The Best Phone Cases for Running in 2025
Welcome to our list of favorite phone cases for running with. All these cases are affordable, slim, lightweight, and will protect your phone.
Plantar fasciitis can feel like a stubborn roadblock for runners, I know this because I’ve had it myself, multiple times before. It often appears as a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel or along the arch, especially when you first get up in the morning or after periods of rest.
In this guide and roundup, you’ll learn just enough about what plantar fasciitis is, how to manage it, and what features to look for when it comes to the best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis, so you can get back to training without that nagging discomfort.
Once you’re done here, be sure to check out my full article on treating plantar fasciitis properly if you want a long-term fix, which I know you do.
What is Plantar Fasciitis and why does it hurt so much?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) running from your heel to your toes. When overstretched or overused, this band can develop micro-tears, causing swelling and pain. Key triggers include high mileage, tight calves, unsupportive shoes, and even walking barefoot on hard surfaces (like wooden or stone floors at home).
Why it lingers:
- Pushing through pain without rest
- Neglecting stretches for your calves and Achilles
- Wearing shoes without enough cushioning or arch support
If left untreated, plantar fasciitis can stick around for months and derail your training plans. Thankfully, early interventions make a huge difference in recovery time – so please don’t be stubborn on this running injury, be smart.
Quick fixes (and a full-length guide)
For many people, consistent rest, targeted calf stretches, and using ice on the painful area can reduce symptoms. Other measures might include using purpose-built fascia massaging tools, wearing supportive footwear, or trying orthotics.
In more severe cases, medical treatments like steroid injections or shockwave therapy may help but I’m not here to give you such medical advice, as I’m not a Doctor – I just have alot of my own experience with this running injury myself, and i know what has worked for me in the past.
Want to learn more about my own methods to heal plantar fasciitis? Check out my full guide here. It covers everything from effective stretches to more advanced therapies.
6 Features to consider when choosing running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
While no shoe can cure plantar fasciitis outright, the right design can greatly reduce pain and allow you to run while you work on fixing the issue at the root. Prioritize the following running shoe features (most of which feature in my shoe recommendations below):
- Cushioning: Absorbs impact, which is crucial if you’re logging miles on pavement.
- Arch Support or Orthotics Compatibility: Helps distribute weight evenly and reduces strain on the plantar fascia.
- Firm heel counter: Stabilizes your foot and minimizes sideways movement.
- Appropriate heel-to-toe drop: Many runners find relief in a slightly higher drop, as it lessens heel pressure but from my own experience I’d recommend a lower drop and learning to run with proper form instead, which means landing more toward your forefoot. Learn more about heel-to-toe shoe drops and stack heights.
- Stiff or rockered midsole: Limits excessive bending and can reduce tension on your arches.
- Spacious toe box: Prevents crowding and allows your toes to splay with natural biomechanics.
I hope you enjoy this running shoe roundup, if you do, subscribe to my Newsletter to receive new running shoe reviews, gear roundups, and easy to follow guides just like this one – and drop by my Youtube Channel for more of the same, in video format.
Ready for my Shoe Recommendations?
The best running shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Now that you know what makes a shoe plantar fasciitis-friendly, let’s jump into my specific picks of the shoes I wish someone would have recommended to me when I first got plantar fasciitis all those years ago. All the following running shoes have been tested and reviewed by myself, and I have provided review links incase you would like a more in-depth look at any of them.
1. Brooks Glycerin Max
“Perfect for Plantar Fasciitis”
The Brooks Glycerin Max (links to review) is an excellent choice for runners dealing with plantar fasciitis due to its unmatched plush cushioning and smooth ride. The DNA Tuned midsole, featuring dual-cell nitrogen-infused foam, provides super soft landings in the heel (where pain from plantar fasciitis is often most pronounced) while maintaining responsiveness in the forefoot. This makes it ideal for those who need extra support and shock absorption during daily runs.
The GlideRoll Rocker geometry enhances heel-to-toe transitions, reducing strain on the plantar fascia and promoting an efficient stride—especially helpful for slower paces or recovery runs. The supportive engineered mesh upper and padded collar provide a snug, comfortable fit, cradling the foot and reducing pressure on sensitive areas.
With its durable outsole and premium materials, the Glycerin Max is designed to handle high mileage, making it a long-term ally for runners managing plantar fasciitis. While its weight and price may deter some, the cushioning and stability make it a worthy investment for comfort-focused runners.
2. Saucony Hurricane 24
“Cushioned Stability for Plantar Fasciitis Relief”
The Saucony Hurricane 24 (links to review) stands out as a top choice for runners with plantar fasciitis due to its combination of plush cushioning and exceptional stability. Its dual-layer midsole, featuring PWRRUN and PWRRUN PB foam, delivers a unique blend of softness and energy return while maintaining a stable platform. This helps reduce strain on the plantar fascia by cradling the foot and ensuring smooth, supported transitions during your stride.
The wide platform at the heel and forefoot provides balanced support, which is especially beneficial for runners who pronate or those needing extra stability. The shoe’s padded collar, tongue, and engineered mesh upper add to its comfort, ensuring your feet stay cradled even during longer runs or daily wear.
Its focus on stability and cushioning ensures that it reduces pressure on sensitive areas, allowing runners with plantar fasciitis to enjoy pain-free miles. At $160, it’s a versatile investment for those prioritizing comfort and support.
3. HOKA Arahi 7
“Balanced Support for Plantar Fasciitis Relief”
The HOKA Arahi 7 (links to review) is a great option for runners with plantar fasciitis who need stability without overly plush cushioning. While not as soft as some max-cushioned shoes, its balanced midsole offers medium-level cushioning that supports lighter runners with a gentler footfall. The inclusion of J-Frame stability technology provides dynamic guidance, reducing excess pronation and easing strain on the plantar fascia.
With a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, the Arahi 7 facilitates natural transitions from heel to toe, promoting efficient and comfortable strides. Its snug, padded upper wraps the foot securely without adding pressure, and the articulated heel counter allows freedom of movement while protecting sensitive areas like the Achilles.
Though the fit leans narrow, a wide version is available for those needing extra room. At $145, the Arahi 7 is a versatile choice for runners and walkers who prioritize support and balanced comfort, making it an excellent option for managing plantar fasciitis during daily training or all-day wear.
4. Saucony Triumph 22
“Cushioned Comfort for Heel Strikers”
The Saucony Triumph 22 (links to review) is a highly cushioned daily trainer, ideal for runners with plantar fasciitis, particularly those who land with their heels. Its 10mm heel-to-toe drop shifts weight forward, reducing the impact on the heel and easing strain on the plantar fascia during each step. This higher drop, combined with PWRRUN PB foam, delivers a plush, soft ride that absorbs shock effectively, making it a great choice for easy miles and recovery runs.
The engineered mesh upper, padded collar, and supportive heel counter create a secure, cloud-like feel, while the stable platform helps reduce the risk of foot misalignment. With a wide forefoot and heel design, the Triumph 22 provides extra stability for those who need it, offering a comfortable and confident running experience.
Although slightly heavier than its predecessor, the Triumph 22 compensates with its exceptional durability and responsive cushioning, making it perfect for runners seeking all-day comfort and support. At $160, it’s a reliable option for those prioritizing joint protection and a cushioned ride, particularly for shorter to mid-distance runs. Oh, and if you need a waterproof running shoe right now, the Triumph 22 GTX (links to review) is a fantastic option.
5. Brooks Ghost Max 2
“Plush Cushioning and Stability for Plantar Fasciitis Relief”
The Brooks Ghost Max 2 (links to review) is an excellent choice for runners with plantar fasciitis, especially those seeking plush cushioning and a stable platform. Its nitrogen-injected DNA Loft v3 midsole delivers a soft, forgiving ride that absorbs impact effectively, making it ideal for recovery runs, easy miles, and long jogs. The 6mm drop provides a balanced heel-to-toe transition, which can ease strain on the plantar fascia without feeling overly aggressive.
One of the important features when it comes to plantar fasciitis sufferers, is the wide base, offering added stability that reduces lateral roll—perfect for heavier runners or those needing extra support during runs. The engineered mesh upper and padded collar ensure a comfortable, snug fit, cradling your feet in a way that minimizes unnecessary pressure.
While the Ghost Max 2 is slightly heavier than its predecessor, its improved durability and longevity make it worth the trade-off. At $150, it’s a solid investment for runners who value cushioning, stability, and joint-friendly performance, even doubling as a fantastic walking shoe for all-day comfort.
I hope you enjoyed this running shoe roundup, if you did, subscribe to my Newsletter to receive new running shoe reviews, gear roundups, and easy to follow guides just like this one and drop by my Youtube Channel for more of the same, in video format.
Disclaimer: These shoe features can help manage symptoms, but they won’t fix plantar fasciitis on their own. If you want to truly solve the issue, be sure to check out my in-depth article on fixing plantar fasciitis.
Write a Comment
