Plantar Fasciitis is a thorny issue that frequently plagues pickleball players. If you find yourself grappling with this ailment, it’s imperative to procure the crème de la crème of the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis. These shoes don’t just promise relief from chronic heel pain, but they also stand as a formidable defense against severe foot injuries and the dreaded plantar fasciitis.
These shoes boast meticulous craftsmanship, offering laser-focused support and a rock-solid build for maximum cushioning. With their lofty arch support and a deep heel counter, they assume the role of guardians for your feet, ensuring they maintain their healthiest biochemical posture.
Now, to aid you in your quest for the Best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis, we’ve meticulously reviewed the seven finest options available today. Don’t allow plantar fasciitis to sabotage your pickleball enjoyment—invest in the right pair today and relish a pain-free playing session!
Related: Best Acacia Pickleball Shoes 2023 (Better Fitting & Stable)
Our Top Picks
EDITOR’S CHOICE
ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7
PREMIUM PICK
Gravity Defyer Men’s G-Defy XLR8
BUDGET PICK
Nike Women’s Tennis Zoom Vapor X
Best Pickleball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis Comparison Table
1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7
2. K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe
3. FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes for Men
4. Gravity Defyer Men’s G-Defy XLR8
5. ASICS Gel-Resolution 6 Women’s Tennis Shoes
6. K-Swiss Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe
7. Nike Women’s Tennis Zoom Vapor X
Detail Review of 7 Best Pickleball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
1. ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7
ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 stands among the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis for its inherent stability and incredible support.
These shoes combine a simple design with enhanced support making them perfect for athletes with plantar fasciitis. What sets it apart from regular tennis shoes is its rear foot Gel technology cushioning. The gel padding increases its responsiveness by 30% for improved shock and impact performance.
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We were impressed by the seamless transition from the impact phase to the midstance—a testament to the shoes’ impeccable design. Additionally, they deliver an exceptionally comfortable response even on rugged terrain. The rubber outsole offers an outstanding grip and flexibility, providing unbeatable traction across all types of terrain. This versatility makes them an ideal choice for activities such as trail running, workouts, jogging, and a host of other outdoor pursuits.
Notably, these shoes excel in moisture management. Equipped with an Ortholite X-40 sock liner, they maintain breathability even during the most strenuous activities.
However, it’s worth noting that the shoe’s upper part is somewhat thicker, which can be advantageous in winter. Yet, it may impact breathability during scorching summer months.
One of the standout features for those dealing with plantar fasciitis is the solid heel counter complemented by rounded heel support. This combination not only alleviates heel pain but also contributes to the improvement of chronic heel pain conditions.
Despite these merits, it’s important to mention a couple of drawbacks. The shoes have limited portability, and their stitching quality can be somewhat unreliable. Additionally, individuals with larger feet may find it prudent to consider going one size up
Asics Men’s Venture 7 shoes are designed for the needs of rigorous physical activities and we love the moisture absorption, all-terrain traction, and anti-slippage performance of the shoes. Patented gel cushioning technology and deep heel counter make them the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis.
2. K-Swiss Men’s Express Light Pickleball Shoe
K-Swiss Men’s Express light pickleball shoes combine the best ergonomics and class-leading durability. The best part of these shoes is the outsole design and construction. The outsole is built with the AÖSTA 7.0 RUBBER COMPOUND.
It is a high-density material that ensures rugged performance and traction on all terrain types. For maximum support for the front part of the foot, It has got an extra line of defense. It prevents excessive toe dragging and keeps the feet intact while running and jumping.
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What makes the shoes perfect for plantar fasciitis patients is mid-foot agility. It incorporates 180-degree thermal plate support for added midfoot stability. This supportive structure keeps the feet in the healthiest biomechanical posture for an untiring experience. The DURAGUARD technology in the heel and toe region improves the impact performance for maximum stability.
The Ortholite X-40 sock liner, equipped with moisture-wicking properties, excels in maintaining breathability—an invaluable asset for active individuals. Additionally, the shoes’ lightweight profile provides a significant advantage for those grappling with plantar fasciitis. It not only eases movements and running but also alleviates pressure from the mid-foot and heel.
On the flip side, there are a few minor annoyances to consider. The short laces may pose a comfort issue, prompting a need for replacement. Moreover, the narrow profile can make it challenging to pinpoint the perfect size from the size chart. While the shoes offer decent construction quality, long-term durability may not be their strong suit.
K-Swiss Express Light Pickleball Shoes shine as lightweight and supportive footwear, boasting impressive responsiveness and traction across all terrains. With a choice of three colors and a sporty design, they make for a stylish addition to your daily workout routine.
3. FitVille Wide Pickleball Shoes for Men
Next on the list of best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis is FitVille Wide pickleball shoes. These pickleball/ tennis shoes boast improved arch support making them perfect for athletes struggling with plantar fasciitis.
These shoes are designed for the needs of people having heavy and wider feet. The shoes don’t restrict movement while preventing oversliding for a comfortable experience.
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For an extra dose of agility support, these shoes incorporate EVA foam padding and dual-density Ortholite, offering a dynamic blend of comfort and responsiveness. The high-density rubberized sole takes the lead in enhancing ground grip and traction, ensuring unwavering stability across diverse terrains. The EVA foam padding, in turn, adds a layer of cushioning that proves invaluable during jumping and landing maneuvers.
The TU rubber component doesn’t disappoint either, delivering class-leading impact performance and facilitating a seamless transition from heel to midsole and toe.
Furthermore, the honeycomb padding, in conjunction with the Ortho-lite sock liner, takes breathability to the next level, making these shoes a standout choice for all-season performance.
However, it’s worth noting that the shoes have an extra-wide profile, which may pose a slight challenge when selecting the right fit. For those with narrow feet, it’s advisable to consider going one size down for a snug and comfortable fit. Additionally, regular pickleball players should be aware that the soles of these shoes tend to wear out relatively quickly.
FitVille wide-profile shoes offer decent stability without limiting the natural foot movement making them the best pickleball shoes for men with plantar fasciitis. The high-density rubber sole offers incredible traction in all courts and reduces chronic heel pain.
4. Gravity Defyer Men’s G-Defy XLR8
Gravity Defyer Running shoes have made their way to the list for VeloCloud multi-density support and non-slip heel counter.
The clever design of the shoes is made for the needs of people with plantar fasciitis. Additional support to the arch and heel helps while running and jumping if you have plantar fasciitis.
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For maximum agility and support, the shoes are equipped with Verso Cloud technology. This technology uses multi-density high-nucleated polymers. These polymers multiply the impact performance of the shoes and absorb the maximum impact energy for a comfortable experience even during the most demanding physical activities.
The hardened TPU shank takes the ground grip and traction to a whole new level. Its anti-slippage performance while running is more than impressive, making it easier to move from one court to another. What makes them perfect for plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain is the deep heel counter. It accommodates abnormal heel growth and helps you keep your feet in the healthiest posture.
The shoes are available in six super cool colors making it easier to choose a pair that goes best with your athleisure. Unlike targeted support shoes, this pair of shoes offers dynamic support. From heel to toe, it offers seamless transitions for smooth landing and running.
The base material is very hard making the shoes pretty heavy. Plus the shoes are not true to size and the size guide is not very clear making it hard to choose the size that fits you best.
Gravity Defyer XRL8 shoes with a hardened base and fully padded interior are among the most comfortable shoes you can buy for playing tennis and pickleball. The targeted support at the heel, arch, and toes improves the feet’ stability making them perfect for people with plantar fasciitis.
5. ASICS Gel-Resolution 6 Women’s Tennis Shoes
ASIC tennis shoes are famous among tennis and pickleball enthusiasts for their impressive agility and impact performance on the court. Gel-Resolution 6 with targeted support at the heel and front is perfect for chronic heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
The shoes incorporate the FluidRide technology that ensures a trouble-free transition without limiting the natural feet’s movement. The shoes are equipped with gel padding at the front and rear and front.
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For added cushion and support, shoes have an intelligently built interior. The Women-specific padding and mid-low compression offer a hugging fit for the feet and maintain the posture offering an untiring experience in demanding workout and gaming activities.
The upper part of this shoe features a Flexion Fit. Highly breathable mesh fabric combined with a sock liner offers support while being breathable enough for the extreme summer season.
Related: Top 10 Best Pickleball Shoes For Women
Since the shoes are built to the needs of women, they have a narrow profile. So if you have wider feet they may feel tight and it is advised to consider one size up. The shoes come in six vibrant colors and feature a sleek design for a stylish and cool look on the court. Although they have a flexible upper part, the base feels a little stiff and it will take time to break in.
ASICS Gel-Resolution 6 with FlexRide technology is ideal for pickleball players with plantar fasciitis and bunions. The shoe with targeted support, a flexible upper part, and a hard base helps them stand among the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis.
6. K-Swiss Hypercourt Express Tennis Shoe
Hypercourt Tennis Express shoes are high-performance shoes designed for the needs of people with bunions, plantar fasciitis, and foot injuries.
These shoes are built with synthetic leather upper parts offering durability and style. The textile collar lining ensures breathability and absorbs the excess moisture keeping your feet dry and cool even in the extreme summers.
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While these shoes may come at a slightly higher price point compared to regular tennis shoes, their impeccable construction and top-tier performance design more than justify their cost.
The outsole, expertly crafted with Aosta Rubber, strikes the perfect balance between lightweight agility and extraordinary grip. Its exceptional all-terrain traction ensures that your feet stay firmly planted, making it effortless to navigate the court, whether you’re running, jumping, or engaging in workouts. Notably, the shoes also provide targeted toe support for secure landings.
Moreover, these shoes offer high arch support and feature a deep heel cup, eliminating the need for additional plantar fasciitis insoles. These attributes are particularly critical for individuals grappling with chronic heel pain or plantar fasciitis.
It’s worth noting that the absence of a size guide may pose a slight challenge when selecting the ideal size.
K-Swiss Hypercourt Express shoes are designed for high performance and cater to the demands of daily practice and workout sessions. Their targeted support at the heel, toe, and arch positions them firmly among the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis
7. Nike Women’s Tennis Zoom Vapor X
Nike Women’s Tennis Zoom Vapor X is a light and fast running shoe built for elite tennis players. The professional-grade Nike shoe technology combined with a super cool sporty design makes them perfect for tennis and technology.
The outsole of the shoes is crafted with Extra Durable Rubber (XDR) and performs best on hard courts and similar surfaces. The aggressive tread pattern improves the traction and grip while the durable construction offers impressive wear resistance.
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For cushion and responsiveness, Nike has combined EVA foam padding with the Air Zoom technology. The foam padding offers a huggy fit and all-around support for an untiring experience.
The Air Zoom unit keeps the shoe’s profile low to the ground making the landing super smooth and safe. A stiff shank is also added for additional support for the middle to the toe and keeps the foot intact during vigorous movements.
It prevents unwanted sliding for a highly comfortable experience. The insoles are detachable, making it easier for you to replace the shoes. The narrow profile of shoes makes it a little hard to choose a size. If you have a heavy feet profile, you may consider one size up for extra support. The heel cup is deep and supportive but unfortunately, the support at the front foot is a little compromised.
If you are a Nike fan, then Zoom Vapor X is the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis you can buy. The shoes feature a professional-grade design and targeted support at the arch and heel making them perfect for people with foot injuries, chronic heel pain, bunions, and plantar fasciitis.
FAQs
Q. Is pickleball hard on joints?
Pickleball can be hard on joints as the game involves changing direction quickly and stopping short. It is advised to look for highly supportive shoes to avoid chronic conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Q. Can I wear running shoes to play pickleball?
If the running shoes offer decent full-length support you can wear them while playing pickleball. You must look for a deep heel counter, high arch support, and front foot support for a comfortable and safe experience.
Q. Can you wear tennis sneakers for pickleball?
Tennis shoes are built with the need for rigorous physical activities in mind and you can wear most of them for pickleball. However, you must look for better traction and stability to avoid sliding and slipping on the hard court.
Wrapping Up
Here we come to an end to the reviews of the best pickleball shoes for plantar fasciitis. We have tried and tested all the options for support and traction on the pickleball court. If you are suffering from an advanced stage of plantar fasciitis it is advised to pair these shoes with a medicated plantar fasciitis insole.
- ASICS Men’s Gel-Venture 7 for ortho-lite X-40 sock liner, Rearfoot Gel padding, and class-leading shock performance.
- Gravity Defyer Men’s G-Defy XLR8 for a solid shank, full-length support, breathable design, and cool design.
- Nike Women’s Tennis Zoom Vapor X for deep heel counter, Air Zoom X technology, and best brand name value.
Size is one of the most crucial features to consider when buying new pickleball shoes. You should read the guide carefully and if the size guide is not available you should talk to customer service. All shoes aren’t true to size and you may need to consider one size up or down for a snug fit.
Oliver Parker is a recognized authority in the world of pickleball, renowned for his in-depth knowledge of paddles and shoes. With years of expertise on and off the court, he provides invaluable guidance for players of all levels. As a seasoned player, Oliver has not only honed his skills on the court but also conducted rigorous testing of equipment, providing readers with meticulously researched reviews and recommendations.