Best Overall

Asics Gel-Venture 9

View on Amazon

$80

$60 at Zappos View on Dicks Sporting Goods

Key Specs

Materials: Mesh upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole Drop: 10 millimeters Weight: 10.6 ounces Cushioning: Responsive Our Overall Rating: 5/5

Who They’re For

Best for neutral runners looking for an everyday running shoe with a soft, springy footbed.

Why We Love Them

For relief from plantar fasciitis and protection from future flare-ups, Asics’ Gel-Venture 9 Running Shoe blew us away. When testing these shoes, we found that the insoles had the ideal balance of firm arch support and soft cushioning to keep our plantar fasciitis symptoms at bay. We also love how the heel cup hugs our rearfoot, keeping our feet locked into the shoes and preventing any slipping.

With a grippy rubber outsole, these shoes offered reliable traction when we wore them on pavement, concrete, grass, and gravel. We found that the combination of foam and gel in the midsole absorbed shock well (especially under our heels) and felt springy enough to propel us forward. 

Another feature we love? The comfortable, padded collar and tongue, which prevented any annoying irritation or pressure points. Plus, the breathable mesh upper kept our feet feeling cool and fresh. Designed for neutral runners with normal arches, this is our go-to sneaker for running pain-free.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Asics, and Kohl’s.

Potential Flaws

• Since they’re designed for neutral runners, these sneakers don’t have enough support if you over- or underpronate.
  

Best for Marathons

Brooks Ghost 15

View on Amazon View on Shoemall.com

Key Specs

Materials: Engineered mesh upper, foam midsole, rubber outsole Drop: 11 millimeters Weight: 10.1 ounces Cushioning: Soft and responsive  Our Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Who They’re For

Best distance and marathon runners with a neutral gait, especially if you have knee pain.

Why We Love Them

Brooks’ Ghost 15 Running Shoes are our top pick for marathon runners who are prone to plantar fasciitis and need a well-cushioned, supportive shoe for distance road running. We love that this sneaker has earned the American Podiatric Medical Association’s (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, an award given to shoes that have been found to promote better foot health by a panel of podiatrists. It also has a segmented crash pad (a collection of shock absorbers in the outsole) that we noticed pushed us forward during our test runs. A go-to, everyday sneaker you can wear from marathon training to race day, the Ghost 15 is one of our favorite shoes for runners with knee problems due to its stellar support.

The heel counter creates a locked-in feel, while the generously padded heel tab, collar, and tongue enhance the shoe’s comfort. Padding along the inside of the arch helps prevent overpronation, while our blister-prone testers were impressed by how smooth and comfortable the upper feels. Plus, we love that each upper is made with around seven plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills. With a spacious toe box, we also noticed that the Ghost 15 has plenty of extra room for bunions or wide feet.

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Brooks, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• This version is heavier than its predecessor, the Ghost 14, so long-time wearers may notice a difference.
• These shoes are excellent for running, but they don’t have enough ankle support for cross-training that requires more lateral movements.
  

Best for Cushioning

Mizuno Running Shoe

$140

$91 at Amazon

$140

$126 at Zappos View on Fleetfeet.com

Key Specs

Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining, textile and synthetic footbed, synthetic midsole, synthetic outsole Drop: 12 millimeters Weight: 10.7 ounces Cushioning: Soft and responsive Our Overall Rating: 4.7/5

Who They’re For

Best for runners who need some additional stability in a shoe that feels ultra-soft underfoot. 

Why We Love Them

If you find that a well-cushioned shoe offers you the most relief from plantar fasciitis, Mizuno’s Wave Inspire 19 is our top pick. When testing this pair, we were impressed by how bouncy the footbed felt, evenly distributing the impact of running (and even a few Zumba classes) throughout our feet. 

Although the Wave Inspire 19 feels soft, it’s not overly squishy, pushing us forward with each step rather than letting our feet sink in. We did notice that there’s extra padding in the heel, which we loved, plus a supportive heel cup to keep plantar fasciitis pain at bay. This sneaker is also very stable, keeping us feeling confident and sure-footed on sidewalks, grass, and paved trails. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon and Mizuno.

Potential Flaws

• In testing, we noticed that they run small, so you may want to size up a half size. But once we found the right fit, we liked how roomy the toe box was. 
• Since these sneakers are so cushioned, they don’t have as much built-in arch support as some of our other top picks. But we love that the footbeds are removable, so you can add your own orthotics if you need to.
  

Best for High Arches

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v13

View on Amazon View on Marathonsports.com

Key Specs

Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining and insole, foam midsole, synthetic outsole Drop: 10 millimeters Weight: 10 ounces Cushioning: Soft and supportive Our Overall Rating: 4.9/5

Who They’re For

Best for neutral runners who want a stylish sneaker, especially if you have wide or narrow feet. 

Why We Love Them

For runners with high arches and plantar fasciitis, we recommend New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 880v13. When testing this pair, we immediately noticed the soft cushioning, which comfortably cradled our feet. The full-length foam midsole provided a natural bounce and absorbed shock well while we ran. These shoes also have plenty of arch support—but even if it’s not quite what your feet need, the insoles are removable, so you can add your own inserts.

During testing, we noticed that the mesh upper felt snug and supportive, while the heel counter comfortably hugged our rearfoot for extra stability. The heel itself is wide and elevated, which we noticed took some pressure off of the balls of our feet and helped relieve our plantar fasciitis symptoms. Designed for neutral runners, this shoe comes in four widths, making it a solid option if you often struggle to find the right fit. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and New Balance.

Potential Flaws

• We didn’t have any issues with the fit during testing, but it’s worth noting that some wearers have needed to order at least a half size up from their usual.
  

Best for Wide Feet

New Balance Running Shoes

$198 at Amazon $200 at Zappos $200 at Nordstrom

Key Specs

Materials: Suede and mesh upper, textile lining, foam midsole, rubber outsole Drop: 12 millimeters Weight: 13.2 ounces Cushioning: Soft and responsive

Who They’re For

Best for casual runners and shorter distances.

Why We Love Them

New Balance’s 990v6 Running Shoes come in six widths, including wide, X-wide, and XX-wide, making them our all-time favorite sneaker if you have both wide feet and plantar fasciitis. Although we haven't tested these sneakers yet, we did test the previous model (the 990v5). During runs and plyometric circuits, we noticed that they were remarkably comfortable, responsive, and supportive.

Unlike less expensive shoes on our list, these are made with leather and suede to create a sturdier, more durable shoe that’s built to last. The 990v6 also has a removable footbed and a high heel tab to keep your feet locked firmly inside, plus reflective details for added safety if you like running in the dark.

Also available in women's sizes at Amazon and New Balance.

Potential Flaws

• These shoes are pricier than our other picks, although we think you get what you pay for in terms of high-quality, durable materials and a comfortable fit.
• We found that they’re very stable, but we also noticed a slight shift in our form due to how heavy and bulky they are—so we recommend them if you tend to run shorter distances.
  

Best Overall Runner-Up

Asics Gel-Kayano 30

View on Amazon View on Frontrunnerathletics.com View on Marathonsports.com

Key Specs

Materials: Engineered knit upper, foam and gel midsole, rubber outsole Drop: 10 millimeters Weight: 10.7 ounces Cushioning: Soft and responsive

Who They’re For

Best for overpronators, especially if you have wide feet.

Why We Love Them

Asics’ Gel-Kayano 30 offers the superb support and comfort that runners with plantar fasciitis need. A combination of firm, ultra-thick foam in the midsole and gel underneath the heel absorbs shock. Designed as a stability shoe with the most cushioning Asics has to offer, this pair is great for overpronators who also like to fitness walk (or who enjoy the run/walk method).

A steeper heel bevel (or the part of the outsole that turns up at the back of the shoe) ensures smooth transitions from mile one to mile ten. Meanwhile, the breathable knit upper prevents sweat from building up, even in warm weather. Available in three widths, we love that the Gel-Kayano 30 has plenty of room for wide feet or orthotics, like insoles for flat feet. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Asics.

Potential Flaws

• We noticed that the foam cushioning is so thick that it doesn't feel very responsive, making this shoe less springy than many of our other top picks.
• While the wider sole makes the Gel-Kayano 30 more stable than previous versions, it may be too bulky for some.
  

Best Budget

Saucony Men’s Cohesion 16

$100 at Amazon View on Shoemall.com View on Academy.com

Key Specs

Materials: Textile and synthetic upper, textile lining, textile insole, foam midsole, synthetic outsole Drop: 12 millimeters Weight: 9.1 ounces Cushioning: Moderate 

Who They’re For

Best for new or casual runners looking for a lightweight, breathable shoe. 

Why We Love Them

While supportive, well-cushioned running shoes can be pricey, Saucony’s Cohesion 16 is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to find a shoe that provides relief and protection from plantar fasciitis. The shoe boasts ample cushioning to absorb shock, and at just 9.1 ounces, we like that it’s lighter than most of our other top picks. 

The Cohesion 16’s high heel-to-toe drop keeps your feet, especially your heels, protected from the pavement. We also like that the outsole has a staggered chevron pattern, for good traction on pavement and light trails. Plus, the fabric upper is stretchy and light, with strategic perforations to promote airflow and prevent blisters. Choose from two widths in sizes ranging from 3.5 to 15. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Amazon, Saucony, and Famous Footwear.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers have found that they tend to wear faster than other shoes, making them less durable than other, pricier pairs.
  

Best for Distance Running

Hoka Clifton 9

$159 at Amazon $145 at Nordstrom

$145

$117 at REI

Key Specs

Materials: Recycled polyester mesh upper, recycled polyester collar and tongue lining, recycled nylon and recycled polyester laces, foam midsole, rubber outsole Drop: 5 millimeters Weight: 8.7 ounces Cushioning: Maximum

Who They’re For

Best for avid runners with a neutral gait who are chasing their next personal record.

Why We Love Them

For distance running, we recommend Hoka’s Clifton 9, a streamlined shoe that’s plush and supportive without feeling clunky. Another APMA Seal of Acceptance-winner, it’s made with recycled materials throughout, from the laces to the lining. The soft, responsive cushioning helps reduce the impact on your feet and joints as you’re running, while a firm heel counter provides additional support for plantar fasciitis. 

Unlike other highly cushioned shoes, the Clifton 9 weighs less than 9 ounces per shoe, to help prevent foot and leg fatigue towards the end of long runs. It also features Hoka’s signature Meta Rocker design, which pushes you forward for a smooth, effortless stride. The reflective panel on the back of each heel is an added bonus if you like to run at dawn or dusk. Meanwhile, the shoe’s gusseted tongue and foot-hugging, breathable mesh upper will keep your feet comfortable for miles.

Also available in women’s sizes at Zappos, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Hoka.

Potential Flaws

• The tall heel tab may be handy for getting the shoes off and on, but can also cause irritation if you’re not used to it. 
• These shoes have a much lower drop than most of our other top picks do. It may feel like a big change if you’re used to running in shoes with a high drop, and it’s also worth noting that you may need a higher-drop shoe to feel more relief from your plantar fasciitis symptoms.
  

Best for Trail Running

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoes

View on Amazon

$155

$155 at Zappos

$155

$110 at REI

Key Specs

Materials: Recycled polyester mesh upper, recycled nylon and recycled polyester laces, recycled polyester and foam liner, foam midsole, rubber outsole Drop: 4 millimeters Weight: 10.3 ounces Cushioning: Maximum

Who They’re For

Best for trail runners of all experience levels who want a lightweight shoe with solid support, cushioning, and traction.

Why We Love Them

If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis but still enjoy trail running, we recommend giving Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoe a try. With a grippy rubber outsole that has deep, 5-millimeter lugs, these shoes provide reliable traction on rough and smooth surfaces alike. They also feature Hoka’s signature soft, responsive cushioning that offers springy comfort and support without feeling too heavy.

Suitable for both technical and non-technical trails, the Speedgoat 5 has a toe cap for protection from rocks, sticks, and other trail debris. The double-layer mesh upper keeps dirt out, while the heel counter keeps your rearfoot locked in for added stability and support. Plus, with a wide range of bright color combinations to choose from, there’s a style for every runner. 

Also available in women’s sizes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hoka, and REI.

Potential Flaws

• Some wearers note that this updated version feels more narrow, so you may want to try a wider width.
• The tongue is thin, which some runners may like—but others may prefer more cushioning.