Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Important Disclaimer
We're stockists, not podiatrists. This guide shares what we know about shoe features that can help with plantar fasciitis, but it is not medical advice. If you have persistent heel pain, please see a qualified podiatrist or physiotherapist for diagnosis and treatment before buying new shoes.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in runners, and the right shoes can make a significant difference to comfort and recovery. We stock On Running, Saucony, and Salomon, and each brand offers models with features that support runners dealing with plantar fasciitis. Here's what to look for and which shoes we recommend.
1 | What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia — a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel bone to the toes. It acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot during every step.
When the plantar fascia is overstressed — through overuse, poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in training — it develops micro-tears that cause pain, typically felt as a sharp ache in the heel or arch, especially during the first steps in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
Key Facts About Plantar Fasciitis
- Affects roughly 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives
- Most common in runners, people who stand for long hours, and those aged 40-60
- Both flat feet and high arches increase risk
- Usually resolves with conservative treatment (stretching, supportive shoes, rest) within 6-12 months
- Worn-out or unsupportive shoes are one of the most common contributing factors
2 | What to Look for in Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Not all running shoes are suitable for plantar fasciitis. The wrong shoe can make it worse. Here are the features that matter most.
Arch Support
The shoe should support your arch rather than letting it collapse with each step. Structured midsoles and medial-post support help distribute load away from the plantar fascia.
Heel Cushioning
Maximum cushioning under the heel absorbs impact at the point where plantar fasciitis pain is worst. Thicker midsoles with high-density foam protect the heel during every foot strike.
Firm Midsole (Not Too Soft)
Counterintuitively, extremely soft shoes can be worse for plantar fasciitis. A shoe that's too soft allows your arch to collapse, stretching the plantar fascia further. You want cushioned but supportive — firm enough to maintain structure.
Moderate Heel Drop (8-12mm)
A higher heel-to-toe drop reduces strain on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon by angling your foot slightly downward. Very low-drop or zero-drop shoes put more stress on the plantar fascia and are generally not recommended during acute episodes.
What to Avoid
Minimalist shoes, zero-drop shoes, and worn-out trainers with compressed midsoles. Also avoid shoes that are too narrow — they compress the foot and restrict natural movement of the arch. If your current shoes have visible creasing in the midsole or the heel counter has softened, they are making things worse.
3 | Best On Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
On Running's CloudTec system provides multi-directional cushioning that absorbs impact without bottoming out. Two models in the current range stand out for plantar fasciitis support.
Cloudmonster Void — Maximum Cushioning
The Cloudmonster Void has the most Helion foam in On's road running range. Its oversized CloudTec pods deliver deep, plush cushioning that protects the heel during every stride. The Speedboard provides structure through the midfoot, preventing excessive arch collapse while still allowing natural foot movement. It's On's closest equivalent to a "max cushion" shoe.
- Maximum Helion foam volume — deepest cushioning in On's range
- Oversized CloudTec pods absorb heel impact effectively
- Speedboard provides midfoot structure and propulsion
- 6mm drop — moderate, though lower than some podiatrists recommend
Cloudswift 4 AD — Structured Daily Runner
The Cloudswift 4 AD offers a more structured ride than the Cloudmonster. Its denser Helion foam provides cushioning with genuine support — the midsole doesn't collapse under body weight the way softer shoes can. The wider platform and full rubber outsole give you a stable landing, which reduces the twisting forces that aggravate plantar fasciitis.
- Dense Helion foam — cushioned but structured, not mushy
- Full rubber outsole provides wide, stable landing platform
- Suitable for daily running and all-day wear
- Good option if the Cloudmonster feels too soft or unstable
4 | Best Saucony for Plantar Fasciitis
Saucony is arguably the strongest brand we stock for plantar fasciitis. Their range includes both max-cushion neutral shoes and structured stability shoes — and crucially, Saucony is the only brand of the three that offers wide fit options.
Triumph 23 — Maximum Cushioning
The Triumph 23 is Saucony's premium cushioned neutral trainer and one of the best shoes we stock for plantar fasciitis. PWRRUN+ foam provides deep, responsive cushioning that protects the heel without feeling spongy or unstable. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop reduces strain on the plantar fascia by shifting weight forward. The plush collar and heel counter hold your foot securely without pressure points.
- PWRRUN+ foam — maximum cushioning with structural integrity
- 10mm drop — ideal for reducing plantar fascia strain
- Plush heel counter holds the foot securely
- Available in standard and GORE-TEX waterproof versions
Guide 19 — Stability + Support
If your plantar fasciitis is related to overpronation — where your foot rolls inward excessively during each stride — the Guide 19 is the better choice. Its medial-post support system prevents arch collapse, which is one of the primary mechanical causes of plantar fascia irritation. PWRRUN+ foam cushions the heel while the structured midsole keeps your foot aligned.
- Medial-post support prevents overpronation and arch collapse
- PWRRUN+ foam — balanced cushioning with stability
- 8mm drop — effective at reducing heel strain
- Recommended by podiatrists for runners who overpronate
5 | Best Salomon for Plantar Fasciitis
Salomon's strength is durability and secure fit. While they don't offer dedicated stability shoes, their cushioned road models provide solid heel protection and the brand's signature locked-in foot feel, which reduces unwanted movement inside the shoe.
Aero Glide 4 — Cushioned Road Runner
The Aero Glide 4 provides Energy Surge foam cushioning that absorbs heel impact effectively. The SensiFit construction wraps the midfoot securely, which prevents your foot from shifting inside the shoe — important for plantar fasciitis because excess movement increases strain on the fascia. The Contagrip MA outsole provides a stable, predictable platform on tarmac and pavement.
- Energy Surge foam — responsive heel cushioning
- SensiFit construction locks the midfoot securely
- 8mm drop — supportive for plantar fascia
- Contagrip MA outsole for stable landings on road surfaces
Ultra Glide 4 — Endurance Cushioning
The Ultra Glide 4 was designed for ultra-distance running, which means its cushioning is tuned to last. Energy Foam maintains its structure over long distances without compressing — important because flattened foam is a common trigger for plantar fasciitis flare-ups. The rocker geometry also promotes a smooth heel-to-toe transition that reduces the sudden impact loading that irritates the plantar fascia.
- Energy Foam maintains cushioning structure over long distances
- Rocker geometry promotes smooth foot transition
- Durable construction — cushioning doesn't flatten quickly
- Good option for runners doing higher weekly mileage
6 | When to See a Professional
New shoes can help manage plantar fasciitis symptoms, but they are not a treatment on their own. You should see a podiatrist, physiotherapist, or your GP if:
- Pain persists beyond 2-4 weeks despite rest and supportive footwear
- Pain is severe — you're limping or avoiding weight-bearing
- Both feet are affected — this may indicate a different condition
- You have swelling, redness, or warmth in the heel — signs of possible tendon damage or other pathology
- You're changing your gait to avoid pain — this can cause secondary injuries in knees, hips, and back
- Night pain — plantar fasciitis rarely causes pain at rest; night pain warrants investigation
Professional Treatment Options
A qualified professional may recommend custom orthotics, specific stretching programmes, night splints, shockwave therapy, or corticosteroid injections depending on severity. These treatments work alongside — not instead of — appropriate footwear.
7 | OD's Fitting Advice for Plantar Fasciitis
We fit customers with plantar fasciitis regularly. Here's the practical advice we give in-store.
Try Shoes in the Afternoon
Your feet swell throughout the day. A shoe that fits perfectly at 9am may feel tight by 3pm, and tight shoes compress the arch and worsen plantar fasciitis symptoms. Always try on shoes later in the day when your feet are at their largest.
Half a Size Up Is Often Better
If you're between sizes, go up. Your toes need space to spread naturally during toe-off, and a slightly roomier fit prevents pressure on the plantar fascia. Shoes that are too short force your toes to curl, which increases tension across the arch.
Remove the Stock Insole and Replace It
If you use custom orthotics prescribed by a podiatrist, check that the shoe's stock insole is removable. All three brands we stock (On Running, Saucony, and Salomon) use removable insoles in their running shoes, so orthotics can be fitted easily.
Don't Ignore Worn-Out Shoes
Running shoes lose their cushioning after 600-800km, even if they look fine externally. If you can see midsole creasing, if the heel counter has softened, or if you can twist the shoe easily in both hands, the support is gone and it's time to replace them.
Come In and Talk to Us
If you're dealing with plantar fasciitis and want to try shoes in person, visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm). We'll help you find the right level of cushioning and support. Bring your orthotics if you have them.
8 | Frequently Asked Questions
Are On Running shoes good for plantar fasciitis?
On Running shoes with higher cushioning levels — like the Cloudmonster Void and Cloudswift 4 AD — can help manage plantar fasciitis by absorbing heel impact. However, On doesn't offer stability shoes with medial-post support. If you overpronate, the Saucony Guide 19 may be a better choice.
Which Saucony shoe is best for plantar fasciitis?
For neutral runners, the Triumph 23 offers maximum cushioning with a 10mm drop that reduces plantar fascia strain. For overpronators, the Guide 19 provides medial-post stability support that prevents arch collapse. Saucony also offers Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E) options in many models, which is important if tight shoes are contributing to your symptoms.
Should I wear zero-drop shoes with plantar fasciitis?
Generally no. Zero-drop shoes place more strain on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Most podiatrists recommend shoes with an 8-12mm heel-to-toe drop during acute plantar fasciitis episodes. You may be able to transition to lower-drop shoes after the condition resolves, but this should be done gradually.
Can running shoes cure plantar fasciitis?
No. Running shoes can help manage symptoms and prevent further irritation, but they are not a cure. Plantar fasciitis treatment typically includes stretching, strengthening, rest, and in some cases professional intervention. Supportive shoes are one component of a broader recovery plan.
How often should I replace running shoes if I have plantar fasciitis?
Every 600-800km, or sooner if you notice reduced cushioning. Worn-out shoes with compressed midsoles are a common trigger for plantar fasciitis flare-ups. If you run 30km per week, that's roughly every 5-6 months.
Is OD's an authorised stockist of On Running, Saucony, and Salomon?
Yes. OD's Designer Clothing is an authorised UK stockist of all three brands. Every pair purchased from us is 100% authentic with full manufacturer warranty, sourced directly from official distribution.