We all have different motivations for lacing up our running shoes - better fitness, a first half-marathon, weight loss, or a new personal best. But we all share one thing in common: we want to enjoy running in good health and for as long as possible. But what should you do when every single step becomes a nightmare and a sharp, stabbing pain takes over your heel? If this scenario sounds familiar, there is a high probability that you are dealing with plantar fasciitis. The good news is that this condition doesn't necessarily mean putting a definitive stop to your running. Along with other steps, the key lies in choosing the right running shoes.
That's why we're going to recommend 8 or 9 specific road and trail models that can bring relief to your feet. Here they are:
- Asics Gel-Nimbus (road)
- Hoka Clifton a Hoka Bondi (road)
- Saucony Triumph (road)
- Asics Gel-Kayano (road)
- adidas Hyperboost (road)
- Salomon Aero Glide GRVL (trail)
- On Cloudvista (trail)
- Asics Gel-Trabuco (trail)
1. Asics Gel-Nimbus
The Gel-Nimbus series is synonymous with absolute comfort on the road - and that goes for your musculoskeletal system too. The combination of PureGEL™ technology embedded in the heel and a massive dose of FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushioning foam delivers one of the softest landings on the market. It highly relieves the heel upon impact while safely supporting the arch. The Gel-Nimbus is a high-volume shoe designed for everyday runs, long endurance training, or recovery jogs at an easy pace. It is also well-suited for heavier runners who require the maximum possible protection for their joints and muscles.
Discover the ASICS GEL-Nimbus series
2. Hoka Clifton nebo Hoka Bondi
The Hoka brand is a pioneer of maximalist cushioning. The Bondi model is its most cushioned shoe, ensuring a 'cloud-like' landing, while the Clifton is slightly lighter, more agile, and more versatile. Both models feature the iconic Meta-Rocker geometry. This helps the foot roll forward quickly and smoothly, significantly limiting the push-off phase through the toes, which is when the plantar fascia stretches and hurts the most. The Hoka Bondi is perfect for very slow, long recovery runs and walking. The Hoka Clifton, on the other hand, will serve you great as a versatile training shoe for everyday miles at an easy to moderate pace
Hoka Bondi and Hoka Clifton Selection
3. Saucony Triumph
You will love the models from the Triumph series if you are looking for premium comfort. It utilizes PWRRUN+ cushioning foam, which excellently absorbs hard impacts on the heel while maintaining great responsiveness. In the case of plantar fasciitis, its construction is key - the shoe has a very well-shaped heel pocket, ensuring your heel sits firmly and doesn't slip. Additionally, the 10mm drop reliably relieves both the Achilles tendon and the bottom of the foot. The Saucony Triumph is a popular high-volume shoe that can handle long training sessions, everyday runs, and half-marathon or marathon preparation. In short, every run where you need the cushioning to work reliably even after two (or more) hours of running on asphalt.
Find the Saucony Triumph series here
4. Asics Gel-Kayano
If you are dealing with overpronation (inward rolling of the ankles) in addition to plantar fasciitis, the Kayano road model is the clear choice. The unique 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ provides active arch stabilization, preventing excessive stretching of the plantar fascia with every stride. Impact absorption is handled by ASICS' GEL™ technology combined with FF BLAST™ PLUS foam. You can wear the Gel-Kayano for a wide range of runs, such as everyday training, long endurance runs, recovery jogs at a slow pace, or training as part of marathon preparation.
5. adidas Hyperboost Edge
A hot road release from adidas - and an absolute game-changer for people with plantar fasciitis. This shoe leaves traditional designs behind, introducing the brand-new, extremely light and bouncy Hyperboost Pro foam based on PEBA material. Under the heel, you will find a gigantic 45mm cushion that softens hard landings on asphalt and gives a sore heel maximum protection. Additionally, the shoe features integrated heel padding and a wider midsole base, providing much-needed stability to a tired foot. The adidas Hyperboost Edge is a so-called 'super trainer - it easily handles everyday runs, long endurance sessions, and recovery jogs when you want to relieve pressure on your feet while still enjoying a snappy and responsive stride.
Discover the adidas Hyperboost Edge selection
6. Salomon Aero Glide GRVL
This model is inspired by the world of gravel bikes - it is designed for runs where you alternate between asphalt, gravel, and forest paths. For runners with plantar fasciitis, it offers a massive layer of optiFOAM² cushioning foam, which reliably absorbs all hard impacts and relieves a sensitive heel. A key feature here is the rounded Reverse Camber rocker geometry. This ensures that the foot rolls forward immediately and smoothly upon landing, shortening the time the heel is under pressure and minimizing the painful stretching of the tendon during push-off. Additionally, the GRVL version features an updated outsole with a relatively deep lug pattern that keeps you stable on slippery terrain while remaining completely unobtrusive on asphalt. It is the ideal choice for runs where you start on a hard pavement and head out towards a forest or park trail. It is happiest on medium to long high-volume training sessions at a moderate pace.
Check out Salomon Aero Glide GRVL
7. On Cloudvista
If you are looking for a light, agile, and comfortable trail shoe, the Swiss brand On has the Cloudvista model for you. This shoe utilizes CloudTec® cushioning clouds and Helion™ foam, which work together beautifully. They reliably absorb impacts and significantly reduce the stress load transmitted to the heel. The shoe is very stable and, thanks to the patented Speedboard® plate, supports a natural and smooth transition from heel to toe. The On Cloudvista model is suitable for short to medium-length trail runs or faster training sessions in the forest, on dirt roads, or in parks. You will love it if you prefer high comfort and heel-friendly cushioning but don't want heavy, bulky shoes.
8. ASICS GEL-Trabuco
A trail shoe that boasts superior cushioning and high grip. It offers a massive layer of premium FF BLAST™ PLUS cushioning foam, which is extremely light and soft, so your sore heels will barely feel a thing when landing on rocks or roots. The key to a joyful run here is the GUIDESOLE™ technology - a special rocker sole construction with a raised toe. This is proven to reduce flexion (bending) in the ankle and toes during push-off. As a result, the plantar fascia does not stretch as much with each step, reducing foot fatigue and pain. Stability in uneven terrain and arch protection are provided by the wider base of the shoe and the reliable ASICSGRIP™ outsole. The Gel-Trabuco is the number one choice for long to ultra-long trail runs, trail marathons, or weekend high-volume training sessions in the forest or mountains.
Find the ASICS Gel-Trabuco here
Tip: Running Insoles
If you suffer from persistent and chronic problems with plantar fasciitis, specialized sports insoles could help you in addition to the right running shoes - at Top4Running, the anatomical insoles by CURREX are very popular and effective. They are selected precisely according to your arch type (high, neutral, low) and help distribute pressure on the heel much more efficiently.
CURREX Sports Insoles Selection
Plantar Fasciitis: What kind of running shoes should you look for?
You already have recommendations for several models that you can lace up if you're dealing with fascia issues. But what if a particular model doesn't fit you right? No worries - everyone's feet are different. However, if you suspect you're suffering from plantar fasciitis, forget about minimalist shoes or firm racing flats. Your foot needs protection and support. Look for a shoe that checks at least 1 or 2 of the following boxes:
- Max Cushioning: A thick layer of cushioning foam in the midsole absorbs hard impacts and significantly reduces pressure on the heel and fascia.
- Arch Support and Stability: Even if you have a neutral stride, a slight stabilization - often paired with overpronation protection - prevents the arch from collapsing, which directly stretches and irritates the tendon.
- Higher Drop: With a drop ranging between 6–12 mm, the heel sits slightly higher, mechanically reducing tension in the calf muscle, Achilles tendon, and consequently in the plantar fascia itself.
- Rocker Geometry: A rounded sole shape facilitates a smooth transition from heel to toe and reduces the toe flexion that irritates the fascia.
Top4Running TIP: Struggling to choose the right running shoes? We're here for you! Check out our online guide: how to choose running shoes.
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