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Having plantar fasciitis can be a real pain–literally.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Did you know that 6% of the adult population has plantar fasciitis at any given time, and over 10% will experience it in their lifetime?
Basketball players are especially susceptible to plantar fasciitis, with a two to 2.5 times higher rate than the average population.
Whether you’re a casual player or a pro, if you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you need a shoe that will give you support where you need it most.
That’s why we set out to find the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis.
So keep reading!
Here are our top picks for the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Contents
Best Basketball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis – A Comparison Table
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Editor’s Choice |
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Premium Choice |
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Budget Choice |
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How We Reviewed
Being a professional basketball player, I’ve worn hundreds of shoes throughout my career.
I clearly remember suffering from plantar fasciitis in 2018, and I know exactly what type of shoe you need in order to ease the pain and give your best on the court.
In order to bring you this guide, our expert team and I:
- Invested a total of 78 hours doing intensive market research
- Considered 60+ products
- Performed 5 in-house tests
- Consulted 2 professional podiatrists
- Compared important plantar fasciitis shoe features such as cushioning, sole support, footbed quality, and shock absorption among others
In the end, we were able to narrow it down to the top contenders.
Plantar Fasciitis Basketball Shoes Reviews
#1 Nike Men's Lebron 19 - Best Basketball Shoes For Plantar Fasciitis 2022
- Size: 3.5 - 18
- Upper Material: Durable synthetic mesh. Soft and conforms to the foot.
- Cushion: Decoupled Airmax Zoom air cushioning technology units in heel area and toe
- Ankle: High-top ankle support. Airmax fortified
- King nub traction pattern. Inner-bootie inside the shoe
If you're like most basketball players, you're probably tired of shoes that make your feet feel like they're walking on rocks. Nike has a solution for you. Get ready to experience the durable, most cushioned shoe in Nike history - the Nike Lebron 19.
- Redistributes weight across whole foot
- Super plush synthetic material upper that conforms to the foot
- Great medial and lateral stability
- Strong lockdown with inner bootie lining
- On the heavier side
We put the Nike Lebron 19 shoes to the test, and we have to say, they lived up to the hype. The best thing about the Nike Lebron 19 shoes is the cushioning.
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, then you know how important it is to have a well-cushioned shoe and not some regular basketball shoes. The Nike LeBron 19 shoes will not disappoint in this regard.
With an Airmax Zoom unit (zoom air cushioning) and Central Crash Pad, the Nike Lebron 19 will give you the support and comfort you need on the court.
The Nike Lebron 19 provides unbeatable cushioning and impact protection for players with plantar fasciitis.
The shoes feature chambers in the calcaneus area that share air, and the system transfers kinetic energy from the heel to the shoe’s forefoot.
We found that this feature helped mitigate some of the impacts on the feet and ankles, making them some of the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis thanks to the impact protection they provide.
The Nike LeBron 19 also features a unique King Nub traction pattern that provides great grip (good to have such basketball shoes for clean and dusty courts) and lateral movement on the court.
And with a bootie lining inside the shoe, you can be sure of a snug, comfortable fit. That will especially help you if you’re a supinator.
#2 Orthofeet
- Breathable mesh upper
- Try the shoe risk free. Eliminate pain or your money back
- Innovative heel area technology
- Rubber outsole offers excellent traction on the court
- Fantastic for players with arched or flat feet
- Orthotic insert-friendly
- Ankle support is subpar
Here’s one of the top-notch shoes for plantar fasciitis.
I was excited to test the Orthofeet Proven Heel and Foot Pain Relief shoes as a basketball player. And I wasn’t disappointed – these are probably the most comfortable basketball shoes I have ever worn.
With adjustable arch boosters and multiple cushioning layers, the Orthofeet Proven Heel and Foot Pain Relief shoes provide maximum comfort for people with plantar fasciitis.
I have always loved playing basketball, but it has been a challenge to play without experiencing pain since I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis.
Over the years, I’ve tried many different shoes to find relief from the pain, but none of them have worked quite as well as Orthofeet’s Proven Heel and Foot.
The Orthofeet shoes were extremely comfortable right out of the box. The arch support was noticeable, and the cushioning was top-notch.
Unlike all of the other shoes I tried, the top and sides of the shoe flex and hold my foot to keep them from moving and causing me blisters.
I can finally walk and run without pain, and my feet feel great at the end of the day. I would highly recommend giving these basketball shoes a try.
With adjustable arch boosters and multiple cushioning layers, their shoes provide soft, pillow-like support that ease the foot and calcaneus pain. In addition to providing superior comfort, their shoes also offer excellent stability, ease of athletic performance, and a proper fit.
So if you’re looking for basketball shoes that can provide serious relief from calcaneus and foot pain, look no further.
I would highly recommend these shoes to all friends and family, and especially those with knee pain.
#3 Nike Giannis Immortality Basketball Shoes
- Size: 3.5-18
- Upper Material: Synthetic
- Cushion: Full length phylon midsole
- Ankle: Low-top
- Translucent outsole with herringbone pattern traction
The Greek Freak Nike Immortality basketball shoes were inspired by the Greek god Hermes. According to mythology, Hermes was the messenger of the gods and had wings on his feet so that he could fly quickly between heaven and earth. Basically, you can lace up and feel like a Greek god with Nike's Giannis Immortality sneakers!
- Nice breathable upper
- Amazing traction and bite on the court
- High-quality materials, especially for the price point
- Budget-friendly
- In dusty courts, it might pick up traction (just wipe and you're good)
- Only low top ankle support
Nike designed the Immortality basketball shoes to be as fast and light as Hermes himself. The shoes are made from synthetic materials and have a translucent outsole with herringbone traction.
The mid-top ankle provides support, while the snug bootie provides lockdown.
One of the first things I noticed was the herringbone traction. It is freaking awesome – the bite is insane. I don’t know what it is about the rubber compound, but Nike needs to use this phenomenal sole in all of their shoes!
Made for players who demand flexibility and cushioning, these basketball shoes feature a smooth calcaneus to toe transition and full-length phylon midsole.
You’ll also love the low to the ground feel and super responsive cushioning, while the materials are top-notch – perfect for athletes on a budget.
I can generate a lot of power with my deep heel strikes because the responsivity is crazy explosive.
With arch support and snug fit, these sneakers provide great lockdown, lateral containment, and support for swift movements and hard stops.
If you are looking for a great pair of basketball shoes to provide you with lockdown and support, look no further.
These basketball shoes are designed with arch support and a snug fit to provide you with the plantar fascia support you need when playing basketball. Besides, they have a superb lacing system.
Although they don’t feature innovative technologies like Flywire and Zoom, they have cored out holes that offer foam compression.
I have personally tested these budget-friendly shoes and can attest to their superior performance on the court! If you’re on a budget, this is the best basketball shoe for you. For more budget picks, see my article on some top-notch shoes right under 50 bucks. We have an extensive guide on the bestselling kicks under $200, too.
#4 Nike Zoom Freak 3 Basketball Shoes
- Size: 3.5-18
- Upper Material: Textile upper
- Cushion: Injected phylon (has more bounce)
- Ankle: Mid-top
- Independent Nike Zoom air technology units, unique strap on the lacing system
The Freak 3 is unquestionably one of the best basketball shoes on the market today. It provides incredible support and comfort, but it also helps reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis. In other words, it's the perfect shoe for someone like me who suffers from this condition.
- Considerable amount of tech at a good price
- Lightweight and mobile feeling on your feet
- Rubber sole provides solid traction
- Bounce cushioning
- The traction is good might not be as durable as you want
- Tread might not last long
The Freak 3 is the third signature shoe from Nike for Antetokounmpo, and it builds on the success of its predecessors with a number of new features.
One of the most notable changes in these basketball shoes is the addition of a forefoot strap, which provides additional support during quick cuts and sudden stops.
The Freak 3 also features a more sculpted shape than its predecessor, giving it a sleeker look. And like all Nike shoes, it was designed with input from Antetokounmpo himself, ensuring that it meets his specific needs on the court.
When I first saw the Nike Freak 3 basketball shoes, I have to admit that I didn’t have high hopes. The Freak 2 wasn’t great, so I didn’t have high hopes for the sequel. Boy, was I mistaken!
Give these a try – you won’t be disappointed.
These shoes made me feel like a superhero on the court. I could run and jump and change directions with ease.
The materials used in the upper are top-notch, and the sole is made from durable rubber. The best basketball shoes should be like that. The Zoom Air units in the forefoot and heel provide responsive cushioning, while the Phylon mid-sole gives the shoe a low-to-the-ground feel.
The Freak 3 is designed with independent Nike Zoom air units, which offer superior cushioning and responsiveness.
I would highly recommend these shoes to any player looking for a top basketball shoe. They are so light and comfortable, but that’s not the only thing that makes them great!
They also feel incredibly bouncy and explosive because the zoom air units help with power transfer when running on a fast break or (chasing down prey).
They’re especially awesome for speedsters who need some extra oomph on their kicks. Superior traction also helps you stop on a dime. That’s why these are among the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis.
And as if all of this wasn’t enough already…there’s also a stiff shank plate designed specifically to offer stability while making quick cuts.
The regenerative traction pattern grips well on hardwood and outdoor surfaces.
The only drawback of these shoes is that the tread might not last long if you play on concrete or asphalt.
The shoe also has these enormous air channels extending from the rear to the middle of the outsole to help ventilation and aerodynamics.
Keep in mind – this basketball shoe is best for narrow or medium-width players. If you have a wide foot, moving up half a size is recommended.
Choosing the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis and flat feet can be tough, but if you’re looking for a shoe that provides comfort, support, stability, and speed, then the Nike Zoom Freak 3 is the way. Besides being suitable for other sports such as netball, they didn’t require long break-in time.
#5 FitVille Extra Wide Rebound Core
- Size: 6-15 and specializes in wide feet
- Upper Material: Suede and fabric
- Cushion: Patended PropelCore soles
- Ankle: Low-top (but high top is also available)
- Ergonomic insoles, shock-absorbing pad, and extra-wide toe box.
If you're looking for the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis, you'll want to check out Fitville. The company's slogan is "how to love your feet," and they definitely live up to that promise.
- Extra-wide width for those with wide feet
- Rebound core for additional cushioning and comfort
- Breathable upper (mesh)
- Excellent traction
- Lateral containment
These are among the best basketball shoes for a reason. They are incredibly comfortable, and you can wear this pair of basketball shoes all day without any pain. I’ve tried a lot of different shoes for plantar fasciitis, and none of them come close to the comfort of Fitville.
Trust me, if you’re looking for the best possible shoe for p. fasciitis, Fitville is the way to go.
The Fitville shoes are some of the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis that I’ve ever worn. You can immediately tell they’re made to take on the shape of your foot and provide awesome ankle support.
The first thing you notice is the wide toe box. This allows your toes to spread out and grip the ground, essential for p. fasciitis sufferers.
Now, the cushioning is where these shoes really shine. The rebound core is designed to give you extra cushioning and comfort.
It’s made from a special foam that springs back into place, which helps reduce the impact on your feet. The mesh upper is also breathable, so your feet won’t get sweaty even if you’re wearing them all day.
They have an antiskid rubber outsole, making them ideal for playing on surfaces like concrete or asphalt. This is especially beneficial for basketball players who need to make quick starts and stops and change directions frequently.
In addition, antiskid rubber outsoles tend to be more durable than other types of shoes, so you won’t have to replace them as often.
Overall, the Fitville shoes are a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, comfortable basketball shoe. That’s why they are one of the best basketball shoes for that specific foot condition.
So if you’re looking for a shoe that can provide both quality and value, the Fitville shoes are a great choice. Plus, they complement your casual look.
Choosing The Right Basketball Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Sole Support
The repetitive jumping (check out the best basketball shoes for jumping here) and running puts a lot of stress on the feet, and if the shoes do not have adequate sole support, this can aggravate the condition. That’s why the best basketball shoes have that feature.
A Duke University athletic consultant said:
“Shoes that have a weak midsole in the midfoot are likely to be far less supportive, and therefore increase stress to the midfoot.”
Choosing a shoe with good sole support helps distribute the impact evenly and reduce the amount of stress on the feet. This can help to prevent plantar fasciitis, or at least minimize the symptoms.
Fit
A good-fitting basketball shoe will support the arch of your foot and help distribute your weight evenly. Lockdown is especially important because it ties in the hindfoot to the forefoot and helps keep the foot in place.
Don’t miss the informative video below that describes some cool features that the best basketbal shoes should have in relation to plantar fasciitis.
This can reduce the amount of stress on the plantar fascia, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain. In addition, a well-fitting shoe will help prevent heel slippage, which can also contribute to p. fasciitis.
Arch Support and Heel Support (Heel Counter)
One of the best ways to prevent plantar fasciitis is to wear the best basketball shoes with decent arch support and heel support or heel counter. Basketball is a high-impact sport that puts a lot of stress on the feet, especially the heels.
For people with plantar fasciitis and flat feet, a condition that causes pain in the calcaneus and arch of the foot, it’s important to choose a shoe that offers good arch support and heel support. Many basketball shoes have internal heel counter that enhances the support even more.
A deep heel seat helps absorb shocks because it has a cupping effect on the soft tissues around the heel, making the soft tissues more effective at cushioning the heel bone.
Cushioned Footbeds
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and supports the arch.
When this tissue becomes overloaded or overstretched, it can become inflamed, causing pain in the heel and arch regions.
Cushioned footbeds on the best basketball shoes help reduce the tension on the plantar fascia by absorbing some of the shock from the repetitive stressors of running and jumping.
Breathability
When playing basketball, it’s important to have a pair of shoes that breathe. The opposite can lead to sweaty feet, which can, in turn, lead to blisters and other foot problems.
But most importantly, a breathable shoe is more comfortable. If you suffer from p. fasciitis, you don’t want to deal with any additional foot pain, do you?
A shoe that breathes helps prevent this by allowing air to circulate the foot. This keeps the foot cooler and drier and helps to reduce foot odor.
In addition, a breathable shoe helps to prevent the growth of fungus and bacteria, which can cause infections.
Shape
The shape of the shoe is one of the most important considerations. Shoes too narrow or too pointy can put pressure on the plantar fascia, aggravating the condition.
Shoes too wide can also be problematic, as they may not provide enough support for the foot, especially if you have flat feet.
Upper
When shopping for the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis, it is important to look for a shoe with a durable upper. The upper portion of the shoe surrounds the foot and provides support.
Over time, the upper can become stretched out from moisture and wear, making it less supportive. This can be a problem for people with p. fasciitis, as they need all their support. A durable upper will help to prevent this stretching and provide long-lasting support.
There are three main materials used for basketball shoe uppers: leather, synthetic material, and knitted. Leather is the most traditional material and offers good support and durability.
Synthetic materials are usually lighter and more breathable than leather, but they may not be as durable. Knitted materials are a newer development and offer a more snug, sock-like fit.
They are also lightweight and breathable, but they may not provide as much ankle support as leather or synthetic materials.
Outsole
Basketball is a demanding sport that places stress on the feet and ankles. If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, it is important to choose a shoe with a robust rubber sole that can withstand the constant pounding.
Ideally, the outsole should be flat and wide in order to provide maximum balance, and it should feature herringbone traction to help prevent slips and slides.
In addition, the outsole should be made of durable material (rubber sole) that can stand up to repeated wear and tear. Ultimately, the best basketball shoe outsole provides good support, balance, and traction.
Toe Box
The best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis will have a wide and spacious toe box that allows your toes to spread out and move freely. This is important because it helps to reduce pressure on the plantar fascia.
A wide toe box also helps to improve balance and stability, providing an added level of protection from injury. In addition, a good toe box should be flexible, well-cushioned, and provide a base for the arch of your foot.
Stability
Stability prevents overpronation and excessive movement all around the foot. When your foot overpronates, it rolls inward excessively when you exercise. This can cause pain in the heel and arch of your foot.
Excessive movement around the midfoot can also lead to pain and inflammation. That’s why it’s best to have kicks that hug the heel.
A shoe with stability also encourages feet alignment and shoe, which is important for preventing pain and injury.
Construction and Materials
The construction and materials can also play a role in how well it supports the feet and prevents plantar fasciitis.
Shoes made with lightweight materials, such as mesh or fabric, are ideal because they allow your feet to breathe.
In addition, shoes made with cushioning materials, such as EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), are good for people with plantar fasciitis because they help absorb shock.
Shoes constructed with a stiffer material are not ideal for people with plantar fasciitis because they do not offer much flexibility or cushioning.
Orthotic Inserts/Removable Insoles
Orthotic inserts are a crucial component of any shoe, but they are especially important for any basketball player experiencing plantar fasciitis.
Inserts can be a great way to relieve stress on the plantar fascia and thus, with time, reduce irritation and pain.
They can also help redistribute pressure throughout the foot, giving you the arch support and cushioning you need. Look for orthotic inserts that are made of gel or foam and that contour to your feet.
Shock Absorption
When selecting a basketball shoe for plantar fasciitis, shock absorption is crucial. When your Plantar Fascia becomes overloaded by repetitive strain, it can lead to micro-tears forming.
A good basketball shoe will have shock absorption to reduce impact on the heel and arch. It will also help to improve blood flow to the Achilles tendon, which can help to heal a damaged tendon.
With the right kicks, you can look forward to playing basketball again without any pain.
What Causes Plantar Fasciitis?
The condition can be caused by several factors, including what type or brand of sneakers someone wears, their structure (or lack thereof), overuse, and wearing kicks without enough support.
If you’re one of the many who wear kicks without enough support, your feet will pay the price.
Another cause of the painful disease is abnormal mechanics. Weak feet or ankles, flat-footedness (flat feet, or high arches, can all lead to the condition. I have high arches and can attest.
Basketball players are especially susceptible because they have a high body mass and repetitive stress on their feet. Some have grueling schedules that prohibit players from getting much downtime.
What Shoes Podiatrists Recommend for Plantar Fasciitis?
Podiatrists recommend basketball shoes with certain features for people suffering from p. fasciitis. These features include good arch support, a shock-absorbing sole, and a soft, flexible upper.
The right pair of basketball shoes can help to reduce the impact on the feet and ease the pain of p. fasciitis. Arch support helps to distribute the body’s weight evenly across the foot and relieves pressure on the heel.
A shock-absorbing sole helps to cushion the feet and reduce the impact of each step. And a soft, flexible upper allows the midfoot to move naturally and reduces friction on the heel.
NBA Players With Plantar Fasciitis
These are the NBA players with the condition:
- Brandon Knight
- Damian Lillard
- Joe Johnson
- Nenê
- Pau Gasol
- Ty Lawson
- Jason Kidd
- Greg Stiemsma
FAQ
Can I play basketball with plantar fasciitis?
Yes, you can play basketball with plantar fasciitis. However, it is important to take precautions to avoid exacerbating the condition. For example, choose a pair of basketball shoes that offer good support and cushioning.
Avoid sneakers with a worn-out rubber sole or too much arch support (especially if you have flat feet), as these can actually contribute to the painful condition. You may also want to consider wrapping your feet in ace bandages or wearing orthotic inserts to provide additional support. Finally, warm-up thoroughly before playing, and take breaks often to stretch your calves and hamstrings.
What sneakers help plantar fasciitis?
When it comes to the best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis, certain qualities help alleviate the condition.
First, the basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis should have good arch support to take pressure off the calcaneus. It is also important that the kicks have a cushioned sole to absorb impact and reduce stress on the feet.
Another helpful feature is a raised heel, which can help to stretch the calcaneus and relieve tension. When choosing a basketball shoe for plantar fasciitis, it is important to consider these factors.
What shoes make plantar fasciitis worse?
These are the sneaker qualities that make the condition worse:
- Stiff with little cushioning
- Lightweight materials
- Without shock absorption
- Without arch support
- Too tight or too loose
- High heels
- Flip-flops or sandals
Do basketball shoes have arch support?
Yes. Basketball shoes have arch support. Basketball shoes provide support and stability for the intense stop-and-start movements of the game. As a result, they generally have good arch support. However, there is a wide range in the quality of arch support provided by different basketball shoes.
The best basketball shoes for plantar fasciitis are very supportive, while others provide very little support and may contribute to this problem. If you have any midfoot problems or are particularly susceptible to issues like p. fasciitis, you may want to choose a basketball shoe with additional arch support.