The best trail running shoes for plantar fasciitis
Cushioned trail running shoes for heel pain, for light trails and for rough, technical ground.
Quick answer
For light trails with plantar fasciitis, our top pick is the Mount to Coast R1; for rough, technical ground, it's the Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL. We look for a cushioned heel, which matters more on trails than many runners expect: stones and roots press into the foot.
Best for parks, towpaths and light trail
- Top match£150
R1
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
240g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£145
Aero Glide 4 GRVL
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
283g 8mm drop
- Also great£130
Challenger 8
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
Fit True to size
287g 8mm drop
Best for technical trail
- Top match£145
Aero Glide 4 GRVL
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
283g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£150
R1
- Balanced cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- A go-to for everyday miles
240g 8mm drop
- Also great£130
Challenger 8
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
287g 8mm drop
Best for parks, towpaths and light trail
- Top match£150
R1
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Balanced cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
202g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£145
Aero Glide 4 GRVL
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
227g 8mm drop
- Also great£130
Challenger 8
- Grips on parks, towpaths & light trail
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
Fit True to size
230g 8mm drop
Best for technical trail
- Top match£145
Aero Glide 4 GRVL
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size, narrow fit
227g 8mm drop
- Strong alternative£150
R1
- Balanced cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- A go-to for everyday miles
202g 8mm drop
- Also great£130
Challenger 8
- Plush, high-stack cushioning
- 8mm drop eases load on calves & Achilles
- A go-to for everyday miles
Fit True to size
230g 8mm drop
How they compare
| Shoe | Price | Weight (men's / women's) | Drop | Plate | Wide fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount to Coast R1 | £150 | 240g / 202g | 8mm | None | Roomy toe box |
| Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL | £145 | 283g / 227g | 8mm | None | No |
| HOKA Challenger 8 | £130 | 287g / 230g | 8mm | None | Yes |
What to look for in a trail shoe
Cushioning under the heel. Many trail shoes are low and firm for feel and control. With heel pain, choose one with real cushioning, as NHS advice recommends a cushioned heel.
Protection underfoot. Stones and roots can press straight into a sore heel. A thicker midsole, or a rock plate in more technical shoes, spreads that pressure.
Grip that suits your ground. Shallow lugs for paths and towpaths; deep lugs for mud and steep, rocky trails.
Frequently asked questions
Is trail running better for plantar fasciitis than road running?
Softer ground can feel kinder, but uneven terrain and steep climbs stretch the foot and calf more. Comfort on your usual trails is the best guide.
Can I use road shoes on trails with plantar fasciitis?
On dry, smooth paths, yes. On mud or rocky ground you'll want the grip and protection of a trail shoe.
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.
Sources
Header photo by Jeremy Lapak