Plantar fasciitis is a common problem faced by sportspeople especially runners and tennis players. Plantar fasciitis makes tennis players experience extreme pains in their heel, this makes them feel discomfort and make them unable to play on the court.
This condition can hamper your performance on the tennis court as well as aggravate to a more severe foot injury. One of the best ways to deal with this problem is to get a pair of shoes designed for plantar fasciitis.
The best shoes for plantar fasciitis come with thicker shock-absorbing soles, arch support, supportive cushioning and they provide extra padding to minimize the pains you would feel while standing, walking, running, or moving your feet. Hence, they will significantly reduce the pains caused by plantar fasciitis.
We’ve provided you with a list of the best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis. If you are battling this foot problem, this guide will be instrumental in helping you get the right shoes for your feet.
Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis
| PREVIEW | PRODUCT | PRICE |
 | K-Swiss Grancourt II | Check Amazon |
 | Adidas Barricade | Check Amazon |
 | New Balance MC806 | Check Amazon |
 | Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour | Check Amazon |
 | Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 Tennis Shoe | Check Amazon |
 | ASICS Gel Resolution 7 Tennis Shoes | Check Amazon |
 | Wilson Rush Pro 2.5 | Check Amazon |
 | Nike Air Zoom Vapor X | Check Amazon |
 | New Balance 1296 V2 | Check Amazon |
 | Prince T22 Lite Tennis Shoe | Check Amazon |
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis basically refers to painful inflammation of the tissue that joins the heels to the toes. The Plantar Fascia supports the arch of the foot; when it is inflamed, it leaves you with pains in your foot.
What Is The Cause of Plantar Fasciitis?
In medical nomenclature, plantar fasciitis occurs as a result of pulling the periosteum from the calcaneus repetitively. The Plantar Fascia is the thick tissue located at the bottom of the feet; it surrounds all the bones beneath the feet and it provides support for the muscles and arch of the foot.
Activities such as walking, running, and other sports activities can make this tissue stretch too far. When the Plantar Fascia is overstretched, it inflames and this leaves your feet in extreme pains.
Who Does This Condition Affect?
For many reasons, middle-aged people are the major casualties of plantar fasciitis. Increasing body weight can cause plantar fasciitis as the body is yet to get used to the added weight.
Furthermore, the body’s tissues, joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilages, and bones get weaker over time, so it’s likely for one to have plantar fasciitis at an older age. Many tennis players fail to excel at a young age but may get to make it when they are middle-aged, this heightens the risk of plantar fasciitis.
Another set of people that are likely to develop plantar fasciitis are athletes. It is common for sportspeople to get this foot problem. A good example is Jordan Henderson, the present captain of Liverpool Football Club (LFC).
You are likely to develop plantar fasciitis if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Running on hard surfaces.
- Running on rocky and rough terrains.
- Slam your feet to the ground often.
- Old and middle-aged people.
- Wear unstable and unsupportive shoes.
- Stand often in the day.
- Have a strange walking pattern.
- Obese and overweight.
- Have high arches.
- Have flat arches.
- Have tight Achilles tendons.
How To Know If You Have Plantar Fasciitis
There’s no other way to know if you have plantar fasciitis than to check for the symptoms. The major symptom of plantar fasciitis is the feeling of pain in the heel region. Apart from this, there aren’t really any other symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
Can I Play Tennis With Plantar Fasciitis?
It is very possible for athletes with plantar fasciitis to play tennis but this can be difficult. The pains associated with plantar fasciitis makes it difficult for tennis players to play to the best of their level on the tennis court.
Ensure to warm up before grabbing your racket to play. Get a tennis ball, place it on the ground and step your foot on it gently. Carefully, roll the ball around the bottom of your foot.
Doing this will help to massage the plantar fascia tissue beneath your foot. Loosening the fascia helps to prevent pain while playing.
How To Treat Plantar Fasciitis
If you are suffering from plantar fasciitis, we’ve recommended some therapies for you to reduce the effect of inflammation and cure plantar fasciitis.
- Ice the Affected Area: Icing the affected area greatly helps to reduce the inflammation of your foot. Although icing the heel isn’t a long-term solution to plantar fasciitis but it will help to reduce the pain. After you’ve done playing tennis for the day, ice the bottom of your foot (close to your heel) for a period of 10-20 minutes, then take a break and ice for another 10-20 minutes. This aids in bringing down any swelling around the affected area.
- Have Some Rest: Rest can cure injuries including plantar fasciitis. If you are into sports activities such as hiking, walking, running, it is advisable that you take a break and get some rest to relax your body. Resting heals the body of its injuries and reduces the level of pain you feel at the bottom of your feet.
- Exercises: You can perform stretches and leg strengthening exercises to improve your mobility, balance, and get greater stability.
- Using Anti-inflammatories: Using anti-inflammatories such as Advil and Ibuprofen can boost your recovery. However, you should seek medical advice before using them as some cases require medical attention.
Get Insoles For Plantar Fasciitis
There are insoles specially designed for people with plantar fasciitis. These insoles are designed to reduce the pains in your feet while you wear them in your walking, running, or tennis shoes.
You can grab these insoles and wear them in your favorite sport shoes. Dr. Scholl’s Plantar Fasciitis Insoles have been helpful to people with foot problems especially for those who suffer pains from plantar fasciitis in their heel region. It supports the entire foot and it features a Shock Guard Technology that relieves the pain from plantar fasciitis.
If you are experiencing pains in your heel and you cannot move your feet freely, an insole will not provide you with a long-term solution. The ideal solution is getting a shoe for plantar fasciitis. Luckily for you, there are lots of brands with shoes for plantar fasciitis, so finding one will not be a cumbersome task. Brands such as Vionic, New Balance, Asics, K-Swiss have shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Top 10 Best Tennis Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis 2021
There are lots of tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis. The below-mentioned tennis shoes feature good arch support, excellent traction and they will give you enough comfort if you are suffering from plantar fasciitis.
1. K-Swiss Grancourt II
K-Swiss is one of the renowned shoe manufacturers in the sports industry. Tennis and non-tennis players can wear them as casual shoes. The K-Swiss Grancourt II is one of the best shoes for people battling with plantar fasciitis because they provide support for the arch of the feet.
Furthermore, they provide extra cushioning for the heel, this helps to prevent abrasion or shock after you must’ve made rough moves. This further helps to prevent damages and other foot injuries.
They’re extremely comfortable and the extra grip gives you a better absorption in high-stress impacts. The sturdy padding and protection around the footbed help you to move freely around the court without stress.
The K-Swiss Grancourt II will not only enable you to make more aggressive moves but also support your performance. The design is not only stunning but it was made with high-quality materials, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
You will definitely like these shoes from the very first minute you put them on your feet.
2. Adidas Barricade
The Adidas Barricade is an excellent tennis shoe that gives you the comfort and support you seek. Adidas is one of my favorite sports brands, the construction and the support provided by the Adidas Barricade will aid to ease the pain caused by plantar fasciitis.
It features shock absorption as the manufacturers designed the shoe in such a way that the Adiprene material is placed in the heel of the sole. This construction protects your foot from impact when playing on the tennis court. It was designed for durability in mind, it can be used on hard court surfaces without getting worn-out.
The major disadvantage of this shoe is that they are heavyweight. Asides this, the cushioning provides maximum support for your arches and in turn, this gives you comfort while playing. It also allows you to get an impressive grip while you plant or make a run on the court surface.
It features the adiPRENE+ technology which provides the forefoot with the needed support to offer excellent stability and control in start on and stop phases.
Overall, the Adidas Barricade is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable and stable tennis shoe. They’re made to deliver the level of performance demanded by the experts.
3. New Balance MC806
The New Balance MC806 is one of the popular shoes in the 800 series. They are well known for the excellent stability and support they offer as well as their ability to protect your feet from plantar fasciitis.
A great feature of the MC806 is the New Balance’s ROLLBAR technology which minimizes the movement of the rear foot to give you total charge and control in strides on the court. It provides you with shock absorption coupled with an ‘S-curved’ sole for balance and stability.
Another notable feature is the long-wear tip which reinforces stability and protects the toe box area in highly strenuous games. It comes with an NDurance rubber outsole that does not mark the floors.
The outsole provides incredible durability and traction as well as maximum wear comfort on all floor surfaces. The Herringbone outsole allows for increased traction for lateral movements and quick pivots.
The heel’s external loop allows you to wear the shoe on and off seamlessly while the full-grain leather upper helps you sustain peak durability and support. The shoe’s midsole boasts of a Lightning Dry® liner that keeps your feet comfortably dry. Again, the C-CAP® midsole offers support to your foot in motion.
Just like some other shoes in the 800’ series, the New Balance MC806 Stability Tennis Shoe needs no break-in period. The stability helps to prevent foot injuries such as ankle sprain. They are reliable and great for aggressive and long matches.
This pair of shoes are great for those who are in need of motion control. If you are looking for shoes that offer maximum comfort on the court, then you should have the New Balance MC806 on your watchlist.
4. Nike Zoom Vapor 9.5 Tour
The Zoom Vapor has been phenomenal. These shoes have caught the attention of people – for many reasons. The shoes look amazing, they can be worn on and off the tennis court.
They feature the Adaptive Fit technology, they are well-made and constructed with high-quality materials. They have a substantial heel cushioning which protects your feet from the impact of playing. In addition, the stability and heel protection offered by this shoe reduces the inflammation and pain of plantar fasciitis.
The upper of the Nike Zoom Vapor 9. comes with an adaptive fit designed as well as textiles and mesh outlay which offers maximum breathability along with a protective and comfortable feel.
The outsole is made with XDR rubber to give you maximum stability and comfort while you make quick movements around the tennis court. The protection it offers makes it one of the perfect choices for professional tennis players.
The downside of this shoe is that it won’t be durable if worn for everyday use. These shoes will be narrow for those with wide feet. Nevertheless, these shoes are very comfortable for tennis lovers as they do not need any break-in period.
If you are looking for a responsive and comfortable tennis shoe that can withstand demanding conditions, you should consider the Zoom Vapor 9.5.
5. Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 Tennis Shoe
The new Asics Gel Solution Speed 3 is a lightweight tennis shoe that gives you a faster response on the court. It was designed for the purpose of providing you with moderate support and speedy ride. It features a low-profile design similar to the previous version but ensures maximum performance – thanks to the sturdy upper design.
It comes in a variety of colors, this allows you to get the best color that matches your lifestyle. The GEL Cushioning System in the forefoot and rearfoot reduces shock during impact and the toe-off phases ensure smoother motion through the gait cycle.
The Gel Solution 3 is a great combo of high-quality, it comes with a PGuard Toe protector to enhance toe durability. Also, the AHAR® Plus (which is created with a compound which is 50% stronger and durable than a standard ASICS High Abrasion Rubber) is strategically placed in critical areas of the outsole. In addition, the outsole is covered with a 6-month warranty.
The Solyte midsole material has lighter weight than ASICS’ standard EVA and SpEVA, it features enhanced durability and durability; they also help to reduce stress.
There is a FluidRide
system in the midsole which provides comfortably underfoot support for people with foot problems such as plantar fasciitis. The midsole area also features an Impact Guidance System (I.G.S) which improves the foot’s natural gait and helps to keep the foot natural.
This shoe attenuates shock during impact on the court; the reduces stress and helps you to resist toe-drag in strenuous positions. if you are looking for a durable and lightweight shoe that can stay light on your feet even for long matches, tryout the Asics Men’s Gel-solution Speed 3.
6. ASICS Gel Resolution 7 Tennis Shoes
With a shock-absorbing midsole, this shoe has been designed to protect your heels. Certainly, they will absorb shock impacts and help you stay active on the court.
The GEL-Resolution 7 provides you with enough stability support, flexibility, and excellent cushioning. It comes with a PGuard Toe Protector and high-abrasion rubber which enhances toe durability. The Flexion Fit upper ensures fitting comfort without compromising support and stability.
It boasts of “Trusstic System Technology” in the construction which reduces the weight of the sole unit to give you provide you with better agility while improving internal twist. Also, the Impact Guidance System (IGS) technology augments the foot’s natural gait.
The shock-absorbing midsole material protects your heels and reduces the stress on your feet. The midsole material appears lighter in weight compared to ASICS standard EVA and SpEVA midsoles. They ensure better cushioning and durability of the shoe. In addition, the Ahar Plus Outsole is strategically positioned on critical areas in the outsole for better durability.
The Asics Gel-Resolution 7 Tennis Shoes are great for anyone looking to get maximum comfort to cushion the pain experienced from plantar fasciitis.
7. Wilson Rush Pro 2.5
Wilson Men’s Rush Pro 2.0 boasts of a sleeker and fashionable upper design. As a matter of fact, this shoe competes with Adidas and Nike in terms of design and appearance.
One of the notable features of this shoe is the endofit midsole interior comes with a semi-attached tongue at the midfoot area. This feature gives you shoe enough support as well as allowing an excellent, natural movement of the foot. They also keep your feet comfortable and allows for extra breathability and stability.
These shoes are equally built for people with plantar fasciitis, they ensure optimum comfort during normal daily activities as well as sports activities and workouts. It helps aggressive tennis players to control their energy by offering better stability and optimum responsiveness. This enhances the performance and court movement of aggressive players.
There is extra padding in the midsole to provide excellent cushioning in the heel; this helps you to quickly recover from sudden impacts in a game. The rubber outsole improves court traction and they gift you with the durability you would expect from expensive shoes.
They were designed with comfort, stability, and durability in mind and a great choice for budget buyers. Ortholite wicks moisture, they allow cool airflow and they offer protection against odors and fungus.
This shoe is not only one of the best shoes for anyone with plantar fasciitis. You can get these pair of lightweight shoes without breaking the bank. They are great for anyone looking for premium tennis shoes to buy at a decent price.
8. Nike Air Zoom Vapor X
The Nike Air Zoom Vapor X is designed to give you better control movements in the start and stop phases. The cushioning and stability offered by Zoom Vapor X makes it a great fit for people with plantar fasciitis. It features the Dynamic Fit technology that combines along with lightweight textiles to give you a zero-distraction upper.
The shoe’s padded heel collar makes it a comfortable option for those who are looking to play conveniently and satisfactorily. These shoes appear more comfortable than the Nike Air Zoom Vapor 9.5 which happens to be its predecessor.
It features a phylon midsole which is relatively lightweight. The lightness of these shoes doesn’t make it stiff, therefore, it will not stress your feet. The midsole offers responsive cushioning, great support & stability. This pair of shoes provide excellent arch support and they also give you great stability and traction on the court.
On the outsole is a Nike XDR rubber constructed in a herringbone pattern to give you top-notch hard court traction. These shoes are quite impressive, they will be great for anyone looking to get a comfy feel on the court. Certainly, the Nike Air Zoom Vapor X is a fantastic tennis shoe that will meet the needs of professional tennis players.
9. New Balance 1296 V2
New Balance is a popular shoe brand whose products are designed to solve the needs of athletes and sportspeople. The 1296v2 Stability tennis shoe is one of the shoes you can’t seem to ignore, thanks to the great design and comfy feet it offers.
It features a REV Lite premium midsole which further provides you with a lower to the ground feel while maintaining optimal comfort and speed. Furthermore, the NDurance rubber compound employed in this footwear ensures smoother traction and durability.
Asides from the durability and comfy feel of this shoe, the New Balance 1296v2 provides super stability. It is equipped with the ‘S Curve technology’, which offers lateral midfoot, forefoot, and medial heal support with optimal efficiency.
It is important to take note of the lateral support it offers as well the Avant-garde technology which keeps your feet in the most neutral, appropriate position during demanding and strenuous moments.
The synthetic and mesh design of the shoe allows for lightweight breathability. It features the Fantom Fit technology for a comfy, secure fit. There’s an EVA foam footbed equipped with N2 cushioning technology to make the midsole more durable.
It comes with comfortable padding that protects your heel and foot from harsh dangerous impacts; it further helps to maintain perfect balance and support you while you have plantar fasciitis.
10. Prince T22 Lite Tennis Shoe
The Prince T22 is a newer model of the classic Prince line, but they are way lighter and more supportive. These tennis shoes provide your feet with cool ventilation on hot days. The shoe is designed with an EVA midsole as well as an Ortholite Sockliner that ensures lightweight cushioning and long-lasting comfort.
It features an ultralight mesh upper which improves breathability and ensures maximum ventilation. On the inside, the TPU forefoot straps provide maximum stability. The outsole is made from PRC1000 rubber, it was designed in the herringbone tread pattern which ensures uncompromised traction on almost all courts.
The outsole is quite a durable outsole, they keep the shoe long-lasting and make it suitable to wear for long hours. They also provide increased traction while running across the court. Again, the outsole provides an extra layer of protection for your heels and footbed, thereby making it a great choice for you if you have plantar fasciitis.
These high-quality shoes are durable, they can be of help to those who have heel pain. The cushioning attenuates shock during impact and the shoes tend to provide the player with support especially in highly tensed and strenuous match periods.
The star of the shoe is the ShockEraser heel. It doesn’t only cushion all kinds of tennis movement but absorbs heavy impact in the heel area. It encloses the heel in a natural way. Many players with heel pain have testified about the major relief and soothing they felt in their heels after putting it on.
The Softspring PU forefoot disperses surface press all over the feet. This ensures that no area of the feet suffers direct impact excessively during gameplay. For this cause, it relieves inflammatory pain experienced from plantar fasciitis.
These shoes protect the feet of people suffering from plantar fasciitis. They prevent slip-ups and slides and they improve traction across any terrain. These pair of shoes are ideal for anyone seeking shoes that offer maximum support and cushioning. Indeed, they are one of the best tennis sneakers for plantar fasciitis patients.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Tennis Shoe For Plantar Fasciitis
A lot of considerations would be made especially when you are planning to get a shoe to relieve the pain from plantar fasciitis. We recommend you to look out for the following features:
Arch Support
A supportive arch helps you the entire foot, it reduces overpronation and prevents the feet from getting plantar fasciitis. The arch aids in the prevention of plantar fasciitis and not the cushioning provided by the shoe.
Some shoes are better suited for flat feet, while others are great for low or high arches. Low and high arches lead to pronation and this can aggravate the condition of the plantar fasciitis. Consider getting footwear that matches what your arch needs.
The appropriate amount of cushioning in the footwear provides support for your heels. This further helps in keeping your gait stable and so, the plantar fascia tissue wouldn’t be overstrained.
Comfort
Comfort is a priority and should be one of the considerations to take before making a purchase. Since you experience pain while running or playing tennis, you should get a shoe designed to give you an extra layer of comfort and protection.
A comfortable shoe will significantly lessen the impact when your heel hits a hard surface or strikes the ground.
Fit and Stability
Everyone has different sizes and shapes of feet. What differs tennis shoes from other sports shoes is the lateral stability it offers. In other words, stability is an important factor to consider.
Ensure that you find a shoe that fits your feet snugly, securely and properly compromising on the comfort.
This will allow you to move around the court freely and will further aid in preventing foot injuries. If you are not satisfied with the fit of your shoe, get another size that matches your feet perfectly.
Orthotics
If you are one of the players that prefer custom orthotic support, then you should tennis shoes that come with a removable insole. This feature allows you to replace the preexisting insole with your preferred insole for ultra support and comfort.
Cushioned Heel
Since plantar fasciitis is caused by repetitive pulling on the fascia tissue at the bottom of the feet; it is important to get tennis shoes that provide good heel cushioning.
While running across the court, the extra cushioning distributes impacts across your entire foot and not just your heel alone. For players struggling with plantar fasciitis, a firm heel counter reduces abnormal stretching of the plantar fascia tissue and relieves inflammation and pain in the heel and arch of the foot respectively.
Constructed With Lightweight Materials
If you don’t want to stress your feet much enough, go for shoes that are made with lightweight materials. Lightweight shoes provide enough ventilation for your feet. People with plantar fasciitis are advised to go for shoes that are made with ultralight materials because it doesn’t cause them stress in their feet.
Go For Shoes With Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Midsole
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) is incredibly and far more effective than the traditional rubber used in the heel or midsole of shoes. They absorb the shocks and would be helpful for people suffering from plantar fasciitis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Best Tennis Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Here are some of the frequently asked questions gathered from tennis players who experience heel pain and plantar fasciitis.
Why Does The Bottom Of My Feet Hurt?
The cause of the pain at the bottom of your feet is as a result of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can get worse if you do not wear the proper footwear. Also, the condition gets worse if left untreated. You can engage in stretches and pain reduction exercises to stop the hurting under your feet.
You can relax your muscles and massage the bottom of your feet to relieve the pain. You can do this yourself by massaging the bottom of your feet with your forefinger and thumb.
What Type Of Shoes Should I Get When I Have Plantar Fasciitis?
Looking at the variety of shoe brands and models in the market, getting a shoe for plantar fasciitis wouldn’t be an easy task. The best way for you to the right shoe pair is to do your research and get the shoe that reduces the pain in your heel.
Finding a shoe that reduces the pain in your heel shouldn’t be the only factor to look out for. You can make your own research to find out the features has, the problem it intends to solve, and how the shoe will be helpful on your feet.
Can I Play On Tennis Shoes Regularly If I Have Plantar Fasciitis?
Sure, there is no harm in playing tennis regularly if you have plantar fasciitis, however, your shoes must provide good support for plantar fasciitis. The shoes must provide you with enough heel support, but shoes without heel support will definitely worsen your condition.
How Can I Get The Best Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis?
Shoes come in different shapes and sizes; everyone has his or her own size. It is important for you to get the right fit for your feet, most especially if you suffer pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia.
Your shoe pair should be able to provide you with great stability and traction on the court even on wet surfaces and terrains.
You can consider buying the shoes in the afternoon because the feet tend to swell and expand towards that period to the day to dusk. Your feet get to expand after a long walk, it is also preferable for you to take a long walk to allow your feet to expand to its fullest.
How Do I Know Shoes That Provides Support For Plantar Fasciitis?
The core feature you should look out for shoes for plantar fasciitis is to examine if they provide a comfy feel. for the provide Preferably, plantar fasciitis shoes should have a rear end and a solid midsole and must provide soft cushioning in the toe area.
Shoes that provide extra cushioning in the toe region are great for walking and running. So, they should provide enough shock absorption for the heels and support for the ankles.
What Shoes Should I Avoid If I Have Plantar Fasciitis?
People having plantar fasciitis should avoid wearing sandals and footwear with high heels. Shoes made with low-quality and inferior materials will not provide your feet with enough support, therefore, they must be avoided. Low-quality shoes will wear out quickly and get damaged even if they are a perfect fit.
Moreover, avoid bulky or heavy shoes because tennis is a game that involves running and quick motion, so you shouldn’t buy shoes that will become a burden for your feet. Bulky shoes are heavy and difficult to play with.
Don’t buy shoes that are too narrow for your feet because you won’t feel comfortable when you walk, run or play in them.
Also, avoid barefoot and minimalist shoes because they will aggravate your foot condition. When there is minimal or zero stability in the shoe sole, no cushioning will be provided under the heel and excessive stress will be placed on the heel bone.
Can I Use Orthotics In My Shoes?
Orthotics can be of great use when reducing the amount of tension and stress on the plantar fascia. Orthotics are made to keep the foot in the best position They can assist in helping your feet if you have any of the following problems:
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Heel pain.
- Arch pain.
- Foot discomfort.
Depending on the degree and severity of your pain, you can get custom orthotics to help your feet. They keep your foot in an optimal position while you are walking to reduce the forces that cause plantar fasciitis.
Wrapping Up
Every tennis player is expected to get the right footwear, irrespective of the foot condition. If you suffer from pain and inflammation in your heel area, you should get a shoe that offers the right combination of cushioning, support, and stability.
Maybe you haven’t been able to get back on the court due to your inflamed feet. We have listed the best tennis shoes for plantar fasciitis for you to enjoy playing the sport.