Last Updated: August 27th, 2022
Best running shoes for plantar fasciitis and knee problems…
Well, your condition is quite unique, and finding the right pair of shoes can make all the difference.
Here are the 10 best shoes that will suit you perfectly.
However, NEW BALANCE 990V5 Running Shoes is the best of the lot.
If you pick this one, you will not regret it.
Related:
Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis and Knee Problems in 2023
Best Budget
Saucony VERSAFOAM Cohesion 12
- Versafoam for excellent cushioning.
- Lightweight and responsive.
- Daily runner.
1. NEW BALANCE 990V4 Running Shoes – Overall best
They are not only comfortable and cushy, but they will also provide you with good arch support.
Arch support is needed if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. Also, due to the added level of cushioning, it is excellent at shock absorption.
This helps to take away pressure from your knees and doesn’t let your knee problems aggravate.
It comes with a rubber sole which is very durable.
This sole also provides you with a good grip and keeps you stable while running.
The ankle area is a bit extended upwards and is well padded.
This keeps your ankles very stable and your entire weight is well supported.
It comes with mesh upper and supportive overlays which makes it well ventilated.
Combining all these features, this is one of the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis and knee problems.
PROS
- ✓ Good for runners with plantar fasciitis and knee problems.
- ✓ Lightweight.
- ✓ Long-lasting.
- ✓ Excellent for lateral and ankle support prevents rolling.
- ✓ Great for elderly people.
CONS
- ⤫ Some users observed slight slipping of the heels.
- ⤫ Fitting seems to be a bit narrower than the previous versions.
2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 21 Running Shoes – Best for Overpronators
These running shoes are made for people with a flat to a medium arch.
This makes the perfect arch support for plantar fasciitis.
Also, the midsole is very cushy. On a Brooks scale, it is 2 which is the second-highest level of cushioning.
This makes them extremely good at shock absorption and keeps your knees safe.
Also, this shoe specifically is focused on knee protection and comes with GuideRails.
These GuideRails keep you moving comfortably and keeps your excess movement in check.
This further reduces any stress on the knees and doesn’t let your problem aggravate.
If you are an overpronator, then you are at more risk of suffering from plantar fasciitis and knee problems.
Since these shoes are of the support type, they help you to improve your gait and keeps your knees and plantar fascia safe.
So, if you overpronate, suffer from knee problems and plantar fasciitis, then these are the best option for you.
PROS
- ✓ Knee focused design and support for low arches makes it perfect for people suffering from plantar fasciitis and knee problems.
- ✓ Responsive.
- ✓ Very comfortable in-shoe experience.
- ✓ Good for standing for long hours.
- ✓ Brathable.
CONS
- ⤫ A bit on the heavier side.
- ⤫ Sizing has changed a bit.
3. Brooks Glycerin 17 Running Shoes – Best for ultra soft cushioning
If you like soft pillowy cushioning, then you will love these running shoes.
They provide you with great cushioning and shock absorption and will protect your knees throughout your run.
Also, it comes with good arch support which will keep your plantar fascia supported.
This makes these running shoes very capable of handling your knee problems and plantar fasciitis.
The cushioning of this running shoe comes from Brooks DNA LOFT material which is extremely soft and provides you with a plush feeling.
The forefoot has a segmented transition zone which takes away any additional pressure from your knees and plantar fascia.
This not only makes the heel-to-toe transition easy but keeps your feet protected.
If you are a neutral runner this is one of the topmost running shoes for plantar fasciitis and knee problems that you can purchase.
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4. New Balance 1080v9 Fresh Foam Running Shoes – Best for style and elegance
This running shoe is made on a platform of single foam and is called fresh foam.
This foam is made after surveying a lot of athletes and is primarily focused on providing cushioning and comfort to the runners.
Also, this makes these running shoes great t shock absorption and keeps your knees protected from any further injury.
The arch support provides you protection if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis.
This is a mild stability shoe that keeps your overpronation in check.
This further reduces stress on your knees and doesn’t let your condition aggravate.
The upper of this shoe is made from no-sew mesh material keeps this running shoe breathable.
It has a gentle drop and this relieves some additional pressure from your plantar fascia.
The arch support gently messages the tissue and helps to relieve any additional discomfort.
Overall, a good running shoe if you are suffering from knee pain and plantar fasciitis.
PROS
- ✓ Very comfortable and cushy.
- ✓ Good for wearing for long hours.
- ✓ True to size.
- ✓ Good for heavier people also.
- ✓ Keeps your feet and knees protected.
CONS
- ⤫ Some runners did not like the heel area.
- ⤫ For some runners, the ankles are a tad high.
5. Salomon Speedcross 4 Running Shoes – Best for trail running
What if you are a trail runner and suffer from knee problems and plantar fasciitis?
Well, then this is your shoe…
They are extremely comfortable and have aggressive lugs.
These lugs keep you stable on the soft trails and don’t let your feet roll.
The midsole is made from EVA foam and provides you with soft and lightweight cushioning.
This kind of midsole doesn’t let the shock travel upwards and keeps your knees safe.
The arch support helps to provide support to your plantar fasciitis and doesn’t let your condition aggravate.
It comes with Salomon’s famed Quicklace system which helps you to tighten or loosen your shoe with one pull.
This is also very durable and is great on even wet surfaces.
PROS
- ✓ Good for people suffering from knee issues and plantar fascia problems.
- ✓ Good cushioning and shock absorption.
- ✓ Very comfortable in-shoe experience.
- ✓ Strategic rubber placement on the out-sole for enhanced durability.
- ✓ Excellent for the Obstacle course race.
CONS
- ⤫ Not very water-resistant as per some users.
- ⤫ The sizing seems to be a bit off.
6. Saucony VERSAFOAM Cohesion 12 Road Running Shoe – Best for affordability
Pillowy cushioning at an affordable price…
Well, this is the running shoe you have been looking for.
The midsole is made from VERSAFOAM technology and keeps your feet comfortable and protected.
It is great at shok absorption and this help to provide protection to your knees.
Also, if you are suffering from knee problems this will not let your situation aggravate.
The arch support helps you to deal with your plantar fasciitis better and messages gently your feet.
This relieves stress from your feet and keeps your plantar fascia happy.
The outsole is made from durable rubber, which makes these shoes long-lasting.
One of the best things about this running shoe is, they are very affordable and will last for a long time.
This is the best affordable running shoe for knee pain and plantar fascia problems.
PROS
- ✓ Very comfortable even for the heavy runners.
- ✓ Lightweight and responsive.
- ✓ Very stylish to look at.
- ✓ Great for long distance running.
- ✓ Affordable.
- ✓ Great for runners with knee and plantar fascia issue.
CONS
- ⤫ Some felt the shoe has become narrow.
- ⤫ Some felt the cushioning is not as it used to be.
7. ASICS Gel Venture 7 Running Shoes – Best for underpronators
Aha! one of the crowd favorites.
Asics Gel-Venture 7, is one of the most versatile running shoes around.
Its predecessor was ASICS Gel-Venture 6 and was one of the best running shoes in the market.
Comes with rearfoot gel cushioning which is great at shock absorption.
This keeps your knees away from dealing with any kind of shock and doesn’t let your knee problem aggravate.
The arch support also helps you to deal with your plantar fasciitis better.
The outer sole is made from AHAR rubber which is highly durable rubber and keeps this running shoe going for a longer period of time.
Also, this shoe is great if you are an underpronator and will help you to run with an improved gait.
PROS
- ✓ Very comfortable even for the heavy runners.
- ✓ Lightweight and responsive.
- ✓ Very stylish to look at.
- ✓ Great for long distance running.
- ✓ Affordable.
CONS
- ⤫ For some, the sizing seemed a bit bigger.
- ⤫ Some felt the quality is not up to the mark.
8. Mizuno Wave Inspire 16 Running Shoes
Mizuno is famed for its CloudWaves.
This technology has made its shoes very responsive and very shock absorbing.
If you are dealing with a knee problem, then this is essential for you.
Without shock absorption, your knees will have to deal with the impact and will further worsen your condition.
However, Mizuno Wave Inspire has these CloudWaves and this makes it great at protecting your knees.
Also, the arch support will help you with plantar fasciitis also.
Not only the CloudWaves, the midsole of this running shoe is made from U4ic which is also great at shock absorption.
Another important feature of this running shoe is that it comes with a Smoothride support wave which brings an ideal balance of cushioning and lightness at every step.
The upper is made from engineered mesh which is great at ventilation and makes this running shoe breathable.
Also, the outsole f this running shoe is made from blown rubber which is great at durability and traction.
All these qualities of this running shoe make this a sought-after shoe and make it the perfect running shoe for knee problems and plantar fasciitis.
PROS
- ✓ Very comfortable even for the heavy runners.
- ✓ Lightweight and responsive.
- ✓ Lots of cushioning.
- ✓ Great shock absorption ideal for people with knee problems.
- ✓ Great arch support for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.
CONS
- ⤫ Sizing seems a bit off.
- ⤫ Some breaking in time is needed.
9. ASICS Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes
ASICS Gel-Kayano 27 is an upgrade from the famous Asics Gel-Kayano 26.
These are meant for overpronators and will keep your feet in line using various technologies.
This takes off any strain from your knees and doesn’t let your condition aggravate.
Also, it has gel cushioning at both forefoot and rearfoot and this attenuates shock to the maximum.
This helps it to reduce any kind of impact on the knees.
It comes with arch support which will provide you with relief if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis.
In this new version, the shoe comes with Dynamic DuoMax Support System.
This reduces the overall weight of the shoe and enhances the stability and support of the shoe.
Also, the FlyteFoam Propel Technology and the FlyteFoam Midsole Technology has made this one of the lightest running shoes from ASICS.
The outsole has AHAR and this provides these shoes with exceptional durability.
PROS
- ✓ Great for people with knee pain and plantar fasciitis.
- ✓ Lightweight and responsive.
- ✓ Great for overpronators.
- ✓ Great for long distance running.
CONS
- ⤫ The sole unit seems to be stiffer than the previous version.
- ⤫ Sizing seems a bit off.
10. HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 7 Running Shoe
This is a new addition to the Clifton family from Hoka One One.
It is not as cushy as Hoka One One Bondi 7 but still provides you with that pillowy cushioning.
The midsole is made from EVA foam which is a lightweight durable foam material and provides you with the required cushioning.
This makes it exceptional at shock absorption and provides a lot of relief in knee pain and plantar fasciitis.
The plantar fasciitis is also supported by the arch support provided by this running shoe.
Also, the stress on your feet and knees is further relieved as this running shoe comes with an early-stage meta rocker.
The upper is made from mesh and is stretchy.
This provides you with a great fit and you remain comfortable in your entire run.
Also, this comes with an integrated pull tab that helps it easy to put on and put off the running shoe.
PROS
- ✓ Very comfortable and provides you with pillowy comfort.
- ✓ Lightweight and responsive.
- ✓ Exceptional cushioning.
- ✓ Great shock absorption to keep your knees and plantar fascia pain happy.
CONS
- ⤫ The toe box seems to be a bit narrow.
- ⤫ May show early signs of wear and tear.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from knee problems and plantar fasciitis then finding the right shoe can be tough for you.
However, this list of best running shoes for plantar fasciitis and knee problems will help you out.
If you don’t want to do all the research, then you may pick up NEW BALANCE 990V5 Running Shoes.
They are exceptional and will provide you with all the right kinds of support that you need with your unique condition.
Madhusree Basu
Author, Admin
Blogger and a fitness enthusiast. She loves running and Yoga and everything in between. She started running to manage her weight and to eat to her heart’s content. A true foodie at heart she shares whatever knowledge she has gained throughout the years about weight management and fitness.
References
https://shoekicker.com/blog/Top-10-Best-Running-Shoes-for-High-Arches-for-2018/
https://www.active.com/running/articles/a-runner-s-guide-to-understanding-pronation
Barren, B. L. (1990). Plantar fasciitis in runners. Sports Medicine, 10(5), 338-345.
Snider, M.P., Clancy, W.G. and McBeath, A.A., 1983. Plantar fascia release for chronic plantar fasciitis in runners. The American journal of sports medicine, 11(4), pp.215-219.
Lutter, L. D. (1980). Foot-related knee problems in the long distance runner. Foot & ankle, 1(2), 112-116.
McKenzie, D. C., D. B. Clement, and J. E. Taunton. “Running shoes, orthotics, and injuries.” Sports medicine 2, no. 5 (1985): 334-347.
