The best running shoes for plantar fasciitis under £100
Cushioned running shoes for heel pain and plantar fasciitis that cost £100 or less in the UK.
Quick answer
For plantar fasciitis on a budget of £100 or less, our top pick is the ASICS Gel-Pulse 17, RunRepeat's "best budget" pick for plantar fasciitis. The Nike Winflo 12 is close behind. You don't need to spend £150 or more to get a cushioned heel; a fresh pair of a cheaper shoe beats a worn-out expensive one.
Our picks
- Top match£100
Gel-Pulse 17
- Balanced cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
Fit True to size
RunRepeat“Best budget” for plantar fasciitis (Sept 2026)
271g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£100
Winflo 12
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 10mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
322g 10mm drop
Our picks
- Top match£100
Gel-Pulse 17
- Balanced cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
Fit True to size
RunRepeat“Best budget” for plantar fasciitis (Sept 2026)
235g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£100
Winflo 12
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 10mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
261g 10mm drop
How they compare
| Shoe | Price | Weight (men's / women's) | Drop | Plate | Wide fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASICS Gel-Pulse 17 | £100 | 271g / 235g | 8mm | None | No |
| Nike Winflo 12 | £100 | 322g / 261g | 10mm | None | Yes |
What you get for under £100
A cushioned heel. NHS advice for plantar fasciitis is a shoe with a cushioned heel and good arch support. Most everyday trainers under £100 have both; what you give up is mainly the newest, bounciest foams.
A bit more weight. Cheaper foams are usually a little heavier and firmer. For easy runs on a sore heel, that matters less than comfort.
Previous versions. Last year's model of a popular shoe often drops below £100 when the new one arrives, and is usually nearly identical.
Replace them sooner
Worn-out shoes are one of the things NHS leaflets say to avoid with heel pain. Spending less per pair makes it easier to replace them as soon as they feel flat underfoot.
Frequently asked questions
Are cheap running shoes OK for plantar fasciitis?
Yes, if they have a cushioned heel, good arch support and feel comfortable. A new budget shoe is better than a worn-out premium one.
Should I add an insole to cheaper shoes?
Some NHS leaflets suggest insoles or heel pads can help. A shoe with a removable insole gives you that option.
When should I see a GP about heel pain?
The NHS says to see a GP if it doesn't improve within two weeks of looking after it yourself.
How we picked
Every shoe we track is scored on cushioning, stability, responsiveness, weight, drop, plate, width options and price. For this guide we ran that scoring for a typical runner with these needs and show the top three. No brand or retailer can pay to appear. How we rank.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If you're in pain, a GP or physiotherapist can tell you what's causing it.