Running/Athletic Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

[mmw194287]

Wondering if anyone out there has any recommendations for athletic/running/cross training shoes for someone who's had plantar fasciitis? I wore a pair of Asics Gels last winter/spring for everyday casual use and training and ended up ruining my feet...never experienced PF before, but I ended up with a pretty debilitating case of it by mid-summer. After stretching, icing, and keeping my feet in boots outside and crocs at all times, my feet feel like they used to (which seems nothing short of miraculous).

But, as I transition away from the hunting/hiking routine into a more gym-oriented regimen, the boots aren't going to cut it. Cash is pretty tight, so I'm reluctant to try out a few pairs to see what works as far as support/stability goes. I'm on promotive, so I'm hoping that New Balance/Asics/ or one of those brands has a shoe that works for me, but I'm ready to spend some cash to make sure my feet don't fall apart again. Hoping there are a few Roksliders out there with some experience/wisdom to share.

Thanks for reading.

 

[ssliger]

I had a similar case with PF, it was horrible. I found a pair of new balance ( I don't remember the number). I used them with the blue superfeet insoles. I picked out the new balance at a sports authority. They had ratings for support and such, I picked out the shoes that offered the best support.

 

[a3dhunter]

I've been through PF and found motion control type shoes are the best.
I have used the Brooks Beast since my PF a couple years ago, they are available in several widths as well.
I was advised to use Brooks or New Balance for best results.

 

[boom]

i have crap feet. i spent the money and got fitted for running shoes. it included some foot scan and custom inserts. i thought it was utter BS until i started to run. no pain in the feet!

i never wear those shoes for casual day wear. they are my dedicated running shoes. i am about to wear them out! crazy, me wearing out running shoes. who would have thunk it?

 

[Matt Cashell]

I had PF last winter. That was some cruel torture. I got off running and switched to cycling only for 6 weeks and let it heal. I had been running in minimalist shoes and loved the running experience, but it became apparent I needed more support to avoid another PF case.

I have ran successfully for years in neutral cushioned shoes from Brooks (I am not a pronator). However, the model I am using now is the Nike Air Pegasus, and my feet feel great after every run.

My recommendation is to go to a quality running store for the staff's experience in getting you into a proper shoe.

 

[actionshooter]

I've had PF a couple of times and went to a pr of Merrell running shoes w/ Red Sof Sole insoles for the gym and that worked ok for me.

I feel your pain..........literally

 

[Arrowslinger]

It'd be best to get your feet evaluated at a running store to see which type of shoe is best. But if that's not possible, the Asics 2000V2, Kayano 20 and Forte all are very vstiff from heel to mid-foot to help reduce plantar strain. And by 'stiff', I mean if you try to bend or flex the shoe, cushioning is good on those three models. For New Balance, look at the 870, 860 and 1260 or possibly the 1340 and 940 if you have very flat feet.

 

[SDHNTR]

Took me a year and a half to get over my bout of PF. What a bitch! I tried several motion control shoes, with several types of inserts, and they all felt like bricks on my feet and didn't address my issues. What I finally did was give up on my podiatrist, who only seemed to care about me as an annuity. He sold me the high dollar footbeds for $300+, he stuck me with a couple cort shots, which just hurt and didn't help long term, and the nail in his coffin was he told me not to stretch or do excercises as that would make it worse. After over a year of listening and going to him, I figured I had nothing to loose so I went another direction. I learned some excercises, some stretches (just google it) and did them religiously. My feet started to get stronger and my lower calves more flexible (which was the source of my problem). I very slowly (and that is key) over the course of 6-8 months started to move into less supportive shoes and eased into quasi minimalist shoes (Saucony Kinvara for running and Innov8 for gym workouts). I have no issues now. These shoes force me into a more mid to forefoot strike, which is far less damaging to your body and promotes better running posture. I'm not a minimalist Koolaid drinker, but it has helped me I must say. I'm still not a huge runner, and likely never will be, but I'm worlds ahead of where I have ever been in the past and the activity is much more enjoyable.

I'm not saying to do what I did and definitely don't ignore your doctor, but it's what worked for me as a last resort. Very dilligent calf stretching is what helped the most, and as long as I stay on that, I also no longer get shin splints, which have cursed me my entire life. It's been a game changer for me.

I will say this, when in the midst of a bad flare up, and while on a hunt where I couldn't really nurse it, taping my instep really helped. Again, I googled it.