Best Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, roughly 2 million Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis. While it generally affects older individuals, a relatively high percentage of athletes are at risk. In this article, we’ll cover the basics of plantar fasciitis in terms of what it is, what causes it, and what you can do to better manage it. We’ll then focus on tennis players, our specialty, by recommending some of the best tennis shoes to keep you in the game.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

WebMD defines Plantar Fasciitis as "inflammation of the thick band of tissue (also called a fascia) at the bottom of your foot that runs from your heel to your toes." Most who have had it will immediately groan at the thought, as the most common symptom is pain in the bottom of the heel or arch of the foot with each step. Symptoms are usually worse in the morning as the tissue begins to stretch out.

What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?

According to WebMD, "Your fascia supports the muscles and arch of your foot. When it's overly stretched, you can get tiny tears in its surface. This can bring on pain and inflammation."

How to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

The key here is to remember that plantar fasciitis involves inflammation. Icing the affected area should help reduce this inflammation. You should also employ a physical therapy program that includes stretches and leg-strengthening exercises to improve stability, mobility, and balance (more on this later). Resting is a more obvious key to reducing the pain you experience day to day. Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen or Advil (you should consult a doctor before taking these long-term), can also help during your recovery. Severe cases may require more extensive medical treatments.

Stretches and Exercises for Plantar Fasciitis

While we're not medical experts or physical therapists, several of our shoe experts have dealt with the pain of plantar fasciitis. In terms of stretching the affected area, you can roll out the inflamed tissue with a roller, or even something as simple as a cool can of vegetables or a tennis ball.

Stretch bands can also help loosen up the area. While it's important to focus on the foot, you should loosen up your calf muscles, as well. Many of the tissues around your heel and ankle can affect one another. One of the key exercises our shoe experts recommended was toe raises on stairs. This simple movement puts a little bit of stress on the affected area and helps you regain mobility, strength, and balance. With all of that said, you also need to make sure you're wearing appropriate footwear throughout the day.

Best Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

When looking for the best shoes to reduce pain caused by plantar fasciitis, consider the amount of cushioning and support you're receiving. Shoes with thicker soles and extra padding will lower the amount of pain you experience as you walk, stand, or move dynamically. It's important that they remain comfortable, but also somewhat firm to ensure proper support. Arch support that matches your natural foot shape will distribute pressure more evenly, thus further reducing pain. You will also benefit from shoes with extra cushioning in the heel to reduce shock. Specially-made inserts, braces, and socks are all important aspects to consider.

As society has become more active, more money has gone into shoe accessories that alleviate pain. For our tennis players out there, it can be even more difficult to find appropriate shoes that will keep you on the court if you tend to develop plantar fasciitis. The sport of tennis requires a lot of dynamic movements and abrupt starting and stopping. This puts your feet through a lot of stretching and shock, which can lead to high-risk situations if you're not properly prepared. So, which tennis shoes do our experts recommend to combat plantar fasciitis?

Note: These shoes are listed in no particular order, as each individual is different.

Diadora Men`s Blushield Torneo 3 Tennis Shoes

 

The Blushield Torneo 3 is Diadora's latest high-performance tennis shoe, and replaces its previous model with upgraded features. Many of the shoe's characteristics draw from past models, meaning the Torneo maintains best-in-class comfort, durability, and stability. It has a naturally wide width, arch reinforcement, superb heel cushioning, and a medial stabilizer to control torsional stability near the arch. The wide base of the shoe makes it very stable and allows for the easy insertion of custom orthotics.

Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 7 Tennis Shoes

The Mizuno Wave Exceed Tour 7 is designed to be faster, lighter, and more flexible than ever before, and replaces the Wave Exceed Tour 6 on our list. The prior model's attempt at balancing lightweight performance with premium cushioning and support is improved upon in this update. The Tour 7 introduces Mizuno's latest midsole technology, ENERZY, and keeps many of the same proven technologies as before. The result is an all-around shoe with a unique running-shoe feel that creates comfortable support and stability on the court.

K-Swiss Ultrashot 4 Tennis Shoes

 

The Ultrashot 4 is K-Swiss's premier durability shoe, replacing the Ultrashot 3. It's designed to be lighter and more comfortable than the past model, but features the same durability, stability, and support the line is known for. The shoe is powered by innovative Surgelite midsole technology for underfoot cushioning and energy return. This combination of comfort, stability, and protection makes it a nice option for those struggling with foot pain.

Note: I personally love this shoe. It's one of the most comfortable I've ever worn.

ASICS GEL-Resolution X Tennis Shoes

 

The GEL-Resolution X offers firmer cushioning than other shoes on the market. It's the brand's top durability shoe, meaning you can expect excellent support, as well. ASICS made an effort to make this shoe more stable than past models, which may result in a somewhat tighter fit near the midfoot/forefoot. They offer wide widths if this is an issue for you. These shoes are designed to keep your feet centered over the footbed, which helps create consistency with your movements.

ASICS Court FF 3 Tennis Shoes

 

There is a reason there are two ASICS shoes on this list, and it's because they know how to craft a premium court shoe. The ASICS Court FF 3 is a performance shoe that combines speed-friendly design with impressive support and comfort, making it a strong contender for players dealing with plantar fasciitis. Its standout feature is the FlyteFoam midsole, which delivers lightweight cushioning without sacrificing responsiveness. The mono-sock construction hugs the foot securely, while the GEL technology in the forefoot and heel helps absorb shock during high-impact movements. Although it has a snug fit at first, the upper adapts over time for a personalized feel.

Nike Zoom Vapor 12 Tennis Shoes

The Nike Zoom Vapor 12 Tennis Shoes are designed to offer excellent durability in a supportive, yet dynamic package. Zoom Air technology in the forefoot and adaptive cushioning throughout the shoe enhance overall comfort and response. A full-length foot frame helps provide lateral stability and keep your foot supported during quick changes in direction.

New Balance FuelCell 996v6 D Width Tennis Shoes

 

With the FuelCell 996v6 D, New Balance continues the impressive performance tradition of the 996v4, but with a focus on sustainability. This update is light, fast, and comfortable, and leverages dope dyeing to reduce waste during construction. While it sits a little bit closer to the court than other models in this list, FuelCell technology keeps your feet cushioned, while a top-loaded shank ensures torsional stability. The forefoot also offers a comfortable amount of space, allowing for a non-restrictive, yet dynamic feel.

Wilson Rush Pro 4.5 Tennis Shoes

The Wilson Rush Pro builds off of Wilson's previous model, a shoe known for comfort, support, and torsional control. Compressed EVA and R-DST+ technology combine for underfoot cushioning and rebound, while the new 4D Support Chassis delivers enhanced stability to help control supination and torsion during pivot movements. The 9mm heel-to-toe drop translates to a nice balance between comfort, support, and agility.

Honorble Mention: HEAD Revolt Pro 5.0 Tennis Shoes

 

Another viable option is the HEAD Revolt Pro 5 Tennis Shoes. This shoe is an all-court performance shoe that promotes stability and comfort. This update comes with better breathability and cushioning than past models, as well as improved support and durability.

FAQs

 

That wraps up our list, but we hope it helps you combat the pains of plantar fasciitis while enjoying the game we all love. The length of time you experience symptoms will vary depending on severity, but being proactive daily will reduce this painful period. To see all of our tennis shoe options, and even some running shoes, visit TennisExpress.com.