Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common injuries tennis players face. The tissue that connects your heel bone to toes is the area where the plantar fasciitis pain arises. It is a severe pain that generally decreases as you move more, but in case of long standings, it comes back.
A study in 2005 said that up to ten percent of the adult population might experience plantar fasciitis. The factors that may increase the risk of promoting plantar fasciitis include age, poor ankle range of motion, obesity, long hours of standing, and certain types of exercises.
If we talk about the United States, then 10% of its population suffers from heel pain. One million people of the United States visit clinics or hospitals to treat plantar fasciitis every year.
So, if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, then the best way to deal with it is to wear tennis shoes.
Here, we have reviewed the seven best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis to make the selection process easier for you.
Top 7 Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
1: Asics Men’s Gel-Solution Speed 3 Tennis Shoe – Overall Best Tennis Shoes for Men
Warranty: This Asics Gel-Solution Speed 3 Tennis Shoe is a lightweight shoe that will help you to stay light on your feet. It comes with a 6-month outsole warranty. For long and demanding tennis matches, this tennis shoe is the perfect choice if you are suffering from Plantar Fasciitis.
Design: It has a low profile design with a solid rubber sole and smooth PU flexion fit upper. The inclusion of the Solyte midsole material is for lightweight cushioning and comfortable play on the court. This material is lighter in weight than the Asics standard EVA and SpEVA midsoles.
Trusstic System Technology: The Trusstic system technology helps decrease the weight of the sole unit without sacrificing the structural integrity of the shoes.
Gel Technology Cushioning System: There is a gel technology cushioning system in the rearfoot and forefoot areas. This cushioning system is responsible for weakening the shock during impact and toe-off phases.
AHAR Outsole: The shoe is extremely durable, thanks to its AHAR (Asics High Abrasion Rubber) outsole. This rubber is placed in various critical areas of the outsole.
Toe Protection: There is also a PGuard Toe Protector to enhance the overall toe durability.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is a lightweight, durable, and long-lasting tennis shoe ideal for plantar fasciitis sufferers. Its EVA midsole provides a superior level of comfort. Also, the toe protection, gel technology cushioning system, and AHAR outsole are its valuable features.
Cons: It is not designed for time-consuming matches.
2: New Balance Men’s mc806 Tennis Shoe – Price Range from $100 to $215
Warranty: The second best tennis shoe for plantar fasciitis,according to users,is the New Balance MC806. It also has a 6-month warranty. It is the part of the most popular 800 series, and that is why it is quite supportive and durable.
Materials used: Both the leather and synthetic upper materials are used in the construction of this tennis shoe. Also, it has a solid rubber sole that provides stability and durability.
Ventilation System: To make your shoes breathe, the toe end of the shoes and side panel feature small holes. These small punctures keep your shoes away from sweat.
ABZORB Cushioning: It is an advanced cushioning system used in the heel and forefoot areas of the shoes to absorb shocks and displace energy. It is different from the gel technology cushioning system that is found in the Asics Men’s Gel-Solution Speed 3.
C-Cap Midsole: The shoes feature C-Cap midsole for enhanced cushioning and flexibility. To give players an ultimate level of support, the C-Cap midsole plays an important part. Also, there is a lightening dry liner to keep the feet of the players completely dry.
ROLLBAR Technology: This ROLLBAR technology keeps the movement of the rear foot limited to give full control during demanding movements of the foot.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is a highly comfortable and stable tennis shoe that features sturdy and well-built outsole and insole. A well-reinforced toe, large toe box, and a good loop lacing system make the shoe perfect for tennis players.
Cons: It is not made for hardcore professional players.
3: K-Swiss Women’s Grancourt II Tennis Shoe – Overall Best Tennis Shoes for Women
Materials used: K-Swiss offers the best tennis shoes for women ideal for those who are suffering from plantar fasciitis. The materials used to make the shoes are leather and synthetic materials. The combination of leather and synthetic materials makes the upper portion of the shoes durable.
Herringbone Outsole: The outsole is made up of solid rubber for enhanced support and durability. It is manufactured from Aosta II Rubber Compound to offer excellent durability from heel to toe.
K-EVA Midsole: The shoes are featured with K-EVA midsole. This compression-molded Ethylene vinyl acetate is a foamed midsole material that provides great cushioning, comfort, and shock absorption.
Shock Spring Technology: The K-Swiss shock spring technology provides excellent cushioning in the forefoot and heel areas.
Ventilation System: The leather used on the upper side of the shoes has small holes on the top, front, and side areas for breathability and comfort.
Padded Collar and Tongue: The product features padded collar and tongue that provides a cozy fit.
Fabric Lining: It has a fabric lining with a removable insert.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is a well-made and comfortable shoe ideal for those women who need extra cushioning in the forefoot and heel areas. It has a great ventilation system, good arch support, and excellent overall construction.
Cons: For a wide foot, it is not a good choice.
4: Adidas Men’s Barricade 2018 Tennis Shoe –Best Tennis Shoe for Plantar Fasciitis from Adidas
Warranty: One of the best brands in footwear offers excellent quality tennis shoes for those men who suffer from plantar fasciitis. It comes with a 6-month durability guarantee.
Sock-like Construction: They have a sock-like construction that hugs your feet to allow you to play freely on a tennis court.
Forgedmesh Upper: The shoe has a forged mesh upper that stretches out according to the movement of the foot for a comfortable fit. The materials used in the making of the upper include textile and synthetic materials.
Adiprene Midsole: Adidas adds a lightweight midsole in these Barricade 2018 tennis shoes. This sole between outsole and insole is Adiprene that provides high levels of cushioning for the foot.
Barricade Chassis: It offers great support for your all-action game. It is there for stability in the midfoot and flexibility in the forefoot.
Adiwear 6 Outsole: It has an Adiwear 6 rubber outsole that provides excellent physical resistance and durability on any surface.
Adidas Adituff: It is an abrasion-resistant material that is used on the inner side of the upper or at the toe end for protection against foot drags.
My Opinion:
Pros: Great looking and good quality shoes with decent arch support. Its sock-like construction keeps the shoes fixed, the midsole provides great cushioning, and the Adiwear 6 outsole helps you to play on any tennis court surface.
Cons: This 2018 barricade is not the same as 2016 barricades.
5: Asics Men’s Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoe – Best Asics Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Warranty: This Asics Men’s Gel-Resolution 7 tennis shoe is ideal for those who have high-arch feet. It is better than Asics Men’s Gel-Resolution 6 in terms of cushioning, padding, and overall comfort. The shoes come with a 6-month outsole warranty.
Flexion Fit Upper: Asics flexion fit is devised to make the footwear more comfortable and supportive through a form-fitting upper.
SOLYTE Midsole: This Solyte midsole material is lighter in weight as compared to standard EVA and SpEVA midsoles but offers excellent cushioning and durability.
AHAR Plus Outsole: It is a highly durable compound placed at various critical positions of the outsole.
Gel Technology Cushioning System: This gel technology cushioning system allows the foot movement in diversified planes and reduces shock during impact and toe-off phases. It is available in rearfoot and forefoot areas.
PGuard Toe Protector: There is also a PGuard toe protector for enhanced toe durability.
I.G.S Technology: This Impact Guidance System technology allows the athlete’s feet to perform a more realistic and natural heel to toe movement.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is a spacious and airy shoe that is extremely comfortable to use. It provides excellent protection from impacts, has a good grip, and is affordable and stylish.
Cons: They look bulky and take time to get used to it.
6: Nike Men’s Air Zoom Vapor X Tennis Shoes – Best Nike Tennis Shoe for Planter Fasciitis
Dynamic Fit System: This Air Zoom Vapor X tennis shoe is better than the Nike’s Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour. It has a dynamic fit system that makes you feel like what you feel when your hands go inside the glove. It encloses your foot from the bottom of the arch up to the laces for a secured fit.
Phylon Midsole: The shoe is equipped with phylon midsole. It is a lightweight midsole that features Nike Zoom Air technology. This Nike Zoom is basically a cushioning system that includes pressurized air and tightly stretched fibers. They absorb impact and then rebound for rapid movement and reduce stress on your muscles and joints.
XDR Rubber Outsole: Its XDR rubber outsole offers great physical resistance. The full-length TPU foot frame offers excellent stability and durability.
Padded Collar: To provide additional comfort, a padded collar is added.
Toe Protection: There is a rubber installed at the toe end of the shoes to increase durability and protection from drag.
My Opinion:
Pros: Super comfortable shoes with a great outsole support. The zoom air technology is best in the business,and its dynamic fit design hugs your feet tightly.
Cons: They are not designed for people having wide feet. Also, according to some users, its heel area is very stiff.
7: New Balance Women’s WC806 Tennis-W Tennis Shoe – Price Range from $100 to $212
Full-grain Leather Upper: This New Balance WC806 is one of the best tennis shoes for women who are suffering from plantar fasciitis. It has a full-grain leather upper that offers durability and comfort.
C-Cap Midsole: It has a C-Cap midsole with ABZORB cushioning system in the heel and forefoot areas. This cushioning system gives higher levels of comfort that is ideal for long days on the court.
Lightning Dry Liner: The shoe is featured with lightening dry liner that keeps the feet of the players dry.
Herringbone Patterned Rubber Outsole: The herringbone-patterned rubber outsole provides durability and resistance on any court surface.
Ventilation System: The toe end, front, and side areas feature small holes to let the shoes breathe.
Advanced Toe tip Material: Its toe tip has a revised and advanced material for protection against toe drag.
My Opinion:
Pros: It is quite a comfortable shoe that provides great stability and support. It has a great cushioning system and a durable product to use.
Cons: The toe box is narrow. Also, its arch support is not great.
Guide to Buy Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Before selecting a tennis shoe for plantar fasciitis, it is necessary to look at the various features of the shoes to get the best one according to your needs.
Materials: The first thing that you must look at is the materials used in the construction of the shoe. It is always recommended to select a shoe made up of lightweight materials to keep your feet free from the extra amount of stress. For the players suffering from plantar fasciitis, lightweight material is a good option.
Arch Support: Your tennis shoes must have excellent arch support. Those shoes that feature high or low arches can be dangerous for plantar fasciitis; therefore, the natural arch of your foot must be there. If not, then you will be placing your whole foot on the ground every time. This will absorb the full impact on each occasion that may lead to chronic injuries.
Midsole: The best midsole that you can get is the EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) that provides great cushioning, comfort, and shock absorption. This EVA midsole is quite better and effective than the traditional rubber. Other than EVA, you can go with other effective midsoles like C-Cap midsole and Solyte midsole.
Cushioning System: The right amount of cushioning in both the sole and upper part is important. Make sure that the heel and forefoot areas of the shoes have an extra amount of cushioning. Also, the upper part of the shoes must be cushioned to hold your feet in a healthier position and make you feel comfortable all the time on the tennis court.
Outsole: The bottom part of the shoe also needs to be checked. If it is not good, then your plantar fasciitis problem may get worse. So, make sure that the rubber used is of good quality and offers great physical resistance on any surface. The outsole must not be slippery but must be rough, tough, and durable.
Toe Box : The last thing that a plantar fasciitis sufferer should focus on is the toe box. The toe box must be a bit wider so that the toes can spread out naturally when required. The limited movement of the toes can put a strain on your foot and turn the condition of the plantar fasciitis worse.
Is it necessary to have a wide toe box in your tennis shoe if you have plantar fasciitis?
Yes, it is necessary to go for those shoes that feature wide toe boxes if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. The toes must be allowed to experience natural movements in the shoes. This natural movement of the toes will keep your feet away from the strain, and thus, your plantar fasciitis condition will be kept in control.
What is the best time to replace a tennis shoe?
It is advised to replace your tennis shoes after 500 miles of wear. But not all tennis shoes are durable and reach this milestone. So, it is better to replace your shoes as soon as they start failing. You should keep an eye on the outsole pattern of the shoes and the cushioning system in the heel and forefoot areas.
Can I wear tennis shoes every day if I have plantar fasciitis?
Yes, there is no problem in wearing tennis shoes on a regular basis if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis. But your shoes must have a good heel support. For the sufferers of plantar fasciitis, it is necessary to buy shoes with good heel support so that they can wear them anytime and anywhere.
What features should I avoid in a tennis shoe when I have plantar fasciitis?
If you are suffering plantar fasciitis, then you must avoid buying heavy or bulky shoes. Heavy or bulky shoes will not help you in playing with complete freedom on a tennis court. Also, your plantar fasciitis condition may turn worse.
Other than this, you should avoid buying narrow shoes as they will keep your toes tight that will make you feel uncomfortable while playing or walking.
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