How The Right Shoes Can Help With Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis: What It Is & How the Right Shoes Can Help

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common issues we see in-store, especially among runners and people who spend a lot of time on their feet.

What is plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia  - the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot from your heel to your toes, mainly along the medial (inside) arch.

It most commonly causes pain in the heel and arch, especially first thing in the morning or after periods of rest.

If you’re experiencing ongoing plantar pain, we’d always recommend checking in with your physio or GP to properly assess the issue and guide your recovery.

How footwear can help

While shoes won’t “fix” plantar fasciitis on their own, the right footwear can make a huge difference in reducing pain, fatigue and stress through the foot, calf, and Achilles.

When fitting someone with plantar symptoms, we usually look for shoes with the following features:

• Structured support with good heel cushioning

• Higher heel-to-toe drop (generally between 6mm and 10mm)

• Built-in arch support

• Rocker-style sole to help smooth the transition through each step

These features help take pressure off the plantar fascia and reduce strain through the lower leg.

Our top shoe recommendations for plantar symptoms

Here are three of the most reliable options we regularly recommend at The Sports Room:

• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 (10mm drop)
  Excellent value and one of our go-to shoes for managing plantar symptoms. Well-cushioned, supportive, and very consistent.

• ASICS Kayano 32 (8mm drop)
  Known for its strong arch support and wide, stable platform - a great option if you want maximum support and structure.

• HOKA Gaviota (6mm drop)
  Lightweight for its level of support, with good cushioning and a smooth rocker that works well for reducing foot fatigue.

Final thoughts

There are plenty of other options available across different brands and price points and what works best will always depend on your foot, your gait and your symptoms.

If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis and want help finding the right shoe, pop into the shop and we’ll take the time to fit you properly and talk through the best options for you.

Your feet do a lot - it’s worth getting them the right support.