flat, unsupportive shoes that offer no heel or midsole structure.
• Do I need orthotics if I have good shoes? Sometimes yes, especially if shoes alone aren’t resolving your symptoms.
• Can I wear running shoes for work if I have plantar fasciitis? Definitely! Good running shoes provide excellent all-day support.

Final Thoughts

Your shoes aren’t just about comfort, they’re a vital part of your healing journey. Every single client that comes to us in the clinic with plantar fasciitis will find an improvement in their symptoms by getting their shoes right.

Ready for more?

Sign up for our Heel Pain Reset, your short free email course that does what it says on the tin. Or explore how we treat plantar fasciitis with orthotic therapy, exercise, laser and shockwave. And lastly, if you’re a fellow Melbourne local, book your appointment with us today. Happy running!

About the Author

Tim Mulholland is a Melbourne-based podiatrist, lifelong runner, and unapologetic shoe nerd. As the founder of Pride Podiatry, he helps people get back to pain-free movement using evidence-based care and a deep love of footwear. When he’s not in the clinic, you’ll find him testing the latest runners, doing his calf raises, or chasing a perfect flat white.