The best running shoes for plantar fasciitis
The running shoes we'd pick for heel pain and plantar fasciitis, based on NHS footwear advice and our own scoring of every shoe we track.
Quick answer
For running with plantar fasciitis, our top pick is the Saucony Ride 19, RunRepeat's "best overall" pick for plantar fasciitis. The HOKA Bondi 9 and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 are close behind. NHS advice is to wear shoes with a cushioned heel and good arch support, so we favour well-cushioned shoes with a higher heel than forefoot.
Our picks
- Top match£140
Ride 19
- Balanced cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size
RunRepeat“Best overall” for plantar fasciitis (Sept 2026)
255g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£160
Bondi 9
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
RunRepeat“Best shock absorption” for plantar fasciitis (Sept 2026)
297g 5mm drop
- Also great£145
Adrenaline GTS 25
- 10mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
RunRepeatWomen's Running“Best stability” for plantar fasciitis (Sept 2026)“Everyday support shoe” for overpronation (Apr 2026)
300g 10mm drop
Our picks
- Top match£140
Ride 19
- Balanced cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- Built for road miles
Fit True to size
RunRepeat“Best overall” for plantar fasciitis (Sept 2026)
218g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£160
Bondi 9
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
RunRepeat“Best shock absorption” for plantar fasciitis (Sept 2026)
263g 5mm drop
- Also great£145
Adrenaline GTS 25
- 10mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- Built for road miles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
RunRepeatWomen's Running“Best stability” for plantar fasciitis (Sept 2026)“Everyday support shoe” for overpronation (Apr 2026)
269g 10mm drop
How they compare
| Shoe | Price | Weight (men's / women's) | Drop | Plate | Wide fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saucony Ride 19 | £140 | 255g / 218g | 8mm | None | Yes |
| HOKA Bondi 9 | £160 | 297g / 263g | 5mm | None | Yes |
| Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 | £145 | 300g / 269g | 10mm | None | Yes |
What to look for
A cushioned heel. NHS leaflets consistently recommend cushioned heels and good arch support, and warn against flat or worn-out shoes.
A higher drop. A shoe that sits your heel higher than your forefoot (8mm or more) puts less stretch through the back of the foot and calf. Our scoring rewards it for heel pain.
Fresh shoes. If your current pair is flat underfoot, replacing it is the cheapest change you can make.
Insoles and heel pads
Some NHS leaflets suggest insoles or heel pads can help. They work in most running shoes, so pick the shoe for comfort first, then add an insole if you need one.
Frequently asked questions
What shoes does the NHS recommend for plantar fasciitis?
Lace-up trainers or sports shoes with a cushioned heel and good arch support. Avoid high heels, tight shoes, flip-flops, and walking barefoot on hard floors.
Can I keep running with plantar fasciitis?
Many people can, at a lower volume, if pain settles quickly afterwards. If it's getting worse, cut back and get it checked.
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.