BEST NIKE SHOES FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS IN 2023

Plantar Fasciitis is a debilitating condition that most often affects runners, athletes, and people who are on their feet all day. It can be difficult to find the right shoe for plantar fasciitis patients, but after extensive research, I have compiled this list of some best shoes for plantar fasciitis victims.  

Some of these models come with arch support built-in which will help support your foot as you walk or run. 

In this article, I have included pros and cons with details of the best Nike shoes for plantar fasciitis. So, stay tuned. 

What is Plantar fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a running injury that has plagued many athletes for years. It’s an overuse injury to the foot, usually caused by the repetitive stress of your body weight on your plantar fascia ligaments.

When you have plantar fasciitis pain, you’ll typically feel it in the heel area, particularly in the morning when you get up. You’ll often feel tenderness in the bottom of your foot heel, especially after you’ve been on your feet for periods.

In simple words, an inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament is due to the damage of that ligament. Which generates and increases heel pain with stiffness issues.  

Plantar fasciitis is not a joke. If you don’t treat it seriously you can be sidelined for months. Popular athletes like Peyton Manning and Albert Pujols had histories with it.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Every health problem can be traced back to the symptoms. In the case of plantar fasciitis, there are multiple symptoms detected that you should seriously observe.  They are: 

Morning Heel Pain

As soon as you put your foot on the floor in the morning, you will feel a very sharp pain in your heel. Often the pain might range from the heel to the toes. Sometimes the nature of the pain can be dull too.

Contracted Fascia

When you wake up from sleep or after having rest for some time you might feel your soles be contracted.

Stiffness

You will feel the stiffness of the heel while climbing stairs. 

Recurrent Morning Pain

With time you will notice your morning pain will increase gradually and the stretching time to make yourself easy will be much harder.

Pain after prolonged activity

You will face a high level of pain and irritation after a long time of activity but you won’t feel it during work.

Now, let’s see some top-notch Nike footwear ideal for people who are suffering from plantar fasciitis.

Best Nike shoes for plantar fasciitis: Top 10 Nike Shoes

Plantar fasciitis is not a joke. If you’re willing to fight it, you’ll need good-quality shoes that can help you carry on.

With so many different types available it can be difficult to know what is best for your individual needs so allow me to narrow down the search process by providing you with some top picks. 

Without cutting any extra second, let’s see those…

1. Nike men’s Air Max Torch 4

One of the Nike shoes that still carry striking and classic looks. This lightweight and no-compromise comfort feature would be a great choice for plantar fasciitis runners.

The outsole of Air Max Torch 4 is designed to enable you to use it on versatile terrains. Also, the upper is breathable, soft, and made of a mesh & synthetic. You will be happy with the toe room space.

Plus, the Max Air heel unit is so finely tailored that it will give you enough bounce with every step that is required to alleviate the pain and irritation generated from plantar fasciitis.

When comfort is mentioned this shoe can easily beat most of the footwear due to its outstanding comfort. People with flat feet will feel that extra support using this one.

Moreover, the ankle area of Nike Torch 4 prevents any irritation around the ankle. You can easily train, and walk on rugged and uneven terrain due to its aggressive sole tread.

Furthermore, cushioning & multiple padding layers inside the Nike Torch 4 will protect your feet from those heavy shocks. A great advantage for plantar fasciitis runners. 

In addition to that, the stability plus the wider heel area keep your feet safer and you get enough support from the backfoot. 

Anyway, it has two drawbacks. One is that the durability of this shoe is not up to the mark I had hoped for and the other is the shoe looks a bit bulky which many users won’t like. However, it’s an outstanding buy at this price tag.

2. Nike Men’s Air Monarch Iv (4e) Cross Trainer

The Nike Men’s Air Monarch IV will provide you not only with stylish looks but also the comfort that you need as a plantar fasciitis patient. A sturdy shoe you can use for versatile purposes starting from running, walking, and other forms of physical activities.

Your feet will be pretty safe from the shocks of the ground after feet strike due to the high-quality cushion. Plus, the full-length Air-Sole unit will add more comfort by acting responsive with each stride which is superb for plantar fasciitis users.

In addition to that, the lightweight shoe allows you to run more with less strain on your foot. The durability of the Nike Monarch IV is mindblowing. The upper is made of leather and also maintains good airflow into the trainer. 

Moreover, the phylon midsole and the soft fabric ensure you enjoy your training session. The lacing of this shoe is quite good and gives you a nice fit feeling as it helps to keep your heel in its perfect position.

Furthermore, the solid rubber tread sole allows you to work out on different surfaces. People with wider feet will find the required space and excellent flexibility that’s awesome.

Also, the toe room of this trainer is an adequate amount. Additionally, you will receive enough arch support and heel support which is a must for plantar fasciitis. 

With these outstanding features, Nike Air Monarch IV has two downsides, The First one is the tread sole is not very durable, and the second one is it generates a squeaky sound during the run. Apart from that, it’s a brilliant shoe at this cost.

3. NIKE Men’s Tanjun Sneakers

This one is a great sneaker that provides you with ultra comfort. While wearing it you will feel like wearing socks, thus you can wear them all day especially if you have a plantar fasciitis problem.

Nike Tanjun is a very lightweight sneaker that comes with a softer plus thinner upper textile which maintains good airflow. Its extremely lightweight nature helps the user to run easily.

Plus, its design provides great arch support for users who have flat feet. So, again it’s a superb helper for runners suffering from plantar fasciitis. You will find a quite big toe space and wide space for proper wide foot fitting. 

Also, the Nike Tanjun can absorb a reasonable amount of shock from the ground because of its midsole. The padding given in the collar and tongue will eliminate the chance of skin irritation. 

Moreover, the front foot side of Nike Tanjun is flexible. And that helps you to run with a good grip on the front foot. Stability is also good as the midsole is a bit thick.  

Furthermore, the heel-to-toe ratio is excellent and that will assist you to run on your heel. You will be quite impressed with the traction of Nike Tanjun’s outer sole.

Along with these pros, it also carries two downsides. Though the traction is quite good with time it will wear out as it’s less durable. And the midsole is not flexible at all. However, it has more plus side plus it’s quite cheap.

4. Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 34 Running Shoe

Nike Pegasus 34 is an awesome shoe that not only looks cool but also provides the runner with plantar fasciitis outstanding support. It’s a solid shoe that will ensure you comfortable training moments for a long time.

Also, the midsole is high-quality which is solid, and quite responsive. It assists in preventing a major percentage of shock from the ground. The unique lacing system of Nike Pegasus 34 gives you a secure and proper fit.

Plus, the Air Max tech has its cushion below the heel and also the forefoot zone which allows you to experience an ultra comfort level. 

Not only that, the Nike Pegasus 34 provides incredible arch support for people with flat foot problems. If you are a big person with a wider foot it won’t give you a hard time. What’s even better, the upper breathability is impressive and gives a proper comfortable fitting. 

Moreover, you will be amazed at the level of traction and grip of the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34.  To deliver terrific stability, this shoe has a cellulose board inside its heel Air unit. The 10mm heel-to-toe drop is quite standard which will ensure a comfortable ride. 

Although it has so many good bells and whistles, it also has some dark sides. The first one is that some users might feel the toe room to be a bit narrow and another one is the tongue is very thin padded. However, in this price category, it would be a splendid deal. 

5. Nike Men’s Revolution 4 Running Shoe

Get the latest Nike Men’s Revolution 4 Running Shoe! The sturdy rubber outsole provides optimum traction so you can get more speed while running. It will react quite springy to every step you take. And, here you get quite an advantage if you are suffering from issues like plantar fasciitis.

Aside from its support and comfort, this shoe has a spacious toe room. You’ll also notice it is great for indoor sports with synthetic soles and nice flexibility! Moreover, the padded tongue and collar increase comfort while providing an amazing feel. 

Nike’s Revolution 4 Running Shoe supports your foot and gives you stable, responsive cushioning to help with the pressure of running. Engineered for those of us who love to run but need some extra flexibility and protection on our feet and ankles. Which is wonderful for plantar fasciitis runners.

Plus, the upper of the shoe is made up of mixed mesh and synthetic materials, which contribute to its low weight and easy mobility because of deep flex grooves; it should make for one very smooth ride on or off the court indoors or outdoors!

With all the plus features, it has negative aspects too. One is that during a run or walk, it tends to become quite hot inside the shoe. Another one is that the upper is not very durable.

However, at this price point and with all of these features, Nike Men’s Revolution 4 Running Shoe may just be your new favorite running shoe! So, keep up your training by keeping your feet comfortable.

6. Nike Women’s Zoom Winflo 6           

Nike Women’s Zoom Winflo 6 Running Shoes are highly recommended for plantar fasciitis patients because they have a special feature which is co-molded heel cushioning which gives maximum support to the foot. 

Also, the footwear has good arch support and has wider feet space for users so you can stand in your workplace wearing it all day. The outsole of Nike Women’s Zoom Winflo 6 Running Shoes is also wonderful and provides good support and grip.

Moreover, these shoes have a good ventilation system. Nike Women’s Zoom Winflo 6 doesn’t require a break-in period which means you will be fully comfortable at first use. 

When it’s about durability Nike Women’s Zoom Winflo 6 is indeed an excellent one. Overall cushioning is pretty decent and standard. 

In addition to that, the sleeker design pattern makes it looks stylish. Unlike many other shoes, it’s true to size. And after lacing up you will get a nice perfect fit. These shoes also come with stability which helps in reducing overuse injuries. Plus, it allows you to take stable sharp corners during the run. 

Furthermore, these shoes are great for walking and jogging because they have a “Zoom Air” in the heel which absorbs the shock of running and walking. 

While it has so many outstanding features, it has two downsides. Some people will find the toe room a bit smaller. Another one is, the shoe use area is limited and not versatile. However, when you see how much bucks it charges, it’s an excellent purchase. 

7. Nike Air Max 95 Running Trainers 

Having shoes that move with you is crucial for comfort and protection. And, Nike Air Max 95 is an appropriate sneaker for everyday use. 

Nike Air Max 95 excels at fulfilling both comfort and protection needs due to its knitted upper that keeps the foot cool and dry while providing enough bounce for plantar fasciitis sufferers. 

Furthermore, the padded collar and tongue ensure an improved fit without sacrificing any ease, allowing you to go about your day worry-free knowing that even if life throws curveballs at you, these kicks got your back!

The Nike Air Max 95 provides a sleek look while still delivering the support to keep you up and moving. With lots of great colors to choose from, these shoes are true to size with an easy lacing system that fits securely while also giving your feet plenty of movement. 

Moreover, the sturdy outsole helps make sure you can move effortlessly on any terrain, making it easier for quicker reactions. You’ll get more speed in your step with the lightweight feel that keeps you comfortable all day long–be warned, though! 

Thanks to the air sole unit, you’ll enjoy shock absorption and cloud-walk comfort with every stride. Ankle support ensures that you can move with ease, while the flexible construction allows you to walk with less pain.

The Nike Air Max 95 has two shortcomings. The first one is that some users might find it narrow and the second one is it’s not very good for fast-running sessions. However, the overall comfort grade makes it an awesome value for money.

8. Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus Running Shoe

The Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 35 has soft and plush materials, a safe heel pad that will protect your heels when you land, and incredible traction with every step. This shoe is perfect if you need support in the field because it compensates for plantar fasciitis.

Runners with an average build who want an everyday training sneaker will like the Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 35 Running Shoe because of its lightweight design, stability features, and comfortable fit.

Plus, the full-length Zoom Air Unit will ensure your smooth walking session. Also, the toe box will provide enough space and a wider foot will also have no problem with it.

Moreover, you will enjoy a comfortable jogging or walking session as it gives you a snug fit. Plush cushioning is much more impressive. Flexibility is much better and gives you an extra advantage during the run and walk.

Besides, the arch support that you will get from Nike Pegasus 35 is mindblowing. Another feature that makes it ultra user-friendly for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Even the looks of this unit are very stylish.

Nike Women’s Air Zoom Pegasus 35 has two downsides. One is it’s expensive and another one is that it easily becomes hot as the upper is not much breathable. 

However, comparing both pros and cons this one is arguably the best Nike shoe for people with plantar fasciitis.

Pros:

9. Nike Women’s Revolution 5 Wide Running Shoe

Introducing the Nike Women’s Revolution 5, the perfect shoe for a dedicated runner with plantar fasciitis. The shoe has a lot of cushioning that makes it comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Plus, it also has great traction on most surfaces. During the run, you will get enough flexibility from the shoe due to the spacing in its tread. This is one of the best walking shoes you can buy at this price point.

The upper is a single layer of breathable mesh that helps to keep cool during training. And as the upper is soft so it’s quite adaptable for both narrow and wider feet.

Moreover, it’s ideal for people who want a walking shoe with excellent arch support, comfort, and durability. It’s also comfortable and fits true to size. The cushioning is soft but supportive enough for long walks, runs, or hikes. 

Furthermore, you can expect high-level comfort as the soft midsole of this shoe will allow you to enjoy workout time smoothly and with great stability. In addition to that, the lightweight adds more to comfy.

Also, the room for the toe is pretty standard and a tight lacing up will secure the position of your heel. The padding of the tongue and ankle area makes it a terrific user-friendly shoe.

With these nice features, Nike Women’s Revolution 5 has two downsides too. One is the laces are a bit short and another one is it creates a squeaky sound at the time of running. Apart from that, it is undoubtedly a terrific buy.

Pros:

10. The Nike React Infinity Running Shoes

The Nike React Infinity Running Shoes are revolutionary shoes that come equipped with an amazing midsole. They offer superb heel support and stability without any rigidness to the shoe itself. Overall, an outstanding unit for plantar fasciitis patients. 

Also, the color options, including black/gum or black/vivid pink, go great for either night or day wear. This is great for runners who want to minimize the impact on their bodies while running! Which is the best priority of a plantar fasciitis runner. 

Featuring wider forefoot construction and extra cushioning, these shoes provide unbeatable stability. From long runs to intense cardio sessions, the Nike React Infinity Running Shoes will keep you feeling strong and supported every step of the way.

Moreover, these shoes are perfect for long training sessions, with a sturdy upper that will keep your foot secure and insoles that provide plenty of arch support. While the awesome traction keeps you safe on your feet, the flexible outsole ensures a comfortable ride. So lace up and hit the pavement!

Plus, when it comes down to weight, this is much lighter plus the toe room of Nike React Infinity is large enough to support you until the end of the workout.

But, the cost of this running shoe is pretty high.  One other thing that I disliked is that cleaning this shoe is a bit harder. However, evaluating all good and bad it’s a profitable buy.

Pros:

What to look for in Plantar Fasciitis shoes?

Plantar fasciitis is a big deal with your leg so you need to be serious about it. Shoes that are plantar fasciitis friendly have some specific attributes and these are the following:

Arch Support

Shoes that can provide superior level arch support will help to ease the pain gradually. Any shoe that has excellent support for your foot will eventually decrease the stiffness of the fascia plus stop overpronation.

Comfortable 

As you are already carrying a problem you can’t allow it to increase. So you must purchase those that are highly comfortable. Don’t compromise comfort with style in this case.

Firm Heel Counter

Shoes that have a firm heel counter would reduce the weird stretching of your plantar fascia ligament. Plus, it will kill the pain and also the inflammation of your feet and the arch of your foot. The hill counter should not be overtight but then again hug the heel properly to decrease any kind of overpronation.

High-Level Cushion 

It’s crucial to have an outstanding level of cushioning. A high-quality cushion will absorb all the shocks that would be coming from as the heel touches the running or walking ground. 

Flexible but not over-flexible 

The shoe must be flexible or a stiff shoe will increase the pain. Ensure the level of bending plus twisting of the shoe before buying. Flexible shoes will reduce the overall impact generated by the running terrain. 

Please remember that flexible shoes that become almost half bent are not good for plantar fasciitis.

Wider shoes

Another important aspect during buying your shoe for plantar fasciitis is complexity. Overall a wider shoe would be best for this kind of foot pain. You can easily avoid any extra stress from the side and front of the feet.

Extra Depth Shoe

The depth of the shoe plays a big role in reducing plantar fasciitis. It helps the feet from getting extra strain.

Sturdy sole 

People suffering from plantar fasciitis will find a rigid sole very helpful because it will prevent a major amount of impact on your feet, especially on your heel. 

So, a shoe with a thicker midsole is a standard for this type of people 

Removable insole

You never know even after being fully comfortable with the shoe, you may require special insoles for these plantar fasciitis complications. So this is a must-have option for your shoe.

Budget

Due to the problem, you have to buy shoes that have high-quality features. So a high budget would be ideal to keep in this case.

Also Read- BEST NIKE SNEAKERS FOR STANDING ALL DAY

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis to Flare Up? 

The exact cause has still not been found by scientists. However some common things that have a part in occurring plantar fasciitis have been identified. 

Below, I will talk about the causes of this specific health issue.

Weight Gain

Whenever your body is gaining extra weight whether it’s good muscle gain, healthy pregnant weight, or just extra idol fats your foot has to carry this additional strain. Which affects and damages your fascia tissue very slowly. 

High Heel Shoes

People who are used to wearing high-heel footwear often end up having plantar fasciitis. Your bodyweight won’t be able to get evenly distributed due to high heels so your heel has to absorb high-level strain which invites this problem.

New Pair of Shoes

Often you can develop plantar fasciitis by using new shoes. If your new shoes don’t provide enough comfort and good support, plus too much flexibility new shoes can put you at high risk of a damaged plantar fascia ligament. The new shoe should be immediately comfortable after first wearing it to avoid this problem. 

Old Shoes

An old that’s insole and the bottom tread has worn out can lead to plantar fasciitis. So the moment you feel your shoes have lost their overall comfort level then change it promptly. 

Flat Feet

In a standing position when you have less amount of arch in the foot which means you have a flat foot can lead to plantar fasciitis.

Starting new exercise

Generally, new exercise is good for health but due to improper form, required shoes for that exercise, and a healthy warm-up level is seen to be ignored quite often which can cause you to have plantar fasciitis. 

Barefoot Walking

A long walk, workout, and dancing barefoot can increase the probability of plantar fasciitis. 

Tight Calf Muscles

People with tight calf muscle issues can face plantar fasciitis over time. So it’s recommended to stretch it before you begin your training.

Foot Shape

People with a high arch, or abnormal foot shape may end up having it due to the lack of a balanced distribution of their body weight.

Aging

As people age, their plantar fasciitis tissue becomes weaker, so it poses a high risk of plantar fasciitis. Whenever you are 40+ the risk begins.

Training 

Every training that puts huge stress on your heel and surrounding muscles can do great damage to plantar fasciitis tissue. For example, long-running, aerobic dance, and long jump, etc.

Improper walking posture 

Some people walk with their hips a bit forward while other people walk with their heads forward, falling. Both of these types of people fall at risk of getting this problem. Any abnormal and unusual walking posture will raise this problem. 

Shoes with bad arch support

If you keep continuing to run, train, and walk with shoes that can’t provide you adequate arch support then it’s a matter of time to form plantar fasciitis.

Some Effective Tips to prevent plantar fasciitis

Like any other physical problem, there are ways you can follow to keep your pain at a minimum level and in some cases to fully prevent plantar fasciitis. 

So let’s have a look…

Cutting off weight

Runners who are overweight are also more prone to getting plantar fasciitis, as are those who have flat feet. Try to lose weight gradually rather than drastically over a short period.

Ice therapy

Ice therapy can be done by holding ice cubes in a plastic bag for application to the foot. It is advisable to take off shoes or socks while applying ice, then cover with a towel or plastic wrap. 20-25 minutes per day icing will greatly relieve your pain.

Toe stretch

Toe stretch for plantar fasciitis is a simple exercise that most people can do to help with the condition. First, sit with your toes pointed outwards then slowly point them inwards. Repeat this 15-20 times then work on pointing your toes up and down against a flat surface or wall.

Sand walking

Sand Walking is good for plantar fasciitis. It creates pressure on the calf muscle and toe. It will help a lot if done frequently. Plus you must take off your running shoe before stepping onto the sand.

The ball rolling on the foot

Take a few minutes every day to roll your foot along with a golf ball, tennis ball, or another round object. This will cause the fascia tissue in the sole of your feet to loosen and stretch out over time. Place your toes on top of it and gently move back and forth while holding on to something for balance if you need to.

Choose the right shoe

Consider using a good pair of running shoes. If you have been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, it may be time to invest in a new pair of running shoes with an extra-thick sole and/or support system to help alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Using arch support

Some experts also recommend wearing arch supports and heel lifts. Heel lifts provide extra cushioning and make it easier for you to flex your calf muscles. Arch supports help properly align the feet and redistribute weight evenly, reducing stress on the plantar fascia ligament in the foot.

Heel raise

Doing heel raises is an effective way to strengthen your plantar fascia ligament and tone other muscles in your feet. To do this, stand with the ball of your foot on a stair. Raise onto your toes, then slowly lower back down (don’t let your heel touch the ground). Repeat ten times three times per day.

Calf stretch

Calf muscle stretch for plantar fasciitis is excellent. The calf muscle is responsible for pushing off the ground with your toes. It helps to stretch this muscle to strengthen it.

One can do this stretch by standing facing a wall then keeping his/her heels on the floor. Now, lean forward and keep your back straight. You should feel a stretch in the calf muscles once you are correctly positioned.

Foot massage

Foot massages for plantar fasciitis are a good option. You could do proper massaging using a good massage gun. When the foot is massaged, it eases the strain on the plantar fascia ligament and increases blood flow to the area, which accelerates healing. 

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis is not an easy condition to live with. It can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, especially for those who enjoy running or playing sports on their feet.

Fortunately, many types of shoes provide support for plantar fasciitis runners including supportive shoes with arch support, proper cushioning, heel support, and responsive footwear. 

Pay attention to these tips from our findings to reduce your risk of developing this painful ailment! I expect you have found the best Nike shoes for plantar fasciitis which will bring a cloud of happiness in your training and workout life.