Best Trail Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Reviews 2022 (Top Picks)

Plantar Fasciitis tends to cause a sense of discomfort and pain across the feet bottom from one end to another. Now, if you plan to run with this issue, it could be a major problem. Most patients suffering from this problem notice the symptoms early in the morning as heel pain.

The pain typically emerges as a stabbing feel that eventually dulls out, starting from your heels all the way to the bottom part of your feet. It can affect both your feet or just one of the two. However, this doesn’t mean that you cannot exercise or cover a trail of your choice with plantar fasciitis.

All you need is good support, and you can scale heights. This support can be attained with the help of a good shoe designed specifically for wearers suffering from the plantar fasciitis issue.

Typically, there are some criteria and aspects that need to be a part of a good shoe to alleviate any pain-related symptoms that come with plantar fasciitis. In this guide, we have jotted down all these factors and brought you a complete review of the best shoes available in the market.

So, without any delay, let us get going!

Top 8 Best Trail Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis Reviews

1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes

With an amazing 10mm drop, the ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 is just 10.7 ounces in terms of weight, making it light on your sensitive feet suffering from plantar fasciitis. Backed by a moderate amount of cushioning, this shoe makes up for an amazing option for trail running.

The cushioning in the shoe is responsive enough to ensure that you experience a plush feel while bringing in ample energy in return, along with some easy shock absorption. In terms of flexibility, the shoe offers you the perfect mix of structure and flexibility to ensure you land on your feet with ease.

Available in 20 different color options, one can avail of this amazing shoe in sizes that range from 7 to 15, inclusive of the extra-wide sizes.

This entry-level shoe is well-designed to suit your off-road adventures. The upper in this shoe features a rather reliable lacing system that ensures that your shoes do not come off even after long-running sessions. Created from manmade fabric, this shoe designed for Plantar Fasciitis also flaunts a rubber-based sole to ensure proper friction as you take that leap of faith.

In order to ensure that your feet do not hurt from the jumping shocks, the shoe features a high-quality ortholite sockliner of the X-40 kind. Further, the ASICS Gel-Venture 7 features a higher rebound while also providing an excellent platform for moisture management.

It means you do not have to worry about sweating through your shoes or slipping on your own puddle of sweat. The upper also brings in a highly breathable upper fabric that ensures your feet can breathe as you indulge in high-intensity workouts or running through different trails.

2. Salomon Men’s Speedcross 4 Trail Running Shoes

The fourth trail running edition by the makers is something that would surely be loved by most. A noted update brought in by Salomon’s is the update of the featured outsole pattern to ensure better friction and long-term durability in the roughest of trails.

Talking about other features that make this shoe worth a try for those long trail runs in the presence of a water-resistant upper that can be found along with a much-needed GTX version as well. Further, the shoe is an absolute favorite for its abrasion-resistant upper design that ensures there are no nicks or cuts even as you brave the rough terrains.

The durable design of the PVC toe-box ensures that these trail running shoes do not cause you any pain in case you hit any rock or debris in the run. Further, the shoe flaunts an anti-debris mesh or a gusseted tongue to ensure that the particles do not enter your shoe to cause you discomfort or pain.

The quick-tying lace system ensures that you do not waste your time working on the lacing up while there is a long trail to cover and lots of exercises to do. The lace pocket helps with the breathability factor and further ensures that the air moves in and out just like you would want it to.

The sensifit system helps securely cradle your foot to ensure support and comfort in the long run. Further, the LT muscle inclusion ensures ample shock absorption, lightweight, as well as flexibility in the midsole section.

3. New Balance Men’s 510v3 Trail Running Shoe

Take your styling game up a notch with the help of the New Balance Men’s 510v3 designed for plantar fasciitis. These versatile trail running shoes designed for men in combination with off-road outsole also comes with a cushioned midsole aligned from one end to another.

It ensures that you are comfortable throughout the traditional or unkempt trails. Further, the 12mm shoe drop ensures that there are ample shock absorption and sturdiness for years to come. The makers have also added the injection-molded EVA or Ethyl Vinyl Acetate to ensure that there is no discomfort factor.

The mesh and leather upper combination ensures that you get both breathability and waterproof feature with the shoe. It means you will in no way sweat even as you invest your time in intensive exercise sessions. The soft and comfortable NB ultra insert ensures that you get ample bounce and rigidity at the same time.

The PU sockliner ensures that the weight is distributed throughout the shoe, and your existing plantar fasciitis issue doesn’t worsen with time. Available in 5 different color combinations, the shoe can be purchased in sizes ranging from 7 to 16 in extra-wide design.

The rubber sole design with grooves and ridges ensure that there is proper traction throughout the trail run. The AT Tread trademark aggressive lug in the outsole provides proper balance in different terrain types. The padded tongue and collar ensure that your feet don’t hurt from the lace fitting.

4. Brooks Men’s Glycerin 17

If you are looking for the softest shoe for trail running sessions, the Brooks Men’s Glycerin 17 is an ideal choice for your daily needs. It is especially true for people that suffer from plantar fasciitis. Packed in with foam made from DNA Loft & wrapped in the engineered upper, the Glycerin is a perfect shoe for most runners.

The mesh-based upper ensures ample breathability in the long run while avoiding any seepage of water into the interiors of the shoe, making it a tad water-resistant. However, one might avoid allowing the shoe to get dipped in water.

With this particular variant, Brooks has introduced a sleeker design as compared to its predecessors. However, the soft feeling & cushy ride is still the same. Further, the shoe also features a 10mm drop ranging from the heel to the toe. It is enough to help support your feet even in the roughest terrains.

This lightweight shoe is perfect to be worn for long hours and doesn’t wear you down. The foam is softer & lighter without losing any sense of durability or responsiveness. The DNA foam performs exceptionally well and doesn’t breakdown mid-run while keeping the feet fresh in the long run.

Available in sizes 7 to 15, the shoe can also be bought in wide design. In terms of color, the shoe can be availed in a range of 7 colors,which includes black/ebony, grey/navy, as well as navy/gold.

Also read: How to wrap foot for plantar fasciitis with ace bandage

5. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 22 Running Shoes

If you are a fan of the ASICS line of running shoes, the Gel-Nimbus 22 is an amazing option for you to try, especially if you suffer from plantar fasciitis. The shoe ensures a breathable, comfortable, as well as flexible ride for the wearer.

This running shoe holds up ideally for long-distance runs and is a perfect option for daily runners and training enthusiasts. The gel-based cushioning added to the heel area ensures that you do not feel pained when wearing the same for long hours.

Available in 28 different colors, this shoe can be bought in sizes 6 to 16 with wide as well as extra-wide coverage. The combination of mesh and synthetic upper ensures that you get access to ample breathability along with a waterproof feature.

Made in the U.S., this shoe features a rubber-based sole that adds to the traction factor. It means you do not have to bother about slipping in slippery trails. The gel cushioning technology added to the forefoot as well as rearfoot helps distribute the pressure equally while ensuring that your plantar fasciitis doesn’t worsen.

Further, the cushioning system attenuates the shock during toe-off phases and impact. The shoe also allows proper movement of the legs in different planes while allows strategic movement in different planes while your foot transitions via its gait cycle. The shoe’s trusstic system tech helps reduce the weight in the unit from end-to-end while ensuring the overall structural integrity within the shoe.

6. New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam Hierro V5 Trail Running Shoe

For someone in need of a shoe that is best for long runs, regular training, as well as ultra miles, the New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam V5 is an ideal choice. This running shoe is best for rocky areas, moderate trails, muddy areas, as well as creeks.

An ideal combination of 50 percent synthetic and 50 percent mesh, this shoe is designed to ensure that your feet don’t feel stuffed and hot even after long runs. The synthetic make of the shoe ensures that water doesn’t seep in from outside even if you walk in light drizzle.

The rubber-based sole ensures that you get an amazing grip on rough terrains or slippery slopes. The shoe also features trail shoes in the re-imagined form. It means your shoe combines a fresh collection of the newest foam designs that aid you in covering the trails with confidence and comfort.

These comfortable shoes for running with plantar fasciitis ensures that they deliver soft support in the underfoot area with the presence of fresh foam in the midsole section. The precision-engineering delivered with this running shoe ensures a lightweight and ultra-cushioned ride.

Further, this trail shoe comes with ample traction and superior grip that helps you flex in multiple directions with ease and no foot pain. The debris-free design ensures that no dust or dirt particles enter your shoe, which could lead to an uncomfortable run. The textile-based upper is coated with TPU and brings in a shrouded construct to help you feel foamy yet sturdy in long rides.

7. HOKA ONE ONE Mens Speedgoat 3 Textile Synthetic Trainers

With the Hoka One Men’s Speedgoat 3 Textile synthetic trainers, you get access to a unique shoe design that helps tackle the toughest terrains and trails with ease. This shoe comes with an amazing construct that helps add stability, durability, as well as comfort in a range of terrains.

Completed with a comparatively wide midsole as well as toebox, this Speedgoat 3 ensures enhanced support on the heel area while bringing in a midfoot lockdown feature. The upper brings in unique seatbelt-type support on both sides while ensuring traction even in rugged conditions.

This versatile shoe comes with air holes on the upper front to ensure that your feet can breathe with ease while avoiding any sticky or sweaty situation. The padded arch area ensures that your leg doesn’t have to deal with nicks and cuts that come from running through different trails.

The shoe also comes with oversize EVA-based midsole foam that provides a lightweight cushioning without being way too cushy or soft. The cage construct in the midfoot area ensures foot capture, lockdown, as well as stability in the roughest terrains.

The wider platform design ensures that you are stable in the base when chasing through a variety of terrains. The high traction-based outsole comes with a 5mm lugs design to ensure that you do not slip here and there as you rush through the running trails. Further, if you support animal rights and do not want to partake in animal cruelty, this product is 100 percent vegan.

8. La Sportiva Lycan GTX Running Shoe

If you have been chasing breathability and comfort for a long time, the La Sportiva Lycan GTX running shoe is the perfect option for you to bring home. The GTX upper comes with pores of variable size as well as microfiber reinforcements that wrap about 2/3rds of your shoe.

Further, the reinforcement covers the midfoot area except the mesh vents present laterally and medially. The shoe also features a sturdy and stiff heel counter & integrate the same with a stiff and protective TPU toe cap.

The toe cap and heel counter in the shoe provides a real stable attachment for the microspikes to ensure that the weight is distributed throughout without causing any pressure that might alleviate the pain from plantar fasciitis.

The shoe features a good stack height of 28mm heel with a 22mm forefoot and 6mm heel drop. The upper is created from high-quality Lycan that ensures waterproof protection while imparting added warmth even in the coldest conditions.

The toe bumper is sturdy and thick while integrating the overlays to ensure that your toe doesn’t hurt if it hits something by accident. Further, the shoe’s heel counter ensures that you get access to features such as rigidity, stability, as well as sturdiness.

Lycan GTX also features a high-quality gusseted tongue that helps keep any inflow of water out while creating a secure feel. The shoe is available in sizes ranging from 6.5, going all the way to 13.5.

More guides like this:

Top 10 Best Running Shoes for Extensor Tendonitis

Top 7 Best Shoes for Running on Pavement

List of Best Shoes to Wear with Sprained Ankle

What Things To Look For When Buying Trail Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?

With Plantar Fasciitis, whether you experience a pain level of 1 or 10, your ultimate goal should be experiencing support and comfort from the shoes. So, here are some key features that you need to keep in mind when buying the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis.

Heel and Arch Support:

While the cushioning section of the shoe is for sure, a need for people suffering from this feet problem, arch and heel support are also just as important. A problem balance of all three ensures that you do not experience the painful symptoms that come from this unnerving disease.

Midfoot Cushioning and Rigid Sole:

When selecting the right shoes for plantar fasciitis, look for shoes that come with added rigidity in your sole area. Not just that, you also need to ensure that it has an added cushioning in its midfoot section to help spread out the pressure and weight from the heel to the upper sections of the foot.

A shoe with a thick midsole as well as rocket bottom can be deemed perfect for people suffering from this particular condition.

Firm and Sturdy Heel Counter:

As per doctors, it is also recommended that you opt for a shoe that comes with a firm and rigid heel counter. It is the back section of your shoe heel that surrounds the insertion for Achilles heels.

A firmly established heel counter helps minimizes the abnormal stretching that might occur due to plantar fascia. Further, it helps diminish the inflammation and pain that arises in the foot arch and heel area.

Soft Ground Impact:

Apart from the added comfort and firm heel for plantar fasciitis, you should also check for a shoe that provides minimal impact as the foot lands on any hard surface. Depending on the degree of maneuverability and flexibility you require, things can be modified to the best for pain reduction.

In case you have a high arch area, the joint might stay at the angle that leads to motion restriction. A shoe with a rigid arch would further lead to motion restriction. It means you need to chase for a shoe that is designed to provide you adequate arch and impact support.

What shoe to avoid when suffering from plantar fasciitis?

Talking about the things you need to avoid, the first answer to this is bringing in the use of a minimalistic-designed shoe.

These types of shoe soles offer minimal stability, no heel cushioning, & maximum stress added to your heel bone area. All these factors can exacerbate the pre-existing condition and lead to the extension of the pain.

Apart from this, keep in mind that not all pricey shoes are good for plantar fasciitis. So, make sure you compare the features and purchase accordingly.

Conclusion

With all these factors explained to you, we hope that you make the right choice and give your feet the much-needed comfort with these excellent shoe variants. In case you were looking for a choice, we would suggest that you should go for ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 Trail Running Shoes.

This shoe features a high-quality rubber sole with a high-quality sockliner that can be replaced with an ortholite variant as per requirement. In case you have tried any of these shoes from our list of recommendations, make sure you comment down below to let us know if these options worked out for you.