Our 8 Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most severe foot pain. It comprises inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes (plantar fascia).
It is an unpleasant sensation of nails in the sole of the foot, from heel to toe. We know how bad it can be, especially when you love tennis and want to play the game pain-free. An important step to take in your recovery process is to find supportive tennis shoes designed to alleviate foot pain.
Key Takeaways
- Plantar Fasciitis: Inflammation of the plantar fascia causing heel pain.
- Causes: Includes age, weight, job type, exercise, and foot structure.
- Treatment: Rest, ice, and specialized shoes can alleviate pain.
- Best Tennis Shoes: Features to look for include cushioning, arch support, and flexibility.
What are the best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis?
Answer: The best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis offer excellent cushioning, arch support, and flexibility. Notable options include the Lotto Mirage 300 SPD, Diadora Speed Blushield 5 for men, and the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express, Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4 for women. These shoes help distribute pressure evenly and provide comfort during play.
What Is Plantar Fasciitis?
According to the NCCIH, Plantar fasciitis is a progressive degenerative condition affecting the thick band of tissue that covers the bones on the bottom of the foot (plantar fascia) and has been associated with heel pain, falls, poor quality of life, and disability.
Shocking Numbers:
- 1% of American citizens reported suffering from plantar fasciitis.
- It happens 3 times more for people aged over the age of 45.
- 61% of people suffering from plantar fasciitis have pain every day.
What Are the Causes of Plantar Fasciitis?
Age & Gender
According to research, plantar fasciitis happens more likely after the age of 45. In addition, women are 3 times more at risk of developing the symptoms than men.
The logical explanation is that women tend to put on a lot of different shoes and walk more than men on average in a lifetime.
Overweight
This is due to the increased pressure on your plantar fascia ligaments, especially if you have sudden weight gain.
Body mass index (BMI) was strongly associated with plantar fasciitis; people with a BMI of 30 or more (1.48 percent) were 5 times more likely to have plantar fasciitis than those with a BMI less than 25 (0.29 percent).
Nature of job
If your job involves standing a long time on your feet, like working in a restaurant, in a factory, or in a classroom, you are more likely to develop plantar fasciitis symptoms. The gravity of the symptoms differs from one individual to another though.
Certain types of exercise
Some disciplines put more stress on the heels and the arch of the feet. For example, long-distance runners, ballet dancers, and gymnasts have higher risks of developing the symptoms.
Feet structure
Your type of arch dictates how your feet respond to the inflammation of the fascia. Whether you have a low arch, a high arch, or an irregular pattern, it might affect the way weight is distributed when you are standing and can put added stress on the plantar fascia, making the pain unbearable.
How to Cure Plantar Fasciitis?
Home treatments like rest, icing, and using braces and anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first ways to treat plantar fasciitis. If those don’t ease the pain, an injection of a corticosteroid directly into the damaged section of the ligament can help. Your doctor can do this in their office.
Nevertheless, you can apply the following steps on your own.
- Take 48 hours of rest to evaluate the gravity of your foot pain. Apply icing on the inflammation. If you can take steps on the foot and do normal activities, you might be able to run normally the following day.
- If the pain persists after 48 hours or it becomes more painful, avoid putting any pressure on the foot. Meanwhile, try exercises without pressure like cross-training or bicycle machines. They will help you regain normal activities using your feet.
- Once you are past the alert phase, start doing exercises that strengthen your foot and ankle, as well as exercises that will improve your mobility and flexibility. We also recommend stretching the two calf muscles, the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles
- However, for extreme cases, your physiotherapist or doctor can tell you if wearing a splint at night can be an effective treatment.
Why Do You Need Special Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?
People suffering from plantar fasciitis don’t know exactly when the next pain crisis will blow up. It can be in the middle of a tennis match.
Using shoes with weak cushioning or not-enough supportive technology like foam or gel can wake up the symptoms.
This is why a tennis player who has suffered or is currently suffering from plantar fasciitis needs a tennis shoe with more cushioning and a supportive arch to distribute the pressure evenly on the bottom of the feet so that it stays relaxed.
What are The Best Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis?
In the tennis industry, there isn’t a thing called ‘plantar fasciitis shoes’. However, some shoes have characteristics that make them better wear for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.
In general, these shoes must:
- Have a supportive arch or shank in the middle to relieve the pressure.
- Offers lots of cushioning under the heels and around the ankle.
- Features a flexible sock-like upper for great fit and no pain when moving back and forth abruptly.
Now let’s take a look at the best tennis shoes for men and women suffering from plantar fasciitis.
For Men
Lotto Mirage 300 SPD
The Lotto Mirage 300 Speed is a great tennis shoe that is built for a little more durability than the Speed 100 or 200. The cushioning and stability feel nice on your feet when you are moving around.
The model is based on the Lotto Viper Ultra, but this one is for mid-level to high-level players.
The midsole includes the Enerturn technology to provide lots of cushioning, rebound, and support for the bottom of the feet.
The shoe protects the ankles and toes thanks to great torsional stability.
In general, people love how this not-expensive shoe is responding on the court, but at the same time feels very easy on the feet, particularly for pain like plantar fasciitis or bunions.
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Diadora Speed Blushield 5
The Diadora Speed Blushield is the best in the comfort department thanks to its Blushield cushioning system. In general, Diadora shoes are famous for their comfort and support, but this particular model excels in foot support and stability as well.
These shoes allow you to move around the court with total confidence, knowing that your ankles and toes are fully supported during the shocks, on all surfaces. You can feel the sensation of your ankles and toes being wrapped in a thick plush layer.
The bottom and the arch are well-supported thanks to the Blushield technology incorporated in the ball of the foot, which features cushioning and responsiveness.
The midsole contains an inner arch reinforcement. You can feel the constant pressure below the arch, which offers great pain relief on the court.
One major impressive point is the durability of the shoes. They stand the test of hard courts. You can go full tilt on indoors and outdoors hard courts with these beasts and the Duratech 5000 rubber sole stays untouchable by a mile. Moreover, the level of traction is very impressive leaking no slippage after hours of play on hard courts and giving great balance on clay courts.
Finally, they are heavy at 15 ounces making them stable and balanced.
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ASICS Gel Resolution 8
With powerful outsole support, the Asics Gel Resolution 8 is a fully equipped package to serve you on any tennis court.
The signature Gel technology in the rear and forefoot offers great cushioning and brilliant responsiveness.
The shoes feel stronger than many of its competitors. This involves a heavier weight.
The rubber base offers solid support if you need to push or change management. This means that you will have the ability to make quick moves in competitive games.
For the right match, The Gel Resolution 8 features Dynawall technology. This provides increased stability and comfort in the midfoot to ensure smooth rhythmic movements.
The secure grip provided by the tight laces also allows for quick transitions. Overall, your toes will be well prepared to lap the tennis court with ease.
All in all the Asics Gel Resolution 8 is equipped with loads of support, comfort, and stability.
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Wilson Rush Pro 3.5
The new Wilson Rush Pro for men has improved its cushioning around the ankle and the toes making it more comfortable.
In addition, these shoes break in more easily and they are tighter with a minimal, flexible, and breathable upper, which is perfect for tennis footwork.
The R-DST midsole now has more cushioning and provides support and stability thanks to a solid shank. The shoe is relaxing for people with pain in the foot.
The outsole is very resistant thanks to a durable rubber compound and the Rush Pro is regarded as one of the most durable tennis shoes on the market.
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For Women
K-Swiss Women’s Hypercourt Express
Along with the affordable price, the Hypercourt Express grants an amazing level of comfort, style, and support.
People suffering from foot pain will enjoy having great plush cushioning with lots of foam padding in the midsole. These supportive parts contribute to avoiding injuries in the ankles and toes and bring a stiff feeling thanks to the DuraWrap technology.
The shoes have a low arch but combined with a firm shank in the middle, they excellent support even for players with high arches.
They have lightweight inner soles that your feet will sink into, but don’t fret about sweat; they are ventilated with mesh panels to keep your feet cool and dry.
The shoes feel nice and grippy and provide a marvelous level of traction on hard courts and clay courts.
The upper of the Hypercourt Express is light and flexible, supplying you with total freedom to flex around the court and run rather fast. These shoes are on the heavier side (14 ounces) but they feel incredibly light.
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Nike Air Zoom Vapor Cage 4
The shoes combine two great Nike models, which are Vapor and Cage. They are designed for fabulous foot support, amazing responsiveness on the courts, and good balance.
The shoes are also appreciated for their durability thanks to a rubber and Kurim outsole. They will last long even on the hardest courts.
The arch of the shoes is slightly high and has a springy feel which is amazing for absorbing the shocks and providing excellent comfort for people with foot pain like plantar fasciitis.
Not everyone likes their new lacing system that is wrapped around the ankle. However, it is still creative and many players say it helps them have better fit and stability. The upper is lightweight and flexible and supports the player’s sudden movements.
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Babolat SFX3
Women definitely love this shoe for its comfort and durability. It’s the improved version of the SFX2, providing more cushioning to support the heels and the forefoot.
It is proper for women with wide feet. However, you can adjust the tightness using the laces or by wearing thicker socks. The feeling inside the shoes is amazing.
The shoe upper features TPR (Thermo Plastic Rubber) tube compression system positioned beneath the heel for outstanding shock absorption.
The midsole contains Kompressor System positioned beneath the heel.
The Babolat shoe is very durable and the outsole provides great traction and stability (probably a lot) thanks to a collaboration with Michelin.
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Asics Gel Dedicate 7
These shoes are a great entry-level choice for amateur players. In addition, they offer a great value for their price. Almost looking like the Resolution 8, they are cheaper but not really worse in performance and comfort.
Wearing it for the first time requires no break-in at all. The Asics Gel Dedication 7 has signature Gel cushioning in the forefoot combined with a Trusstic System producing brilliant midfoot padding for great comfort and stability.
The shoes have plenty of cushioning. It almost feels like your feet are wrapped tight. However, you probably need to consider ordering half a size more for the best fit.
A solid rubber outsole provides good traction and durability after multiple weeks.
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Last Words
We did our best to provide you with our humble recommendations for the most comfortable and performant tennis shoes for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Being proactive and sticking to the tennis court is a virtue and a brave decision.
While some people may stop entirely their sports activities when in pain, I must say congratulations to you for reading this article and for looking for solutions to keep playing the game.
Read Also:
Best Men’s Tennis Shoes in 2022 – (In-Depth Reviews and Ratings)
