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10 Best Running Shoes For Women With Plantar Fasciitis 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - Alloy/White/Zephyr - 9 Narrow

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,148
Arch Support
Cushioning
Heel Support

Most important from
5449 reviews

Arch Support
The shoe’s stability and support significantly reduce foot pain, making long workdays and walks much more comfortable.
Cushioning
The nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole offers plush, balanced cushioning that absorbs shock well while maintaining energy return.
Heel Support
Compared to other stability shoes like Hoka Arahi and Gaviota, this model offers better heel support and a more comfortable drop for those with flat feet.
Shoe Fit
Wearing the wide version provides ample room without excess length, accommodating different foot shapes better than some competitors.
Flexibility
The shoe’s design balances support and flexibility, allowing natural foot movement without sacrificing stability.
Durability
Durability is solid, with the outsole and upper holding up well after extensive use.

The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 24 is a strong choice for women dealing with plantar fasciitis thanks to its thoughtful support and cushioning features. It offers solid arch and heel support through the GuideRails Holistic Support System, which helps keep your foot stable and reduces excess movement that can worsen pain. The nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole provides lightweight and plush cushioning, making each step feel soft yet responsive—important for reducing stress on the heel and arch throughout your run or walk. The shoe also features a breathable air mesh upper that stretches comfortably, helping to avoid tight spots that can irritate sensitive feet.

Fit-wise, the narrow width may suit those with slimmer feet, but it might feel too tight for others, so trying them on first is recommended. Flexibility is balanced well here, allowing natural foot movement without sacrificing support. Durability is good as the rubber outsole is designed for smooth transitions and long-lasting wear. One potential downside is that the shoe’s narrow fit and synthetic materials might not work for everyone’s foot shape or preferences, especially if you need a wider toe box or prefer natural fibers.

The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24’s combination of supportive technology and cushioning makes it a reliable option for women seeking relief and comfort while managing plantar fasciitis.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,148
Arch Support
Cushioning
Heel Support

Most important from
5449 reviews

Arch Support
The shoe’s stability and support significantly reduce foot pain, making long workdays and walks much more comfortable.
Cushioning
The nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole offers plush, balanced cushioning that absorbs shock well while maintaining energy return.
Heel Support
Compared to other stability shoes like Hoka Arahi and Gaviota, this model offers better heel support and a more comfortable drop for those with flat feet.
Shoe Fit
Wearing the wide version provides ample room without excess length, accommodating different foot shapes better than some competitors.
Flexibility
The shoe’s design balances support and flexibility, allowing natural foot movement without sacrificing stability.
Durability
Durability is solid, with the outsole and upper holding up well after extensive use.
#2

Brooks Women’s Glycerin GTS 22 Supportive Running Shoe - Black/Grey/White - 8 Medium

Rating
9.4
Arch Support
Cushioning
Heel Support

Most important from
1461 reviews

Arch Support
Excellent arch support accommodates high arches without the need for additional orthotic inserts.
Cushioning
The shoe offers exceptional comfort, making feet feel like they are cushioned by a cloud.
Heel Support
A broad platform and stable sole design support smooth, pain-free walking and running.
Shoe Fit
The padded tongue and high-quality laces enhance the secure, comfortable fit.
Flexibility
The breathable, flexible upper adapts well to foot shape while maintaining a secure hold.

The Brooks Women’s Glycerin GTS 22 is a strong choice for women dealing with plantar fasciitis, as it offers excellent arch and heel support through its GuideRails system, which helps keep your foot stable and controls excess motion. This can reduce strain on the plantar fascia. The shoe also features DNA Tuned cushioning, which uses softer material in the heel for gentle landings and firmer support in the front for an energetic push-off. This balance helps protect sensitive feet while maintaining good running performance.

The fit is flexible yet secure, thanks to the double jacquard knit upper, which adapts comfortably to your foot shape and allows breathability to keep feet cool. The broad platform and well-engineered sole promote smooth, stable movements from heel to toe, which is beneficial for minimizing foot fatigue. The shoe’s rubber sole is durable enough for regular road running and cross-training.

Some may find the shoe a bit bulky compared to lighter racing shoes, and while it’s supportive, it may feel stiff initially until broken in. For those needing solid arch and heel support combined with cushioning and a comfortable fit, the Glycerin GTS 22 is a reliable, well-built option that addresses many of the challenges caused by plantar fasciitis.

Rating
9.4
Arch Support
Cushioning
Heel Support

Most important from
1461 reviews

Arch Support
Excellent arch support accommodates high arches without the need for additional orthotic inserts.
Cushioning
The shoe offers exceptional comfort, making feet feel like they are cushioned by a cloud.
Heel Support
A broad platform and stable sole design support smooth, pain-free walking and running.
Shoe Fit
The padded tongue and high-quality laces enhance the secure, comfortable fit.
Flexibility
The breathable, flexible upper adapts well to foot shape while maintaining a secure hold.
#3

Hoka Women's Clifton 10 Black/Rose Gold 8 Medium

Rating
9.4
Cushioning
Shoe Fit
Durability

Most important from
1182 reviews

Cushioning
The cushioning effectively alleviates heel pain and plantar fasciitis discomfort.
Shoe Fit
Exceptionally comfortable with excellent support that fits true to size.
Durability
Durability stands out, holding up well even after multiple washes.

The Hoka Women's Clifton 10 is a solid choice for women dealing with plantar fasciitis thanks to its well-known cushioning and support features. The shoe's sole is made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, a material praised for its lightweight yet responsive cushioning, which helps absorb impact and reduce stress on the heel and arch—key areas for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Its jacquard knit upper offers a comfortable and breathable fit, allowing some flexibility while maintaining structure.

Heel support is decent, providing enough stability without feeling too rigid. The shoe’s cotton outer material and textile lining might not be the most durable for intense, long-term running, especially in wet conditions. The medium width fit is pretty standard and may not accommodate wider feet comfortably, so trying them on if you have a broader foot is advisable.

Flexibility is balanced, letting your foot move naturally but still giving enough support to prevent excess strain. For those looking for a running shoe that prioritizes cushioning and gentle arch support to ease plantar fasciitis pain, the Clifton 10 offers a combination of comfort and moderate durability, though it might not suit those who need extra-wide options or extremely rugged wear.

Rating
9.4
Cushioning
Shoe Fit
Durability

Most important from
1182 reviews

Cushioning
The cushioning effectively alleviates heel pain and plantar fasciitis discomfort.
Shoe Fit
Exceptionally comfortable with excellent support that fits true to size.
Durability
Durability stands out, holding up well even after multiple washes.

Buying Guide for the Best Running Shoes For Women With Plantar Fasciitis

Choosing the right running shoes is crucial, especially for women with plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, so it's important to find shoes that provide the right support and cushioning to alleviate discomfort and prevent further injury. When selecting running shoes, consider the following key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Arch SupportArch support is the feature in a shoe that helps to support the arch of your foot. This is particularly important for individuals with plantar fasciitis, as proper arch support can help distribute pressure evenly across the foot and reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Shoes with good arch support typically have a noticeable curve in the midsole. If you have high arches, look for shoes with enhanced arch support. For flat feet, choose shoes with moderate arch support to avoid overcorrection.
CushioningCushioning refers to the padding in the shoe that absorbs impact when your foot strikes the ground. For those with plantar fasciitis, adequate cushioning is essential to reduce heel pain and provide comfort. Shoes with more cushioning are generally softer and can help absorb shock better. If you run on hard surfaces or have severe heel pain, opt for shoes with maximum cushioning. For lighter pain or softer running surfaces, moderate cushioning may suffice.
Heel SupportHeel support is the stability and structure provided around the heel area of the shoe. This is crucial for plantar fasciitis sufferers as it helps to keep the heel in place and reduces excessive movement that can aggravate the condition. Look for shoes with a firm heel counter, which is the part of the shoe that wraps around the back of your heel. A snug fit in the heel area can provide better support and prevent slippage.
Shoe FitThe overall fit of the shoe is important to ensure comfort and support. A well-fitting shoe should have enough room in the toe box to allow your toes to move freely, but not so much that your foot slides around. The shoe should also fit snugly around the midfoot and heel. When trying on shoes, make sure to wear the same type of socks you plan to run in and try them on later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen to get the most accurate fit.
FlexibilityFlexibility refers to how easily the shoe bends and moves with your foot. For plantar fasciitis, it's important to find a balance between flexibility and support. A shoe that is too flexible may not provide enough support, while a shoe that is too rigid can cause discomfort. Look for shoes that bend at the ball of the foot but still offer some resistance. This allows for natural foot movement while maintaining support.
DurabilityDurability is the shoe's ability to withstand wear and tear over time. For runners with plantar fasciitis, it's important to choose shoes that maintain their supportive and cushioning properties even after many miles. Check the materials used in the shoe's construction, such as high-quality rubber for the outsole and durable foam for the midsole. Investing in durable shoes can save you from having to replace them frequently and ensure consistent support.

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